Deadwood Dick Library (v. 2) (1899 07 19)
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BHATNIS % ‘ RIE PRAT Seat a A eR Sh} Copyright 1879-1885, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York. N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15,1899, ea M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, : No. 19. Issued pay: (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) fee 5 cone. Vol. ll. July 19, 1899. 379 Pearl Street, New York. $2.50 a Year, SSE SSS = BY LDWARD L. WHEELER. \ STRANGE, SIBILANT HISS SEEMED TO EMANATE FROM THIS PARTY AS PHOTOGRAPH PHIL ENTERED.
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> IN THE: HALF-DIME LIBRARY. Price 5 Cents per Copy. 443 Deadwood Dick; Jr.; or, Crescent Sign. 448 Deadwood Dick, 453. Deadwood Dick, 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance. Jr.’s, Full Hand. Jr.’s, Big Round: Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10. A471 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 5, Corral. A476 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective. 481 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protege. 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks. 534 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. 589 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocq. 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr , on His Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., * 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Letroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 630 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. 636 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Continent. 654. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smug- lers. 660 aaaed Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back i in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durango. 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery. 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. %00 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Teas Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco. The: Crimson in Beelzebub’s Basin. Jr.’s, Chase Across the 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 722 Deadwood Dick, J 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 734 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr. He 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 487 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 97 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 834 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 845 Deadwood Dick, Ja,’ 852 Deadwood Dick, Jr, 858 Deadwood Dick, sued 863 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 870 Deadwood Dick, dr., 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 891 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr’ 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 934 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr. ~ 951 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 971 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 977 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’ 980 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s 992 Deadwood Dick, Jr., 998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., B 1011 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 1018 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Four. For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c. per copy, Dy: the pu ers, M. J. Site & CO., 379 Pear, Street, New Yor Crry, '.’s, Dominoes, s, Still Hunt. ig, Disguise. 5. Double Deal. ’s, Death-Watch. *s, Doublet, ’s, Death-Blow. ’s, Desperate Strait s, Lone Hand. s, Defeat. s, Resurrection. s, Dark Days. Defied. s, Double Device. s, Desperate Venttt s, Diamond Dice. — s, Royal Flush, s, Head-Off. 's, Rival. g, Boom. s, Scoop. s, Proxy. s, Clutch, s, High Horse, at Devil% Gulch. s, Death-Hole Hustle s, Bombshell, 4 fs Mexico. s, Decoy Duck. _in Siiver Pocke 's, Dead-Sure Ga 8, Double Drive s, Trade-Mark. vy at Tip-Top. s, Double- ecke ", at Dollarville. , at Flush Flats. s, Shake-Up. 4 's, Double Drop. s, Right Bower. s, Ten-Strike. s, Gold Dust. s, Oath. s, Death-Doom, — , Best Card. at Gold Dust. s, Big Play. randed, 8, Dutch Pard. ’ ’ ’ , ’ ?
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Bae eee Meret PADS: eopyright 1879-1885, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y..as second class matter, Mar. 15, 187° M. J. LVERS & CO., Publishers, No. 19, (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) ees . cae Vol. ll, 379 Pearl Street, New York. Pie sees ae Photograph Phil: or, Rosebud Rob's Reappeavance, “FROM THIS PARTY AS PHOTOGRAPH PHT a4
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Photograph Phil. ear et ee nena MOAR hs ts Lect P | “Here you all stand, with your hands in your hotograph Phil; Rosebud Rob's. Reappearance, BY ED. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘ ROSH+ BUD ROB,” NOVELS, “SIERRA SAM,” NOVELS, ETC, ETC,, ETC, CHAPTER I, PHOTOSRAPH PHIL—A BOY OF THE PERIOD, AND His ROGUE’S GALLERY, “Ox! Photograph Phil Is a glorious Pill; A boy of the period, you bet! And the coins he rakes in, Are not earned by sin, But made by the brow of his sweat.” ** Yes, pilgrims, Photograph Philip am I—a wonder of the nineteenth century—a marvel fer two or severial continents. Walk up, ye benign-faced de- scendants of the ape-—-ramble hitherward, ye anglers fer ther golden grub, and behold the various peculi- arities o’ yer humble servant—then smile, on realiz- ing that Pee have blundered plum squar’ upon the Mecca o' oan sanguine anticipations—that you have found a Multum in Purvo, right hayr in the city of le. ** Feller-citizens, I am nota public lecturer, gaa ata position in the Capitol, neither am Ia quac! . cure-all for all diseases and afflictions, as ye might all suppose. No, sir, my intelligent hearers, I am none of these, but something grander—a spontane- ous outburst of effusive nature, sandwiched with sever. pounds of brains, and more tongue than mor- tal man e’er had before. “Ts there ary pilgrim, with thoughts so base or motives so evil, as would durst say Ihad not the right to wield my gabby appliance for my special earthly maintenance? No! three hundred and fifty thousand times no! In the words of the poet: “*A man may dress in garments rough, Or dress in habiliments sleek; He cannot be a gospel tough, #4 Wi’out a plenty o’ cheek.’ * Allow me ter add, geelorious apples of my eye, that the poet had glued his gaze upon me when he wrote those poetical lines. Oh! bewhiskered mon- archs of the pick, let me impress it deeply upon your minds, that i am the coming man, the con- ane of science, the. professor 0’ the American euths. Behold in me, oh mighty hosts, the son of a seventh son! A man whose understanding sur- asseth thine own, even though mine years number it in the nineteenth column of life. Look at me— slap your optics straight upon me, ye suspicious mortals, and apprise me ef ye see in me anything unnaturial—if I am particularly a monstrosity, a mermaid or a catfish? “Humbug? Where did I hear that whisper, then? It wafted unto me like the cackle of an eight-day heifer! Where is the'man who durst say I am not— a boy of the period, a vagébond, a scamp? Where is that pilgrim who durst aver that 1am not a beat, asleuth, a snoczer, gifted with a gab like unto per- petual motion? Hooray! the idea of a nineteen-year- old sharp, attracting such a vast concourse of peo- ple, who stand with bated breath and cs Bal agape, listening to the discordant notes of a Boy of the Period—a graceless scamp, who has tried bis hand at nearly every trade and profession, from cheating babies out of their bottle of milk to mur- dering blind mice out of pure cussedness, Se pen sol, ce oes he at PM ee NS | eee) and grotesque grins upon faces—bums, ullwhackers, and beats, all taking in what I say, and wondering what I am about todo. Oh! ye poor half-witted sons of sea-cooks! prepare to be as- tounded! dumfounded! agitated as by a gigantic earthquake! Be ye in readiness, I say, to be demor- alized and panie-stricken by me, the wonder of the nineteenth century, when I reveal unto you the se- erets of my visit here. “Gaze at me! protrude your eyeballsat me! watch the incessant and mechanical motion of my tongue! Allow me to asgyresyou that it is allmy own, Polit- ical parties have even engaged me to harangue to mighty multitudes, and, as a result, there are ninety indictments standing against me for talking sundry senators and sardines to death. I have actually the assurance that I can stand here and talk longer and gas you longer than any mortal man extant. ‘As I said before, gaze at me! You behold an or- dinary chap, five feet four high, weighing a hundred and forty pone saucy-looking, independent chap—and the biggest rascal east 0° the _Settin’ sun. I stand i a dry-goods box, in the main streets of Cascade City, surrounded by a niultitude of people —a hard crowd o’ ‘ citizens,’ at the best. Behind me, upon the dry-goods box, stand several frames, and an object covered with a blanket, which might be a sewing-machine, a camera, or a surveyor’s instru- ment. Itis the middle of the three—a phere machine, for taking the picture of man or beast, with equal accuracy and dispatch, , ta Here, let me arrange the frames, and unvail - them. ‘There! you see you have pictures of four hundred individuals, distinct from each other. I call this my rogue’s gallery, and these are my rogues. Every man you see there pictured is a con- summate rascal, with a reward set upon his head. Walk est gaze at the artistic collection! It costs ou nothing to look upon the features of brother- eats and scamps. Ten to one every. man in the crowd is a villain—a ruffian of the deepest hair-dye! Ihave come here that you might have the chance to add your faces to the distinguished collection. Here are kings, ministers, gamblers, deacons, merchants, theater dead-heads, beer-guzzlers, stage-drivers, tramps, and photogr: pore all as natural as life. Walk up, pilgrims, and view the collection. Maybe you'll see the face of some dear relative, and I can au you a duplicate for the moderate sum of a dol- rl? The crowd surged forward to get a peep at the col- lection, which the yous sharp bad so gabbily an- nounced in his peculiar harangue. The eccentric individual had quite described the scene}; let us devote a little space in describing him. He was a well-formed youth, about nineteen years ‘of age, attired in a stylish suit of gray, with panta- loons tucked in his boot-tops, and a battered ‘ plug” hat cocked upon one side of his head, after rowdy style. His whole appearance was that of a flashy, bejeweled jockey, except you were to make a etude of his face, Here you would stop to digest former impressions, in order to make room for new ones. It was a strange face, that of this Boy of the Period, as he had aptly styled himself. There was an expression of good-nature in the prominent linea- ments, as well as signs suggestive of a cunning and an independent, dare-devil disposition, and a will firmer than rock. His features were of ordinary mold, with firm chin, fat, health-tinted cheeks, and a mouth ever haunted with a waggish expression or a smile. The eyes were blue, keen and sparkling, the forehead high, the hair brown and curling close _ to the skull. This gave him a strange appearance, ee yee among the straight and long-haired miners of the town, / Whence he had come none knew, except that the stage had brought him into the town, with a super- fluity of trunks and boxes; and now, under the moonlight of the early autumnal evening, with its soft Indian-summer breezes, he had gathered about
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Photograph Phil him such a crowd as ne’er before had assembled in the main street of the town—or city. For the town of Cascade City has made rapid strides since we bade it adieu in ‘‘Idyl, the Girl Miner,” to return and chronicle another strange and eventful story of the mines. The monthly moon- tides now came regularly, and covered the gulch- bottom with golden sands, even as the moon fulled in the heavens. Consequently, ina few short days. the gulch was a second Deadwood, with its hosts o: people, and hundreds of saloons, shanties, stores and tented habitations, wherein dwelt and traded the heterogeneous masses. Several miners had attempted to trace Cascade creek above the noisy falls, but they had never re- turned and, as a consequence, others had little desire to follow their example. Changes, too, have come among have formerly known as characters. Sir Tom Somerset and his wife Idyl, have gone Fast, and of all the faces we see in the crowd which surrounds the sharper, Photograph Phil, there are but two we recognize. . One of these is Baltimore Bess! The gir] dare-devil herself, as natural as life, with the same coolness which has given her her fame— the same bountiful supply of ‘* brass,”’ so much need- ed, if one expects success in the Far West. Bess stands and gazes admiringly at the eccentric Photo- graph Phil, for he is a novelty in the mines, and evi- dently no “slouch.” We cast around for the next face which we know. Carefully we gaze over the human sea, but see none familiar in our memory, unless—can it be possible? Can it be that we are not mistaken in that fellow, not farfrom Bess—the blear-eyed, red-nosed, rag- gedly-attired bummer, whose legsseem unable to support him, and whose drunken hiccoughs and ex- clamations are the cause of many a shout of laugh- ter? A new ‘“‘ citizen" in the town, is he, evidently, for nobody seems to know him. At the best he is a filthy-looking, greasy old wretch, with unkempt hair and beard:—no, we are sure, now, that we have never#een him before. It was a faint gleam in his preternaturaly bright eyes, which called back the recollection of another. “Hic! hur-r-rah-er!” this individual would shout, occasionally. ‘I say (hic!) young feller, d’ye know oe aes (hic!) ‘ ever remember o’ takin’ my forty- raft?” those whom we “Most noble duke, I am sorry to aver that I never had that honor!’ Photograph Phil replied, with a grin. “Although I’ve photographed nearly all the erowned heads of Europe, I never had the opportu-~ nity of taking your most sublime phiz.”’ | “No! Iguess-ernot, young feller. I (hic!) guess-er not. D’ye know me (hic!)—ye know who I am?” ** Ain’t the Grand Duke Alexis, are you?” ““No! guess-er not!” the old bummer muttered, scratching his head through the crownless part of his old hat, as if to dig up the roots of remem- brance—‘“‘ guess-er not.” **Ner Dom Pedro, the emperor?” Si i alg Fe 7 i wile !) as much as ye ease, young feller, e ay an’ get ic!) er beat. D-d-dead broke. “ 4 4 “Oh! maybe you're George Jackson, then?” the Boy Photographer observed. _“*N-n-no! Guess-er not. Don’t know me (hic!), hey? Well, (hic!)my handle’s Bully Ike, now, you b-b-bet (hic!). B-bully Ike, frum the six hundredth (hic!) congressional deestrict. I'm a b-b-bruiser, T am nace an’ don’t ye fergit it—a reg’lar (hic!) masher frum ther old (hic!) se’ool. T-t-t-take my (hic!) fortygraff-er, young feller?” _ _ * Woit till you’re sober, old_ pilgrim, and spruced up. Then, come around, and I'll set you off in style. aes feller-citizens, I guess you’ve seen ther sub- paltery an’ we'll adjourn till ter- jects o’ my rogues’ 3 request is a visit from those morrer. Then, all who desire to have their pictures taken, Than king | ‘am in a superfluity of tongue, bi you for your kind attention, Iwill now dismiss ou.” As the show was evidently over for the time being, ie ee be; oe na oenlag and ae the Laci tely oceupi yy the lively-ton otographer was ‘legion of its freight, hick had been tat, ported to a*boxed wagon, drawn up at one side of the trail as if for repairs, whilea superannuated mule grazed close at hand. The boy artist had, in the mean time, wandered through the town, with no intent, evidently, except to see the sights; for there were many strange ones be seen in the little mining strike of Cascade City, Saloons, dance-houses, and gaming-hells flourished at every hand, and, in some instances, the three oc- cupations were confined to one building. lascade City also now boasted of a-real theater, which was a large frame shanty, and was designated as “The Home of Mirth.” * Into this establishment Photograh Phil his way, in preference to whiling away his leisure in the saloons. Passing inside. the young photographer managed to obtain a seat, although the place was packed. He was not alittle surprised to find the perform: ance of a less immoral nature than that of many of the Eastern variety halls, and after he had thorough- ly enjoyed a part of the programme he left lace, with the intention of returning after gettinga reath of fresh air. But an event unforeseen prevented his return. Just outside, he was touched upon the arm by a young female. poorly dressed, with a bit of shawl over her head in place of a hat. “Please, sir, would you be so kind as to give mea few pennies? Mother is very sick—brother was kill- ed last week, and we have nothing to eat, nor ne money.’ It was a plaintive, childish voice, even though the speaker was full-sized—very pretty, both of face and form, Photograpn Phil thought from what he could see of her in the gloom, which reflected from the theater. ° “What is your name and where do you live?’ he asked, eying her biecuhal “ My name, sir, is Millicent Vere,” the girl replied, after a trifle of hesitation. *‘We live in a cabin down the gulch.” “Thank you, If you will permit me to accompany you to your home, I will willingly give you aid!” Phil said, politely. ‘If I find that you are worthy of assistance, I shall gladly render you any assist- ance in my power.” “You are very kind, sir, but I would much rather you would not come—at least not yet. Good even- ing —excuse me, for the intrusion—” ei ‘But, say, hold up!” Phil remonstrated, rather authoritatively. ‘Jest don't gitin a hurry.” And fumbling in his vest pocket, he drew forth a roll of bills, and thrust them into the Libein beggar’s hands, ‘There you are, miss—guess there’s enough to keep you from starvation awhile. °Sh! no words about it, now-—just salt onto it and bounce. When I givo a charity lay-out, I give it, you bet, and don’t allow no back talk, neither, begging fous pardon all the same, for my rude speech, ‘© the money, freely and go on your way, ne ‘*But—but, sir, you are robbing yourself—you—” “Git out!’ the Boy of the Period said, with a ehuckle. ‘‘ Why, that’s nothing—I am rich." ** Anyhow, I thank you very much,” Millicent Vere said, gratefully. ‘‘Ishall try torepay you. Before I go will you tell me to whom I am indebted?” “They call me Photograph Phil, miss. As for be- ing indebted, get out!” Millicent bowed, with a murmur of thanks, and | turning hurried away, swiftly, down the gulch. She presently emerged into the moonlight, and the boy stood gazing after her, noting with appreciative eye her gracefulness, and trim, willowy form. — “I told her I was rich!” he muttered, ‘‘and so H rains, and ¢! ree *
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believe. But certainly not in gold, when the money Lgave her constituted my whole fortune, with the exception of afew silver pieces. But, pshaw! that hrandred dollars will make their hearts gladder than it ever could mine. Photograph Phil has been too ong @ waif of the world, io fear starvation, when hort, a few. Ho! bum! ;the next thing is to look ut for a place to lodge, to-night.” ; “Ie was about to turn up the street into the main part of the town, when his sharp eye caught sight of something lying upon the ground, just where Milli- e-nt Vere had stood while addressing him. H>2 stepped forward, and upon examination found it fo ve a piece of paper. Many would have passed it by; but not so with the Boy Sleuth. He had long since learned to regard trifles as the foretaste of greater things, ; He now picked up the’paper, and bringing it where the moonlight could play upon it, discovered that it contained the impression in black ink of a skull and eross-bones, and also a black belt or band. Inside this band were the three letters, ** 7. of B.!” “Well, ll be shot if there isn’t something queer here!”’ Phil muttered... ‘‘f don’t believe there is a drug-store in the place that owns so peculiar a label, Probably itis the sign or password of some secret orzanization that has its existence here. But how did it come here? The girl may or may not have dropped it—probably not. Let me see: what does T. of B. stand for?—Tim of Ballwhack—Temple of Bacchus— Hello! Now that 1 come to think, there is a place up the gulch here which bears that same name. I wonder if this applies toitin any way?” As he gave vent to these mutterings, he wandered along up the street. and soon paused in front of a small shanty better finished than its neighbors, and over the door was painted in dull letters: “TrmMPLE or Baccnus.” Tt was not an inviting-looking Bisco, for the win- dows were of red-stained glass and the doors closed, “Phew!” Photograph Phil muttered, as he stood still and gazed about him. ‘I’ve a mind fo tackle that shebang. If it’s nothing more than a saloon, all right—or if it’s something else, all right. Haven’t I got the papers and sufficient brass to get out? It won't be my first little scrape—that’s certain,” Watching an opportunity. when some one had partly opened the door forthe purpose of peering out. he advanced swiftly and pushed the door tur+ ther open and stepped insids. ; CHAPTER II, THE STRANGE INITIATION. “TER coolest cuss in ther mines!” The exclamation came from a brawny, fat-legged individual, of rough appearance, who stood leaning against the bar of the * Distillery,” one of the most popular resorts in Cascade City. He was surround- “ed by a knot of men of simile” appearance, whose blue or red shirts and lon® wristling beards pro- cliimed them to be miners. “Yes. sir-ee! thet same galoot aire ther coolest ens3 in the mines!” the first speaker averred. ‘‘If I war a good Samaritan, w'ich I ain’t, I’d like ter see thet Sport git rich an’ married off.” %i “ Pshaw! guess ye don’t know his caliber, da ye?” grunted Mattice, the barkeeper, as he mopped off the counter with a filthy rag. “That Rosebud Rob hed ther ch’ice 0’ one o’ ther purtiest gals ye evyer Sat eyes on, when ther ‘citement fu’st broke out hivr, an’ he wouldn’t take it, hang me if he would!” “Ye don’t mean ter say et, thet ther Sport yonder, wi’ a rosebud in his buttonhole, refused ter j'ine in double harness wi’ a pretty petticoater ?” He jest did that same.” * Cuss him! He ought ter be shot!” and the miner emphasized bis views by pounding the counter smartly with his fist, which was flesh.“ Whar's t i her ‘grim x @ huge tnass of bone as wi marry” 4 Photograph Pai. a ner me off ter a good-lookin’ feminine—oh, whar is he, ther brute?” The center object of the foregoing conversation now came forward from the inner room, where he had been watching the dancers, of whom there were some two-score upon the floor, of both sexes, Rosebud Rob, the Spotter Sport! He needs no reintroduction to the reader, to whom he has made former appearances. The same cool, handsome Sport he was yet, with his elegant make-up, rivaling that of a Broadway swell. Everything he wore was the best of its line, and co had the Spotter Sport's photograph. ““ Ah! good-evening, gents!’ he saluted, as he sauntered up, with a bow. ‘I presume you are en- joying yourself this evening ?’’ : *“Waal, who said contrary?” the big miner grunt- ed.“ Who'd I hear mention fight?” “Tt might have been me!” Rosebud Rob replied, with asmile. ‘Somehow fighting material is rather scarce to-night, and bravado is below par.’” 5 He then Sauntered on into the gambling-saloon, where all kinds of games were running in full b Seating himself at the table just vacated by a couple of miners, he lit a cigar, and watched ‘those around him sharply. There were men in the room whom he suspected belonged to the famous Joaquin, Jr.’s, band, but by no action did they reveal anything to warrant his suspicion, . Baltimore Bess came in, after a while, and occu- pied a chair i ange the Sport. She was looking ake steed in her semi-feminine hunting-costume, with the hat set jauntily upon her flowing hair, and oP boots reaching to her knees, ‘There was a healthful flush upon her cheeks, and a fascinating expression to her eyes, which ever caused the Sport to regard her with admiration; and sometimes he pondered and wondered why it was she had come out into the mines in the guise of a revere when she was fitted for a higher station in life. For he had long since found that her rough language was but simulated, for when she*chose she used as good Webster as any ordinary mortal. “Well,” she said, interrogatively, “‘ what is the news?" ‘“None to speak of,’ Bob replied, with a yawn. “Things are getting monotonous here.” “So they are. Did you see the photographer who arrived this evening?” . — “Only from a distance.” “ Heis a brick. Can talk more inless time than a dozen hong raphs.” a ting that pretty steep, are you not, Bess, “No. not & bit, But. something else fetched me here, Mr. Mapleton. What do you think about the Temple of Bacchus down here in the gulch?” “The temple of what?” “The Temple of Bacchus.” ‘ ; “Tam sure I don't know. What is there peculiar about the place?” _ Well, just cast your eye at it when you pass next time, It is kept under lock‘and key, and no one is ever seen to enter or leave it.” “Umph! that is strange. T'l’remember your suggestion, Bess,’’ as the girl dare-devil arose to go. Lot us return to Photograph Phil, whom we left after he had pushed the door open and stepped in- side the Temple of Bacchus. He found himself in a little vestibule, dimly light- — ed by a sputtering candle, and confronted by a gern at man, who held in his hand a cocked re- volver, The door was instantly slammed shut; and Phil was alone with his savage-looking confronter. “ Hist! no noise!” the masked man ordered, per- emptorily. ‘What brings you here, young man?” — Ce “What is that st” Phil deman
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Photograph Phil. “Let’s see your slip, then!” was the gruff com- mand, for the man evidently disbelieved this parry, Not alittle doubtful as to the result, Phil produced the paper he had found in front of the theater, and handed it over. After scrutinizing it a moment the guard returned it, with a grim *‘ humph.” © Pass on!” he said: “I guess it’s all right. You'd better never try the front door again, however.” Phil nodded, and passed on down a dusky hall, along the walls of which were racks containing all sorts of masks, and hooded black cloaks. “TfLain’tin a serape this time, you can sell me out for a cent!’ he muttered, dubiously, as he paus- ed before a rack containing a large black gown and mask. ‘‘i’ve got tomake a devut of some kind, and 1 calculate I might as well collar one of the turnouts. Was ever man insuch a fix before?” Not without considerable uneasiness he managed to envelop himself in the huge gown, and affixed the ma-k to his face, after drawing the hood over his head. The next act was to enter the door tothe main apartment of the building, which he did, his teeth set, and his mind fully made up that he would see the elephant after making this lunge into the mys- teries, or burst. As he entered the apartment, he glanced neryous- ly around him. There was much to surprise him. The room was large, and was plastered, papered, and carpeted. Long benches were scattered here and there about common deal tables. Upon these benches, figures arrayed the same as ’ Phil himself, were engaged in playing cards, under ae dim light of chandeliers, which pended from the ceiling. Further in the middle of the room was a large dais, well ca atool, upon which sat another grim masked figure, * A strange, sibilant hiss seemed to emanate from this pany as Photograph Phil entered, and mechani- eally each and every figure arose, and a double score sof accusing fingers were pointed at the intruder. “CGonsarn their pictures!’’ Phil muttered, under his breath, “ what do they mean? Reckon I’ve stumbled upon a lot of mummies, like Rip Van Winkle, in the play. Wonder what a fellow’s to do, anyhow. Guess I’ll waltz for’a’d, and kneel before the old shellbark on the turn-table stool, and see what he’s got to say for himself.” : Vaguely wondering what the result would be, Phil summoned up his courage, and marched boldly for- ward and dropped upon one knee before the dais, then arose and stood with folded arms before the unknown master of these strange beings and sur- roundings. “Ha! thou art punctual, Cross-Bones!’’ came the words, in a deep, hoarse tone of voice. ‘ What news for thy brethren bringest thou?’ “None, chief!” Photograph Phil replied, in a dis- guised voice. ‘‘The information for which I sought was not to be had.” “Why address me as ‘chief,’ Sir Pirate? Dost thou not recognize the differ nce between me and thy high-commander, Diablo?” -“ Ay, Ireadily perceived thedifference, your honor, but chose to call you chief, because thou art acting in the pises of the grent Diablo!” At this juncture, Photograph Phil become sud- denly aware that he had made a great blunder, for there was an instant hiss from the masked gamblers, and aseries of revolver clicks! and the young ad- ventursr had but to glance around to find that a score of six-shooters were leveled at his head. Whil the figure upon the whirling stool suddenly stood upon his feet, stern and grim, in his uncout! robe and mask. : “*Tmpostor!’’ he hissed, force, “we trapped for you and caught you. I am Dia Lo, the SP¥y Cross-Bones, whom we sent out from our ; eted and ornamented by a revolving) and you are not Se ee .‘* Well, supposin’ lain"t? Whatare you going to - aad it, anyhow?” Phil demanded, tearing off | mask, ‘My autographical signature is Photograph Phi orery: time, aod. if you want anything of me, fe speak out!’ A stronger hiss came from the mysterious crowd, followed by a groan. ° “Oh! you needn’t hiss and groan, as if you had swallowed ay,overdose of goose and mince piel” Phil continued, seeing that no one offered to the point with him, ‘ You can’t scare me worth a cent. I’m proof against sech foolery. If you’re blacklegs, say so, and I shall be most happy to take your photographs.” : “Thou art a stranger, whose wit hath led thee to penetrate into the Infernal Forty tribunal,”’ the fig- ure upon the throne spoke. ‘Therefore, unless thou takest oath as a brother, thou art a dead man, We are just forty favored sons of the devil, all workin; to one end—forty, just—no more. If a manisad- mitted, he is put Ete the initiation, and we mark him. He then draws lots with such a man of the band as a jury shall name, and if he wins he lives, & Picdged member of the Black Band, who are doomed orever to labor for the God of Gold, under the earth, while the other member dies, and vice versa /” i il noddea grimly. ““Go on,” he said, coolly, “Thou, the intruder, hast the choice of two chances. Hither thou art to subject th to in- stant death, or submit to the terrible initiations of our Infernal Brotherhood. Which will you have? Will you be 4 servant unto the God of the Christian or a slave of me, the great Diablo?” : ; Photograph Phil gave vent to a speculative whis- tle, and was somewhat alarmed at his position. This was a little the tightest fix he remembered of ever having been in. He had the choice—of death, or of joining what he had already decided was a band of robbers and ruffians! , He took some time to turn the matter over in his a before he made any reply to the chief’s ques ions. ; S * Come! time is up; make your choice without * Diablo cried. ‘* You will ac- any more hesitation! cept—which?” ~ “e? **7 will jo your band!” Photograph Phil replied, deliberately. “As 1 don’t care about bein’ put in fl the ground for awhile yet, it seems my only urn. ie “Thou hast chosen wisely!’ Diablo said, with a — horrible chuckle. ‘The devil rejoiceth when he catches a fish like you.” : “Or asucker like yourself,” Phil retorted, with a laugh. in But a strange, sibilant hiss from the band seemed — to indicate that they did not relish the ee of the joke; but the chief chuckled audibly, his burning - eyes fastened upon the Boy Sleuth in a gaze that — : was anything but pleasant. : yee “Brethren of the Infernal Forty,” he said tothe band, “ thou beholdest here a new candidate for po- — sition in thy ranks, You all know the rules of our devilish and aimprincipled_order—where a new ap- — plicant is sent in, either the applicant or one from — your midst, must die; An election is held to see who shall be the man to draw straws with the new candidate. Such arelection will now be held. First, however, let the new candidate be disarmed, and his _ feet bound. until he is ready for initiation. 18 Several of the outlaws advanced upon Photograph Phil, who threw up his arms and allowed them to go- through his clothing, but they failed to find weapons of any sort. He was seated upon one of the ‘benches, and_his feet securely bound, so thathe — could not walk. When this was accomplished, the ~ chief, Diablo, descended from his throne. if such the deis might be called, carrying in his hand a box. “Let every man get renee: to cast his vote!” he ordered. ‘‘ Every man shall write pout & piece of Peper the pame of the man that is, in his opinion, — Pricay’
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‘Phil 6 __ Photograph Phil. the best prepared to die, and drop the vote into the box, The name receiving the most votes shall be the man to draw straws with the new candidate.” A strange, unnatural silence prevailed in the room. Each man received a blank slip of paper from Diablo, and betook himself to a different part of the room, wherein to write out some fellow-mortal’s death-warrant. Photograph Phil sat looking on, wondering what the issue would be. Eich man, ia the thirty-nine voters, seemed to wish their next neighbor to remain in ignorance as to whom they cast their vote for, and accordingly they ere to write their death-message. The chief Diablo seated himself at one of the tables, with the box before him, and when the masked brethren had written their votes, they passed by the table in single file and dropped them into the box, retiring thereafter to a respectful distance, where they awaited, while Diablo counted the votes. He went over them carefully, sorting out each man’s vote by itself. wo men seemed to have more votes than all the rest combined, and it looked doubtful which of the two would come in ahead. Two pair of evil eyes, in the meantime, were level- ed alternately upon the table, and at Photograph who came to the conclusion that they belonged to the men who were, one or the other, destined to be his LY ey in the pull of death. After the last vote had been stacked, and Diablo arose, with a suppress2d chuckle in his voice, thera was a moment of deathly sileace. S2emingly not a man moved or breathed, but stood with bated breath awaiting the issue. Diablo finally spoke: “The votes have been counted, and it falls to Diuena, the Spaniard, to pull the death-straws. Seize him, knights, and bind him, that he may do no one injury; then prepare to give the new can- didate his initiation. What is your name, young man?” “ Photograph Phil, at your service!” ‘ “Very well, sir. Steel your heart to pain, and prepare yourself for the excruciating agonies of our fernal torture!” “Go ahead!” Phil replied. He was resolved. that if others could live through the torture, he could. ji Preparations were made according to Diablo’s or- ers. ' . The man Diuena was seized, bound and disarmed, " ewful sight that was presented to his gaze and thrown upon the floor. Two of the brethren approached Photograph Phil, and tightly bandaged his eyes so that it was impos- sible for him fo see. Cotton was then stuffed into his ears, and he was seized bodily. and carried about the room by the head and heels, while the whole gang followed in his wake, howtiag in a frightful manner, making a din that he could hear, although, to him, it was but a faint, indescribable pandemo- pium of sound. After awhile he was laid upon the floor, but was ' speedily seized again and raised, but this time upon a blanket, from which he was unceremoniously bounced into the air and caught again.. Shall we at- tempt to describe the feelings of the Boy Sleuth during this interesting performance? Our pen would eventually fail us in depicting the strange and varied sensations he experienced. The bouncing process was finally finished, and he was stool upon his feet, and stripped of his upper garments, to the waist. Then there was a strange silence! What was going to happen? : Ha! the chief now speaks, his hoarse, cruel voice bearing a spice of devilish exultation in its tone. “Bring forth the red-hot ‘forty,’ and mark our mian for life!” There was a hiss from the men, then the bandage was torn from the eyes of the Boy Sleuth, Z He started with a ery of alarm and horror, at the H es —) CHAPTER III. A MAIDEN IN DISTRESS—THE INEVITABLE THREE OF A KIND. Ovr under the moonlight of that same eventful night, the gulch was crowded with miners and ad- venturers—a hererogeeeous mass of people who were hurrying to and fro, or gathered in knots, con- versing upon the main topics of the day. The night was balmy for November, and the moonlight enchanting enough to warrant lovers in taking a romantic stroll. But very few lovers were there in this lively town of Cascade City—unless sey were all lovers together and of one thing— gold. What a scene was that presented there under the full rays of the great soaring moon! ' In one place, two brutal toughs were engaged in a rough-and-tumble combat with knives, ringed in by a crowd of admiring friends. In another pias, the wily Eascern three-card monte man had pitched his stand under the dome of the moonlit heavens, and was plying game with abundant success to himself. Man after man crowded around this new sensa- tion, and many a poor foo! put down his last pouch of dust upon the cards with the hope that he was going to win. But all in vain. He lost every time, while the gambler won every time, and shoved the proceeds down into his pockets with a chuckle. He was a brawny individual, with a superabun- dance of fat on his limbs and in his florid face, and was dressed in the fantastic costume of a sporting gent from Texas. = : His eyes were particularly sinister in their expres- sion, and he boasted of such a monstrous mustache as but few men could cultivate, it being full and ~ thick, of a sandy hue, and the ends, fully two feet in length, were thrown back over his shoulder. “Now, don’t be offish, gentlemen!” this man cried, ‘with a complacency of voice that was designed to be encouraging. “Don’t git skeert, or, as my name’s Colonel Bill Sandford, Pl pull up stakes an’ go ter blazes afore I'll stay in this yere town. See hyar! jest as easy ter pick up ther winnin’ card as ter eat buff’ler meat. ok at me, now! Watch my orere move and motion, and I'll flip.the pasteboards wit! my eyes shut, and pick up the Queen of Hearts be- fore [ open them!" And the ‘‘ Colonel” kept his promise, and not only icked up the card, but likewise astonished the “na ives.” 3 ‘ “No use of backing out because vou fail once, fel- ler-citizens. Allis done simply by the twist of your wrist. Walkupnow! Where’s the man as dare buck ag’in’ fate?” . “Here, every time!’ exclaimed a voice. and the Sport Rosebud Rob stepped forward with a_cool smile, ‘Here I am, Sir Monte Knight, and I have come to make you lame!” “Colonel”? Sandford gave vent to a prolonged whistle as he caught sight of the Sport. He recog- nized him by a description he had previously re- ceived of the Sport, and a twinkle of satisfaction came into his sinister eyes, Rosebud Rob swaggered forward, his silk hat cocked to one side, glasses bridged upon his nose, and lavender kids upon his hands. e rest of his make-up was in accordance with the character he represented, and he was the impersonation of a handsome band-box dandy. “Awl! I say, weally, did you—aw—speak to me, sir?” he inquired, squinting reflectively through one eye-glass at the gambler. ‘ Did I—aw—understand you to say that you—aw—would like to flip the—aw —cards with me?’ } “Waal, now. you bet I could skin ve in about five minutes by the morn!” the Texan assured, complacently. “But Ill take compassion on you, young feller, an’ adwise ye not ter buck ag’in’ a comet—a regular solid rock practioner: Ye better ‘o d’rect yer attention ter ther cultivation 0’ rose- udsan’parfoomery., Ye’llmake more outen it thar
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Photograph Phil. e could buckin’ ag’in’ my three-keerd monte table. e ken’t flip a card worth two cents!” “Awl you weally don’t say sol’? Rosebud Rob drawled affectedly, with a yawn. ‘‘ You are deuced- ly clever with your praises, you know; but, aw! start the game and we will see!" ‘Queen of Hearts is to be the winning card!” Bill Sandford announced, expertly throwing the three fo ee upon the table. “What will ye do, ye ittle sleek bantam?” “ll deposit a hundred dollars thet I can pick up the ‘queen,’ aw!” Rob announced, counting out a stack of greenbacks. “* Will you cover it, aw! Sir Gambler?” “On course!’ the Texan replied, triumphantly stacking an equal sum upon the Sport’s * chips.” ‘Go ahead, ye durned, bleedin’ Yank, an’ nominate yer keerd!” “Aw! anything to accommodate you, aw!” the Sport replied, with a chuckle, and picking up the card nearest to him, he held up the “Queer of Hearts.” Col. Bill Sandford uttered a.curse. A murmur of applause came from the crowd, While the Sport serenely removed and wiped his eye-glasses. “Hang you!” Sandford growled, ‘‘you only biun- dered into it. Ten to one you couldn't do et ag’in?”” ** fo! ho!’ Robsneered. ** It’s all done simply by a twist of your wrist, you know. Bess?” “ Here | ar’, pard!” and the girl dare-devil pushed forward from among the crowd. ‘‘ What’ll ye bev wi’ sugar in it?” “*T want you to hold see money !”? Rosebud Rob re- plied. sarcastically. ‘‘D’ye see that individual across the table, who sports the enormous mus- ‘ tache?” “Do LI?” Bess said. closing one eye obliquely, and regarding the gambler coolly. Wal, I recky Ido thet same. Ye mean the-chap wi’ er hoss’s tail sproutin’ frum his upper jaw?” “The same. Now, ye see, he is an ae gambler, come down here to fleece these gullible citizens of Cascade Gulch out of their hard earnings. There- fore it behooves me, as a guardian angel 0’ the peace, to sail in and bu’st his bank!” “‘Kerwhoop! Jest my sanctimoneyous thoughts, exactly!” Baltimore i ess assented. ‘‘ Beat the du- cats cl’ar out of him,” **Colonel”’ Bill Sandford from Texas, scowled savagely, and seized the cards fiercely, and shuffled them, ‘‘Ye Yankee Brag!’’ he taunted. “I'll go yea thousand dollars agin’ a thousand thet ye kent pick up the Queen of Hearts this time, one trial.”’ “Stack your chips!’ Rosebud Rob eried. ‘“‘I'll either lodsen the strings to your purse, or go bu’st- ed. Bess. gal, can you lend me a hundred, to fill out my pile? I seem to be a little behind the stake.” _. “Waal, now, I shouldn’t weather!” and reaching into a buckskin pocket, the girl dare-devil drew forth a handful of gold coins, two of which she gave Rosebud Rob, who then deposited his wager. _ The crowd now surged eagerly nearer, for this was momentous and extraordinary gambling, such as was not of everyday occurrence. _ Sandford shuffled the cards with unusual care, and was not a little nervous, for it was seldom that he met so dangerous an opponent. He had been one of the wealthiest monte gam- blers in the West, but had lost nearly all in a disas- trous speculation, lately, and had come to Cascade City with but a matter of fifteen hundred dollars in pocket, hoping to retrieve his vanished fortune, But, from all indications, he had tackled the wrong m manner as he knew how, the Sport picked up the ae “queen,” with a laugh, and raked in the stakes. F “ Sandford swore roundiy, and whipp ber reyolvers from his belt, yi Ae = Tig SE t befere + : ee Gn an, For although he threw the cards in as dextrous a two heavy | SS thee ers could raise them, Baltimore Bess had “covered im. ““No ye don’t, Mr. Mustacher!” she advised. ‘Jest ye restore them aire pee eons. to yer belt, or I’m an embodied spirit of Christopher Columbus ef I don't bore a hole through ye quicker’n a cat kin sneeze. “I'll allow I’m capable 0’ keerin’ fer this fragrant rpsebud, an’ kin lick ary man as says he hain’t a hull hossi” “Curse you!” Sandford growled, returning his weapons to their holsters, ‘‘ curse you. I’ll get even with you yet. Gentlemen, the bank’s broke, and there will beno more gaming to-night!” And giving the Sport an Texas slunk away among the crowd; while Rose- bud Rob smiled good-naturediy, as he shoved his winnings into his pocket. “TT reckon that chap won't play monte again, anyhow!” he said. “At least, not until he gets even with me. An ugly bruise to his pride, it was, tobe beaten at his own Te Didn’t you see him, as he waltzed away? Oh! but he had blood in his eye—likewise gore'—to some extent, coagulated crimson! Oh! yes, muchly! His very soul thirsteth for bloody revenge, Like some Saracen he will fall wy ugly look, the man from upon me with a sword of huge dimensions, and mow — me down like a blade of grass.” ‘“No he won't!” Bess assured, with arms akimbo. . “See hayr! ain't lon hand? When thet big Texan steer gits on your trail I allow J’ be on hand. | Every woman was made’specially fer ter be ther natural sehen and guardian of sum man—ther guidin’ element ter his wild moments—ther proppin’ hand ter his dispondent spelis—ther pleean’ 0’ his poker rack: That’s me, Posey—me, clean thru . tom A to alphabet, you bet! Fate ordained et thet Baltimore Bess should allus be a strong arm o’ pro- tection to the weak and innocent!” _ ‘But I’m neither weak nor innocent, Bess, so I re- lieve you of your self-imposed responsibility,” the Sport replied with a smile, as he sauntered away. Later a little. feminine cries, and the clatter of hoofs attracted the attention of the thron:; ch in the direction of the stage-road which wen own into the valley from the bluffs to the east. « Screams that were fraught with alarm and terror, too, they were, and that echoed and re-echoed upon ped Poke moonlit atmosphere of the autumnal night. _ A horseman—or, rather, a horsewoman, shot out into view, and was seen spurring a white horse madly down the slopes into the heart of the gulch. _ Everybody stares! What is the cause of her af- h ht—her screams— her undue haste? a: As she comes nearer, the cause looms into view not far in the rear in the shape of four horse- men, who are lashing their animals to extraordinary exertions. , : Mechanically the crowd surged forward to see the thing through. i As she came before the great breastwork of hu- manity, she drew rein and ceased her screams—sat erect upon her saddle, her hair ce back in wild at eg and her face lit in the streaming moon- ight. 3 An involuntary murmur of admiration ran riot among the great crowd. Such a face had never be- | fore been seen in the mines—was not often to be seen in a lifetime, if searched for the world over, Tt was a brilliantly-expressive face of perfect fea- ture, fired by a pair of large brown eyes ( dering passion, and half-framed in wavy wreaths of chestnut hair. . The eyes wore a startled look now; the maiden’s breath came in quick SASps; a burning flush had i ‘ been aroused in her cheeks by thewild ride, And although she was scarce more than seven- teen, she possessed a form that was willowy and all that was graceful, ‘ ; aes iw A riding-habit of some expensive dress her with a hat s by the strings aout ee inthe H of smol- é oy oe
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and a cloak dbott her shoulders, constituted her outer garb. After drawing rein, the eyes of the maiden were turned first upon the coming pursuers, and “then appealingly upon the crowd. It was evident that she was too much out of breath to speak. “What is it, miss?’ a big miner asked, whose name was John Mason—a miner he was, with kind- ly face and tremendous flowing whiskers. ‘ What’s the matter? Be you afeard o’ them ar’ galoots?” *Oh, sir! do notlet them comeup! They are bad, villainous men, who have pursued me here to force me to stay under the guardianship of a man whom I loathe and fear!” the gl eried, passionately. ‘*T ap eal to youas men of honor not to let those cruel villains touch me!’” : “That settles it, miss,” cried a cool voice, and who should push forward but the Spotter Sport, Rosebud Rob, closely followed by the dare-devil, Baltimore Bess, and the bummer, Bully Ike. ‘* We’re on deck every time when a woman appeals for aid— re: me Mutual Life Protective Association! Eh, SS ‘* Waal, now, ie just bet!’’ the dare-devil replied. During this short speech the pursuers drew near- er, and the foremost rode close to the horse of the ya uns fugitive and drew rein, 4 “Thank God, my poor, misguided child, that I have been so successful in finding yon!” he said, in an oily tone, and he laid one hand upon her arm. ** Come, dear, let us ride ont of this crowd and find ahotel. By the earliest stage to-morrow we leave on our return to Blackstone Hall, your Virginian ome, “No, no! I will not go—I will not! Let me alone? Help me, somebody! Iwill not go with this base Villain!” the girl fugitive cried, shrinking away in sudden terror. ‘‘Oh! God help me!” * Keerect! His envoy is on hand!” Rosebud Rob _ announced, stepping forward. ‘‘ Mr, Whatever-you may-call-yourself, jest be kind enough to oblige me by taking your dirty paws off from that young ” “Sir, what do you mean?” the new-comer cried, in evident surprise, his clutch still upon the maiden’s arm, “I mean just what I said,” the Sport assured; ‘and if you don’t follow my instructions in erbout the twinkling of old Jupiter’s left eye, Pll make per- _. forated card-board out 0’ ye fer ladies ter work mot- toes on, you bet your best chips. My name is Rose- bud Rob, if you want to know it—‘a man to suit all * circumstances!’ ”’ 3 “Young man, your insolence is pardonable when ~ Iecome to regard youin your rude surroundings, But - youshould use more respect in addressing one of Bea's servants, for you will readily perceive that I ama minister of the Gospel—the Reverend Lucas _Alyne, at your service.” i ebud Rob gave vent to a prolonged whistle, while Baltimore Bess danced about excitedly, her fists doubled up in warlike array. -“Tll bet he’s an old liar!’ she proclaimed, vo- ciferously; ‘two to one he nevyer see’d ther inside o’ a church, Luk at thet figger-head 0’ his, will @? Phe-e-e-ew! I thort he was a half *twixt er itz, Fan and a perarie coyote, darn my stockings I didn’t!” The crowd cheered at this point, and the Reverend grew wrathy, “Tis a shameful disgrace—an insult to the pul- pit!” he growled. ; f “Bah! you contemptible hypocrite!” the girl _ eried, scornfully. ‘‘ Release me, sir!” ~ “Nay, I will do nothing of the kind,” the Virgin- ~ fan hissed, savagely. ‘Young man, will you put _ down your oor and allow me to pass? Tam an innocent man in a land that I am unacquainted “Rosebu view to frightenin ‘d, | of surprise, Photograph Phil. ae who took a wild notion into her head to leave my house and home on no pretext whatever.” “Tis false!” the girl cried, passionately. ‘I fled from this monster’s house because he insulted me— because he abused me and whipped me. As God hears me, this is the truth!” “Tt is false—utterly false!’? Lucas protested, in holy horror. ‘‘ My ehild, will you never see the path of righteousness lying in your way?” “Not while you are around, you base wretch!” the girl cried, her eyes flashing vehemently. ‘You are a hypocrite—a bold man, wearing the cloak of the church to cover your sins—a wolf in sheep’s clothing!” “Young lade Rosebud Rob said, ‘I believe you, and you shall be freed from him for a time at least, Your name is--?” “‘ Jennie Grey, sir. Oh! if you will please make him let go my arm-—I—I—he is pinching me with all his strength.” “Let go of her arm, you old devil!’ Rob cried, flercely, and the menacing way in which his revol- vers came up to a level caused the Virginian to relax his hold with a shudder. ‘ Now then, Miss Grey, if you will allow me to assist you to alight, 1 will hunt up @ place for you to stay until further arrange- ments can be made. Bess, old gal, will you shoot this man, if he attempts molestation?” “You're jest shoutin’ 1 will!’ the dare-devil as- sented, covering the Reverend. F ‘An’ hayr, too!” announced the bummer, Bully Ike, who had become somewhat sobered, by this time,. ‘I’m one of ther crowd—ther new eandidate from ther 663d congressional deestrict, an’ kin pum- mel the mug of ary pilgrim fer ther drinks!” As Rosebud Rob gracefully assisted Jennie Grey to alight, the three companions of Alyne, who had halted some distance away, came spurring forward. One was a dark-complexioned, black-m hed individual of five-and-twenty years, attired in a hunting suit, while upon the faces of his two older companions was plainly written “river roughs.”” The younger man, as he drew rein with an oath, also drew a revolver.’ * Drou that girl, curse you!” he cried, addressing Rob, and covering him with his weapon. “Deliver her back to the saddle, or I'll blow your brains out on the spot!’’ * Hold up thar, pilgrim!” Baltimore Bess cried, as she and the bummer, and the miner, John Mason sprung to the Sport’s side. ‘T’ll allow thet three ot a kind allus beats two pair, and besides, we’ve got the crowd to back us!" “And a yell from the crowd sealed the verdict. > CHAPTER Iv. ; MORE OF THE INITIATION—PAIL A DEMON-AN INFWR- NAL OUTLAW. We will now return to the scene wherein we last left ms a Phil. As stated, he uttered a startled cry at the sight his gaze rested upon, when the bandage was re- moved from his eyes. Tt was a scene that must have startled the strong- est-minded person at first. _ The room had been darkened, and before him th Boy Sleuth beheld a couple of human heads perch upon poles, all dripping and gory, as if they had just been cut from bodies. Beyond these yet, and forming a circle entirely around him, were human skeletons, standing upon the floor, as if possessed of life, while their bony arms and hands were stretched out toward him, and their grinning skulls seemed the impersonation of hideousness inasmuch as they were surrounded by_a phosphorescent halo of light, Perhaps. Phil shuddered a little at n a regained his composure enough to realize that all of this business had been arranged with a é the wits out of him. Accord- ingly he gave vent to a prolon; foksaet bets still Rasa first, but he. _whisil, denottye ete
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= Photograph Phil. Instantly there was a hiss, and the skeletons and heads suddenly ia pan through the floor, and Diablo and his imps stood in their place. The transform tion oceurred so suddenly that Photograph Phil was unable to tell how it was done, yt he rightly concluded, by the aid of traps in the oor. “Thou didst not fear the doomed spirits of the dead that rose out of Hades?” Diablo said, surprise manifested in his tone. . ‘““Nary a time, yer honor!” Phil replied, with a chuckle, ‘Guess not! Why, them ar’ bones were of no account in scaring me. ‘Say, how much will you take to let me photograph thet scene? I could make a fortune out of it.’ 4 “Thy fortunes are bound unto me, Diablo, the acting superintendent for Satan! I own thee, body and soul!” | “The deuce you do! Git out! don’t sling your taffy at me in that shape, for I don’t swaller it worth a red cent.” : “Thou art certainly possessed of a brave heart and a glib tongue. and a valuable acquisition thou art to mine Infernal Forces. Thou hast yet another de; Ee to take before the administration of the oath!” “All ac ogee ahead!” ““The chief has spoken!’ was the grim response, and the man, Diablo, retired to the revolving-throne, where ho seated himself, with a wave of his hand. Photograph was next seized and borne to a wooden column which arose from floor to ceiling, near the ‘center of the room, but a few feet from tive throne, He Was placed with his back to this, with his face fronting toward the throne, and bound, one rope be- ing passe! around his ankles, another at his knees, waist, and throat, making him a helpless prisoner, ’ The whole band, with the exception of Diablo, then passed around and around the pole, chanting, higsing, and groaning, until a whistle from the chief ae them to cease and pair off into line at either hand. The whistle was also instrumental in bringing for- ward, from aw adjoining room, the man Diuena, Searing a large kettle of live coals, in which were thrust several irons for the purpose of branding. Phil perceived this, and a hard expression came’ over his features, for he realized that he was to be branded worth red-hot irons | A sbudder involuntarily ran through his frame, It was a horror of horrors, truly. ; ‘Wa! ha!’’ Diablo cried, triumphantly. “We will. see the bravo squeal, now. Diuena, you know your work. First the ‘4)’ aati then the ‘skull and eross-bones,’ and then the ‘fraternity’ stamp.” The Spaniard bowed, and an exultant chuckle seemed to come from beneath his mask. Diuena seized one of the irons from the fire, and approached. The iron was made in the shape of a4 and 0, and whenimprinted upon anything left the impression of “40,” This stamp was six inches in length, by four in width, and was at a white heat. The fair, smooth b east of the young Sleuth was bare, and was prepared to receive the cruel iron; nor could the prisoner have burst the bonds had he tried. Nothing, then, remained for him to do but to bear it fo the best of his ability. His teeth were set like a vise, and his whole frame drawn rigid. _ Nearer—nearer came the brander, his eyes gleam- ing through the mask like coals of fire; his every movement seen fraught with devilish exultance, Now he poises the red-hot brand, and then push- 2s it down savagely against the breast of the cap- ive, The irons burn deep into the quivering flesh—the uttering of the burning flesh and the sickening ench that arises. but adding to the terrible scene. At last, apparently satisfied with the pain he had mflicted, Diuena removed his instrument of torture, and stepped back to the kettle. = ( ps Bi A livid ‘'40" stood reveaied epon the kreast of ° Photograph Phil, seared deep irto the skin—a terri- — ble mark, never to be obliterated. All eyes were instantly raised to the face of the young Sleuth, to note the expression there. It was a smile of scorn that mantled the coolly- composed features of the prisoner. 4 There was not the least visible shade of painno tears, nothing but that mocking smile. Diablo uttered an admiring oath! Such grit he evidently had not seen before. “‘Diuenay thou needst not mark the forehead of the prisoner!" he said. ‘Only the body need thy hand touch.” ‘“* And why tnis change, most noble chief?” ; “For reasons best known to myself, Sir Imp, Proceed with thy work. Brand the prisoner yet with the skull and eross-bones, and pour salt water over him, after which bring me the oath-bobk,” The instructions were followed to the letter, : For a moment it seemed to him that he should yell outright, so intense was the smarting sensation PaaS resulting from this briny bath, but no sound came _ from him, much to the wonder of Diablo. “Release him!” the chief cried, sharply. “Aman — of his grit deserves the honors of the Infernal Band. Now, then. Sir Photograph Phil, I will read the oath of allegiance, and you are to repeat fit after me, word for word, with a revolver against your temple. The least hesitation will cause that revolver to go off, — and as a result you will be adead man.” . “Very well, sir. Go ahead with your machine; I'm pce Phil replied, grimly, for he knew that if he cou irons, he certainly could bear to take the oath; for he was not taking it in the sight of God, but in the cone of the devil. Hence he argued there was no arm. : The chief began to read the oath, and word for word Photograph Phil repeated it after him. Dear reader, we refrain from giving it upon paper, ‘*And now,” Diablo said, closing the book, **dost_ thou understand what thou hast sworn to—what a terrible vow binds you to us, young man?” “TI should judge that my understanding must be in some degree aroused by this time!" Phil replted. ‘And thou knowest that thou art bound to me. stand the exeruciating agony of the burning- — body asd soul—bound to obey my every beck and — nod—bound to exeeute your best work in my behalf — when | shall so command it?” ST ain’t deaf, you old son of a “Take cave! provoke me not, the chief replied. the prisoner.” This was promptly done. m!’? est I smite you,” The bonds which confined the Boy Sleuth were “Brothers, release and anoint ~ eut, and he stood upon the floor, while ready hands — dressed and anointed his burns and rubbed the blood in hisJimbs into circulation, He was then helped on with his garments, stood in the garb in which he had entered. Diablo then descended from the throne, 1 ‘*You must now draw for life!” he commanded, exhibiting the ends of a couple of strawsin his hands. “Diuena, you have the first choice. If you draw the short straw twice out of three times, you are doom- ed to be shot until dead!” The Spaniard nodded solemnly, and seized the end + and — of one of the straws, while Photograph Philtook the _ remaining one. Diuena drew the short straw. a Again Diablo retired long enough to get the straws arranged, and again did the Spaniard straw, f eee “You must die!” the chief said, in a low, Hose ig tone. and scarcely bad the words left his lips, when | the Spaniard dropped to the floor with a bullet through his brain, and Photograph Phil was a regu- — LX ; raw the fatal 4 a4 r Bs: lar member of the order of the Dread Infernal Forty * —was an outlaw among outlaws, = “Come!” Diablo
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10, He led the way, and Photograph Phil followed. He calculated that bis initiation was at an end, and that possibly there might be a chance forescape. . Diablo led the way beyo.. the dais, and stepped within a large circle which hid been marked out on the floor, motioning Phil to imitate his etample, which he did, and: to his surprise, they began to go eee downward into a pit of darkness like unto tygia. Down—down—Phil was not able to judge how far, era the platform upon which they stood grounded upon a rocky bottom, “Be careful, now!” cautioned the voice of Diablo. * Here—take my hand, and follow me.” “Photograph Phil will look out for himself, never you fear!’’ was the reply; ‘‘so sail ahead.” They stepped from the platform into a little niche in the rock, and immediately the platform arose rapidly upward to the floor of the outer-worli ‘edifice which they had recently quitted. *Come!"’ Diablo said, Sep nd “Get down upon your hands and knees, and follow at my heels, until bid you rise to your feet.” Phil obeyed, for there was nothing else todo. He found that the passage through which they were to eresap was barely large enough to a'low of their moving upon hands and knees, and, moreover, that th» rocks were wet and slimy, The blackn«ss was intense, From the mouth of the shaft the passage tended slizhtly upward, and, in many places, water dripped down upon them from crevices in the rock, wetting them to the skin. , ‘As he crept along, the mind of Photograph Phil was not idle. Remembering the situation he had oc- cupied when he had left the above-ground retreat, andthe way he had stepped from the platform, he gradually ficured it out that they were iy sr na northerly direction, and this decision, added the dripping of the water, convinced him that they were either traveling in under the bed of the creek, or were beneath the falls which tumbled into the¥al- ley. On—on they crept; it seemed to him that their journey would never reach an end. Diablo uttered not a syllable but moved straight on, and nothing was left for Phil to do but follow in his wake,, It seemed many hours ere they.emerzed from the narrow channel into a large nichein the rocks, the size of an ordinary room, Here they were enabled to rise to their feet and stretch their cramped limbs. From the niche, or cave, a broader passage ran on—all of these strango excavations seemed to have been wormed out by water-power. After taking a drink from a canteen Diablo led on. Pursuing the course of the passage, they soon emérged into a scene which was strange as it was * startling. There was o gigantic plateau of sand and rock of five or six acres’ extent. walled uponevery side by eo walls of rigged pine-timbered rocks to the hight of several hundred feet, leaving a sort of basin, as it were, locked out from the world, Upon the eastern and western sides of the plateau were rows of small but neatly-arranged log huts or cab‘ns, counting up to the number of forty—twenty upon a, side. : And about, within this peculiar scene, were gath- ered two-score of men, clad in the miner’s costumes, and wearing upon their faces full black masks, They were engaged in panning out sand or swinging eee pick, while, as in one voice, they sung hilari- ously. - it was a strange, wild scene upon which the}moon, _ from far above, poured a halo of beautiful light. - Diablo stopped in the entrance to the plateau and gazed upon the picture with a smile. _ © They are all mine!” he murmured, with evident _ satisfaction; ‘all mine, bound to me body and soul _ They are my slaves who toil that I may realize gold | \ Photograph Phil. from their labors. Dost see them, Philip? Mvery man has lost his tongue; they work, but ca.auct speak, but can sing. _. “Behold the works of a man whose only aim is to serve the devil—whose only delight is in gold and revenge. Ha! the word arouses me to my work. Listen! I have brought you here to see this sscret gold-mine—to show you the slaves who work for the Infernal Band of which I am chief. But one man, outside of our order, knows of this secret mine. That man is the Sport, Rosebud Rob. He must die, and I have ordained that you, shall go into the outer world, as my agent, to ki! this Sport. Then, and only then, will our order realize anything from this mine—then, only, shall we be free from fear of detection.” * And eck bee I fail to kill the Sport?” Photograpa Phil inquired. He was estimating the chances of warfare against these brethern who would use him for a tool—these pards in blackest Mahe ‘You shall be set at liberty, to enter into that busi- ness which may most please you. ever be watched as closely as thongh you were to re- main here. A shadow shall ever be upon your track that will note your every action and report to me, Any attempt of yours to leave Cascade City will be thwart- ed by my band; any attempt at treachery on your part shall bs rewarded with a horrible death. One month will be given to you to kill the Sport, or who- ever may learn of this secret mine. the lifeiess corpse of the Yankee is not left where I can assure myself of his death, within the month, J shall set my” bloodhounds after you, and they shall hant youdown to death, no matter to what part of the earth you may flee}? Phil bowed, Indeed, he did not know what else to do under the circumstances. _ His first thought was to get out in- to the outer world, and leave his nevessary plans un- til after that. “There is one more point I wish to advise you on,” Captain Diablo said, leading the way out into the plateau, further. ‘‘ The so-called gmoontide which washes gold into the valley below is also a work of my organization. To the northeast of this retreat: a small stream flows tranquilly along until it reaches a point just beyond us to the south, where it de. bouches from its subterranean course and pours in a cascade into the gilech. Once a month, three streams which wash gold from the San Guiese mines are turned into Cascade creek, and a great quantity rushes with the tide. and is led off into this cavern by trap'sluices. Much of it also goes over into the gulch, but so insignificant a sum as to be pepe worth notice in comparison with the Saharas of golden sand which reach us. Several venturesome men have at- tempted to unravel the seeming mystery of the moontide, but they have been summarily captured and dispatched, We will now blindfold you, and re- turn you to the gulch ina way which you shall know not, for the ways of the Infernal Forty are many and mysterious.” 5 At a sigual from the chief, two of the masked miners approached. Phil was securely blindfolded and his hands bound behind his back, He was then pushed forward, and the ies led by Diablo. After much walking, climbing and descend- ing, he came to the conclusion that they were so do- ing in order to puzzle him, and when his nostrils were saluted by the fragrance of mountain flowers, and he felt grass beneath his feet, he was aware that they had accomplished their object. There was a quick cutting of the bonds which bound his hands—then, fying footsteps, and by the time he had torn the bandage from his eyes, the person who had accompanied him was gone. In vain he glanced in every direction, hoping to catch a glimpse of the rok he had vanished, and the Boy Sleuth found himself standing alone in the valley, near where the stage-xoa? wound down from among the eastern bluffs. ; | ; j “ But you shall © ,
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~ present _psteeme Photograph Phil. ir The moonlight streamed just as brightly as when he had left the gulch. 3 “T am an outlaw!*’ Photograph Phil murmured, “and all because of my infernal curiosity to inves- tigate the secrets of that ‘Temple of Bacchus,’ as it is called.” lama sworn and branded outlaw— tie servant of an earthly Satan. Ha! ha! we shall sev how far I will serve you, Sir Diablo! We shall see what can be done in your case! Certainly the doings of to-night have given me a glimp:e into a hell upon earth, and it would be queer if I fear to work, Inthe mean time, quiet shal] serve me best. To-morrow I will go ahead and start up my photo- raphing business, and while I work at that, as hotograph Phil, the ever-watchful Boy Sleuth shall be upon his guard, and work even as the ferret works. As to this Rosebud Rob, I must make him my special study.” ired and sore, -he resolved to hunt up a lo lace at some miner’s cabin, or perchance b is Wagon, inp in CHAPTER V. MURDER AND ROBBERY. : Tre tables were turned fairly upon the reverend Virginian and his backers for evident it was that these citizens of Cascad: City, headed as they were by Rub, Bess, and the bummer, were in no way dis- posed to see foul play. The black-mustached companion of the reverend gt ata swore furiously as he saw that it would e death to attempt to take the maiden from the Sport, who stood arm, “Ourses upon you!’ he growled. Then turning to the Reverend Lucas, he continued: “Tis little use arguing with these meddling fools, and we had. better retire until we can invoke the aid of the law.” zs ‘Nay, my son; I fear we have arrived in a border of Hades, where there is no law. Let me appeal to them once more.” And rising in his stirrups, he glanced into the sea of rugged, hairy faces which were turned upon him —some of them, however, with anything but en- couraging: expressions. “*My Christian friends,” he began, in an affected tone of sorrow, ‘‘ I wish once more to oa to your honor—to yous manhood, in this my hour of trial. I simply ask a boon that is in your power to grant— the restoration of my poor, misguided ward, who, T may as well tell you, is at times slightly deranged. Therefore, my dear friends, I implore you to re- store her to my arms—rescue her from that young ruffan who has, I see, cast an evil and admiring eye upon her, Oh, Lord! thou wilt not permit the unholy sacrifice!” F At these words a hot flush rioted over Rosebud Rob’s face, and he made a gentle effort to release himself from the fugitive ward of the Virginian. But with a low ery of alarm she clung closer to his «rm, seeming to regard him as her protector. F “Don't give me up to him—please don’t let him take me!” she eried, piteously. 5 “Never fear. for I do not intend to do anything of the kind!’ the Sport replied, in a whisper. ‘Be calm, and I will arrange all for your personal safety.” ‘ “Oh! thank you, sir. How can I—” ‘Don’t mention it, please,” he replied, then_dis- Lt ‘ging himself, he stepped to the big miner, John ason. There were afew moments of whispered conversa- tion, after which the Sport went back to his charge, with a gleam of triumph in his eyes, “ Genilemen!” he said, glancing about, “tas this seems rather a peculiag case, and as this young lady has assured us, that the reverend gentleman is a scheming hypocrite, unworthy of the care of a young and unprotected lady. | motion that for the we Ess bev under the guardianship of our d fellow-c tizen, John Mason, miner, who is alf-supporting her on his strong willing to accept tho psictes and is willing to vouch for the readiness of his sister, Miss Priscilla, to care forher, You all know Mason to be an honest, faith- ful citizen, and I feel sure that you will sanction my ~ little arrangement!”’ ‘ “Hip! apt hooray!” yelled Baltimore Bess, ex- citedly, and thcre rose upon the air of the night a tremendous shout of approval, that showed how en the public believed in the Sport. “That settles it!” Rosebud Rob said. ‘‘ Mason, I turn the young lady over to your care. Miss Grey, I make you acquainted with your future protector, Mr. Mason, whom I am_ positive you will find in every way a gentleman.” “ But, my evemies—they will make him give me up,” the girl said, gazing with a shudderat the Rev- erend Lucas Alyne, who-had ridden nearer, and was watching the proceedings, narrowly, in company with his swarthy-faced, villainous-looking son. “Never fear about them, miss!” the big minor said, ‘You can bet. they'll keep_away from the cabin while I’m around—an’ when I ain’t, thar’s m. old-maid sister, Prissy—she’ll dust ’em, now, | tell ye. Priscilla’s a reg’lar tearer, when she’s a mind to e, you betl’? . “And as fer you!’ Rosebud Rob said, turning to the Alynes and their backers, ‘the sooner you ‘dust,’ the better it will be for your health!” “Waal, neow, ef thet ain’t Scripter, ye kin count my vole out next election!’ Baltimore Bess agreed, ‘‘Come! hoist yerselves, ye pie-faced coyotes. It's one, two, three—bounce; an’ ef ye don’t bounce, I'll assist ter hounce ye, you hear me /” . Evidently the party came to the conclusion that — “bounce” was their only alternative, for wheeling their horses, they galloped away through the town, without a backward glance, Then, Rosebud Rob offered Jennie his arm, and ~ motioned for Mason to lead the way, which he did. the crowd parting to let them through. As Mason lived some distance down the gulch, the ae had opportunity for quite a chat with his new charge, and he was agreeably surprised to find that, although she was young in years, she was old in wisdom. Her conversation betrayed no lack of education or refinement; her movements were graceful—her na- ture that of the impulsive, warm-hearted maidens — of the South, “T owe you a great deal,” she said, as she put ker fair, soft hand in that of the Sport, just as Mason’s — cabin loomed up before them, ‘‘ and, being penniless, ~ Lam afraid it will be a long time before 1 can repay — you for your kindness.” “The longer the better,’ Rosebud Rob replied, coolly, as he pressed her hand warmly, “for I should hope to be shot if I ever was tempted to take pay for a ae done a lady. Please do not mention it again,’’ Es “Te it annoys you, I will not, Will you call upon me, Mr.—”’ " “Mapleton is my name, although I generally hei to the name of Rosebud Kob, or the a ‘But you haven’t answered my other question,” the little beauty remiaded. ; “Oh! as to that—yes, if you like. Perhaps I®hall be needed to drive away these enemies of yours.” And, with a quiet laugh, he shook hands for the last time, and, bidding her good-evening, saun tered back into the heart cf the town—for the cabin of John Mason stood partly back against the bluffs. somewhat isolated from other habitations. a The night being warm the door was wide open, and a bright light streamed therefrom, cheerily. : ‘“*Tt ain’t much o’ a palace, miss,” Mason said, humbly, “ but it’s a purty snug Jeetle home after alt, an’ Treekon a Pilerinn orter be satisfied wi’ what he ean afford. in this world,”’ “You speak very truthfully, sir,’ Jennie replied; — “and Tam sure I shall like my new home, Only,1 ~ feel ashamed that I have no money with which te oempensate you for your trouble,”
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i2 “Tut! tut! don’t speak of it, little lady. Your bright an’ cheery presence will more’n pay for what little you eat an’ sleep, Come right along inside, and let’s find Priscilla.” Priscilla Mason was easily found. She was seated before a table, paring potatoes, preparatory for the plornlae and humming an ancient Sabbath-school song, which she must have committed to memory years before, when she was a blooming young maiden, For Priscilla could now be safely called an old maid, when five-and-forty years had dragged over her head, and left furrows and wrinkles in her pinched and bony countenance. Indeed, Priscilla ossessed no beauty at all, and years of single life fad served to sour her temper as well as her looks. ‘Well, John Miner! is that you?” she exclaimed, in a shrill, harsh voice, “I don’t see what keeps you out-of-doors so late every night. I hope for goodness’ sake you will try and mend your ways, John. You know what the Good Book says about the evils of staying out late of nights. Oh, deary! it ee me sick to be always a-jawin’ of you, John iner.”’ “Then, for Heaven's sake! don’t everlastingly make a habit of it, Prissy. But, look here, if you can possibly take your hand off from that potato- pan, and see what a present I have got for you!”’ Miss Prisciila did look—then bounded to her feet with a feminine shriék, and away went the potatoes and pan upon the floor. : “You, John Miner!’’ she gasped; ‘Syou—you gone and tied a woman to your Coatetails!? “Hold on now, Ber don’t get off ther belt, all ter once. This young lady has been placed in our protection by the miners, ‘and we are to keep away a@ passel o’ galoots who hev laid claims ter her. That’s all—so ey yourself.” “Dew tell!” Miss Priscilla gasped, hastily picking ‘up her potatoss, and apeeiny, about, wonderfully. “So yo’re a regular leetle her’ine, eh, miss, like they tell us about in the novels? Laws! who'd ’a’ thought? John Miner, do you go to the grocery and get some tea at once, for the canister is clean me empty, and there’s nothing so strenghtenin to 6 nerves as a good cup of tea. Her'ines drink tea, don’t they, miss?’ she ad led, turning apologet- cally to Jennie, ‘Dear.me! I clear forget all I ever now.” ““T presume they do,” Jennie laughed, “though ou are overrating, me in calling me a heroine. ‘hat is one of the things I never laid claim to,” Miss Priscilly would not hear tu such an idea, however, and continually persisted in making Jen- nie out a real heroine. A plain but substantial meal of venison, oatmeal, und corn-brea'!, with a choice of fresh milk or tea, _ ‘was soon set upon the table, and thankfully the new "ward of John Miner proceeded to do justice to it. The meal finished, she was shown to 4 snug little room, which Miss Priscilla assured her was to be her own; and after bidding the hostess good-night, the fugitive retired for the night, feeling a greater sense of safety than she had fur many a long week. Rosebud Rob, after leaving Jennie Grey in front of Mason’s cabin, sauntered back into the town. As he was passing the Big Lode Bank, the only stone structure, by the way, in the town, Mr. Mark Manners, the gentlemanly cashier and book-keeper, eame orb, locking and closing the door after him. Che Sport nodded Caregen and was passing on, when Manners called him back, with a troubled ex- pression upon his face, “What is it?’ Rosebud asked, returning, in some : ten gg for he had never known Manners fnti- ately. _. *Oh! I was a little worried, and wished to consult _ “you,” the clerk said. seating himself, and producing a@ case of cigars. ‘‘ You are well posted as tothe ‘ evil element in this place, and perhaps can advise me t to do,”” i , j ; Photograph Phil, “Maybe I can, if you open up your batteries, so that I can see what you are driving at.’* ** Well, in the first place, we are kind of worried, because we have an overstock of gold on hand, which we have no immediate chance to ship, as the ‘Iron- clad’ will not get around here ina month again, Had I not, from your several acts, learned to trust you er ying T should not tell you this, Perhaps you will be surprised when I tell you that there is a alf a million of dollars in gold inside these walls, in addition to the cash assets of the bank itself." Evidently the Sport was surprised, for he gave vent toa uit whistle. 1 that gold neve~ was taken out of the sands of Cascade Gulch?” he said interrogatively. ‘Oh! no. There are two large deposits in the names of men who haye recently come from other mines, besides a considerable dust and grains from this valley.” “And you feel rather spookish wi’ sech a grist in the tiller, eh?” “Yes, ScrO any as men have been caughy in the act of watching the bank upon several occasions of late, after dark,” “Were they masked?” “Yo, and well heeled,” was the ply. “Diablo, the road-agents’ men, no doubt. You’ve heard of them?” ‘Well, you're lucky then. A new gang of cute arog you see, under a human devil called Dia- Bs 4 “Trying to emulate the remarkable career of the illustrious Deadwood Dick. eh?” ‘*By no means. Deadwood Dick had many gentle- manly traits, but from what 1 can learn, this so. styled Diablo and his gang are human vultures and a Roam whose only aim is plunder and blood- shed,” ‘ “Do you believe our bank is in any danger?” “Not if you keep it guarded. How many persona know that you have so much wealth on hand?” ‘*None, excepting yourself, Millicent Vere, and the officers of the bank.” : “Ah! who is this Millicent Vere, of whom you speak?” “Ohl! she is all right. The daughter of a widow, down. below here. have known her some time, and believe her pea honest or I shouldn’t have intrusted her with so important a secret.” * Well, maybe you did right, and maybe you did- n’t,”’ the Sport, observed, thoughtfully, ‘1 would- n’t trust such a secret witha woman, unless she were my wife. and then I should want a muzzle on her tongue.” ; And so saying, he sauntered away down the gulch, leaving Mark Manners sitting upon the bank steps, From that night dated Cascade City’s history in the annals of crime. For in the early dawn of the morning the startling intelligence was heralded abroad that a robbe: had been pompes at the Big Lode Bank. and the watchman, Ike Caruthers, and the cashier, Mark Manners, had been killed. The news spread like wildfire, and. vast crowds quickly gathered in the vicinity of the bank. Rosebud Rob had been among the first upon the spot after the alarm was given, and he was speedily joined by half a dozen others, among whom were altimore Bess, Bully Ike, the bummer, and Photo- graph Phil The dastardly work had been committed within the bank, for Manners and the man Caruthers Ja: seg the counting-room floor, a bullet-hole in eac| of their temples telling how they had died. The place, even to the single vault, had been ran- sacked of everything of money value, and such articles as were not portable had been smashed, or damaged toagreatextent. == = “
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- 7 Photograph Phil, Tae: And over the kalsomined walls were written, with thé devices of skull and cross-bones, the words: “This is the work of Diablo and his Internal Forty |" “That explains it,’’ Rosebud Rob said, pointing to the inscription. ‘It is the work of that human ghoul, Diablo. In the dead of night they have somehow contrived to surprise Manners and the guard, and murdered them in cold blood.” As he finished speaking, Baltimore Bess approach- ed, and as she caught sight of the deathly face of Manners lying upon the floor she suddenly grew very white, gave vent to a strange, painful cry, and Ina dead faint would have fallen, had it not been for Rosebud Rob, who caught her and broke her fall. ‘** What was Manners to her?” the president of the bank asked, coming forward with a pitcher of water, which he dashed into her face. “You've given me a conundrum!” the Spert re- Peed, gazing down into the pretty face of the dare- evil. Bess soon regained her consciousness, aoe wasa strong cofistilution, and she ever rallied uickly. : Rosebud Rob assisfed her to arise, and wiped the wet from ber face with his handkerchief. She trem- bled in every limb, and was very white—shuddered, as with horror, when her eyes for an instant wan- dered back to the dead face of Mark Manners, “Come!” Rosebud said, in a low tone, “you had better leave this place. Let me assist you—’’ “No, Mr. Mapleton, thanking you allthe same. I am stronger now, and can go myself and alone. I stop with Mrs. Lyoniel, up the gulch, and can easily go there.” : The Sport knew that Mrs, Lyoniel. was a good. Christian eee who had several months ago los her husband in a blasting horror, up at Crook City, and had come into Cascade City, with a view to tak- ing a few boarders. *You had best go at once, then,” he said, in his kindly but authoritative way. “If you need my as- sistance in any way, send for me. But, first, what is Mark Manners to you? Are there any directions “hte would leave in regard to the disposal of his ody?” “None!” she replied, a set look coming upon her retty face—so. guietly beautiful it looked now, in ts unwonted pallor. “It was only a moment of womanish weakness which caused me to faint, The dead man is nothing to me.” She turned and left the bank. There was a surging crowd gathered on the out- side, but they fa Rd, cee for her to pass through, for all in the gulch city knew that she would brook no indignity nor familiaricy. - Jn the mean time, the bodies of the murdered men were taken to their respective homes, where they were prepared for burial. Manners was an old bachelor, as nearly as could be learned, and boarded at oné of the shanty hotels, but lodging within the bank. Caruthers bad a wife and several small children, and lived in a little cabin further down the gulch. Rosebud Rob, ever on hand and accommodating, superintended the arrangement of the bodies for burial, and such things as were “needed, he pur- chased with his own means. It was his way of do- ing a kindness. “ After eve the ban‘, an directors. They were men-about-town who had accumulated some wealth and put it into the banking-business. Their respective fortunes were now broke, as well as those of the depositors, until the money could be recovered. > There was a meeting between the depositors and officers, and all agreed, by unanimous vote, that the Sport was the man to put upon the trail. After some thought, together with an offer of one- third the booty recaptured, Rosebud Rob signified hts willingness to hunt up the perpetrators of the re thing was prepared he went back to had a short conversation with the ere. see robbery and murder, provided sufficient time was given him for his purpose. He then left the bank, and turned his footsteps to- ward the cabin of the miner, John Mason. ; He had become acquainted with the Masons, and he felt comparatively at home in visiting them. And if it was a pleasure to visit them hereto- fore, why should it not be now, when the cabin was enlivened by a ray of of sunshine in the bewitehing, artless person of Jenny Grey. The waif had made a deep impression upon the — Sport. Ma ey , CHAPTER VI. JENNIE GREY’S STORY. © je _As he sp piisohed the cabin he perceived Jennie sitting in the doorway. engaged in patiug some wild apples which had grown upon a tree nigh at hand. She was attired in a gag ee which had evidently some day belonged to Miss Priscilla, and wore one of the latter’s aprons—altogether making a charm- a picture. he arose with a welcoming smile, and put forth’ her fair little hands trustingly into the Sport's. mene ones, aS he came up to where she was _ standing. “Oh, Tam so glad to see you, sir. One never for- ies a friend, I believe, in an hour of need;” and she jaughed, showing her pearly teeth to advantage. “Thank you for the compliment,” Rob replied, leaning against the doorpost, and gazing down upon her ag she resumed her seat. ‘One would suppose you quite happy and contented.” ~ “Tam sure | feel very contented here. Indeed, why shouldn’t 1? Mr. and Miss Mason are ‘both very kind and generous to me; and while my _grati- tude to be is earnest. my gratitude to you knows” no bounds, For, but for you, Ey enemies would even now have me in their possession,” “TL trust not. I am sure there are plenty of men in this town who would stand up for a defenseless’ woman.”’ 7 “But how many are there. Mr. Mapleton, who would take a woman’s word in the face of the plaus- ible lies of the meek-faced hypocrite who passes himself off, and would hide his blackness, under the clerical garb? Ah. sir! but few. In fleeing all the _ way hither from Virginia I have had ample experi- ence, which has taught me that a wolf may hide in sheen’s clothing, and be a wolf withal.” é ; “Very truly spoken. We little know when our > best friends may, literally, display a cloven foot. Have you seen yk teh of your enemies.” , +i “* No, sir; but their silence, I believe, means evil to mé. Oh, Mr. Mapleton! if you could but know how IT dread that man, Lueas Alyne, and his unserupn- > lous son, Jean! A chill of horror creeps over my — flesh every time J think of them.” ; “You should not entertain such feelings, but should be brave. Although these men may be vil-— lains, fear them not, for you have true friends who ~ will be eager enough to fight your battles. Would — bboy! ae ie to telling me more about them and your- self?’ : E ‘ eS: ‘Not at all. Pray be seated,” and she made room — for him in the wide doorway; por was he loth to ac- cept a position near this fair girl, in whom he was becoming more and more interested. She was mod-— est and refined—somehow so different from the women generally encountered in the mames, and hers — was the warm impulsive nature of the bonny maid-— ens of the South and the tropics—of those wom who love intensely and hate even strouger, © ae And she, with her artless ways, was the one out of a hundred who could particularly interest the cool, calculating Sport. ‘4 “To begin with,” she said, her starry eyes gazir away into space, “some five years ago. after the — sudden death of my mother, my father found his pe- cuniary circumstances grea’ ly embarrassed, and de- termined to seek hig fortune anew in the Western — territories, where gold was to be found for the digs
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14 Photograph Phil. Ring. Our grand old estate, called Lionsfold, was breatened by the auctioneer’s hammer, unless money could be raised to pay off certain debts, and in a blind moment my father turned to this Lucas Alyne, who was the minister of our parish, and re-. quested a loan of money, as the minister was said ' to have more money than he could conveniently use. “* Alyne at once consented to loan enough money to papa to square up all his debts, provided a mort- . faze was given him upon Lionsford, to be foreclosed in seven years, if the money was not returned with six er per cent, interest.” money lending minister, Miss eae i «Ten thousand dollars, sir; and it took every cent to pay up the long-stan jing debts, with the excep- tion of barely enough to bring my father into the ‘West, where he hoped in a few yéars to earn enough to redeem the mortgage held by Lucas Alyne against Lionsfold. Alas! how one’s hopes may be blasted! “In the mean time, we were to be left under the guardianship of the pastor, Lucas Alyne—in sayin doe, 1 refer to my elder sister Pauline, and myself. Poor ie had every confidence in Mr, Alyne—in- deed, the whole parish belisved him to b3 a moral and self-sacrificing Christian mas, and therefore we were left under his guardianship, until papa should return, or until we should become of age. Having arranged all to his satisfaction, and believing that his children were in the best of care, poor papa set out for the West. ‘a ‘And we have never heard from him since. Whether he is alive and still laboring in these West- ern mines, or whether he has been killed,sis a prob- Jem we have never been able to solve. “The first two years of our stay at Lionsfold, whi- ther Lucas Alyne had removed’ his family, wera en- durable because Paulie and I were much in school, and, too, Mrs. Alyne was alive. She was a kind, good lady, and although we obtained an insight in- to her husband's nature, and that of herson, she did all in her power to screen their sinister acts fr@m our observation. Nevertheless, we both grew to regard the father and son with aversion, that despened into ae hatred on the part of my sis- ter—although I cannot say that I ever reaily hated oo no matter how deep my dislike may have een. ‘““At the end of the second year after my father’s departure—which, by the way, was three years ago this month—Mrs. Alyne died, and we, two young, in experienced girls, were left alone to battle with the two wolves in sheep’s clothing. For, though a preceptress or governess was provided to look af- ter us, she was literally our enemy, being in all the _ schemes of the minister and his son, and we re- - eeived nearly as many insults as though she were ~ not in the house. | : “Paulie was at this juncture eighteen years of ‘age. while I was but sixteen; but we were both plucky, to some extent, and fought our enemies like oung rebels, But soon there came a change. Paulie fell in love with a handsome young lawyer, _ and I believed that he returned her pure affection, untilhe abseonded with a large amount of funds which had been intrusted to his keeping, and left ; her a cold, cruel Jetter, stating that he had but been _ trifling with her—that he had not the least spark of 4 affection for her—bidding her seek another lover _ who would be more befitting to her station in life. Poor Piulie! It nearly broke her heart, for awhile, _ she loved him so; then she grew changed—was no - lonzer herself, but a wild, reckless, barum-scarum girl. Nor was I greatly surprised at the news that - came to ms ons morning. _-* If cam@in the shape of a note from Paulie, stat- ing that she stiil loved her deserting lover, Dick Tur- ner. and, in search of him, had gone out into the — world, “The Alynes mada every effort to recapture her, * ow much money did your father borrow of this’ but all to no avail, and they therefore turned upon me. Ishall not try to enumerate to you the miser- ies Ihave endured in the time which has elapsed since, up to four months Bao when I gathered to- getler sufficient courage and a little money, to flee from a life that was one routine of slavery, insult, and torture. Thank God that I am at last tempo- rarily out of the power of my enemies!”’ “The mortgage has not been foreclosed upon Lionsfold, yet, then?’ ‘“*No; nor can it be for several years yet. The property, being in close proximity to a growing city. has, in the interval. greatly advanced in value, and consequently, the Alynes*are desirous of retainin, possession of it. In order to do this, the reveren reprobate proposes to marry me to himself, and thus secure it. For neither the father nor the son ya ee to anything else than that poor papa is lead.’” “They may slip up on their calculation,” Rosebud Rob said, rising. “I Hao a Miss _ Jennie, for what you have told me, forit may perhaps enable me to serve you further in your trials. Imust bid you good-morning now, hoping you may find your new home abundant with comforts which breed con- tentment.” ‘But, you must come and see me once in awhile,’’ she said, offering her fair, shapely hand. ‘*Am & not excusable if Ilong for younger companionship than that of dear, good Aunt Priscilla and Mr. Ma- son?” and a sweet, expressive look took possession of her eyes as she gazed into the deep, fathomless eyes of the Sport. “ Surely you are to be pardoned, and if my occa- sional presence will in any way please you, very likely I shall be on hand when wanted, Now, how- ever, I must bid you adieu!” And, raising the pretty hand gallantly to his lips, he saluted, and then strode away, just as the dare- devil, Baltimore Bess, crossed the gulch at right- angles, not far away. That her sharp gaze had seen the parting, the Sport felt sure, and a peculiar flush dyed his cheek, as he approached the spot where she had halted, evidently waiting for him to come up. ; “Sol sol” she exclaimed, in an attempted merr tone, which Rosebud Rob could see was feigned. “The Romeo has found his Juliet, eh, in the waif of a romantic adventure?” “Why so, Bess? Cannot a fellow be gallant with- out his motives being misjudged. eh. old gal?” ‘Oh! it’s all right,” she rep'ied. with a light laugh. *Tt’s none of my business, of course.” ““ And why not, Bess? Of late we’ve been sort of pards, and got along first-rate, for our interests seemed mutual.” “You jest bet on it, they were, Sport! But that was before you tackled on to a new lode--that is to gor afore you took a new responsibility upon your ands.’ “What do you mean, Bess?” Oh, nothing! nothing!” she said, hastily, turning her face partly away that he might not see the moisture in hereyes. ‘I hear.that you are going to undertake the capture of this man Diablo?” ‘Yes, and shall want you to help me,” he said. “But I want you like yourself, Bess—I want. the, fearless dare-devil, instead of the woman you are now. No more of this jealousy then, if you are a pard of mine. Remember, in this hunt for Diablo there is money to be won—or death!” Her eyes glistened. She seemed firmer and moro fitting to the strange character she sustained. = “When you want me—whistle!” she said; ‘‘I will be ready.” : “Bess, why do you not call upon the girl, at the cabin yonder? You are nearer her age than any pe woman in the mines. She is a sweet little thinz.” “T haven't the least doubt of it,” she replied, a spice of sarcasm in her tone—‘ leastwise, the fra- grant rosebud and the honey-bee are sometimes as: 4 } j $rry fi en ns ee Pre >
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RE | ee bie St ae Al = x ere iS Photograpn Phil, a 15 sociated together. lady soon.” And with a smile, she walked away in a different direction than that taken by the Sport, as he wend- ed his steps toward his hotel. Perhaps I shall visit the young All that, day, the excitement was unprecedented in Cascade City. Men lay idle in order to participate en ae posal about the tragedy, and about the bloody- anded desperado, Diablo. During the day Rosebud Rob sauntered about here and there, keeping his eye “ peeied,” to use a figurative expression, and hearing as much as possi- ble without saying anything. It occurred to him that the dead cashier had made mention of Millieent Vere as being in the secret of the large amount of bullionin the bank. By careful inquiry he man- oo to_ascertain the dwelling occupied by the eres. It was a sort of hut of logs, which had been hastily thrown together—could scarcely be called a cabin, and was not inviting as a habitation. He lingered about in the neighbornood until some p rsonissued therefrom, which proved to be ayoung woman, ‘ As near as he could learn, she was comely of face and form, but poorly dressed. More the Spotter Sport could not ascertain. During his rambles he stumbled accidentally upon Jean, the younger of the Alynes. He was, in com- pany with a crowd of others, engaged in porte over a stock of photographs which Photograph Ph: had spread upon a hastily-constructed counter in under an awning or tent which he had erected as his place of business. “‘Conservatory of Fine Arts,” read the sign painted upon the canvas, The eyes of the younger Alyne and the cool ones of the Sport mef in a steady gaze almost siniultane- ously, and uttering a curse, the Easterner drew a long knife from his belt and sprung forward. “Curse yo!” he gasped, hoarse with sudden rage, which flamed all over his dark, swarthy counte- nance, ‘tell me where the girl is, or I'll knife you!’ Rosebud Rob smiled in his peculiar way. Then, making a sudden dart forward, krocked up the baa Se of the young ruffian, and with the other, hand struck him ablow between the eyes which dropped him. A commending nod of approval came from the oung photographer, whose acquaintance Rosebud ad formally made during the fore part of the day. “Good!” he said, as the Sport approached. ‘ You have saved me the trouble of serving the chap in the same manner. He was growing very troublesome.” “And deserved worse than he got,” the other re- lied. ‘‘ Gentlemen, will some of you whoare chari- ably disposed be kind enough to drag him, heels mst, to the entrance of his hotel, wherever that may en) *No one seemed to be thus “ charitably disposed,” however. ‘“How are you making it?” Rosebud Rob asked, glancing over some of the pictures, which had been well executed. ‘“‘Do you find it as profitable as digging gold?” _ I think so, yes, inasmuch as I had not a red left in my pocket this morning, while now I have some- thing ov r ten dollars as the result of my labors. It is a novelty, you see. in these out-of-the-way places, and a good many stray bits come into my coffers through such individuals as have a curiosity to know how they look upon a piece of tin-type. ave your picture taken?” ya * No, suber 3 Seat no desire x add my nega- ve to your already large rogues’ gallery.’ i Hal ha! Call around again.” Promising to do so, the Sport went to the shanty hotel where he boarded, and took his supper, after which he set out once more upon the gulch street. As the evening progressed, he dropped into one of the many saloons devoted to drinking, gambling and goncerts, Not that the Sport had any desire or intention to gamble or drink, tut he always found some new phase of character to study out. lt happened that he was the person necessary to produce a first-class row, as usual. The Easterner, Jean Alyne, and his two compan- ions, Peanut Joe and Stumpy Sam, were ranged along the bar, among others, pouring down the vile decoctions served up under the name of whisky. The roughs took no notice of the Sport, alihough it was evident that they were aware of his presence. An ugly discoloring of the right eye probably’ accounted for Alyne’s non-desire tosample the com- | modity in the shape of Rosebud Rob’s fists. The entrance of the irrepressible Bully Ike seemed to be the starting-pin for a row. For his coming was with the usual blustering swagger and flow of gab. ay I am, feller-citizens—Bully Ike, the bruiser, m ther 668d Congreshional deestrict. you Lookee out, now—a reg’lar old tarantula am T! a second cuzzin ter an ’arthquake, an’ unkle ter a hurricane, an’ a nephew ter an electric thunderbolt, An’ the fac’ thet I’m jest in trim ter-night, wi’ an | ekal ballast on both sides, prompts me ter make ther gratuitous an’ liberal wager thet I can put er wreath 0’ crape o’er ther eye o’ any galoot in ther room, for ther drinks!” Few who knew the irrepressible bummer would have thought of taking sides against him, for he was an expert in fisticular amusements albeit his appearance was against him, ut the two low-browed, sinister-faced compan- ions of Jean Alyne were unaware of the bummer’s prowess, and accordingly stepped forward. Two more ruffianly-looking fellows probably never before came from the East. “Say, look heer,” Peanut Joe grunted, ‘‘did ye say oS ked lick me fer ther drinks?” “I reckon them’s w’at I sed, an’I don’t nevyer chaw ther retrospective.” “Oh! ye don’t, eh? Mebbe ye don’t know what fer style o’ hair-pins we are—me an’ my pard, yon- der? We're Bowery suet we ar’— Bowery roughs, right from ther city of New York, you heer me?’ ““An’ you beer me! Hayr’s old Bully Ike right frum ther’ 663d Congreeshional deestrict, as kin lick ary galoot that evyer emigrated from severarial New York cities!” And to prove his assertion the apparently-stiffened old bummer was all lithe and active in an instant, and springing upon the New York ruffian, dealt him a terrible blow upon the erd of his proboscis which ee the unlucky braggart to go sprawling upon the floor. be And when Stumpy Sam and Jean Alyne sprung forward, they followed in the wake of Peanut Joe; Pens here was an ominous drawing 97 re- volvers! CHAPTER VIL THE WOUNDED SPORT—BESS SOFTENS. ~ Event it was that the life of the bummer was in danger, as there were savage looks among the roughs who thronged the saloon, and they grew more threatening as Jean Alyne rose to his feet, with a frightful oath. “Kill the son of a sea-cook—knife him—fill his car- eass full of lead! he roared, staggering blindly about. “Ill give a hundred dollars to the one who- ‘Il fetch me the old cuss’s scalp!” A dozen sprung forward toward. the bummer! Knives and pistols were held significantly in hand. But there was something which caused them to pea single shot, which brought one of the ruf- ans writhin; cS readily to the bummer’s side, a pair of handsomely-mounted six-shooters in hand. At the same instant the door opened, and Balti mere Bess and John Mason stepped inside, Cone to the floor, and then Rosebud Rob
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» in their lairs; but Rosebud i8 Photograph Phil. _ ; at dette the situation at a glance, they unhesita- i nzly joined sides with the Sport and the bummer, just as the former eried out: “Come on. you black-hearted cut-throats if you want to fight it out on thisline! You'll find you A run this town yet awhile, if I know my- se) This was what was wanted. The raffilans, after imbibing large quantities of poor whisky, were stimulated up to the fighting point, and did not need more than ordinary coaxing wo engage in a pitched battle. - With wild howls they now sprung forward, firing as they came, The shots detonated thick and fast; yells of human agony were heard; missiles were hurled promiscu- ousiy porous the air, and there was the accompa- nying crashing of bottles and cheap mirrors. Bully Ike went down from a club-blow upon the forehead in the first of the battle. But Rosebud Rob, Boss, and John Mason fought like tigers caged Fait Rob soon staggered and ell. ‘ Baltimore Bess saw him, and a gasp of horror es- caped her lips.° Fight them off until I can get him out, Mason!” she whispered in the miner’s ear. “I fear that the devils have done for the Sport.” The words seemed to inspire the miner with re- newed strength and courage. He seized the stout post of a shattered chair, swung it aloft, and sprung ‘orward in the face of half a dozen men as brawny as himself, : Swish! The ponderous weapon hissed through the air and dropped the foremost tough like a log, while in alarm the remaining five retreated, step by step, until they were foreed back into the gambling-room. Here, Mason eer slammed shut and barred te door, thus temporarily imprisoning his foes. He then turned in time to see Baltimore Bess leav- ing the room, partying. the inanimate form of the Sport in her arms as if it had been a light rifle she were carrying. Dragging the senseless bummer out into the puck, John Mason set off toward his own home, for he was severely wounded in several places, and was growing weak from loss of blood. . Baltimore Bess in the mean time carried the Sport from the saloon and to the houssa of the lady with whom she boarded. Not one woman of a thousand could have accomplished the feat, but she did, with seeming ease. The widow stood in the door as the dare-devil ap- proached with her burden. “Why, Bess, what is the matter?” she exclaimed, in horror and amazement. ‘Who have you there? _ Merey, how could you ever lift such a heavy man?’ Pooh!” Bess gasped. * Let mein. This is the _ Sport, of whom I’ve often told you. He's often been my partner in a row, aod now that he’s got plugged, I'm goin’ to take care of him.” Mrs. Lyoniel readily acquiesced. Bs bore the Sport up-stairs to her own room, us ev'ry other apartment in the widow’s shanty was oc upied by boarders. Among taem was a young physician, and while Bess and the -widow retired, he was left to make an ' examination of the Soort’s injuries. A half-hour of anxious suspense it was to the girl before the physician came down to the parlor, where she was seat:d, attired, not now in her male suit, but in a neatly-fitting dress more suiting to her sex. Searcely ihe same person did she look; in her own ; attire the dare-devil was lost. There was an eager, anxious look in her eyes, ‘though, as the doctor entered, and she half-arose ‘from her sat, the words of inquiry trembling upon her lips: ‘Mr, Mapleton—is he badly hurt?” * Not dangerously, I guess,’ was the reply. ‘The ‘bullet. tore a passage not far from his heart, but T j have extracted it safely, and all that is required now is for him to lay in bed a dy orso, for his is the flesh that_quiekly mends,”” “Could I see Mr. Mapleton?” “Certainly. There could be no harm in it) unless he were to get excited, which might not aid his re covery.” . 2 Baltimore Bess hastened up-stairs and into the room of the sick man. The Sport was bolstered up in bed, and although there was a pale streak about his lips he appeared his own eheerfal self, He started as S came in. He had never seen her in feminine attire before, nor known how wondrously pretty she could be as a woman, \ There was a dazzling expression in her eyes now, and a tempting flush to her cheek that he had never marked before. She glided forward to the bedside, her old peculiar smile coming to her relief—the smile she had only for those who possessed her friendship. “Tam 80 glad you are not dangerously hurt.”” she said, taking his hand between her own. “Do you know I never fought so desperately before as I did to-night? I was hag in the ey mood for a pitched battle with somebody,” and she gave vent to herold reckless laugh. . “ Bess, you are a strange girl—or rather a wo- man,”’ Rosebud Rob said ng though’ fully into her face. “ Why did you. bring me here—why not have taken me to my hotel, or to—” “Mason's!” she tien a ase py never there! 1 wanted you here, where I coull see that you were eared for. Is not that enough for you to know at present?” ‘ “ Weill, res: I suppose it will have to do,” he re- plied, with a faint smile. “I shall try, however, to pet well very soon. The work of that Diablo must @ attended to as soon as possible.” “Then you would not even thank me for bringing you here®”’ she said, looking away to hide the tears that sprung to her eyes. ““Most assuredly 1 thank you,” he replied: ‘I should be a brute if 1 didn’t. AndIam also glad you brought me here, if it will in any way add to your happiness. There, brush away those jealous tears, Bess; you are getting out of your old sorts. I Shall be wishing directly, that Miss Grey was any- where else than in Cascade City.” “T wish it already, Mr. Mapleton,’’ was the reply, in a choked voice. “ Please don’t think me a fool, or vindictive, but I cannot think of that girl without a pang of —”” ** Jealousy,”’ he said, finishing for her. ‘t Own the truth, Bess—is that not it?’ “Yes, if you wish. lam weak for telling you so, but T cannot help it.”’ was the reply. ; She still kept her face averted, but he could judge by the tremor which passed over her form that she was peed agitated. “* Bess,” he said, reaching and taking her hand and raising it to his lips, even though the effort cost him pain, “‘ you aré very good and kind, and I think I can comprehend ie of of your feelings, for woman has been one of the studies of my life. Leave me now, and return when you are calmer, and, above all, entertain no thoughts of jealousy against that pure-minded, innocent girl in the care of John Mason,” She arose from the chair by the bedside, and turn- ed her gaze upon him—a Jook that startled him, it was so pregnant of thankful gratification. And then, before he could check her, she had bent and kissed him softly upon the forehead—turned and glided from the room. While the Sport lay upon his bed, a puzzled ex- pression cam? upon his face—a knitting together of the brows that denoted. Brrr His spirit chafed in this confinement. abroad. But there was no use of wrestling with impossibil- ities, and knowing this, he summarily dismissed all thoughts from his mind, as he had acquired the habit of doing, and sought rest in slumber. re teh ee e longed to be out and
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Photograph Phil, How long he had slept he knew not, but he was awakened by an almost imperceptible touch upon the arm. Opening his eyes, he saw a man’s figure standin; hesite the bed—a figure wrapped in a long blac cloak, with a mask upon the face. He was startled at first, for it was something to him, unexpected. But when he saw that the gen- tleman of the night carried no weapons, visible, his curiosity became greater. > ‘Well?’ he finally interrogated, ‘‘ what will you. have and have it sweetened? Seems to me you’ve been taking a mighty sight of liberty.” “Sh? the other whispered, raising a finger, warn- ingly. ‘‘ Not so loud, or you will disturb the house, and I am sure you wouldn’t wish to get a friend into trouble.” “A friend?” ““Yes—a friend, in disguise. Ishall‘have to com- municate to you my intelligence, in a low tone, as no doubt ears are eagerly listening to hear what I tell you. Several times I have been upon the point of telling you, but my motives have been interpreted by unseen enemies, and I have been warned by a hiss to desist, Therefore, my coming here to-night \s secret.” ‘Well, Lam prepared to hear what you have to say.” the Sport replied. “‘T have not much to say, and therefore can sa; tin a very few words,” the masked visitor said. ‘Tl have come to warn you that the desperado, Dia- blo, is seeking your life. He evidently hates you, and will endeavor to settle accounts with you, while you are lying here in bed. Therefore, let me ad- vise you to keep your revolvers handy, and do most of your sleeping in the daytime.” ‘" Who are you?” Rosebud Rob asked, his curiosity now fully awakened, “Who Iam it is best you should not know,” was thereply. ‘‘It is enough for you to know that L last night was forced to become a member of Dia- blo’s band, in preference to death. Aftera frightful initiation, I was sent out again upon your trail to hunt you to death. You seé how faithfully I am obeying the orders of the chief. By my soul, they Shall find me a coal of fire in their hands, before they get through with me, that will scoreh and burn them at every touch, Heed my warning, and be watchful, lest they surprise you!” Then turning, the masked fo ewarner stole softly from the room, and descended the stairs, which{were dark, tue lights having all been put out for the night, Softly opening the door, he stepped out into the nig All was dark, the moon being under a cloud; and the gulch was nearly deserted by people, a few drunken stragglers being the only ones abroad. No, not the only ones, for as the masked man stepped out into the open air, three others quickly surrounded him, they all being masked like himself. “Sh!” one said, as the disguised prowler leaped bock and drew a stout lignum-vitee club from under bis covering; nor did he wait for a conclusion of the werning, but springing forward like a panther, he jaid out the first two at a stroke, The other gent of the night evidently had no ae rations to share the other’s fate, and turning, he bolted for dear life. Photograph Phil—for it was he who had visited Rosebud Rob—gave vent to a low laugh, as he watched his Infernal Brother dash away into the Jarkness. , “Too much of a good thing was not to his taste,’’ the young Sleuth muttered. “* Now, then, let’s see who these fine birds look like with their masks off.” Producing a small-sized pocket bull’s-eye lantern. he knelt beside the two men whom his club h: felled sanseless to the earth. Shoving back the slide, a tiny bar of light shot out (nto the night, which he threw full into the faces of the two outlaws after yore their masks, Their faces weré smooth, and he could not remem- 17 her ever having seen them before, but upon their foreheads was 4 mark which could never ba erased— a burnt disfigurement of letters which formed into a simple livid word—*“ Diablo.” “Hal ha! as I thought! they were shadows set to watch upon my trail. Let me see: their pulses beat and they live. Shall I not finish em up and done with it? No, I'll be more merciful than that—Vll bind and leave them here for the Vigilantes to string up. Me soon had them fixed to suit his notion; then, rising to hig fget, he removed his mask, and strode down into the center of the gulch. All of a sudden the moon burst ouf from its con- cealment, and flooded mother Harth with an unsur- passed brilliancy of mellow light. Photograph Phil started forward, now, with a half exclamation. The girl, Millicent Vere, nad been crossing his path a few steps away, when the moon ma forth, but started to run when she saw him so close. It fequired but a few flying leaps to overtake her, which he did, and placing a hand upon her shoulder, wheeled her about facing him, : “Don’t be in a hurry, please,” he said, in an au- thoritative tene. ‘As a guardian of the night, [ have a right to interview all those abroad after the midnight hour. Where have you been?” “None of bis business, sir! Release me, or I shall cry for help!” the girl gasped, endeavoring to break from his grasp. “Tn which case I shall choke blazes out of you,” Phil assured. ‘See here: I don’t want no fussiness out of you, but plain, straight answers to my ques- gh Si a then, what fetches you out so late at night “Tt matters not to you, sir!” the girl replied, haughtily. ‘ Your insolence is Lr grata ; “ Maybe you don't recognize me?” * Yes—I do not often forget faces.” “ Well, you haven’t answered my question yet.” “Nor do { intend to, more than to say that I was not out for any evil purpose.” “I doubt the truth of that statement, miss, for few women are out for any Ti after midnight. However, let that question give way to another, What do you know of Diablo and his Infernal Band?” The eyes of the Boy Sleuth were fixed upon her face in a searching gaze—he expected to mark some change, but there was none. be “T know nothing of the parties you mention—why should 1?”' “You do know all about them!” Phil asserted, sternly. ‘‘ You dropped a passport at my feet, the other night, bearing a skull and cross-bones. That admitted me into the Temple of Bacchus, and 1 was made a member of the so-styled Infernal Forty!’ A dilation of Millicent Vere’s eyes was the only answer. “T have to thank von for the pain I endured dur- ing that accursed initiation, and since. Girl, do you know what you are?—a thief, an outlaw, and a mur- dever’ “No! 19! God help me, not so bad as that!” she asped, the moonlight reflecting a paler shade upon Ber face. ‘You tell whatis untrue, I know noth- ing—nothing.” “ Hush! do not ag yu soul by more lying!” warned the young Sleuth. Do you know that I could have you strung up for complicity in that bark robbery, and the murder of poor Mark Man- ners and Caruthers?” The girl put up her hand, as if to ward off a blow —staggered back. with a gasp. Devil! who are you?” “One who knows all,’ Photograph Phil replied. Ela ¢ have all power over you, and you must assist me! “How?” There was a tithe of eagerness in her tone now. ‘By obeying me, and bulldozing that cuss, Diablo, What obligations bind you to his service?”
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i8 She hesitated, “Tell me. It will be your own salvation to make ® clean breast of it.” “I am under no sworn obligations to the chief, except that it has been to my interest to serve him,’ was the reply. “Since you have asked me, I will tell you that my brother was a member of Diablo’s band —unbeknown, mind you, to my mother, who is old and infirm, My brother did net wish to worry her. At last, my brother was doomed to die, by drawing lots against a new member, and I was sent for, and he entreuted me to promise’ that I would jure as many into ths trap as possible, and would marry the chief, Diablo.” ; “And you promised?” io T did.” “Foolish girl! But never mind; you shall break that promise, and turn your hand against that man, Diablo.” “No! no! Iecannot, sir—oh! I—” “Dry apt Usay Fhe: shall, and that settles it,” Pho- tozgraph Phil said, sternly, ‘‘Go home now, and await a call from me. My name is Photograph Phil and when I want you you'll get my card, when shall ec you fo hunt me up. Do you hear?” “Then mind that keke heed. Disobey me, or ate tempt treachery, and up you go tothe limb of a wee) Dn complieity in the murder of Mark Manners, ow gol” She needed not the second command, but sped away with the swiftness of a deer. “ A strange. confoundedly-perplexing character |” Phil muttered, as he strode away toward his tent. “must use her for my strong card, but must, be wary, or she will flip me yet.” CHAPTER VII. MISS PRISCILLA’S ROMZO—BESS’S LOVE. TREE days passed. Three glorious, late autum- nal days, such as cause the hearts of lovers to beat high with romantic fervor and peaceful joy. nm Cascade Gulch the lapse of three days had ae no particular change in the routine of daily ife, At his primitive art gallery, Photograph Phil was winning not only money. but golden opinions for the excellent work turned out with his photograph ““ masheen.”” At the cabin of John Mason, miner, pretty Jennie was settled down quietly into tle family, and was really enjoying herself, John Mason was a big man, and likewise had a big heart. Therefore, as Jennie was considered a child . of adoption, many donations of money and trinkets were pressed upon _her. Somehow she had grown into the habit of asking after the whereabouts of Rosebud Rob, since he did ‘not come to the cabin, but Mason ever avoided a direct answer, careful not to mention about the Sport’s hurt. John Mason was more than kind to his pretty ward, but no more watchful and devoted was he | over her than was Baltimore Bess over the Sport, who still. lay upon the bed, unable to get out of his room, for the physician had pronounced it danger- ous for him to move upon his feet, inside of a week, or five days, at least. Bass had been almost constantly by his bedside, studying his every need, and flying to do his bidding asa loving sist+r would have done, only with per- haps more eagerness. he was not ths same creature now, that he had known as Baltimore Bess, the dare-devil—at least not the same in attire, roughness and manner of speech. She was gentle, womanly, tender. She endeavored to. repress all traces of jealousy, and when Rosebud Rob did not mention Jennie she quite succeeded Everything that could be done for the Sport’s comfort, she did, even to sitting by his bedside and Photograph Phil, reading to him as the brilliant. afternoon sunlight would stream in through the single window of thu room, : And it was not strange that a man of Rosebud Rob's great experience, should grow as he did, more and more interested as each day dragged 2 rt i en days that possessed a quiet enjoyment with him, despite his pain—perhaps because the Li sha- dow of a devoted woman hovered evernigh. For he could not hide it from his eyes, his mind, his con- science, this Sport, that this faithful watcher loved him—not as the world loves, not as man or woman usually love, but with an unconquerable passion— a self-sacrificing love that#when confined, with nq ae amounted almost to a bitterness, so intensq was it. Fa He knew, moreover, that her quiet seeming com tent, was but a smoldering of tue flame into ethe — real haze that again concealed the flame—he knew that she could not be put off as Idyl Abbey had been put off; he knew, in fact, that the whole yolume of . affection from Bess’s heart, was his to- discard or eep. It would not be long ere the bubble would burst, either—only a matter of time, when he should leave that bed and go out into the world and the presence of Jennie Grey. Then, the storm would burst—he looked for itm knew it would come. And what should he say—do? It was a vexatious question which constituted one of his chief btn Sey on as he lay bolstered up on the bed—a question that fretted and chafed his spirit, for he could not foresee the end of the matter for the life of him, In the mean time, somewhat of a sensation had struck the town. : It was in the shape of the Reverend Lucas ee: who had literally taken to the ‘‘ stump,” and nightly pereched to such as would congregate to listen to is uiscourse, The flock of lambs who congregated to listen to the sermon were generally miners’ wives, to the number of a couple of hundred, just fresh from the kitchen. with hatless heads and sleeyves'to the elbow, Occasionally a pilgrim could be defined among _ the scattered crowd, perhaps perched upon & ikon but as:a general thing the spouses of these aforesa d seekers after truth, in nineteen cases out of twenty, were congregated in some of the neighboring sa. - loons engaged in the edifying and lucrative ‘‘amoose. ment” of playing “whisky poker,” Among the audience of the feminine persuasion Miss Priscil a Mas on did yoo A thorough going Christian Miss Priscilla undoub‘- edly was. And when it came to pass that Sister Jones praised the new _and good man, Priscilla “ went" forthwith, And she arrayed herself in the best out of her wardrobe, and took a front seat upon the ground to listen to the discourse of te eminent © Diblical philosopher who had strayed so far among the perils, of the wilderness. And when she caught the beamin tic gaze of the good man rivete blushed and felt pleased, : : Could it be possible—but oh, no! there must be some mistake. What man could be so impartial to the beauty gathered around him as to gaze for a single instant at her ? iq Ah! a thought struck her, Perhaps it was the beauty of heart—of soul—which he was searching for? If so, could not she show as an ai tie! as the wst of her sisters? Happy oug' So, when she looked up again, his kindly glance was bent earnestly upon her, and she blushed a sec- ond time. The beloved brother’s eyes beamed, and Miss Priscilla was as rosy as aschool-girl throughout the sermon, : This was upon the first night,and Lucas Alyne, —_— and enthusias+ upon her, she - designing hypocrite, had played his cards well, fot —
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a c Pa we temptuously. _ dled rourh, since I came here. Photograph Phil. Miss Priseflla went to her humble couch to dream of the gifted servant of the Lord, John Mason knew nothing of Miss Priscilla’s visit to the meeting, or he would have put a stop toit, as he thoroughly despised the man who could w: war against pretty Jennie Grey. ? The next pitt she had gone again. And through the kindness of Sister Jones, our old dnaid was formally presented to the ‘ preacher,’ who after the sermon escorted her to her home, but left ber at the door, From that time on, unknown to either Jennie, or to her brother, Miss Priscilla and the parson met, and while in the heart of the aged girl there was awakened the first love-flame of her life, Luoas Alyne i seseatat his case with the ardor of a seventeen year-old lover, who had mastered the languages and committed Milton and Byroa tomemory. But an obstacle stood in the path of the two aged lovers— John Mason, and the girl, Jennie. “But for them, dear Lucas, how gladly would I invite thee to my home, instead of coming out here like athief to meet you beneath the stars and oon, “ T would, dearest sweetest Priscilla, that it could be even so,” he would reply, with a sigh. ‘* What sweet comfort it would be to see thee ever in my presence, dear Priscilla. If you could ever coax your brother toadmit me to your table as a board- er— “Ah! if I but could!” with a deeper sigh. “Oh! eruel fate beneath that binds me to astern brother’s till. My sweet Lucas, hero of my life. if you ttould but disguise yourself and get into Joln’s fa- tror—’ The Virginian started at the RUSE SesOn. “Tt can easily be done, my dar! ing, and for the fove of youl will make the daring attempt. ‘ All’s fair in lové or war,” you know, and the line applies directly to our case. So fare thee well, my precious, and if a stranger enters thy home, mum’s the word, until we are alone. So long as I can keep thesecret { bid fair to remain by thy side.” And they billed and cooed like turtle-doves, there under the moonlight, until it was time for the smit- ten Priscilla to seek her home, ~ Onythe afternoon of the following day (the fourth, by the way, of Rosebud Rob’s confinement to his bed), Jennie Grey took a book from John Mason’s meager collection, and wandered down to the old cottonwood upon the banks of the rushing creek. She had grown less and less expectant of meeting with her foes, and the old cottonwood furnished de- ‘htful shelter, under which to sit and read, ot long had she Ween seated, however, ere she heard a heavy oa and looked up with a startled ery, to behold Jean Alyne standing but a few paces away, regarding her with his evil gaze. ; = Ohi ho!” he exclaimed; ‘‘so my pretty bird is caught at last, eh?” “No, Jean Alyne! your bird is not caught, at alll” Jennie cried, springing to her feet, quickly. “‘ Why have you come here, sir?” The young Virginian chuckled horribly, as he step- ‘ped nearer. ‘““Why have I come here?” he growled, a sinister glow upon his bruised and bloated features. ‘‘ Wal, you ought to know. Haven’t you always been my friend, and haven't I always been yours? Hoy, we were allus sweet on each other, weren’t we?” “Wool!” the ward of John Mason replied, con- *T don’t believe two mortals ever despised each other more than youandI. Go, sir} your presence is disgusting.” . “‘Humph! you're as sassy as a gander, girl. Per- hans I do Jook rather dilapidated, for I’ve been han- See here! do you know what I came here for this afternoon?” ‘No! nor do I wish t+ know.” te. “Wal, I'll tell you,” he said, with aleer. “Ohl ye needn’s try to escape for J can outrun ye, an’ no one 19. looks up this way often, Wal, I come up here to concilliate.”” “What?” Jennie gasped, an_ expression of min- gled surprise and disgust upon her face, P ‘ “To concilliate,” he repeated. ‘You see the old man’s set a trap for you that you’re hound to into, an’ as the old man an’ I’ve hed a fallin’ out, I'll tell you what [P’lldo, I'll take you, and we'll go to some other place and get married, Then his rever- ence can bounce.” - “Oh! ain't youkind!” Jennie cried, contemptuous- ly. “If that is what you came here to say, you can Iwould even consider the Prepon of wed- neene rascally,father ere I’d look at you. Go!” “Hang yee no!” he growled, “1’ll have you, anyhow. My horse is near, and you'll be off in the mountains before you know it. Get ready—here I come!” he said, gathering his strength e tly for » ares m her. wink ‘ Pt ‘And here you go!” and s ing from a frin of willows which ce upon ie oe 8 of the creek, as he gave vent to the ery, John Mason seized the Virginian about the waist, raised him above his head by the strength of his powerful arms, and burled ane headforemost into the rushing waters of tke stream, “There, you land-shark! maybe you'll tackle a defenseless girl again just for the fun of it! Come, Miss Jennie, I will accompany you to the cabin, where you will be safe.” There had been two eye-witnesses to the scene, oe distance—Baltimore Bess and the wounded ort. @ head of his bed lay close beside the open win- dow, and commanded a full view of the cottonwood on the banks of the rushing creek. Rosebud Rob had seen the trim, pretty figure of Jennie Grey go down to the cool resort. Bess had also seen her as she sat at the window with an open book inher hand. Then both saw Jean Alyne rise and confront the defenseless girl. “Bring me a rifle!’ the Sport cried, excitedly. ‘* My nerves are not so unsteady but that I can drop that fellow, curse him!” “Stop! there is no need for you to interfere,” Bess said, jubilantly, ‘‘The yotng lady has a protector in John Mason, How feta that he was wait ing in the covert to meet her!” t was just then that the miner had leaped from the bushes and tossed the Virginian into the stream, “Just opportune enough to prevent me taking re venge upon the accursed Virginian,” the Sport growled, with a frown. “ Mason is taking Miss Grey toward the cabin. Now, go qn with the piece you were reading to me, Bess.” That evening, just as dusk was creeping over the room, the physician came in, and after an examina- tion, thoug’ t it practicable for the Sport to leave his bed and take very moderate exercise in the open air, It was joyful news to Rosebud Rob, for be had grown heartily sick and tired of lying abed, and ¢s soon as Bess came in he communicated the intelli- gence to her, dreading the result, It was not far from what he had looked for—had expected from the first.« She sat down beside the beth with a face which had suddenly grown very ° ale. ’ “You won't go yet?” she said, almost pleadingly. “Stay until you are better able to care for yourself. Surely you can bear a few more days before going back so her--” “Don’t, Bess; you agitate yourself without cause. Why will you persist in having it that Miss Grey is anything to me?” “You admire her—at least you cannot deny that?” she accused, her face half-averted, while glistening tear suffused her eyes. “ You wil/ not deny that?” “Why should I? Is there harm in it?” “Yes, there is harm in it,** she replied, earnest'y, “pecause for you to fall i love wiin that girt, and wed her, would be my dealt bow!” ay NE 3 a bi
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She hastily arose as she finished speaking, as if to leave the room, but Rosebud Rob caught her sleeve, and pulled her back to her chair. when she burst into tears, and buried her face in the cover. ‘* Boss,” he said, gravely, “is this equivalent to a confession from you, of love for me? Can it be pos- sible that you, a sensible, sound-minded girl, cap have seen aught in me to admire—to love?” ‘*Need [ answer you yé3?’’ she said, rallying, and looking into his face with her tearfuleyes. ‘‘ Need I tell you yes, when you have known it, all along— ever since the girl came, and have been Strugpling brayely for the mastery of! yourself? Oh! I have known of your struggle—have read each thought ae allowed to pass through yourmind. Tell me ruthfully, Mr. Mapleton, have you gained mastery over yourself?” ‘“T have,” he replied, earnestly. ‘*And you have decided—”” “Yn favor of Miss Grey. Bess, can you ever for- give me for thus wounding you—can you think of me as one who wants your friendship? -I know Ido not deserve your love, but—” “You shall have my love until I die,” she replied, in a choked voice, and drawing him quickly toward her she kissed him, passionately—once—twice— thrice; then sprung from the room and ended the interview, She did not..return, and it dawned upon him that Baltimoré Bess had gone away from his love-life. The next morning Rosebud Rob was up and outin the gulch with the rising of the sun. He felt like himself again, for all an occasional twinge of pain came from his breast, where the wound was healing as fast as nature would permit. Many acquaintances flocked around him and wel- comed him back to their midst, among them Photo- graph Phil and John Mason. é ‘“And by the way,” the brawny miner remarked, with a good-natured laugh, ‘* I’ve been turnin’ over in my mind the feasibility of turnin’ in an honest gale at keepin’ boarders, as well as digging gold. there’s Priscilla says she is willin’ to keep care on ‘em, what with the aid of the little gal, Jennie, she’s well able to do. So thar’s two chaps as want good board and are good to pay fer it, so lreckon we'll have to take ’em in.”’ “Who are these men?” Rosebud Rob asked, slancing toward the cabin. *‘Oh, both o’ them miners and pro ‘pecters—one o’ ’em from Nevada and t’other from Arizona, Both old-timers, I reckon.”’ “What is their name?” “Oh, one calls himself Jeff Harkins, and the other’s name is Bill Greeland. He is the pilgrim who lost. so much bullion by the bank robbery. He war well heeled before, but is pretty low now, I reckon—least, so they say.’’ 7 Bidding the miner good-day, the Sport sauntered from place to place, expecting to find Bess, But she was not to be found, nor did anybody seem to know what had become of her. : The day passed without incident. The Sport did not visit Jennie Grey. He fought shy, perhaps, out: of i ath for the feelings of Baltimore Bess, whom he believed not far away. As Bess had signified ing soon, Mrs. Lyoniel still occupy the room where he ment, He retired that night and tried to sleep; but it was a poor job at the best, and he was wide awake about midnight, when Mrs. Lyoniel burst open his er intention of not return- rmitted the Sport to ad lain during confine- Or. ““For Heaven's sake, Mr. Mapleton!” she cried, * D.ablo and his gang have surrounded my cabin!" CHAPTER IX. PHIL ON A NEW TACK, ar then rushed back down the hall to alarm the rest of her boarders. Rosebud Rob slid from the bed into his boots and Photograph Phil, par fi: hunting-shirt with wonderfu. alacrity, and with the exception of putting on his hat and belt, was all ready for the work; for, like the average border- man, his breeches he never removed on retéring at night. Below stairs the pounding at the heavily-barred door was loud and sb oe TR A plucky little woman was . Lyoniel, and she bravely descended to the lower floor, although the was careful not to open the door. = ‘*What’s wanted?” she demanded, in a shrill voice, “Why do you come disturbing honest people at the _ dead of night?’ 5 -“ Keep stall in there,” replied a hoarse voice, **Do — ou wish to arouse the town? Open the door and et usin, We want to get the Sport, Rosebud Rob, | and then we will go away.” “You ean’t get in, nor you ean’t have Rosebud Rob, you ugly robber!’’ the widow replied, sharply. * ome! no more tongue, but open up, or down comes your hash factory on a run. Boys, get the torches, and set fire to the shebang, if she don’t open up inside of a jiffy!” cried the voice of the Iead- mu peae had previously announced himself to be Di- — ablo. At this juncture Rosebud Rob, from his window, opened fire ar the gang below with his revolvers, and succeeded in dropping four of them ere a rat- — be of bullets forced him to dodge back. Towls of rage now came from below. “A hundred dollars for a ladder!” roared Diablo. ‘Fire the cabin! If we can’t get them outone way, we can another.” ! From the upper windows of the cabin Rosebud Rob and the remainder of the boarders i upa fire, but seldom made an effective shot, as the out» laws had retreated to the shelter of the northern and southern ends of the cabin, where there were no windows, Presently the smell of smoke and the crackling of pe warned the inmates that the cabin had been Rosebud Rob comprehended the result, and step< ping forward to where the most of the inmates were congregaied upon the landing, besaid: “Tt’s ho use to hold out against the ruffians, I will deliver myself up, and thereby save the rest of ou. 1S “Hold up!’ cried the physician; “you will do nothing of the kind. The town people are coming to our assistance.” es He spoke mau. ce By glancing through the window, the Sportsaw that miners and citizens were turning out en masse, — and rushing toward the scene of conflagration. ea The outlaws had seen their approach, too, evi- dently, for with baffled yells they leaped upon their horses, and spurred away up the stage-road, among the bluffs, carrying their wounded with them. : When they were gone, the inmates of the burning cmap ona ae oe open ne oe oC flames were _ ut ou out muc culty, but little damageto the cabin having been done, * fe s The road-agents did not return that night, although a lookout was kept for them, by the Vigilance Com- | mittee, until the rosy day dawned again. In the morning Rosebud Rob took a walk to John Mason's cabin, and found Miss Priscilla and Jennie washing dishes, from the breakfast. He sat down in the doorway, and chatted with — them for an hour, then arose to go, as no oppor- fens was affordei him to see the miner’s wai one, “By the way, we have two new boarders,” Miss Priscilla announced, “‘ just came to breakfast, for the first this morning, and went away to work. If we could have a lively soul like you to board, it aa be so much more pleasant—wouldn’t it Jen-— nie ‘Yes, indeed, aunty,” the ward of John Mesansenee led a blush stealing over her cheek. ‘It woulds ee Re Oe ae ee ee
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: - Photograph Phil. Rosebud Rob called upon Photograph Phil, next, before returning to his room at Mrs. Lyoniel’s. “TJ have come to see you. on business which is of atest importance,” Rosebud Rob said. ‘I have een putting this and that together, and have come to the conclusion that you are the masked indivi- ‘dual, who visited me at the widow's and warned me to look out for Diablo. Am I not right?” “Yes, you are right,” Photograph Phil replied, siencity about to see that nobody was within ear- shot. laid for by a trio of the devil’s own band whom I grounded as uicely as you please. them and left ’em lying in the gulc how got away before the next morning.” “Very well, You told me you were forced into ie Bane. and that you were their bitterest enemy.” So I am,” “Then listen. Iam going to break up that gang, or die in the attempt. To-day a fresh reward has been offered for their capture, and the whole sum now offered amounts to three thousand dollars, part of which you shall share if you will help me with two of T bound my, ee “You can depend upon me, reward or no reward. T’ve no love for these outlaws, you may rest assured.” “Such being the case, it will be a part of your business to set fire to this so-styled temple of Bac- chus, which you say is the head-quarters of the ang. First, however, tell me—is there not an un- erground passage leading to some other retreat?” “There is. It descends from the floor, and from the bottom of a shaft worms its way northward to.a mountain-locked pocket or cavern.’ “AsTI thought. There is a passage under yonder cascade, which, no doubt, leads to this identical place. Now, then to-morrow night, when you cap re the old rookery without being seen, do so, and in away that ec wnot fail to demolish the building, Then lay low, and keep a watch upon the two men who are boarding at John Mason’s. See that they don’t get an opportunity to work any villainy, should that be their purpose; also keep an eye on the young des Miss Grey.” . “Is this all 1 am.to do, to aid you?” : ’ “Tt is enough.’ You may find your hands full, in the bargain. I will undertake the rest. If I am wanted, hunt up the passage under the rocks, and blow a shrill whistle. I, or some one in my service, will hear it.” Then after a few more instructions, the Spotter Sport strode away toward his lodgings, As he en- tered the doorway, he came face to face with a man who was coming out—a brawny, bewhiskered indi- vidual, with a kindly face, and the attire of a miner and prospector, “Hello! maybe you are the pilgrim I’m hunting after,” he said, blocking the passage with his brawny proportions. ‘Maybe you are the fellow they call Rosebud Rob?” “There can be but little doubt that you are gazing upon the genuine representative of that name,” the Sport ah te with a smile, ‘‘What is your handle, may I be so bold as to inquire?’ “My name reads Bill Greeland, miner, at the election polls,” the other replied. “If you are Rosebud Rob. who is in the mouth of every galoot in the gulch, you're the pilgrim I want to see.” “Then walk up to my room with me, and unravel your business,” the Sport replied, “though IT mar- ~ vel that there is anything left of me to give you audience, if I am in so many cannibalistic mouths.” They ascended to the Sport’s chamber, and the man from Nevada took a chair facing the Sport. “The reason I hunted you up,” he said, ‘was because I heard that you were going to take a bunt after the robbers who broke open the bank. and relieved me of my. whole fortune, some two hundred and fifty thousand dollars in gold.” ‘Yes, I am just about taking the trail, now, as soon as I can get ready, I suppose you want me to put in a plea for your pile, eh?” j 3 y “T came masked, but for all my pains was ° but they some- |, £1 “Exactly. I want you to regain poe of that gold, if possible, and turn it overtome. Yours shall then be a rich reward."’ : “T shall not forget your case. In the mean time, as you are stopping at Mason’s, you will perhaps do me afavor, in exchange.” “Most certainly; you have but to name it, and I romise.”* “Itis that daly keep a protecting eye upon the young lady who is stopping there, under the. tem- poe guardianship of John Mason, where J placed er out of reagh of a rascally guardian, who has proven her worst enemy.” A faint smile yee over the miner's face, as he stroked his long beard. “T ain’t much of a hand for lookin’ after women,”’ he said, “but Pll keep an eye as you request to the irl’s welfare. She isa pretty one, and no doubt at least one heart beats in sympathy with her own.” “Thank you for the sling-shot,’? Rosebud Rob re- plied, witha smile, ‘*No doubt but that she has,” Greenland soon took his Ch baat and then the prcaes Sport prepared for his solitary adventure. Stocking his haversack with cold meats, and fillin his ammunition-box with fresh cartridges, he lai out two pairs of revolvers and a knife for use, after which he threw himself upon the bed, to await the falling of night again, when be could go to work, | safely, Z iss Priscilla Mason was not a bad woman in prin- ciple, but simply love blinded, She could not believe that she was doing wrong in keeping the Reverend Lucas Alyne in secret under her roof, consoling her secusing conscience with the reasoning that they were soon to be made one and inseparable. And now he was safely barbored under her shel- tering roof, where there would be many a chance for a ane lovers’ talk. But though there was a great’ satisfaction in believing this, the spinster was puz- zled. Of her two boarders, she did not know which was the parson and which was not. Narrowly and eagerly du the first morning and noon meals she did watch both, expecting a. si; from her disguised lover. But none came, and she had to quiet her aged, pulsating heart until she should be able to decide. That night. after supper, Mr. Greeland went into the parlor, while Mr. Harkins slouched on his hat, lit a pipe, and tramped away out into the gulch. “That settles it,” Priscilla mu ed, her heart thumping so loud that she was frightened lest Jen- nie should hearit. “‘ Mr. Greeland is my dear Lucas, Whata cere a. he is, too! Dear, sweet Lucas! how Dlove hi The dishes were never washed so rapidly as to- night, when the spinster was all anxiety to have an interview with her reverend lover. At last they were all Sr and washed, and Jennie was gone on » an errand fo a nelebROueEe store. Then Miss Priscilla brushed back her silver-thread- ed Jocks, tied a fresh ribbon at her throat, and stole on tip-toe to the parlor of the cabin. At the thresh- old she pauscd and peeped in. Mr. Greeland was — ensconced in a chai, with his back toward her, and his heels protruding through the open window. Such a shocking posture for a’ minister to assume, too, she thought, and, horror of borrors! he was puffing away ata Pine ten per cent. grimier than that Mr. Harkins had lit when he went out. , “But, the poor dear soul, he must have some com- fort in his lonely bachelor's life,” she murmured, under her breath. ‘‘1°ll just steal on tip-toe and sur- prise him, bless him!” And she was successful in gliding across the floor noiselessly, and eae a jatett directly in the rear of his chair without his ence, ‘Oh, my sweet, sweet darling!"’ she said, the next moment, and throwing her arms about his neck, she drew his head around, and implanted several warm ~ kisses upon jis forehead. 4 _ Heavens and earth!” gasped the astounded maa, nowledge of her pres-
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22 tearing from her embrace, and confronting her. “What in the deuce do you mean, woman, a-comin slobbering around me? Hang me if it isn’t the land- lady at that?” : “Aba! my sweet lover in disguise, ‘tis no longer use for you to play off when I recognize you full well;” and Miss Priscilla would have given him a playful slap, but he leaped back with a grunt of dis- ust. S “See here, old Iady,” he growled, keeping her at arm’s length, “this won’t do, at_all. What do ye mean? Are yecrazy, or what? Blast my rocks ef I ever was in sech a predicament!” ‘And to er ae excitement to the scene, both John Mason and Jennie stepped into the room at this moment, a * Lordy!” the big miner gasped. ‘‘What kind of a circus is this? Priscilla, woman, what do you mean?” Poor Priscilla! Here were all her fondest hopes nipped in the bud. At the sound of her brother’s voice, she sunk quietly to the floor in a swoon. She was soon revived, however, and sent to her room in disgrace. Bill Greeland explained as well as was in his pow- er, and thus the incident came to a close, and was hushed up for poor Priscilla’s sake. : John Mason was extremely puzzled over his sis- ter’s conduct, and could in no way account for it. Probably the feelings of Miss Priscilla can better be imagined than described by us. _ On the following Oe ae received a sly look from Mr. Jeff Harkins, which satisfied her that she had seen the right man at last. After breakfast she met him in the parlor, where her unfortunate meeting with Greeland had occur- red. Nobody was in the house, John Mason havin taken Jennie with him down to his claim, and Bil 7 aan having gone off on a hunt to the moun- ains, * You are a fool!” the disguised Virginian cried, as Miss Priscilla sunk upon a stool by his side—‘‘a coven mimate fool! Why did you make such a deue- ed mis—-” * Oh, don’t, Lucas!” she interrupted, imploringly —‘“ don’t! or you'll lacerate my heart. I thought it was you.” ‘Well, take care that you don’t make any more mistakes, or they thay lead to the detection of our little Jover’s plot. Priscilla, my dear, report brings to me the story that thy brother has a goodly supply of golden wealth.” “You must not listen to idle gossip, dear Lucas,” was the evasive reply. “Nay, ‘tis no idle gossip, an’ thou knowest it, my star. ‘Tell me where this gold is kept, and the amount thereof, my Priscilla, forthe Great Adviser hath sent me strange warnings ee it—-told +me to wasch over and guard it, as a brother, for a brother, lest robbers should carry it away.” ‘*Mercy! Then I must fly ‘to tell my brother!” Priscilla gasped, in alarm. *Nay, stay!” the plotter commanded. “Tell not thy brother, that it shall worry him, but tell me that T may smite the Philistines, and win.favor in thy brother’s eyes.” “My noble hero,” Priscilla cried, her heart pul- sating afresh. ‘‘How I admire your noble traits! My brother’s gold is in the collar, in a wooden box, and amounts in all to tea thousand dollars’ worth. Oh! if ib howd be stolen, what would we ever do! Ob! dear, brother John would go crazy.” “Fear not about brother John,” the reverend ras- eal said. *‘ The robbers will have to pass a mountain of rock, in my holy szlf, to achieve a victory.” Jennie Grey had gone down tothe claim with John Mason, but the labor of washing sand wis monoto- nous, and ere the first hour had passed. the pretty Virginian ,was over at Photograph Phil’s studio, looking over his pictures, with a great deal of gravity gud interest. id Photograph Phil. “Tt must be very nice work to take pictures,” she said, looking up into Phil’s face as he ranged a new stack for her inspection. _ “Well, rather, ma’am; it depends if a fellow is naturally lazy, or not. If you find one of the cha, like myself, for instance, who’s made up his mind that he'll get through the world on cheek, and as little work as he can—he’s the chap suited for a pic- ture-gallery. every time.” “Then you are not partial to work. eh?’ Jennie asked, her big blue eyes roving over the jolly face of the young artist. ‘‘ You despise manual Jabor?”* “When I can make an honest livelihood by my wits,’ Phil replied, with alaugh. ‘‘ You see, nature een sight, and an unusual allowance of tongue, so between the three, I manage to eke out about as good a living as the men who tdil all day with the spade and shovel.” “You are a strange young man!"’ the little Vir- ehieh said; then asked, candidly: ‘How old are ou?” ‘Grasping after manhood by a few months. May iebrie he compliment of asking you a like ques- on “‘Gertainly; Iam ’most seventeen. Will you take - my picture?” *‘ With all pleasure,”’ Phil replied, gallantly. The unabashed yet innocent naivele of this little ward of John Mason was particularly charming—at least in the eyes of the young artist. Assisting her to a chair, he carefully arranged a series of screens and cloth scenery, after which he poppee behind his ‘“ masheen.” Next he went into a dark wigwam which he had erected, and soon came out again with the slide which he inserted, just as a pretty smile about the mouth of the fair ennie revealed a glimpse of her pearly teeth. The picture being a tin-type was soon finished, and Phil handed it over to the owner with consider- able pride. For it was really well executed, the features and dress taking well, and the light and shade good. “‘Oh!” Jennie exclaimed, as she glanced at it; “this is not J, sir.” ee assuredly, yes. Do you not recognize your- self?” A “ Well, I must give,you praise, Itis the very best picture | ever had taken, If Zcould only learn!” hoe can, perhaps, if I tarry in the gulch long enough.” ‘*Oh! that’s a good fellow! I begin to like you al- ready. Will you come up to Mr. Mason's to-night. and teach me the first lesson?” \ = ae first-lesson in what?” Phil laughingly asked, “Tn love?” ‘Yes, if you are smart enough to do it,” was the sharp but merry answer, as the light-hearted fairy went dancing away, like a butterfly on the wings of golden sunshine, “You may bet I'll be there!” Phil said to himself, as he went back to retouching some card negatives. ‘“By Jove! it would be a huge joke if a fellow of my a a bearing should sueceed in winning the daisy away from that gallant, heroic Sport. There's been greater miracles accomplished, too. Butstop! T have other work to do to-night!” CHAPTER X. IN THE PASSAGE. . We must now return ty the night previous, and to our Sport, Rosebud Rob. After the departure of Bill Greeland, he threw him- self upon the bed. and smoked and slept away the greater portion of the day, except when he was meals. whereabouts. . She had not been seen since the previous eveni | Where had she gone--what had she done? ~ deftly are ave mean unlimited installment of cheek, with a _ summoned below stairs to the noonday and evening —— He thought a great deal about Jennie Grey, and a great deal more concerning Baltimore Bess and her
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Photograph Phil, a This was the question which most puzzled him. It was a relief to him when night began to cast its shadows into the ape gulch, and the early moon dipped its bow in the east, preparatory to commenc- ing its voyage across the blue dome of the heavens. As soon_as it was dark enough for his purpose, Rosebud Rob armed bimself with revolvers, rifle and. knife, and winding adieu to the cabin, set out through the gulch toward the cascade which poured down over the northern precipice with its accustom- en din and roar, As he passed along, he glanced into several saloons, hoping to catch a glimpse of the dare-devil Bess, but was disappointed, She had not been seen since the previous night. « “T shall have to proceed to my work, then, with- out seeing her,” the Sport muttered, with disap- pointment. ‘I wonder what can have become of er? It would nerve me for my desperate work to geta glimpse of her face. Perhaps I have looked upon it for the last time! Something tells me that Bess has left the town, sad and hep atti. poor girl, but it shall not be thus. I will follow her, after I ‘have wooed and won Jennie—we will$follow her and both make it our study to make her appy." With these thoughts flitting: through his mind he neared the cascade. The cabin once occupied by the Abbeys, still stood upon its former site, arfd was the only one in the immediate vicinity of the falls. The Abbey establishment had been wholly con- verted into a saloon, but being out of the popular current, was not largely patronized. Glancing in, Rosebud Rob caught a glimpse of Jean Alyne and his two confederates, but saw noth- ing of Bess. Passing on he approached the eastern side of the cascade which tumbled from the rocks into a na- tural water-worn basin, whence it debouched through the water-course. The sheet hugged close against the wall of rock in front of which it fell, yet the Sport had previously discovered that a narrow foot- ledge ran between the falling water and the rock, the entrance to it being screened by the constant mist. It was right here that Rosebud Rob’s perilous task commenced, He had no knowledge of the passage, more than of its existence. If,indeed it led to the retreat of the outlaws, it was more than probable that they would have it guarded. In which case there was one stumbling- block in the Sport’s disfavor. But, in knowing that he was to work for the rizht, and in the behalf of justice, he was resolved to stand for no obstacles, but cut down everything in the shape of an enemy to his mission, Not unprepared had he come, to do battle against these outlaws. Before entering behind the falls, he donned a long and very heavy rubber coat, which was padded, and lined with buffalo-hide. This would effectually shed the water, and with a black mask upon his face, gave him a brigandish enpearance. He was also equipped with a small dark-lantern, which he carefully ignited, ere he stepped into the passage—a Western Cave of Winds. When he was Bipot with his coat well button- ed up about his head, he took the lantern in his left hand and his knife in the right, and stepped in un- der the cataract. . Instantly the thundering roar of a dozen cannons smote upon his hearing with deafening effect. The - mist sprayed into his face and eyes, so that he could scarcely see. The first step he took came near precipitating him into the roaring vortex. t He soon became aware that it would require the upon the narrow footing, so oe care to kee, is lantern, whereupon a flood e shot the slide of _ of light was diffused upon his surroundings. - | 4 23 But the falling mist prevented his seeing anything except a gray stream or vapor around him. Carefully—step {dllowing step in feeling the un- certain poesene: every nerve of the Sport was drawn to the highest tension—his knife hand kept ready for instant use. © On—on—on; at last the mist seemed to ner, and the roar of the caszade less lou ening, Then he paused, and turned out the light—that is, oa — the slide of his lantern, and all was dense- ly dark. “I must be pretty near out of this confounded passage,” he muttered, swinging the lantern at his side, “and now, I must go it blind. I wonder how many guards I shall have to silence. Blood is a nasty thing to dabble in, but, nothing must stand in my path to-night.” : ith the stealth of a mouse he glided along, and soon had the satisfaction of discovering himself out rag mist, in a drier passage where footing was ‘ow thin- and deaf- safe. Here he paused again. He was resolved not to go further until he had ascertained if there was a guard to the passage. Carefully groping about, he found a bowlder, and seated himself upon it. Knowing full well that he had his own time at his disposal, he resolved to take things coolly and by slow degrees. Listening, he could not at first hear any suspicious sounds; only the roaring jar as of falling waters came to his hearing, from the direction of the misty Ssage Fully an hour he sat upon the bowlder, and lis- tened faithfully. It was much tco dark for him to outline any objects further off than directly before his very eyes, A foe might easily have stood a yard away, and did he not betray his presence by somé manner or move. it would not have been known by the watchful Sport. _ But no enemy was so near, evidently, and grow- ing tired of the silence Rosebud Rob rose to his feet, intent upon following the further lead of the strange passage. As he did so. and attempted to peer ahead into the dense depths of blackness, something caught is sharp, never-failing eye, which caused him to sink baek upon the bowlder with an exclamation. Tt, was like the flash of a spark upon some black object ’way off in the distance, which lasted buta moment, and then died out, utterly. “Hal the Sport muttered, ‘‘ there is a guard, but he is some distance away further up the passage. The flash was from an ignitedjmatch, no doubt, with which he lit his pipe. 1 wonder if he is coming this way? pressing his ear close to the rocky floor, he was enabled to learn the affirmative. ular steps, very faint, but yet perceptible, were coming down the passage, which, as near as the Sport could guess, ran in a northwesterly direction. “Tt is the guard, undoubtedly, aan his regular route,’ he decided. crawling back to his seat upon the bowlder, ‘'It behooves me to lie low and keep still, and, perhaps. I shall escape his notice, Other- wise, I shall be obliged to tap him upon the head.” Nearer came the guard, bis steps now quite audi- ble, although they were all that denoted his com- ing. Bosdtud Rob crouched as far back as possible. with the hope that he might escape notice. Still nearer did the guard approach; then re a sud-— pe Fe front of the spot where the port was crouching. Firm] Rosebud’ Rob's fingers closed about the haft of his knife, and he pipes to spring upon his foe. But he did not, for he soon perceived that the guard was not aware of his presence, inasmuch as he seated himself upon the identical rock back of which the Sport was crouching, and began softly whistling some old-time tune. Rosebud could have thrown his arm about his neck, so close was heto the intruder. He was cer- ~
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4 —— tainly in a desperate situation, and was wits for some resort to extrieate himsel difficulty. A happy thought finally struck the Sport. Ho would take the guard a prisoner! it could be done easily enough, he concluded upon reflection; allit required was a little risk. Cautiously drawing his revolver, he waited until the guari was coughing, when he suddenly cocked it without the click, click, being noticed, The next minute the cold muzzle was pressed against the out- ately temple, and the Sport spoke in a deep, stern one: ‘ “Stop! breathe but a word, or move a muscle, and Ill blow your blasted brains out! You are co prisoner, and unless you obey me to the letter, I'll shoot you so quick you can’t speak!’’ ; The fellow staried with a muttered curse, but made no attempt to reach toward his belt, as Rose- bud could see by the aid of his lantern, which he had brought into play. Reachin s forward, he removed the weapons from his belt and appropriated them to his own use. “Now you will please stand up and face about,” the Sport ordered, in his commanding way. The guard obeyed sullenly. “Now, sir,”’ Rosebud Rob said, following him to a standing position, ‘‘ now, my jewel, do you perceive that tay revolver is leveled on a squew-gee with your Jif» pulsator?” ‘Yes, cuss yer!” was the reply. “None of your cussin’, you brute! I want you to obey, or drap you FO. after which I shall assist you to a shower-bath in under the falls on a strictly Turkish plan, Did it ever fall to your lot to hear of a festive coon. whose name is Rosebud Rob?” The outlaw started and gave vent to an affirmative grunt. “You he?” “You stack your chips that I’m the precise char- acter answering to that Sunday-school baptism. For instance, just cast your eyes upon my physiog- nomony!” And off came the mask, and the coolly handsome face of the Sport was turned upon the outlaw. “Well, what.d’ye want 0’ me?”’/he demanded, sur- lily, seeming fully satisfied as to the identity of the “man to suit all circumstances.” ‘ “Wirst, I want you to discard the wearing of your mask,” Rosebud replied, as he restored his own to his face, ‘‘ Nothing like knowing each other’s cast of countenance, you see. It elevates and instructs.” “Guess [ won't,” the outlaw replied. ‘You never see’d me, though I’ve heard o’ you in a casual way.” “All the same, take off that mask, just to please me and to save you the moderate expense of a six- foot hole in ferra firma!” , The fellow obeyed. As soon as the guard tore away his mask, Rosebud Rob turned the full rays of the lantern upon his face —a rough, stubbly countenance the Sport could not remember of seeing before, “What is your name?” he demanded. “Jack Jillett,” was the sullen reply. ‘And ede belong to this Diablo’s Infernal gang?” “Orn't you read? Diablo’s stamp is on my fore- head plain enough.” ‘“*Yes—so I now pereeive. Well, now what shall T do with you? Which way would it be best and easi- est for you to die?” ‘Not at all. Itis unnecessary that I should die, you see, wien I may be able to help you!” **You help mea?” “Oertainly. You’ve fairly caught me, and T sur- render to your will. Ineed not tell you that I am not particularly in love with Diablo, and I’d just as_ soon bu’st up the league as not.” Rosebud Rob gazed at the man, sharply—search- ely. oB5 you mean this?” he asked, sternly. ‘ Re- zaember, the first sign of treachery I. see, my knife hunt 4 passage into your heart!" Photograph Phil, ; : ner ee RN a SE ut to his “J hear and understand,” the outlaw replied, from his | ‘‘andI mean alll say. If you will enlist me in your service, I will reward your confidence by strict at- tention to your commands!” ‘By your language, I should judge you had been reared in aifferent surroundings than these, sir?” “Ay! I have seen better days, years ago, until whisky and gambling took me down the hill.’’ : a MY at can you tell me about the secrets I wishto ~ learn?’ ‘“Much more than you think. Iam general guard of the secret mine; and, in fact, of the whole con- cern. My orders are next only to the chiefs, and none dare to question me but him, He seldom no- tices me,” “Good! Know you robber. band is stored?’ a “T think I do, when I pass the spot fifty times each day.” “And you have access to the gold?” “No! it is locked within an iron box, which Diablo — had brought from Deadwood.” oy ‘How many modes of ingress and egress are there to the secret mine, then?” ‘“Three; one near where the toll-gate of Joaquin Muriete stands, amother underground passage which comes up in under the temple of Bacchus, and the | one we are in at present.”’ « “Did Pee serve under Joaquin’s flag?” “Tdid. These passages were discovered together with the secret mine over a year ago, and Joaquin bound us together as a band to remain in the mine and work it for him, after our first captain, Nugget Ned, so strangely disappeared.” “ He was a good master, eh?” “Ay; better than either Joaquin or Diablo. The latter two are very much alike in cruelty and flerce- ness.’ “ Joaquin’s life wasimbittered to some extent by the separation with his wife,” the Sport said. ‘‘ But, I must not tarry here. My business is to get into the secret mine, secure possession of the treasure hat was in the ascade ‘ity bank at the timeo. the robbery, capture as many of the outlaws as possi- ble, and then get back into the outer world.” “Am [with you in the adventure?” “Yes, if you promise to be faithful. One act of treachery upon your part, and I will kill you if it is ,Where the treasure of this the last act of my life.” Bh “Ay, well Lunderstand the terms, For, not only shall I be serving you, but fighting for that freedom I can never haye until the Infernal Forty is out of existence.” ' “How many men has, this Diablo under his con- trol altogether?” “ Hizhty odd, I believe, including the miners and — the forty who run the road-ageut business.”’ “We. are two against eighty! Phew! an un- healthy aspect of affairs—for the eighty, I should. say. ‘@ must play our cards slow but sure, in or- der to have any show for winning.” s “ Ay all depends upon our success in one item,” Jillett said, ; ‘And what is that?" “Tn slaying Diablo.” é “ But I wish to capture him.” “‘Nevertheless, take my advice and strike him down, at the first opportunity. The man is possessed - of the devil, Allow him liberty and he will outwit old Satan himself, mark my words.” “*T fear him not, and would rather capture him and deliver him up to justice. Comel let us move on, _ for I would to the work.” ' “Nay, you must not hurry, I will first go to the secret cavern, so that the way may be prepared. You remain here, and trust allto me. If 1 do not return before to-morrow night at this time, be not uneasy. All depends how successful I am in matur- — ing my plans.’ eH _And after a few regulations between them, as to i aignals, and so forth, the outlaw stole noiselessly
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Photograph Phil. away, up the passage, leaving the Sport to make the best of his situation, Which he proceeded to do. ; Turning out his light, he threw iiimself upona convenient rock, and went off intc alight but re- freshing slumber. During which he was visited by a strange dream. In it, he thought himself sitting in the room at Mrs. Lyoniel’s house, when two men entered bearing between them an inanimate form, to all appearances, which they carefully deposited upon the bed. et any ess! my God! is this you?’ the Sport eried. A faint smile fiitted across the deathly countenance of the dare-devil, as the Sport bent over her, ‘Oh! it’s but astab inthe side, from that Jean Alyne,”’ she replied, with an attempt at her old-time recklessness, : “Tt hasn’t bled externally, but I’m fast filling up, inside. Iam glad of it, Rosebud—I have been want- ing to die, all along, but couldn’t, till Alyne helped me, We were old enemies, and he did it with a good grace. I didn’t want to live and see her yours, and ate am going before—and I am so glad—I am so— 50 glad—’’ ith a start the Sport awoke from his dream, and sat bolt upright, in a dripping per. piration. “God grant that was a mockery—that hideous dream,” he gasped. Footsteps were coming down the passage, before him—friend or foe? CHAPTER Xt. WOOING IMPROMPTU. into the next day—ay, into the following bh ig the Sport stillin the passage, we must mee : Zouns, and i pase afd, decidedly. night. ter Jennie Grey left him, Photograph Phil con- tinued retouching pictures until the sun went down, when he locked up his apparatus in a huge chest in his wagon and adjourned to a hotel for his supper. After he had satisfied his appetite, he spent an hour in making bimself presentable, after which he started toward Jobn Mason's parlor. For it was there he naturally expected to meet the impulsive, warm-hearted Virginian. The family were at supper when the Boy Sleuth arrived at the cabin, but fair Jennie hastily arose and escorted Phil into the parlor, joy shining in her beautiful blue eyes. Bill Greeland, miner, looked after the pair with evi- dent satisfaction. . “The boy’s a good ’un,” he muttered, under his breath, ‘‘and the leetle gal will be all right in his are. ‘Twixt him and the dashing Sport the little beauty will be over ears in love ere sie is aware of it. ell, well; she can’t learn life’s strange lesson much younger.” The qniner seemed to take a fatherly interest in the Virginian. Or was it because the port had ordered it so Jennie conducted her visitor into the parlor with girlish triumph. “Do be seated, and teach me the merry, merry art of taking photographs,” she said, leading Phil to a sofa, and sitting down beside him. “I am all im- patience to learn so desirable an art.” . “There, I beg,” Phil replied. ‘As I'm a live sin- ner, L actually forgot to bring along my book of in- structions. Isn’t ita shame? I will start now for 7+? “UNO. you will do nothing of the kind, sir,” Jennie “Tf two young people cannot get along for an evening without instructions, they ought to be blackballed.” ; © Well, just as you say. thing from. eral ore, an 5; ae ahead be) any- ties to love; from goods to min- Ry vill endeavor to instract you to the re, or polities, or— =, 3th To be sure, what should “Or love,” Phil said for her. “That is a dainty subject to handJe, so we will discard it ” “No, we won't!” replied Jennie firmly, “ Love is the very subject. I love flowers and poetry, nice eats, fruit, sunshine and photographers, and—” “ And photographers?” Phil ejaculated, graduall becoming more and more amazed. “You dont really mean to—” : “Yes, | just mean to say that I love you!” the lit- tle minx cried, defiantly. ‘Now, say as much for yourself, if you dare!” “Why! why—” Phil began, beginning to grow as red as a cherry, conscious that her saucy eyes were trying LS ed into his—that her fair round hand had clas S own. The truth was he was in just such a fix as he had never been in bef6te. He had always flattered him- self that being gifted with plenty of cheek, he could not be easily abashed, but here this pretty litule sprite had cornered him in her boldly innocent and charming way, and was evidently hugely enjoyirg his blushes and confusion. “There! there!’’ she said, the next minute, throw- ing her arms ‘around his neck, and kissing him, “don’t be scared a bit, for I don’t mean half of it you know. Lam oneof the awfulest madcaps you ever saw, and I do so love to tease anybody.” ““And so you selected me for a victim, eh?’’ Phil maupred to ask. ‘Of course I did, you great good fellow. | I knew Icould mix you all up like molasses candy, the first glance I got of you, this afternoon. ! knew you were the one I could amuse myself with, without uae misconstrued, or risk being insulted,” “Well, since you have seemingly derived consid- erable amusement from my presence, you wil per- haps be satisfied to let me take my departure,” Phil said. a little seriously. “No, you bet I won't!” the little minx declared, emphatically. “After I have ed my bird, do ou suppose I am going to be foolish enough to let m fly away from me? Not much!” And she kept a grasp upon his coat-sleeve, in a prompt way. : “* What do you mean to co with me?” : “Oh! hold you a prisoner for the best part of the evening. You see, Guardy is usually ouf till late, and aunty is going to call upon Mrs. Jones, and there will. be no one here with me except that Mr, Jeff Harkins, as Mr. Greeland says he is going to the theater. I fear that cae flesh creeps eve’ time he looks at me with his co d,(steely eyes. He reminds me of my enemy, Lucas Alyne.” BE eh he is the same in disguise?’ Photo- ph Pai fo his mind and forming into words. “Oh! sir, Pie do not deem that possible, do you?" Jennie asked, in alarm. “It is quite possible, but_not lied. ‘*‘ Anyhow, if you will be kind enough to al ow me the privilege Iwill act as your protector until your gallant and handsome lover returns,” “To whom do you refer, sir?” “To the Sport—Rosebud Rob,” A quiet flush stole to Jennie’s cheek as she heard jhe name. **{ don’t know why you should call him my lover,” ~ she said, with ashy glance into hiseyes. “I am « great deal iniebted to the Sport. but am in no way bound to him. And Iam sureT like you just a little the best.”” suggested, the thought coming readily _ Paha Phil re | A Why will you persist in giving me taf. “There isn’t the least bit of taffy in it,” Jennie as- serted earnestly, her big blue eyes dilating. “I’m meaning every word I say, so help me John Rogers} Don't think me gone demented or trifling with you, — If you was half a man, this much of the courts!) “Phew! if you since you will have courtship, my little ir ou jwouldn’t have let me do T propose upon the spot.” ~ P. ‘ ain’t a brick. I never saw one. But. repressthlg,
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> poming vt Miss Priscilla from Mrs. So “kissed | 26 Photograph Phi} ** Propose that we get married?” “Propose that we take a walk out in the early moonlight, and sip the fragrance of ambrosia from the cup of the moon.” “Oh, dear! fan me quick, or I shall faint—I know Ishall!” the little Virginian cried, in much alarm, “Oh! Mr. Phil, if you have any regard for my nerves, And then she burst into a merry laug Phil joined her. “You are incorrigible!’’ he said. ‘And you are a great bear,’’ was her reply. “Why, can pick out the smallest definition of a man in Virginia, and he can make love better by far than you. ‘ “Then go and find him,” Phil growled, rising with a view to departing. “Well, where are you going now?” ‘* Home, Miss Inquisitiveness. Got any particular objections to offer?” “Of course [have. Didn’t I tell you I wanted you to spend the evening with me?” “Oh, yes! I'd forgotten. Now, then, I'll sit down once more, and let’s be sensible. Do youreally care for me, as you said, Miss Grey?” “Why, of course,” she replied, nestling close to him. “Do you suppose I should have said so if I hadn’t meant it? I do think ever so much of you, Phil, for I believe you area nice, good boy.” “Thank you then, little sweetheart, for I already return your affection, and shall try to merit your warmest admiration.” 7 “There! that was nice of you—that speech, Phil. Tt sounded grand!” the little witch-fairy exclaimed, in delight. ‘‘And now that we are lovers, say the rest—you know what—and then seal the betrothal with a kiss.” ; “Will you marry me, my pretty?’’ Phil asked, now in dead earnest. * if T don’t make ou will never start off so gushingly borat n, in whic! “Of course [ will, Phil, and you see you a good and faithful, loving wife.’ Aud it is unnecessary for us to remark that the lovers’ compact was sealed with a kiss which caused volumes of joy for the two concerned. Phil was justly proud of his new charge, and Jen- nie was content know that his presence was all- desirable to her happiness. “We are both rather young to get married, my pet,” Phil remarked, “ and yet—” “Pshaw! we are not a bit t»o young, Phil. I be- lieve in people starting early in life, and by eae together they can soon get a foothold with their fel- lows, so that by and by they will have enough to keep them comfortable in their old age.” “Jonnie, you are a philosophic ‘ae! and a prize T would not part with for the world. You have but to name the day, and I'll be on hand.” “Tl think when £ should Jike it to be, and let you know to-morrow, Phil. But it need not be put off long, and I feel assured we shall get along happily together, for I, on my part, have had a great deal of experience, and no doubt you have, too; so that I believe we shall, to use a nautical expression, suc- cead in weathering te shoals and breakers of life, and sail upon an open and peaceful sea,” “Tam of the same opinion, dearest. You can de- pene upon my faithfulness. But, dearest, are your nd and heart free? Is not—’’ “T am aware what you would say.’ she interrupt- ed. ‘You would mention Rosebud Rob's name, He ‘is not—never can be—anything to me since you and Thave met. For, young lovers though we may be, Phil, I believe we are made for one another.” “And Photograph Phil thought so too, as he drew her within h's strong arms, and covered her face with kisses, . He remained by her side, and they, as lovers will, talked over the prospects of a happy future, until the little parlor-clock struck ten. ushering in the s’s; then Phil is little betrcthed, and took his departure, promising to call the next day, — ; After he hid gone, Jennie had to, of course, ap- prise Miss Priscilla of her new departure, and that estimable lady, after cbiding her heroine, went straight to Mr. Jefferson Harkins, alias the Reverend Lucas Alyne, with the intelligence. His reverence swore. under his breath, and excus- ing himself from Miss Priscilla’s presence, he resort- ed to the gulch street, in hopes of finding Jean, his son. 4 He was fortunate enough to meet that sorry-look- ing individual, rambling aimlessly about—a wreck o: ing individual bli imlessly about Ke of the sprucely-dressed villain he had been on coming to Cascade City, such a short time before. * You're a cursed fine-looking specimeu of human- ity—you are!” the Reverend Lucas said, angrily. “Come aside, out of hearing—I want to see you. What spree have you been into now, that your eyes are all bunged up, and your nose is knocked out of plumb?” ‘*Oh! just my luck,” the young villain growled. “Pve been pounded and knocked about ever since I first came here. Just got intoaskewrup, back here, with a vailed female, whom I tried to kiss, and she crippled my nose and one eye quicker’n no time. I tell you what—I'm goin’ to pull for the East.” “Not vet. I have work for you to assist in. first— work which interests us both. We must bring mat- ters to a focus, at once.” “ Why—what’s the matter? I thought you had a safe plan ahead?” “Tt won’t work now, for there is no time to be lost. The estate is liable to be snatched out of my hands at ei minute.”’ oe ow?’ “The girl has engaged herself to be married to the ons, devil, who runs the picture place, down yon- ler.” x ‘* Phew—and how does this endanger our financial prospects?” i “Why, in this way. The papers which bound the childr>n over to my care, had the provision that ue See ceases at the marriage of one or oth,’ G “And they come into the property at the same — time?” “Exactly. So you see not amoment is to be lost or the Virginian estate is gone, and we are beggars That accursed Photograph Phil must be put out of the way and the girl abducted. chance.” “Good enough! Leave the artist tome, and Tl smash his sku love again.” “Very well. When you have finished his case, leave a note to that effect in care of the barkeeper at Tony Ribleau’s saloon, and linger about the gulch for further orders from me,” ‘ ‘What has become of the Sport, Rosebud Rob?” “Gone in search of Diablo, the road-agent, they say. Sohe is safe out of the way, and there is noth- ing to prevent our working with success.” With this understanding the two villains separated, the Reverend Lucas going back toward Mason’s cabin, while his son mean‘ered to the first saloon to refresh himself out of a coin which his liberal-mind- ed father had condesce..ded to. drop into his paw. For without a certain amount of stimulus in him, the young rufflan was without his usual courage or fe- rocity. It is our only — so that he won’t be able to make We must again return to the Sport, who, awaken- ing from his htful dream, heard footsteps coming down the passage toward him. He was uncertain if or not it weve Jack Jillett, and he resolved to be on guard lest it should be a foe. Drawing his revolver, he crouched back into the darkest corner and waited. Nearer and nearer came the footsteps, and then a shr'll whisper: “Sh! do not be seart; it is Jillett. Are you 2 * ready?” 2 “Before I answer I'll make sure,” Rosebud Ro! rpticot Ol tie ie eae i Oar ile age 4 Bie 14 te i fed 7 aS
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Photograph Phil, replied, and he turned a full stream of light upon the new-comer, who was indeed Jillett, with his mask off in his hand for the oceasion, - “Well, are you satisfied?’ he asked, coming for- ward witha laugh. “Quite so, What news do you bring?” “Good news. You must come with me and hide. Ttis just dawning day, and the men will soon be re- teased from their cells to work in the mine. You must hide for the day; to night we will work.” ‘* Are the miners imprisoned?” “At night, yes, or a few of them would make their pies in the daytime I keep a close watch upon Shem, » “How about Diablo?’ ‘He isin the Temple of Bacchus, gambling with the Forty.” “Humph! to-morrow night at this time, he won’t be there.” ** Why not?” ** Because the Temple of Bacchus will be in flames, or, better still, in ashes.” “Maybe it will be all right, but the driving of the outlaws into the cave here will bother us more. But come along, and I will secrete you where you will not be molested.” Taking the lead, Jillett strode rapidly away up the passage, and closing the lantern-slide, Rosebud Rob followed in his steps. The passage was a trifle ascending, and in the course of twenty minutes they emerged into the secret mine—the same grand masterpiece of Nature which Photograph Phil had ee previously, in company with the chief, iablo, The Sport was surprised at the strange tableau, and gazed around him as be passed across the sandy bottom of the basin with a great deal of interest. This was the mine, then, which Nugget Ned had given him (as related i1 Rosebud Rob). This the place where immense fortunes lay in the golden sands under their feet. Pausing a moment, Jillett related to the Sport the eause of the so-called -moon-tide, and the whole working of the gates which flooded the mine with golden grains, which were brought along into,one Stream by a hundred gold-bearing tributaries, and finally, after settling in large deposits, was precipi- tated by means of hewn-out sluices into the mine. Some of the goldeu sand, of course, went over the cascade, and thus the miners of the cave-basin were -e'ting ten ounces to the one of that of the gulch- igg¢ers. Passing across the basin to the rocky walls on the north, Jillett unlocked an iron door which led into a ungeon. Pushing the Sport in first he entered after him, closisg the door in his wake. They were now in total darkness, but the Sport relieved that by turn- ing on the light from his lantern. e The dungeon was but a hole in the rocks with a oor to it being a siapeless affair, and inhabited _ by picks, shovels, and mining implements of every eoseription. A large east-iron box, shaped like a trunk, stood in one corner, and to this Jillett directed the Sport’s attention. “That is the treasure-box, and its contents in- elude all of the cash and bullion taken from the bank, besides a large amount of gold taken from the mine.” ' “ Allright, I'll keep a good watch over it. By the way, is there anything to eat in this den?” “Yes; [have provided you with meats and corn bread, in a basket yonder. Now, good-day; keep quiet, and when it is time, I will release you.” _. And so saying, he took Sport alone in the cave—alone with the treasure. ~The first thing he did was to tackle the edibles, which Jillett had thoughtfully provided for his use. He was exceedingly hungry, and consequently made @ good hearty meal. uring the forenoon he heard the men working in . is departure, leaving the. a? the basin mine—heard the echoing reverberations of their picks and shovels, but the sound of no voice, except a of Jack Jillett, as he paced to and fro on guard. : In spirit Rosebud Rob was restless. He chafed at this confinement—longed to be abroad, in search of the one woman he now knew he adored most-—and that one was no other than brave and courageous, self-sacrificing Baltimore Bess. The dream constantly reverted to his thoughts, ard nat po increased his anxiety. ‘What a blind iciot I was to refuse her, when she would have so joyfully grasped at the chance to be- come mine, and make me happy! Why cid I not accept her—why could I not see as I see now, that she, of all women was the one forme? Gud knows if say eps, should happen that we should not meet again in’ this life, I should be the most miserable devil in existence.” The day passed slowly, to the, as it were, impris- oned Sport, It was gloomy in the cheerless cave, even with his lantern lit, and he longed for night to come, and with it action, Night at last pares to fall, as he ascertained by peering through the keyhole out into the basin and by the cessation of the ringing of picks and shovels. é Then came a long blank, during which, for several hours, he could hear no sound of human presence in the basin. Then, came ri thrown open, an presence of the Sport—D/ab CHAPTER XII. ee, PHIL’S EXPERIMENT—DEATH OF BESS—CONCLOSION. THERE could be-no mistake about it being the rob- ber chief. Rosebud Rob had often heard him de- scribed, and the tall, waving plume in his hat bo- spoke that he was chief, or at least an officer of rank in the outlaw band, As he stepped within the cell Rosebud had inmvol- untarily Blepned tu one side of the entrance, so that he was not immediately seen—not until he made an agile ae upon the intruder and bore him to the ground, Then there was an instantaneous grappling of the two men and a fierce struggle for the mastery—a struggle between two powerful, determined men who were desperately res lved to win or die in the attempt—who knew that one of their lives must necessarily pay the forfeit. Over and over they rolled in a desperate hug; neither cou'd draw or use a weapon; the victor must eventually be the man who possessed the greater amount of endurance. A Twisting, panting, squirming about,they continued to struggle, neither speaking or showing signs of weakening. A It was a strange tableau there in the streaming light of the Sport’s lantern to see two strong men engaged in a death-hug, working for a doubtful vic~ tor. ing footsteps, the door was hastily there aepned suddenly into the lo, the Terrible! he Sport could have shot the chieftain down upon his entrance easily enough, but*chose rather ta capture him and let him expiate his crimes through the stern code of Black Hills justice. Over and over they rolled, endeavoring to dash each other against the rocky projections in order to produce ogee LI But their efforts seemed un- availing, and thus the struggle continued. 5 Finally the mask of Diablo _beeame loosened and torn off, and the stream of light from the Sport’s lantern fell full upon the undisguised chieftain’s ‘ace. Rosebud Rob uttered acry of consternation and surprise at sight of it. ie at could this mean? Could the dead return to e? ‘ For the face was that of Joaquin Muriete—Joaquin,
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28 whom the Sport had last seen lying dead in the great cavern northwest of Cascade City, as related in “Idyl, the Girl Miner.” Yet here he lay locked in the grasp of the Sport! Rosebud Rob could scarcely credit his senses. ‘Joaquin Muriete, can it be possible this is you?” he gasped, as for a moment there was a cessation in their struggles. ‘“ Did I not see you lying in death beside your wife in the great cavern?” , “You saw mein a state of unconsciousness that, no doubt, resembled death, but was not,” Joaquin replied. “I awoke after awhile, buried my wife, and came hither with the sole purpose of reaping riches and a sweet revenge upon you.” “ Why upon me?’ Rosebud Rob demanded, " “ Because I hated you—because you had the secret of the existence of this mine. [intended to destroy you, but now—” ee “Now,” said Rosebud. Rob, “it is nip and tuck ’ which wins.” The words were the starting point for a new strug- gle. Both clinched harder and worked desperately for the victory. Over, over and over they went, straining to break each other’s hold—working to erush each other, or dash one another’s head against the rocks. At last Rosebud Rob heard the sound of approach- ing footsteps, and his courage was hightened, for he “ recognized the stepas that of Jack Jillett. A mo- . replied. aie ment later the renegade outlaw came bounding into the dungeon, and he uttered a cry of surprise as he beheld the two men writhing upon the floor. “Great Heaven! Joaquin?” he gasped, standing aghast. “Yes, Joaquin,” the Sport replied. secure him.” Jillett obeyedin silence. He first secured Joaquin, Jr.'s feet, and then his arms and wrists were broken from their clas», and bound, Then Rosebud Rob arose to his feet, not a little sore and stiff as a result of hislong struggle. Diablo lay upon the rocky floor of the cell, cursing like a treoper, “Gag him, or do something to stifle his yells,” Rosebud Ro directed, and Jillett tied a handker- chief over the captured outlaw’s mouth, which had the desired effect. Diablo was nearly purple with rage, when he found that he wasa prisoner and deprived of his power of speech. The tables were fairly turned up- on him. “* How have you got matters arranged elsewhere?” Rosebud R b asked. ‘'Are we in danger of being surprised?” ; “Nol Every man of the Infernal Forty is drugged to st :pefaction and securely bound.” “Where are they?” = Tn the mine here, whither I dragged them one by one. ‘‘ How came Diablo—or Joaquin—here?”” “T know not. Hewas not in the Temple, and I ca ne hither in search of him. poke it was leame in time, or y »u'd have been stiff by this time.” ...' Prue enough, and I have you to thank for my life.” Rosebud R% said, earnestly ‘* Now, the ques- tion is, how shall we get cur treasure and our pris- oners into Cascade City ?”” “Wasily enough, only we shall have to make two trips. There is a passage leading out of the mine to the entrance [_spoke of, near where Joaquin’s toll-gate once stood. In the Mar gt are five mules on whom we can load several of the pfisoners, and the treasure-box. What do you say to setting the miners free, as they were compulsory servants of Diablo?” ‘ “I leave that to your judgment,” Rosebud Rob ‘But, come! let’s hurry up with this job, for other work demands my attention.” “Very well, remain here and guard.the chief, and Twill go for the mules,” Jiliett said, after which he departed, Shy eee “Help me to Photograph Phil, He was gone about ten minutes, when he returned, ae five pack-mules. : The Sport had, in the mean time, dragged Diablo out of the cell, and left him in the vicinity of his captured confederates, while he went back after the treasure-chest and succeeded in dragging that out, as Jillett arrived. The work of loading now began. The iron chest being heavy was assigned as the burden of one mule. : Some twenty of the prisoners, including Diablo, wee then tied in a line or lashed to the remaining mules. “You had best set out for Cascade City alone,” said Jillett, ‘while I remain here to guard the other prisoners. All you have to dois to follow the mules, and they will lead you into the passage, which you follow to the end,in thé face of a wall of rock. Search about the floor at the foot of this wall, and you will find an iron foot-spring that, when you step upon it, will cause the w. to part for the space of a couple of minutes, when they will glide to- gether again. A spring on the outside will serve to open them for you on your return.” “ You will remain here?” “Yes, as there is one who might come and re- De the rest of these fellows, should I leave them alone. “To whom do you allude?” “To one Millicent Vere, who is the affianced bride of this Diablo.” “Ah! Lhaveheardof her. Well, youremain here, sbi a. ,800n return with a posse of Vigilantes ab my back, And with these words Rosebud Rob set out in the rear of his mule train, which was connected together by lariats. By following them and Jillett’s directions, he was. soon out upon the toll-road, and proceeding toward) Cascade City. The night was not moonless, nor was it particular- ly light. Upon glancing at his watch, as he descend- ed the bluffs into the gulch, the Sport found that it was two o’clock, A. M. The town had mostly quieted down, very few per- sons being aboard, s The first persons Rosebud met were Schuyler, the president of the late bank, and Bill Greeland, the los- ing miner, . oth. popped short, as they met the Sport with his cargo of gold and buman freight. “Oh! exclaimed Rob, “it’s 1, with the fruits of capture. I have all of Diablo’s treasure, and some of his men, including himself. What shall we do with them, for I am in a hurry forthe rest of the robbers, whom I left bound and in chase of one Jillett, who assisted me in the cap- ture “Then leave this caravan in our charge, with the _ assurance that we will care for it Pialge e said Greeland. ‘The bank will make a first-class prison, for the present.” Rosebud Rob ready assented, and leaving mat-~ ters in their hands, he hurried off through the guich in search of those citizens who had formed them- selves into a vigilance committee. Sooncollecting a ~ zy half-dozen men, he set out once more for the secret cavern. : : pnt Entering the secret passage from the toll-road, — ee TEN vals it until they debouched into the ba- sin-mine. j Here a great surprise awaited them—especially, the Sport. The prisoners whom he had left in charge of Jil- lett were gone, while the renegade outlaw lay in> pdt ae with several bullet-holes in his forehead “By Heaven! they are gone!’ Rosebud Rob said, © : i ih the Temple of Bacchus burned to-night, Le-. lon?” 7 A ‘Yes; the flames bad but died out when you ar rived in the guleh, Sport.” © ¥ and wish to return
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Photograph Phil, “Then these outlaws, aided by a woman, have made their escape. Let us look to the cabins.” An examination was made, which resulted in the Hiscovery that not only had the outlaws escaped, but the imprisoned miners had been liberated and were gone, A thorough search of the strange cavern resulted no better. The outlaws were all gone, or so secure- ly hidden that thev could not be found. “There is no use of our looking further,’”’ Rose- bud Rob said, at last. “The woman, Millicent Vere, has beaten my game when I held a sure hand.” - ee the sconer we get out of here, the better!” pried one of the Vigilantes. : “Tookee hayr, will ye?’ and directing the light apon the ground, he enabled them each to behold a copious trail of giant powder, running from one center in a score of directions. Every facé suddenly was possessed of a white, seared look, except that of the Sport. Outwardly he was as cool as the proverbial cucumber. “True enough,” he said, grimly —“ a plot is on foot to blow us up, and it only remains for us to make a run of it.” x é And they did make a run of it. , Taking to the passage through which they had en- tered. they started off at the top of their speed, and suoeeeded in getting out upon the highway, near where Joaquin’s cottage had-stood. And not a moment too soon! There was suddenly a tremendous jarring of the ground, beneath their feet, as if an earthquake had come upon them—then, a roar as of a hundred wide- mouthed cannons. The blow-up of the mine had no visible effect up- on the country above it. The cavernous basin was 30 coer that only the jar was felt in the outer world. “We have had a narrow escape pil rims, and I think we have reason to be thankful, * Rosebud Rob said, with a shudder, ‘I pity any one that was alive within that secret mine when she blew be “Hayr, too,” assented one of the Vigilantes. “Thar’d be a poor show fer ary mortal in thet ex- plosion, you bet your top boots.’ “The mine being worthless now, and the outlaws esceped, nothing remains for us but to return to ‘town,’ the Sport said. ‘There, at least, we have a few victims in the hands of the law.” Accordingly they returned over the rugged stage- road, and descended into the golden ust as ithe first streak of day-dawn touched upon the far eastern horizon of lofty peaks. Photograph Phil, after leaving the cabin of the M sons, returned to his ‘“ schooner” wagon in the gulch, where he usually slept. He was feeling far happier and more apprecia- tive of the world and things worldly than he had earlier in the evening. Crawling into his vehicle upon a couch of skins, he dropped off into alight nap, from which he awoke in about an hour. But in that hour he dreampt that danger was menacing Jennie Grey. — Peering out of the ween he saw that the gulch owas nearly deserted. Mason’s cabin was dark and wrapped in slumber to all appearance. “1 must now to my work,” the young artist mut- terd. ‘The building must be burned according to the Sport's direction.” Arming himself with a can of kerosene oil, which he carried among his effects, he left the wagon and dodged about in the shadows of the gulch shanties until he came to the robbers’ nest, known as the Temple of Bacchus. : Reeonnoitering, to find that there was no one in the immediate vicinity, he proceeded to saturate the walls with the inflammable oil. As soon as be had accomplished this, he set fire to some old grass that would communicate with the ; building, and then ses away to his wagon. e ba ta minutes the “Temple” was wrapped in | flames, and the ery of fire which sounded through the guich had the effect of bringing out a large crowd, But as soon as the place had burned to the ground, they all crawled back to rest, and the guich was deserted. About an hour before daybreak Phil was lying in a semi-drowse, when somebody parted the curtains of his wagon, and an excited voice called to him: “Mr. Phil, come ae to the cabin, for Heaven’s sake! Something awful has happened.” He recognized the voice as that of his betrothed, Jennie Grey, and he was out by her side in an in- stant. ** What is it, Jennie? Tell me.” “Oh! Phil, itis awful! We have just found Mr. Mason lying in his cellar, his head spl it open with an ax, and his money has been stolen.’ hotograph Phil uttered an exclamation of hor- ror. “ By gracious! this is awful, true enough!’ When did you discover fhe crime?” “Just a bit ago, when I went into the cellar for some articles for an early breakfast. ‘Oh! Phil, Miss Priscilla is nearly distracted.” : “Poor woman! Itisasadblow. Wait a moment and I will Sbecrireny ou back to the cabin.” He crept back into the wagon, armed bimself, and then went with sweet Jennie to the miner's cabin. Although it was approaching daylight, and the town was yet asleep, many had heard of the shock: e murder, and had flocked to the cabin, he body of the murdered miner had already been brought from the cellar, and laid upon a lounge. He, had received a blow witha sharp ax in the back part of the head, which had nearly cleft the skull in twain. It was truly a horror of horrors, “In God’s name, who can have committed this ghastly crime?” Phorograplt Phil exclaimed, as he viewed the work, surrounded by the weeping friends of the dead man. But no one seemed able to answer the momentous question. Whoever was the guilty wretch, he had struck a sure blow, and stolen away with the gold for which he had stained his hands in human blood. Miss Priscilla was inconsolable, and Jennie was overcome with genuine grief, for she had become greatly attached to the sturdy, honest miner, By daylight the news of the crime had spread throughout the town, and Soe crowds came none were admitted, except a few friends. Rosebud Rob and Bill Greeland viewed the body, sorrowfully. Both had grown to esteem him, and it was asad sight to behold him lying so cold and si- lent in death. ae As soon as preciicsble, Rosebud Rob sought out Photograph Phil, and found him talking to Jennie in the parlor. Both ceme forward to meet the handsome fate z e rosy Phil with a guilty flush on his cheek, and Jenn’ with blushes. a But, much to Phil’s relief, the Sport, said nothing of their being together—rather, spoke of the crime, ‘“What do you think about it?” Rosebud Rob asked ‘‘ Do you suppose the murderer has fled the town?” “No, Ido net; and Jobn Mason being dead, I dare say he will come here to-day!” ~ 2 Ba) then you think you know the guilty man?” E “That I cannot even tell you, Mapleton.” the Bo: Sleuth said—' not at present, any . Wait, andif Til otdea ee t ht man comes. I w © prove my icions of him.’’ ? nder the supervision of the two young men, John. Mason’s body was taken to the parlor and robed for buria). after which all but the family were locked out of the dead-room. the sus Many of the townspeople, however, ered about the cabin, and a spirit of the reve 1 was rife among ‘ E Mason had ever been a first and foremost citizen, ; n ALTA Los = “Bara 7
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30 G.* and dark were the threats of the people against the murderer, About noon Reverend Lucas Alyne presented him- self at the cabia, in his disguise as Jeff Harkins. The moment Paotograph Phil saw him, he nodded to the Sport. ‘“That’s the man, ten to one,”’ he whispered. ‘* Do you know him?” Rosebud Rob shook his head. “No! Who is he?’ ““His name is Lucas Alyne.”’ “What! that man Lucas Alyne?” “Sh! Yes, it is he, in disguise. Keep still, and leave ali to me. First, let us see what he has to say. The disguised minister paid not the slightest atten- tion to either Phil or our Sport, but went to Miss Priscilla and offersd her comfort in a few well- chosen words, after which he procesded into the pwilor and viewed the body. hen he came out he ole shade whiter, and evidently somewhat agi- ated. Ther were quite a number of people in the cabin, and glancing around, he said: “My friends, this is asad affliction which has vis- ited us in the death of Mr. Mason, whom I knew to be a go0d man, although we were nof friends exact- ly. You may, some of you, remember me as the Reverend Lucas Alyne, for this bearl I wear -is merely false. I had to adopt the disguise in orJer to be near my ward here, who was cruelly taken from me and placed in Mr. Mason’s charge. Now thattaa poor min is dead, I am sure that none of you presant can object to returning her to my lovin; care. And as he finished speaking the reveren1_ rascal removed his false hair and beard, and stood forth in ' his true colors. 1" “Ay! T object!” Photograph Phil cried, springing to his feet—"‘ I object, and give two reasons: one of them is, that Miss Grey here’’—and as he spoke he drew Jennie to his side—‘tis my affianced wife. Another—her father and own natural.guardian has just turned up, and will assume her protection.” A ery of surprise came fron all—a joyous ex- Saati from Jennie —a baffled oath from Lucas ne, tt is a lie!—a base plot to rob me of my ward!” he cried fiercely. ‘‘ Do not believe them, my friends. They are conspiring against m3—against justice and the Lord. I appeal to you—I app2al to you!” “Do not usé the name of ths Lord in this case, Lucas Alyne,”’ Photograph Phil said sternly. ‘‘ For ‘ou to pretend piety any longer, is out of all reason. f yon so desira, I can produce William Grey, the father of the young lady here.” i yy “ Tis false! I defy you to eet him, you young Philistine! William Grey is lonz sinee dead!” ~ © Youerr!’ said Bill Greeland, the miner, as he too stepped forward, and pulled a mass of bushy fais2 beard from his face. “‘Look you, Lucas Alyne —lamthe man!” he defeated guardian staggered back. *“ You—y !” he gasped, his as glaring wildly. “Yes, I,” said the handsome elderly miner. ‘“ Af- fer all your devilish scheming for wealth, Lucas Alyne, I have survived to wrest one of my children from you!” and as Jennie flew to his embrace the raturned wanderer clasped her fondly to him. '. Lucas Alyne, purple with passion, turned toward the door. But the Sport and the young Sleuth in- stantly blocked his path, “You will pardon us,” Photograph Phil said, slip- ping a pair of handcuffs upon the wrists of the con- ounded man quickly with Rosebud’s help, “‘ but we beg to detain you upon the suspicion that you are * the murderer of John Mason. Perhaps we are wronz, but I choose to try an experiment. which will either vindicate or convict you. Ladies and gentleman, if you will be patient, I will returnsoon.” And so saying, he left the shanty. Great was the excitement among those within Photograph Phil, Excusing himself, William Grey took Jennie to ~ hotel, where more fully they could understand tha happiness of their glad reunion. BopoereDE Phil soon returned to the miner’s shanty, ring a tiny camera or photograr ing in: strument, This he took into the parlor, where lay' the dead body of John Mason. The others followed him, curious and excited, andl Rosebud Rob also marched the prisoner into the room, ghastly white, and trembling in Alyne was now every limb. Photograph Phil went calmly at his work. He ee bis camera upon a pedestal, at the foot of he improvised bier, after which he propped up the body in a sitting posture. He next opened the eye- lids of the dead man, so that the glassy balls were revealed, and then turned to the wondering and ex: cited spectators, “What I now rropose todo,” he said, “is to pho- tograph the pupil 0! probably know that the last object a dying man’s eyes rest upon, before life becomes extinct, is indel- ibly photographed on the pupil of his eye. By tak. ing a nctoe aan of the pupil after death, you can reproduce that. object as naturally as though taken from life. It is an art I once learned in the East, and have used several tithes in convicting murderers, I will now proceed with my work!” Lucas Alyne at this*juncture gasped for breath, and fell on the floor, where he lay, panting, his eyes glaring with insane desperation. Phil went calmly at his work, and in the course of ten minutesshe produced a tin-type from his ma- chine, and retired with some che nicals to a* dark room to finish it. Not long was it before he returned and gravely passed it around for inspection. Many were the exclamations as those in the room gazed upon the faint but distinct picture. for #¢ was the face of Jeff Harkins, alias Reverend Lucas Alyne. Th? murderer of John Mason was lynched that night at sundown; in the presence of a large con- course of people, and at the same time Diablo, other, wise Joaquin, Jr., and those of the Infernal Forty who had been captured, were launched into eternity. It was the biggest hanging ever seen in the Black Hills mip and to-day many a miner who was resent can tell you much more than I can of the orrors of the “ last hoist.” That night Rosebud Rob and Photograph Phil paid a visit to William Grey and his daughter, and were gladly received, shone of course Phil was the re-_ aier of the lion’s share of pretty Jennie’s atten: ion. While they were passing away the evening a note eame for Rosebud Rob in the handwriting of Balti- more Bess. It made his heart beat faster as he caught sight of the beloved handwriting, but he quickly grew deathiy white, and a groan of anguish escaped his lips. The note read: _ ‘Mr. Marreton:—Will you come tome? Tamdy« ing, and want to see you once more before I cros¢. the river to eternity. Tam at Mrs. Lyoniel’s. “Your loving Bess, alias Pauuine Grey.” _ ‘‘My God! Can it be true?” the Sport cried, burst: ing ate tears. ‘I will not believe it until I see for myself.” Seizing his hat, he rushed from the room, leaving the note behind him. Mr. Grey picked it up, and ag he saw it he groaned aloud. a “My Heaven, Jennie!” he gasped. ‘‘It is from your sister—from long-lost Pvuline! Dying! dying! Oh! God forbid! Philip—quick, boy! Guide us to the place where we shall find our darling.” Rosebud Rob was the first to reach Mi and he rushed up-stairs to the room he had former- ly oceupied Opening the door, he softly,entered, — S the dead man’s eye. Youall — . Lyoniel’s,
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_ her head reste > Mrs, Lyoniel was crouching by the bedside, and a physician stood near by. josh very grave. Bess was lying upon the , deathly white, but still possessed of consciousness, for a glad smile came to her face as the Sport came forward. “Oh! I am so glad!” she said, in a low, sweet voice—‘‘ so glad you have come to see me, Rosebud. Iwas afraid you would get here too late, or would not come at all.” : “Bess, my darling, do you think that I could have stayed away? Bess, what cruel fate was it that caused me to scorn yore love, when you are the dearest object of my life? You are not dying, my treasure? Oh! for God’s sake, tell me that you are not dying!” The Sport, strong, self-controlled man that he was broke down utterly, and sobbed out his anguish—his repentance of one sad mistake—his regret that was insatia‘e. “Don't sg Rob,” Bess said, taking his hands in hers—‘ don’t cry, dear. "Tis for the best that the Lord has summoned me to Him. My life here be- low has been productive of very little actual good, although I always strove to sin not, and am happy to die, Rob, if you do care for me after all.” “Care for you, Bess? Can you doubt it?” “‘No, I believe you, dear. If I could haye known it before—but—but, it is too late. I could not live and see you wedded to another, and so I threw my- He into a quarrel, and got a knife-wound in my side.’ ‘Who did the deed, Bess? Tell me who ‘did it, that I may hound him to the death he has bespoke for bp «You would do this, Rosebud?’ she interrogated, brightening up. “T swear it, Bess!’’ “Then, it was Jean Alyne, Did Jennie tell you her story, Rob?” : “Yes: and you, Bess—” * Am the sister who fled from the cruel guardian- ship of Lucas Alyne, in pursuit of a recreant lover, T-t thought I loved him, un—until I met you. Then the whole bubble burst, and I realized the truth that it was you I had been fated to love.” “This recreant lover was Mark Manners, eh?” “The same. Ah! it is growing dark, my darling. Won’t you light the lamp so that I can see you?” “The lamp is lit, Bess,’ the Sport replied in a thoked voice, tears streaming down his cheeks, “ Ah! then this is death that obscures my sight. Bend nearer—there,”’ and she threw her arms about his neck and drew his face closer to hers. ‘‘I can see you for the last time. ThankGod! I was afraid [could not see you. Kiss me, Rob.” : The Sport obeyed, covering her lips and forehead with passionate caresses. He saw she was goin very fast, and his raised her in his arms, so tha’ against his shoulder. The change seemed to relieve her, and she appear- ed*content. Ae Both the peyeeien and Mrs. Lyoniel knelt in silent rayer by the bedside, while, convulsed with grief. he Sport held his darling to his breast. and watched ther life-tide ebb away, while came to him the realiza- ‘ion that the dearest hope of his aching heart was doomed to float away from his grasp, where it could never, never be recalled to this life. ' She rallied a little once more, as if she would pro- a @ a _ Photograph Phil. mee > " . * = Be long life for the knowledge that one man loved her, and that he held her close to his heart. For the full rar of their love was with the going out of the e 0: S. : _ ‘You will soon join me in the better world, dar- ie she murmured, her eyes gazing lovingly into S. “God grant it so, dear Bess!” he replied, softly kissing her. Then turning to the preset he asked: es ee are yousure there is no hope—no hono at all? “ Positive!’ was the low reply. ‘*She has not bled ire S you see.” “No! there is no hope,” Bess replied, seeming to have caught their words. “Iam dying. Ah—dari —now! Ob, look! the sun has burst from the clouds, and—and—kiss me good-by, Robbie—”’ He kissed for the lass time in her earthly career the lips that were pore and softly her life went out, leaving a sweet half-smile and expression of peaceful joy upon her features. : altimore Bess was dead! , Dead !—just a moment before the door pee and William Grey and Jennie, accompanied yy Photo- graph Phil, entered the room—too late! Our work lacks but a little of completion. The next day was truly a day of mourning in Cas- cade City, for both Bess and the dead trainer, John Mason, had many friends in the golden gulch. Both funerals were attended by large assem- blages, and when the sun set over the western mountain-crests, its dying light shone upon two fresh-made graves upen the slopes, wherein reposed two true and faithful hearts—two beings that had died by vhe assassin’s hand, but were surely given a welcome by him whose Power is mighty, And whose love is infinite. Later, William Grey left the mines for his Virgiui > home, accompanied by Jeunie and Photograph. For his services in recovering the stolen treasure. large compensations were offered Rosebud Rob, but he declined them all, stating that he had enough of this world’s wealth to carry him through, or, at. least, to ene his wants. A grief-stricken man. he shortly after left Cascade City in search of Jean Alyne, with but one object in view—that he might survive long enough to avenge the death of Bess. The gold stolen by Lucas Alyne from John Ma- son’s cellar, was found in the villain’s room at the hotel, and restored to peor Miss Priscilla. It is not improbable that the Virginia papers may ere long, herald the nuptials of Jennie and Phil, for; though their love-making was sudden and youthful, their hearts are still bound together in the strong bond of true affection. 2 The outlaws who escaped from Diablo's strong- hold, aided, as was supposed, by V ilicent Vere, have never been heard of since, much to the relief of ihe few souls who still toil for gold in Cascade Gulch And shall we surprise any to announce that * Bully Ike of the 663d Congreshional deestrict”’ has taken to himself a wife, and now ts ‘mayor’ >f the town? Let us write here: ‘ END,
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oe No. 12. <G MRD RECrp . BEST AUTHORS. 3 A CHOICE COLLECTION OF. Beautiful Compositions Carefully Compiled for SCHOOL, LYCEUM, PARLOR, | AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENTS, » cenit BY comes FRANCES P. SULLIVAN, Issued Quarterly, June, 1886. Subscription, 50 Cents per Year, | M. J. IVERS & CO.,, PUBLISHERS, s6 NASSAU STREET, N.Y. Entered at the Post Office, Y. N., as second class matter.
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B BEADLE’S BOYS’ 7 SMART TOASTS FOR THE SMART SBT. Vest Pocket Size. 64 Pages. Sewed Book. Up-to-Date. By Mail, Postpaid, 12c. per Copy. BEST LINE OF HAND BOOKS PUBLISHED. “YIDDISH” YARNS.—A Collection of Hebrew Jokes, Stories, etc. “ GENTS’ LETTER WRITER.—A Perfect Guide to all kinds of Correspondence, FAMILY PHYSICIAN.—Family Diseases and Their ‘treatment; Rules of Health, ete. BOOK OF DREAMS.—Their Romance and Mystery. with a Complete Interpretation Dictionary. HOUSEWIFE'S MANUAL.—How to Keep House; How to Dye, Cleanse, etc. VAUDEVILLE JOKER.—Best Jokes by Eminent Vau- deville Artists. BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—Society, Visits, Introdue- tions, Dress, Balls, etc. FORTUNE TELLER.—Fortune Telling by Cards, Tea or Coffee Grounds, Eggs; Palmistry, etc. BOOK OF 100 GAMES.—One Hundred Games for Social Parties and Home Amusements. COOK BOOK.—Economical, Practical, Excellent. LADIES’ LETTER WRITER.—How to Write; When to Write; What to Write. RECIPE BOOK.—For the Parlor, Nursery, Sick-room, ‘Toilet, Kitchen, Larder, etc. BOOK OF BEAUTY.—Beauty of Form, Color, Head, Hair, Complexion, Skin, ete., with chapters on Perfumes, Cosmeties, ete. BOOK OF VERSES.—Comprising Rhymes, Lines, and Mottoes for Lovers and Friends. THE LOVERS’ CASKET.—A Treatise on and Guide to Friendship, Love, Courtship, and Marriage. “GERMAN” JOKER.—‘ Dutch” Jokes and * Gags” by best ‘“* Dutch” Teams on the Stage. “HAYSEED” JOKER.—The Doings of “Our Country Cousins” in a Humorous Way. “TRAMP” JOKER.—Good ‘‘ Handouts” in this Book for Professional and Amateur Entertainers. * COON * YARNS.—Best Jokes Relating to Our ** Dark- er-Skinned Brothers.” “TRISH” Joker No. 1.—The Wittiness and Whimsicali- ties of “ Pat” at His Best. “VARIETY * JOKER.—Good Things from all the Na+ tionalities: ‘t Pat,’ ‘‘Alphonse,”’ ‘' Haus,” ‘t Jona- than,” “* Moses,” and ‘* Ebenezer.” The above books are bound in handsomely illustrated lithographed covers. Price by mail, postpaid, 12 cents per copy. M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, 379 Pearl Street, New York City. : PRICE 1 Dandy Bill's Doom. By Oll Coomes. 3 Kit Garson. By A. W. Aiken. 4 Lillie, the Reckless Rider. By Stoddard. 5 Old Grizzly in the Rockies. By Ingraham. 6 Deadwood Dick asa Boy. By E. L. Wheeler. 7 Wild Bill. By Ingraham. 8 The Prairie Ranch. By J. E. Badger. 9 Roving Joe. By A. H. Post. 10 ‘'exas Jack. By Ingraham. 11 Charley Skylark, the Sport. B H. B. Stoddard. {2 Brimstone Bill’s Booty. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 13 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 44 The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick. By J. E. Badger, Jr. +5 Wide-Awake George. By E, Willett. 16 Wide-Awake Ned. By B. Ringgold. 17 Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn. By Noah Nuff. 18 Adrift on the Prairie. By Oll Coomes. 19 Joe, the Rover Sport. By A, H. Post. 20 Giant Pete and his Pards. By Harbaugh. 21 Yellow Hair. By Ingraham. _ 22 The Snow-Trail. By Harbangh. 23 Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr, Powell, 24 Woods and Waters. By Whittaker. 25 A Rolling Stone. By W. R. Eyster. 26 Red River Rovers. By C. D. Clark. 27 Buckskin Sam's Wild Ride. By Ingraham. 28 The Sword Prince. By F. Whittaker. > 23 Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. 30 Paul De Lacy. By C. D. Clark. 31 Round the Camp-Fire. By J. E, Badger, Jr. 82 Fancy Frank's Drop. By Ingraham. 88 The Boy Crusader. By Capt. F. Whittaker, LIBRARY. 5 CENTS PER COPY. 84 The Chase of the Great White Stag. By C. D. Clark, 35 Oid Tar Knuckle. By Rover Starbuck. ° 36 The Dashing Dragoon. By F. Whittaker. 87 Night-Hawk George. By Ingraham. 88 The Boy Exiles of Siberia. By ‘I’. C. Harbaugh. 39 The Young Bear Hunters. By Morris Redwing. 40 New York Bill, the Dodger. By Edward Willett. 41 The Settler’s Son. By Edward 8S. Ellis. 42 Walt Ferguson’s Cruise. By C. D. Clark. 43 Rifle and Revolver. By F. Whittaker. 44 The Lost Boy Whalers. By T. C. Harbaugt:. 45 Bronco Billy. By Ingraham. 46 Dick, the Stowaway. _By Charles Morris. 47 The Colorado Boys. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 48 The Pampas Hunters. By T. C. Harbaugh. 49 Nebraska Charlie. By Ingraham, 50 Jack, Harry, and Tom. By F. Whittaker. 51 ‘om Stone, the Old Sea Dog. 2 Cc. D. Clark, 52 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Harbaugh. 53 Harry, the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles Morris. , 54 California Joe. By Ingraham, 55 Tip Tressel, the Flatboat Boy. By Edward Willett. 56 The Snow Hunters. By Harry De Forrest. 57 Harry Somers, the Magician. By 8S. W. Pearce. 58 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost. By Ingraham. 59 Tim, the Mule Bor of the Mines. By Charles Morris, 60 The Young Trail Hunters. By ‘T. C. Harbaugh. 61 The Tiger Hunters. _ By J. E. Badger,Jr. 62 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. By Ingraham. 63 See ase Bill, the Bandit Wrecker. By Roger Starbue ! 64 Young Dick Talbot. By A. W, Aiken,
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THE Deadwood Dic @ Library @ LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest! @xtracts from the New York Evening Sun, TWO REMARKABLE MBmEROES. 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 strikes home, But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement that will be news to many when it is added that litera- ture, if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam was a mere child down to the present day, would show ‘ut few heroes that in the eyes of boyhood would be even judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest heroes known to American literature, or, to promptly re- veal them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr, * * * The modern heroes of fiction for young America, who are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and of whom the Deadwood Dicks are much the most important * * * it is but natural that their * * * should bear away the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left far behind In the race, It can be easily believed, therefore, that the two Dicks @re so firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature for boys and young men, that thetr position is assured * * * and that they stand to-day head and shoulders above all rivals in the eyes or \he public for which they have lived, and for which one of them has died, American boyhood, and that 1s a tremendous factor In the land, now knows Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good beal bet- ter than it knows its catechism, and millions of young minds absorb the thrilling incidents of his career in his everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending solving of impenetrable mysteries. Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when the victims are thoroughly undone, the millions walt hungrily for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appears with the corratnty, of the Wednesday Itself, and a new set on Seen thrills go thrilling away from Maine to Call- ornia, There are the volumes each so crowded with thrills and heart-tugs that it were madness to hope to do justice to them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be | tween them. To abandon the idea of giving a few extracts causes In- finite pain, but if once a start were made in that direc- tion, it would be cruel to The Hvening 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. 4 DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road 3 The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 5 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 6 Death-Face, the Detective ? The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Rdna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Rufflan #0 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger n Tee aes. Jr.,the Boy Phenix; or, Through to eat, i2 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 17 Saag Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Guile '8 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil: or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance #) Watch-Eye, the Shadow ; Lye i cae Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double wross 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 28 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 37 Chip, the Girl Sport #8 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 39 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks ~» te ae Diek’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s ule $1 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 8 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 33 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job 84 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 37 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 agi cei 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 enue Sd 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 Decoy 63 ane diy tiahe Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- ras Ci’ y 64 eorgr ko Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 879 Pearl Street, NEW YORK.
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Copyright 1879-1885, by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 18% THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. No. 19 Cleveland, Ohio Vol. II BY U.DWARD L. WHEELER. \ STRANGE, SIBILANT HISS SEEMED TO EMANATE FROM THIS PARTY 4S PHOTOGRAPH PHIL ENTERED,
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Deadwood Dick e Library @ LATEST AND BEST. , HANDSOME TRI- COLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Bay One and You Will Buy the Rest! For Sample Cover See Othen Side. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road & The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 8 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 Sn ae Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Dan 11 Jim ‘Bludeoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to Deat 12 Henisnod Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood ar 18 Buckhorn Bill; cr, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the’ pote. . 45 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 17 garrees Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Gule 18 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 20 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 21 soo Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cro: 22 Genada: Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 28 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Edged Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker ; or, The Secret Twelve 27 Chip, the Girl Sport 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 80 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch 81 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 82 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob's Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 35 Deadwood Dick of Deadw ood; or, The Picked Party 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 39 Deadwood Dick's Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; ‘or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 ‘The Arab Detective; or, *Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective, A Romance of Rogues 44 dg ed Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator’s am 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam's Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sngar-Coated Sam's Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Ag rent 49 Sierra fan the Detective 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect ives 51 aap Sam’s Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough 52 The Girl si rt; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 583 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen _54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 5% 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 = ee Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- ras © 64 Colorado Snariie's Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings oS oooooIllIiIoIyIyIyy III L————— II —L LL LL LLL EES===== M Latina SA a oe