Deadwood Dick Library (v. 2) (1899 08 02)

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Copyright 1879-1885, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York. N. Y.,as second class maiter. Mar. 15, 190@. M. J. IVERS & CO., Publisher san se ae eclivamranetvarerne Price 5 Cents. Vol I| Issued Werkly. (James Sullivan, Propr : eae Jumes § an, priet ork No. 21 ' Aug. 2, 1899. 379 Pearl Street. New York. $2.50 a Year. ‘sToPp!” SHE SAID, AUTHORITATIVELY,.

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EDWARD L. WHEELER'S DEADWOOD DICK, JR. NOVEL IN THE HALF-DIME LIBRARY. Price 5 Cents per Copy. 445 Deadwood Dick, Jr.; or, The Crimson Crescent Sign. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance. 716 Deadwood Dick, 722 Deadwood Dick, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt, Jr.’s, Dominoes. Jx.’s, Disguise. 458 459 465 471 476 481. 491 496 500 508 515 §22 529 534 539 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood.Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood ick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, { *s, Three. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick. Jr. ’s, Full Hand. ’s, Big Round-Up. s, Racket at Claim 10. ’s, Corral. ’s, Dog Detective. , in Deadwood. *s, Compact. s, Inheritance. s, Diggings. s, Deliverance. ’s, Danger Ducks, ’s, Death Hunt. , in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoeq. 549 554 561 567 572 578 584. Deadwood Dick, Jr , Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. on His Mettle. in Gotham. in Boston. in Philadelphia. ., in Chicago. Afloat, , in. Denver, 734 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Watch. 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Blow. 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait. 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand. 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Resurrection. 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days, 787 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Defied. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device. 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Venture. 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice, — 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Royal Flush. 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Head-Off. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom. ° 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Scoop. 834 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Clutch. 845 852 858 * 600 590 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 630 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. 636 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smug- glers. 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durango. 78 Deadwood Dick Jr.’s, Discovery. 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco, 606 612 618 624 For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c. per copy, by the pu plis 863 Deadwood Dick, 870 Deadwood Dick, 876 Deadwood Dick, 882 Deadwood Dick, 891 Deadwood Dick, 898 Deadwood Dick, 904 Deadwood Dick, 910 Deadwood Dick, 916 Deadwood Dick, 928 Deadwood Dick, 934 Deadwood Dick, 940 Deadwood Dick, 946 Deadwood Dick, 951 Deadwood Dick, 957 Deadwood Dick, 965 Deadwood Dick, 971 Deadwood Dick, 977 Deadwood Dick, 980 Deadwood Dick, 992 Deadwood Dick, 998 Deadwood Dick, 1005 Deadwood Dick; 1011 Deadwood Dick, 1018 Deadwood Dick, ers, M. J. VERS & CO., 379 Peart Street, New York Crry. Jr.’s, Bombshell. Jr.. in Mexico, Jr.’s, Decoy Duck. — Jr., in Siiver Pocket. Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game Jr.’s, Double Drive. | Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. Jr., at Tip-Top. : Jr.’s, Double- Decker. Jr., at Dollarville. Jr., at Flush Flats. — Jr.’s, Shake-Up. Jr.’s, Double Drop. Jr.'s, Right Bower. Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. Jr.’s, Gold Dust. Jr.'s, Oath, Jr.’s, Death-Doom, | Jr.’s, Best Card. Jr., at Gold Dust. | Jr.’s, Big Play. 4 Jr., Branded. 4 Jr.’s, Dutch Pard. Jr,’s, Big Four. een TN

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-—— Pes 5 ‘ ra eg ®opyright 1879-1885, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899 M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, 3 No. 9] : Issued Weekly. (James Sullivan, Proprictor,) Price 5 Cents. Vol, ll, \Aug, 2, 1898. 379 Peari Street, New York. $2.50 a Year, = ae Ir ie a! = S= = = “stop!” SHE SAID, AUTHORITATIVELY, e Se nate ee, OS ae sce AA y

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— z Deadwood Dick’s Device ; , The Sign of the Double Cross. A WILD, STRANGE TALE OF THE LEADVILLE MINES—OF MEN OF STEEL—OF TOUGHS AND TIGERS—OF ROAD-AGENTS, REGULATORS, AV- ENGERS, ADVENTURERS—AND OF THE THRILL- ING LIFE IN THE NEW ELDORADO. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS; ‘! ROSE- BUD ROB ” NOVELS, ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I. DAVID HOWELL’S WILL, A STORM was upon Leadville. Such a storm as is not usual in that high latitude—a regular tornado of wind, together with a copious shower of rain, and the play of lightning combined with the roll of thunder. From noon of a warm spring day it had been gathering in the heavens, in threatening puffs of black and gray, with the purple tinge to the’ horizon suggestive of a concealed riot. Then had the heavens grown darker and dark- er, aswell as the day. At the first ramble of the heavy thunder men came from the mines, and shook their heads doubtfully. They had about as well run the risk of their life below ground as face the elements above. Business was suspended in the town until lamps could be lighted; indeed, few could do anything but stand and watch the strange shapes and colors of the clouds thatevery instant threat- ened to spill their contents over the mountain metropolis. A man was riding toward the town from in the direction of the mountains, at a rapid gallop —a man enveloped in a heavy cloak, with a slouch hat so drawn down over his face as to hide his identity, which evidently was his pur- 30. re he rode he glanced skyward occasionally. as if anxious that the storm should hold o! until he reached the town, yet distant a couple of miles. The narrow road or trail over which he gal- loped, was lined with stunted pines, and an un- dergrowth of young chaparral, which gave it a gloomy ge p even in daytime, to say nothing of its night somberness. There was an occasional cabin scattered along — _ the trail, but they were generally vacant, hay- ing been built and deserted by stampeders—a class of miners who invade every strike, but aul out” at the first warning for better pas- Tes, The horse upon which the rider was mounted, was a large thoroughbred bay, with an abund- ance of life and spirit, and it needed but a word from its master to quicken its pace. ‘“On! Spot! on, old fellow, or we'll surely get a ducking!” the rider said, studying the angry face of the heavens ‘‘T do not care about offer- ing myself as a target for a hurricane. Tt is go- «ing to be a hard pull for the town, down there ‘with it dust,. leaves, sticks and rain, an mous Howell mine. of which the Leadville pr Deadwood Dick’s Device. * on the plateau, and the morning’s paper of to- morrow will have a whole column of obituary news about broken window-panes and disman- tled roofs, if I mistake not. Hello!” ait He involuntarily drew rein asa woman glid- ed from the chaparral, in front of his horse, and waved her hand for him tostop. He had not. the slightest idea, as to what she wanted, but courtesy combined with curiosity, caused him to givo her audience. “Stop! she said, authoritatively; and the horseman saw her pull the vail down closer over her face. ‘Stop a bit, sir! You are wanted at the Dead Pine Tract.” “J, madam?” the stranger echoed, in evident surprise. ‘* Pray explain—” ‘There is nothing to explain, more than I have told you. You are wanted at the cabin of Dave Howell, on the Dead Pine Tract, and if yore at all anxious to strike a fat pan, you'll git along.” ‘ And turning, the woman glided back into the chaparral, as mysteriously as‘she had come. ‘Well, Vil be jiggered!” the horseman mut- tered, watching her retreat until she had disap- peared. ‘If I was inclined to believe in mani- festations, I should say I had received a call, The woman was too cleverly disguised for one to recognize her, nor do I think I have ever heard her voice.” A few drops of rain upon the leaves above him, and a glance at the whitish gray and pur- ple sky, seemed to decide the rider as to his course.” - “T will go to Dead Pine Tract,” he declared. “ [tis a good way of avoiding the storm, and if it is a trap for me, as I more than half suspect, I’ve a pair of tools in my belt that have never gone back on me, to my recollection.” And with a low laugh, the incognito gave rein to his horso, and galloped away in a course ofposite to that which he had been pursuing. he wind increased to a very gale, carrying the thunder boomed a deep angry solo to the light- ning’s flash. Stili the lone horseman spurred on, bravely fighting his way through the now fierce tornado, which howled around him like so many infuriated demons. At last, however, he struck into a section of - timbered country, almost within sight of Lead- ville, which bore the name of Dead Pine Tract, from the fact that every pine tree in the piece of timber was dead—a tall gaunt trunk only standing with seamed sides te tell where the fatal lightning had left its mark during some former storm. Here the wind did not strike so heavily, for the tract was protected on the east by an abrupt line of hills that checked the force of the low- flying winds of the howling land hurricane. Threading the forest of dead pines by way of a well-beaten trail, the horseman soon emerged into a glade comprising some fifteen acres which | had been but rudely cleared of logs and debris, and containing two buildings—a cabin, and a large slab shed over the mouth of a shaft. “This must be the place where I am wanted,” the rider muttered, guiding his horse up to the door, and drawing rein. ‘‘ This must be the fa- ie Sai

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te Deadwood Dick's Device. pers have been incessantly blowing. <A rich strike, too, they say—equal to the Little Pitts- burg on Freyer Hill.” There seemed to be no life about the prem- ises, judging from external appearances; so, dis- mounting and tethering his horse, the stranger rapped smartly on the door. 5 After a few moments footsteps were audible crossing the floor, and the door was opened by a Chinaman—a cunning, mischievous-looking, al- mond-eyed son of Confucius he was, too, clad in the style customary with his class. ‘‘Whatee "Melican man wantee?” he demand- ed, looking so serious as to appear most comical. ‘TI wish to know what I’m wanted for, as much as anything,” the stranger replied, ban- teringly. “I was sent here by a vailed wo- man, who remarked that my presence was de- sirable in this cabin. Show me in, you pig- tailed rascal!” The Celestial obeyed, and the stranger found himself in a large rudely furnished room, con- taining such traps and belie ae you will find in any miner’s hut—i. e. cooking utensils, while a table and bed occupied a large portion of the space. A man lay upon the bed, evidently suffering great pain, for his face was contorted, and his eyes bulged wildly from their_sockets. He was very thin and bony, and his haggard appear- ance was increased by the ragged condition of his garments. Aman sat upon a stool by the stove, frying some meat—a rough, common-looking person- age, who did not look as if he was gifted with more than an ordinary stock of brains. The person upon the bed looked up eagerly, as he heard footsteps crossing the floor, and saw the stranger standing above him. His eyes seemed to grow less wild in their glare, and the expression upon his features less rigid. ‘Who are you?” he demanded, in a hoarse, gasping tone; *‘ who sent you?” “My name is Harris; Edward Harris, at your service,” the stranger replied, turning down his collar and raising his hat, thereby revealing a handsome, manly face. “T came hither at the instigation of a vailed woman, who intercepted me back here in the forest.” “Tt is well. She kept her word tome, Your name is Edward Harris, eh?” “At your service—at least, such is the name I choose to sail under.” “Harris! Harris!” the old man muttered, thoughtfully, as if trying to recall some past and gone memory. ‘ Edward Harris! It seems __ tome that that name has reached my hearing before—ah! yes! I knew I ‘Edward Harris—Deadwood Dick!” was not wrong;— ee ane senel Bie ae ee the stranger by the side replied. ve you a grudge against Deadwood Dick?” eae atts “None!” the old man answered, with a chuckle. “Deadwood Dick never did me any harm, and is not likely to, since he was lynched, but a few days ago, in Leadville. As to the similarity in your names, it is not singular, for Harris is not an uncommon name.” : “Perhaps not,” the stranger replied, with a smile. ‘Tf there is ie I can do for you, | be pleased to state what.” ee 2 ae 3 $ “Yes! yes! I had almost forgotten that time is flying, and ushering me into eternity. For, as you may have observed, I am dying, young man—dying, and suffering the most acute pain. Life won’t hang to me much longer, and I may as wellsum up my business, at once. Are you married, Edward Harris?” , ‘*T am a widewer,” Deadwood Dick replied, a cloud coming over his face. . “Tt is well. I know you would be a kind husband; your very aoe seems to tell me so. Now listen, and I shall tell you my plans. I am known as a miser, in this section of the Ae because I chose to remain a recluse, and refused to share my gains with the world— with the world, understand you, which grasps everything in its way with a merciless pe. Never did a hungry human leave my cabin, or a distressed one—yet they call me a miser, because I would not share with the rich—be- cause I couldn’t find it convenient to let a pack of greedy relatives step into my shoes. “T have a brother and his family, who are anxious to have me die, so that sce f can step into my shoes, They have even spies to watch me, and see that I leave my property to no one else but them. But those spies have relinquished the job, and I have yet life enough to outwit my eager relatives. Ay! I'll cutthem off without a penny, for I hate them, even as they hate me.” / : e paused for a moment as if racked by pain or passion. “Until a few days ago, I had a child to watch over me,'but they came and took her away, supposing that my will would place her in pcs- session of my property, and as her jan they could have the handling of it, and ulti- mately swindle her out of it. But, we shall see them balked in their designs. Be seated, young® man, and you, Cherub, bring the table nearer, with ink, fen, and paper—also the little tin safe I keep in the red chest.” While Edward Harris became seated, the Chinaman hastened to obey the old man’s orders, and the table with the requisite articles was soon drawn up close to the bedside. David Howell was then bolstered up with pil- lows to a sitting position, so that he could write, with the table as a desk. Before beginning operations, he drank deeply from a bottle he had in the bed; then he seized _ the pen in a hand that trembled like an aspen. Write he did, however, upon the paren although it was after a scrawling fashion. Steadily, although death seemed to cast its hovering shadow over him; nor did he k un- til he had finished; his whole soul seemed to con- centrate with the words that formed at the point of his pen upon the paper. : When he had: made the last stroke, he laid the pen aside, and handed the paper to Harris. . a3 “ Read it aloud! I can better tell, then, if it is as I desire,” he said, sinking back exhausted, upon the pillow. Deadwood Dick did as directed, although he grew greatly surprised, as he read, The document read as follows, having append- ed thereunto the date, and place; e

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_ you are the original 4 “Being in sound and sane state of mind, and knowing fiat my death is but a matter of a few hours, I, David Howell, miner, of the town of Lead- ville, State of Colorado, do make my last will and testament, and append my signature in the presence of witnesses, and in the presence of my God, “To Hdward Harris, more widely known under the nick-name or nom de plume of Deadwood Dick, I do bequeath the whole of my real estate and personal property as itstan 's, unincumbered by debt or mort- ‘gage, said real estate being tract of land known as the Dead Pine Tract, containing fifteen acres, and the Howell carbonate mine, together with one cabin and one shed, and personal property embracing the con- tents of said mine, shed and eabin, such as tools, {ix- tures, furniture, ete. “*To said Deadwood Dick, I do bequeath the guard- ianship of my daughter, Stella Howell, who, at the time of this writing, is in the custody of her uncle, Major M *rton Howell, of Leadville, Col.; said Dead- wood Dick to assume her peers and support un- til she is of legal age, when, if there be a mutual agreement between them, they shall marry, and keep the bequest among them and their posterity. Jn case of no marriage, the first clause of my will to hold good, making Edward Harris, alias Deadwood Dick, my sole heir. ., “To my relatives at large, Ileave one penny apiece, which my heir wil) hand to them, when he reads to them this will, and also my dying blessing, which T have no doubt they will appreciate. “Signed ypon my death-bed. “Davin R. Howsrn, § Howarp Harris, “Witnessed by | Moss Mopray.” Ned Harris and the miner at the stove append- ed their signatures, and the last will Ane estas ment of the owner of Dead Pine Tract was made, 7 “Ts as it should *be,” the dying man said, when the last stroke of the pen had been made, “Tt places the property forever out of the reach of my designing brother, who has been figuring for it the best he knew how.” : True!” Deadwood Dick said, ‘but you are lacing your property and the life of your child in the hands of aman you Know little about, just to spite your own kindred. Is this not very EA Peckap but it i ill, If erhaps so, young man, but it is my will. a BS ortet ecanaod Dick IT have no fears for my Star, or for my wealth, for often haye I heard of Deadwood Dick as a man, who, though a road-agent, was a man of honor and integrity. Besides, you are the one man to hold your own, here on Dead Pine Tract, for blood will be spilled ere the dispute for the ownership will end, Mark you, you will have to play a strong hand or they ‘will oust you. They will fight like devils for the mine, and if you would keep it, the name of Deadwood Dick must again ring abroad, a synonym of terror.” A quiet smile stole around the lips of the great ex-road-agent. é “Let them come!” he said, coolly. ‘‘ You have made me legally your heir, and I shall hold the mine as you have directed, Your daughter shall be treated with marked care and respect, and you need have no fear that she will come to want, while in my care. Is that all you have to say?” ‘ if Nearly. Tho tin safe the recontains the Re- corder’s deed of the claim, which you may need to fight with! Beware that they do not steal Ma tee Deadwood Dick’s Device. them from you, for then they would have you in their power, completely.” ‘* Never fear,” Deadwood Dick replied, with a cool laugh. ‘I can fight’ them to the death, for having died once and returned, Phenix- like, to life, I don’t calculate that death ought to have so many terrorsto me, as it once did.” “How did you escape?” “That is a little secret I don’t care to reveal. Iwas brought back to life by my dear friend, the Girl. Sport, otherwise known as Calamity Jane. She did a good job, and shall yet be re- warded, Now, about this mine—have you any hands at work in it?” ‘None. I discharged them all this morning, - when I felt death coming ovei'me. The China- man, here, I give to you, with the assurance that you can place implicit trustin him. Mose Mobray, yonder, has been merely a worker for me, to cook my mess, since my Stella was ab- ducted.” “They shall remain upon the Tract, if I find them faithful,” Deadwood Dick assured, The storm now burst forth with redoubled fury, and the new heir to the Howell mine sent Cherub to take his horse in under the shelter of the shed by the shaft-mouth. As the storm waged wild,,the dying miner seemed to grow proportionately wild and rest- less, groaning aloud, and sometimes shrieking in agony, either caused by pain or a tortured conscience, : The man Mobray administered such medicines as were at hand, but they seemed to have little or no effect. To Deadwood Dick this was a new epoch in his strangely eventful life, and he could. but wonder how the venture or adventure was go- ing to end. 3 lis mind reverted to the strange vailed wo- man. who had summoned him to this dying man’s side, and he wondered how she was con- nected with the future, for he felt that she was ee to appear again, either as friend or ‘oe. The tornado finally spent its force, and the wind went down, while the sun burst forth over a scene of havoc and desolation, caused by the storm—trees torn down or uprooted, buildings unroofed, and paneless, and a profusion of debris hurled everywhere. : ; Tho sun also shone in the window of the cabin on Dead Pine Tract, and lighted the path of David Howell from one world to another, for, as the storm abated, he sunk rapidly, and breathed his last in a few minutes after the suns light came to beckon him. ~ CHAPTER, II. DEADWOOD DICK STANDS HIS GROUND. AFTER arranging with the miner, Mose Mo- bray, to see that the dead man was decentl: interred, Deadwood Dick mounted his horse an rode away toward Leadville. His first motive was to ride to the house of Major Howell, and acquaint him with the state of affairs, Donning a heavy false mustache and goatee before enter- ing the town, he rode in by the main stzeet fear- lessly. Handsome, dashing, dauntiess he looked, as he sat his saddle with the best of and z Sear ea ° Pay

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Deadwood Dick's Device. ae ‘Yours truly!” Deadwood Dick grees, cares 4 lessly, as he accepted the seat, and took out a — % ; 4 3 : ease—a thoroughbred knight of the road, Such as he had been in the past, But Deadwood Dick had been lynched, and the throbbing, surging mass of humanity he encountered merely gazed upon him as an or- cape “ pilgrim,” not dreaming that he had passed through the jaws of death and was back among them a free man. For no one now could dispute that he had paid the full penalty of the law. The Howells were a leading family, both financially and socially —for Leadville mind you, has its social world as well as its Fastern sister cities, formed out of that class whom fortune has smiled upon. And surrounded by a imal superfluity of style, pomp and splendor, hey set themselves up as the “superior class,” ye gods! ze if was among these aristocratic citcles that the Howell family moved, and being of considerable style, power, influence and cash, they were looked up to as one of the ‘‘ first families” in Leadville, and held themselves “austerely aloof from the commoner citizens and their families; to such an extent, it may be said, that they had but few friends and many foes, who made fun of them from the street corners as ope eae by. Upon one of the most aristocratic streets oy: lived in a modern mansion, newly completed, and furnished throughout with the greatest taste and elegance, Deaawood Dick found the oe by a little in- guiry, and dismounting, he fastened Spot, and ascending the polished steps, rung the bell. » Anebony son-of Africa soon fe Li nex * ‘* Here is my card,” Deadwood Dick said, ten- ’ dering acard. ‘Please hand it to your master, Sat Slits The negroskurried hastily away, leaving Dick standing upon the pepe: He soon returned however, his face nearly disjointed by a huge rin, ‘De massa says as how I’se to tell you ke’s not at home!” the fellow stammered. “Then you go tell him he’s a liar!” Deadwood Dick ordered, ‘‘and that I’ve important busi- ness. *If he don’t grant me an interview, Ill waltz in there and tumble him out of doors head-foremost.” The darky is ared again, but when he returned he ushered Deadwood Dick into a long elaborately-frescoed hall, and up a staircase - which was carpeted with velvet. _ Upon the first floor front, in an apartment fit for a prince, was the reception parlor and office” combined, of the speculator. Into this Ned Har- ris was ushered, and likewise into the presence of Major Howell. e wasa portly individual, with a florid coun- tenance, steel-gray eyes and flaxen hair, and mustache—a man who looked as if fast livin; and dissipation had been his worst enemies. He was clad in a suit of blue broadcloth, and worea liberal display of jewelry. He arose from his easy-chair with a cold bow, as Harris entered, and motioned him toward a cigar-case. ‘ Smoke?” ss **No, thank you; I do not use tobacco.” E “Don’t smoke? Well, you're just likeme—I do, — Sometimes I enjoy a good cigar, but tastes dif- — fer, I notice. ou are the Honorable Major — Howell, I presume?” si “ Eixal so, sir.” ; ; 4 “Then you are the man I want to see.. Lcame : : : 4 = z to bring you sad news—news which, if you are — face ofa sensitive nature, must wring your — eart with grief.” * e “You probably intend to herald the death. of my brother?’ Major Howell interrogated, eagerly. \ ES: ‘Ido. He expired not an hour since.” ‘Then, I am much obliged to you for your — interest in informing me. Having known for several days past that he must die, I am not shocked.” . . “au ‘“*T observe not,” Deadwood Dick replied, con- _ te hoe “You will perhaps be more — shocked, however, when you hear the contents of David Howell’s will.” > “What! what is this you say? He did leave. - a will behind?” the speculator gasped, with & — y 3 a “He did, most assuredly. I was summoned to — The major sprung to his feet, excitedly, ania paced to and fro across the soft carpet. P ‘“'To whom did he leave the mine?” he finally demanded, pausing in front of Deadwood Dick, — with frowning mien. ‘‘ Tellame—did he leave Fae 3 to‘his daughter Stella?” * aes ‘* Be seated, and you shall hear,” Harris said, taking the document from his pocket and un-° fone it. “Here is a correct copy of the — will, Bs nd then in a clear, distinct tone, he read ia testament of the miner, word for word, until he = had arrived at the end. dao Then ho looked up, to behold Major Howell upon his feet, livid with passion, and his hands opening and shutting like the claws of some in- furiated ; ‘oe “ You—vyou the heir of David Howell's pro- pay he said, in a hissing tone; you? *Tis ‘alse, curse you—tis false! That will is a for-— gery—a damnable plot of yours to cheat me ou' of ti he pie a et 5: egging thy on, @ same, you are — mistaken,” Deatwodtl Dick said, coolly. “ Th pep was degally and lawfully willed to me, ani seat. “ Be seated, sir, if you have business with me,” | do ore the justice to rem: he said, crustily, ‘‘and be so kind as to state the | bad man to fool around.” —_— ? ature of your errand, at once,” aa, ff ) not Deadwood +e

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_ was jynehed, in town, here, but a short time 20, ~ “True, but like the Phenix he has risen from - his ashes, and now stands before you!” ; “Then, by Heaven, you shall go back to the scaffold, and hang again!” the major cried, savagely. ‘Ill see that the noose fits tighter this time” ‘“You will do nothing of the kind,” Dick re- lied, with sudden fierceness, ‘‘ You will calm- y think the matter over, and conclude that it is best not to arouse my enmity toward you!” ‘“‘ Bah! a fig for you or your enmity, Sir Road- arent. I have the power to have you taken - and strung up at any minute, and you'll find “it out directly, too. As to my niece, I shall ¢ dpoint myself her guardian until she is of BFC, «rf marries. Now, sir, leave my house, or by _ the Great Eternal, Pl have you forcibly ejected, in a manner none too gentle.” “Then I'll saye you that trouble,” Dick said rising with a coollaugh. ‘I have no desire of remaining where my presence is so undesirable. Look out for me, however. If you intend to fight with me for the Dead Pine Tract, you will have not only me to fight but a host of men as - firm and true as steel. Adieu, Sir Major!” ; And turning on his heel with a haughty bow, - the ex-road-agent quitted the room. Major Howell followed him until he saw him leave the houses; then he returned to his room, eursing furiously. - “Ten thousand furies seize that fellow! He is my enemy, henceforth, and one I need have ~ cause to fear, for he never leaves a ‘wrong un- avenged, nor a fancied insult unpunished. Curse * im! curse the brother of mine, who made that will! But 1b must not be so—it shall not be so; the Howell mine shall belong to me, and that before many days. I will wait until Alfred comes, and he may have soms plan to offer. ‘The mineis one of the richest in all Leadville, and '. there is room enough to put down several more shafts on the sdme property. For that reason, _ the bequest of David Howell is mine and clearly : - mad was he, in willing the tract away from his ‘own relatives to a total stranger, and that man - the notorious Deadwood Dick.” . Raut pe The following morning the Leadville News contained an article something as follows, which of course threw the town into a commotion of surprise and profound wonderment. _- This is what it said: “DEADWOOD DICK AGAIN. “Those who witnessed the execution of this not- able criminal, will no doubt be astonished to learn __ that he is still alive, and was in town last evening, a _free man, for, having been hanged by the neck once, until pronounced dead, there is no law that can touch him for past offenses. How he ever came to life 1s a mystery nobody can solve, unless he was. rasuscitated by the notorious female, known as Calamity Jane. Ournew sberiff Lieutenant Franep, has besn meditating upon a plan of arresting Sir Dick, but has not arrived at a definite conclusion. Ttis to-be hop-d, however. that the people will take the law into their own hands, and give the notorious ‘ichard another boost!” i The result of this piece of information was to oeaea) as, a 6 : Deadwood Dick’s Device. ‘set the town literally on “edge,” and every man | amee and his neighbor kept an eye cut for the ex- road-agent, while hands were ready to glye sim the second “hist” suggested by Leadville's flourishing representative newspaper, the News. The sentiments of public and paper seemed identical. That evening saw a large crowd assembled at the Coliseum, which is, or was then, the prin- cipal theater of the town, and the only one giv- ing a decent variety performance. Business for several weeks previous had been falling off, but the new announcements for the week, such as the Fontainbleau Children, Miss Coral De Vere, Fanny Farron, and a few others, served to pack the rude little theater. he crowd was largely composed of men, antes a few miners had brought their fam- ilies along, to witness the sport, seeing no harm in it—there being none in reality, except for the fact that the Sree were generally a rough, lawless set, and that liquor was served among ~ the audience. The performance was made up of several saa farees, the Fontainbleaus in pantomimes and dances, Coral De Vere in athletic feats, — and Miss Fanny Farron, the star of the evening, in fancy pistol-practice, and ‘later, in serio- comic songs, after which the stock company ap- peared a blood-curdling drama, the hero of which was billed as Wildcat Jack. To Fanny Farron, however, was bestowed the lion’s share of the applause by the rough audi- ence, for being an adept in the art of pistol- precuice, she easily won her way into their rude ut strangely enthusiasticadmiration. She was in one sense a beautiful woman. But ‘nineteen or twenty years had passed over her head; she was spirited and rosy; her form was an admirable embodiment of elegant woman- hood and perfect grace of movement, while her face was of nature’s happiest mold, the features all pleasing and gifted with sweetness of expres= sion, that in turn shone from her dusky bare eyes. Her complexion was light, and a wealth of hair of corresponding color fell in a flossy wave over her plump shoulders. Taken at a glance she was’a charming and beautiful creature—at least, she so appeared, as viewed from the auditorium of the theater. During her pistol-practice the man, Wildcat Jack, who was to act in ma, served her in the capacity of assistant, and/he seemed to mark the triumphs with an envious eye. ‘a He was a dark, swarthy-looking fellow, with a brigandish mustache, and the general air of a lawless character, which he was to impersonate inthe drama. But he was after the type of his audience, and was of course admired by them. Back of the pit, in the auditorium, was an ele- vated platform, on a level with the stage, or higher, where a bar was kept, and where late comers who could not find seats, were permitted to stand. f To-night it was occupied by several loungers, - prominent among whom were several who are _ to play parts in this romance of the King City __ of oe earde: aa gs gt “Calamity Janes leaning against a pillar that supported the gallery, Fee aioe formance with indifferent interest, == Old Avalanche ‘Stood near by, oS oe r PTT Tae ee 7 Ar ley fia Pate at Ai

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Deadwood Dick’s Device. = —™” 2 panes: who was none other than Deadwood ick, was seated near the edge of the platform, smoking a cigar. The stormy applause which had followed the conclusion of Fanny Farron’s pistol-practice had not yet died out when a pistol-shot rung ee the theater, and the bullet cut away the feather plume that ornamented the ex-road- agent's hat. At the same time a half-dozen men sprung from their seats in the auditorium, and made a rush toward the spot where Deadwood Dick had oy eet his feet, a cocked revolver in either D _ “urrah! fifty dollars to the man who ca) ‘tures the outlaw, Deadwood Dick! Yonder he stands, my hearties. Take him!” cried a voice. and the new sheriff, Lieutenant France, lea to the front, “Halt! stand back there! If you come a step further, I'll fill you so full of cold lead that you won't be able to swim for a month. Stand back, you cowardly dogs, if you don’t want to,bite the dust!” It was Calamity Jane who gave the last com- mand, in a ringing voice, and a leap brought: her beside Ned Harris, who coolly stood his ground. The tools of the sheriff hesitated. Enough of the prowess of the Girl Sport had they seen, since her coming to Leadville, to be- lieve that she would shoot, did they disobey ; and then, Deadwood Dick stood ready for the battle, with Old Avalanche on his left, thus forming a dangerous trio. ; The whole audience had arisen to their feet, and _ knives and revolvers were promiscuously displayed, while a silence, almost painfully in- ~ tense, seemed for a moment to reign. “ Surrender!” Sheriff France said, sternly. “Tis no use for you to resist, Sir Outlaw!” “‘T will not surrender!” Deadwood Dick re- lied, coolly. ‘‘ Neither am I an cutlaw. By hatehie: I expiated my crimes, and having been brought back to life, Iam lawfully a free man!” “The hanging was but a farce, and you’ve got to swing again!” I'rance shouted, angrily, ‘At him, boys! THe’s your game, if you have a mind to take him!” “Halt!” Deadwood Dick cried again, sharply, and the men obeyed his command. ‘‘ If you come a step further, you come at your peril. As a free man, I have a right to protect myself. If you make a move to lay a hand on me, your life shall pay the forfeit, and the crime will rest upon your own heads. - Three we are, to be ‘sure, but you will learn that self-defenders can shoot as straight and true as the pangs of death. “Bet yer boots on that!” Calamity added, a sparkle of enthusiam in her eyes. ‘ Thar’ll many a pilgrim kiss terra firma, before Dead- wood Dick again stretches hemp!” ““Great ham-bone, yes. Kerwhoop! Come on, ye infernal galoots, ef ye want to snag yer- selves ag’in’ a consarned cyclone—a ragin’ bull- storm o’ boreal annihilation, imported right ilown from the northern lattytudes and longy- toads! Come on, I tell ye, ef ye want ter find ther straight and undeyiatin’ trail ter Brimstun 2 oy Lake! We're ther b’yes an’ gal as kin steer yet cumpuss, ballasted wi’ lead purgatory pellets!” Bui the gang hesitated; certain death stared him in the face who made the initiatory step; ~ consequently none there were eager to court the — grim King of Terrors. BS , Thus the situation was, when the curtain sud- — denly rung up, and Fanny Farron neured for- ward to the footlights, clad in a dashing cos- — tume, the skirt being short, and the arms bare, — but richly bejeweled. : The orghestra struck up and played the ac- — companiments toa popular song; then the voice — of a star burst forth in a fascinating song, the — words and the music being singularly sweet and entrancing. : One by one the crowd turned and resumed — their seats, until but a half a dozen composed the tableau upon the auditorum, By'the magic — influence of her voice and her wondrous pres- _ ence, the songstress had won over the crowd} Only the few remained, and seeing that they — took no notice of her, the young woman made a ~ motion to the orchestra and they struck up a — piece of jig music. : ; Then, seizing a rope that was tossed to her, — she began the sa Hot eau dance, her s' = feet playing in perfect time with the music, are This was the act that moved the rough audi- — ence to a wild tumult of clamorous applause, — which continued so long as the little foot-like — fairy continued to dance. ate ven Sheriff France and his men were forced to turn and admire and applaud! And oe this juncture Calamity Jane touched Deadwood _ Dick upon the arm. g “Now's yer time!” she whispered. a.door behind you; beck out!” : “Never!” Dick replied. ‘ This thing may as well be settled here as anywhere else, and ’m — going to see it out if it costs my life.” pare, i “ There's, x CHAPTER IIL °e THE BATTLE—DEADWOOD DICK’S WARNING. “THEN I’m with you to the death!” Calamity — said, sternly. ‘But don’t put too much confi- ~ dence in that-woman, yonder. She is a viper— a she-devil, gifted with a pleasant face and at- tractive form, Look out for her!” fe ‘* What do you know about her?” Deadwood — Dick demanded, in a low, surprised tone. ~ “When did you ever know her?” e “Never at all, but Tam nota student of hu- man nature for nothing. Marl'my words, she isa fraud.” / 4 The fairy of the footlights now ceased her dancing amid a tremendous tumult of applause, ane rt of retiring, she advanced to the foot- — ights. oe ‘My audience!” she said, in -a clear, ringing _ voice, that had in it a subtle power of attraction, — “I thank you kindly for your appreciation, and T feel: that I have a ly warmed your rough, rude natures toward me, This is just what I want. I want you all to be my friends, and to — all come here and hear me sing. But, there is one thing I must ask of you—that you will lay” no hand of harm'upon Deadwood Dick. If you — do, Thave sung for you the last time.” = Then she turned and tripped behind thescenes, edo

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" while the crowds in the auditorium hooted and applauded until grown hoarse. Death to Deadwood Dick!” shouted Sheriff France at the top of his voice. ‘‘ A hundred dollars to the man that captures the road-agent, dead or alive.” This offer put a new aspect on affairs. A score ok men sprung toward the platform, with drawn revolvers. “Surrender!” ordered France. _ to resist!” ‘No, "tis not useless!” Deadwood Dick cried. “Tf you take me atall, it shall be dead—never alive!” And raising acocked revolver in either hand, he shot down two of the foremost men quicker than a flash, Then, in concert with Calamity _ Jane and Old Avalanche, he Bo he in a deadly _ fire, every bullet counting a death-yell. The theater was a pandemonium of wild, strange sounds; on every hand rung the deadly Paport of revolvers, while a panic-stricken crowd | a oak gled frantically to find egress from the ilding. a= Bullets flew like scattered hail; wild yells and sereams of victory or agony played a weird ac- : : bas ; * ‘Tis useless eos ~ ATS PD Bl bas iv oe Gar companiment to the revolver’s crack. __ One by one the lamps were fanned out by the _ flying bullets, until darkness reigned complete __ within the theater. ~ . But upon the platform Deadwood Dick still stood his ground, while Calamity Jane and Old avalanche were at his side, fighting determined- ; ly, knowing that life and death depended upon the issue. Below the platform the howling mob still surged, firing constantly, but not often coming - within a foot of either of the defending trio. - Yet so oe were their numbers that they were inevitably bound to wipe out the brave defend- ers, unless help reached them. Deadwood Dick realized this, but he was bound _ not to surrender alive. , Z ‘Back! back, you dogs, or every galoot’s life - shall answer for this fight!” he cried, in a ring- fea Tice. * t this juncture Fanny Farron and a half- _ dozen men reached the platform, by way of a side hallway from the stage, and joined their forces with Deadwood Dick and his crowd, their - weapons but adding to the horrible din. : The effect of the reinforcement was visibl : felt by the attacking mob, for they flinched, and finally broke in wild confusion, each man- struggling to force his way out of the theater. _ ‘The result was that the whole audience were _ soon fighting among themselves, ' “Come!” Deadwood Dick now said, when he _ saw this, touching Calamity on the shoulder. ** Fetch Avalanche and let’s hunt a way out of here. We've given ’em enough taste for one ~ night, what with the scrimmage they’re now en- ; gaged $7.2, __ “Here! you must come with me!” Fanny Farron said, touching him upon the arm. ‘“T _ will show you to a place of safety, until you can -escape from the town!” And seizing him by the coat-sleeve, she led eee, back through the.side hall to the stage, ) d the curtain, Calamity and Old Avalanche bringing up the rear. Behind the curtain the actress replied, jerking away her band, ‘‘You s Deadwood Dick’s Device. _ : : lamps were still lit, and they were enabled to see each other. Fanny Farron was still clad in her dress, with a heavy waterproof thrown about her shoulders, and a closer examination reveal- ed that she was even as handsome as she had appeared upon the stage. Her skin was fair and pure, her teeth even and white, and her mouth sweetly fascinating in its expression. Deadwood Dick gazed at her, admiringly, for a few moments; then turned to Calamity and Avalanche. ‘ Are either of oe hurt?” ; “Tam not!” the Girl Sport ey coolly. ‘*Old Avalanche must answer for himself.” ' ‘‘Great ham-bone that shivered the timbers of old Joner, no, I ain’t harmed,” the Annihila- tor replied, with a chuckle of triumph. ‘ Didn’t it stung oncet, though the bullets hummed ther oxology around my years like fun!” f ‘Then I guess it is a lucky termination of the battle, for us,” Dick said. ‘Lady, if you wilt show us the way to the open air I s! much obliged to you.’ ; Fanny Farron bowed, and led the way through a wing entrance out into a back yard in the rear of the theater! An alley led from this to an adjoining street, which they soon gained. “¢-You had better all come to my hotel, until the storm blows over,” the actress said, address- ing Deadwood Dick, ‘‘ You are at liberty to re- main there until it is safe to leave the town.” __ “Thanks, lady, but I must decline your invi-~ tation,” Dick answered, a spice of bitterness in histone. ‘It is as safe now as it will ever be. To-night I have been forced again into crime, and aman outlaw, by the decree of the people. Let them look out, for I will not stop now, but they shall learn to fear my name as an omén of death. I thank you, lady, for theintervention in my behalf, to-night, and will repay you if ever the chance occurs, say adieu!” And turning, he strode away in a northerly direction, followed by Calamity and Old Ava- lanche. Fanny Farron watched them a few moments, and then turned away with -a low laugh in which was triumph. f “ At last I have met the man after my own héeart—wild and free,” she muttered, a flush burning upon her cheeks, and a strange gleam in her dusky blue eyes. “He is the man whom I could marry and love, unselfishly—and he is the man who shall yield to my fascination. The first seed planted to-night, the germ will quickly form, from which will grow the sprout of admiration, and then the stalk of love. Ha! ha! my Deadwood Dick, you little know that you are idolatrously loved y one woman, and that woman, pretty Fanny Farron.” On the steps before the Clarendon, where she boarded, the actress came face to face with the actor, Wildcat Jack. _“ Hal? he exclaimed, springing forward, at sight of her, and raising her hand to his lips— ‘alive and safe, ma belle Fanny; and I am so SF glad!” : “Tt is not your fault that IT am alive!” the For the present I will * pore

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Deadwood Dick’s Device. are a coward, Jacques Frouch—a coward, and I | for upon every approach to the town a notice despise you. Why did you leave whenI wanted you to take part in the fight?” The man shrugged his shoulders, significantly, and forced a sinister smile. “Tt is my policy, ma’m’selle, to let every man fight his own battles: I find it ze best, around.” “Bah! If I had out cowardly nature, wo- man though I am, I’d poison myself!” Miss Far- ron assured, contemptuously, as she entered the hotel. Frouch followed her up to the parlors. “T hope ze ma’am’selle will forgive me!” he said, apologetically. ‘‘I didn’t like to fight ze road-agent, for he looked like a bad man.” ““Pshaw! lay aside your mongrel French! You know I despise it,” the actress said, impa- tiently. ‘‘ Why did youcome here to torment me, Jacques Frouch? You know I dislike to be an- noyed by your presence. You had much better be studying over and perfecting your dizzy drama.” — ‘Hang thedrama!” the actor growled, chang- ing from his French accent to the pure Ameri- can tongue. ‘It pleases the ruffianly element we cater to, and that is sufficient. TIcome again ‘to wait upon you for an answer—” “Stop!” Fanny Farron cried, suddenly stamp- ing her foot, her eyes blazing. ‘‘I will hear no amore of your proposals of marriage. I have al- ‘ready refused you a score of times, and let this be for the last time.” “No, not for the last time. You will yet whange your opinion, and render a decision in way favor!” the Frenchman said, coolly. ‘‘ You Jove me now, if you would only own the truth!” “TI do not love you,” the actress cried, vehe- wmently, ‘I shall hate you if you continue ‘your annoying proposals... At every stand you ave dogged my footsteps for the last year. » What satisfaction can you derive out of constant refusal?” “The satisfaction of knowing that I will eventually win,” Frouch replied. ‘Then let me tell you that disappointment will be the crowning of your hopes. Were Iten times to marry, it would not be you.” “Perhaps you would choose that gay road- agent devil, to whom you did the whole of your acting this evening?” “You couldn’t have guessed closer!” was the ‘cool answer. _“‘He is the very man I am going to marry, if I have to spend a whole season in Leadville in order todo it. He isa man—the one man in a hundred whose glance has the power to stir my heart or set my pulses bounding. To him I have atready given ‘my heart, and he shall not long be ignorant of the fact.” ‘* We shall see him marry you—in your mind!” the Frenchman muttered, with a villainous chuckle, as he turned and left the room, On the following morning the news of the fight in the variety theater was fully ventilated by the Leadville News, which’ was the principal organ against Deadwood Dick. A column of description of the affray wound up with an offer of two hundred dollars reward for the arrest or capture of the famous Prince of the Road. ut this time there were two sides to the case, all and was posted as follows: ' ** FAIR WARNING. Having recently expiated my crimes by being duly hanged, in Leadville, and having been restored tolife after having been pronounced dead, and thereby rendered a free man by the law or laws _ of the United States of America; and— “ Wheros; Asa free and lawful and law-abiding citizen, I was set_upon and attacked by the people. in the Coliseum Theater, on the evenirg of the 6th— inst., for the purpose of again being hung, contrary “* Whereas : to the law and its mandates: “ Resolved That I issue a proclamation, ee for myself entire innocence in causing the aforesai riot, and charging the loss of life upon the people, “Resolved; That, as the people refuse to receive me back ag a citizen among them, preferring to raise their hand in war against me unto the death— “Resolved; Finally, that I shall meet them as — they have met me—that it shall Le a bitter, bloody ~ war tothe knife, unti] they shall cry ‘enough’ or the name of Deadwood Dick shall have become a thing of the past—a memento of a reign of terror ‘that a vengeful populace brought upon their own heads. - Every man, woman or child who shall raise, — or sball have raised a hand of hostility against me, ~ shall die, and ye ail shall know how and why, by the sign, of the Double Cross, which shall mark their es. a : “‘Beware! for such is the bhi I give toall, — Let me alone, and 1 let you alone. Tickle me,and — T'll tickle you! : “Drapwoop Dick!” Major Howell read this notice, as he was rid- ing op Ri upon his horse, toward the Dead e Tract. “Curse the luck! I dare not’ venture there alone, now, lest the young ruffian attack me, He is to be feared, evidently, if that row at the Coliseum is any illustration. Instead oF pole = to the Tract, I will hunt up Alf, and we will see — what we ean do.” } ; Riding back into town, he hitched his horse to — a post on Chestnut street, and proceeded to make ~ a tour of the-saloons and gaming dens, for. it was in one of these that he expected to find his son. And in ing along the street, he caught a glimpse of Fanny Farron, standing in the door of a dry-goods store. With & start of surprise the speculator half- stopped, to gaze at her a moment, his face flush- ing. Strangely. Calas - — ut, as she paid no attention to him, he finally continued his walk, his face still wearing a puz- zled_expression.: po “T could have sworn that it was she, at the — first glance!” he muttered, hoarsely, “‘ but I am — probably mistaken. Her face is the same, — nearly—curse me! why should I not know, for certain?” : = But know he evidently did not, for a frown — rested upon his face as he hurried on, from sa-_ loon to saloon. ; Mr. Alfred Howell was not to be found, so — easily, it seemed. : ‘ He was a scapegoat of a fellow, with little or no honor, or pride, and an inordinate passionfor — gambling and strong drink, A bitter disap- a pointment was he to his mother and sisters, while the mnie got alomg the best with fins of ae ee ly: aw the Casino, he was at last found, eng oar eee

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at agameof poker with a Chinaman; but he paid the wager, and threw ap the game at a beckon from the major, and the two retired to a private ee where they could talk unobserved and un- heard, An odd-looking individual this son of the spec~ ulator was—so odd asto attract notice, in any crowd. Hoe was short and fat, with stumpy legs that had a tendency to bow;a capaciousstomach, and a face that was.so fat and swarthy as to be repulsive. Black eyes, hair, and mustache gave him the additional appearance of a first-class dasperado, to say nothing of a pees buckskin ‘costume, and extraordinary broad-brimmed S saith and an infant ‘‘ battery ” of weapons in his - belt. _.. He was the superintendent of several of the Freyer Hill mines, over which the major exer- cised control, and was generally known and fear- 6d as a lawless character. When seated, Major Howell zapped for the drinks, by way of getting on the right side of his dutiful son, by his first wife. “You've heard about the fight at the variety theater?” he interrogated. “The devil! yes. I was in that row, and near- ly got my brains blowed out!” ‘* How did Deadwood Dick escape?” ‘*You can’t prove it by me. Reckon he hed help frum ther stage.” *T would givea thousand dollars if some one - had killed him. <As it stands he has possession - of the Dead Pine Tract, and we cannot easily dislodge him, short of an army!” “No?” ; ; ‘Of course not. Haye you not seen the post- ors he has up, on the outskirts of town?” “Yes, What of them?’ ‘* Well, do not they go to show that he means business?” Probably. But he shall not possess Dead Pine a Tract, long. I’ve seen Beautiful Bill, and sever- ~ al other toughs, and I allow we can soon get enough together to take the Tract!” _ “ Have you sent a spy to keep watch of mat- ters about the mine?” “Yes. Isent Yuba Sam. He will report as ~ soon as anything of importance occurs!” __ One thing more I wanted to ask you about. Have you seen a female in town who resem- les—?” and here the major lowered his tone to ; r, and uttered a name. ’ Alf Howell laughed. ; “Why, yes. That’s the singer at the Coliseum —Fanny Farron, she calls herself.” “What do you think about her? Do you not * believe she might be the party I mentioned?” “ago. This ang is not the same.” aa had proof of it,” “Pshaw! Take my word for it, she’s a-thou- sand leagues from here,” the son persisted. 7 “Has Deadwood Dick yet communicated with - Stella?” “Not tomy knowledge. I have directed-Mrs. Howell to keep her indoors until we can dispose of this road-agent!”” _ “That's right. If she but gets a glimpse of wood Dick’s face, my goose is cooked for ting her for myself.” Baeo: Bae ““ Perhaps you won't care about marrying her 5" ae ay : sie Aaa Tow »then drew rein at the wave of the Deadwood Dick's Device, if she does not get her claim on the Dead Pine Tract, eh?” 2 : a teciec not!” the gambler chuckled, villain- ‘ously. ‘* My game’s to play where I win the most. Hello! what's that?” Two men had entered the Casino, Bearing be tween them the body of a third individual, who was evidently dead. “By Heaven!” Alf Howell cried, springing ‘to his feet; ‘‘it?s Yuba Sam, whom I sent to Dead Pine Tract!” , ““Yes, and he’s got the sign o’ the Double Cross plum upon his forehead!” added one of the bearers. ‘‘ We found him a-lyin’ on the trail, back heer a piece, wi’ a bullet-hole thr’u’ his buzzom.” 3 It was even so. Yuba Sam had died of a bullet-wound through the region of his heart, and ape his forehead was slashed witha keen-bladed knife two bloody. crosses. Deadwood Dick had opened his campaign of’ terror! Sere CHAPTER IV. : DONE IN DARKNESS—THE SPORT VS. BEAUTIFUL - *. BILL, Nicut’s grim shadows again settled down over Leadville. The heavens were overcast with skurrying clouds, and darkness reigned supreme, in the absence of the moon. ew people were to be seen abroad, except in the heart of the town, for, terrified at the threat of Deadwood Dick, they preferred re- maining indoors, rather than running the risk of the deadly vengeance of the famous Prince of the Road. That Deadwood Dick was abroad at night none could doubt, for the night was known to be the time of his numerous depredations—a time best suited to his wild, dark nature. And he was abroad, too, ; Down from the North he galloped at the fore of a motley gang of masked men, who were thoroughly equipped as to weapons and horses, and were finished equestrians. ; Down to the edgo of the town they rode, and d of the young chief. j “Remain here,” he said, dismounting, “ and keep my horse. will go on foot, If you hear three pistol-shots in succession, let loose my horse and follow him. He will bring you to i ‘All right, chief. It shall be at your wish!” responded one who was evidently a lieutenant - of Deadwood Dick's ee organized band. ed, shall we stand our ground and fight, chief?” ; “ Ay! fight as you never fought before—fight to the bitter death!” Deadwood Dick replied, fiercely, and then he turned and strode away toward the town. < Caan g through a sparsely settled street. he hurried along, a heavy cloak thrown around. his shoulders, and the mask removed tempo- “Tn case we are attac varily from his face so as not to attract suspi-— in cion, should he encounter one abroad. .— Bo along, he soon entered another street, which was the one on which stood the Howell 2 - =

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Deadwood Dick’s Device. : AGP RS) Saina te mea rae MAUI aca Wea a ee aes aR SESS la RE A ER EE Hee And this evidently was his destination, for he paused before it, and looked up and down the treet. No one was insight upon the highway, and the lights were all out in the dwellings in the imme-. diate vicinity. The Howell mansion looked as somber as though death instead of nocturnal repose reigned inside. 4, “ This-is the place, and the business lies before me, although it is a ticklish piece to handle!” Deadwood Dick muttered. ‘‘ The first impor- tant step is to gain access to the house, and the second is to find my new ward, without raising a racket.” Evidently resolved upon making the attempt, he ascended the alge gently tried the door, but found it locked. This was no surprise, for the far Western people are in favor of locked doors, which is the safest plan to adopt. _ Selecting from among a bunch of keys, several, he tried ther, one after the other, and the last one was the one to turn the lock. ; “So far so good!” he muttered, with a satis- fied expression. ‘I should feel like a thief of the night to enter any man’s house, thus, but [ am now only in quest of that which was intrust- ed to my care and protection.” : : Removing his boots, he took them in his hand, and opening the door, he softly entered, and closed it behind him. All was dark as Stygia, but remembering from his previous visit, the location of the stairs, he soon found them, and paused upon the steps to make his arrangements. efore him he had a rather delicate job— that of finding Stella without alarming her, and gstting her away from the mansion. It re- quired all the stealth and caution of his nature to perform the act, without arousing the house. ‘ying the boots to his back, he drew from beneath his cloak a dark-lantern and a revolver. With these in hand, ready for use, he stole softly up the stairs, finally arriving upon the landing without having created so much ‘noise asa cat. . Here there was a diversion of hallways, in several directions, and he knew not which to tone to bring him to the sleeping apartment of stella. After some deliberation he finally concluded to pay each room a visit, and chloroform the inmates if necessary, for he had fetched along plenty of the liquid drug for that purpose. Stealing along, he soon came to the door of a room which he rightly conjectured was the bed- chamber of the major and his wife, for loud snores came from the interior. Gently trying the door, he found thati it was unlocked. He glided into the room, and to the bedside. A sponge saturated with chloroform, and held over the noses of the sleepers, had the effect to put them into a state of quietude from which there cud be no immediate wakening. “They're disposed of, and now I wonder if I hadu’t better leave them a visiting card, so that they may know I’ve heen here!” Drawing from an inside pocket a silvet hand- ‘stamp he pressed it against their foreheads, and as a result. came to-relief the sign of the double cross in letters of crimson. “Ha! ha! It will be many a day ere the can wash that stain from their skin, [Ul wager!” the Prince of the Road’ muttered, as he turned — from the room. : ; The-next room he visited proved’ to be occu= ~ pied by the raat ne son, and the next by a servant. Still not despairing, Deadwood Dick — kept on, leaving his strange device upon the — forehead of each chloroformed sleeper, ae ‘At last he came toa room that was locked, — and on listening he found that it contained — sleepers. 2 To unlock the door was but a short job, and with the stealth of a cat he crept into the apart-— ment. . “Fear not, my lady!” he said, respectfully, but ina low tone. ‘itis not my intention to | harm you, but rather, to rescue you from yo imprisonment here!” “Who are you, sir?’ the maiden demanded, sternly. ‘Why do you come here like a thief the night, and to my bedchamber?” ““My name is Ned Harris, lady, and I come the instigation of your father!” 3 ** Ah! my father! they told me he was dead- dead! Oh! God help me.” Sal And tears sprung to the eyes of the maiden, and dropped upon her cheeks. : ‘Be calm, lady. Your father is indeed dea but he appointed me your protector until ; ean choose one that suits you better. Here is} his will, which oe may read. I will now retire} to the hall, while you dress yourself for your d parture.” iz “Must I go with you, then?” Meenas “Tt is necessary that you should, lady, for your life even is not safe here. “Have you | objections to accompanying me?” “No! oh, no! I'am so glad to get ay from here. Please retirépand I will soon ready.”., : Deadwood Dick accordingly left the roor closed the door behind him. —__ x In the hall be waited until the door op and Stella glided: out to him. Te read the will, | ‘“*T am ready, now, sir. I am willing to go with you!” “Very well, my lady. . You shall not n 25

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12 - lace whatever confidence you may put in me!” eadwood Dick repli They softly descend: ried away through the night, which was dark and fo; By. ‘ Nor did they pause until they came to where a line of grim, masked horsemen were waiting. ones it was that Stella Howell gave a start of ‘alarm, ‘Be not afraid, lady,” Deadwood Dick said, to aut hér apprehensions. ‘‘ These are my men, and they will offer you no harm.” __ * Your men, sir? I do not understand, quite,” Stella replied. ‘*T will explain more as soon as we reach camp. Please mount my horse behind me. Fal- oe will you be kind enough to assist er? : - The lieutenant bowed, and tendered the re- quisite assistance, after which the cavalcade galloped away.” = _ Away ito the Dead Pine Tract, and to the cabin which once was that of David Howell Beet now belonged to the outlawed Deadwood ick. Agreat change had already been made upon _ the Tract since tho reign of its new owner. The cabin had been enlarged to a building of several rooms, thereby supplying quarters for the band, and several cabins were going up near by. An engine house was being constructed near the mouth of the mine to furnish shelter for now machinery that was to take the place of the. horse-power for hoisting, which had previ- _ ously been employed. : To the cabin tho cavaleade rode, and then dismounted, Deadwood Dick conducting Stella toa suit of rooms which he had had furnished especially, for her accommodation. Here ho lJeft her, with a fow instructions, and then de- t scending to the ground he gave some additional instructions to his men, after which he mounted his thoroughbred steed again, and dashed away _ into the black starless night, as wild and weird as the night itself in those lonely mountain regions. * A bald-headed spider, Walkin’ wid a crutch, G'wine ter get a-home, bymeby; x Old Kaiser’s bull purp, * He war Dutch, G wine ter get a-home, bymeby. A three-legged "possum, Settin’? on a bench, G'win> ter get a-home, bymeby. He fell in lub Wid a nigger wench, G’wine ter get a-home, bymeby. * An’ it’s g’ wine ter get a-homa, G@’wine ter get a-home— ‘ _ *Whoopy! Kerwhoop! throe cheers fer Royal “American Star Jangled Spanner! Three howls r ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville, trail— her man thet never told a lie! Beautiful Bill VME I te DT APR ee Be He RR oe ge IRQ lr a), ORL eS eR eng enter aes Me need the famous Leadville giant, Beautiful Bill on a fear, such as he seldom ever had ex- perienced before. Full up to the neck was the giant, with bad whisky, whose assimilation within his capacious Deadwood Dick's Device. to the street, and hur- |: stomach was beginning to tell on him, in more than one way. . His eyes were bloodshot, and his face was red and of the most brutal expression, while his i dr growing more unsteady each moment. either hand ho grasped a cocked navy re- volver, which he flourished around in a manner that was unpleasant to behold. And there was consequently a general dodging among tho crowd that swarmed in the streets, for none were there who cared to become a target for the ruffian’s bullets, half-crazed with drink ge thae he was. . Still, they followed and watched him with a sort of curiosity, for well they knew that the iant was searching game, and that a row anda ht would be the result, And perhaps no town of its size in the whole West can ‘‘ pan out” so big a crowd on so short;a notice to witness a street _ brawl as the famed city of Leadville. “Wahoo! wahoo!” the giant bellowed, cut- ting a pigeon-wing, and then turning a clumsy hand-spring in the middle of the street. ‘ Ha Iam, ye durned galoots, ther Original Pet Ele- pient right fresh frum ther flock—ther_ hatless, ootless Apoller uv ther Colorados! Here Iam, ther great model o’ beauty—a conqueror—a king among fools. Hist!” and the ruffian crouched low and peered around him—‘ hist! I say. Wharfrom came thet zephyr that sed sum ongainly galoot was sp’ilin’ fer a fight—war ac- tooly dyin’ because he couldn’t get a feller uv my social status ter measure muscle wi’? him? Fur luv or money! thet’s fair, now. Sum pil- rim who wants ter fight me fer luv or money, jest step forth—waltz right out heer, and try ter flumigate ther eee Apollo 0 ther Coloredos —ther Pet Elephantum o’ ther Leadville trail, Beautiful Bill am I—a solid man, whose bank account ar’ good fer half a millyun, any day. A king o’ this benighted region, am I, and yet despite my gold, my honors an’ my gray hairs. I can’t get up a decent respectable dog-fight wi? nopilgrim. It’sa shame—a cavortin’ outrageous sharhe. Fer Lord’s sake, sum 0’ you chicken. livered honey-combs cum out heer an’ gouge one o’ my eyes out—ram yer fist down my throat— spit ter mahi in my off ear, or do sumthin’? ter relieve ther monotony o’ ther situation, or I shall spile fer want o’ amusement or exercise, Bet five—ten—fifty—a hundred thousand dol- lars I can polish ther proboscis uv ary galoot like a meersham, in two wiggles uv a mule’s tail in fly time!” Strong was the temptive argument offered by the bullwhacker, bus none were there among the crowd to bite at his bait. A terror was ho to the town, this ruffianly character, and all were afraid of him, for he was a reckless cut- throat of the most brutal species, and had been known to kill half a dozen men in a single brawl, and come out unhurt. Zt Poor encouragement was this for an ordinary mortal to battle with him. And the giant knew that he was universally feared, which made him doubly ugly and bother- some, ; In. the middle of the street he now stood, his hat gone and his feet bare, while his cotton shirt was torn into shreds—there in the street he stood, glaring around, in search of some victim

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Deadwood Dick’s Device. tm upon whom to vent his desire for a fight, for “sp ilin’” for a fight he truly seemed to be, uddenly his eye gleamed with savage exul- tance, as he saw the little actress, Fanny Far- ron, quit a store on the right-hand side of the street and hurry along in the direction of the theater where she was to play. ‘*Kerwhoop! lookee thar, will ye, pilgrims, an’ feast yer optics on thet purty little piece o caliker, a-goin’ up ther street! Hain’t she scrumptious, though, an’ as at as ary year- ling pack-mule on ther trail? Make way thar, while I chase ther gaudy butterfly, an’ sip ther hunny frum her lips. A kiss Pll have, by all ther thunderin’ catamounts, an’ thar’s nary a galoot’cept ther Pet Elephant as can have a bite out o’ my cake nuther. Kerwhoop! hayr goes fer a gape ene feast frum thet leetle beehive!” And away pranced the ruffian in pursuit of the actress, atthe top of his speed, s aggering from side to side like a rickety wagon, and the while bellowing at the top of his voice. Pretty Fanny Farron saw in one terrified Eihice that she was pursued, and turned to flee. ut a hand touched her on the arm, and a cool voice said: “Don’t run, Miss Farron, but stand your ound, and I will teach this fellow the lesson @ deserves.” rege ave the actress did not run, but look- ed up to find a stranger standing near—a hand- somely-dressed fellow, with the characteristic coolness in his carriage and face, of a thorough- bred sport. Stalwart was he, and handsomely roportioned, with a blonde head of hair, a Rigas mustache, and luxuriant side-whiskers of a corresponding hue, while the color of his eyes was somewhat hidden behind a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, E A jaunty Derby hat wes perched upon his head; his coat, pants and vest were of spotless duck; the bottoms of his pants being carelessly thrust in the legs of a pair of spurred cavalry boots, A massive gold chain ornamented his vest front, and in one white jeweled hand he von a serviceable riding-whip of braided buck- skin. Up came the bullwhacker, his eyes agleam with triumph, and his thick lips smacking with an eae gusto for the feast heanticipated. “Ho! ho! thet’s right, my daisy!” he roared, seizing Fanny by the arm; ‘“‘thet’s her ex- chequer, my daisy! Ofte sweet smack frum them ae He did not finish the sentence, for the Sport seized him by the throat, and with strength he _ did oe appear to possess, hurled him back to the ‘oun : With a grunt Beautiful Bill came down heav- ily and the revolvers he held in his hand went _ flying far over the heads of the crowd. A moment the giant lay quivering upon the earth—then he scrambled to his feet with a fero- cious growl, as if intent upon the instant anni- hilation of his assailant. But, no sooner did he regain his feet than the dandy sport proceeded to lay the whip over his head, shoulders and back, rapidly, every stroke of the little instrument drawing blood to the surface of the aete swarthy skim. Tn vain did he lunge forward to get a hold i3 upon the Sport, but blow after blow beat him packs while terrible howls of pain escaped his Tg a And the crowd cheered wildly! CHAPTER V. A DUEL IN THE STREHT—DEADWOOD DICK ; AGAIN. Wirn a strong arm did the Sport ply the whip, and in a manner that every blow counted by raising a, bloody streak where the last struck. And in vain did Beautiful Bill seek to escape the little re erat) of torture, and’to get a hold upon his“assailant. But it was one of the efforts impossible, “Curse ye! quit! quit!” he roared, in pain, as bleeding in fifty places or more, he dropped on . his knee, unable longer to d. ‘When you apologize to that lady, I will let you off!” the Sport said, coolly, as he continued to deliver his unmerciful blows with mechanical regularity. _ “Yes!-yes! I apologize! I apologize, fer insult- in’ ther leddy!” the giant bellowed, in actual agony. ‘' Quit! quit, or yell killme!” . ‘*T should be doing the country a great service | if I were to end your miserable career!” the’ Sport said. ‘Get up now and see if you can be- have yourself,” And ceasing his castigation, the blonde stran- ger stood with whip in hand, gazing coolly at the man he had so fe ney cowed. Beautiful Bill rose slowly to a standing position, and glared at the Sport in a savaga manner. 5 yiceats “Cuss ye!” he growled, his repulsive features working with rage and wearing an expression of undying hatred—‘‘ cuss -ye, I say. ou got the best o’ me in thet tussle, but I’m bound ter have satisfaction, an’ don’ ye fergitit. Beauti- ful Bill am I—ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Lead- ville trail—ther handsum ollo o’ ther Colo- rados, an’ thar’s nary a galoot a-goin’ ter climb me an’ say he war my conqueror. No, sir-ee, nary a time, and you bet yer leetle ducats on’t. D’ye heer, ye bandbox son of a swill-tub—d'yo heer, [say? Ye'’ve got ter fight me—me, ther reat, roarin’, three-horned Pet Elephant o’ ther eadvillo trail!” “ Hight?’ the Sport said, smiling. ‘‘ Why, cer- tainly. I shall be only too happy to accommodate po Please to name your weapons and I am ready. fs Beautiful Bill started. : , And the crowd cheered! Here was a man just to their liking, ~~ Here was a man who was not afraid of the “ Pet Moephant ” of the Leadville trail. = The giant was taken aback at the prompt ie stot of his challenge, for he had confi- dently expected that the cool stranger would back out, ‘What's yer name?’ he demanded. “I gin- erally know who I fight with.” “Oh! as to that, you may call me Pacific Pratt, for short,” the Sport replied, coolly. “ Come, if you want to constitute the active part of a first-class funeral, just name your tools and square yourself in shape. T’yeno time to spend in bandying words with aman of your beastly character,”

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i4 ‘Then ye shall get yer stummick full jest as soon as ye want it!” the giant growled. “‘ Fer we ain’t a-zoin’ ter settle thes yere little debate wi’ no revolvers, ner wi’ no toothpicks, but ar’ a-goin’ ter wage fist ag’in’ smeller, an’ smeller ag’in’ fist, until one or t’other ar’ satisfied!” “Which suits me to a dot!” Pacific Pratt an- ’ swered, as coolly asever. ‘‘ Couldn’t have met my desires better if you’d ’a’ tried. Get ready, sir, and you shall have the pleasure of testing the friendship of my knuckles in short order!” _ ‘Kerwhoop! better git ready, yerself!” the giant roared, anime to strip to the waist. ‘ Better write up yer obituary ef ye ain’t pre- red it already, fer cert’in it is thet ye’re goin’ r git beauchifully salivated by me, ther great roarin’ Pet Elefant 0’ ther Leadville trail—ther Appollo o’ ther Colorados!” : ot a reply deigned the Sport; he eee dis- carded his duck jacket, and rolled up the sleeyes of his boiled shirt, which displayed as handsome- ly developed a pair of arms, as one could ask to see. Then hes coolly awaiting the motions of the giant bullwhacker who was stripping him- self of his shirt. Soon he was ready, and turned to face his o, Spe with the.glare of a wild beast in his loodshoot eyes. 5 A man of powerful frame was the giant, his bony, knotted breast and ponderous arms quite a curiosity, in their way. Few were there who would have dared to engage with this terror- producing bullwhacker as the Sport was about todo. Surely, said the crowd, Beautiful Bill would win, and the dainty Sport would go to the ground, a crushed and pummeled mass of hu- manity. How could it be otherwise, when the giant was twice as muscular as the Sport, to all ‘appearances, and superior in weight by a full hundred pounds! 5 Forward surged the crowd to form a ring around the twain, but Pacific Pratt waved them back, authoritatively. “ Back! back!” he cried, sternly. ‘‘ Leave the street open, and keep at a distance. You can see just as well, and will greatly. accommodate me! This was enough. Willing were the crowd to oblige this sportive individual who had como down among them with ‘‘cheek” enough to tackle the Leadville giant, Beautiful Bill. Among the crowd. were several lookers-on, who watched with more than ordinary interest, itseemed. They were Calamity Jane, Old Ava- Janche, and the variety actress, Fanny Farron, | who stood near the Girl Sport, with an eager, excited look upon her face, “Jest look at, the Sport!” Calamity said, ad- dressing the Annihilator; ‘‘ain’t he scrump- shi ’t he a regular daisy? An’ ten to ono he'll wax wigwams right out o’ thet big blun- derbus uy a giant.” “Great ham-bone, yes. He’s a tine lukin’ bird Snae a but then ye know fine feathers make fine birds, all except buzzards.” “Do you not know who that Sport is?” Fanny Farron asked, partes address Calamity. “TY hoerd him give his pronoun as Pacific Pratt!” the Girl Sport replied, coolly, for sho ~ eared not to make friends with this actress, whose voice was as musical as the trill of a bird, Deadwood Dick's Device. and whose, face and form were attractive to the” eye. To Calamity, her presence suggested a thought of snakes / Fanny Farron, if aware of Calamity’s aversion of tone, did not choose to notice it, for she chat- tered on glibly: “Pacific Pratt, eh? Ha! hat I think I know better than that. I knew the fellow the mo- ment he offered to encounter the giant for me.” ‘You did?” Calamity said, indifferently. “T did!” Miss Farron assured. ‘I wonder that you have not already recognized him!” “T? How?’ and the Girl Sport gazed more keenly at the actress, and then at Pacific Pratt, “What do you mean?” “T cannot explain. If you were sharp at essing, you needn’t ask?’ was the reply, and en the little queen of the variety stage, turn- ed to watch the combat. No disgrace was there in this, apparently, for other women had paused in passing along—and some of them were Lead- ville’s aristocrats—to watch the contest of skill and strength. _ Of course there was ele every hand and among the supporters of wuitiful Bill, Alf Howell, the gambler, was prominent and con- spicuous. ‘* A thousand dollars, here, to bet that Beauti- ful Bill punches the bandbox galoot clean out of ‘time, and sweeps the street with him!” roared — the ugly son of the speculator, as he elbowed his way about through the crowd. ‘A hull ‘thou- san’ ter bet thet ther bullwhacker is ther winner, Who takes it?” 5 “T reckon Jl take you!” Calamity Jane said. er, producing a wallet that was well 'm the very customer to grapple such bets as that.” “You?” Alf Howell ejaculated in amazement, ‘“ Why, as I live, it’s a girl in breeches. Say, leetle one, hedn’t you better run home to your “T think not, I'd rather bet with you, and win. Come! put up orshut up, Avalanche here will hold the stakes for us, I reckon!” ee “* And Vl see fair play!” Fanny Farron said, drawing and cocking a revolver, and stepping nearer. ‘* Avalanche must give the stakes to whichever wins,” ‘““Who told you tomix your lipin this con- clave?” Alf Howell demanded, savagely. ‘‘ You Datees mind your business, or I’ll be the death of OU : “T ain't afraid of it. You goon and plank your cash, or Pll put a pain through you so quick, you'll believe you ar’ electrotized. Howell deposited, with a savage growl. He had a notion to back out of the bet, but this unexpected movement on the part of the actress had made it necessary for him to proceed as he had commenced, Calamity also deposited her wager, in the hands of Old Avalanche, and then turned to note the result of the fight, which had now x n. 4 Yes, the Sport and the giant had confronted each other, with bared arms and clinched fists, and were sparring—the Sport scientifically while the giant succeeded only clumsily. ‘ Too ponderous was he to be warded off his wild lunges, with the greatest of ry, and the Sport —

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. Deadwood Dick's Device. 15 ease, Wuile he occasionally put ina * tester ” up- on the giant’s face, with staggering effect, elicit- ing a cheer from the crowd. 0 novice was this Pacific Pratt, evidently, if he was a sport. His every movement was graceful-and quick, his ‘blows were surely planted, and he was never for an instant off his guard, while his eye coolly met that of the giant, without flinching, behind the gold-rim glasses. In vain did the Pet Elephant of the Leadville ‘trail endeavor to grapple with his opponent, in order to crush him ina bear-like hug, but each Junge was coolly met, and the giant driven back, beneath the shower of blows précisely directed. It soon became evident to the crowd that Pacific Pratt was a pugilist extraordinary, and that he was merely playing with the giant, and worrying him to a greater rage, for the Sport did not appear to use much exertion to keep him off, and a smile constantly lingered benea his blonde mustache. : Whatever was his intention, he was each mo- ment succeeding in arousing Beautiful Bill to a greater pitch of fury, the culminating point of which did not seem to be reached—not ‘ntil jthe ruffian was stretched out insengible apon the ground. Boiling with terrible rage di 1 he seem to be, “Great ham-bone thet hed ther pugilistic en- counter with old Joner!” roar.i the familiar voice of the Annihilator, ‘' jest luk at thet Sport lishe otf ther proboscis uv thet bullwhacker. Fordy! IT wouldn’t be in Beauchiful Bill’s place fer a mint o’ money. Oh! magoozzlem Marier! Old Mose w’at cavorted thr’w’ ther scriptural bullrushes. See ther Pacific cuss punch et to him! Hooray! bet_my old head ag’in’ a drink o’ tar- antler thet William goes ter grass, less’n a thou- -san’ wiggles o’ a lamb’s tail. Thet ar? beauchi- ful fisticular demonstration o’ ther Sport yander, but et don’t hold a sarcumstance ter w’at I’ve seen, Fer instance thar war my old Billy goat, Florence Night-in-a-gale—a famuss anamile war thet same Florence you bet. She’d jest poise her head, wage her stub, and pitch inter a bat- tle hot an’ heayy, would she. Hev actooly known her ter lay out her level score o”Injuns in a day, an’ then gambol away ter court w ther Widder Briggses pet cat—an’ et warn’t much o’ a day fer Injuns, nuther. Then thar war my old mare, Prudence Cordeliar w’at I s’pect is now ornamented wi’ wings, an’ be a- sailin’ around among the saintly cherubims up in hoss heaven. She war a great mare, war Prudence—know’d more’n one minute than an ordinary hoss knows all his life. Fact, by gra- cious! Hey actooally known thet hoss ter stretch out her hind huff so quick thet a shoe’d glide off ‘an’ skip around ag’in’ ther skull o’ ther *tarnal red heathen, until et salivated an’ give ther * death grip ter more ner a dozen, An’ yet thet --ain’t a sarcumstance dun up in a brown rag, ter what ther Annihilation used ter do when all ter- gether, an’ I tell ye w’at ther men ain’t so brave as they used ter be, tho’ thet Pacific Pratt ar’ an exception ter ther rule.” ** Ha! just look at that!” Calamity said, ex- cited] a “Tf that wasn’t a beauty I don’t want a cent. _ For the Sport had dealt the giant a sromen- dous ** stem-winder ” upon the nose, which seem- ed to ig tae flatten that member to the Truitian’s face. Nor, now that he had seemingly got his hand in, did the Sport aod for one blow after another did he deposit on the same spot in rapid succession, in the mean time coolly ward- ing off the giant’s lunges. Spat! spat! spat, and the nose of Beautiful Bill grew flatter than ever, while bellows of pain esca’ his lips, and his face was bathed in oozing blood. At last came the climax, The Been dealt the giant a terrible blow upon the forehead—d"left-handed one at that. Down went the Bullwhacker upon the creunt insensible and quivering; while, seizing his hat, coat and whip, Pacific Pratt hurrie y strode away. The crowd stared and wondered. ‘What was the cause of this strange action on the part of the Sport? Was he afraid to wait until Beautiful Bill should have returned to con- sciousness? This would not seem possible, and he such a master of arms. ‘Yet, go he did, and soon disappeared among the crowd,far down hestreet. . Then it was that all on were considerately turned upon Beautiful Bill, who was leisurely measuring his length in the dusty street, uncon- scious that his valor as the boss of Leadyville’s electric city was a thing of the past. And when all eyes rested upon him there came a unanimous ejaculation of surprise, resultin: upon a discovery, and that discovery was that — upon the forehead of the giant were strange blood os of crimson, formed in the shape of a double cross “ This much y.,.. seen, then the words: _‘‘ Deadwood Dick's device !” passed from lip to p. All eyes turnedintuiuyely in the direction Pacific Pratt had gone, but he was nowhere in sight. His haste to depart was now explained. levee hy disguised as the Sport, Deadwood Dick had be leaving behind him his terrible device, Excitement for a while raged intense but subdued when it was ascertained that the Road Prince had made good his escape from thetown. “The money is mine!” Calamity Jane said, with a chuckle, “and you, Mr. Alf Howell, will learn to bet next time on the winning card.” The gambler uttered an oath of rage. ‘The money was not fairly won!” he growled, allowing his hand to drop below his belt, ‘‘ an’ I'll be cussed ef’ye shall have it!” : “Took out! Don’t draw weapons around here!” Fanny Farron cried, sharply, ‘‘ or I'll let you have the contents of this, unreservedly!” ‘And she held her pistol on a level with his heart. “Get out, now, before I accidentally pull the trigger!” ; 7 With a frightful malediction son obeyed, and the actress followed him until she came to a cross-street, when she set out for her hotel. - Calami bet from the Annihilator, and they separated, each taking a different course, the Girl going to her boarding-place. After leaving the scone of the fight, the Sport, 1 Pie eh TR a BD Sad a Cpe et eee en among them, an had gone again, the speculator’. Jane then received the result of her Ww E

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16 Pacific Pratt, hurried north through Chestnut street and out of the town. Soon he came toa chaparral or thicket of evergreen oaks, from which he led a handsome coal-black horse, and mounted. He then rode rapidly away, and in due time entered the Dead Pine Tract. pding to the door of the largo cabin, he dis- mounted, and giving the horseinto charge of the Chinaman, he entered, and ascended the stairs to the second floor. In passing the door of Stella Howard’s room he glanced into the room,+to find her engaged at a book, several choice volumes having by his forethought been prepared for her entertain- ~ ment. ~ “So I find you pleasantly occupied, eh?’ he said, smiling. ‘‘Iam glad that you find some- thing to kill time.” “T am not hard to please,” Stella replied, glancing up, a pleased look inher eyes. ‘‘I gen- erally find some mode of killing time.” “Which is fortunate. I often wish that I had not been born of arestless and or disposition, a you might find it dull and lonely ere, ‘‘Oh! mo, indeed! Dead Pine Tract has been my home so long that I like it here. Only it seems lonely without papa.” And tears rose’in tho eyes of the bear*tiful maiden, for beautiful she was—petite but well- rounded of form, with a fair, prettily chiseled face, a sweet mouth, and expressive blue eyes, that had the power of being sparkling in mth and handsome in sorrow; while soft luxurian masses of chestnut hair fell over her pretty shoulders. No ravishing beauty was this ward of Deadwood Dick’s, but a simply quiet and Bienied. beauty, whom it was easy for one to admire and love. “True, you must miss your parent, my dear lady, but I shall try to make my espionage of yourself pleasant, and render you cheerfully content,” Dick said, respectfully. ‘‘ And when you are in need of anything, or somo one to ‘converse with, you have to send to me to insure instant attention.” “Thank you,” Stella answered. “As my protector, I shall of course consider you my friend, and shall, as such, not bo backward in making known my needs.” : : Then Deadwood Dick went on to his own rooms, where hé threw himself down upon the parlor sofa to rest. ‘ But, ere he was permitted to greet Morpheus, Boar of the men entered, and handed him a card. Upon this, neatly engraven, was the name: “Miss Fanny FARRON.” CHAPTER VI. “THE ACTRESS PROPOSES—BEAUTIFUL BILL'S . OHANGE. “Miss Fanny Farron,” Dick echoed in amazement, as he saw the inscription on the card: ‘‘ What in the world can bring her here? How did she get past the pickets, Cotrelly?” _ TY know not, your honor. I met her wan- - dering about, near the stronghold, and she re- poe me to fetch this card,” the road-agent replied. : eVery well. Since she has taken the pains Deadwoacd Dick’s Device. to come here, show her in, and I will see what she wants. Give the lieutenant my orders that he allow no person to hereafter pass the lines without giving the countersign. This isimpera- tive. < : Tho aid bowed, and departed, to show in the little actress from the Leadville Coliseum. Ere she came, Deadwood Dick hurriedly removed the blonde hair and beard that had given*him character as the Sport, and stored them in his closet, while, smooth-faced and as handsome as ever, he awaited the coming of Miss Farron. She was shown in directly, and advanced to- ward him with outstretched hand, her face assuming one of the archly-bewitching smiles she had been taught to master, asa part of the secret of her stage success. ; . “Oh! Mr. Harris, am so glad I have found you at last!” sho gasped, as if out of breath. ‘Having heard that this was your home, I ven- tured to come right on, as soon as your duel was over with the bullwhacker, to thank you for protecting me from public insult.” “T ask no thanks, lady,” Deadwood Dick re- plied, a trifle severe; ‘‘in fact, I ask no odds of anybody. It was a pleasure to assist a lady in distress, but that was all, and you need feel under no obligations to me.” “Yet I do,” the actress replied, warmly, crossing suddenly over and dropping upon her knees in front of him—‘‘I do owe you a deeper debt of gratitude, than I can ever repay you, unless you will accept the boundless wealth of affection I offer you, and make me your wife, Do not start, or be surprised, Mr. Harris, for this is no spontaneous outburst from an impul- sive imagination, but a strong, faithful loye on my part for you, which sprung to life when I first met you. I know it is not the customary thing for us women to do the wooing, but I am a strange girl, they say, in more than one way, and one of my peculiarities is, that I do not be- lieve in ceremony. Free thoughts, and taws of: etiquette to suit myself, are the golden rules I shall continue to abide by!” i “But, my dear Miss Farron, you do wrong in loving such a man as I, if you do, as you say!” Deadwood Dick replied, in great surprise, ‘TI certainly have no affection for you of the kind ‘ou mention—indeed, as a total stranger, almost, have never given you the second thought.” “That don’t make any difference. Let me stay here at the stronghold a week, and if you do not love meenough to marry me, I'll go away again.” ; “Impossible, Miss Farron. I am not desirous of trying any love sg toca just now. Did Icare to marry, I should prefer to select my wife, and todo the courting, One faithless wife has not left behind her in my heart a desire to risk another.” ‘Then you refuse to listen to me—refuse even to let me remain here until I can win your affec- . tion?” the beautiful actress cried, rising to her feet, her face red with anger and mortification at her defeat. “Yes, Miss Farron; I must, for my own sake and for your sake. It would not be the proper thing for you to remain here, even were I in- clined to listen to your plea, which I cannot,I am sorry for your sake to say.” ; ;

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"to keep off the headache. Deadwood Dick’s Device. *Bah! You dare to keep another girl here and seé no impropriety in that?” : “ Miss Howell is my ward, lady, or she would not be here. She was left in my charge by the will of her father, and I am responsible as her guardian.” Miss Fanny Farron bit her lip m vexation, Such a crushing defeat to her matured plans she had not dreamed of, and consequently she keenly felt the cut of the refusal. - ‘Very well. If you will not let me remain here I will go back to Leadville, Mr. Ned Harris, put I gonot as I came, your warm friend. A broken heart I shall carry with me—a heart that is rankling with hatred toward you. Look out for me, for I shall. stab you unawares, even though it may not be soon. I shall watch until I see an opportunity to torture you, then I shall apply myself to the task,” “But why this anger, Miss Farron?? Dead- wood Dick asked, earnestly. ‘‘I seo no need for it. If you love me, your love cannot be a true one, to canker so soon with enmity.” ‘‘-You shall see!” the actress replied, almost savagely. ‘‘Lam alone in the world i know, but not entirely friendless,” Then she turned abruptly and quitted the room, After she was gone Deadwood Dick sat mus- ing upon’ the strange occurrence, his brows knotted perplexedly. 5 “Calamity Jane was right,” he muttered, ‘‘ when shegaid that the actress was a devil, or words to that effect. I would not believe then that a creature so fair of face and artless of manner could be the possessor of such a fierce temper. But, such is life. I wonder if my ward will turn out the same? No! I will not believe that, even should Calamity tell me so— Calamity whose petreption is as keen as the edge of a razor. A few years ago, when in Deadwood, I asked her to become my wife and. =she refusqd. I wonder if she would do it now? She seems to hover around wherever I go, a sort cf guardian angel eenen some would laugh were they to hear me call _strange character she is—virtuous, and true as steel, beyond peradventure, yet so wild and strange as to seem a part of the wilderness through which she roams. las she a heart? Tf so, it is buried deep under a cloud of past ob- scurity. And Stella Howell—I almost fancy that L care for her, as a husband should care for his bride.” The day after the ) street fight between Beauti- ful Bill and the Sport, Pacific Pratt, Major Howell left his mansion and rode out of town, down into the classic shades of timbered Stray Horse Gulch. He was not dressed with his cus- tomary neatness, and a handkerchief tied across hi3 forehead gave him the Bi ad pe of havi been on a drunk, and heh andaged his hea: But such was not the case, The specusator wore the cloth to hide the terrible sign of the double cross, which Deadwood Dick had stamp- ed on his forehead. In vain had he attempted to -snsh and serub off the stain, but it proved in- Gelibl be w planted in the very flesh, and the more her an angel. A wild,’ ed it the more distinct became the marks, ge iNet, i? So, rather than to appear a marked man, he had done the next best thing—covered the strange device from sight. In no pleasantmood was the major, evidently, this morning, for there was a savage expression about his mouth, anda gleam in his eye that boded evil for some one, r Who that one was, we shall soon Icarn. Guiding his horse through the wild beg ben trail, at a rapid pace, heat last ¢ame to a glade or opening among the pines, In this stood a sort of a tumble-down hut, con- structed of logs and stones, and having but one door and noavindows. It wasa desolate-look- ing place, at the best, with rank weeds and briers growing up around it, which showed that the tenant was in no way inclined to agricultur- al pursuits, or husbandry. Over the door upon a planed board, was the rather startling if not unique inscription, * K “ BEAUTIFUL BILL, “ PROFESSIONAL CUT-THROAT.” “This must be the place!” the major mutter- ed, reading the sign, with a grim smile, “The fellow is no sneak of a rascal, anyhow, for he boldly advertises his business, I wonder if he is at home?” Dismounting before the ae door, he knock- « ed upon it, Bay ely and then listened. Several minutes elapsed; then there were steps, the door opened, and Beautiful Bill stood upon the threshold, No longer could he justly be classed among men of beauty, however, for his appearance was quite the reverse. ‘ His forehead bore the sign of the double cross, © and his nose was all smashed out of shape, the wreck being ornamented by a huge plaster, These features, in addition to his naturally ugly physique, gave him an appearance at once frightful and disgusting, ae escaped his still swollen lips as_he saw the major. Evident it was that the Pet Elephant was in no mood to receive visitors. _ “Waal, what d’ye want?” he grunted, sus- piciously. “T want to see you on business,” the major said, ‘‘Let me come in, and we'll have a glass of Kentucky from my private bottle, and I will explain the nature of my errand.” “Waal, I s’pose ye can come,” the giant growled, opening the door, ‘tho’ this ain’t my day for receivin’ visitors. Got my nose smash- ed last night, ye see, an’am sorter in mournin’.” “Yes, [ know. «I witnessed your fight. with Deadwood Dick, I marvel you did not do for him.” Beautiful Bill chuckled, audibly. “T was a fool—that’s how I got salivated!” he said, feeling dolefully of the plaster on his nose, ‘I might ’a’ knowed I'd get blistered, Deadwood Dick never met ther galoot thet ked lick him, nohow ye ken fix it.” “What! do you, with all your brag, acknow- ledge that the road-agent can lick you?” “T do—I acknowledged the corn, long ere this. Didn’t he cook my goose—didn’t he lam- paste me for all I was worth, now? You'd be willin’ ter sw’ar thet ye see’d him do it, and sa

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is Deadwood Dick’s Device. would the crowd, while as fer me, ther great Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail; I acknow- ledge ther corn. I ain’t no Christyun, by a long shot, nur no leetle George Washingtun wi’ a hatchet, but I do reckon et’s my privelege ter tell when I got fairly licked!” oe Well—well, admitting that through some weakness and indisposition on your part, the Sport did whip you—he couldn’t do it again, in all Lt eae perhaps—” ‘“Whoa up thar! I jest don’t keer fer him ter try. Iain’t no hog, and know when I’ve got enough, Jest luk af this nose, will ye? Et luks as ef it hed been thru a base-ball season in Chi- cago; then cast yer optics at my pretty fore- head, and note what a beautiful motto is en- raved thar. Fight ag’in wi’ Deadwood Dick? 0, sir-ee, bob-tail hoss! You don’t ketch ther Pet Elephant _gittin’ used up ag’in, like he war yesterday. Thet Deadwood Dick’s a leetle vol- eaner, pilgrim, an’ ef ye ain’t purtic’lar about attendin’ yer own funeral, ye’d better steer shy 0’ his nibses, an’ don’t ye fergit it!” - 5 “He served you rough, Bill,” the major said, consolingly, ‘‘and I don’t blame you for not - wanting to tackle him alone. Here, take a suck from my bottle, and it will stiffen up your spirits. Now, you of course meditate revenge on this / devilish road-agent, Bill?” - “ Revenge?” the Pet Elephant said, seizing the major’s half-pint flask, and eying it grimly. after which he raised it to his lips and drained i in a couple of long, strong pulls, ‘* Revenge, did x° say? Waal, I opine no, pilgrim. A wonder- ‘ul change hes come over me, since thet galoot smashed my nose beyond all its resemblance ter Appoller—a wonderful change. TI tell ye he jest knocked ther fight all cl’ar outen me, an’ T’ve re- solved ter haul in my sign out thar, an’ shut up shop. When sech fellars as Deadwood Dick ar’ about, I opine Pet Elephants don’t quite saga- ciate/in this climate. “Ye see thet book, yander? Waal, thet’s a Bible, w’at I brought fer three set-’em-ups, up in town, an’ I’m goin’ ter study thet till I can preech a fair shake o’ a sermon, an’ b'ild me a church, hyar in Leadville, whar I can convert sech sin- , nersas I have been. Oh! you bet yer boots Ill make religyun hum !” ‘“* Then you positively refuse to or your- self upon Deadwood Dick, for the ill he has done ou?” the major demanded, Dip pike regret in is tone—for he had made calculation upon en- listing Beautiful Bill in his service. “IT positively refuse!” Beautiful Bill return- ed. ‘*When I have a desire to ram myself agin’ an ’arthquake, next time, Pll s’arch fer one 0’ different register, an’ don’ ye ferget et. As fer thet Deadwodd Dick, I admire him, I do, from ther soles o’ my stogy boots. Any leetle cuss like him who ean stand up an’ lick ther great Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail, fu’st wi’ a gad an’ then wi’ knuckles, deserves a seat in ther presydental cheer. Why, he did lam- baste me beautiful, an’ did a fu’st-class job, or I shed never hev fergiv’ him. Thar’s stripes on my back like on a Byene or a@ zebra, and, . ad me fer a watermelon, ef I ain’t proud uv Jem “You are a consummate ass!” the major growled. ‘‘Any man but an idiot would seek revenge. See! I too heve the sign of the double cross stamped upcn my forehead, but Deadwood Dick shall pay deariy for his cursed work, mark my word for that. Ihave a hundred men who “will follow te to his retreat, and help to killhim and his gang!” ‘Planets of Venus and Jupiter! Ef ye don’t git ther wu’st licked you ever war, I’m asucker, that’s all!” the giant replied, as the major took his departure. ‘‘When ye git ther beauty o’ yer proboscis altered inter a ee jelly, jest cum erround, an’ I’ll shake hands wi’ ye.” The major rode away with a curse upon his lips, while Beautiful Bill re-entered hut, thoughtfully, and donned his belt of weapons. There was a peculiar twinkle in his bloodshot eye, not often there, and an expression about his mouth that was inexpressibly ludicrous. ae “Tl bet ther major gits lambasted like thun- der—that is, if Beautiful Bill knows his P’s and Q’s,” he mused. Arming himself to his satisfaction, he sat down to a table, and wrote with ee and ink, the following parsers in a clear, legible, and stylish hand, which poke that some time in the past he had been the recipient of education in penmanship, at least, which was more than could be said of half the ruffians of his ilk who infested the mines, “*LEADVILLE, May—, 187+. ‘Mr, DeaDwoop Dick:— “TI allow ye’ll be sum’at surprised when ye git this, but ye can bet yer boots it’s all on ther squar’. Since ye licked me, I don’t cherish fer ye no enmity. nary a time, an’ ef ye run fer presydent alongside o Grant or any other galoot, hayr’s w’at’ll vote ferye, an' don’t ye fergitit. But this ain’t w’at I write this *pistol fer ter remark, This morning ther pilgrim. ajor Howell, cum ter me, an’ wanted ter draft me inter a cenyaies ag’in’ ye, but I wouldn’t go. He sed as how he war a-goin’ ter lay fer ye, wi’ a hun- dred men, an’ lick out yer hull crew. I allowed ter him thet he couldn’t tech one side 0’ you, an’ I'll al- low I orter know. Sol tho’t I’d write an’ warn ye ter luk out fer ther major. Ef ye want any help. don’t be afeard to call on yourstruly. Ye did a fair job by me, an’I luv ye fer it, an’ tharfore, wi’a smashed nose, an’ across marked forehead, I remain a Luvingly yours, “ Beavrisun Brit, “P.S. Teave. You're entitled ter boss ther town an’ I'll take er back seat. I ain’t no swine, an’ know when I’ve got enough. B. B.” With this document safely stored in his pock- et, the giant then left the hut and trudged to- ward Leadville. 4 The very first man he met in front of the Tén- tine restaurant was the famous Annihilator, Old Avalanche, and up to him the Pet Elephant pranced forthwith. “Lookee hyar,” he said, in a tragic whisper, “be you a friend ter thet daisy, Deadwood. ic ‘“‘ Great ham-bone! yes,” Avalanche replied, | “but what of et?” “Waal, just lend me yer ear. I’m a friend o’ the leetle cuss, too, since he lambasted me down hyar in ther street, an’ I want him ter get this yere docyment.” Avalanche received the message from the giant, and read it, a puzzled expression coming upon his grizzled features. ah S23 “Great aristocratic ham-bone! Did ye write _

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Deadwood Dick’s Device. this, William?” he demanded, suspiciously eying ‘the giant. “J did, an’ don’t ye ie it,” the Pet Ele- phant replied, proudly. ‘‘Tamachanged man, now, pilgrim, an’ ef ye don’t find et out, ’'m a jackaiale: A Christyun am I, Beautiful Bill, clean from the soles of my stogy boots, ter my sky parlor!” - CHAPTER VII. A RETURNED MOTHER—AT DEAD PINE TRACT. THE first person Fanny Farron met after her return to Leadville, from Deadwood Dick’s vil- lage, was Jacques Frouch, the actor at the Col- iseum, He was lounging upon the grass at the edge of the roe evidently been watching for Le coming—and rose to his feet as she came ong. The expression upon her face told very well of the defeat of her plans, and a gleam of satis- faction was in his eyes as he saw it. “Ze ma belle Fanny did not meet with ze suc- cess she expected?” be said, with his sarcastic broken French, which he knew annoyed her. ‘Ske did not find ze road-agent of ze same opin- ion of herself, eh?” . ‘No, curse him!” the actress hissed, between her white teeth, her eyes flashing venomously, “he refused me, and now he shall feel my ven- eance. Ill fight him and kill that girl he has taken to protect, before I leave Leadville.” Frouch smiled serenely. . ‘Your spirit is admirable, my lady,” he said, swith a sort of triumphant chuckle. ** Your act- ling comes to you natural. But, I fear you will ‘have a serious task, combating against a man so powerful and shrewd as the notorious road- agent, Deadwood Dick. He is bad medicine.” “T do not intend to work alone,” was the re- ply. ‘! You must help me, Jack—you who haye the will and the ingenuity of a devil in your heart.” : : “I, my lady? Why should I mix up in your lover’s quarrels, pray?” ‘* Because I want you to, You once told me you had learned the drug and chemist trade in nee, and could compound a slow lingering poison, which would cause the patient the most excruciating agony, and at the same time se to be ameliorated by any counter drug. Now, this is the very article ] want administered to that doll-faced ward of Deadwood Dick’s, and you must do the job!” : : Jacques Frouch shuddered a little, the cynical smile on his face dying out. : “T am surprised at you,” he said, after a mo- ment’s survey of her. ‘That is a terrible way of getting rid of an enemy.” ‘* A sure way, however,” the actress replied, coolly. ‘‘ You must do the job,” ’ _ “Not by a big sight!” the Frenchman said. “T ain’t in that business,” ‘Then, if you refuse, your hopes of ever win- ying me are blasted.” -‘*Bah! have they not always been blasted? \dave you not always refused me?” - “ Yes, but if you will serve me in this way, WH reward_you, and promise to become yours.” . Jacques Frouch’s eyes sparkled greedily. Soe “ Are you lying to me?” he demanded, suspi- ciously. ‘No, upon my honor. If you will bring me (pO) proof of the death of Deadwood Dick’s ward, you can send for a minister as soon as you choose thereafter.” “Very well. You can depend upon me, and if you back out, you shall die by the same agency as your victim!” he said, significantly. ‘‘ But, this is not what brought me here. I was sent for you.” f “Sent forme? Whom by, pray?” . “That Iam unable to more than that the party was a woman, and deeply vailed, at that. She came to me, and desired that I should fetch you.” : “Strange; I “know of no woman here, who could possibly be interested in me.” 19° “She is, all the same, judging by what she said tome. Will you come?” “Of course. man.” Together they hurried down Harrison avenue. to the Clarendon Hotel, which the entered ri ascended to the general parlor on the second oor. A woman clad ina dark robe, and with her I’m curious to see a vailed wo- face feeply vailed, arose as they entered, and advanced a step—then paused, half-hesitatin in the middle ft the door, oy ‘* Are you Miss Farron, the songstress?” she - demanded, comeing. of eagerness in her tone. “T am the same,” the actress replied. ‘‘Why - do you ask?” t ‘Because I have an interest in you!” the wo- “Be seated, man said, sinking into a chair. pray, and we will talk. In the first place, what are the first recollections in your early. life— that is, how far back can you remember?” “Not very far,” was the reply, and the ac- — tress exchanged glances with Jacques Frouch, who had seated himself near the door. ‘* My first recollections are of the stage, on which ete eee ‘I was but ten years old.” pa: d you in charge?” who drank poor bln ah to excess, and who beat me around unmercifully.” “What became of this guardian of yours?” “T don’t know. She called herself my mo- ther, but then, I never counted on that, and was glad when she skipped out. They told me ~ she’d slid for stealing some money from one of the actors,” ‘‘ What became of you after this woman left you?” ‘‘ Well, I shook for myself, ahd took care of nyself, an’ here you see me.” , ‘Yes, and glad I am, too, for I believe you are not that scrupulous that you would refuse to earn a pile of money in an easy way.” “As to that, you may have read me correct!” Miss F: certainly should not hesitate to pick up money and examine it, if I saw it lying in my path.” The vailed woman laughed, too, in a peculiar, maging ey j id@ntit was that she had secretly studied vious to the visit, - . ‘etty. ‘arron replied with a laug’ = oy "1 the actress and laid her plans accordingly, pre- _ “Were bisa alone—do you remember the s who i «J remember her very indistinctly: a woman S el r; le at at ia, EY IN é. if

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20 Deadwood Dick’s Device. ' “Tt is as I thought then. For money you are For some time they traveled on; then, as the willing to work. Allright. Do youknow what | moon hove in sight from below the horizon they your real name is—your real name?” ‘No, unless it is Farron.” “Then let me tell :you. Your name is Howell. Yow’re the first and only legitimate daughter of Major Howell, the speculator of this place!” “T Major Howell’s daughter?” the actress cried, in amazement. ‘And you—whoare you, woman?” “Tam your mother |” “This is incredible, madam, Are you the same woman that was my guardian in the past?’ “The same. I would bare my face to“you but for reasons all-sufficient to myself. lett you, years ago, in order to hunt up this villain ‘who married and deserted me, and now I have found him, married again, with a family grown up arouud him, and well to do.” “Well, what do you propose to do?” the act- ress demanded, in a business-like manner. ‘ If you’ve any plan to make some money for me, speak out; if not, git /” “T have a plan,” the vailed woman replied, without appearing to notice the coarse sugges- tion of the other, ‘‘and you being my child shall share equally with me, if you lend me such aid as I desire. Major Howell will pay high to have us lay back and not expose him as a bigamist.” “True. You ge a him where the hair is tong, sure enough. ell, count me in, and let’s go to work. I want money, I spent all of my ast month’s salary at the Coliseum, and am dead broke. Haven't even got a copper.” * Be not in a hurry, or you will spoil all,” the vailed woman replied. ‘‘ I will prepare the way first, and then wait on you again.” : Then, after a few other words, she took her departure. . The sign of the double cross! During the succeeding week this was the sub- ject 2 Gant in the minds of the people—the topic of general conversation, in Leadville and its tributary mining cities, For, every day was Deadwood _Dick’s strange device being found, either upon the living or the dead, through the mountain guiches and in the mining villages adjacent to the carbonate re- ~ gion, in and around Leadville. , » “The Double Cross” was upon every lip, and the mention of it was a synonym of terror, for it meant the vengeance of the Prince of the Road—the notorious Deadwood Dick, who had hangod once to secure his freedom, and having failed to get it at the hands of the agliee was causing a reign of terror and death that had never before been equaled. In justice to him- self, said some, was this daring outlaw fighting, but the masses failed to view the matter in that light. Sehrongh the shadows of early evening, two men left the town of Leadville on foot, and made their way toward the north. Upon the outskirts they were joined by a band of four- score or more of mounted, armed men, who also held two empty saddle-horses in waiting. These were soon filled, however, by the two parties first mentioned, and then the whole cay- alcade galloped toward the north. — drew rein, at a wave of the leader’s hand, hé being: no other person than Alf Howell, tho speculator’s son, and the man beside him was the major in person. What was the meaning of this midnight ex- edition? Why all these armed men on horse- back, venturing into the wilderness—mén whose rough, slouchy dresses, and still rougher phy- siques, pronounced them to be of the most ruf- fianly classes? There could be but one supposition—that they were going to a conflict. As they came to a halt, Alf Howell said: ‘““Order, now! Are all the boys here?” “ All here,” replied one of the men. * Highty-four, in all?” “Ay! piigeay font) in all.” ‘‘Good. Is every man properly armed, and ammunitioned?” * * Ay! . ve seen to that.” “Good, again. All dismount, now, and secure your horses, hereabouts. Before us lies the Dead Pine Tract, which is our desti- nation.” The order was ae obeyed, with-as little noise as possible. en every man had tether- ed his horse, and assembled in the little glade where they had halted, Alf Howell, or Dandy Alf as he was more familiarly known, said: ~ “‘Tf you are all ready now, we will divide into four companies of twenty-one men apiece, and separate. McNulty, you can take c ange of one ee ore and station yourself at the | northern e of the Tract, throwing out sen- tinels every little ways to prevent any one from escaping from the Tract. Shoot any one at- tempting such a thing. Deems, you may do the same on the eastern side with the second divis- ion, and Brocton can take the west end, ditto. I will remain with my division here on the southern side. Let no man pass you or goin or oye the Tract, unless he gives you the pass- word. ; “What isthe password?” asked McNulty. ‘‘T have forgotten, if you told me.” \ ‘It is Sdeath !” the gambler replied, grimly. “Now divide up, and get off to your posts where you will remain until you hear the blas ofa horn. Then make for the big cabing in the lade. If you are attacked before, however, low your trumpets, and hold strong until we arrive. I haven’t made all my plans yet, and can’t give you further directions. Score off, now, and get to your 1? This order oie obeyed. ! .The three officers, McNulty, Deems and Broc- ton selected their twenty-one each and departed into the depths of the forest. Dandy Alf then strung 3 ee of his men along the southern side of the Tract, wherein was lo- cated the new village of the daring outlaw, Deadwood Dick, placing them at eerie vals, and reserving the other portion in case of emergency 5 When this was arranged to his satisfaction he turned to the major, who was disguised an masked, ‘Now, the next move is to get into the out- | Jaw’s camp, and procure the girl,” he said, sav- inter- —

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Deadwood Dick’s Device. ai agely. ‘“‘Sheis likely to give us more trouble - than the whole gang of road-agents.” .* Not if you manage it right. Gag her when you catch her, and you can easily bring her away. ss Bat, how am I to get to the stronghold when they have doubtless got pickets outposted, to in- tercept new-comers?” “That is a question we must devisé a plan to answer. By our united brains we ought surely to overpower an obstacle of that nature, without much trouble. Thought isa great invention, you know!” Then the father and son engaged in a whisper- ed conversation, which was not audible to a lis- tener. For there was sucha listener, as was ob- servable had human eyes penetrated a clump of undergrowth not far from where the two How- ells stood. A bulky mass of individuality was curled up in these bushes, and had been, ever since the ar- rival of the band. It now pagan to cautiously uncoil, however, and finally disclosed the pon- derous Leadville giant, Beautiful Bill. The Pet - Elephant it was, sure enough, and, haying heard all that he was able to hear for the time being, he began to cast about him for escape. Noclumsy hulk was the giant, evidently,when he chose to exercise caution, for he wormed his way out of his place of concealment and into the glade right past the sentinels, without Being dis- covered, a quiet grin the while upon his battered features. Straight toward the cabin rendezvous of Dead-. wood Dick he made his way, often having to lie flat upon‘his stomach, to avoid exposing his per- son tothe bullets of any pickets who might be . gazing toward him. ; ~ In this way he finally gained the cover of the eat cabin; then in its entrance hecame face to face with—Deadwood Dick, “Shoo! don’t make a noise!” the giant cau- tioned, as Dick stepped back in surprise; and laid his right hand upon a pistol butt. ‘“T ain’t no spook, ner no ie orien visitation, you bet, “but Beautiful William, ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail.” “The deuce! How did you come here?” Dick - demanded, sternly. “« Waal, part o’ the ways on my feet, an’ ther other two-thirds on my hands an’ knees an’ stum- mick!” the giant replied, with a grin. _ ‘Then, you are my prisoner. If you were not _ content with the thrashing I gave you, a limb = pe tree will perhaps do you,” Deadwood Dick said. “Hold on! I ain’t a-goin’ ter hang yet. Ef I ain’t an angel, I am a-goin’ ter try ter be one. _ Didwt ye git ther warnin’ I sent to you, wi’ Old ~ Avalanche?” _*¥es, and threw it in the fire. You are not ‘sharp enough to fool me with chaff yet, my pil- ~ ‘Thar warn’t no chaff about it, Dick my daisy, jest as sure’s my frontispiece is Beauti- — ful Bill. Thet war a fair shake I give ye, ter | luk out fer ther major, an’ ef ye didn’t |. most likely yer fire is all dough.” _ * What do you mean?” mind it, __ “Qht ye'll ‘see, d’rectly, sure’s I’m one o’ ther ‘ - detached planets from Jupiter. Old Hewell an’ 5 ' a gang o’ eighty galoots hev surrounded ye, an ef they don’t make it hot fer ye, T'll lose my sur- mise : “By Heaven! I don’t credit. this. We've seen nothing of them.” ‘“Mebbe not; but it’s a fact, just. so sure as ye gamboled my proboscis out o’ kilter. Jest feast yer eyes on this nose, Dicky—ther *reck o’ for- mer prominence. Don’t et make ye feel bad ter think thet ye war ther means o’ spilin’ a fellar human’s beauty, fer nothin’? But I fergive ye, my honeysuckle—I do, from ther soles 0’ Es stogy boots, because ye didafu’st-classjob. Ye licked me, and licked me "til it did me preud, an’ heer’s my fist in eternal friendship.” And the ets thrust out his brawny hand, Deadwood Dick hesitited but a moment, then it and shook it. “Pll trust you,” he said, ‘until I find you, treacherous—then, Tll put a revolver-bullet” through your thick skull. Excuse me if Iam more emphatic than pclite, but I am obliged to consider every man a treacherous rascal, in order to make my general estimation of the world correct. I consider every man my enemy, until he proves, beyond a doubt, that he is my friend.” “Don’t blame ye a bit, an’ ef ye ever ketch ther 2 Elephant off his nut, jest salivate him, erslap. “Consider it settled, Though the belief is with ‘me that your motives in this action are honest, I shall have you watched, lest the devil in you, and which infests every man’s nature, may accidentally leak out, when I am not on my guard. Now, give me your advice as to © this gang of cut-throats under Major Howell.” Beautiful Bill did so, giving an accurate ac- count of what he had heard and seen while play- ang he Py. ter he had finished, Deadwood Dick accom- panied him to the mess-room of the band, and ordered the cook to give him some supper. sd In the mean time, he gaye orders to have more pickets posted, for he was ill at ease— more so than he had ever been before at the prospect of a battle. His uneasiness was ina measure caused by the fact that a part of his men under an aide-lieutenant, named Farwell, were out on the road, and might return unsus- pectingyy to the glade and be surprised and cut pieces by the ruffians under the command of the Howells, : As for himself and those within the rendez~ vous, he had no fears. CHAPTER VIII. WATCHING AND WAITING. Danpy Aur Howe concluded not to make the attempt to reach Deadwood Dick’s cabin, inasmuch as such an undertaking would incur a great deal of risk of life, for he doubted not that the new heir of Dead Pine Tract had taken the precaution to post guards on the watch for enemies. At the cabin Deadwood Dick was makin: ready for the battle which he was sure acne come, and he meant not to be disappointed or surprised. : a Several small howitzers he had had brought

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. to the Tract, and these he ordered now into the second story of the cabin, with their noses pointed out of convenient windows, one in the east, west, north and south respectively. They were mounted upon small trucks, and being loaded heavily, were the very titing for mowing down a crowd. While Dick wassuperintending these arrange- ments, Stella Howell was by his side, watching without a remark the preparations for battle. ‘“ Why are you making all these preparations, Mr. Harris?” she asked, at last, impelled no doubt by curiosity. “ Are we going to have war here, on Dead Pine Tract?” ‘Tt would seem so, when we are surrounded by nearly a hundred armed ruffians, under your uncle and cousin!” Dick replied. ‘They have come, no doubt, to take possession of the Tract!” “ And you will eae it up to them?” No, Sea aa while I have powder and Jead to drive them back. Is it your wish that they should have the mine, here, and all that was your father’s?” “Oh! no, indeed. [want you to have it; I want every clause in poor papa’s will obeyed!” the maiden cried, enthusiastically. ‘‘If you have a place for me, give me a gun, and I will fight as long as I have strength.” “‘No need for that, Miss Stella! What you could do in the way of fighting I will take off your hands and do myself, with pleasure,” Dick said, gallantly. ‘You may rest assured that if the invaders attempt to reach my claim, they will do so at the peril of their lives, for f shall fight to the bitter end, and render the name of Deadwood Dick a greater terror than it is.” “You are a brave man,” Stella said, warm- ly, ‘‘although if all the stories about you are true, you are to some extent a wicked one. abtnan Tt am loth to believe, you are so bold an and— “No flattery, lady!” enjoined Deadwood Dick, as she paused in confusion, ‘I know what you would say, but I deny the accusation. Good Jooks I néver laid claim to, the Lord only knows, and as for boldness, my life has made me too bold, I fear.” , ‘CA man cannot be too bold, in some ways— in others he can be so without trying very hard,” Stella replied, as she turned away. ; After arranging everything to his satisfaction above-stairs, Deadwood Dick descended to the first floor, to find Old Avalanche in the mess- room, “Hello! you, Alva—how came you here?” “Great ham-bone, Dickey, my jewel—how did I get hayr? How did ther old cavortin’ cy- clone o’ ther North-west get hayr? Moses thet perigrinated off on ther earuva bullrush! I jest wafted down hayr on ther palatial car uv old Aurora Bory Alice—a ginnywine thunderbolt 0’ extinction—a storm-cloud o’ etarnal annihilation an’ extirpation, fac’ by gracious! Jest gaze at me, Dickey, ye thoroughbred daisy—jest accel- erate ther speed o’ yer glance onter my royal nibs, and remark ef ye don’t obsarve a teetotal change in ther old ragin’ eppydemic o’ ther per- rarers!” i “You do look somewhat enlivened, that is true,” Dick replied, smiling at the old man’s! Deadwood Dick’s Device. ea mile ther minit I spied her, an’ et -an’ thar on ther steps o’ ther Tontine, we three Anni- ag F ne earnestness. ‘‘ Youreyesseemtohavea brighter — luster, your mouth has resumed specie payment+ — and you seem all cured of your lameness, al- — though I can’t see that your ears have grown — much lately.” Ags “No, Dickey, old Perriwinkle! Them ears — won't nevyer adorn my venerable sku 1, I reck- — on,” the veteran muttered, rubbing his horny palms over the spots where those useful organs dLonce upon a time grown. ‘But thet ain't no sarcumstance—great ay ical ham- bone, no! Jest luk at me, I’m as fresh as a spring lamb—as frisky as ther little sheep Mary _ had, w’at ye read about in the Catechisms. No longer is ther Great Annihilation a thing o’ ther past, but ther livin’ reality in boomin’ condishun —me, ther great devastatin’ Se eee 0 these boreal ‘lattitudes an’ longytoads, an’ my mare, — Prudence Cordeliar, an’ m: oat, Florence Night-in-a-gale. Yes sir-eo, bobtail hoss! ther great cavortin’ cyclone o’ ther West ar’ ag’in in workin’ order, an’ hayr’s wat hes grown six yeers younger, inside o’ five hours—fac’, by — gracious.” — ‘“‘DoI understand you, then, that you haye recovered your goat and horse, old man?” ae ‘Great International ham-bone, yes—recoy- ered ’em, yes, on course I hev, Dickey, my trans- — rent emblem o’ vartue—ye idess of Liberty! n course I recovered ’em, an’ this ishow I did _ it. War sottin’ on ther steps down at ther Ton- tine, when a galoot he came waltzin’ up on ther a top o’ a hoss, an’ behind him dogged as sneakish hay eet a lukin’ billy-goat as ever chawed cast-iron, an? don’ ptereit et, my posey. Great discomfited 4 ham-bone thet discombobberated ther terrestyal — grayytation uy old Joner! I know’d thet ana~ popped inter my head ter hev sum fun. So I jest hopped ter 4 my fut, an’ I sed, sez I, ‘ Qui vas seniolas monto — du diablo? wich war hoss-latin fer Prudence Cordeliar, yo consarned old son of a sea-cook, ye old devil!” Waal, sir, thet sagacious anamile — luked up an’ glued her eyes onter me; then she began ter whinny an’ eleyatin’ her backslidit propensities, she sent that galoot w’at rid her, a-playin’ leap-frog t’other side o’ ther street, — after which she walked serenely up ter_me an’ — shuk hands, an’ Jarfed as only a hoss can laff, till” she nigh cried. An? Florence she snickered too. component parts o’ ther great devastatin’ Anni-— hilation ag’in leagued ourselves together fer ther _ purpose o’ cayortin’ about on another toor uv extirpation, in these yere pestiferous longytoads an’ lattytudes,” < 7a - “Well, I’ve business for you, right here. you are sp'iling for a fight,” Deadwood Dick said, smiling. * “Great ham-bone, yes; I know all about it my daisy; an’ ye kin reckon on ther Annihila-— tion fer a ie 0’ ther conflict. But, Dickey, — thar's one thing I want améliorated—thet is to — say, changed. ‘Ther g’ard at ther door, he ac- — tooally refused ter admit my Florence an’—” “Til settle that,” Dick said, with a lane ‘‘Come along, and the worthy jint of the ann hilation shall have the best the establishmen'

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Deadwood Dick’s Device. furnished with a repast sumptuous enough for any goat to eat, lorence evidently had a retentive memory, for she appeared to recognize the Prince of the Road, and rubbed about him, lovingly. She had grown more yenerable looking of late, if not uglier, but had lost none of her love for a scrim- mage, apparently, for she eyed Beautiful Bill .. with a twinkle in her eye, which would seem to express the sentiment that she hankered after giving his giantship an interview with her head- gear—that kno aCe ee batter- ing-ram she knew so well how to manage. The night wore on. Those within the Rendezvous watched and waited, expecting momentarily to hear the first signal of the attack; but still it did not come, hat was the meaning of the delay? Were the wolves of the Howells intending to starve out the little garrison? Or were they creeping up, previous to a big rush at the eabin? These were the questions not easy to answer, for there were no answers to them at present evidently. The moon had gone under a cloud, and outside was impenetrable darkness. Not*a foot before his face could a man see now; then the boom of thunder along the hea- vens predicted a storm. Fully trusting his men, Deadwood Dick did not venture out into the night, but remained within doors directing those of his followers who were inside. Avalanche, with many of tho principles of the true soldier, suggested several little additional improvements in regard to the defense, which Dick accepted with hearty thanks. At home was the Annihilator, with his many odd, extraordinary stories and uncouth expres- sions, now that he had Florence to gambol and frisk at his side. é ‘Great ham-bone! why don’t ther galoots git upand”tend to their knittin’, ef they want ter fight?” he grunted, as he approached Dick, who stood in the doorway of the Rendezvous and gazed out into the black night. ‘If Iwarthem Ferns, I'd go bathe myself in the Sloughs of : espond, or sum other such a place, and then - dig mea hole in the ground, and crawl into it and pull it in after me.” : 2 “You'll see ’em soon enough,” the Prince re- plied. ‘‘ We shall have a big shower soon, and then can look out for ’em. here’s Calamity, Alva?” “Ther Lord knows, Dickey, my: peony. I ken’t no more keep track wi’ that gal than I kin o’ a bat. She’s heer, thar, and all overs, jest whar her inclination leads her, an’ I reckon RN) ceo be surprised ter see her heer to- night, - Louder and heavier boomed the thunder along the heavens, until it seemed to jar the very eee while the lightning diffused itself in vivid gilarés, On ascending the stairs Dick found Stella Howell crouching in one corner of her room, peeping Violett y: ee ; __‘Oh! Dick—Mr. Harris, I mean, I am so Saar ou have come! I was so afraid of the er. 5 ‘ > And she glided forward and put her hands in | through?” his confidingly, while she looked into his face for assurance, ‘* Afraid, were you?” the Prince asked, smil-- eee into her dilated eyes, admiringly. ‘Why, a storm like the one that threatens us is in perfect keeping with my nature, my little ward. Itisgrand. The crash of the thunder, the vivid hiss of the zigzag lightning, and the weird sound of the falling rain, are the sounds that thrill me with renewed life—fill my soul with a yearning to go forth and ride madly pes the warring elements!” “Oh! how can yeu? Iam always timid in a storm like this, It must be nice to be so brave and courageous.” ‘(There is no brayery in not fearing the storms of this life, Miss Stella. A man who trembles not at the sound of his Maker’s voice is not natural, or else he is a. devout and sincere servant of the Lord; one or the other. But as unnatural and wild as they may be, I believe there is no man or beast not in a measure sus- ceptible to God's influence, durin: “T agree with you, indeed,” thusiastically. — a5 ou are a phi way, Mr. ris, eh Perhaps Lought tobe. But don’t call me Mr. Harris any more. It is a name that don’t belong to me—Dick is what they call me—Dead- wood Dick, and the name will cling to me as’ oe L live.” ‘ it.” a storm.” tella said, en- osopher in your t is just as well, so long as you are proud of “Tam not pica of it—or anything. I de- spise a man who is proud of himself, his name, or any worldly possession. He is as much to be despised as the buzzard who gluts himself on carrion, and ‘then is in misery the remainder of the day. No! I am not proud of the name of Deadwood Dick—I should be a contemptible sinner were I. Itis not a name to be proud of, for there are many stains upon it, never to be washed out; yet, outlaw, road-agent, dare-devil though I have been, and am now, I have been driven on, step by step, by a people who have no mercy—who refuse to let me alone, after I had hanged and thus paid the penalty of crime. So that, though my future prospects may not be pleasant to reflect upon, I have the consola- tion of knowing that no man has ever paid nature’s debt by my agency, who was not at heart a ruffian and a villain, and whose death was not a relief to the community, and.a favor to every honest man.” ire And must you always live this wild, strange life?” ‘“ Always!” Deadwood Dick replied, fiercely. “T am an outcast, and as such I haye only to remain. Society or the public at large refuse to receive me. They are everlasting enemies. Go where I will, they hunt me and 'turn me abroad, because once I was a ay They curse me, and drive me about, and I have no choice except between this life and death.” “T, at least, pity you, and trust you,” Stella said, putting her hands into his, warmly. ‘TI don’t believe you are bad at heart.” “Thank you, little lady. I hope I am not. But I came here to speak of another thing—of your father’s will. You have read it all z

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24 / Deadwood Dick’s Device. “T have—and know of what you would speak; concerning my marriage. My answer is yes! It was evidently my father’s wish, and did I loathe and despise you, which I do not, I should respect his wishes.” ; “T thank you, my little one,” Dick said, bend- ing and kissing her upon the forehead. ‘* Your , trust shall not be at fault. I shall send fora minister at once, having one who has been regu- larly ordained, inmy band. He will marry us, and at some other time, we will be wedded again to make all sure: This cerefnony will make you equally: my wife, and should I perish, the ruler of my band, who will stand by you through thick and through thin.” After a few more words, the young chief took his departure, just as the sound of a rifle-shot rolled along out of the forest. “They've begun operations,” he muttered, darkly, as he hastened down the stairs. He found Old Avalanche and Beautiful Bill in the mess-room, while the rest of the men were positioned at loop-holes in different portions of the cabin. ; The storm had burst forth in all its fury, the rain pouring down in torrents, and the thunder rumbling heavily an accompaniment to the lightning’s vivid flashes. ‘Great ham-bone! did ye heer thet ar’ shot?” the Annihilator demanded. ‘Yes, I heard it,” Dick replied. ‘‘ Where did it come from?” “Ken’t say, tho’ I'll allow they’re gittin’ red- dy fer a scrimmage.” “Let them come. If they don’t git the worst of it, ’'m mistaken.” A reconnoissance failed to see anything unusu- al out of doors, for it was inky black. ¢ Leaving the cabin Deadwood Dick visited each of the out-posted sentinels, but they had no infor- mation. They had heard the report, but had seen no flash, nor any effects of the shot, Returning to the cabin, he found that Ava- Janche had made a capture in the shape of a ragged, haggard-looking individual, who look- ed as if he had been in a hot conflict, but re- cently. He was a tall, brawny fellow, with iron-gray hair and ragged uneven beard to match; eyes black and be pe cate swarthy. His face was severely scratched and bled profusely, and one arm was worn in a sling. His clothing and hat were of the most tattered description, and were soaking wet and covered with mire, as if the owner of them had been roll- ing in the mud. Great ham-bone thet Dicked ag’in’ ther lar- nyxof old Joner!” the Annihilator ejaculated, pointing, as the chief entered, to the waif of the storm who lay half-reclining upon the floor. - “Old Moses who war born in ther bullrushes! Lookee hayr, Dickey, my jewel. Hayr’s a pil- a who begged ter kum in an’ fF let him, er I recky he’s about canceled his yearthly dates.” ‘Who is he?” ** Great ham-bone! he sez as how his name is Mons’er Muckaloo, or sum sich like, an’ thet he war travelin’ toward Leadville, an’ then cum in collision wi’ ther pang out yonder, an’ only es- eaped wi’ his life. a Deadwood Dick turned and eyed the stran; suspiciously. He was so rough and illy-clad that a suspicion dawned upon his mind that he might not be all he claimed. ‘What is your name?” he asked. ““M, Mulchfree,” the man replied, with a slight accent of French. ““ What is your business?” “Tam peeaely A Parisian chemist, but of late [have been prospecting in the neighbor- ing mountains for gold.” “You met with r success, I should say, judging by your clothes?” “Yes. Icame near starving, and was makin; my way toward Leadville, when I encounte: several ruffians in the woods back here, and in a battle with them got a sprained arm, a bullet- hole through my side, anf my face scratched up considerable.” ‘This pe accounts for the rifle report we hear low’s wounds, and give him some fodder.” then, Alva, you may dress the fel- : Avalanche obeyed, and the Frenchman re- ceived the attentions gratefully. On raged the storm without, the thunder rumbling and jarring and the lightning hissing spitefully into every crack and crevice. During one of these awful glares, the door ra and Calamity Jane stepped into the eabin, CHAPTER IX. A WOLF, DISGUISED. Yrs, it was Calamity Jane, sure enough, who entered the rendezvous from out the terrible storm. She had, in a measure, protected her- self, however, from its fury, by wearing a long oilcloth coat, which reachéd nearly to her feet. She threw this aside, now, and shook the rain from her slouch hat. ‘ “Phew! how it comes down,” she said, with uiet grin. sae Dick.” “Thank you. I just came in,” Dick replied. “The rain, Iam afraid, would have little effect on the stains of my character.” “'P'raps not. t are ye goin’ to do?” 2 In regard to a fight?” Ao “T scarcely know. Don’t even know how matters stand in the camp of the enemy.” “You'll fight, of course?” } “Very likely. I never laid down my arms but once, and submitted ‘myself to be hanged, and_I shall not again, very soon.” ‘“My words have come true. You remember I told you you'd be an outlaw, soon again, at the head of'a band of men. H i the very position I predicted, with the people and far as they dare.” _ i “And al will be. And the quicker 70 (oe Se) a es eS oe ta a “You, ought to go out and wash | : the stains out of your character, as I’ve.-been’ ~ ere you are, in —

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7 : . Deadwood Dick's Device. 265 ean clear out of the country to some foreign elime, the sooner you will be rid of the curse that now clings to you.” “No! I will never run for them!” Deadwood Dick replied, sternly. ‘‘I will never run for them, a Anillion to one though they may be. ‘They shall keep me here in America as long as _ Ihave life, and shall feel the blighting influence of my hand, because of their treachery.” * ‘“Hurra! thet’s ther way ter tork it!” the Annihilator burst forth in enthusiasm, while his eccentric goat gave an encouraging *‘ ba-a-al” ** Great chicken-livered ham-bone thet war ther last ailment uv old Joner! eaten squar’ on ther track, thar, an’ I'll bet my old socks on’t. He’s bin treated like as ef he war sum dishonor- able coyote, an’ ef he ain’t got cause fer revenge, I don’t know myself. Eh? C’lamity, what d’ye say?” Ry agree with you, of course. You and I never disagree on any thing, you know,” the dare-devil replied, with a smile, as she went up and shook hands with the veteran scout, “No, Clamity, gal, we never differed in our opines; cept on one matter—ther breed o’ my lorence Night-in-a-gale, you claimin’ thet ther anamile war a ‘sooner,’ while I claim he ar’ a ‘setter ?!” ““Well, we sha’n’t even quarrel about that, Alva. Florence is a sagacious animal, and ten to one, there’s nary another to match him. Hello! what have we here?_ Do my eyes deceive me, or is it an apparition I seo?” for the dare- devil had suddenly caught sight of the formid- able proportions of Beautiful Bill standing near at hand, é **No, you behold the Pet Elephant in the presence of his tamer,” Deadwood Dick answer- ed, laughingly. “With his spirit subdued, he makes a good pack-horse, on account of his size,” Later Calamity drew the chief to one side, and nodded toward the giant. _ “Keep a lookout for that big brute, for, clev- er acter though he may be, you'll find to your cost that you are being deceived in him, and he will attempt to strike you a death-blow!” “Then you don’t believe in his sincerity, ch?” “Not by a long shot! I’ve seen too many toughs of his caliber to believe them thorough- bred white-winged flutterers, you bet! It’s easy enough for the galoot ter pretend friendliness ter you, but I tell you thar’s nary a galoot as will stand up an’ take a bastin’ like he got, an’ then turn around and luv ye fer playin’ the gad.” ‘Well, maybe you're pretty near right; still IT am loth to believe thatthe giant has any evi intentions toward me.” Well, maybe he hasn’t, but time will prove. There is another thing that I have to speak about, and it is concerning the actress at the ‘oliseum.”” “Miss Fanny Farron?” “Yes. She has some devilment on foot, and ee ee wantito look out for her. She isasrevenge- ul asa tigress, and is plotting to murder the girl you have up-stairs.’ “By Heaven! no! Sho shall never touch a hair of Stella’s head.” _ “T hope for your sake that she won’t; but you must look out for her, or some one who acter been seen around here, to-night, in dis- guise ?” : ‘No. You, Alva, and the French chemist, haye been the only new arrivals.” “The French chemist?” ““Yes—a poor wretch, who, after prospecting in the mountains with no success, was pullin’ for Leadville, when he had an encounter wit! es enemy out here, and got considerably bruis- ed up. “Vou are a fool!” Calamity said, half-con- eee ee ‘a, consummate fool!” “Why so? What do you mean?” “Why, that pilgrim is a clean, out-and out fraud, and is no doabt a tool of Fanny Farron, sent here to do you paey: I now believe it to be the same galoot I was watching mutilate himself, back here in the wocds. He scratched his face until it bled, whacked his arm with a club, and puta bullet through his side with a istol. Ireckoned another war was afoot, and 6 was preparing to escape the draft.” “Tt is no doubt the same fellow,” Deadwood Dick replied. ‘‘ Alva, where did he go?” “Great ham-bone! last I see’d o’ ther pilgrim, he had hobbled off to the pantry to get a drink,’ the Annihilator replied. ‘‘He asked me whar it was, an’ I told him.” A hasty search was instituted for the disguis- ed villain, and he was/at last found in one of the adjoining rooms, apparently sound asleep upon a pile of blankets. He sprung quickly to his feet, howevet, a8 Deadwood Dick, accompanied by Calamity and. Avalanche, approached. ““Halt! don’t moye a muscle under pain of instant death!” the chief cried, sternly, leveling a revolver at the Frenchman’s heart. ‘‘I have just learned a few things concerning you, and you may as well surrender, for your game is blocked.” ‘What do yeu mean?” the man growled, his eyes glittering. ‘“‘T mean to say, that if you don’t drop the false hair you sport, instanter, and let vs havea square look at you, I'll salivate you in less time than it takes to say Jack Robinson, twice!” Dick replied. ‘Calamity, you assist him to remove the superfluous hair, and if he resists, Pl plug him.” The dare-deyil stepped forward to obey, but. the Frenchman waved her hack, while he tere off a false beard and wig, and cast them on the floor, with a curse. 2 And there stood the actor, Wildcat Jack, alias Jacques Frouch, : “here! didn’t I tell you!” Calamity ejaculat- ed, triumphantly. ‘He's the chap what we see’d on the stage at the Coliseum, a few nights ago, and his name is Jacques’ Frouch.” Ons ye!” the man said, an evil glare in his eyes. ‘¢ What do you mean?” | “T mean to hang ee up to the limb of the nearest tree, if I find that you have done any mischief,” Deadwood Dick replied, sternly. “Tell me what brought you here, you rascal.” “‘T shall tell you nothing,” Frouch answered, sullenly. ‘You can go ahead and do as you choose, but yowll not get a peep out of me.” _. Somesin her place. Has any suspicious char-1 ‘‘I'll know about that directly. Alva, you x

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26 may bind the villain, and station a guard over him. I want to learnif he has done any harm, before I hang him.” 4 Accordingly the tool of Fanny Farron was bound hand and foot, and dragged into a strong room, where he was left. Shortly after Deadwood Dick, accompanied by Calamity, Avalanche, and one John Rivers, a member of Dick’s band, ascended to the rooms of Stella Howell, and a marriage ceremony was solemnized—the man Rivers officiating in the capacity of minister, he having been a minister of the gospel until a foul suspicion of murder was laid upon his shoulders, and he was forced to flee, and forsake his calling. The marriage rites performed, there was a eneral handshaking, and when Deadwood Dick Wocaniied to the mess-room, he was vociferous- ly cheered and congratulated by those of the band within doors, Calamity remained with the young bride for awhile, and spoke in such glowing terms of Deadwood Dick that Stella in no way regretted the step she had taken. Morning dawned, a wet and drizzling, dis- agreeable morning, with a cold, grayish pallor seeming to cling to everything, and a monoto- nous drip! drip! of falling rain that rendered the day lonely, ith the dawn of day observations were made that the enemy were still at their posts in the edge of the dead pines, although they wero neha) not to expose their persons as a target for tho rifles of those within the Rendez- vous, Some of the men were in favor of opening the fight, but a word from Deadwood Dick caused them to desist. Not first would the Prince or his men be to fire a hostile shot; if se neve began the battle; they must abide the results thereof. About noon Calamity came into the mess- room, her face deathly pale. ‘* Quick!” she gasped; ‘‘come up-stairs—your wife is dying.” : Let us look in upon the camp of the Howells, erat this time, and note the situation of af- airs. The Regulators, as they styled themselves were still divided upon the east, west, north an south sides of Dead Pine Tract, Alf Howell and the major commanding the southern division. The men posted on picket duty were relieved by their comrades every hour, and thus were kept fresh in case of emergency. Toward morning, when the storm was at its fury, a messenger arrived in camp bearing a aote to the major, which read as follows: _ Come immediately. There is trouble here, and - you are wanted!”’ As tha note was signed by Mrs. Howell, the major had hastened at once toward Leadville,, Jeaving Alf in command, Upon arriving at his mansion he admitted hi:nself with a latch-key, and hastened to the library, which he had noticed from without was brilliantly lighted. Entering without ceremony, he \ound himself in the presence of his wife and two daughters—also two other females | : ‘ ve / 2 dats Deadwood Dick’s Devic 3 4 _ one of whom was vailed, while the other he re- cognized as the variety theater singer, Fanny Farron, ‘ ‘* Well?” he said; interrogatively, as he stared around. ‘I am here!” ‘““Yes, you are here,” Mrs, Howell replied, icily, ‘‘and now that you are here, perhaps you _ can explain yourself, This. woman claims to be a former wife of yours, and proposes to put for- ward her claim upon you.” “My wife!” the speculator gasped, wheeling and facing the vailed woman. “By Heaver! what infamous plot is this against me? My — first wife isin her grave, seventeen long years ago. . - “No, you are mistaken,” the vailed woman said, calmly uncovering her face. ‘Your first wifs, and only Jawful wife is still alive, and stands before you!” It wasa calm (ea oo a face, that of the strange claimant, with traces still plain where beauty had once lingered. The eyes were dark and fierce, and the hair threaded with gray. { Major Howell staggered back, as he saw the face, a strange, ghastly pallor sweeping over his own countenance, “Aha! I see you recognize me!” the first wife exclaimed, triumphantly. “I thought you wie 1” th lato} ped, his finge s urse you @ speculator gas rs gpening and shutting convulsively. ey thought I was rid of you, you she-devil.” ; “Took out, my dear major! Don’t call mo names, or I will fly at you and tear every _ air out of your head. Old she-devil, am 1? — Who made me so, pray? Who deserted me,and ran off with my hard earnings? Who but you, . you scoundrel?” 3 “T didn’t—it’s alie!” the sae blustered, edg- ing off,as the returned Mrs. Howell advanced: KS ‘*T never stole your money—never even married you, you old vixen!” a “Bah! you lio! you miserable thief!” No. 1 © shrieked, growing momentarily more and more excited. ‘Ihave a marriage certificate that proves our union. Ha! ha! I shall have sweet — revenge upon you, now, when I find you so rich and prosperous, and so willing to give up your — ; all to me, and start anew in life-with your — family, I should be heartless, indeed, to trouble — you, after you have given me all your present wealth, a! ha!” ‘ “Furies seize you, you accursed virago, You — shall not have a cent of my money, nor shall — you disturb the peace of my household. - Iwill — murder you!” prin eee And suddenly drawing a knife from a sheath — upon his hip, the enraged speculator leaped *, toward his first wife, with a frightful oath. cae But, the cold, deadly muzzle of a revolver peering suddenly into his face caused him to 8 D. The weapon was held in the hands of Fanny Farron, and so firmly and steadily that the — banker dare not advance. Aap. Ae ‘“ Halt!” she cried, cocking the weapon, coolly. Tet you offer to do my mother harm, I willshoot ou! “Your ie Lats X. — Fa" S t+ ale at he

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_ “Just what you might infer from the words fspoke. I will put a bullet-hole through you if "you offer to make us trouble.” - * Who are you, then, girl?” 3 “Your only legitimate daughter, sir. Like- wise a halver in the division of the ils,” the actress replied, coolly. ‘‘Oh! you'll find us - business, every time, You may as well tell the other females here, to pack up their ‘Saratogas’ _ and scoot, for we sha’n’t have ’em around, you can bet!” “Curse ‘ou! trembling with furious emotion. ‘‘Do you think TI shall tolerate such a scene as this in my - own mansion? Go! I say; and there can be a _ se5tlement hereafter.” 4 “Not much there won’t be! We've took the fort, and now we're going to hold it. So the sooner you clear out your second brood the bet- ter it will be for you, mark my word!” Mrs, _ Howell No, 1 said, _* Ye will not have to clear us out!” Mrs, How- ell No. 2 answered, haughtily. ‘We will go of our own accord.” And motioning to her daughters, she left the room, followed by them, and they were shortly - after heard leaving the house. “Now, Major Howell, we are alone—you are alone with the wife and daughter whom you deserted years ago, How do you like the situa- tion of affairs? How do you fancy the change - fe in the internal arrangement of your tise ~~ hold?” 3 _ “Furies seize you!” the speculator raved chafing under the gaze of the silver-mounted » weapon in Fanny Farron’s hand, ‘‘What do you intend to do?” SS “Well, since you have asked a sensible ques- _ tion, I will give youa sensible etre the first wife said, with a grin, her eyes flashing tri- uwmphantly. ‘“‘I am a thoroughgoing business woman—my whole life since you deserted mie has been devoted to business, as I have had depend on my wits for a liveli Now, we can amicably settle this thing, if I mistake not, or you can amicably shuffle off this mortal coil, and I will lay siege to your possessions when your bones are deposited in a box six feet beneath the ground f aa would not murder me, woman, would you 2 “Yes, without the least compassion, if you “refuse to d» as I direct. Yonder table contains writing materials, Go and sit down, and you ‘take me out a deed of all your real estate and oersonal property, and write me out a check vor every farthing you have in banks or trust aompanies. Do this and you are free to go. Refuse, and you will never see the day dawn — again!” é a “ Curse you! you dare not me!” : iz ‘Don’t you believe that! We mean business, and shall not hesitate to take advantage of the present situation, The hour is Propo and ; could easily put you out of the way, and Assume possession here. Come! go abead! phall not give you more than an hour to ~ -werite out the document.” : __,. With a growl that might have come from the roat of a lion, so savage it was, Major Howell Deadwood Dick’s Device. | and Leave the house or I will have |} - you forcibly ejected!” the speculator cried, | swer, ies rE 27 went to the table, and sitting down, wroto ra- pidly, Mrs. Howell, the first, standing over him, iving such directions as she saw fit. When he had finished, she took the document anda check which he had drawn up, and scanned them critically. “That will do,” she said, a moment later. “You may go now, as I have done with you! Fanny, here, will witness the deed, which will’ make it good in law.” CHAPTER X. A TERRIBLE DRED “Your wife is dying!” Deadwood Dick and Avalanche sprung away up the stairs, in pursuit of the dare-devil, who orly peuled to give ventwto the exclamation, when she urried back up the stairs. Straight to the room of Stella Harris, the new wife of Deadwood Dick, went the trio 3 Poor Stella lay upon the ‘bed, writhing and twist- ing in fearful agony. her screams most terrible to hear, indeed. Her face and form were contortcd into unnatural shapes and expressions, seaieing from the Pe pat she was suffering, en she pollee and tos: rom one side of the bed to another, 2 “In the name of Heaven! what is the matter with her?” Deadwood Dick pasped, shuddering as her frightful screams rent the air. ‘Tell me, Ca- lamity-—what is the matter with her?” “God knows— don’t; unless it is from the panes of hydrophobia or poison. She is dying, Dick!” the girl replied, tears standing in her eyes. “‘ There, do not touch her; it will do no geod, and you might get hurt. TIiried to quiet her before I called you, but found it no use, She is in terrible pain, and will have to wear it off.” “Death will only wear it off, and put her outen her misery, ef she’s bin p’izened!” Alva said; ‘tan’ Lreckon et be p’izen, fer she cavorts around fera'l ther world like old Prter Masters, who swallered a- dorg button jest because Marier Potiphar wouldn’t jine harness wi’ him.” ‘“* Poison |” Deadwood Dick gasped, aghast. ‘ Poi- son! Who could be so infernally devilish as to com- mit this crime? Not you, girl?” and sternly the Prince of the Road turned his terrible gaze upon Calamity Jane—* not you ?” “Sir!” she replied, stepping back a pace, her face whitening, and eyes dilating. “‘Me—I kill her? God forbid!” “Now, lookee hayr; don’t go fer ter ask ary more sech questions, Dicky,” the Annibilator said, sol- emply. ‘ Ye know C’lamity wouldn't do secha thing, or at least ye orter, after you ye bin sorter pards so long. I'd wager my last cud o’ terbaccy ag’in’ a belt on ter smeller thet C’lamity never dreamed of such a thing.” é J “Full well I know it, too,”? Deadwood Dick re- sponded, as he reached forth hishand, ‘* You should have shot me, girl, for the foul suspicion, whick came not from my heart. Shake, and forgive me. God knows I am not responsible for what I say or do, now, in this awful hour. Quick! somebody go fora | doctor. There’s a fellow below who is an expert physician—fetch him!” ithout a word, Calamity sped back, down the stairs, but soon returned, accompanied by that mem- ber of Dick’s band. who had studied and practiced in the medical profession, before circumstances—a wrecked home and a faithless wife—drove him out upon the trail. eo shook his head’as he saw the horrible agony of e girl. “ Can't do much for her, I’m afraid,”’ he announc- ed. ‘‘Has anything been given her that might have Bain poison?” =. eadwood Dick turned to Calamity for the an

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28 ae rik Rar “Nothing,” she replied, “‘sinee I’ve been here, ex- cept a cup of cold tea Tt brought her this morning. She even refused her breakfast, saying she was not sare - “* Where did you find this tea?” “In the pantry, below. It was standing cold in an earthen tea-pot, and I re it was allright. “The tea was undoubtedly poisoned,” the physi- cian sald, “and the symptomsjof the patient confirm +my first conclusion, But_a drug has been used that is rare in this country, Among all the common mineral poisons, you will find none that will puta person in such horrible torture. The drug which I elieve has been used in this case, is a preparation known only to the most expert French doctors, al- though its use is large in Paris.” “Ts there no antidote?’ Deadwood Dick demand- ed his voice choked with emotion, and tears filling his eyes, “None! The poor jlady’s suffering will not cease until deith claims her, which, God pranting, may be soon!” the physician said, reverently, With a loud wail of anguish Deadwood Dick drop- ped upon his knees by the bedside, and sobbed ropa Calamity, Avalanche and the physician.also wept. Horrible it was to see the poor victim in her agony, such as mortal seldom knows here on earth, as she tossed to and fro upon the bed—insensible to the grief of those true friends gathered around her—unable to speak except in a scream of agony—sensible only to the awful torture that she experienced, Her hitherto fair pretty face was con- torted terribly, the eyes and lips being tightly closed except when she screamed and features were drawn out of shape. **Be calm, chief,’ the physician said at last; ‘‘ her pain is virtually over; sheis dying. Scout, will you call Rivers?” Avalanche hastened to obey, and the*minister s00n made his appearance by the bedside of the ae bride. and touching prayer—prayed long and earnes' Wy to God to stop the terrible torture and ease the spirit of the dying girl in her last moments. _One by one, as they heard the news, the road- agents filed into the room and stood watching with tearful eyes, for what was sorrow to them was double sorrow to their chief in this hour of death. John Rivers’s tee was seemingly answered, for at last poor Stella appeared to grow easier of her pain, and dropped off into a state resembling slumber, but which was in reality death, all the contraction of her features having disappeared, and asmile of peaceful rest frozen upon her colorless lips. Thus died Deadwood Dick's bride, within the very day of their marriage. “Weep no more, my friends,” Rivers said, solemn- ly. “She has passed away to that bourne of ever- lastiny peace, where there is no pain, no dying, no marriage or giving in marriage, but where all is life and eternal joy in the sunlight reflecting from God’s. beaming face.” F s Then, convulsed with emotion, he left the room— left the'mourners by the bedside of the lost bride. Long they remained there in silent prayer; then, when they arose as if by intuitive consent, it was found that Deadwood Dick had fainted. Strong Shona he was, and generally a master over ‘his emotions, he had at last succumbed to this unex- pected and terrible blow. “Gentlemen, if you will carry him to his room,” Calamity said. addressing those of the band who stood around, “I will care for him.” _ Eager were they to obey, and the chief soon lay upon the bed in his own room, and Calamity and Avalanche were left to bring him back to conscious- ness. It was not a hard job, and they soon had him sit- ting upright upon the bed, fully restored, Deadwood Dick’s Device. th tears in his eyes he offered up an eloquent. “You fainted,’ Calamity said, aulethis in answer to his inquiring look around. “ You had better lie still, for awhile, until you regain your strength.” “Bah! I shall never be stronger than now, to Strike the murderer of my wife. It was the ac- cursed Frenchman’s hellish work, and he shall pay the penalty of his crime. Come, Avalanche, I would have you with me. Calamity, canI look to you to eare for her?” And the chief's voice grew hoarse with emotion, **T will do all I can,” Calamity replied, tears springing to her eyes. ‘“‘ You knowI would not re- pee. you, even though you—you suspected me, ick. “Tut, tut, Jennie, my dear girl! Banish the re- membrance of that wrong from your mind, I was mad to think of such a thi I now know that you would sooner kill yourself than her.” And pressing her hand in his, he turned and ac- companied Avalanche, Down the stairs they went, and to the mess-room, The band were all assembled in the mess-room, the pickets having been called in. Each man sat with bowed head; a few were huddled together, talking in low tones. : They all looked up, however, when Deadwood Dick entered—Deadwood Dick, looking so pale and calm, that they felt something was about to tran- spire. Nor were they wrong, . He paused in the center of the floo- and gazed around—saw sympathy plainly written in each face —knew that each and every man there was ready to strike for him, . “Comrades,” he said, after a nioment, “ you have doubtless heard of the hellish crime that has been committed, by which me bride has been stricken suddenly down. You all know the measure gen- erally meted out to a murderer, and it shallapply to this case as well as to othezs. Bring out the French- _ man who is imprisoned in the strong room. A.couple of stout fellows sprung forward to do the chief's bidding. The door was flung open; then they stepped back as if in surprise. . ‘He is not here, chief!’ they exclaimed... — “Not there!” Deadwood Dick cried, leaping for- ward. ‘“ By Heaven! there is treachery here, hat — has become of the man?” ‘ _.‘*¥as! w’at hes becum o’ ther galoot?” grunted Beautiful Bill, pare up. ‘‘Show me ther cussef he’s a candidate fer Judge Lynch’s noose; let ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail adjust his neck- tie ter fit like a hoop on a pork barrel!” . 3 “What have you against the villain?’ Deadwood Dick demanded, sharply, turning so suddenly upon the giant as to cause him to start in his tracks, “Kerwhoop! plants 0’ Jupiter and Satan! Wat — hev I ag’in’ ther cuss—I, Beautiful Bill, ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadviile. trail? Waal, now, ef I — hain’t hed my fill o’ thet galoot, 1 sell out cheap, you bet! Skinned me eleven straight games o° peer ne did, at two dollars a whack, an’don’tye ergit it. z “Man, I am tempted to believe that you set the French devil at liberty!” the Prince of the Road cried. ‘‘Can you look me straight in the eyes and say that you didn’t?” + “Can I? Great luminar: i didn’t hey nothin’ te® do wi’ et!’ Jab yer bowiein- we xy = °

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Deadwood Dick’s Device. Deadwood Dick turned grimly to his comrades, his face darkening. **Search the cabin and the immediate neighbor- hood, and you may yet recover the prisoner,’’ he commanded. ‘‘Take him dead oralive. A hundred dollars to the man who returns either him or his carcass here)”’ ‘ “Thet’s business!” Beautiful Bill cried, enthusias- tically pounding his breast; ‘you hit me right thar ter a capital dot, my beloved chief. A hundred gold shiners more willl add ter ther pile fer the capture o’ ther French son 0’ a horse-eater, an’ fer ther privilege o’ placin’ ther necklace 0’ justice about his neck!" E “You keep still! You may get it about yer own windpipe!”’ Avalanche cautioned, “Keerect, my scrimped-up. leetle old sucker—kee- rect. When his lordship, ther noble Dick Dead~ wood shall ordain thet ther proper moment has ar- riv fer me, Beautiful Bill, Pet Elephant o’ ther Lead- ville_trai!, ter shuffle off his mortail puter pe 0” life, I shall ke ready ter peregrinate—ter transport myself with ther utmost fortitude ter ther realms 0’ Jupiter an’ Satan.” x hurried but careful search of the rendezvous was made, but nothing of the Frenchman could re found ; neither did out-of-door search discover Im. Somehow he had escaped, but how? He could not have got out of the strong room with- out hands and og from the outside, and such help he had surely had. But, who was the guilty man, then? Was it the giant, despite all his protestations of in- nocence, or was it some other member of the band? ‘This was the momentous question which puzzled {Deadwood Dick, even as the escape of Jacques lfrouch angered him, pa aces there was no wa’ of throwing light upon either of the subjects, whic made it the more exasperating, Calamity came down, after awhile, and the Prince of the Road made known to her what had transpired. i ‘Beautiful Bill's your huckleberry, mark my word,’ she said, when he had done. “I calculated he’d hit you a stab end he’s doneit, He'll do it xgain if you don’t lynch him on the spot.” “tT don’t like to believe that he’d lie so to me.” * Pshaw! he can lie as easy as he can drink whisky, «which ain’t no trouble at all, you bet.” Deadwood Dick was not quite satisfied. He hid \placed confidence in the giant, since bis “ coming Over,’ such as hé seldom placed in mankind, and ‘he could not well believe that he was mistaken in the honesty of the chap. A keen seuse of percep- tion generally served him in lieu of a detective’s ee beet Seat e day passed slowly away. Shar 6 was kept from the Rendezvous for _ the self-styled Regulators who infested the woods around the Tract, but nothing could be seen of them. Thoroughly hidden among the dead pines did they keep. if indeed they were still there. By Deadwood Dick's direction, some of the mem- bers of the band sect to werk sand manufactured a coffin-shaped box, out of such material, and with such tools as were on hand. pan This was then filled with dry leaves covered_over with a white blanket, and the body of poor Stella was laid upon them—her last resting-place here be- low. A beautiful corpse she made. for Calamity’s deft nands had been at work in arranging her body for the grave. , * Just as dusk threw its mantle over the earth, a deep grave was dug beneath the floor of the cabin, the flooring having been torn up for this purpose. When completed the coffin was lowered into the ave, and Tohn Rivers read a short but touching fanial service. after which the remains were covered up, in the presence of many a tearful eye, and the floor rep) Deadwood-Dick was seen no more for a couple of hours, but when he again appeared, he was attired in full riding costume, and was armed to the teeth. “Now where?” Calamity asked, in surprise. ‘“To Leadville,” be replied.’ “You need searcely ask what for; I am going to hunt down the murderer of my bride.’ é a fr - fy “But you are not going to attempt to go throug the Regulators?” Calamity asked, aa “Bahl yes. I fear them not, though. they may number an army. Iam a free man, and they have no right to stop me. If they do I shall Fill every man that raises a hand against me.” ‘How about matters here?” “Itisof that 1 would speak, I leave everything in your hands—in your command. In case of an attack before I return, do the best you can—that is allIT could do, Don’t touch the giant, unless you have positive proof of the guilt in which you may believe him concerned.” “Very well. 1 will take charge, and do as I be- lieve you would do—fight in self-defense, if i: should come to that. In case we have to light out, Pi fire the cabin, Should ycu not find us here on your re- turn, look in the Leadville post-office for a letter for Elijah Goff.” “Allright. I will trust all to your management. Itis sufficiently dark now, and I am off.” Shaking hands with Calamity and Avalanche, and addressing a few words to the band, Deadwood Dick then left the eabin, and mounting his horse which was held in waiting for him, ke galloped away toward Leadvilles electric city through the gloom of the night. A few hours before Jacques Frouch had entercd the town, covered with dirt, as though he bad been crawling through the mud. Hseaped had he from the rendezvous, in a way unsuspected by those with- in the cabin. He had found a board in the floor loose, and, caree fully raising it, he bad slipped beneath the floor and allowed the board to spring back into its place. ‘To crawl from in under the cabin was but a trifling “task, and in the course of an hour he kad steaithil. made his way out of the Tract and into the forcst, without being once halted, for he passed the Regu- lators unnoticed. Grimly triumphant over his success, he hastened toward the town. “ Now for da bile Fanny!” he muttered, ‘‘ and the glorious prospect of coming in for the larger share of the harvest from her rich progenitor, Major Howell. Hal ha!lTll then be independent of ithe arare and its mockeries—I shall be virtually made.” Thus musing, he made his way to his stopping- place, where he repaired to some extent bis personal appearance, after which he dropped into a saloon and imbibed a stiff drink of whisky. Then, in high spirits, he made his way to the Howell mansion, and | mounting the steps, rung the bell. CHAPTER XI. “ THE END OF A ROPE AND A YARN. Nor long had the Frenchman to wait, for the door was soon opened by a servant. Pushing him rudely aside, Frouch entered the hall, and listened. _Voices were audible coming from an upper pare and eit 1 Frouch ascended with ag muc er as though he were in hisown man- sion, leaving the gaping servant to stare after him, in bewilderment tco great for expression, To the parlor the villainous Frenchman wended his way, and entered without the usual formality of knocking, Indeed he already considered himself joint ot and: master of the situation with Mr. owe) v The mother and daughter were seated near a mar- ble center-table as he entered, engaged over a late luncheon and a bottle of wine—some of the rare old vintage the major had imported from the east for 1 his own express use. A strong lip for spiritual con- — é i = 1

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#0 solation had these new heirs, and they meant tc im- prove the time ere their sway of the scepter should cease. They sprung to their feet, however, when they be- held Jacques Frouch smiling at them, from near the doorway. “ You here?” the actress cried, coldly. ‘*I thought and peped you were dead,” _ And consequently ¥rouch replied. ‘‘ Mistakes will happen, you know. And now that I am returned, no doubt you areover- joyed to see me?”’ ; tet § ark confess that lam not. You are nothing (0 me!” ““Curse you!’ the Frenchman gasped, his swart face growing blacker; ‘is (his the game you aretry- ing to play with me? If so, you'll find it won't work worth a continental cent, You promised to marry me if I would poison Deadwood Dick’s ward, and now you must keep your promise, You can’t play none of your games on me.” ~**But, you have yet to ep poe part of the con- tract.” Miss Fanny said, craftily. “No! by Heaven the girl is dead—was dying in horrible agony, when I left the Rendezvous.” “Good! Lam then rid of one obstacle standing between me and Deadwood Dick, and now 1 shall rid myself of another!” And asshe spoke the actress drew a cocked revolver from. her bosom,'and quickly leveled it at the heart of Wild Jack. ‘Now you git, or ’ll make a sieve out of you in quicker time than youc n wink.” * Blast you! what do you mean, girl?” “y mean, that if you botherme any more, I'll make a candidate for a coffin, just as you did Dead- wood Dick’s ward. Go! clear out! I want no more todo with you. If yau ever come here again, I'll shoot you on the spot!’ ** You will never live to do that, my beautiful liar. Ze devil will take your soul and burn it in ze sulphur pit, and zat will bo ample revenge for ze wrong you 1ave done me, I go now—not because J fear you, but to lay a trap for you that will never fail in its bite. Ha! ha!” And turning, the Frenchman laughing demoniac- ally, left the roum, and, as the women supposed, the house, as they presently heard the door slam. But not yet did the villain aes the house, Skulk- ing along through the rear hallway, he at last gain- ed that region of domestic bliss known as the kitchen. It was unoccupied, and he had things all to him- self. Entering the pantry, he took from his pocket a small bottle, and poured a few drops of it over bread, meat, and such other provisions as were standing around upon the shelves, “The same that is good for the victim is good for the plotter,’’ he said, with a devilish chuckle. “If they appease their appetites, you, Jacques Frouch, will have ze revenge you thirst for. Now for to get tg ze town, before ze authorities want me. Ha! ap Hurrying ‘stealthily from the house, he sought a livery and sale stables in State street, and there pur- chased cheap for ready cash a fine saddle-horse. It was dark when he left Leadville’s twinklin: lights behind, but striking into the well-beaten trai leading to Fairplay, he galloped off at a leisurely gait, Not afraid was he of the darkness, for it cor- responded with the hue of his nature, and then, he had once belonged to an outlaw gang, whose depre- dations were chiefly committed under cover of darkness. Fairplay was but a few miles from the carbon city of Leadville, and was peopled by even a rougher clas3 of people, among whom the Frenchman be- a he might find protection should he be pur- ned, The road to the objective mining-camp was part of the way along ragged bluffs, and then again it emerged into deep, silent bodies me of pine timber, where nature’s sounds were 2 seldom disturbed. \ Pictag._« Deadwood Dick’s Device. you were badly deceived,’’. ‘do so in. Then, you shall together with his wife and two daughteiy. re Tho timber was so black and grim in appearance that Jacques Frouch looked, around him sharply as he rode into it, the thought of road-robbers coming into his head. It was just suche location as they might choose, and he quickened the Beit of his horse nervously. . Not really frightened did he grow, until he heard hoof-strokes ringing behind him, and before him, and it dawned upon his mind that he was being hedged in. Whether by road-agents or by servants of the law he was usable to conclude, but he saw the advisability of reining in his horse aad dismount- ing, under the pretense of examining a shoe upon his horse’s foot. This he did in hopes that he would escape icular notice. $e But, he was destined to disappointment, for, up from the east galloped a single horseman, clad in black, masked, and armed to the eo from the west came a dozen men to match, and all halted but a few feet from Frouch, who wasin secret trembling with terror from top to toe. With the single nocturnal rider the band seemed Srexchange signals; then the single horseman rode cont has 3 acques Frouch, a cocked rovolver in hig r and. ** Jacques Frouch!” a stern, cold voice said, you are a doomed man. I have trailed you down to the spot whereon you die. If you would make peace with your God and Maker, I fixe you five minutes to © lynched—the fate of nearly every murderer in this wild region. Death will be too good for you, hellish monster that you are, and death you shall suffer as you have caused others to suffer!” Tbe French assassin dropped upon his knees, and began to beg piteously. He recognized the voice of the ee that of Deadwood Dick, and knew that he stood a slim chance of living, when once trailed down by the noted Prince of the Road—a mer who returned blow for each blow struck him by ‘oes, “Who are you?—for God's sake spare me,” Frouch cried, in a supplicating tone. “No, Pll not spare you, for Dead yood Dick never spares & man who wrongs him as you have. You os die, and you have four minutes left to pray a!” - “Spare me! I beg! I beg! Ill not do anything “3 the kind again!” the craven cried, in a sniveling one, ‘* No, ll warrant you won’t!” Deadwood Dick re- plied. ‘‘Ha!l who'd think you were the brave hero of drama at the Coliseum, to see you here upon your knees? Come, boys, get the rope ready!”’ The road-agents—who werea body of Dick’s main band who had been absent from the Rendezvous for several days—obeyed with alacrity, and a noose was soon dangling over a limb, with the pulling end of the rope in the hands of a half dozen strong knights. Seeing that there was not the shadow of a hope for him, Jacques Frouch began to ery piteously, then curse, between breaths, f Nor did he stop until he was lifted bodily from the ground, his head inserted through the noose, and he was swung off into eternity. The sign of the Double Cross was then stamped upon his forehead, after which there was a consul- tation between Deadwood Dick and his men, and they mounted and rode off in different directions. Straight toward Leadville the chief went, an ugly expression. about his mouth, and a deadly glitter in his eyes. Before entering the town he dismounted, and left his horse in a thicket of maples, while he also assumed a disguise, consisting of a change of clothing, and a wig and false beard. When he had completed his disguise, he left the thicket, and boldly entered the town, Everywhere was excitement. News had got abroad of the murder, by prisoning. of two females, in the mansion of Major Hovvell—_ also it was reported that the major was missing i on 4

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Deadwood: Dick’s Device, Oe Mystery was there everywhere. But, when with the ean Deadwood Dick en- bered the mansion to view the dead, he saw two bloated, distorted corpses, and one of them be- bogged to the variety actress, Fanny Farron, ‘ate had overtaken her in the end, At the paises shortly after Deadwood Dick’#de- rture, hostile preparations were observed by valanche Siiongehe Regulators on the edge of the Tract for a battle. Bonfires were built in four places east, west, north and south from the Rendezvous— and men could be seen flitting around them. “Great domesticated ham-bone thet war a war- hoss ter old Joner!” the Great Annihilator ex- pen ce calling the attention of Calamity Jane to 2 fact, “TLookee thar, will ye! Old Moses uv ther bull- rushes, don’t. thet luk as ef we war goin’ ter bev sum fun? Kerwhoop! sound ther dinner-gong —peel forth yer hoss-anners, for we’re goin’ ter hev or scrimmage—a genywine rantankerous old scrim- mage—a cavortin’ old battle arfter ther anshent style.” 3 “Royal planets uv Jupiter an’ Satan! whar’s ther fight?. Show unter me thersmell o’ fight. an’ let me inhale ther delicious oGor—me ther Pet Elephant 0’ jher L. adville trail—ther Apollo o’ the Coloradoes, Beautiful William!’ roared the giant, prancing up. “Ready ar’ I fer sanguinary strife, frum head ter heels, frum tooth ter toe-nails—an’ thar’s nary a mortal man ’cept one as durst breath ther word ‘fight,’ when my noble presence looms nobly on aand, an’ thet galootorious pilgrim he be Deadwood, Dick. Yes, sar, Deadwood Dick—jest jot thet cog- nomen in yer bank-b ok. Deadwood Dick et war who licked me, my pilgrims—licked me as I never war licked since my old mammy used ter whale me over ther pate wi’ ther parental bootjack. Licked me slick an’ clean did Deadwood Dick, ontil I warn’t wu’th a stale cud o’ terbaccy. An’ L ain't afeard ter own ther corn, but I do say thar’s nary another pil- zrim as kin do ther same leetle job.” “Don’t believe thar is,’ Avalanche replied, ‘ but, my dear sweet William, ef ye war avoirdupoised ‘everal hundred pounds less, an’ I war as young in yeers as ye be, I opine, right hayr, thet I ked slap ye ynter yer back so aeer as ary skipper sunk one 0’ ais fangs inter fresh cheese.” 3 “Here! no goareling: now. Get your weapons, md prepare for a fight!’ Calamity commanded. “Here come the hellions, now!” : It was even so, From out the dead pines the Regulators swarmed, and rushed toward the Ren- ezvous. Volley after volley the road-agents pour- into them; then Calamity led them boldly out in- 40 the night, for their only salvation seemed in cut- ting their way through to liberty. ‘ tee met foe ina wild bloody affray of death, and en— Deadwood Dick received a letter through the Leadville post-office the next day, and it proved to be from Calamity Jane, written in a neat feminine and. It ran as follows: “The battle is over and as you probably know, we had to puckachee because of overpowering numbers of the enemy. We fit our way out, without losing man, and foremost in the battle were the Annihila- tor and Beautiful Bill. They were the heroes of the fight, together with Prudence Cordelia and Florence the goat. Major Howell and his son, Alf, fell in the first charge, and 1 think were killed. We are in the ‘mountains, at your old stronghold, where you may Jasily find us, ; Truly yours, * CanaMity JANE.” Gignt here it is proper to end this romance, and ~ ¢Levefore we write : e : / Beeunt Omnes, f 3v Half-Dime Singer’s Library 1 Wuoa, Exmma! and 59 other Songs. 2 Carrain Corr and 57 other Songs, 8 Tur Gainszoro’ Hat and 62 other Songs. 4 Jounny Morcan and 60 other Songs, 5 ti Srrixe You Wirn A FEATHER and 62 others, 6 George THE CHARMER and 56 other Songs, % Tae Bette or Rockaway and 52 other Songs, 8 Youne Funan, You're Too Fresx and 60 others 9 Suy Youne Grr and 65 other Songs. 10 I’w THE GovERNOR’s OntyY Son and 58 other Songe - 11 My Faw and 65 other Songs. 12 Comm’ Tro’ Tux Rye and 55 other Songe. 13 Toe RowigEine IrisaMan and 59 other Songs. 14 Orp Doe Tray and 62 other Songs. 15 Waoa, CuArtre and 59 other Songs, 16 In ta1s Wurat By anp By and 62 other Songs. 17 Nancy Len and 58 other Songs. 18 I’m ven Boy Taar’s Bounn 'o BLazE and BT others, 19 Tae Two Orpnans and 59 other Songs, 20 Waar ARE THE Witp Waves Sayine, Sister? and 59 other Songs: 21 Inpienantr Potty Woe and 59 other Songs. 22 THe Ord ArM-CHAIR and 58 other Songs. 23 On Conny Isuanp Bracu and 58 other Songs. 24 Oup Simon, THE Hor-Corn Man and 60 others. 25 I’m i Love and 56 other Songs. 26 PARADE of THE GuaRDs and 56 other Songs. 27 Yo, Have, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 28 ’Twitt Never po ro Gis rv up So and 60 others. 29 Buur Bonners Over tae Rorper and 54 others, 80 Tae Merry Laveuimea Man and 56 other Songs, 81 Sweet lorarr-mn-Nor and 55 other Songs. 32 Leeree BAny Minx and 53 other Songs. 83 Dg BANJO AM DE INSTRUMENT YOR Mr and 53 others, 34 Tarry and 50 other Songs. 85 Just TO PLEASE THE Boys and 52 other Songs, 86 SKATING ON ONE IN THE GuTrTerR and 52 others, 37 Kotormp Krangs and 59 other Songs. 38 Nin DesperanpuM and 53 other Songs. 89 Tar Giri I Lerr Benrp Mer and 50 other Songs 40 "Tis ‘Bur A Lirrte Fapep Fiowsr and 50 others 41 Prerry WHILHELMINA and 60 other Songs. 42 DANCING IN THE Barn and 63 other Songs. 43 H, M.S, Prvarorn, compierr, and 17 other Songs — E Sold everywhere by Newsdealers, at, five cents per copy, or sent post-paid, to any address,on ree ceipt of Six cents per number, i BEADLE AND ADAMS, PusiisHers, 98 Winrtam Street, New York, 2 aa

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EDWARD L. WHEELER’ EADWOOD DICK NOVEL In The Half-Dime Library. 4 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. #0 Deadwood Dick's Defiance; or, Double Dag- | 680. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. gers. 636 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffalo Ben. | 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr, in Buffalo. (3 Deadwood Dick in His Castle, 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr. "3, Chase Across the %. Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom tinent. Miner. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglt 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll. 6860 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case, 67 Deadwood Dick's Bagiles. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mirtes, * j 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane. | @8 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durango. 97 Deadwood Dick’s Last Act; or, Corduroy | 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr? 8s, Discovery. Charlie. 684 Deadwpod Dick, Jr.’s, Dazzle. * 0 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars. % Deadwood Dick’s Device. ‘ 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ "8, at Danger Divide, . 706 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 8, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jank-Pot, 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco, 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes. 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise. 724 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Double Deal, 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deathwatch. 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 's, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, 'Jr.’s, Deathblow. 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Desperate Strait, } 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand. 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Defeat, 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection, : 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. 787 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Defied. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device. » DAB 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ e Desperate Vent Y8 Deadwood Dick's Deal. 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice., + 4 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. 807 Deadwood Dick, Ori: ps Royal Flush, Deadwood Dick’s Dueats. | Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Head-off. f Deadwood Dick as Detective, Wee Deadwood Dick’s Double. 5 Beeanose Dick's Home Base, vr, Blonde * Bill, . 48 Deadwood Dick’s: Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 166 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream;'or, The Rivals of the Road. ; 201 Deadwood Dick's Ward; or, The Black Hill's Jezebel. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure. $17 Deadwood Dick's Dead Deal. 21 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 222 Deadwood Dick at Pistolville, . 248 Deadwood Dick’s Divide. Beadwood Dick’s Death Trail- i ‘ 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced, 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Rival. 2 eadwood Dick’s Claim. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City, 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Scoop, #10 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. 834 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Proxy. Re “21 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A ** Cute | 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Clutch. ‘ Gases! 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, High Horse. 30 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained | 852 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Devil’s Gulch, Hand. 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Death-Hole Hust," £48, Deadwo | Dick, Ir; or, The Crimson Cres. | 863 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Bombshell. 870 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Mexico. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ ‘Ss, Decoy Duck. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in. Silver Pocket. 891 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 's, Dead-Sure Game, 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 8, Double Drive. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ s, ‘Trade-Mark. 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top. cent Sigt “ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deflance. ; Deadwood Dick, Jr. Full Hand. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. IBS .Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Racket at Claim 10, 4° Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral. $78 eadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective 1 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. 1 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, $00 Deadwood Dick, Diggings. $08 Deadwood Dick, Deliverance, 5 Deadwoo? Dick, Protege. 22 Deadwoon Dick, Three. ~& Deadwood Dick, Deadynad Dick, Jr. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double-Decker,* , 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Dollarville. ! “984 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Flush Flats, 940 Deadwood Dick, ie ‘8, Shake-up. 946 Deadwood Dick, Ss, Double Drop. ,951 Deadwood Dick, Wi "8, Right Bower, 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Ten-Strike. ~ 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s’ Gold-Dust. x Zs 971 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Oath. "2 977 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Death-Doom 986 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Best Card, 992 Deadwood Dick, Jr, at Gold Dust 998 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’s, Big Play. 4005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Branded. 1011. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dutch Pard, ‘M$ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Four. The above Half-Dime Libraries are For Sais ie ale ec gg ay by ALL NEWSDEALERS, five cents pa eadwo ck, Jr., in Beelzebub’s es Deadwood Dick, Jr.. at Coney Island, DUD Ys OP Sank hav tere tek fl Retoe. Deadwood Dick, Jrs, Leadville Lat os 3 yi : Desdwood Dick, Jr., in*Détroit. ; ty ; —Deadwoot Dick, Jr. in Cineipne,” ; a : z s, Danger Ducks, s, Death Hunt, 9 Deadw 04 Dick ., In Texas. Wi Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoca- . 19 Deadwoo Dick, Jr., on His Mettle. *34 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham @1 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in _ Boston. 467 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 878 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. ) Deadwood Dick, Jr. ‘a, Decree.

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\ MART TOASTS ROR THE SMART OBT. Vest Pocket Size. 64 Pages. Sewed Book, Up-to-Date. By Mail, Postpaid, I2c. 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 ‘Treatinent; 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 Jokés by Eminent Vau- deville Artists. BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—Society, Visits, Introduc- tions, Dress, Balls, ete. FORTUNE TELLER.—Fortune Telling by Cards, Tea or Coffee Grounds, Eggs; Palmistry, ete. BOOK OF 100 GAMES.—One Hundred Games for Social Parties and Home Amusements. COOK BOOK.—Economiceal, Practical, Excellent. LADIES’ LETTER WRITER.—How to Write; ,When to Write; What to Write. RECIPE BOOK.—For the Parlor, Nursery, Sick-room, Toilet, Kitchen, Larder, ete. BOOK OF BEAUTY.—Beauty of Form, Color, Head, Hair, Complexion, Skin, ete., with chapters on Perfumes, Cosmetics, etc, 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 Enterta:ners, * COON ” YARNS.—Best Jokes Relating to Our ** Dark- er-Skinned Brothers.” : “TRISH” Joker No. 1.—The Wittiness and Whimsicali- ties of ‘‘ Pat” at His Best. “VARIETY ” JOKER.—Good Things from all the Na- tionalities: ** Pat,’ ‘Alphonse,’ ** Hans,” ‘* 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 By Oll Coomes. 5 OC 1 Dandy Bill’s Doom. By A. W. Aiken, By Stoddard. By Ingraham. By E. L. Wheeler. 83 Kit Carson. 4 Villie, the Reckless Rider. 5 Old Grizzly in the Rockies. 6 Deadwood Dick as a Boy. % Wild Bill. By Ingraham. 8 The Prairie Ranch. lty J. E. Badger. is Pee Jos. By a on Texas Jack. By Ingraham. 11 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By H. B. Stoddard. 12 Brimstone Bill’s Booty. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 13 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 14 ‘The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 15 Wide-Awake George. By E. Willett. 16 Wide-Awake Ned. By B. Ringgold. E 17 Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn, By Noah Nuff, iS Adrift on tho Prairie. By Oll Coomes. 19 Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post. 20 Giant Pete and his Pards. By Harbaugh. %1 Yellow Hair. By Ingraham. 22 The Snow-Trail. By Harbaugh. 23 Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr Powell. 24 Woods and Waters. By Whittaker. 25 A Rolling Stone. By W. R. Evster. 26 Red River Rovers., By C. D. Clark. 27 Buckskin Sam’s Wild Ride. By Ingraham. 23 The Sword Prince. By F» Whittaker. 28 Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. 30 Pavl De Lacy. By C. 1D. Clark. 81 Round tl® Camp-Fire. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 82 Fancy Frank’s Drop. By Ingraham. 83 The Boy Crusader. By Capt. F. Whittaker. BEADLE’S BOYS’ LIBRARY. INTS Per Cory. ¥ 34 The Chase of the Great White Stag. By ©. D. Clark, 35 Old''Tar Knuckle. By Ro-er Starbuck 36 The Dashing Dragoon, By F. Whittaker. 87 Night-Hawk George. By Ingraham. 88 The Boy Exiles of Siberia, By 'l. C. Harbaugh. 39 The Young Bear Hunters. By Morris Redwing, 40 New York Bill, the Dodger. By Edward Willeté, 41 The Settler’s Son. By Edward §. Ellis. 42 Walt Ferguson’s Cruise. By C. D. Clark. 43 Rifle and Revolver. By F. Whittaker. 44 The Lost Boy Whalers. By 'l’. C. Harbaugy.. 45 Bronco Billy. By Ingraham. 46 Dick, the Stowaway. By Charles Morris. 47 The Colorado Boys. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 48 The Pampas Hunters. By T. C. Harbaugh, 49 Nebraska Charlie. By Ingraham. 60 Jack, Harry, and Tom. By F. Whittaker, 51 ‘Tom Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C. 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 8. W. Pearce. 4 58 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost. By Ingraham. 59 Tim, the Mule Bov of the Mines. By Charles Morris, — 60 The Young Trail Hunters, By 'T’. C. Harbaugh. 4 61 The Tiger Hunters. _ By J. E. Badger, Jr. 62 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. By Ingraham, — 63 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker, By Roger Starbuck. | 64 Young Dick Talbot. By A. W, Aiken.

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THE Deadwood Dick e Library @ LATESY AND BES?Y. HANDSOME TRI-GOLORED 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 in only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a novel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera- fare has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps maore than one reader will have to think a moment over is 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- yure; if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam yas a mere child down to the present day, would show t few heroes that in the eyes of boyhood would be ‘en judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest ‘oes 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 th: eadwood Dicks are much the most important > * * it . but natural that their * * * should bear ay the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left behind in the race. It can be easily believed, thereforw, that the two Dicks so firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature boys and young men, that their position is assured * * and that they stand to-day head and shoulders HEROES. above ali rivals in the eyes of the public for whieh they have lived, and for which one of them has died, American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor in the land, now knows Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good beal bet ter than it knows its catechism, and millions of young minds absorb the thrilling incidents of his career in his everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending solving of 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 milllons walt hungris for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appear. with the certainty of the Wednesday itself, and a new ses of ene uecuy thrills go thrilling away from Maine to Cali- fornia, There are the volumes each se 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 diree- 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 amd well written, DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. § Deadwood Dick, the Priace of the Road 2 The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol ® Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval @ Death-Face, the Detective 7 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza $ Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger da at Sicae; Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to eat. mm Deatnccs Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar Buckhe.m Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team GoJd Rifle, the Sharpshooter Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo sage Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Gulch Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance Watch-Eye, the Shadow Deane Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double ross @ vanada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief #8 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty % Deadwood Dick as Detective # Gilt-Mdge Dick % Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve # Chip, the Girl Sport %& Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune % Boss Beb, the King of Bootblacks Py he wood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgs”’s Ue: g ee Bill ot Denpweod Dick’s Home Base 33 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Paaiey 86 New York Nell, the Koy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Bievras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 39 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Less Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Read 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jexebél 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Boga 44 ors Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiaver ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorade 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam’s Claina | 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, tle Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Deveet ives 51 eters eents Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rewmgh ANC 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 583 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queem 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco: 63 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sasge- fras City 64 pai se Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings M. J. VERS & 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, 1899. T: THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO, N 0. 21 Cleveland, Ohio Vol. II “srop!” SHE SAID, AUTHORITATIVELY.

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BEADLE’S FRONTIER SERIES 15e. Per Copy. ; BEADLE’S FRONTIER SERIES are always in print and for sale by all Newsdealers; or will be sent postpaid to any address: Single copies, 5c. ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. > 1. The Shawnee’s Foe. « 50. Harry Hardskull. 2. The Young Mountaineer. 51. Madman of the Oconto, 3. Wild Jim. -52> Slim Jim. ) _ 4 Hawk-Eye, the Hunter. a 53. Tiger-Eye. 7 5. The Boy Guide. 54. The Red Star of the a aimee OF Tae Modocs ' 65 Seminoles. is e Re odocs. -55. Trapper Joe. ‘ 8 Iron Hand. 56. The Indian Queen’s 9. Shadow Bill, the Scout. / Revenge. 110. Wapawkaneta, or the — 57. Eagle-Eyed Zeke, Rangers of the Oneida. (58. Sear-Cheek, the Wild 11. nets Ye gg Boy Ko ie Half-Breed. unter, ais . Red Men of the Woods. 12. The Forest Avenger. { , 60. Tuscaloosa Sam. 13. ier ied Frontier | He whe py pac of the Woods. abin, { . e Trapper’s Bride. me on She) Bren }:638. aes Rattlesnake, The 15. arp Snout. ‘awnee, 16. The Mountain Demon. 64. The Scout of Tippecanoe 17, Wild Tom of Wyoming. 65. Old Kit, The Scout. 18. the neeee ey Hunters oe or Re Sie o entucky. F ng Tom. 119. The Fearless Ranger. 68. Roving Dick, Hunter, 20. The Haunted Trapper. 69. Hickory Jack. 21. Madman of the Colorado, 170. Mad Mike. 22, The Panther Demon. 71. Snake-Kye. 23. Slashaway, the Fearless, (2. Big-Hearted Joe. 34: Pie ree Jack, ik he Hasine Qurerr . Indian Jim. < outs. 126. Navajo Nick. oe The Scout of Long Island. 27. The Tuscarora’s Vow. T fe ph gl 28. Deadwood Dick, Jr. 78. B + rte es: Poe at: 30; A New Sork Boy Amens: 79 ame. ratlan islet 30. Deadwood Dick's Big 80. The Twin Trappers. seigs Deal. Z - fins lege ed Scout. . Hank, the Guide. " r 32, Deadwood Dick’s Dozen, $3" The Silene drageee Pe 33. Squatty Dick. 85. Ugly Ike. ; 34. The Hunter's Secret. 86. Fire Cloud. 35. The Woman Trapper. 87. Hank Jasper. 36. The Chief of the Miami. 99° jhe Scout of the Sciota. 37. Gunpowder Jim, 89. Black Samson. 38. Mad Anthony’s Captain. 90. Billy Bowlegs. 39. ae Ranger Boy’s Career. 91. The Bloody Footprint. 40. Old Nick of the Swamp. 92. Marksman the Hunter. 41. The Shadow Scout. 93. The Demon Cruiser. 42. Lantern-Jawed Bob. 94, Hunters and Redskins. 43, The Masked Hunter. 95. Panther Jack. de Biimetane dintee, HE RAE SE Sce ratte ps e Iris ‘unter. M e Panther Paleface. 46. Dave Bunker. 98. The Scout of the St. Lawrence, 47. The Shawnee Witch, 99. Bloody Brook. 48. Big Brave. 100. Long Bob of Kentucky. 49. Spider-Legs. CLEVELAND, OHIO

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Deadwood Dick e Library e LATEST AND BEST.«¢€ HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest! For Sample Cover See Other Gide. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road 2 The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick's Deflance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 5 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 6 Death-Face, the Detective % The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 10 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger 11 Jim ees Jr.,the Boy Phenix; or, Through to Deat! 12 Deadwood Dick’s Hagles: or, The Pards of Flood Bar 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Speed fab get 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 17 a Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the ule {8 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 -hotograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 20 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 21 gr Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double ross. 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 283 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Kdged Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker ; or, The Secret Twelve 27 Chip, the Girl Sport 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 29 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 80 se 8 Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon's ule 81 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 82 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob's Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party — 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure P 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 bi ee Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scherze 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 sag eal Sentenve; or, Little Luck at Rough anch 52 The Girl Sport; or Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 53 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; 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 Dir x«’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadworxl Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy 63 =e eo Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- ray City 64 baie er Charlie's Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ngs