Deadwood Dick Library (v. 2) (1899 08 09)

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Vopyright 1879-1885, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899, : Ties M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, ; Pet ass No. 2). es Big ei ‘James Sullivan, Proprietor,) Price 5 Cents. Vol. ll. 379 Pearl street, New York. $2.50 a Year. es - - ———__— — —— — BY EDWARD lL. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘‘ ROSEBUD ROE” NOVELS, ETC., ETO. ~S SEEMED TO TAKE DELIGHT IN PLAYING OVER THE BACKS OF THE OFFENDERS,

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EDWARD L. WHEELER'S DEADWOOD DICK, JR, NOVELS IN Tae: HALF- DIME LIBRARY. Price 5 Cents per Copy. 443 Deadwood Dick, Crescent Sign. Ab ee or, The Crimson 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance. 453 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 471 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 476 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 481 Deadwood Dick, Jr., 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 500 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 589 Deadwood Dick, Jr., 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr 567 618 Deadwood Dick, 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, Protege. s, Three. s, Danger Ducks. ’s, Death Hunt. in Texas. the Wild West Vidocq. , on His Mettle. ., in Gotham. 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 584 Deadwood Ditk, Jr., 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 612 Deadwood Dick, ¥ 1% ITs 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., 636 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., , in Boston. , in Philadelphia. , in Chicago. , Afloat. in Denver. s, Decree. , in Beelzebub’s Basin. , at Coney Island. s, Leadville Lay. in Detroit. in Cincinnati. in Nevada. in No Man’s Land. , After the Queer. in Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smug- ers. 660 pedmood Dick, Jr.’ 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c. per copy, by the publis! r ers, M. J. IVERS & CO., 379 Pear. Street, New York Crry. 's, Insurance Case. , Back in the Mines. in Durango. s, Discovery. s, Dazzle. s, Dollars. at Danger Divide. s, Drop. . at Jack-Pot. at San Francisco, 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise. 734 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Death-Watch. ay 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 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, High Horse. 852 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Devil’s Gulch. 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Hole Hustle. — 863 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Bombshell. 870 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Mexico. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decoy Duck. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Siiver Pocket. . 891 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game. — 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drive. a 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark, 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double-Decker. 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Dollarville. 934 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Flush Flats. 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Shake-Up. 946 Deadwood Dick, Fes ’s, Double Drop. 951 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Right Bower, 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Gold Dust. 971 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Oath. 977 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Doom. 980 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Best Card. 992 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Gold Dust. -998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Play. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Branded. 1011 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dutch Pard. 1018 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Four,

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SIs €~prright. 1879-1885, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899, co RE TIS Sh NE ihe FS SERRE ST AES ES * Se itp Th sy ots oa ety f = = M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, ae Yo 2? Issued W eekly. (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) see ae Vol, If. CSS Aug, 9, 1898. 379 Pearl Street, New York. $2.50. a Year, le =iegpapegeaecaspionsiodoe= —— So = = = CANAD A CHE The Counterfeiter Chief: j Or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, A. THOR OF “DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, “ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, EYS,, ETO, | ' — ‘@NL THY BRUTAL GUARD. LE GURO, HIS TERRIBLE D0 DELIGHT ; AC

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and in form was som>thing of a ~uriosity. Aas t. _ What should bring these two vontrasts togetuer, Canada Chet, THE COUNTERFEITER CHIEF; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. A Tale of Two Boys’ Adventures, RY EDWARD L, WHEELER, AUTHOR or “‘ DEADWOOD DICK ”’ NOVELS AND ‘‘ ROSEBUD ROB”! NOVELS, CHAPTER I. THE YOUNG ADVENTURERS—A WARNING BY A GIRL. Tae past autumn was one of great beauty up in the far Northwest. Warm weather prevailed longer than ay previous season for a number of years, and consequently Nature was in her loveliest moods, The prairies were growing dry and dun-hued, and the tress were beginning to rattle down their leave; as the result of the early frost, when we open our romance in a location as hitherto quite neglected by the pen of the novelist and veracious historian—/, ¢., in the British possessions to the northwest of Min- nesota A land of singular beauty, with its vast rolling prairies, its level plains, its vast teaets of |- abe forest, its numerous clear streams and lake- jets. The day we have chosen for the opening of our romance was a calm sunny one in the early part of O:tober, witha gentle but invigoriting breeze stir- riag down from the boreal regions over ths dun prairies ani through thegr2at silent forests. A soft moody haze hung about the horizon, while oli Sol looxed down smilingly, doubtless t> see his round good-natured countenance reflected in the bosom o. crystal lake or flowing stream Two boys in a boat were leisurely descending a str-am which ran throuzh a dense forest of hemlocks and pine, and which was both wide and deep, the waters flowing sluggishly. On either hand naught wasinu view butthe dens> and dis nal stretch of tinb+r; even the sky was al- most hidden by the overhanging branches, - As their boat. a light gayly-prvinted skiff, with two sats of oars, drifted along at will of the current the two youths gazed arount in awed silence, with an oceisional glance at each other, in which were ex- prassed wonder and anxiety. _ The foremost youth, about eighteen years of age was of afull, supvle form, and fair, good-natur d fa‘e, but was not handsoms, His eyes were browa anispirkling, and his hair a half-shade lighter, _He was attired in a handsome an‘ ssrviceabl > hunting: suit,an1 equipped with a Winchester rifle, of the Centennial motel, whils his revolvers were fins wea- pons. Ammunition was carried in one of two lea- thern bags, which were strapned to his back. His companion was evilently abouta = CIOs ie tow, ered aloft to the measure of six and a half feet, when pimaging in his boots, and was literally a living skele- ton, as his skin was simply drawn over the bones, with not a pound of superfluous flesh in his make-up, dis clothes sat loose'y unon him, and his bobts were the only thiag tat fitted him and they were number 14s, face he was thin and pinched as in form, with a sallow complexion, and little greenish eyes that pe-red strangely from their sockets. He wasa remartable. contrast to strong, sturdy Hal Dayton, his companio », looking old enough to be his father, His nam + was Daye Laam, or as he was better known, Big Track; for it was declared that no manin the Northwest could fill his tracks, with a buman foo : 3 s Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, os t 5, and so far out in the Northwestern wilderness can be readily explained, in a few words, Both were sons of wealthy merchants, in Ottawa, Canada. Be'ng possessed of an adventurous spirit, their parents bad equipped them, and sent them into tho wilds, supposing of course, that a couple of weeks would sat sfy their desire for “roughin® it,’ whea they would then return gladly and settle down to business, But neither Hal nor Big Track had any desire ta rett ntil they had seen al there was -to see, and consequently we now behold them many hundred miles trom their homes, in the wilds of a thinly set- tled tract of the British possessious. © For the last twenty-four hours, they had been fol- lowing the course of the stream in the hopes of em- erging again into the.settled district of Quinnebozg, which they believed to lie south of them. But the forest: was seemingly endless, “By Jinks, I’m gettin’ tred o’ ridin’ along this way,” sail Dave Laam, as he glanced at his elegant wateh. “Iv’s gettin’ on toward night again, and we ain’t out of the woods by a long shot. My joints predict rheumatiz. unless we get ou: o’ here.” “How much grub have you got in your pouch?” queried Hal. 5 4 ‘Nary a. crumb!” * Consequently we’ve got to shoot the first living object that turns up, or go hungry. My, appetite is now havinz a tussle wih my backbone.” “"-'Twon’t do to shoot,” Bi» Track assured. ‘for, don’t you remember they told us uy at the Forks about old Sitting Bull’s being up hereabouts}”” “Hang old Si ting Bull! He ain ’tafraid of me, nor Iofhim, Ilrun therisk, you bet, rater than suffer the pangs of hunger.”’ ; .“Can’t w: fish?” , “Bo her the fish! Haven’t we subsisted on fish diet for the last twenty-four hours? I'm going ta — shoot something that walks or flies, be it bird, beast or Injun.” i “Well, at least let’s row on down the stream fur- ther, and see if something won’t turn up. Micawber mere We've got two hours at least before sun- set. . = They mechanically seized the oars, and shot the boat along over the smooth, even surface, The dips of their paddles and the rustling of the leaves enone the branches overhead, wer the only sounds that broke the mon. tony of the somber sur- ao ors ili f h : er pulling on for an hour, steadily, they again shipped their oars, as if by one naples pimet The trees had grown a trifle more open, and light came down from ahead. But this was not what caused Hal Dayton to seize Biz Track by the arm, and point to the eastern shore, “Look! look!” he whispered, excitedly, ‘soe ae onthe bank. Who in the name of Jupiter can - ie Big Track looked as directed, and beheld a white horse standing upon the bankin plain view—a noble, - snowy stallion, handsomely caparisonad. and mount ed by a youn~ girl, and a white one at that, ever though her attire was that of an Indian princess. — She was voune—less than Hal’s own ace, with a graceful willowy form, and & r und. pretty face. glowing brightly with health, a tempting mouth, large, sparkling eyes, and hair of a brown hue, which felt in waves to a tapering waist. Her costune was gay, yet modest, and richly spangled with Indian beadwork and gold and silver - ornam-nts, solid bands of gold encircling her wrists, _ A rifle of Ballard’ fine make lay in front of her, across the saddle. Altogether she made upa strange oe to view in the heart of a far northwestern ‘ores Sam : f ' Big Track muttered an admiring ejaculation as he — caught sight of the fair con etaRs or, although he was anything but beautiful himself, he hag * kya appreciation of all thay was, gee et 2 ae r

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Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, 4 * Who is it?” Happy Hal asked, excitedly. “Jove! she’s a reg"lar beauty.” ‘She looks like an Indian queen or princess,” Bi Track replied, in a low tone, ** But don’t you goan get struck after her.” ne ae not, you cheeky? Who’s got a better rs 9 "No one; but you’d stand no show. Beauty like mine always wins;” and the young lanky rolled his tongue about in his cheek in a manner that made him doubly ludicrous, The girl equestrian still maintained her position on the bank, and watched the urifting canoe containing Hal and Daye. : . “I propose we pull toward her, and have an inter- view. She’s white, clean out an: out, and probably she can speak U ited States,” said Daye. Accordingly they pulled toward the bank, and she did not change her position, nor did her horse stir. When they were a few fet from the bank, Happy Hal arose to his feet, doffed his hat and bowed low. In reply, a low, musical laugh came back that caused gallant Hal to redden, rh strange equestrienne was looking at him cu- riousiy. : “The young pale-face does honor to Hazel Bye, the Lily of the Forest,” she said. ‘* Why is it'so?” “We are surprised at finding a young lady in these desolate surroundings, and thought we’d ask about you.” Hal managed to stammer, for the steady, un- flinching gaze of the forest princess had literally abashed bis self-possession. “The pale-face is inquisitive, but is not the first one of the same characteristics,” was the reply. i To one and all, Hazel Eye has no word of explana- tion. “Oh! spare as you please about that. But aren't you afraid to bé alone in the forest, unprot. ected?” “No! Hazel Eye knows not fear in the forest alone, for it is her home—hber hunting-grounds, She heard of the pale-faces’ coming, andshe came hither to warn them that they ave surrounded by dangers, To retreat means death; to advance is perilous,”’ “Phew! you don’t say so,”’and Hal gave vent to a whistle. ‘‘Who’s going to hurt us—a couple inno- cent babes in the timber?” “The young pale-faces have many enemies un- known to them. The great chief, Sitting Bu], is now monarch of these forests, and his warriors count many. He has learned of the two young pale-faces, and wants their sca!ps.’? “The blasted old son-of-a-sea-cook! - Say, Fatty, what do you say to parting with the upper cireum- ference of your glob-?”’ “Td rather not, for a clioice,” Big Track replied, with a cadaverous smile. “Just my fix, too. Say, look here, Miss Hazel Eve! what grudge has old Sitting Bull got against the top-knots of a couple o’ young roosters of our ealiber?” 3 “Sitting Bull is a mighty warrior,” the girl re- plied, “‘and he counts his conquests by the hun- dreds. He is a bitter foe to the white race; he hates them as the snake hates fire. They drove him from bis HWunting-rrounds, and-he came hither; and he has sworn to kill bah ale-face who invades these hunting-grounds, which he claims as his own.” “But. is there not a settlement below here, some- where?” “Yes; the pale faces’ settlement of Quinnebog, or the Choppings, lie not far below. And it is there. the eo aoe ae tc gi “Hxactly. And why does he rot war upon these settl rs of the Choppings?” ee “ Because they number many sturdy woodsmen ~ and ‘heir families, and are strong. Besides, they were ere before Sitting Bull came, and are not at war with him and his braves.” “How many braves has he?” ‘ “Many; but all are not Sioux, Some are rene- gedes with painted faces, some are of other tribes,” “You seem to know all about it, young isdy * observed Big Track; ‘' you must belong to old Sit. ting Bull’s caravan.” ‘* Hazel Bye is a child of the forest. She has none to stay her; she comes and goes at pleasure; she longs to no one.” ** But, see here, there is no Injun about you?” “No Indian blood flows in the veins of the Forest Lily,” was the reply. “Then you are a friend to the whites, T take it. Give us your advice what we'd best do.” ‘Hazel Eye has no advice to give the pale-face youths. They coiie f:om a great distance into the’ wilderness where there are many perils. Theyare — armed, and are young end strong. Hazel Eye hag — only to warn them of the warriors of Sitting Bull ~ and of Canada Chet, of Beaver Lake.” . *“ Who is Canada Chet?” “The great Canadian trapper, who takes many skins each year. He, too. knows of the coming of the Peletee youths, and swears to drown them if he catches them near the great village of the Beaver.” “Well, let him drown. We've heard big storiey about this Beaver Lake, and we’re the very lads wht are going to see it and trap there!” Hal cried, inde pendently. “The words of the pale-face are very brave, but Canada Chet is a powerful enemy.” x : ““Pshaw! ye don’t know us! We can lick half-a- dozen Canadians in a fair fight. S’pose we’d best slope for Quinngbog, eh?” f “The pale-faces must guide their own actions. Hazel Eye has spoken.” and with these words, she turned and rode back into the forest. : “Sa-ay! Hold on! Don’t be in a hurry,” saluted Happy Hal. f : But-thére only came back, in answer, a laugh, and the Forest Liiy was out of sight. . Hal then turned to his companion, ““Well, Fatty, what’s to be done? It Jooks kind as if it would be healthier for us in Ottawa about this time, don’t it, than in this howling wilderness, eh?” ““No, We've just arrived at the Mecca of our de- sires. where we can get our fill of adventure and— _ : indians !” . He pointed as he spoke into the wood on the west- - ern side of the stream; then suddenly slid flat into — the bottom of the skiff, pulling Hal unceremonious- ly_after him. Not a moment too soon. a The next instant several rifles cracked, bullets whizzed close over the sides of the boat, and the re- ports echoed and re-echoed through the great silent aisles of the forest, = __ CEAPTER I. A DRINK OF MILK—FUGITIVES STILL. Tue rifle-shots were accompanied by wild wus and carefully peering over the side of the boat, Bi Track beheld the western shore swarming wi peclot red-skins, who were about descending into” he water. ; “The varmints are goin’ to swim out fer us,” he said to Happy Hal, who was crouching flat in the bottom of the canoe. ‘“ We're in a confounded fix and no mistake.” “Hark! what does this mean? The sound of horse’s footfalls upon the left shore, Can Hazel Kye have returned!” . “I'll be hanged if she hasn‘t!"’ Dave replied, joy-_ fully.. ‘“‘Hark! she is addressing the Injuns.” Tt-wasevenso. The Forest Lily had returned. and her voice rung out across the water, her words di- rected to the red-skins. who had suddenly ceased their yelling as she appeared upon the eastern bank, “Stop! what means this outrage? Have notthe - warriors of Sitting Bull had enough of warfare for — one day, when their hands have become stained thrice over with human blood, and another fairslave has been added to their chief’s lodge? Away! away! J say, and war not against the young pale-faces, Hazel Eye has spoken * Rape eye “The words of Forest Lily are of great wisdom,"

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4 x said a stalwart young buck, who was clad in the uniform of an under chief, ‘* but Mink Cap is a chief nearly as great as the great Sitting Bull, under whom hoe serves, and he cannot bow at the words of the Forest Lily.” é i “Then may the Demon of the Forest invoke his wrath upon you!” the girl cried, sharply. At this the red-skins seemed to shrink in terror, as if some poisonous reptile had been dropped in their midst. ey shook their heads with guttural excla- mations, S “The words of the Forest Lily are stern and re- buking. What would she have Mink Cap and his warriors do?’ the chief demanded, from across the stream, “Hazel Eye would have Mink Cap and his war- riors give up this warfare against the two pale-faces, and return to their village,’ was the reply. ‘If they disobey the Forest Lily, she will surely invoke the wrath of the Woods Demon upon them. “Then it shall be as the Girl Ranger wills,” Mink Cap replied. ‘‘The warriors of Sitting Bull shall return to their lodges, and suffer the pale-face dogs to escape.”” Ths young chief spoke to his men, and all with- drew into the edge of the forest, where they saluted the girl rider, upon the opposite shore, and then dis- ear into the depths of the timber. azel Eye watched them keenly until they had ty aan then she turned her eyes upon Hal ae ave Laam, who had resumed their seats in the six “The pale-faces are at liberty to go now, and had best make the most of the opportunity,’’ she said, waving her fair hand down the river. ‘The red- man is as treacherous as the tarantula of the South, and the young pale-faces’ have pot seen the last of them, Let them go.” “You bet your life we will, Miss Hazel Eye!” Happy Hal assured. ‘‘ We haven’t got much time to thank ye now, but we'll make up for it, some other time.” “Hazel Eye asks not for thanks of the pale- faces,’ was the reply, and waving.her hand, she wheeled her horse about and rode away into the wil- derness. ‘“Now for a grand get up and get!’ said Hal, seizing and locking his oars while Big Track push- ny eas age the shore against which the boat had ed. “Tf we get caught again, it sha’n’t be our fault.” Seizing the oars, both laid to with a will, and the skiff shot along out into the deep silent stream like an arrow. Over the waters they glided, swiftly keeping a lookout on either side for red-skins, ‘or, had pot Hazel Hye said as much as that an Indian could not be trusted? They kept on until it was about the hour of sun- set, when they suddenly found the river merged into a lakelet of several get in width—a, glassy sheet of water, whose banks were locked with dense forests of pine. To the northern side of the lake, a score of cabins were visible in among the trees, and a cloud of steam and smoke arising from a large shanty proclaimed it to be a saw-mill. Near the center of the Jake @ tiny shoal of land arose from the water, and upon it, and all around it, were-those compositions of mud sticks and stone, known to the trapper as ‘beaver huts,’ Several hundred of these strange habitans poked their heads out of the water. making a strange and picturesque scene—an animal congr>gation, “ By Jove! we arein Beaver Lake,” Hal exclaimed as he gazed over the scene, upon which the dying sunlight cast a halo. ‘ According to Hazel Hye we've got right out o’ ther fryin’-pan, into the fire ” “ Hang the luck, yes,” Big Track replied, with a growl. “Yet this is the place we were originally steering for, and there is no use backing out, yet Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, a ees awhile. The first question we have before us, is-« what shall we do?” “Do? Why get back to shes, as lively as possible and scull along under cover of the wood, un.il we can find a good place to spend the night. I propose we go ashore, and tramp into the settlement, yon- der. There ought to be some kind of protection there, anyhow?” é This was decided as the best course to pursue, and pulling in to the nearest shore, they yeaa te and secreted their boat in a clump of bushes tha‘ fringed the bank. Then, shouldering their rifles, they followed the curving of the lake shore, until they reached the settlement, which consisted of some thirty cabins, all built in under the shelter of the forest. It was evidently a town for the purpose of produe- ing lumber from the immehse forests that stretched away in all directions. There were no streets laid out, nor any fences, but every man evidently had built his cabin where it pleased him. 2 One or two shanties of sawed lumber were there, also, and over the door of one of these was a creak- . ing sign, bearing the words: “CHOPPINGS HOTEL.” There was also a grocery store and a blacksmith shop, besides the steam saw-mill, which was running at full blast. ‘*Let’s go in here and see how thinzs savor,” Hal eae ene they accordihgly entered the ‘‘ Choppings Otel, It was a rough, ill-constructed apartment which they entered, with uneven floor and unplastered ube Le Sage everything wearing a dingy appearance, at that. A rude bar, behind which was a cracked mirror; a rusty stove, around which lay numerous quids of tobacco, and several tables and rough stools, com- prised the furniture, unless we mention the individ- ual behind the bar, He was a rawboned, repulsive-looking wretch with his sleeves rolled to his elbow, and his shirt open at the hairy throat—a man with bloated face, bloodshot eyes, and matted hair and beard, so ugly as to cause one to shudder to look at him. He was smoking a grimy pipe, which he conde- scended to remove in order to staré insolently at the "Hal stepped up to thé bar iddependently, and _Hal stepped up e bar independently, and mo- tioned for Big Track to follow his examp ie. “ Come, old covey, dish us out some good cigars," he said, reaching in his pockets for money, “Give us fhe pet Mga got, ber © : ‘ain’t got none,’’ was the r ’° ‘ 7 rita any soda-water, then ae ply: : “Any champagne, for luck?” ia Nary.” “any wine, then?” “ Nai ” i What in the deuce have you got?” ; Whisky and chewin’.”” was the laconic answer, as the individual shoved the pipe between his teeth, “Whisky and chewin’!”” { exclaimed, in dise gust. ‘‘Got any smoking?” er.) so tag ** Want to sell it?” “ No pt “Got anything to eat?” “You bet!” : “* Well, let’s have your bill of fare.” is Goed Eeieent what diate 3 then?” Hal ‘Good Heavens! what have you got then? ef demanded, half-exasperated. et ¢ ‘*Got turkey buzzard an’ swill.”” Aa “What do you take us for, anyhow?” putin Dave - Laam. ‘We don’t want buzzard.” i “Nor swill—wb ain’t hogs,” assured Hal, around in despair, ‘“ What else have you got:

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Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, & * & eucher-deck,” allowed the individual behind the bar, quite suddenly, as if the bright idea had struck him as auspicious at this point of the inter- view. ( ‘Worse and worse!” growled Dave. ‘See here, you blear-eyed Muldoon! haven't you got any bread, meat, or cheese, or milk, or—” * Got swill,’? was the only answer. = “Well, what in the name of Jupiter Pluvius is swill, then?” __ ‘Swill is milk,” deigned to answer the host, loft- ily. “‘ Well, then, trot us out several quarts, and let us sample it,” Dave ordered, overjoyed at the prospect of appeasing the cravings of his voracious appetite. “Hold up. Don't be so fast!’ Hal cried. * Let’s see how much the old galoot asks for his swill,” “A dollar a drink, an’ dog cheap at that,’’ vouch- safed the proprietor. ? “‘T should say so,” Big Track growled. “Go ahead and fetch us some.” The man shuftled off, and was gone about an hour, during which timé our young voyageurs had to amuse themselves as best they could. “ What has become of the chap?’ Dave demanded ‘Ten to one he’s fallen asleep, while on his carrying two big ails brimming full of fresh, ich with a huge grunt. “Give’s yer money,” he ordered, relighting the grimy pipe. Yon be blowed!” growled Dave, “ Where are our drinks of milk?” : ““)'ll allow thar’s two on ’em on the counter. W’'at more d’ye want?”’ the host said igs “You don’t call the bucketfuls drinks,do ye?” Dave gasped. The voyageurs didn’t wait long to bandy words, but slapping two dollars down ve the counter, then sat to work at their novel drink. Each bucket was provided with a lip for straining and poe Soot Sct and gluing their own lips to this, eac! outh*began to drink. And they drank and swal- owed, and swallowed and drank, until they could hold no more, when they relinquished the nozzles, and compared notes. Hal had sl er his about 4 quarter of the way, while Dave ha pena eto a good half! ~ The individual from bebind the bar gave a grunt. ‘*Why don’t ye finish up?” “Look here, who is doing this?” Dave demand- ed, puffing and panting from his overgorge of the lacteal. ‘What d’ye take us for, anyhow? a pair of reservoirs, or a couple of Welland canals? I reckon we're the ones that is ptrty near finished now. The host chuckled aud: ibly. : ““Werry smali capacity,” he observed, filling up his pipe with pulverized weed. ‘‘Werry small ca- pacity, Thar’s them in this city as kin drink one o’ them tin cups empty ten times, inside o’ ten min- utes. by ther moon,’ “You're a liar, and I'll bet on it.” replied Hal; “or else this place is inhabited by human hogs ” At this juncture loud voices were heard coming through the woods in the vicinity of the tavern. The host vaulted over the bar, and peeped out of the door rather nervously. When he came back, he eee so grim that Hal and Dave involuntarily ex- changed glances. ‘*See hyar, young fellers” he said, stopping in front of them. “I opine you’ve struck an unhealthy latitude. My name's a legion uv honer in this ue town but I’m an old sinner ef Capt’in Canada Chet an’ his gaing o’ cusses ain’t p’intin’ fer this werry | shanty.” _‘ Well, what of it?’ Hal Dayton demanded. ‘*What’ve they got to do with us?” ” Waal, now, ye don’t want ter let ’em git hold on = Utils caine icra oa SO we te) en! ee ye, ef ye heyn’t a likin’ fer a bit o° hemp, Piccadilly collar Style, an’ an elevated limb.” “You mean they’d lynch us?” “Waal, I opine they would. Leastwise, ef ye couldn’t lick twenty on ’em, thet would be yer fate. Ye see as how Canada Chet purty much runs this hyar town, an’ he don’t allow no immigration, you bet! He sez he’s got them picked out as he wants, and none others will he have. Now, providin’ ye wanter escape him, how much'll ye pan out ef 1 hide ye till he gits gone?” ‘*How much’ll you take?” **A hundred dollars.” “Give you ten—that’s every cent.” “ Agreed, Hurry up—they’re ’most heer.” Harry Dayton handed him a crisp United States X., and then he led them behind the bar, where there were several barrels, ane some keys from his pocket, he unlocked the heads of two ordinary-looking barrels, and raised them on invisible hinges. “Git in lively,” he growled, ‘‘ and keep yer nozzles ter ther bung-hole, or ye’ll smother.” “Then will you let us out when danger is blown over?” ‘Yes, yes—get in.” Both Hal and Phil obeyed, and soon were locked within their queer places of refuge, And not a moment too soon; for the door was flung open, and a swarm of stogy-booted, long- bearded and roughly-clad men burst into the room, and they heard a hoarse voice cry: * ‘ “ Here we aire, boys; but rippin blazes! where's the ra Say, you Abe Hooker, whar’s them strane gers CHAPTER III. THE DWARF DESTROYER—SITTING BULL, uo Orack 1? “ The echo of a rifle report went booming through the wild woodland, answered in the distance by a death-yell. The time was night, and all nature seemed at rest, for a brooding silence hung over the woods, the waters and the prairie, which stretched away in a vast unbroken expanse, a few miles north of Beaver lake, beyond the timber. . : ‘Luna, beaming in the heavens, sent a at flood of mellow, whitish light over Mother Earth. ~ A man who had been crouching in the edge of the timber, arose to his feet, and wiped the barrel of his repeating rifle, with a rag. ‘ Another red hellion gone ter blazes, kerslap,” he chuckled, ‘‘That makes fifteen to-day, which ain’t a werry bad averece, T'll allow, fer a pilgrim o’ m status. Fifteen, Old Sitting Bull, an’ yet I ken’t gle a bead onye. Waal, thar’s better times a-coming; an’ ef thet ancient an’ remote leetle Darwinian. Od Anaconda, ken’t get at ye, ther hull United States Constitoown:n hes gone ter slivers, an’ no mistake. Til go out thar an’ raise thet pesky warmint’s ha’r, an’ then get back ter my nocturnal roost. Wonder w’at thet salamander war doin’ out thar, a-crossin’ the prairie, anyhow, at this time o’ night? ‘Spect sum deviltry ar’ afoot, anyhow, corsarn the’r red icters! Ef evyer ther war a beast, bird or reptyle hate, et be an Injun.” The old fellow said this flercely enough as if in. dead earnest. He was something of a curiosity to behold, thie little old scout, such as you would not often stumble across very often in the Far West, “ Where men w large, With strength and courage great.” He was a dwarf, not over four feet four, in hight, _ with strong, perfectly shaped limbs, large, iron: muscles, and a trunk of prodigious strength. in every way he was a perfect specimen of well-ripened manhood, except in hight, in which he was Jeng. His face was covered nearly to the eyes with hi which the shears had reduced to a harsh stubble, so is Le ee oan 3 a ed =

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6 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief wae $$ net nett, that his glittering little orbs were all that lent his face any expression, He was'clad ina well-worn suit of buckskin, with a beaver-skin cap upon his head, and belt around his waist containing a curious assortment of revol- vers, knives, scalps, ammunition, etc. His rifle was a Winchester repeater of the 1876 model, and hand- comely. mounted with silver, anda diamond muzzle sight. He slung this weapon to his back now, and stood for a moment gazing out over the prairie, wpon which the moon shed so grand a flood of light. Away to the nort»east galloped a horse—the rider- less animal of the Indian the scout had dropped from his saddle, No other ores was in view to mar the harmony of the beautiful scene, as it stretched away to the horizon, A smothered sigh escaped the little old man’s lips, aad he turned and glanced around him, “Thar’s danger afoot to-night fer somebody,” he muttered. “Iken feel it in my bones. Ill sail out an’ see ter thet warmint’s top-knot,ian’ then V’ll take a scout toward old Sitting Bull’scamp. Ten ter one I'll drop another before I soar back.” He accordingly threw himself in the grass, and crawled out upon the prairie. Too old was he in the wisdom of the wilderness to sally boy forth upon the prairie and run the risk of a fusilade from the timber, for a hundred of the enemy might have been concealed therein without his knowledge. _He preferred stealth to risk, as the true scout ever oes. Stealthily he crawled along until he came-to the bpot where the savage lay stretched out upon the prairie, stark and silent, a horribls distortion of his features evidencing the fact that he had died hard. As he gazed upon the savage, Old Anaconda gave 2 little start of surprise. “Tt is Flying Eagle, Sitting Bull’s best herald,” hesaid. ‘“f thort et wasn’t no common Injun a- runnin’ around loose in this fashion, Ill bet he’s carryin’ sum news ter Mary, an’ may I be stewed fer pie ef I don’t find out about sum leatle gam>!” With very little compunction the dwarf scout ‘raised ’ the Indian’s scalp, after which he pro- pede tomake an examination of his personal ef- ects. But he failed to find anything that he wanted, and he sat for a faw moments in silent thought. “*Queer, durn my Doxy Ann ef it_ain’t!” he mut- tered, at last. transporter 9° news, an’ he had it on paper, too, probably. But what has become of it?” More cogitation suddenly brought fo him a thought one that was hardly feasible, sure enough, but stillan idea wortily of testing. ght not the crafty savage have put the paper in his mouth? “Bot a jug o’ p’izen I’ve struck ther head on the nail first pop,” he chuckled, drawing a knife, pre- , paratory to prying open’ the set jaws. ‘‘Heard o? wuss things than that. by a long shot, Thar was old Samantha Higgins, out in Kalamazoo, who once hid a thousan’-dollar diamond in her mouth, w’en she went off ther handle, fer feer her darter Sal would wearit to her funeral. Great, illustrious ham-bons thet kicked old Joner in the larnyx. Yes. A tall gal war old Samanth, Ther old heifer really hed a likin’ for me afore I tuk ter destroyin’ Injuns.”’ By this time he had'suceceeded in prying open the dead savage’s jaws, and inserting.one finger, he felt abont for the message. Surely enongh, his “‘feeler " eame in contact with a lump of pulp, or paper, which he drew out with a chuckle of triumph: Tt was a piece of paper, upon which was writing, all wadded up tightly intova little ball. With consiterable eagerness the scout. unraveled it and spread ib out, ‘he moonlight which poured down from overhead afforded him a chance to read _ it, word for word, \wrar as follows: “T calculate thet Injun war ther. “To IT's Chicflaincy, Sitting Bull :— $k diveryshing 1s working as well as you could wish. With my men T have surrounded the old trapper's cabin, and shall burn him out before morning unless he yields. At any rate, the girl, Milly Owen, shall be in the lodge of the great and noble chief. Sitting Bull, ere another moon rise. “SacososkI, Assistant Chief.” Such was the main disclosure, with the following postseript: : “ Beware of the scout, Old Anaconda, or the Dwarf Destroyer, He is abroad again, upon your trail, with the persistency of a bloodhound. The old man coughed as be read this notice. “They purty near hit ther mark, 1’ll allow,” he muttered. ‘‘Ef I ain't ther wu’st dose o’ paregoriv old Sittin’ Bull evyer encountered, when I git an in- terview wi’ him, I don’t want.a cent. So thar is dev- iltry afoot, sure enough, eh? They're after old Jim Owen’s gal, Milly, ther red coyotes! Wal, now, thar’s bound ter be music directly if we know our- self—me au’ my new gun, Judith, Ef thar ain’t a sick passel 0’ red niggers seer in this kentry afore ther Dwarf Destroyer turns in his vote, why I don’t want a nashional or constitoochinal copper.” Riding through the forest went the girl Hazel Eye, or the Forest Lily, as she was called by the Indians. She was a graceful equestrienne in every sense of the word; then, too, her borse was one of excellent mettle, who was accustomed to threading the mazes of the forest at full speed. He seemed by instinct ~ 4o select the avenues clearest of undergrowth, bub many atime alow-grow'ng limb would sweep over . the saddle. But at such moments the Forest Lily was clinging dextrously to the side of her milk-white steed, with all the apparent ease of an arenic per- former, : Indeed, upon the western plains it is notseldom we see men and women ride as the most daring equestrian performers of the arena would not dare to ride, and all as gracefully, too. . Hazel Eye was one of these wild riders. and was equally at home in the forest or upon the prairie After leaving our young adventurers upon the river, she rode away rapidly through the timber, in an easterly direction, taking a regularly beaten trail which she had traversed many times. In the course of an hour, by taking a circuitous route, she came out upon the bank of Beaver Lake, directly opposite the Choppings. Hare stood a large log cabin, with several windows Op under the eayes, and a heayily-ironed oaken door, which was closed. ‘e Mee ate the girl scout slipped the bits from the mouth of her horse so that be might graze upon the luxuriant herbage which grew upon the bank. She then approached the cabin door, and gave sev- — €ral taps upon it with her knuckles. f -It. was Bene opened by an old man, with flow-. ing beard as white as snow, and hairtomatch—a pinched-faced, withered man of some five and po years, clad in a flowing cloak-like robe of black such as might have answered the purpose ofa monk. “Ts that thee, child? Why didst thou not. return sooner?” this individual demanded, as he admitted the girlinto a large dimly-lighted room, and took care to close and bar the door again. ‘ “Why did Inot return sooner?” Hazel Hye replied, dropping upon a couch of skins, with a sigh, “ Be- cause, grandpa, Meteor could not bring me faster.” ““K owest thou the doings of the devil in this sec- tion then?” the old man asked, going to a fire that burned upon an eleva‘ed hearth, and stirring a pot of boiling substance, which emitted a strange per-— fume. a “Ay, I know much more than I care to,” the girl replied, wearily. ‘The warriors of Sitting Bull are _ on the war-path against such strangers as venture — into this country, while Canada Chet is only second in flerceness and cruel brutality to the chieé,* = 7

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eet his, his books and her horse. He had "silent sheet of water towar: - several eh peg twinkled dimly. * Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chick q aa ** Knowest thou if the Sioux chief and the Canadian are on terms of treaty?” = “Wo. Ido not know anything about it. I should say not, though.” ‘I have been studying hard to-day.in magic,” the old man muttered. seating himself upon a_ stool and gazing abstractedly into the fire. ‘‘ [have found and solved many new points. I have worked won- ders out of nothing, and nowlet them come!—let them come, I say, and I shall be ready for them |” “Pear not, grandpa, for no enemies will ever mo- lest us here in this solitude,” “Thou hast not the picennene of my older years, child, 1 know that they will come—that they are even now upon the way.” “*It is only your constant fear of them that drives you into the belief,” the girl replied, removing her, belt of weapons, and surveying herself in a cracked mirror that hung ageinst the wall. “Surely, you are out of their reach, as who would ever think of looking for us here?” | be “The devil could cant find us, and Caspar Day- ton would not be alive if he were not leagued with the devil, curse him!” “Why sbould you. fear him, then?” Hazel Bye saij, with a laugh. “Every one declares you an oe of His Satanic Majesty.” : he old man chuckled, then remained silent for some time; bt he spoke again. at last: _ Sitting Bull was here an hour before you ar- “That you might easily sont grandebild Magic, and fallen in love with her, He wishes to add her to the collection of wives already in his wigwam, and offers many hides and horses.” F * And what did you tell him?’ the beauty of the - wilderness demanded, quickly. “T told him that the Forest Lily was her own guide—that he must present his petition to you, in erson.”” ac: Why did you do this, grandpa? You could have easily spared me the trouble of a meeting with the sa"rage monster, had you chosen!” “T did for the best, child. Weare two wanderers upon the face of the earth, with no one to look to for protection. Therefore, T would not call upon us : the enmity of the great warri-r of the Sioux.’ Then, doI understand you tat you would per- ae to become one of the slaves of that cruel. wolf? n } “Nay—I would have nothing of the kind, I would have youstay ever with me, But this chief inust have his conqueror, and you shell bs his con- queror. But, ask me not the whys and wherefores, now, for this brain of mine is full of magic—full o m e aT - snag Eye made no reply. She was used to the eccentricities of this old magician of the North—used to all his mode of liv- tng, his temper, his studies and his ravings. Remeron atany people would have called him. erazy, but she knew his wild moments to be due to excessive er thusiasm or despondency. She had lived with him ever since she could re- member—alone with him, having no com eatonaaip edu- cated her in all that was desirable, but taught her to make no friends. She left him now, sitting over his fire, and went out into the wood at the edge of thelake, __ *Night had fallen, and although the moon was ris- ing in the east, it was comparatively dark in the timber and upon the lake. Standing upon the shore, she Goren across the d the Choppings, where “T wonder if the young strangers arrived safely over there?” she murmured. ‘Iam afraid danger bas befallen them for they are so unused to thig lite, $339 I wonder what brought them into this wild, unset- tled COREY. bse ~She stood thus pondering over the events of the day, when ske was suddenly aroused by a hand being laid upon her shoulder, and glancing» hastily up she saw a painted Indian standing close beside her. ie shuddered, for she reecgnized him as Sitting ull, , CHAPTER IV, : SITTING BULL’S THREAT—AMASA SCROGGS. _ THat Hazel Kye was startled and alarmed was not Strange. Since the coming into the British posses- sions of the noted Indian chief, she had entertained for him a loathing that surpassed her fear for his merciless savage tools : She knew that he was little better than a human monster at heart—a man who, under all his paint and hideousness, had a brain which, for devilish in- vention, had no equal. “The Forest Flower need not be alarmed!” he said. in a deep, hoarse tone. ‘ Why should she fear the great, chief of the Sioux?” tg “Why should 1 not fear the great chief?’ Hazel Eye demanded, shrinking away a pace. - ‘Why ’ should not the Forest Lily fear the chief whose hand has been a Sed many times in the blood of her pale-face friends? The murderer of General Custer is no friend of Hazel Eye—never can be!” “The paje-face maiden mistakes: Sitting Bull did not kill George Custer. even though Sitting Bull has tallied many conquests. It was one of Sitting Bull’s warriors who killed the blonde general of the pa e- faces; but the blame was laid upon me ” “You have avery plausible tongue, chief, but it cannot deceive the Lily of the Forest,’ Hazel Eye replied, fvarlessly, _“‘ What would Sitting Bull, here, at the home of the Mavician of the North—the home of evil spirits and strange transac‘ions?’’ A. proud, disdainful smile lit up the hideous fea- tures of the chief, “Sitting Bull is not superstitious. like bis bros thers,’ he said, grimly; ‘‘and therefore he has no fear of the Demon ef the Wood, oy his pretended powers. He hascome here to take to himself an- other squaw to be the queen of his wigwam. . Tiere are three there now, but two of them are of' Sitting Bull’s nation. He would add the white Forest Lily to his possessions.” Hazel Eye stepped back, haughtily. “The chief may return to his wigwam, thea. for he cannot have the Forest Lily. Her hard is notfor such as Sitting Bull!” ‘he chief gave veut to a deep grunt, as if he were surprised, and took a step forward. Bvt he halted immediately, for revolvers in thé hands of Hazel ae were leveled at his naked breast, with its man sfiguring scars and tattooed designs of wild ani- mals, praes among them the head and shoul- ders of a buffalo-bull, “Let not Sitting Bull advance, unless he would court a merited death,” Hazel Kye said, calmly, ‘but sternly. “ Let him return to his three wi’ es and bis -wigwam, and forget the Forest i : “ Sitting Bull will go, for his life is at the mercy of Hazel Hye,” the red demon said. a terrible plitter in his eye. ‘But he will not forget nor fexgive the Forest Lily, for the bitterness of death \s in his heart. Sitting Bullis nofool. His eyes can read the heart of Hazel Eye as well as ee can the cipher rocks. She has seen the young pale-faces, and lost her mind. Sitting Bull wills it that-they sb“ die,” And with a scowl on his fierce face, ht stalked away into the woods. Hazel Hyeavatehed him with dilatea eyes until he had disappeared. Then she restored her pistols to, her belt, and glanced at the cabin. Within ‘t was very light, and she knew that the old magiciun wag engaged in some of his strange experiments. . ~~ “Tmust save the young pale-faces from Sittin; Bull's wrath,” she murmured, glancing acroy* th

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Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. a , silent waters of the lake. ‘‘I must savethem, for he ‘would kill them without mercy, should he get upon their tracks.” Searching along the bank of the lake, she soon came upon a light skiff rocking idly in the water. Casting off the thong lashings, she sprung in and seized the oars. Another moment, and the boat was skimming along over the water, headed toward the Choppings. ‘To return to the dwarf scout, old Anaconda, whom ‘we left upon the prairie beside the dead savage: Not long did he remain there. Crawling back to the edge of the forest, he paused and listened intent- ly. He was a little uneasy. A strange silence seemed to be brooding over all eter iad more than was usual, even at the dead of night. The moon shed down a spectral light—the wind even had lulled, and scarcely a leaf quivered. “Something’s up! the dwarf muttered. ‘I've seen too many sech hulls afore a storm ter not know how ter read "em. Them ’ar woods ar’ chuck full 0” red-skins as sure’s I’m an anti Injun lovyer. Ther varmints ar’ broad in big numbers, a-waitin’ fer sumthin’. But I can’t wait ter bother wi’ many on: em, fer ef them Owens folks ar’ in sad tribulations, it’s high time -this old projectile o’ thunder and ' blazes war about.” Unslinging his rifle, he held it in readiness for “in- stant use, and then stole silently away into the edge of the wood, keeping the prairié not far to his left, and working along in a southerly direction. Each step was one of stealth, as light.as the foot- fall of a cat, and the little peering eyes of the Dwarf Destroyer were watchful on either side. Sometimes he would make a wide detour, to escape crossing a bar of moonligit that streamed down through an opening in the branches above, In this way he proceeded, for a half-hour, or so, when he suddenly came to a halt, and crouched be- hind a fallen log. Just ahead of him, not more than a dozen yards distant, a tall savage stood in a moonlit spot, in an attitude of listening. He. was a noble specimen of the wild red-man, ha was armed with a breech-loading rifle, and a nife. The first supposition of Old Anaconda, was that his approach had been discovered, but a moment of listening convinced him to the contrary. Afar off in the woods ‘came the echo of a loud voice, pitched at a high key, singing that National olden:time song “Yankee Doodle.” Whoever the individual was, he was evidently a stranger in the land of the great North, where life ofttimes pays the forfeit of death for penetrating those solitudes. The vocalist was‘ not particular, evidently, as to the selections with which he treated his audience, for he» speedily branched off into the soul-stirring ballads “Capt. Jinks” and the “Girl I left behind me. ‘ The red-skin seemed to en. we the primitive con- cert, for his neck was craned forward in the direc- tion of the sound, and his eyes gleamed wickedly. Old Anaconda, from his covert, watched him, with a grim smile, keeping his rifle, however, in instant readiness. “The varmint cac*ylates, as how he'll hev ther pleasure o’ raisin’ thet feller’s cap-sheaf, what be singin’ like a black, double-headed night-in-gale, over yonder. Wonder who in Lord Harry he ar’, anyhow? Sum greenhorn frum out in ther States, Vil bet my shirt on’t. Ho! ho! how beauchiful thet warmint thar would skulp him, ef ther Dwarf warn’t, around Jest see his muscles work, as tho’ he war goin’ ter hev a reg’lar Fourth 0’ July celebration out o’ ther greeny. But, poor, deluded mortal! TI reckon he'll git slipped-up, on thet ar’ cackylation, muchly, Jest fer pie, I’ll turn ther tables on him, and appropriate his skulp as he ar’ intencin* to thet greeny’s.’ *way! oh! oh! oh! Julius Csesar Christofer Jumbia!”’ f § My The savage having evidently enjoyed enongh of the nocturnal concert, now began to glide forward, with stealthy motion,- his sharp eyes gleaming wickedly. “f Old Anaconda glided Rising from behind the log, noiselessly after him. — For some time the stealthy chase continued, Ana- conda gaining all the time, until he was within easy . reach of the skulking red-skin, who was entirely un- acs of the proximity of the dread Dwarf De- stroyer. Suddenly Old Anaconda raised his rifle, and swung it over his head with a lightning movement, and the heavy barrel dealt the unsuspecting savage a blow beside fhe head that sent him crashing like a log to the ground. : The next minute the agile scout was astride his body; his flashing knife did the deadly work, and tore the scalp from the red-skin’s crown. “One more!’ he muttered, hoarsely, as he arose from the ground, and stole away through the forest, ‘and still not enough. Were the whole cussed race o’ red hellions dead, it would not pay for the wrongs Iand others have suffered.” . A few moments of swift but silent walk brought him to the edge of a small open glade in the heart of the forest, whence came the sounds of song. A glance explained all. In the center of the glade was a roaring fire, built beside a dry old stump, and seated upon a log in close proximity to the fire, was the author of the singing. who had now branched off into the current epidemic—‘‘ Whoa Emma!” In one word he was a Yankee. This was evidenced by a jack-knifo in his handand a pie of pine, which he was whittling. : e was a long, lank, bony individual, with an ideal Yankee face, buttermilk eyes, a large mouth, and hair and chin whiskers of a fiery red hue. His make- up corresponded with the invariable newerere etchings of Uncle Sam, from the white plug hat to the striped breeches and swallow-tailed coat. A rusty musket with powder-horn and bullet- pouch constituted his only Shes Ps ot defense, while a wild hawk roasting by the flames evidenced the fact that he was not disposed to starve, even if he had to resort to the meaner fowls of the air. Old Anaconda gazed at him keenly for a moment, then a smile hovered about his lips, } “A regulac, downright, out an’ out Yank,” he muttered, with achuckle. ‘ Wonder who he is, any- how? Ten to one he’s as ignorant as Cain, an’ a big coward. Jest fer beans, I give him qtest.” Slinging bis rifle to his back, the scout got upon his. hands and knees, and crawled stealthily out into the ae toward the stranger, whose back was turned n him. é Never did the Dwarf Destroyer move with more caution than now, as he crawled along. : \ A eat could not have moved with less noise, Fully ten minutes were consumed in reaching a position directly behind the Yankee, who kept on — whistling and whittling and singing. **Gosh, tho’, but it ar’ ruther seems to me,” the whittler muttered, as he gave t fire an extra poke, ali cat sending a shower of | sparks,-heayenward, ‘“I’don’t reckonTd like it heer, ter live fer good. I’d ruther be back in Michi. gan, every time. But then, I ain’t doin’ bad, a-gittin® six shillin’ a day fer trampin’ about, lukin’ for some« body. Wonder ef thar’s any Injines around these arts, or any buffers, or b’ars? They do say them ’ars ar’ a monstrous toughanymile. Ho! ho! Sally Backus, she sed I’d be afeard ter cum out inter ther West. Sed I’d run at first sighto’ blood or an Injine. Hain’t seen nuther, yet, but thar never war a gander as war a coward. Oh! bum. ‘Mary had a little lamb ? g Wi’ fleece as white as—’ f ‘Thunder! Oh! Lord! Lord! git eout! shoo! ga_ chix lonesome up hyat, re 6 i ’ -

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a = angrily. Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. The scout had, before rising to a standing position in the rear of the Yankee, tied a cord to the bloody * scalp he had so recentiy torn from the head of the red-skin; this he suspended upon the end of his rifle barrel, and slowly lowered the repulsive object before the eyes of the man from Michigan. The frightened man made one leap without look- ing around, and cleared both the fire and the stump, striking the ground only to fall flat on his face, where, for a full minute, he lay trembling and pant- ing from fright, while, on the other side, Old Ana- conda was rolling around on the ground convulsed with laughter. Hearing this noise, the Yankee final- ly arose and ventured around the fire, when the old scout arose with a huge grin. ‘*Gosh all fried cakes!” the man from Michigan ejaculated, surveying the dwarf-scout, critically; *“Who be you, Cap? ‘Pears to me ye’re a dasted Ilttle cuss ter hev whiskers on ye.” “Big enough ter skeer the fits out 0’ you, tho’,” Anaconda snorted. ‘Great hatchet o’ Washington! but youewar skeert, tho’! Went kitin” over thet stump like as ef allsthe divils in purgatory were at your heels,”’ *Pshaw! I warn’t skeert a bit,’’ protested the man from Michigan, poe oe his fingers. ‘I know’d you was behind me all. the time, an’I jest got up thet sarcus for the fun of it.” “Git out! You warskeart ni’ ter de’th!” declared Old Anaconda. ‘Who be ye?”’ “Pm Amasa Scroggs, from Kalamazoo, Michi- gan.”” was the reply. { “Kerghoop! thet settles it. Never see’ a man from lamazoo yit who warn’t afeard o’ his own shadder. But—” The Dwarf Destroyer did not finish his sentence, for at this instant a chorus of fierce yells resounded upon the night, and a swarm of painted savages sprung from the forest into the glade, And Sitting Bull headed the gang! CHAPTER V. INTO THE PEN. Tae rpuffian, Canada Chet, evidently aeant his de- mand to be perstasive, for he acco. ypanied it with a broad oath. ' ‘*Whar’s them panne Yanks as cum in hyar a bit o’ go?” he repeated, glaring around like @ wolf in search of some morsel of food. ‘Show ’em to me, while I dissect ’em! Say, you, Abe Hooker, whar ar’ them Yanks?” aly “Dunno. Hain’t see’d any,’’ Hooker replied, in- nocently. “If ye mean them two young Henglish- men, they’ve took their departure. Cum an’ got a drink o’ swill, an’ then went off.” “You're an unmitigated old liar,” Chet swore, ** You've rot them cusses hid, an’ I know it. Didn’t I see them same pilgrims come in heer, an’ don’t I know they didn’t come out ag’in? You old lyin’ thief, I b’lieve you've got vem “hid! Boys, make a search for them kids, an’ I'll give a Sara o’ straight whisky to the galoot as will find em. This seemed to be a powerful inducement, for the wood-hawks set to work turning everything topsy- turvy in_search of the concealed voyagers, whike Canada Chet grasped Abe Hooker by the collar and held a.cocked revolver to his heart. He was a fierce-looking ruffian, this Canada Chet—a large-limbed, powerful six-footer, clad in buckskin and armed to the teeth, and the embodi- ment of all the evils of passion and crime in the calendar. : e eyes were black and stern; the mouth was large and sensual; the black mustache, that was of pees size, reminded one of tie Neapolitan bri- gands, He was a man one need not care to anger unless he was ready for an immediate row. : With rude oaths his band of roughs hauled things about promiscuously in the little bar-room, for they were all men after the captain’s own typo, SR GS LS ee eer | 9 ee and had no care for anything except plunder and adventure, . *_‘*My whisky—ther galoots will drink it all up!” Hooker groaned in anguish of spirit, as he saw the precious liquor flow freely down the throats of the ransackers. ‘ ' **So much ther better,” Canada Chet said. ‘It will l’arn ye in future to keep a better article fer ther boys. © owns this yere place anyhow, an’ what ar’ ye grumbling about? Ain‘t I boss hyarbouts, ’'d like ter kno’? Ain’t Canada Chet ther king 0’ this ere region—the monarch 0’ all he surveys? Waal, should remark thet same.” One of the searchers gave the barrels a whirl out from behind the bar, and sent them tumbling to an- thee part of the room, where they would be out of e way. As he did so, a faint sneeze came to the ears of Canada Chet, and he uttered an ejaculative oath. “Whoa up! thar’s music hayr,” he roared. “Take an ax an’ knock ther a off’m them barrels, jest fer fun, an’ let’s see if we ken’t find a couple o” fugi- tives. Oho! Hooker, you are no good at stowii away precious freight.” *Swow to gracious, I didn’t stow nothin’ away. Ef anybody’s in them bar’ls, they got in on ther sly while I was out a-milkin’!”” the tavern-keeper aver- red, stoutly. The Canadian only smiled, grimly, and watched the men assail the unoffending barrels. With axes and other sharp-edged tools they drove the hoops off, and then knocked the staves apart. And there, in cramped positions, were the two oun adventurers from Ottawa, They were speed- ily hauled out, by ready hands, and held up before Canada Chet, for they were too weak from semi-un- consciousness to stand alone. P The wood-ruffian ee them critically, an ugly expression upon his yk ive face, “A pair o’ bates in the woods.” he said, sneering- Bh “Say, ye young devils, w’at ever fetched ye to es ~- e@ parts? Didn’t ye know thet Canada Chet war king o’ these yere lattytudes, jest like Victoria aire boss, t’other side o’ ther big puddle? Waal, 1am thet same. I boss these hull British Possessions, I do, an’ ary galoot as kicks against my monarky, he gits a bu’sted head.” > nos said contrary?’ demanded Dave, independ- ently.” * : “No one, younker, an’ ye needn’t be so sassy, nuther, ter be married to Queen Victoria, soon? Waal, it's a fac’, thet same. But ye hain’t told me w’at fetch- ed ye heer, cusses on ye!” “That sin’t the finish of it—we ain’t a-goin’ to, neither!” retorted Hal, in the true border language. ee ain’t none 0’ your business what fetched us eer! t “ “Ho! ho! we shall see if it ain't!’ the Canudian cried an ery: ‘twe shall see ef Canada Chev ain’t boss 0’ this yere hemisfeer. ter ther pen!” And the ruffian turned toward the door, but step. ped back with a growl of rage. : “Stop!” a stern voice cried, and Hazel Eye, the queen of the woods, panned boldly through the open doorway, and confronted the chief. ‘Stop, Chet Howard, unless you would provoke the wrat of the Magician of the North.” The rufilan chuckled rae ai “Once the old humbug, of the lake shore yonder, held power over me, but I’ve eluded his devilish ee I no longer fear him, or any other pilgrim thet stands in boots.” ‘But you fear me /” Hazel Eye cried. ‘You dare not disobey me.” 1 : “And why not, pray, my pretty bird of the forest? How do I fear you?” “T will tell you,’’ Hazel Eye said, stepping toward him. Then lowering her voice to a whisper, she .a tered two words—a single name, and then gazed him with a triumphant laugh, ul Tr, Fetch 'em along, boys, - Mebbe ye hedn’t heerd o’ my engagement i

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10 Vor he had leaped back with a frightful curse, his us‘1ailly red face grown as white as death. f 4 “Dovils seize you!” he gasped, with a shudder, * Vhat know you of—of—” “*{ know enough to assure you that you have run nearly tothe end cf your halter; t ‘at your hour of doom is gradually but surely approaching!” “An ye dare ter imagine thet I'll surrender up these two younkers on ther streugth o’ thet name?” he demanded, with a leer, “TI think you will find it te your advantage to do s0—ys,’? Hazal Bye replied, coolly, as she toyed with the hilt of her revolver. “Phen, I ken tell yo, 1 won't do nothin’ o’ the kind!” the Canadian swore, pushing her rudely aside, and bolting through the door, ‘Cum erlong, b’yees, an’ fetch them ’ar younkers.’’ he ruffians obeyed their commander's orders, and Hil Dayton and Big Track Dave were forced alonz out of the tavern into the town, Hizel Eye exchanged glances with them, and then darted along into the forest out of sight. The hearts of the two voyageurs fairly sickened 3S, with dread. They had looked upon thé strange and beautiful gir’ of the wilderness as being able to ef- feet their rescue again; bufit now seemed that her power over the ruffiins had failed, and so they were doomed to be hustled off to some uncertain-fate, . Dave Laam was the cooler of the two, for he had long since learned to master his feelings and to con- trol his emotions. : Hal, on the other hand, was usually gay and careless spirited when his sun shone brightly, but gloomy and downcast when it was in under’a cloud. “IT guess we'd better make an unconditional sur- rendor, if so be that we can, and if we get a chance we'll skio back for Ottawa,” he said, as they were forced along in none too gentle-a manner. “I'd rather have another course through college, than much more of this life.” Dave laughed, j = “You're ge'ting weak,” he said; “no use of that. They can’t*more than butcher us and canuivalize our bodies.”’ “You don’t believe they’d do such athing, do you?” Hal asked, in alarm. ‘Of course not, you goose! But wait, we shall sce more than we care to, no doubt.2’ : They were marched along through the forest-vil- rate by the roughs, who were headed by Canada 5 The rough citizens and their families stood in the doorways of their cabins, making no effort to stop the strange nocturnal ‘procession, for afraid were they of the Canadian ruffian and his backers, Many atime he had proven himself a human brute and cut-throat, and the people held him in awe. For he owned all the cabins in which they dwelt, and supplied them with work at tha great mill, which yearly turned out millions of feet of lumber that was rafted down into the settlements, and ofttimes smuggled down into the United States. Therefore thes citizens, a class compose 1 mainly of half-breeds and Kanucks, were in no ways eager to raisa a hand against the man who was the means of theit support. Hal and Dave scanned the faces of these people, as tiay were hustled along, but could not distinguish one expression of pity there. They were rough and evil-facei as a rule, and a softening look was un- known to then. a On along the forest-lined lake shore were the two fugitives hurried, until a long barn-ike cabin hove inte sight, before the door of which they paused long enough for Canada Chet to unlock it. Then they entered, Hal ani Dav» looked about in some curiosity, but were not greatly surprised at anything they saw. ~The building was divided into. i several rooms, the first containing a bar. : . : _ Hers the whole crowd took a drink, and then Dave Canada Chet, the Geunterf-iter Cniel, ee et nt into an adjoining room, where they were stripped of their clothing and supplied with loin cloths, such as _ mauy of the Indians wear during the hot weather. They were then separately lashed to strong, up- right beams, with their faces toward the beam, and then. the coarse, brutal voice of Canada Chet spoke sé that they could hear, ; a ““Neow, you sneaks, we've got ye like a bugin a rug. ie raps yell consent ter give us yer names, now?’ “ Yes—mine’s Hal Dayton,” that young voyageui announced, eagerly. x E “And mine’s Dave Laam,” Big Track thougn best. to add. ‘ “So hol I thort ye would-cum ter time, after¢ pit,” the Canadian chuckled. *‘‘ Next, if ye please, ye may tell us w’at fetched ye heer inter this ken- try? “Three things,’’ Dave replied, ‘fa love of adven-. ture, a desire to see the country, and a hope to catch a few beaver, for which this place is noted.” - “ An’ that’s all, was et?” + “Every bit of it.” ie “Sure you never heard any suspicions cast out concerning this yere settlement?” “Positive I did not.”’- “ Wal, I guess ye’re rurect, as I reckon no one ken’t say much ag’in’ or. character as citizeus. How- sumdever, you’ve cum in hayr, a-pryin’ about, an’ we don't allow no strangers heer, I'll allow; so we'll give ye a lash apiece and set ye ter work.” ; The lash was administered by a powerful arm, and cut a gash in each of the voyageurs’ ane they refrained from expressing their Pan in words. They were now unbound, taken into an ad- joining room, on entering which, the noise of clank- ing machinery reached their ears, The bandages were now removed from their eyes, and they gazed about them in wonder. it took but a glance to tell them that they were in a counterfeiter’s den, on the outskirts of civil- ization. Canada Chet, having motioned his men to retire, stood watching our Sous adventurers. The room was @ large ona, and lighted by lanips set in reflector bracxets. In the daytime, sufficient light was ad- mitted through the two narrow windows in the Bane roof. at : Benches ta with stools, lined either side o: the room, while at the further end was a large — snielting furnace in full blast. Upon the floor wasa stamping machine turned by a crank, and also a machine somewhat resembling oe press. sei Men, young and old, were working at the benches. —at the furnace and at the machines—men stripped of allraiment except a breech-cloth, as were Hal and Dave; some of themas young as Hal, whils they ranged upward to men of old age. i P “You see ’em all!” Canada Chet said with a wolf- ish leer; ‘*‘ ye mark ‘em? Wal, they’re all mine, an’soare you. You've seen the last o’ the outside world for yer lifetime. In heeryou're doomedto _ work in issuing counterfeit money, until ye aire ready ter put in under the sod. To ther right, here, ye see a sentry-box, containin’a man. He watches my slaves, At a sign of disturbance, or laziness among them, he pulls a signal and in comesmy lion, ter trim them out, I'll show ’im ter ye,” and the ruffian made a motion to the man in the sen- try-box, who in turn dispatched a signal for the man, fe A moment later the door opened and he' entered. A swarthy, low-browed, villainous-looking fellow he was, with a Preponderahee of- the muscular, and as spry as a cat, .He was armed with a thin-lashed bull whip. and there was a glare in his bloodshot eyes like that of a madman * You’re not wanted. Le

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Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, “You see the sorter man who bosses perks he said, grimly. ‘Tf you obey and work, all kerect; ef ye don’t, he'll cut ye open, Your work will be ter turn thet stampin’ machine, hour ’bout, until a new recruit is nabbed, when you will be put at some- thing else.” Then turning on his heels, the King of the North left the room, locking the door after him. “ We are doomed to imprisonment for life,” Hal whispered, “Not s9,” Dave returned. ‘‘Keep you wr “old and we will outwit them yet, couragt : quiet; do as Take CHAPTER VL A SCRIMMAGE—THE HEAD, THaT was an unenviable situation in which Old «naconda and Amasa Scroggs were placed. Both saw the Indians simultaneously, and both were not alittle alarmed. Had there been but a few of them, the, dwarf wouM have had more hopes; but they numbered full a score, and were led on by the great chief, Sitting Bull. Old Anaconda gave Amasa Scroggs a keen glance, a suspicion arising in his mind that this same man from Kalamazoo might be some treacherous rene- gade, whom cede 4 Bull had placed out in the woods asadecoy. But it required only one glance to age ek this thought, for Scroggs was as white as a ghost, his knees knocking together and his teeth chattering in affright. “Oh! Lordy—Jerusalem! Holy Moses!” he gasp- - ed, endeavoring to get behind the Dwarf Destroyer. “Oh, Jewhittaker Jimminy! what shall we do? oh! what shall we do?” *“Shet your kin, shoot me fer a fiddler ef we won't!’ Old Ana- conda pd a “* Gan ye shoot?” “Yas; I kin plumb a squar’l every time at a thou- san’ yards,” Amasa assured, he pefully. “nen cum behind ther fire hayr, an’ when I fire you fire, an’ don’t waste a pin’s head o’ lead on any- thing,but a greasy red-skin. D’ye heer?” a Im with ye, heart an’ scalp!” the Yankee * Jeplied, with grim humor. , Phe two men leaped hastily behind the protection of the smoke which arose from the fire, and held their guns ready for rough work. “Qordy! what awful-looking chaps!” Amasa mut- tered, glincing around the stump at the itera! approaching foemen, “Phew! what would Sally say ef she could see me now? She allus sed I'd never figger nor make a general, Bet a quarter 0’ beef I can make a scatterin’ among them chaps over yander! Ready, little boyee?” us eady |” Old Anaconda replied. ‘‘Shoot certain, i Now The next instant, the report of two guns echoed vhrough the surrounding forests. There was a re- sponding yell from the red-men. Old Anaconda had fired direct at the heart of Si'ting Bull, but the bullet seemed not to take effect, for the terrible chief of the Sioux came on, The effect of Amasa Scroggs’s fusilade had been “nore disastrous to the noble red-men, for his musket had been heavily loaded with buckshot, and as a result four red-skins went to the ground, more or less wounded. Ang*conda noted the success of the shot with a rin, my Good shot,” he said, with a chuckle, ‘and, now, while ye’re loadin’ up, I'l keep up ther divartisse- ment,jes’ fer fun, yesee.” And raising his repeater, he carefully arose until he caught sight of a red-skin, when he “let drive.”’ Down went the savage, with a death-howl, while fig Dear Destroyer gave a significant half-screech, alf-yell. te Srothes skunk on ther list, in atonement fer thet loss. 0’ two years ago Oh! but the list is get- ting long, yet my soul thirsteth for more. Come __erlong, ye red-hued sons 0’ ou Nick. I’m readv ter ao 3 A "Eig | ts ¥ Wa e ow ree. : a+ Hts Shan en Rien . Weis ~ -and his rifle again flew to his s ort-hole, an’ we'll do ther best we, the Indians, li accommodate ye,” and again the Destroyer's rifle went to his shoulder, and cracked wevara: times in rapid succession. ach shot was answered by a terrible yell, such as can only come from an Indian who has received his death-blow. - “ Jerusalem, what kind o’ a machine d’ye cali thet?” Serozgs demanded, as he arose from the pro= eess Of loading his musket. ‘Swow ter gracious ef that don’t almost lay over my constitution,” “T should remark thet same,”’ Anaconda “Quick, now! Give the cusses another sal I replenish my magazine,” Scroggs ae eo to obey, and the cannon-like report of his gun soon burst out upon ihe night, fol- lowed by an indiscriminate pandemonium of yells and sereeches of rage. Ole Anaconda peeped from behind the stump, then burst into a loud Jaugh. Fifteen of the previous score of assailants lay rone upon the battle-field, while the remaining five, including Sitting Bull, were now skurrying for cover, ata high rate of speed. : The Dwarf Destroyer auieihe sprung to his feet, i l oulder, with that ra- pidi'y of aim and fire characteristic of him. But this time his bullet went wide of the mark. “Wal, they’re gone!’ he muttered, as the Jast red- skin hel eR under the cover of the forest. “The next work is 10 raise the — of them out yonder, - but thet job’ll hey ter be postponed fer ther present. I opine we'd better git fer cover ourselves.”” “Lordy! Jerusalem! Injuns thar,’? Amasa said, in alarm. “ Guess I don't want to git my scalp raised,” * Ef ye ain’t particklar about hevin’ it appropriat- ed, os better cum along wi’ me,’”? Anac nda re- pie . “What aire ye doin’ out in this country, any~} 10w, Slab-sides?”’ ; “ Lookin’ fer a job,” was the reply. anybody as wants to hire a cheap hand?’ “What kin ye do?” “Wal, [kin "most do anything, though Ill aliow I’m thar when ye cum ter hoein’ pertaters, huski:’ corn or ney ean wood.” “Do you know-how to lift the ha’r frum the t p- knot uv an Injun?’”’ y “Oh! Jerusalem, no! Ye don’t mean ter say as you could hev ther heart to do sech a thing?” “ Waal, 1’ll allow, few know how any better’n yer uncle!’ the Dwarf Destroyer repited. “Dve got penn sculps up at my roost to make a fancy bid- — uilt.”* ‘ “Jewhittaker! what would my pal, bef say, ef she war ter te he aay sech a thing? Fo. ks ain't used ter such quilis out in Kalamazoo.” 2 “Kalamazoo be hanged!” Anaconda grunted. “©Cum erlong, ef ye’re goin’ ter sail in my ship, I's high time we war skinnin’ out 0’ this.” Taking an opposite course from that taken by the red-skins, they hurried into the woods. Here Old Anaconda threw himself upon the ground and pressed his ear thereto. He arose directly, and there was an anxious ex- pression upon his features, ““Thar’s heaps o’ ther red hellions in ther wood,” he said, peering keenly around in all directions; ‘‘an’ consequently thar’s work for ther old Destroyer. I’m goin’ ter Sittin’ Bull’s village ter rescue ther Owens, ef they’ve been tuk thar, asI ae aati they hev.” “Wat! Not whar all them Indians ar’?” Scroggs gasped, in horror. “Yas; perzactly thar,” the scout responded; “an? ef ye ar’ skittish about goin’ along, ye can hey ther choice of stayin’ heer in ther woods.” ? Amasa groaned. What was he to do? i _ To accompany the venturesome scout, as it were into the jaws of death, was a thing undesirabl ; while to be‘alone in the forest possessed. equal ter- rors for him since he had Jearned cf the presence of served, , while oe Know uy “Come! wat are ye goin’ ter do?” Old Anaconds, zee

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to, 12 demanded impatiently. ‘Time is skulps wi’ me, an’I can't afford to be foolin’ about long.” “Guess I'll stay here,” the man from Kalamazoo at last decided. ‘“ It’s six o’ one an’ half a dozen 0’ tother, w’ich place I stay. Lordy! I wouldn’t go teran [ jun lage no quicker’n I’d bite my own head off.’ ‘““Which, jedgin’ frum ther size 0’ yer fly-trap, you are perfectly able ter do,” the Destroyer retorted, with a . & Waal, good-by ter ye! Look out,.fer yer hair, an’ take my Christian advice an’ shute every red skunk ye git a pop at. Tell ye w’at Pil do, Yankee Doodle! Jest you drop that Sittin’ Bull, an raise his hair, an’ I'll give ye enough sculps ter put with #% ter make ye a hunting shirt—will, by gum!"’ “Giteout! I wouldn’t do sech a thing, What would Sally say?” “Sally be hanged! Luk out fer yer nateral wig, now, an’ don’t let no red-skin raise it!” And with these injunctions the eccentric dwarf scout hurried away into the forest. After he had gone Amasa Wight peered sharply around him, to assure himself that there were none of the savages in his immediate vicinity; none were in sight, which was to him as good as a blessing. “Wonder whar I'd best skedaddleto, anyhow?” he soliloquized. ‘Guess I'll go South and see what I can find thar.” : Taking from his pocket a compass, he located th desired direction and set off. It might now be observed that he was more cautious in his. movements, and that he betrayed some of the peculiarities of the scout by advancing beg oat and keeping a sharp watch out on either and. rl n this way he tramped for several hours, when he finally paused to find himself at the edge of the same lade in which he and Old Anaconda had fought the attle with the Indians under Sitting Bull. Yes, there could be no doubt of it, for there was the stump in the center of the moonlit glade, still burning,and therewere the bodies of the slain savages, He had become bewildered in his tramp, and re- turned to his starting-point! __ But hold! what sight is this his eyes behold? There is an object of some kind ean about the burning stump—a strange, ball-shaped thing, what- ever it might e, about the size of four men’s heads combined. From where he stood the Yankee had a good view of the thing, and his hair began to stand upon end, as he perceived that it was indeed a human head mounted upon a pair of feet, by which it managed to move. : $ The features were all there, only upon an en- larged scale—the mouth, the eyes, the nose, the ears, and indeed, the whole face being perfect and natur- al, while the rest of the head and neck from the fore- head over back was covered with long coarse hair like a buffalo’s mane. And this frightful objec’, literally a walking head, was moving about the burning stump, from which would occasionally emanate a glare of blood-red light, to be followed, perhaps, by a glare of green and blue. Amasa Scroggs stood in the edge of the forest, and gazed at the strange spectacle like one dum- founded. “The devil’s own region, by gracious,” he gasped. “Gosh all fish-hooks! I guess they don’t raise noth- in’ but dwarfs up this way, an’ thet ar cuss out thar don't look as ef et war human. Sumbody’s put a hull head on him, i'll swow ef they hain’t. Leetler then ther dwarf Injun-killer, I'll swow ter gracious, Oh! Lordy! Jerusalem!” 5 Thess latter ejaculations were caused by a gigan- tic column of red fire shooting from the stump, into the air, and reddening the very night as with a shower of blood. It was as if the heavens and the earth were afire for a few moments. Then it died out, and the stump burned natur- Canada Chet, the Counter“eiter Chief, The Yankee had crouched down upon his haunch: es, expecting instant annihilation, his teeth chatter- ing like castanets, “Oh! Jewhittaker, I want to go home to m Sally.” he gasped, white with affright. “Oh! go: all fish-hooks, this is a awful place. It’s possessed by the devil, sure pop. Wonder what has become- of the Injine-killer. Bet he’d be skeart, too.” — , The Walking Head still continued to busy itself about the burning stump, as if, indeed, a herald of his Infernal Majesty, it had been sent down on earth to hold its infamous orgies. Amasa crouched in the edge of the wood and watched. His limbs refused to move, and he could only squat there and behold the incantation. ‘“Gosh! Sally she’d faint, sure. ef she were here,” he would occasionally mutter, with a fresh start at the roots of his hair. ‘ Wonder if I shall eveenn out of this scrape alive? Phew, but this be a-look- in’ fer them boys, in a horn. Wonder— Oh! thun- deration! Lordy! Jerusalem!” : A new phase of mystery had emanated from the seemingly infatuated stump, in the shape of a vast swarm of squirming, flery*snakes. P They sprung in myriads into the air, in a hundred directions. A score of the writhing, hissing things made straight for the spot where Amasa Scroggs was concealed, as if to devour him in their fiery jaws. * This was too much for the poor Yankee from Kalamazoo. With a gasp he wilted right down into a dead faint. For some time he remained in this condition, when he once more recovered consciousness, to see the Watking Head still engaged in his orgies about the stump. - 2 Suddenly there soared a graceful column of fire into the air, resembling gold, and when at an alti- tude of a hundred feet, a single star detached it-— self from the expiring column, and burst into an avalanche of large stars of every bright color of the rainbow. These gradually dissolved in the atmos- phere until the last star drifted slowly to the ground. The Dwarf Demon now came suddenly rolling to- ward the very spot where Amasa was crouching, and with a howl of terror the Michigander sprung to his feet, and darted away into the forest at the top of his speed. CHAPTER VII. cS A HISTORY OF THE ‘ PEN ’’—THE SCHEMER, Hat and Dave Laam were set to work at the stamping-machines about ap hour after their ar- rival. And the brutal guard, Le Garo, was on hand, with his terrible whip, which he seemed to take de- light in playing over the backs of the offenders, / ave turned the crank attached to the stamping- machine, while one youth of nineteen or twenty had in the allo -box, coming forth from under the .— dies, the denominations twenty-five and fifty cents and the standard dollar. The work for our young voyageur was very hard and tiresome, but he stuck to it, determined to suffer ei gs rather than re- ceive a blow from Le Garo’s whip. Hal’s machine for the printing of bills was les hard to manage, and therefore the work allotted to him was plated easy, as the press was fed by an old, gray-hai man of sixty years, whose form wa: bent, and hands long and bony. One of the rules of the establishment was that none of the slaves were allowed to speak to other during working hours, under penalty of a lash for each and every word ene en. This was even more torture to our young adventurers than though they were not allowed to breathe, for the two privi- leges were to Hal equally dear. 5 As soon as daylight shone in through the tran-— soms in the roof, another gang of workmen were brought into the room, and the previous gang, Hal and Dave included, removed to another apartment e roof being heavily : afi z * Pe es ») ms ay adjoining, fitted up with bunks and tables, the wine Sowain th Se grated, - ota

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Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, Here they were locked in, to make the best of their time until their turn again arrived. 4 Milk and roast fowl were spread upon different tables in liberal installments, and the overworked slaves made hasty work of it. ; Dave and the young man who fed his press, and Aaland his aged assistant, chanced to occupy one table. and accordingly opened a verbal acquaint- anceship. The young man’s name was Harry Reynolds while the elder slave rejoiced in the cognomen of Alex. Watchman. After they had talked over the situation and their as Saar for some time, the old man said: ‘No; there is no hope of getting out of here, as Jong as the den is in existence. Ten long years have 1 served here, and during that time I have never seen one unguarded avenue of escape—not one! Everything is locked, barred, or guarded. As you may have imagined, this is one of the greatest counterfeiting dens in America—ay, I may add, in the world, All of the dies are so nearly perfect that it requires the most experienced expert to detect the bogus money from the genuine. The coins are of uniform weight with silver. Of the silver pieces we manufacture and p rfect about a hundred dol- Jars per day, while of the paper we issue from one to ten eouneil er week the denominations being one, two and five dollar bills. None of larger figure be- ing issued, because it is these larger bills that the expert watches most narrowly.” “There must be an enormous amount of this cur- | rency abroad on the market,”’ Hal said. “Yes, there is. Some banks may have large amounts of our ‘ queer’ jn their possession, unaware of its being bogus. The most of it, however, is cir- evlated through the extreme West—in the mines and cattle regions, where expert detecters are less frequently met. And the same man never distri-. butes the second time, in one locality, except in dis- is.” uis®. “How often is this ‘queer’ shoved upon the mar- et?” **Once a month three men, armed with numerous disguises, start out, and their three predecessors come in.” > “Were any Of these circulating mediums ever caught?” i ‘ é se Yes, on several occasion®, but they always died mum. % “Canada Chet,-I suppose, then, is the owner, and tonsequently the one whom the business most bene- its. “On the contrary,I am led to believe that the ‘Canadian and bis employees are merely tools in the service of a ring of greater rascais, who have their head-quarters in the Kast—men who have made their fortunes, and who have occupied at various times, and may yet retain, high offices under both the Vanadian and United States Governments. Probably the world at large knows not how much counterfeit money they are daily handling.” «Could not these leaders be implicated and brought fo ete think you?” “Certainly not, for who could ones except those who belong to hood that never betrays?” “Ts it not until lately that.you began the manu- facture of bills, eh?”’ “ About a year ago,” » “Where do the steel engraved plates and paper ome from?” Hi os ae a ; ‘* Originally from Washington; but previous to eaching us they travel thousands of miles out of i. direct route, in charge of a sharper employed by ghe ring.’ s Hoe have you learned all this?” “Tt would be hard for you to listen to a recital of how, by degrees, I have picked up.my information. Ten years have been consumed in the task.” Harry Reynolds was a good-looking young fellow, pick out the guilty e ring—a brothér- among his intimates, sat smokin, » | would you do with him?’ and an enjoyable companion, He nat been cap: | as tured, a year before, while SESpEOe along Beaver Lake, with a party of seven others—he being the only one to escape the massacre at the hands of Canada Chet. F ‘ Several hours of conversation ensued: then all hands sought rest upon the cots, preparatory to going on duty the coming evening, Dave and were in somewhat better spirits for their new companionship, although they each heart- ily wished themselves back in their comfortable homes in Ottawa, ons char °8 o¢ escape, however, appeared re- mote, Canaaa Chet £244 cabin of his own, not far from the “pen.” where he usually spent his nights, waited upon by a half-breed lad, On the morning followin Hal and Dave's incar- ceration, the King of the orth, as he was known before his door, when a man rode leisurely up and dismounted. He was a stranger in the town, and Canada Chet eyed bim narrowly without speaking, A man of some five-and-forty he was, with a portly form and florid countenance, which was for the most part covered with a long, heavy growth of brown, glossy beard. The end of his nose was delicately colored, and about his eyes was @ com- bined expression of cunning, evil, and the effects of dissipation. He.was dressed in citizens’ garb, with a Derby hat upon his hand, as he paused and bowed “befcre the Canadian, “Do I behold the Right Honorable Mr. Chester Howard?” he demanded, in soft, effeminate tones. “Yas, I reckon that’s me,” the ruffian grunted, ‘“ What in thunder d’ye want, snyhow?” - “That is eg to explain, after we arrive at the subject,” was the reply. “My name is Casper Dayton: an uncle, by tho way, to one ofthe two boys you took into your sere vice last night. I want to buy those boys—or, rather, one of them, my nephew, from you.” A “They ain’t fer sale,” Canada Chet growled, fiercely. “I opine you're on the wrong trail, pil- rim “ And T’'ll allow that Iam. not,” the other replied. “Just listen to me fora few moments. and I will convince you to the contrary. [have a little story to relate, which I believe will prove interesting to ~ you, “To begin with; Iam the youngest of three sons, of a family of gentle blood named Dayton, My * paternal relative was at one time a millionaire in | the city of New York. Of course, to make mm family history complete, there must be .one blac’ sheev in the Hock, and I was the one. At an early age I was a disgrace to my proud family in many | iene Pele ky and was summarily kicked out into a2 world, ; “‘My father and eldest brother finally left for th upper world, on an exploring expedition, and Lheing in prison at that time for burglary, the whole wealth was made over to my brother, who now lives in Ottawa, Canada. -ely “The property lies in New York State, and is all his, except one dollar, which I can claim at any fime I choose to go forward, and risk being arrested asa forger. Ha! ha! Oh! you see I am familfar to every phase of crime—a heart-hardened wretch, my father denominated me on his death-bed. “““Now, then, all the human individuality that — stands between me and that estate is this and his son, not another heir being in existence, Therefore, I have ferreted the whole matter out, trailed the lad here, and now wish to purchase.him, for spot cash. The old gent is on his way hither, — Tunderstand, but I chanced to get in ahead of him.? = “An’ so ye want the boy, hey?” Canada Chet in-— terro ,tegarding his visitor sharply. “* What - a See) “Take care of him, so that he ‘would never lay ther, .-

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4 stole _ small mirror which he also took 5 14 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, claim to the Dayton inheritance,’ the schemer re- plied, significantly. ‘‘ Also, he should be so silenced as to never betray your secrets.” “My secrets!” the Canadian grunted. ““Yes—the secrets of the ‘pen,’ yonder, as you call it. Heshall never cough aloud, even.” “Why! how in thunder did you find out that the pen had any secrets?” Canada Chet demanded, sus- piciously. “Oh! that’s all right. If you want to know how, find out. I shall not betray you, nor shall I unwit- tingly betray myself.’ e ~ “Guss it! who aire ye?” ‘our service.’” * Oasper Dayton. at 3 d whar he ar’? He’sin safe “Why not leave the quarters, 1711 bet!"” ‘* Not sife enough for my ti Ny Td rather see him six feet in under ground. He’d be surer not to trouble me then,” ** What'll ye give?” “ & hundred dollars,” * Queer?” ““No—straicht.”’ ‘*Qun't have the lad short 0’ a thousand, durn me ef ye can!” : “A thousand? That’srough! But give me time to consider, and I’Jl let you know later.” “Do as ye please.” ““T have the freedom of the town, then?” “Reckon ye do,” was the curt response; where- upon the Canadian arose and entered his cabin, and r. Casper Dayton mounted his horse and rode away up the Jake shore. He had scarcely left the cabin when a clump of bushes near the door parted. and there issued there- from the fac® and form of Hazel Eye. She gave a hurried glance around to note that her movements were unperceived, after which she glid- ed on through the wood in the direction taken by Caspr Dayton. x “Ha is a bold, bad man, andI can but think that he is in some way connected with grandpa’s trou- bles. He would take the life of’Chet Howard, I be- lieve, rather than not gt possession of the boy, Hal. Such a man needs to be watched.” After riding on for a half a mile the schemer, Gasper Dayton, drew rein at the water’s edge, and dismounted. Leiving his horse to crop the herbage, he draw from his saddle bags a collection of wearing ~ apparel peculiar to an Indian chief, and donned it over his citizen’s garb, transformiog himself into part of a full-flsdged Indian. He next removed the Superabundance of hair from his face, it being all false, and proceeded to daub his face with war- paint, and ornament his head-gear with a variety af painted quills and feathers. After he had thus arrayed himself to his evident ~ satisfaction, he stuck a coupl> of knives anda toma- hawk in his belt, and surveyed his figure by aid of a from his saddle- bags. A chuckle seemed to convulse him, and he finally burst into an evil, ringing laugh. _ “What a noble warrior I make, anyhow!—a full- fledged Indian cut-throat, no doubt. What will my gaps brother, Sitting Bull, say whan I make my _debut in his presence? Hi! ha! I did not tell the Canadian that another errand brought me here! My next duty is to hunt up the erbin of the Owens, for - there is « fair gal there, whom I would make my ~ wife—perhaps!” __ He finished hfs soliloquy by mounting again, and “riding on throuzh the forest. Without a noise the girl of the forest, Hazel Eye, on in pursuit, unti/she reached the end of tha _ lake, where she turned off toward the magi-ian’s _ eabin, while tha schemer kept on in a northeast- erly course which he evidently calenlated would E bee him to the home of the beaver trapper, — Owan, ~ Hazel Eve hurried alone swiftly, now, and soon ‘his magic. “Foached the cabin of the magician. But it required | the usual formality of knocking before she could gain admittance. The old man was busy about his laboratory, in some new experiment, and spoke not until Hazel Bye addressed him, ! “Grandpa, a new stranger has come to th woods.” The old man started and wheeled upon her with a curious stare. ‘““A new man?” he interrogated, in evident sur- prise. “Yes, and something tells me that he is the enemy you have so long feared.” “Halt ba! Ihave made ready for him then!” the magician said, with a chuckle. “Let him come, But — the name—the name, Eye?” “It is Casper Dayton.” “Ah!then it is indeed the same!’ he muttered, with a groan. ‘He shall not surprise me, however, for I will watch for him—ay! (ll foil him!” “Grandpa, tell me of myself now—my’ life seeras more shrouded in mystery than ever.” “Fret not, Thoushalt know of thyself ere many moons,”’ the old man muttered, as he turned back to CHAPTER VIII. THE INDIAN BEAUTY—ANACONDA’S NEW DEPARTURE. Arrer leaving Amasa Scroggs in the woods, Old Anaconda, Struck off to the north and strode swift- ly along in a direction which he calculated would brine im in the neighborhood of Sitting Bull's yillage. ag le The route was free from underbrush and he was palit to make rapid progress, even though he was warfed, For the remainder of the night he tramped steadi- - ly along, without pausing to rest— without relaxing his vigilance in the least. The woods had been his home for years, and woodcraft knew he by actual experience. : : : ‘oward morning he paused to drink of the cool fresh waters of a bubbling spring, which spread out in his path. Then he went on again until day had dawned—the moon had fully hidden itself axay, and the sun was shoving its face above the eastern horizon. i ; H > now came to a halt on the edge of the timber, where it was met by a beautiful stretch of undulat- ing prairie, several miles in civeumference. efore him lay the village of the great Sioux chief Sitting Bull, who. a fugitive from the land of his birth, had fled into the far North where American law ha’ no control, . % ‘ The village covered nonere. like five acres of ground, and was surrounded by a high wall of adobes, which was topped off wih a parapet of pointed stie<s. To obtain access to the village, how- ever, oe had to enter through the gates upon the southern side, Thus had the fugitive Sioux warrior enseonced . himself bebind a barricade as formidable as though a were in the days of another Crusade, 4 The tops of a score or more of lodges loomed a couple of feet above the top of this barricade, but this would not have deceived an old scout as to the: opulation of the strange Indian city. Where there . $ one anes there is, as a rule, a half-dozen to oc- cupy it. p nd report had it that Sitting Bull had added largely to his band, both of red and white eut- throats; consequently, Old Anaconda had no doubt but that there were large numbers of the enemy in the village. in. addition to those out upon the war- path, in the forest. 2 , _ This did not deter him from forming the resolu. tion to visit the interior of the village, come what micht. It would be an adventure, and he wanted knowledge. <r

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Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief - 16 ae SE Ne ea I) Many squaws in_ his wigwam to wait upon him— squaws of the red end of the white race, and squaws that were beautiful of face and form For it was said that the old warrior had a true eye for beauty, and would have no squaws at the fireside whe were not pretty and possessed of a moderate portion of intellect and education. It was"to discover the truth of these reports that eae Anaconda particularly wished to visit the vil- aze, The Owens were old friends of his, and if the chief had caused the gentle and |winning Milly to be brought. o his wizwam, the ‘Destroyer’s purpose it was to rescue her, 2 ‘For some time he stood gazing down upon the vil- Jage, in which no life was visible, on account of the high wall, except a few columns of white smoke peel curled heavenward from the different lodge ops. The morning was one of exceeding beauty, for so -Jate in the fall. The sun rose as bright and warm out in the east as jn early summer, and flooded the praiyie and forest with brilliant light. Of upon the horizon hung a haze; a gentle and in- ‘vigotating breeze blew in from the prairie; birds waroled in the sunlit branch s, and the little prairie «logs harked from the summit of their burrows, In yain did Anaconda watch for some sign of life about the village which lay below him ix a flood of sunlight, but he was disappointed. Not a sound-nor (u sight, except the white spiral columns of smoke, ‘answered his patient watch, At last he glanced around nim as if intuition had ‘warned him of the near presence cf somebody or something. His glance broyght forth an ejaculation, (for not three yards away was an Indian girl, half- reclining upon a mound at the foot of a tree, en- jzaged in working beads upon the moccasin she held jn one hand. She was the most beautiful creature, thought the i that he had ever seen, excepting none, white or red, A Her complexion was of an olive tinge, the features (being as purely chiseled as if formed by the hand of ian olden-time sculptor, and the head admirably jooised upon a graceful neck, which sloped down to a noble bust, and into the continuation of a form that was little less than perfection. Such a grageful, sylph-like figure the dwarfed seout had never seen before, and he regarded her in. admiration, she evidently all unconscious of his pre- sence. Her hair of a nut-brown hue fell to her waist in a cloud; the eyes and mouth were of sweet expression—the former in color like the hair, and fairly scintillant in their power. She was cladina tasty beaded skirt,and waist portly open at the throat-revealing the beautiful neck. The skirt was met below the knees by fancifully wrought leg- gings and moccasins. No covering whatever was on, the head, except a sort of coronet of feathers of many shades of the rainbow. If standing she would have been about the medi- um hight of women, and as Old Anaconda thought, over and over again, the most beautiful embodiment of the opposite sex he had ever conceived. Resolved upon having a word with her, he ad- vanced a few paces until she looked up with a star- tled exclamation, when he doffed his hat and bowed jow. She arose to her feet and retreated a few paces where sh3 paused, a scared, uneertain look in he wild, pretty eyes. : . And now more than before, was the syiph-like and. graceful proportions of her superb form revealed. “ Why is the Indian maiden abroad so early in the forest?’’ Ol Anaconda respectfully inquired, speak- ing in the English tongue, for he was aware that not a few of the latter-day Sioux could speak that tongue. . The girl started and trembled asif confused at the stranger, then spoke: eecns Bird comes into the woodland that snc may listen to the songs of her sister birds, and where sne can be alone and unmolested.” “Then ye don’t like it down there in ther camp 0° Sitting Bull, eh?’ the Dwarf Destroyer asked, ap- proaching closer, and throwing himself on the leaves at her feet, asshe resumed her seat upon the mound. ‘The heart of Wild Bird was never with the Sioux nation,” was the reply, as her petty. eyes gazed off over the prairie, dreamily. “She was once of the fora awnee tribe, but Sitting Bull bas slain the ast of her people, and brought the Wild Bird to his_ was warn. “Sitting Bull has many squaws in his lodge, has he not?” the scout asked. “ Sitting Bull has meny wives, but Wild Bird is not his wife, nor are the two white maidrus, Wild Bird is the Princess of the Sioux, and Sitting Bull respects her and allows her freedom, which he does not ex- tend to the two ae maidens. They wait upon him, and do his bidding.” : ‘““And Wild Bird loves the Sioux chief, and will soon become the Queen instead of the Princess of his tribe?’ the scout interrogated, A startled look came into the Wild Bird’s eyes at: the suggestion, “No; the Sitting Bull has no charms to attract the eye of the Wild Bird. He is a great warrior, but ild Bird does not yearn to become the squaw of one of her own race. She has better hopes for her- self. The pale-face does not abuse his wife like the Indian, aud is much kinder to her,” ‘ “Waal, Dil be transmogerfied inter a bar’l o’ tan- Jefoot ef thar ain’t some truth in that, cas gal! An’ reckon there’s many a pilgrim as would grab at the chance to get sech a beauty as youfer a wife, ter love and take keer ov her.” The eyes of the Indian girl brightened, visibly. “Does the great hunter speak his true thoughts, or is he trying to blind the eyes of Wild Bird with flattery?’ she seked, bending forward, almost eager. ly. ‘‘ Wild Bird would be as happy as the sunlight were she the wife of a kind white man. Her heart rebels against warfare. and she loves peace and the life of the pale-face hunter.” “Waal, neow, leetle gal, you're a clipper, an’ no mistake! an’ ef ther old Destroyer warn’t quite se old, he’d be e’na’most of a notion ter pop right heer to one’t, despite ther fact thet he’s on ther trail o° vengeance. Did the Wild Bird ever heer o’ ther white terror, Old Anaconda, the Dwarf Destroyer?” _ The maiden’s eyes dilated wildly, as she replied: “ Wild Bird has heard of the intrepid}Indian-fighter who is the great foe of the Sioux, and she has longed to.see him.” ‘ “Waal, ’'m them same, you bet, leetle gal! ther old hoss himself.” “Wild Bird is glad, for she has yearned to hear the cause of his hatred for the Sioux,” and, with child: ish innocence, the Princess put out her hand, ; The dwarf scout took it gently; and pressed it, af> ter which he let it go, as if at rou h palms a hand so warm and so't. said, gazing moodily down into the sunlit low them, his brows shaded by a cloud; heer all about it. an’ then mebbe ye’ll allow sum reason fer liftin’ so much ha’r, plain be- | “ye shali ve hed “Ye see, me an’ mine were ther fu’st, or among ther fu’st ter enter ther Black Hills kentry, previous ter ther breakin’ out o’ ther gold-fever Ihad my lee- tle cabin along one o’ ther tributaries ter ther Rose- bud, an’ I ‘rapped an’ hunted, got a good livin’, an’ wer happy wi’ my wife an’ child. Ye see, 1 nevyer war no beauty, an’ when I an’ my Daisy got hitch- ed, I calculate she didn’t marry me fer because she liked me,~ Leasthow, she war a leetle angel of a wife, an’ we allus got along as nice an’ happy as ther day war long. Then, arter awhile, our leetle Fanny came—the pretty, sunny-haired leetie beauty, an‘ we counted ourselves supremely blessed, ‘ : Hy trapped many streams, and collected many raid to bold in his aal, ye shall heer the story, Wild Bird.” he | eauty, but ee ai

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‘Destroyer. 16 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, | / beautiful furs. We war in thé third year o’ our pros- perity in our new bome, and hedn’t nevyer hed no rouble wi’ ther’ red-skins, when suddenly one day Sitting Bull came to my cabin, during my absence, and murdered and mutilated almost beyond recog- ition my poor wife and sunny-haired baby! I re- ironed home to find my cabin-home burned, and the scalpless bodies o’ my wife an’ child lying close at hand. An’ thar, over their bodies, I swore to have a Sioux scalp for every drop of the precious blood shed from their veins God knows I have striven to make good my promise!” 5 And as he finished speaking the scout gazed at Wild Bird—tears in his eyes. Tnere wer: sympathetic tears in her starry eyes, for the Destroyer’s narration had been told with a peculiar touching pathos that stirred up the softer passions of her wild, untutored nature. » Wild Bird’s heart aches for the noble pale-face scout,” she said earnestly, ‘‘and her anger is strong azainst the Sioux. Sittiug Bull is no warrior if he has murdered a weak and helpless babs, Wild Bird despises him, She would die sooner than to be- come his queen now. Her heart is with the white “Waal, leetle gal, I thank you, and I recky you ay’ I can get on as friends anyhow. Would the Wild Bird leave the village of the Sioux?” * Where would Wild Bird go? She has no home— she could but wander in the forest, where her sisters of the air have their coverts.”’ “But if some pale-face would offer to marry tha Wild Bird, and take her to dwell with him in his cab-' in, would ths Wild Bird go, even though the pale- face be dwarfed and not so handsome as many of his brothers?” An eager light shone from the beautiful, maiden’s eyes, and arising she advanced and knelt before the syout, and kissed him upon the forehea 1. “Wild Bird says yes,” she said, earnestly, her bosom heaving, and an overjs be expression upon her pretty, dusky face. ‘*She hears the words of the pile-face, and accepts witha glad heart. Wild Bird’s whole life-hops and dream is realized, if the pale- face brave will take her to his cabin,” “That settles it, then,’? Old Anaconda said, draw- ing her to him and kissing her cherry lips. ‘‘I feel thet the Lord put ye in my path ter make up fer my lost ones.” The beautiful Indian girl gently withdrew herself from his embrace and arose to her fvet. ‘Wild Bird’s pale-face lover must not think to ds ceive or betray the Indian maiden,” she said. ‘ie has kissed her, and must not touch her again until she is his by right of marriaga.” * All right. Birdie; an’ thet sha’n’t ba put off long, you bet! My trail of vengeance ar’ purty nigh at an end, an’ then we'll go back across the line and settle down. Now, will the Wild Bird halp me to rescue the white maidens from Sitting Bull’s power?” The Indian girl started, as if stung by a pang of Jealousy. “Why would the White Destroyer ssek the pale- fac> maidens?” she demanded, quickly. “Old Anaconda woull rescue them from captivity and send them back to their homes, because they are of his blood and color. But let not Wild Bird, the B :autiful, fear. The old man’ll stick to her, you bet! Nt so very old, nuther—only eight-an’-thirty, sho’ I’ve suffered pain enough fer fifty. Waal, waal, what's your ang’er, little pet?” * Wild Bird will help the White Destroyer in his: all she loves him, and will fight for him!” was he earnest reply. : CHAPTER IX. ; IN SITTING BULL'S VILLAGE—TOO LATH. Wiip Brrp consented to return to the village and prepare the way for the Dwarf Destroyer, The eautiful creature seemed wholly wrapped_up in her warm affection for the scout, It had ever fh been her brightest hope that she might become the wife of a pale-face, and she was now happy in tha Thoneht that her dreams were soon to become a reality. ‘But hold up, Birdie,” the Destroyer said, as she was about to take her departure; “there are a few questions I have neglected to ask you.” ‘“The Wild Bird listens.” “Then, who are the pale-face captives Sitting Bull has in his wigwam?” §* Both are young squaws.” “But their names—what are they 2” “They call each other Milly and hel,” x Humph! The girl Milly has sunny hair, has she not?’ ‘‘ Yes—hair like the summer sky.’” “How long ago was she brought to the lodge of Sitting Bull?” ss aor last evening, from the trapper’s cabin.” “And har parents were not brought with her?” “No; they were massacred by the warriors of Sitting Bull.” Old Anaconda shuddered. He knew the Owens well, and a feeling of horror crept over him as he pictured in his mind the pry | are and his wife lying either roasting in the fire of their burning cabins, or sles death from a blow of the murderous toma- awk. © But, even as the picture was before his e~ss, ho swore a silent oath to continue his deadly work against the Sioux, until not one of the murderous race remained to follow the war-trail. ‘Wild Bird must go, now,” the beautiful matden said, “‘or Sitting Bull will return and discover her absence, and be very angry.” i “So ther old cuss is out in the woods, eh?” the scout demanded, exe | “Sitting Bull is abroad with many of his war, riors,” Wild Bird replied. “How many are there, yet, in the village, then?” “Three braves and twenty squaws, not counting the pappooses.”’ : f “Very well. Ef Iken’t git away wi’ thet number, I'll sell out cheap. But, Wild Bird, are there any horse; in the village?” The Indian gir) smiled, “ Wild Bird has four of her own, as fleet of foot ag any upon the prairies,” she said, proudly, ‘Tha pale-face lover of Wild Bird is welcome to them all,” ‘* Nil ri~ht, my j>wel; we shall have need for them, soon. Lam going to rescue the whitegals, and bear» mae away from the village. Wild Bird must go along \ Where her face had fallen at the first words of his declaration, it now brightened gladly, and her deep, liquid eyes soarkled like diamonds in the sunlight, ‘Wild Bird is glad, Her heart beats faster at the prospect of going with her pale-face lover. She will have the horses ready, and leave the gates ajar. so that the brave scout may enter the village.” Then, kissing her hand at the dwarf, the dusky beauty walked gracefully away down out of the edge of the forest toward the Indian village, j Old Anaconda gazed after her until she had dis- appeared within the gates. Then turned back further into the forest, and made a careful examin- B Pi of his weapons, to see that they were in con: tion, He then crept forward again to the edge of the timber, and throwing himself upon the leaves, dozed away the time in the sunlight. For he was in no particular hurry to make his venture in the Sioux village, during the broad light of day. He waited all day Jong in the edge of the forest, without the least visibl> impatience, Indeed he had many a time lain in wiih the better share of twenty - four hours in order to entrap a savage. During the day several delegations of te numbering from ten to twenty in each, approac! ed and entered the village, but Sitting Bull was not among them. ‘More deviltry brewing somewhere, I Anaconda noted this fact, with coping are vt “

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Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, vy muttered. ‘ Et don'tmatter so much now, fer thar war none o’ ther settlers hyarabouts as war wu’'th sculpin’, cept Tom Owens. Poor feller, et war a shame about him. Them ’ar settlers at Quinnebog ar’ nothin’ but pirates anyhow, o’ which thet Can- ada Chet ar’ a fair sample.” At last the sun set, and the shadows grew thick in the prairie, below the wood line. The sky had clouded over, and there would be no moon, which made it all the more satisfactory to the scout, a8 he could work with less fear of detection. The camp-fire light from the village reflected against the heavens with wonderful distinctness, and the noise that floated up on the evening breeze from there bespoke the fact that the Indians were wide awake over some discovery. The scout’s curiosity was aroused, but he made no ‘venture toward the spot, for he knew that to betray his presence in the neighborhood would only be the means of stimulating the watchfulness of the camp, He therefore lay quietly in the edge of the timber and waited until he should find the camp silent enough for his purpose. During this delay he heard a footstep in his rear, and turned to behold one whom he least expected— Hazel Eye. She came forward, carrying her band- some rifle in her hand, and nodded as the scout * saluted. “Great Lamentations! is that you, Forest Lil? I didn’t expect to see ye ’way up heer,” the dwarf scout said, as he arose and shook herhand. “ How’s things in Quinnebog, anyhow?” “Bad,” Hazel Hye said, shaking her head, ‘ Can- ada Chet has taken two more prisoners, and put them in the pen.” Anaconda scowled. *Thet Canadian hez about run ther length o’ his rope,”’ he muttered. ‘* Who are these chaps as has got shut up in the pen?” ““Two young adventurers, who came into this sec- tion for the purpose of hunting and trapping. Their names are Hal Dayton and Dave Laam,’ “Well, we'll have to see to their cases d’rectly. At present, however, I have another case on the docket. “You are not going to make an attempt to enter the Indian village?’ “T am thet same, you bet! Thar’s two gals thar —old Owens’s gal, Milly, an’ another ’un, called Rachel. I’m goin’ ter resky ’em.” “Rachel!” Hazel ake gasped, excitedly. ‘* Whom do you mean—Rachel Connors?” “Ken’t say as ter thet. Wild Bird didn’t give no other name than Rachel, I reckon.” “Wild Bird? When did you see her?” “This morning. Do you know her?” *““Yes; I have often met her in the woodland. She is a beautiful young woman, Anaconda, and as good as she is beautiful.” “Them's just my idess. An’ when she becomes Mrs. Anaconda, gal, I shall expect thet ye will’come an’ see us in our new home,” ““What! you don’t mean to say that you are going to make the Wild Bird your wife, do you?” “Ther Lord permittin’, an’ et don’t rain, them’s Ply concisé intentions, Hazel Eye. She wants a Ww ue husband, an’ hayr’s w’at ain’t goin’ ter pass er by. . “Then, let me congratulate you, my dear friend, for if you get Wild atied See not only get the most beautiful woman in the Northwest, but you also get a faitbful and loving-hearted girl. Bué this Rachel —did you ever see her, Anaconda?’ “*No, never. What about her?” “She is the wife of Canada Chet—a beautiful, Prepeaseae girl, whom the ruffian married in the ast and then discarded. She came sale grand- father’s cabin, one night, and we sheltered her, and she told us her pitiful story, We tried to urge her to remain with but she would not, and the next morning departed into the forest since when I have for her every day, but im vein.” “ally to listen and peer ahead. ‘* Waal, Ireckon ther gal in ae Bull’s camp aire ther same one. I shell hev ter bid you ood-by, now, as it 1s time for me to reek down there. * hin’t you afraid to make so dangerous 4 ven- ture? Shes I’ve been in wuss hoels’n that, in my a a esides, my Wild Bird ar’ goin’ ter lend me a nd. : ‘*Well, be careful, Where will you take the res- - cued girls?” : nee my fort in the woods. You know where thet s9 ‘Yes, I will come there, by and ee Then the Forest Lily turned back into the depths of the wood. ; It was now bordering on the midnight hour. The Indian village had quieted down, an the camp-fires burned low. } The clouds overhead were pore broken, drifting about in banks, now hiding the moon, then again, allowing that orb to flood the earth with light. ““¥t’s now fer me ter work,”” Anaconda muttered, strapping his rifle to his back, and preparing for his venture. ‘I'll either resky them gals, or give Wild Bird a chance to mourn over my scalp.” Securing his revolvers, he prostrated himself, and crept away. Away out of the timber, and down over the rolling prairie he went, at a snail’s pace, pausing occasion- e darkness was dense, on account of the moon’s sudden departure under a bank of cloud, and he counted it his safest peu to be sure that no danger lay in his path before e advanced. j At the end of an hour he arrived close to the gates, and found one of them a trifie ajar—just eapuee ated only a sharp glance would have detected the acl On pressing his ear to the crack he could hear no sound, and waiting a few minutes longer, he pulled one open sufficient to admit of his passage through, and then closed it after him. Standing in the shad- ow of the great, fence ho gazed about upon the . scene. The lodges were ranged around the sides of the in- closure, the nearest one to Anaconda being only a few feet distant. In the center was an open space where the horses were corraled and the camp-fires were built, : ‘The laps of the lodges were all down now, and the ville? had the appearance of being quite deserted, but for the horses in the corral. “They’re all asleep,” the scout muttered. ‘Now I must find out where the girls are.” _ “Not all asleep,” exclaimed a low musical voice, in an undertone, as a plump pair of arms were thrown about Anaconda’s neck, and he was kissed upon the forehead. ‘The Wild Bird could not sleep for gladness. Has the white hunter come to take her to his wigwam ?’’ “Yes; them's my intentions,” the Destroyer re- eae = ‘But thar’s a couple of others I must take along. “Yes; Wild Bird has not forgotten. She has told her sisters, and prepared them for the great scout’s coming. ' “ Bully for you!” and Anaconda took the beautifw Indian’s hand and pressed it warmly. ‘You're a aes an’ I'm proud o' ye. But where is Sitting Bull thet he didn’t come into the viliage?’’ ‘Sitting Bull is abroad in the great forest. Some evil project is in his mind that none can solve. He has set aa eye upon the Forést Lily, Hazel Eye, and Wild Bird thinks he is watching for her.” “Waal, now, when he ketches thet gal sleepin’ when danger’s brewin’, he’s welcome to her,” Ana- conda muttered, with a chuckle. “She’s purty nigh a good ‘un, ar’ thet Hazel Be ‘lees fer beauty, she ken't hold a candle to the Wild The Indian girl smiled up into his eyes, lovingly

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18 for she believed that the scout meant every word he uttered. And who shall say that he did not? “Whar ar’ the guards?” he asked, peering cau- tiously around. “They drank of whisky furfished by Wild Bird, ana sleep deep,” the Indian peauty, replied, smiling. *“ Anaconda, need have no fear of them, but must work cautiously lest he arcuse those in the lodges,” ‘* Where are the white girls?” Wild Bird pointed across the square to asmalllodge, “The Destroyer will find them there, in readiness. N Sone he goes for them, Wild Bird will bring her orses,” With this understanding they separated, Anaconda _ going silently across the village green to the lodge. a the graceful Wild Bird yliding toward the cor- ral. Hers was perhaps the most difficult part, for a single whinny might grouse the whole camp, and ali * Watsanoka cannot have them,” Sitting Bull said, would be lost, decidedly; ‘‘one of the pale-face youths has won the But she was a favorite with all the animals, and | heart of Hazel Eye, the Forest Lily, and the great they were not,frightened at her approach, Sioux chief would have his scalp ” She was fortunate in securing her four pet ani- ‘But, holdup, There is much that Sitting Bull mals, and leading them across to the gate, where she | would rather have—something he prizes more than tied them, and again stole away. She was gone but | scalps, women or horses, If Sitting Bull will promise a few moments, however ere she returned with four | that the white boys shall be Watsanoka’s, he willtell saddles and bridles, which she soon had upon the | the po chiefa strange secret.” — horses. “Sitting Bull will hear first and promise after- In the meantime Old Anaconda had made his way | ward,” the chief replied, craftily. 3 across to the litle lodge. and upon raising the flap Casper Dayton reflected a moment, he perceived that a faint.light was burning inside, He was not sure whether it was best to trust the — Come!’ he said, in a low tone, althouth he could | red skin or not. see no one, *‘ all is readv, if you wish to escape.” “Twill tell you,” he said, after a while, “if you Instantly two female figures wrap in skin | will promise to give me up the boys, and a girl named mantles, emerged from behind a partition, and he | Milly Owen, should the news prove valuable and in- had the satisfaction of shaking hands with the two | teresting to you.” girls whom he had come to rescue. “Sitting Bull agrees to that. Let the pale-face But there was no time to lose, and bidding them ak?” follow him, led the way across the plaza to where ‘Wild Bird was waiting. ‘ She was very much excited as the scout could see by the gleam of her eyes and she raised her hand enjoinine silence. “Listen!” she cried, and they did, and heard a long, peculiar ery, from out on the prairie. “Tt 18 Sitting Bull!” she cried. “ He is coming and awe are too late!” : ag ai r CHAPTER X. CASPER DAYTON PLOTS—AMASA IN THE WOODS. A rew hours previous to this, Sitting Bull had_met in the forest ne less an individual than Casper Day- ton. The two had ridden into a glade nearly simul- taneously, and drawn rein within a few feet of each other, with a pe of duplicate grunts, for it will be remembered that Dayton was attired in the costume of an Indian chief. j Sitting Bull was unaccompanied by his warriors, and the two men were quite alone in the heart of the northern forest. — __ “Ugh!” was thé chief’s interrogative grunt. “Who is the chief thatis a stranger to Sitting Bull? What brings him into the forest that belongs to the Sioux nation?” ““Watsanoka is no Indian warrior by birth, but a Bae face hunter, who has come to the land of the jioux to behold the great Sitting Bull. He brings the great chief important news, and would ask his “Sitting Bull’s ears are open. Let the white rene- gade proceed,” the chief said, haughtily. ‘He will ibe after he has heard the words of the pale- ‘ace. Casper Dayton was sure that he held the key of success in his hand; be meant to useit. “To the southwest of us,’’ he began, “lies the settlement of Quinnebog, or the Choppings. Does Sitting Bull know the secret of that town?’ “Sitting Bull knows naught of the settlers by Beaver Lake, except that they infringe upon his bts, by building themselves homes upon his nuné- ing-grounds.” : ; ; righ See ay dink oe “Then lend me your attention and I will tell you something of which you have probably nerer dreamed; you }ave prvbably heard of the ‘‘ Pen,” as it is called, where scores of men are supposed:-to be confined by the border ruffian, Canada Chet, No one else ever enters inside the walls of the *Pen;’ ail wonder, but do net know what use these men are put to, or what mystery envelops the place, ey Sitting Bull never guessed at the secrets there- of? “No; Sitting Bull has never guessed the secrets of the Pen. Does his white brother know the secrets?” “Like a book,” the disguised schemer replied, “and he has come to make a bargain with the great and noble Sitting Bull. Let the chief listen: there ossess. They have but recently come to the ‘orest.”” eak, ‘Well, then, here is the secret, The Pen, at the Choppings isa counterfeiters’ den, where coin and paper money are manufactured large quantities.” “Money heap no good,” Sitting Bull said. ‘No buy. blankets an’ powder.” “ Yes, it will. Now lll tell you what TI’lldo. You have many warriors. Go you and kill off this Canada Chet and his gang, together with the lum- bermen of Quinnebog, and we'll go in pardners in this counterfeiting biz. I'll runit. you see, and give you half of the good money that is realized from the sales of the spurious, See?” ; sanoka says, for he is a great rogue. He shall have the trapper’s daughter whom Sitting Bull has in his wigwam.” 3 “* And the boys?” * And the boys.” ‘*Good! Sitting Bull is a great, noble and wise chief, and he shall have paper dollars with which to t Tipe: Let him set his warriors at once on the war-path with the instruction to kill and scalp oe an in Quinnebog, or iu the forest, except the are , and the trapper’s daughter. Let ull also give Watsanoka a token to wear in plain view, that he may not be molested.” : said. “The great chief will caution his warriors. Every pale-face but the young Americans, the trap- per’s daughter. and Hazel Bye. sholl meet death at the hands of the Sioux. Sitting Bull has spoken!” “ And spoken wisely. But, hold! Ought we net to leave the pale-face slaves in the Pemeneee ens They understand the manufacture of this money better than we, an’ can_be forced to work for the firm of Sitting Bull and Watsanoka the same as the Canada Chet.” : “ Watsanoka speaks wisely, and it shall be as he says. Sitting il will at once proceed to his village and dig up the hatchet and put it in the hands of his warriors. Watsanoka come to the village with Sitting Bull?’ | : Ln : Keg eeae Rot now, noble chief, as I have work elsewhere, ye sere “ ete ry ot § are two American youths in the Pen, whom I would — urious _ x = eae Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, HF “Sitting Bull is not blind.. It shall be as Wat- — itting — ‘“*Watsanoka shall not bs harmed,” Sitting Bull

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Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, 19 Sitting Bult ma 4 keep the trapper’s daughter in his wigwam until the war is over, when Watsanoka will take her for his wife.” “How does Watsanoka know the trapper’s daugh- ter if he is a stranger in the North?” ‘“Basily answered. A year ago tue Owens Jived in _Minnesota, and Watsanoka also lived nigh. He woord the pale-face girl; but she r fused him, and he swore to one day possess her. That day is near.’*. The twain separated, Sitting Bull riding through the forest toward. his village, and Casper Dayton taking a course nearly opposite The schemer was over: ove at his success in en- listing Sitting Bull in his plans, and smiled triumph- antly asherudealong. _ = “®verything is working in my favor as nice as I could ask for,” he mattered, with a dark glitter in his eyes. “‘ By the time my beloved brother James arrives upon the scene, I shall have the forest full of roving Sioux, and f he falls by a tap from a toma- hawk it’s none-of my: fault—of course it’s not. And the boy, Harold, I'l see that he is properly cared for. Then, Brooksfield Place and the Dayton inheri- tance are mine!” é It was a grand scheme which he had been matur- ing for years, but without knowing how t » put it into «xecution. But now his course seemed plain. With so powerful an ally as Sitting Bull, he would tri- ead at least he could see noreason why he should _ not, : “Lordy! Jerusalem! Jewhitaker Jewsharp! I wish I was back in Kalamazoo, I do, gol durn my foolish soul! Why did I ever leave Sal ly, ter cum - owt hayr whar Injines: n’ wild beasts ar’ thicker’n hair on a dorg? Oh! oh!” The speaker was Amasa Scroggs, of course, in difficulty, as usual. He had been. wandering aim- lessly about through the forest in search of some- thing to appease his appetite, when there had come a whirl! sont an arrow scratched the “ crazy-bone” f his right elb w. Amasa had made one of his fightning leaps which carried him behind the pro- tective body of an upturned tree, where he crouched and gave vent to his howl of misery. “Oh! Gosh-all-fish-hooks!”’ he gasped, ering around in the blackness of the night; “‘thar’s a hull caboodle of them durned rips over thar, an’ eae after my scalp. Ugh! I wish I was back in KJamazoo! What a fool I was ter ever cum out hayr a-huntin’ after a couple o’ runaway boys, jest fer two dollars a day! Hain’t see’d hide ner ha’r o’a boy yet, nuther. Lordy! I’m as narvous asa cat’s tail when she sees a rat. ect to see an Injun every blessed minnit. Uvh! this is ther awfulest country I ever got inter. Last night I ran ten miles ter get away frum thet consarned Walkin’ Head, an’ now I’m cornered by Injuns.. Oh! I want ter go hum.” ae ie Rising to bis feet he peered around the stump, expecting to behold an Indian. The next instant a horrified yell pealed from his lips, for thers. not three yards away, was the terri- ble Walking Head advancing toward him, the mouth stretched from ear to ear in. a herrible grin, and the tonzue lolling out in a bideous manner. Poor Amasa! His blood froze in his veins, and his limbs refused to move, His hair was fairly ‘upon end’? A more seriously frightened man probably never existed. He could only stand and gaze at the strange object ina sort of horrible fascination, Itcame nearer and nearer until it stood before him, its whole hight but reaching. to his knees. It w 8s to.all appearances simply a human bead grown -- upon a huge pair of feet, the body having been omit- ted in the make-up. Upon the face there was that _ demoniac smile, phosphorescent-like, and the ears, several sizes too large for the head, flapped to and - froin astartling manner. Altogether tf was a mon- strosity of the most fearful nature, and it must have ut to flitht the courage and nerve of stronger men han.Amasa Scroggs. It stopped before the horror-struck Yankee, and gazed up into his face, one eye rolling and blinking viciously, : ape “ Be not afraid!” came the words, in a sepulchral voice. “‘The Demon of the Forest harms not the weak and timid. Come! follow me, for there ara many savages after aoe sealp. They fear me, and will not molest you if you come with me!” “Oh! Lordy! Jeruselem! 1’d rutber be scalped than go wi’ you!” Amasa gasped, with a shiver, ‘Oh! say, please run off, little feller, won’t ye? I never hurt you—I—I—” y “Wear not,” again Rigid the sepulchral voice. * The spirit of the dead can do you no harm. It is the living that are your foes, and they are allaround ou.”” “Then, d’ye mean ter say ye ain’t livin'?” Amasa asped, his hair feeling light enough to fly from his ead. ‘: “Only in spirit exists the Demon of the Forest!” was the comforting assurance. ‘¥ am but a living spirii—I am but the air you breathe. The shape you behold is but your over-wrought imagination. Touch rah soa you will find that I am composed of—nolh- ng é \ * Oh! Jerusalem! no; I woulda't touch you for ten dollars. Oh! Lordy, go away—go—away |” ““You must come with me,and s¢ soon asI get san out ot the reach of the Indians, 1 will bid you leu!’? “Fer honest, now?” “ Certainly. Come!” “Waal, hang me ef I won't.” : The Walking Head with a Jow laugh led the way waddling off into the forest. Amesa followed, but at a respectful distance, for ue nal held the Demon of the Forest in mortal read, s Through the blackness of the night, they went, the Walking Head in advance, But, suddenly, Amasa gazed around him-in per- plexity. The Dwarf Demon had sucdenly disap- peared! Nowhere was he to be seen, and Scroggs was again lost in se great woods, * Oh! Jewhittaker! I wish I was back with Sally —I do, fer true. Inever will git out of this consain- ed region, I— Hello!” While he was complaining he had suddenly struck what appeared to be a well-beaten trail, leading at right angles to the course he was pursuing, or in other words, north and south. “I guess Ill pursue this course,” he muttered, grasping h‘s rifle firmly, and ghding along. ‘ Hope T don’t stumble on that Walking Head again!” He had not proceeded twenty rods ere a big painted savage suddenly bounced before him, wit upraised tomahawk. * t was desperation, now, more than courage, which. nerved the stalwart son of Michigan. and caused him to sling his rifle suddenly around and knock the red-skin quickly to the ground. It was all done in an instant, and then he kept on, looking on every side for more of the painted imps; but no more bothered him, nor did he catch a glimpse of another. About daydawn he came suddenly to a halt, on the margin of a small clearing, for looming up, therein, was & commodious cabin, built of half- hewn logs, and painted red! CHAPTER XI. ESCAPING—FROM TREE TO TREE—THE NEW FOE. Wer must now return to “the Pen,” and its sur- roundings. f Early in se morning after their arrival, at nigh just as they were about going to sleep, Hal an ave were disturbed by strange noises, which they could not account for—noises that sounded like human screams of agony, in the distance. ae But these sounds soon were heard no more, and os LS FAS . re

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_ 20 both being really ‘aligned, needed no urging to seek forgetfulness and rest, They slept soundly and awoke after along while, feeling refreshed. Alex Watchman, Harry Rey- nolds, and several others were up and about, \al- ready, while some still lingered in bed. During the interval of their slumber the tables had been replenished with milk and corn-cake, familiar- ly known as “‘ Johnny-cake.” “What time is it?’? Hal Dayton asked, sitting up, and giving his eye an initiatory rub toward een “Nearly six o’clock at night,” the old man replied. “You'd better put down some provender, now, as there’s no telling when Le Garo may eome for us.” ‘Where's a fellow’s clothing?” grunted Dave fLaam, ‘ Ain’t he er to have nothing to wear?” The old man laughed, “T reckon not, young man, unless, perchance, you ave more favored than the rest of us. I have not worn a shred of clothing except a loin-cloth in the whole time of my incarceration here.” “What is the object of this?” “You have asked me more than I can tell.” Daveand Hal partook of their corn-bread and milk with relish, and were then ready for work. Some of the slaves arose grumblingly, others cheerful. _ “Didi you see anything, as you came through the woods, of a young maiden on horseback?” Harry Reynolds asked, in a low tone, of the two adventur- ers, “Tf you mean the pretty one calling herself Hazel Eye, we did. Why, what of her?” : “*Well—well, you see—” and here the prisoner stopped short and blushed “Yes, I think Ican se»! Dave answered, with a smile. ‘‘ You’re in love with the forest beauty, head- over-heels!”* “T acknowledge the corn,” Reynolds replied, a sparkle inhis eyes. ‘*Do you think mse to blame for it? Is she not a queer and pretty plant to be found growing in the somber shades of the wild North?” ** You are not a bif: to blame—that is, if she'recipro- cates,” replied Hal. “I almost fancy I could bear up under such a delizhtful responsibility myself.”’- ‘She no doubt believas me either dead or faithless by this time, as it was before I was shut up here that I met herin the woods, and we formed an attach- ment for each other.” “ What brought you into this particular section?”* “The prospect of trapping the beaver, which are said to exist in large numbers hereabou's.” By this time Lo Garo appeared upon the scene, armed with his terrible wip, and looking more bru- taland savage than b3’ore. , The slaves, Dave and Hal included, filed out in single file into the counterfeiting room, when the others, who had just quit work, filed into the sleep- SL paige ‘That wasa@ dreary night tour for Dave and Hal. N>ither had ever been used to hard labor before, and it was no play torun thetwo heavy machines for twelve hours, 5 But they worked steadily and faithfully, and were fortunate in not experiencing the sting of L» Garo’s i fehl which he occasionally cut the lagging or tricky. Our two adventurers, however, learned the science of counterfeiting, and profited thereby. The coins were manufactured of lead, zinc, copper and silver, the cost of a dollar, after it was finished, being about twenty cents, so that the profits of the * que>r” was about 8) per cent. he cost of the manufacture of the paper money was, of course, far less,as the whole token of the work was engraved upon steel, even to the signa- ture. The-paper and in‘, therefore, were the only expens9, as the labor cost nothing. More care had to -be exercised in the printing of the bills, however, than in the coins, to bring the . proof to a high state of perfection. ’ Many hundred could have been run through the Canada Chet, the Coulitarteltes Chief, Tee, MOTO Seis a = ‘ Pee Soo ee ec) eee ee Seer, aa oe ae machine in one day, but they would have been foo i Hea to put bee the market. ostof the hands were engaged in working upon the metal, as it required but Hal, Alex, Watchman, a a paper-sizer to manipulate the steel-plate printing. The hours would never hurry. Hal and Daye wero both fatigued greatly, and hungry, in the bargain. ° But there was no hope. of relaxation from their la- bors, until the morning dawned again. It came, at last, and they were replaced by the fresh, gang, and marched back to the eating and sleeping-room, where they were locked in like a band of convicts. “I'm getting confounded tired of this,’ Big-foot Dave et when he, Hal, Harry Reynolds, and Alex. Watchman were again seated at.the repast of corn-cake and milk, “I’m going to make an_at- tempt at escape. If the rest will go in with me, I’ve every confidence that we can break away and reach the woods without trouble. What do you say, friend Watchman?” ’ The old man shook his head. be ‘Tis vain to hope for sucha blessing,” he replied, sadly. ‘‘Why, young man, have not a hundred at- ‘ons been made, and all failed?’ : “Hang the odds!’ Big Track replied. ‘I’ve mad up my mind not to do another day’s work in this counterfeiters’ den, and Ill be hanged if I willl If any man in this room has enough desire to escape, that he will assist me, let him step forward. Those wie eee the consequences of a failure can keep s‘ill. The slaves came forward to a man. No desire had they to remain in the pen, if there was ashadow of a chance for escape, Dave sounded thein all carefully, to see that there were no weak ones. “T'll tell you how I’m going to manage it,” he said, glancing up toward the roof of the solid struc- ture. ‘*Those windows there are grated, but they won't be so very long, if there is enough of you to boost me up and hold me there.” There were enough, and he prepared at once for his venture for their liberty. Taking two of the cave knives which were brought in with their meals, he carefully hacked nicks into ee edges, thereby making tolerable saws out of em. : He then mounted upon one of the tables, and was - weed up by several pairs of ready hands, and held ere, _ He now discovered that the act of removing the iron bars was easier than he had at first supposed, as they were only fastened to the wood with screws. These he soon had out, and the bars were removed; after which, to displace the glass window was but the work of amoment, and a stream of the fresh air of the outer world rushed in. By placing the table upon which he stood on top of another table, and raising both together, his com- mage were enabled to raise him so that he could ook out ofthe hole upon the roof, he, could see was the tops of the trees, and a sparkle of water upon the lake The sun was shin- ing brightly, and the birds were caroling their early morning songs among the wilderness of variegated foliage, that spread out beautifully before the naked — eye. From afar off in the forest came wild, discordant sounds, which boded no good to the town of Quiane- ez, They were Indian war-cries. ak ae Springing upward, and drawing himself outsic upon the roof, Dave Laam. looked around him for — some means with which to rescue his compani..28. Fortune seemed to favor him in directing sis attention to a matting of wild grape-vines which had twisted into a natural rope up over the roof, from the ground, and into the trees above. | é Creeping down to the aby of the roof, he severed these vines, and dragged the loosened end baek f s Eis

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‘\ Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. 21 oe) hole and dropped it through into the room lo W.. He then held fast to the upper portion, until one by one everyyman had ascended to the roof, where t 24 stood, in the blast that swept across from the ake. “The next question is, what shall we do?” said Hal, gazing about, and listening, with the cthers, to the sounds, which came from off in the forest, “Can’t we somehow get possession of our clothing and weapons?” “No! that is impossible,” Alex. Watchman said, EE ge “We ought to fervently thank God that we have been permitied, through the heroism of our brave comrade here, to escape from the living tomb at all. To be sureit isn’t a very clesirable pishs to be in, this being ungarbed, but it is a blessing compared to that imprisonment. If we can but get away from the vicinity of the Pen, unobserved, I know of the cabin of an old scout, in the forest, where we can find skins to cover our nakedness, But we run a ‘eat risk of discovery: by descending to the ground. esides the forest is full of Sioux, judging from the yells we hear.” “JT do not intend to descend to the ground,” Big Track Dave raid, decidedly. ‘‘You observe how matted together are the branches of the nearest trees! We must make our escape from tree to tree, which I think we can do, if we work carefully. Once well away from ‘the Pen’ we can descend to the ground and make off with our best speed.” “Ts there no hope for rescuing the .cthers who are in the Pent” asked Harry Reynolds, anxiously. “ Not at present,” Watchman replied, ‘* We must look after No. 1 first; then remember No, 2.” Dave Laam’s plan being accepted they according- ly eee to put it into execution. ig Track led off, fcllowed in turu by. Hal, Harry, Watchman and the others. The branches of alarge tree swept the cabin on the western side, and they crept carefully into this, one by one, and then on over intersecting branches from tree to tree. Considerable noise was made, cautious as the were, but fortune favored them inasmich as their departure had beep wholly unnoticed. Meanwhile, the yells of the Indians came nearer and louder. ~ “The durned red cusses must be ehasing some- body,” Dave declared, as, with his companions, he paused to listen, “I guess it won’t be healthy for us to descend to terra jirma, yet awhile. at’s your opinion, friend Watchman?” “You are undoubtedly right,” the old man said. “It is safer to remain under cover at present.” After occasional advances and halts they found themselves among the branghes of a gigantic oak, ‘where they were quite secure. While all hands were talking over the situation, Hal Dayton and Harry Reynolds ascended into the extreme top of the tree, to make observations, A strong east wind had sprung up, and what they saw was not in the least encouraging. The horizon was bidden by a dense smoke-cloud, und great volumes of smoke and burning leaves were streaming up, out of the forest, in nearly all points of the ones The woods certainly were on fire. The savages evi- dently had kindled the fires to roast out the village and consummate their fiendish work. ‘* We shall have to dust out of this mighty lively, if we don’t want our bacon roasted.” said, and the two a slid down ec to where the others were perched, and apprised them of their dis- covery. : e “There is no use of sticking to the trees any jonger,”’ Dave said, gloomily. ‘We've got to get down to /erra firma and peg out as fast as our legs ycancarry us. How farare wefrom the cabin you mentioned, Watchman?” “ About’ three miles, I think. It must lie some where to the northwest of us, I should say.”’ - When ui at a swift trot, Watchman and Dave in advance. The leaves and stubs hurt their feet, and the briers and bushes tore their fiesh, but av kept bravely on, knewing that they were now fleeing from an en- emy even more remorseless and merciless than the Say: prowler of the forest. Suddenly they burst out into an opening where a fire was burning, and before they could retreat, a ete triumphant war-whoop burst upon their hear- ng. i CHAPTER XI. , A CUT AND RUN DASH—GOING TO ROOST. Tue words of Wild Bird struck upon the ears of her auditors with a despairing jar—all except upon Old Anaconda, The o'd man set bis teeth with a fierce click, and he hastily lifted Milly and Rachael Connors into the saddle. “Nothing must stop us now!” he said, in a husky “Mount, Wild Bird, and when I throw the gates open, ride out upon the prairie, and head to the north. Iwill be with you ere long. Sitting Bull is yet some distance away, I jedge.” : ‘But_his cries will arouse the braves in the vil- lage !” Wild Bird said, trembling. *So much the worse for us,"’ Anaconda replied, “Now then, git ea . Wild Bird vaulted lightly to the back of her horse, and took the connecting straps which guided the 8 , over the dun At the moment of leaving the village the dusk had been dense, which was favorable to their escape, But such d vai fortune was not to be theirs, and in the next few minutes a bank of clouds soon floated away from the path of the moon, and a flood of mellow light suffused all the landscape in a sheen of silver glory. « An instantaneous shout came from the south, and ~ Anaconda glanced about to see-a band numbering ~ some thirty Indians, coming after them, in hot pur- suit. \ “Tt is fen Bull and his warriors, too!” Wild Bird said. ‘‘They are picked braves, and well mounted.” ._ “Consekently, our only crop is ter git up an’ git!” he Destroyer ep urging on the animals to a. lively palien. “If we ken but get infer ther woods, old Sittin’ Bull can kiss my big toe. Spur up yer hoss, Wild Bird—whoopee! I tell you we don‘t ask no odds o’ ther hull Sioux nation.’ It was by this exhibition of hilarity that the scout endeavored to distract the girls’ thoughts from the danger that menaced them, for. he was well aware— that danger did spur at thelr heels—danger, which, ten to one, they could not eventually escape. But they made a desperate struggle for it. Wild Bird had not belied the powers of her horses; they were easy riders, and as swift as any on the prairies, d down to their bottom speed, they could go like a lightning-express. | By the course adopted by the Dwarf Destroyer, t was a good three miles to the edge of the timber, But he chose this route in reference to all cthers, for the reason that the prairie was nearly leve? and then it was the nearest direct line to his cabin. , On—on, oyer the yielding turf, sped the nursued It was a/race for life on thé pastof the fugitives, and a race for scalps on the part of — the foe. To add to the strength of the latter, the — and pursuers. moonlight revealed that the whole male population of the Indian village was turning out upon horse- _ back, and joining in the chase, wled, when he made this discovery. _— s “Durn myself for an uneducated mule!” Anecon- — “They hastily aremaiiet the tree and set off | da “EFT

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“22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, hedn't orter be kicked frum San Francisco ter New York, I don’t want a cent! A reg'’lar cussed old numbskull am I—a ginny wine no-brained sucker!” “What is it that makes the White Destroyer re- proach himself?” Wild Bird asked, anxiously. * “Oh! nuthin’ much, only, why didn’t I stampede them hosses in ther Injun village, ’stid o’ leavin’ em fer them red ripseallions to ride? Gh, fire away, ye red sons of carmine! but ye ken’t do us any harm yet.”” ‘*The Sioux are very angrv,” the Indian girl said. “Tf they should catch Wild Bird, they would put her to death. But she would laugh!” “Thet’s it, leetle gal! Don’t let them varmints skeer ye fer a cent--not one red-identical cent! You're my meat, I reckon, an’ when them Sioux sons 0’ guns git their paws on ye, itll be when Old Anacon?a hes passed in his checks and _ballanced his books, you bet! Well, are you tired, Miss Owen?” : ‘Not very,” the trapper’s daughter replied. you think thore is great danger of their overtaking us? “Waal, neow,1 shoulin’t keer to express a can- did opynun on thet subject, bein’s one ken’t tell one minnit whar he’ll be ther next,” the dwarf replied evasively. ‘‘Our only hope’s ter press on an’ get ter timber. Once we get thar, I'll opine ther old mol knows a few things himself, oncein a great while. On—on—on they dashed, the yells of pursuing Injians making the night hideous. They also kept up a continual fire with their repeating rifles, which, of course, did no harm to the fugitives, as they were a safe distance beyond the reach of the leaden mes- sengers, “Oh, plug away, blast ye!’ the old scout gritted, “Tl bet ef ye claw my sculp this yere moon, et will be sumthin t takin’—them Injuns ar crawln’ «up on us, inch by inch yy The jetty eyes of Wild Bird fired up instantly, as she heard the words. “The words of the Great Destroyer are not well spoken!” she cried proudly. ‘Sitting Bull has no horse in his corral that can keep pace with those of ~ the Wild Bird. To show the hunter that Wild Bird knows, she will lead and they can follow.” And,as she ceased speaking, she uttered a wild, strange cry that echoed and re-echoed over the es rie; that was caught upin the distant aisles of the forest, and sped along in a peculiar bird-like call, un- til it finally ied out altogether, - The animals ridden by the fugitives seemed to start and tremble fora single moment; then Wild Bird’s horse shot away like an arrow, to be followed closely by the others A volley of bullets and a baffled yell of rage came from the pursuing red-skins; an answer, in the shape ‘ of a clear, defiant laugh, burst from the lips of Wild 2 rd. _ Jumpin’ John Rogers!” Old Anaconda ejaculated as he was borne along. ‘‘ These yere are beauties, these anamiles! S’pose ye wouldn't sell one of ’em fer a million, Wild Bird?” “ All that is Wild Bird’s belongs to the great White Destroyer, as soon as he takes her for his bride.” “Phew! that’s so, ain’tit?” Anaconda muttered, scratching his head. ‘Id e’na’most forgot all about the fact.” : . *Must not forget now,” Wild Bird said, in asigni- - ficanttone. “‘Dwarf Destroyer must not forget his 5 0 te eee a not think to deceive the Indian girl. he trusts him; if he gets treacherous like the snake his name resembles, then Wild Bird will die.” “Oh, ye neodn’t git at all skittish, my beauty, fer T'll hitch myself in double barness with you, ef I don’t lose my ha’r an’ kin find aparson. I’m yours tighter’n bark, until death do us part!” This assurance seemed tosct Wild Bird’s doubts at her eyes, — “ Do ruther sing’lar. But, thar’s no use mis- | ‘est, anda lizht of love once more shone out from | : a And so the wild ride continued, Now that a new s bad been brought out of the fugitives’ animals, it was an easy job to keep out of rifle-shot of the pursuers, and at last, when they struck into the edge of the forest. the savages were a quarter of a mile or more away. “Now, then, we'll puzzle them!’’ Old Anaconda said, with ac uckle, as he took thelead. “Toller behind me close now, in single file, an’ we'll see ef we can’t git them off ther track purty much!” He accordingly struck off, with Milly Owen and Rachel Connors following respectively behind him, and Wild Bird bringing up the rear. It was a long, monotonous ride, with only the foot- falls of the horses, and the occasional seream oi a night bird to break the dead of nature’s r pose. he woods were full of furking shadows, that served to shee 3 the two white gir’s in a constant state of terror, lest they should suddenly dissolve into a band of murderous savages. Wild Bird was not ala med, for she was literally a child of the forest; and Old Anaconda was equally at home there. 3 At last morning dawned, andthe birds renewed their sweet songs among the branches of the forest monarchs, Then it was that the Dwarf Destroyer ordered a halt. Wild Bird and the two white girls noticed a strange expression upon the scout’s face, which was not usually there. ‘What is it?” the Wild Bird demanded anxiously. ““Why does the Destroyer look around so?” “Dunno, Birdie, just now; but I reckon we'd bet- ter camp down hayr a trifle, wile 1 make a sorter reconnoissance. umhow my old bones predict In- uns |?” “Great Heaven! I hope your bones may belie ou!’’ Rachel Connors said, in alarm. ‘* Do youthink he savages are in the neighborhood?” ‘Can tell ye better after a bit,” the Dwarf Scout said, ary from the saddle, ‘‘ You remain here and do not dismount under any consideration until I return, unless you hear the yell of a Comanche, then turn sharp to your right, and ride for your life.” With these injunctions, he unslung his rifle, and stols cautiously away into the wood, leaving his horse in charge of Wild Bird. . : He proceeced in a straight line due east from where he had left the females; then stopped stock- still in histracks, He had no occasion to go further. The news for which he sought was within eye-reach, Ahead of him he could s2e the forms of several Indians skulking about among the trees as if search- ing for somebody. , They did not see him, however, and he crept back in the direction whence, he had come; then y ed to make a great circle about the spot where he hai left the girls. As a resnit, he found Indians ces among the trees, forming a circle around the spo trio of charges. . This was the very state of affairs the old man had expected, and he was none disappointed by the discovery. He knew that it meant business; that only fighting them with stealth would do any good. Then, be returned to where he had left the girls, They were in a state of grave anxiety, B “Indians!” he said. in answer to their inquiring looks. ‘‘ Weare literally surrounded on all sides.” “Oh! what shall we do?” Milly Owen murmured, tears springing intoeher eyes. ‘‘We shall all be massacred! J k Poor girl! she had witnessed the horrible butchery of her own parents but a few hours before, and the ee now arose before her eyes in allits sickening etails. “No, we ain’t goin’ ter git massakerd—nuthin’ 0” ther sort, ef ther old court ar’ on duty. Ill allow et ain’t no mite of a deefikilty, but we’ve got ter beat ther cusses, sonehow.”’ ge S| : of forest containing Old Anaconda and his- “Did the Destroyer see Sitting Bull?” Wild Bird

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Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chied, “Have Sitting Bull’s braves done this cowardly work?” Wild Bird asked, her eyes flashing, “Yas, I opine they bev, altho’ et_mayn’t be ther **No! ther durned old skeeslyx kept out o* m: sizht, orI shed hey put a bullet thr’u’ his Kernood- leum Just keep still now, while I think,” And standing with his face to the east, the scout vuminated over the situation. “Thar’s only one plan, an’ we've got ter grab it like a fish grabs bait!’ he said, at last. ‘*Do you ae Se could send the horses away riderless, Wild ird?”? “Theanimals of Wild Bird are trained to do her bidding,” the beautiful Indian girl replied, proudly. “Good! Our hope may then be a hope, Come! Foller me!’’ ; And vaulting into his saddle the scout rode on through the woods, The three girls followed, won- deringly, but asked no questions. By his directions they lingered behind, allowing him to get some distance ahead. Suddenly he arose in his stirrups, and clinched his hands to the limbs of a giant linden tree be- neath which he was passing. The next instant he had drawr himself up, and his horse passed on, He then motioned the three girls to ride beneath the tree, and reach up their arms to him, In this manner he succeeded in pulling them all up into the great tree. “Now, send the animals away,” he said, when he had I nded them all safely. ‘They must not remain in the neighborhood to betray us,” Wild Bird bowed, and spoke quickly and excitedly to the animals, in the Indian tongue, They pricked up their ears at the sound of her voice; then the pony she had ridden gave a wild snort, and dashed on through the forest, followed by the others, Then the'dusky beauty turned to Old Anaconda, a sparkle cf triumph iu her midnight eyes. “Could the lover of Wild Bird do so much?” she demanded, eagerly. : “Waal, now, i shed rather opine not,” the dwarf replied, smiling. ‘‘ But, whar’ll them ar’ anamiles yo to, acitsath t “MT the silent stream that runs through the forest,” Wild Bird replied. “They will wait there for m2 to join them, They have doneso many times when Wild Bird hunted the deer afoot.” 3 “ Waal, ye’ve got good control over ’em, I’ll sw’ar. Ef ye make yer future husband toe the scratch like thet, I allow ye’ll hev a purty fine jb on yer hands,” and bis laugh was music to her ears. “Wild Bird will be White Destroyer’s slave. She work for him—mind him,” was the artless reply of the beautiful Indian. They had remained in the tree but a couple of heurs, when the scout azain manifested uneasiness, CHAPTER Xt. BREAKING THB CORDON—SITTING BULL IN TOILS—A RENEGADE’S SURPRISE, Wirp Brrep was the first to notice it, and she touched him upon the arm. “ What is it that again disturbs the White Destroy- er!’ she asked, anxiously, for now loving the honest scout with all the strength of her passionate Indian nature, she naturally was much concerned to see him uneasy, “ Nuthin much, yet,”” hereplied; “ by-an’-by things may assume a more sart’in shape.” An hour passed, but there was no change. The woodland was just as solemn and silent as before; the birds chattered among the branches; the leaves dropped, dropped, dropped, at the totich of the breeze as it fanned through the.forest. F Toward noon it stiffened up and blew with greater force, causing the autumn foliage to descend in showers. Old Anaconda broke the deep silence now by a suggestive grunt, and sniffed the air like a fox- ‘hound. “Ther devil’s ter pay,”” he growled; “ther woods ar’ afire, an’ we’ve got ter cavort out o’ this roost iorgit seorched; you hear ther old man talk1” 23 same gang as ar’ surroundin’ us. Leasthow, thet fire ain’t more’n a mile off, an’ as it runs at the rate 0’ fifty miles a minnit through these dry leaves, ther sooner we make a grand scoot, ther better; you hear me!” f To think, with the Dwarf Destroyer, was to work. Taking off his belt, he lowered the girls to the ground by aid of it; then dropped lightly upon the leaves himself, “Come!” -he said, resolutely; ‘foller me, but don’t ye dare termake so much noise as a baby mouse. Ef strategy won’t rescue us, knives and revolvers will, 1 reckon.” Softly bre advanced through the forest, toward the west, Old Anaconda keeping a short distance ahead of the girls, to feel the way, while Wild Bird took possession of the post of rear-guard. | : Thus they moved along. se . Dang’r lurked in their rear—danger lurked in front, in the shape of merciless red-men, whose only taste of pleasure was in braining or scalping the pale-faces. The wind blew through the forest dense clouds of smoke and particles of burnt leaves, and warned ae fugitives that the flames were not far be- md, ~ Presently a wave of Old Anaconda’s hand caused - the girls to pause, while he skulked on, knife in hand; for the shining blade of steel was the only weapon to use now, as reporis of fireatms would only serve ‘o attract the attention of the foe, Like some grim phantom the little old scout glided along, no sound of his disturbing the silence. Hvery footstep was noiseless, his Lrceath, even, was hushed —lon:; ‘awn. In this way he crept on for perhaps an eighth of a mile, when he once more came to a halt, and step- ped quickly behind a tree. : . Just in time te escape observation, too, for an In- dian came prowling along, glancing about him in a manner indicative that his suspicions had been aroused. The eyes of the dwarf gleamed wickedly as he saw the hearing Ne) brave BPRTORGN and he grip- ped his knife for its deadly work, Nearer and nearer the red-skin came in an ineau- tious shuffling gait, until he had fairly passed the tree where the dwarf scouf was concealed. Then a human body suddenly shot into the air and descend- ed upon the back of the red-skin, and a keen, flash- ing blade did its deadly work. In a moment, Old Anaconda tore off his scalp. “ Wonder ef thar’s any more as wants ter get registered fer election?” he muttered, peering around. ‘“Ifso thar be, hayr’s w’at kin accommy- date ’em at ther rate o’ two a minit.” Resolved to know for certain if any more of the red devils blockaded the forest between him and liberty, he made a wider and deeper detour, but failed to find afoe, Satisfied on this score, he made his way back to where he had left the girls, and found them much alarmed at his protracted ab- sence, 3 “You have killed an Indian,” Milly Owen said, with a horrified glance at his belt. tei ‘Yas; killed ther last of ther Mohicans, you bet! But look! yonder’s a jet of flame! the fire is upon us! Come! we must put for our lives!” » And it was even so, As they started to leave the spot, long tongues of fire followed spitefully in their wake, and dense clouds of choking smoke settled around them, pee Sitting Bull was in the vicinity of Quinnebog with a part of his band, having detailed a number of his braves to worry and pursue the Dwarf Destroyerand his companions. — ae The great forest fire had swept far to the west now, as the sun began to set, leaving in itstracka desolate waste of scorched and naked timber, and

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24 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. frying carcasses of ‘unfortunate beasts and. birds that were caught in the fiery vortex. In the edge of the timber that remained untouched by the fire, Sitting Bull and his handful of braves sat their horses like centaurs. The Sioux chief was waiting for the white rene- gadé, Watsanoka, previous to the proposed attack upon the Choppings. But Watsanoka came not, and deep shadows once more began to gather in the forest, and the red- faced moon began to show her form up over the eastern horizon, ‘* Watsanoka is late!” Sitting Bull growled, at last. alee remain here while Sitting Bull go hunt im. Death is meant for the braves to disobey, and so they kept their positions, while the old chief rode off, , Threading his way through the silent woods, he g00n came to the northern bank of Beaver Lake. ‘Without pausing, however, he continued along the bank toward the cabin of the Magician of the North, where he arrived in due time, and drew rein before the door, All was dark and silent about the place, as if it were inhabited by people not earthly, if at all. But Sitting Bull prided himself on possessing a brave heart, and he feared none of the evils reputed to exist in the cabin of the magician. Therefore he dismounted and tried the door, and to his great surprise it swung ppen. : Before entering the cabin, t into it, to sse that no trap had been set for him. But he could see nothing, and therefore stepped inside, Stirring the fire to a blaze, he proceeded to make an examination in general of the articles belonging to the magician. Picking up a box which lay upon the floor, he raised the lid and gazed in. His curiosity was quita satisfied. A huge artificial snake lay in the bottom, and it instantly began to recoil and raise its horrible head, With a yell the chief dropped the box, and left the cabin, in disgust. On arriving upon the outside, the savage found that his horse was missing, Thinking he might have strayed he set out in search of him, and spent full an hour in the task without success. At last he paused at the edge of a glade, in a great rage. "Et he eee dog of 8 magician is the thief, and Sitting Bull will have his revenge!” he grunted. “He will go and order his braves to kill every palo- face in the forest, be hé friend or foe.. None of the accursed race shall live in the land of the Sioux.” A low sound of laughter caused the chief to start and gaze about him in alarm, Not a half-dozen yards distant the terrible object known as the Demon of the Forest was approach- ing rapidly, the short feet moving as fast as those of a larger person. % The chief saw the strange and horrible thing, and s‘ood rooted to the spot as if entranced. He had often heard of the Demon, but had never before caught more thana passing glimpse of it. Nearer and nearer it came, the mouth opened by a broad grin; the eyes winking and blinking. and » the ears wiggling and flapping like those of a mule. Poor Sitting Bull! if he had never had experience of affright before, he had a good taste of it now. His limbs refused to move, and he trembled in every gout, All he could do was stand and stare at the errible shape, in a horrible fascination. The Walking Head seemed to be aware of this fact, for it approached the red-man, and walked around and around him, until Sitting Bull suddenly awakened to the fact that his lower limbs were wound and bound by a series of strong cords, Instant’'y after this discovery he gave a gasp and reached to his belt for his tomahawk, but it was not there! Nor was he possessed of any of his ‘weapons. : ‘ e@ wily chief peered, He was now quickly jerked to the ground, and” his arms*bound to his back, although he knew not pow or by whom, as he lay prostrated upon his ace. When the tying was finished, he was rolled over on his back, A savage ‘Ugh!’ escaped him, for he beheld the terrible Walking Head standing by his side, and peering over into his face, The Sioux chief tried to speak, but his tongue seemed suddenly Bs fhe An unearthly chuckle escaped the Demon of the Forest, as he watched the conflicting emotions upon the chief’s face. “Sitting Bull is a prisoner!’ came words from the Walking Head, in a strange, sepulchral voice. ‘He is no longer the king of the forest, but lies before one many times smaller, The warriors cf Sitting Bull are abroad with their hatchets unearthed. Wha‘ would the Sioux do, in the land of the North?’> ‘*Sitting Bull’s men seek. the branded. pale-face who has no right in the land of the Sioux,” was the sullen reply. . “Would not Sitting B@@®recall his braves, and es- tablish psp if he could have his liberty again, at the hands of the Forest Demon?” “No! Sitting Bull is no coward that he would ac- cept terms of truce. He is not afraid to die, know- ing that his braves will never leave the wsr-trail until the death of their chief has been amply avenged,” “Then Sitting Bull shall die, but not by the hand of the Forest Demon, for he isa being without hands. But Sitting Bull shall lie inthe woods, and risk be- ing devouréd by wild beasts of prey. No warriors of the chief are in the neighborkood, and the chief of the Sioux can be alone with his thoughts!” And with this comforting assurance, the Demon of the Forest waddled away again across the glade whence he had come. Sitting Bull was alone in the forest, where beasts of prey were not scarce, and his chances were any thing but bi Se He did not, however, bemoan his situation in the. least. He preserved that bull-dog stolidity peculiar to the Indian. Where some would have yelled to summon aid, he remained perfectly quiet. He knew that there were men in the forest who might possibly answer his calJ—men such as the dread Anaconda, who would ask for no better op- portunity to avenge old wrongs than the present, when the reputed greatest fighter of the Sioux nation lay upon his back, powerless as a new-born babe. In thes mean time, Casper Dayton in his Indiar disguise had been pro about in the vicinity of the Choppings, and had learned of the escape of Hal Dayton and Dave Laam, together with part of the press-gang who worked in the pen. “Ten thousan curses upee their heads and souls!”” the villain hissed, as he left the village and walked along the southern shore of the lake. “‘If I had burned that shell of a counterfeiting den, as I had a mind to, their hash would have been settled. Now, I must hunt them up. But, hold, I must not go too fast. I will send Sitting Bull to destroy the village and all that isin it. Ishall then bave full sway, as © long as things hiteh well with Sitting Bull. . An In- dian is treacherous, but I believe I can get along with the red Satan as well as if he were white, so long as I feed him well with money and promises.” Searching along the lake he soon found a canoe, and springing into it, he pulled across to a point where he had made an appointment to meet the Sioux chief and his braves. On stepping ashore and entering the forest, he found the red-skins, but nos their commander. “ Where is the great chief, Sitting Bull?” he asked, addressing one of the savages whom he had heard called Foxfoot, and who had assumed command for the time being. d “The great chief went in search of Watsanoka and has not returned,” was the reply. : “I am Watsawokae,” Caspar Dayton said, “ Se ree et ee

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Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, your obief bade me to give you orders when it pleased me.” “The ears of Sitting Bull’s braves are open, and the ; a heed the words of Watsanoka,” Foxfoot re 2 Nithen let them visit the pale-face settlement on the banks of Beaver Lake, and begin the scalp-dance of death, Let not a man, woman, or child be spared; Jet the firebrand be applied to eve: except the building called ‘The Pen.’ Does understand?” The savage responded with an “ Ugh!” and turn- ¢d and addressed his companions in the indian tongue. Casper Dayton awaited the result with a great deal of satisfaction, for he saw that the savages were eager and willing, and he smiled his pleasure as they filed away through the forest with drawn hatchets. ‘T have won!” he said, distinctly and loud. “No, Casper Dayton, you have dost /”” exclaimed a voice, close behind him. . 3 CHAPTER XIV. z= FACE TO FACE—A CRIMSON ORIME. Tue speaker was the Forest Lily, Hazel Eye. She stood in the rear-of Casper Dayton, a pistol in her band, which covered the renegade. He wheeled and saw it—saw th> marvelous beauty of the girl, who had assumed the atti ude of enmity toward him, He ventured to ulter an oath. What was there in her face that was familiar to him? What resemblance to some one in the past—? “Devils seize you!” he gasped. **Who are you, and whom do you think me to be?” “The eyes of the Forest anf are rarely at fault,” Hazel Eye replied, calmly. ‘* They can penetrate the disguises of even greater villains than you, Casper Dayton, with all your hideous paint.” , “Curses on you! What do you mean, girl? Iam not Casper Dayton, nor did I ever hear the name.” “You need not lie,”’ the girl replied, as, coolly as before. ‘Come! Casper Dayton or no Casper ton, you must accompany me. Resist, and Pll shoot you dead in your tracks!” “You dare not do murder!’ Dayton gasped, be- lieving he could intimidate this brave fairy of the forest. ‘You dare not do murder!” “Try me and see!’ Hazel aye said, full-cocking her revolver. ‘tI give you until I count ten to decide whether you will go with m> or not.” The villain saw that she was in earnest, without floubt, and that it was best to humor her for the present and watch his chances, “Tl cave,” he said, quickly. ‘Lead ahead, and I'll follow.” ‘8 A smile of sarcasm wreathed Hazel Eye’s cherry ips. ‘*How nice that would be, wouldn’t it? No, Cas- per Dayton; I was detailed to capture you, and I ave done so. Hand me your weapons now—take care! I’m watching you, and if you make a move to tp er of those weapons, I'll pop you over like a as. ‘ And believing that she would keep her word, the villain promptly obeyed, with a savage scowl. ‘The fiends take you. What are you going to do with me?” he demanded. “Patience and time are two of the roadways to knowledge; perseverance another. If you wait long enough and have enough patience, you will doubt- less learn as to the disposition of your remains.” After she had appropriated his weapons she gave the order: “ Right about. face!” and they marched oft sini cy the forest. Casper Dayt»n in advance, ssovered by Hazel Kye’s pistol. In this way they marched until they came to the Mai ician’s cabin on the lake shore, ‘The door was open, and the little old man sat upon, the doorsteps,Jsmoking his pipe in the moonlight . which streamed down through an opening in the cabin, oxfoot trees. ey. ay-° As Casper Dayton saw him he gave a violent and mech reached toward his belt; but Hi Bye pushed him forward at the muzzle of her wea- stood there glaring down at him like a confined ZY. ig saeperle his features work- i lvester Dayton !—you—alive !”” “Ay! alive!” the Hazel Eye, bring your co ee within the cabin,” he wick of a large oil lamp, lighted the room in ever bonis olded arms, to gaze at the ed. “No; had rage pag that you were alive and in this region, Pi should have died, long ere this, I as- epee ut, who is this accur brazen-faced ir “Take care, Casper Dayton, lest she be so an- ; poet es to shoot you. Listen to me and you shall ear that which will surprise you. The story you told to the counterfeiter, Canada Chet, was a base lie; let me now repeat a little of the truthful history Se the Daytons, for the benefit of this young audi- or. i **Some years ago, there lived three brothers and an old father, in an Eastern State. The old gentle- man was well fixed, in this woild’s goods—his wealth counted up into the hundreds of thousands, and he had no heirs until these sons of his came. Then the old man watched them grow to manhood, and was content 6 Cie. ac “Of the sons, James was the youngest, Casper the next in rank, and Sylvanus the eldest. There- fore the old father made Sylvanus his choice, con- agi to the usual way, for the youngest son is gen-| erally the one best loVed because the last. : “Sylvanus was an honest, hard working fellow. James was also industrious and inclined to be say- ing, but Casper was a wild, dissolute fellow, a spend- thrift and at heart a villain. No amount of good advice or persuasion, it seemed, could tempt him from his course. “At last the good father died, and in the presence of the three brothers, the will was read. ‘“ And such a bomb then exploded in the Dayton camp! The will was far from interesting cr satis- factory to any of the brothers, except to Sylvanus, to whom the property was bequeathed, with the ex- _ a of two dollars, which was left to be divided between James and Casper. ; “In case of the death of James, first. he was to have a decent burial. No provision of this kind was made for Casper. Should Sylvanus die first. the me wealth descended to James; after his death, to ‘asper. “Thus, there was a grand incentive to villainy, and one re Casper Dayton, made haste to embrace. I had never believed you capable of ac- tual crime, but I found out to my cost that you were. for one night as I was coming along a gloomy — highway, I was attacked by you, and knocked sense- less from my horse. You then threw my body into _ the river, where you calculated I should die by — drowning. s go = “Kind hands rescued me, Kowever, and I was. taken to the cottage of a widow, where I was re- ~ stored to fag tar oA Lut the terrible blow had

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26 unsettled my brain, and there followed a sort of Sonthy. that was intermittent, however—not con- ant. ‘At timer I was of sound mind. Then would come on one of the strange spells in which I feared you— feared my God—feared everybody except the widow and her daughter, a baby then, To them I took kindly, for I believed them my friends. * A strange, headless body was found in the river tho next day, attired in the clothing of Sylvanus Dayton, and was taken and buried, and a large cir- elo of mourning friends wept over the coffin of the suppos'd murdered owner of Brooksfield. But it was only tle body of some unknown person who had been fished out of the river, and suvstituted, by my directions, “ Thus, Casper Dayton, you supposed you were rid of me, anc you turne | your attention to watching an opportunity to strike your remaining brother—the Sbstacle which stood between vou and the heritage of Brooksfield, “While I, seized with my insane fear of you and the world, fled the country. First, however, I mar- ried the Widow Walling, and took her and her child with me. I penetrated to the very depths of the wilderness, and finally came into this remote region, where I have since remained. “My wife died, when Hazel Eye, here, was a mere child, 2nd I have brougbt ner up to suitmyself. But all my ‘ife since you dealt me that cowardly blow, I have been possessed of those strange spells of fear. Litely they have come upon me less frequently, and you behold me now not afraid of you, Casper. Day- ton!” “Ha! hal we shall see about that, my crazy bro- ther! I shall yet have my revengeupon you. What do you intend todo with me?” “Nothing. I shall free you, and tell you to go, warning you to keep sour distance from this cabin, which is so constructed that death lurks within every timber. Go! Isay, and may the spirits of Almighty God release you from your doomin the. coming hell. Show him out, Hazel Eye.” Hazel Eye noided, and motioned Casper Dayton toward the door with her revolver, He arose hastily to depart, glad at the opportu- nity to thus get off, but on the threshold hé paused, “fT 20; but you shall see me again, mark my word. ‘che blow I struck, years ago, shall be repeated, soon inastronger way. Ibid you adieu!” And, with a mocking laugh, he wheeled, and dis- 2 Logo into the night. E az21 Eye arose and closed the door after him; then turned toward the Magician. ; ‘““Why did you let him go? He’s a bold bad man, ani he will not hesitate to do you an injury.” “T fear him not now, as I used to; I have shaken off the insanity that has been the cloud of my life, andIam prepared to fight odds with science and strategy. I did not touch him, because he is my brother, and [ would have no. man’s blood upon my hands. But I have warned him to keep away from my ean it he comes naw, his blood be on his own aoad, “What would you do?” “Blow the cabin to atoms, I have every timber so charged with various explosives, that I can ar- yrange it that when I leave the cabin and close tha loor, no one can thereafter open that door without blowing up the whole building, It is an infernal invention, but I have warned them; and those who would not die, must heed the warning.” “But tell ms, am I the child of the widow whom you married years ago?” ~~ : . “The same. Iam your step-father, instead of our grandfather, as you have alwayscalled me. Tf _ have ever regarded you as my own child, and loved you as such.” “But if I am in no way related to you, it ig not ‘ht for me to jive upon your bounty.’ Be eS: “Tut! tut! child; banish any such ideas. for you. avo 9s dear tome and as much mv daughter, as Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. at mee se though you were in reality a child of my own blood, But, now, this can no longer be your home. Ihavy decided to quit tnis wilderness, if I can, and returm to Brooksfield, my old home, But, ere 1 go, there is work for me to do in the forest; and, too, I would not be far away when this cabin blows up, There- fore, take aane necessary Parris and your horse. and go to the cabin of the Dwarf Destroyer, where will join you later. Be careful not to foll. into the power of the red-men, with whom the forestswarms ” “Vou need not fear,” Hazel Eye replied. ‘‘Ihave never yet been taken an Indian’s captive, and T do not believe my luck has deserted me.” ; Ten minutes later, both the Magician and Haze} Eye had quitted the cabin. In the mean time, the red demons of Sitting Bull. under the o ders of Casper Dayton, augmented their strength in numbers in the forest, and descend- ed upon the ‘“Choppings,” a hundred or more strong, from nearly every point of the compass. They poured from the forest on. the south, east and west, and landed from the lake in canoe-loads,, on the north, The night rung like a pandemonium with their yells; the screams of terrified women and children, the hoarse shouts and curses of men, and the reports of rifle shots made a Babel of the settlement. The town was surrounded on every hand, and tha red demons fought as if possessed of demoniac fury, None were~spared, as had been the directions of! Caspar Dayton. The reeking tomahawk and smok- ing repeating-rifles, with which many of the red fiends were armed, did the deadly work for each pale-face, regardless of age or sex, and the terrible Sraentehe @ flashed and gleamed in the ghastly moon! E : Soon the firebrand reached the cabins, and tha flames licked up with greed the homes of those who lay dead. upon the crimsoned ground, or were stil) fighting desperately for their lives. ut it was useless for them to contend against odds. Soon it was that thelast survivor fell, and the last re-king scalp was ‘‘raised,”’ and nothing re« mained to tell of the exi tence of the great counter- feiting town of the Northwest but a few smoki logs and glowing coals and the dead bodies. aroun Ww! ea the red fiends of the forest were dancing and yelling. ; yeré about this time Caspar Dayton stood upon the x osite shore of the lake, and gazed across upon the scene with a devilish delight. “They have done well,” he said, in a low tone; ‘put, furies! what do I see? - Curses on the idiots! They have burned the Pen, with its dies and presses and stock! I wish now that 1 had notsent them, for Ihave burdened my soul with another crime with- out receiving a consideration for my awful sins,”” CHAPTER XV. THE CABIN FORTRESS—VENGEANCE SELF-WROUGHT. WE must now return to Old Anaconda and the girls, whom we left fleeing before the flame and. smoke of the burning forest. It is unnecessary to add that they ran for dear life, for such was the case. The lurid tongu:s driven by the wind and the flame current. chas them with the hissing perseverance of a snake; the smoke blinded and choked them, but still they kept on, struggling bravely. “Don’t git discouraged,” the Dwarf Destroyer ad. vised. We hain’t fur ter go afore we sight my cab. in, [reckon. Keep on a bit longer.” And, like heroines, the brave females did keep on, despite the rough footing, and scratching and tear- ing cf the bushes. ; aR At last Old Anaconda uttered a cry of satisfac: tion, forthey had arrived at the edge of the larg clearing wherein stood his cabin. or ‘‘fort,” as he often called it, It was a large structure of logs, — with a single door, and windows up near the eaves, »* wag built in the most serviceable manner, and

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on was agood retreat wherein to keep off the red-skins, for loopholes covered the wall in nearly ail points of the compass, £0 that approach from any side of the clearing was well guarded. On the edge of the clearing Old Anaconda and his ea paused, while he gazed sharply toward the eal in. “What is it?’ Wild Bird asked, noticing the sud- den compression of his lips. ‘*Does the ite De- siroyer scent danger again, near his cabin?” ** Waal, I low there’s sumthin’ gone wrong, ’twixt you an’me,. Thar’s sumbody, Injun or white ga- loot, gone an’ taken persession 0’ my domycile yan- der, sure’s I’m a reflexion uv ther Darwin theory,” “Who is it?” ; “Durn me ef’ I know, though I'l allow they’re white, for no Injun ’d be werry likely ter start a smoke, not if they war layin’ low fur me.” “Then let us Burry: forward and get out of dan- ger,” Milly Owen said, eagerly. : “Not yet, by along shot! 1 opine I'm a-goin’ ter know more afore I stick my pericranium inter a hornets’ nest, Fu’st uv all, I’m goin’ ter Yarn how thick ther Injuns be hayrabouts,” 3 And enjoining the girls toremain where they were, the scout moved away along the border of the clear- ing to make his reconnoissance. In about ten minutes he returned, and glanced un- easily toward the cabin, i ‘* We've got to git out o’ this,” he said; ‘fur thar’s a hull pack o’ red hel ions out hayr in the forest, a- sneakin’ up in cur rear. We must make fer my Jeetle fort yander, an’ if we git a blizzard frum con- cealed enemies, I opine it won’t be our fault. I'd ruther an Injun’d skulp me any time than a white, but— Come erlong!” Seizing; each other’s hands, the three girls followed swiftly after the old scout, across the clearing to- ward the cabin. The distance was not great, and they were soon within a few yards of the cabin when Old Anaconda gave vent to an overjoyed whoop, as the cabin door swung open, and a crowd of men stood upon the threshold to weleome the fugitives, a At the same time the savages burst from the forest | at apoint the fugitives had just quitted, with wild yells of baffled defeat. : “Ob! yell, gol durn yer pesky elts!”” the Dwr Destroyer howled, shaking his fist back at the mur- derous mob, in defiance. ** Ye ken’t ketch yer uncle, now, ferscrip! Cum erlong, ye long-eared, lantern- jawed, slab-sided, knock-kneed sons uv tan-bark! Cum an’ see us!” 3 This kind invitation the savages had no idea of ac. cepting, for the preuente evidently, for they paused upon the edge of the timber for a confab, i? In the mean time Old Anaconda and the girls reached and entered the cabin in safety. after which the door was closed and barred, and they could well bid defiance to their foes, for the time being. Explanations ensued, and the union of the whites in that cabin in the wilderness was one of decided oy. j The occupants of the cabin ahead of Old Anaconda and the girls were the fugitives from the Choppings, among them Dave, Hal, Harry and old Alex Watch- man, On their arrival at the cabin, they hadefound it ee by no Jess an individual than the re- deubtable Amasa Scroggs of Kalamazoo. Out of the Dwarf’s wardrobe they had found enough clothing to eover their nakedness, so that they were comfortably installed by the time of the arrival of Old Anaconda and his trio. - BP The Dwarf's larder was never unstocked; conse- (quently dinner was first in requisition, The getting up of this wasleft to the culinary skill sof Milly Owen, Rachael and Wild Bird, while the men \cept a vigilant watch from the loopholes on either ide and end of the cabin. +" Them rapscallions ar’ up ter sum deviltry ye kin het yer boots!” the Destroyer muttered. watching the eastern forest keenly. See! thar's haydoogins q@f’em thar in the edge o’ ther timber, a-skulkin’ Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chied a7 Neen ite about like as ef they war narvous, Iopine they ar’ waitin fer night ter arrive.” ve Injurs!"* said Amasa Scroggs, gontemptuously ; “who's afeard o’ them? Why, ther’ ken’ be many o’ them left, I teli ye, fer I slaughtered ot: sumthin like t n thousan’as I war cumin’ heer, ty way of aust myself, ’Tain’t much ter brag on ter killan pjun.,’ “Bt depends sum’at ef a feller’s a consarned cow- ard or not,” Anaconda said, dryly. ‘Ye kent ex- pect much 0’ a man whose narves flies out o’ his mouth when. a bloody Jnjun sculp is lowered before his eyes.. Ef he’s a brave man, show me a coward!” Amasa colored to the roots of his hair, and pre- tending not to notice the sarcasm, which elicited a broad smile from all hands, he turned to give some fatherly advice to Dave and Hal, of whom he bad assumed the right of guardian, now that he had found them, When nobody was near, however, he approached the Dwarf Destroyer, mysteriously. “See heer!” he said, in a whisper; ‘you're a purty good sorter feller, an’ ef ye’ll jest keep cluss-mouth- ¢d about thet leetle affair, I'll’ make et all right wi? I've kinder took a shine ter thes you. Ye see, Rachel over thar, an’ { want ter make an impression - ef I can,” “Allright! Sailin, and T’ll not bother ve ag’in,” the Dwarf Destroyer said, with a sparkle in lis eyes. And Amasa did sail in evidently, for he did the agreeable and gallant, as well as he knew how, to Rachel Connors all the afternoon, although sne gave him many a slight and hint that Lis compay y was not agreeable. The dinner prepared by the three girls was soo% served, and proved liberal and satisfactory to the hungry ones in the wilderness, The afternoon passel away. but there was ny hostile movement on the part of the savages on the edge of the forest. They were occasionally see) skulking about, just out of rifle range, but made ny demonstration calculated to incite those in the cabi1 to niore than ordinary watchfulness. Anaconda, however, was not to he thrown cff hii guard. He was ceaselessly watchful, and warned those within the cabin to be prepared for almost any surprise. “ : “Oh! ye’ll heer ’em blow their bugles, afore long, you bet yer boots!” he said, in response to Hal Day~ ton’s inquiry. ‘They're waitin’ fer darkness ter cum on, I allow, an’ expect reinforcements; ‘hen there'll be church musick in ther air keyed in Yan- kee Doodle meter,”’ “Ts Old Sitting Bull over there, now?” ‘ -“ Nary, 1 opine. . He’s ther werry same high cock. olorum they’re waitin’ fer. When be comes, you'll notis a renewed activity inthe ranks, Thar’ll be a geny wine red-skin convention, over thar.” The afternoon gave place to the oncoming night. The change of wind had swept the forest fire to the north, and the sun went down over a horizon that was smoky and dim. The deep shadows crept on apace, and gathered — thickly over the woods and clearing, wherein stood the lone cabin, ; “Mebbe we shall get a blizzard frum them ‘cr copper-coats afore moon-up,” the Destroyer an.- nounced; ‘‘so rie better all grapple ash: tin’ arm, an’ hunt yerself » conveniens loophole. Thar’s plen- ty of wesnonss yonder in the =! imbley closet!” All made haste to arm themselves except Rachel Connors. Sho knew nothing about fire-arms, she said, and would peddle the ammunition to those who stood on guard, : The anticipated attack before moon-rise did not occur, but it did. not meke the occupants of the cabin feel any easier. Taey knew thatit must come sooner or later, ; The moon rose‘above the forest of trees like a bell of fire coming out of a bloody bath, and shone down into the clearing brightly, revealing each object as clear as day from the cabin. 3 “Now, look sharp. If you see any object inthe ‘*

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°8 Cacada Chet, the Counterfeiicr Chief. rrass of a suspicious nature, let it have it, kerslap!” A aconda ordered. A second later the keen eyes of the Dwarf caught sight of a tuft in the tall grass that grew in the clear- ing, and he uttered a grunt. It might or might not be the top-knot of a conce.led savage—eight out of every ton men would have passed it over without a thought of suspicion. Not so with Old Anaconda, Experience? had long since taught him that a.very small place of ambush could secrete a lurking red-~ skin, Thrusting his rifle into a loophole, he took a quick, accurate aim and fired. Then he withdrew his rifle and peered ouf,into the moonlight. ¢ The veteran D>stroyer had not missed his guess in the least. for that suspicious tnft was now lively enough, and an Indian death-yell pealed out shrilly upon thefquiet of the night. ¢ “Jerusalem! Gosh-all-fish-hooks! how in thun- der'd ye kno’ thet varmint war thar?” Amasa Seroggs demanded, in genuine astonishment, while the others expressed their surprise in sundry ejacu- lations. “The White Destroyer sees like the owl and the lynx,”’ Wild B rd said, proud of her lover’s wonder- ul shot. ‘‘He is a great chief among the pale- faces!” “Durned good shot; that’s a f:c’,” Seroggs ad- mitted; ‘“‘but then thar’s been greater ones. My old uncle, Saltpeter Scroggs, once tuk a gun an’ shot a woodpecker off on a meetin’-'us’ steeple, an’ put a umee umb through his eye. Then, he ag’in shot a muskeeter so fur off thet he hed ter take a field- glass ter tell whar he waz. See’d thet myself, by her all-fired Jingoes!”’ “Phew! Mebbe I don’t see a lock of hair, too!’’ Hal Dayton said, peering out into the clearing. ‘ Just watch me while I raise an Injun!” Ail did Jook, and listened to the report of his rifle; saw an Indian leap up out of the grass, with a yell of defiance, and leg it for the timber-line at the top of his speed. : “Y)u only stung him! Go ahead and drop him,” Amnaconda cried, Hal took aim and fired again; but, although the noble red-man flinched, he kept on, and was out of gun-shot in a moment more. About an hour later those in the cabin felt the building shake and tremble, as if jarred by an earth- quake, and a roar that sounded like the explosion of a thousand cannons, . “What in thunder’s ther meaning of that?” Old Anaconda grunted, peering out. But nothing could be seen to excite suspicion. Had he been in the vicinity of the home of Syl- vanus Dayton, the Magician, but a few minutes be- fore, he would have found the cabin surrounded by yelling red-skins, headed by the white villain, Casper ayton, $ “He isin there, curse him!’ the renegade cried. “Go, open the door, you pack of yelling idiots!” But the not be persuaded to touch a timber of what they_be- lieved to belong to the Evil One. i “Curse you all for a pick of coyotes!’ Casper Dayton cried. “Stop your infernal screeching, whi'e I order the man inside to surrender!” The Indians quieted down, and then the white renegade advanced and knocked on the door. “Como! open up, if you don’t want the cabin torn over your head, Sylvanus Dayton! No delay now!’’ he ordered, But there came no answer, Within all was dark, and silent as a tomb. gain did the renegade pound, and ¢all aloud. Still no answer. The savages had crowded back at a respectful distance, and were watching with their hands on their scalping-knives expecting each moment that @ borde of imps infernal would rush out upon them. “ Ourse the luck! T’ll break open the door, and kill him myself!” the infuriated scoundrel cried, and. savages were shy of the cabin, and could’ eee seizing a heavy rock, he burled it with all his strength against the door, Thesdoor burst open witha crash! At the same instant there was a blinding flash; then a tremendous report—a terrific explosion that rent the cabin into thousands of atoms—to-sing great timbers into the air—blowing up trees, and creating a horrible havoc. Hight of the savages escaped uninjured; the res including Casper Dayton, were torn and mang) and their remains scattered in every direction! CHAPTER XVI. RED-HOT ARROWS, THosE within the cabin of Old Anaconds were uzzled to-account for the explosion, and opinions ffered—that of the old scout being that Indians had been fooling about the cabin of the Magician, and had, unwillingly, caused the explosion by tam- ering with some of the old man’s secrets of de- ‘ense, The Indians on the edge of the clearing seemed startled, and were seen retreating into the woods, “They're goin’ ter see what ther rampusis,” the . Dwarf Destroyer said. ‘‘Let’em go. I only hope they will fergit ter come back again.” “The Sioux will return in great numbers, an’ we'll have a siege,”’ said old Alex Watchman. ‘Yas, Lopine thar’ll be sum fun by-an’-by frum them pesky hornets. Let ’em come, tho’! Thar’s enuff in this leetle shell ter defend it, an’ lots 0’ pow- der an’ ball. So thet ef them Ingins git our scalps, et ain’t my fault” The Indians did not return eRe A but those within the cabin did not relax their vigilance, for they were constautly expecting the savages’ return, and some sudden surprise in Indian craft. Hal Dayton positioned himself by the side’of pret- ty Milly Ofvens, as a sort of protector, while the comely Rachel was zealously guarded by the man from Michigan, Amasa Scroggs, and the long, lean comrade of Hal, Dave Laam. Daye had no notion of looking favorably upon the woman who was, un- fortunately the wife of Canada Chet, the outlaw, but he Sener an bp Piel glance from her eyes, pd resolved to teaca the Yankee a lesson. Amasa. however, could’not be itiduced to leave his post by hints, and accordingly, when an opportu- nity offered, Dave called Amasa aside, looking as threatening as possible. “See here, you ignorant blunderbuss!” he said, sternly, although secretly amused, “do you know what I’ve a mind to do with you?” ‘* Jerusalem, no!’ Amasa replied, in evident alarm, “* What's the matter?” “Well, if you don’t beret away from Mrs, Connors yonder, who is a married woman, I’ll_ mount you, chaw off your ear, and put a Black Hills awnin™ over your ae ¥ “‘ G@osh-all-fish-hooks! you don’t mean it, do ye?” ‘* Well, you continue your course of sprouts, and see if I don’t.” { That settled it. Amasa retired from the field, and Rachael Connors was not annoyed by him again. The night dragged by; the moon arose to zenith, and began to dip toward the west. Still there was no attack—no sight ofthe Indians. “Tsn’t it a little queer about their keeping shady so long?” Hal Dayton asked, anxiously. “ Yas, L opine tharis thet same,” the Dwarf De- stroyer replied. ‘‘ But we ain’t agoin’ ter be kept much longer in waitin’. Thar!—what’d I tell ye.” He pointed toward the eastern timber belt from which a figure had emerged, and was rapilly cross- ing the clearing toward the cabia. “Tt’s Hazel Eye, the Forest Lily,” the Destroyer said. ‘ wonder what brings her here?” a ‘‘Hazel Eye is a beacon of warning,” Wild Bird . said, ‘She always appears when there is danger, and leaves when danger is over,” ~

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Canaca Chet, the Counterfelter Chief. “Waal, now, ef them ain’t facts, when I come to think about it, I don’t waut-a cent,” Anaconda said earnestly. **Some one open the door and let the gal in. 2 Harry Reynolds eagerly officiated in the capacity of door-opener and was anit repaid for his trouble by receiving a surprised, glad glance from Hazel Eye’s pretty, sparkling orbs, as she saw him. She entered the cabin, and was warmly received by Anaconda, Wild Bird and Kitty Owen, while Hurry Reynolds staod modestly back, content with te kLowlege that he shuld soon have hor for him- self. After the first greetings were exchanged, Hazel Eye glanced around the cabin, and nodded her head commendingly, as she saw that every person except Rachel Connors was armed, and had positioned themselves at a convenient loophole, “Tt is well,’’ she said, turning to Anaconda, ‘for you'll need every gun and arm you have to defend yourselves from merciless butchery. The woods are Tull of savagés, who are creeping toward the edge of tae glaile on its every approach.” os fet ‘em come, we a:n’t a-goin’ ter take no slack from them, I'll allow, ef we aire little,” the Dwarf scout said, with a grin, ‘I reckon we ked drop the crowd,.afore they’d get across the clearin’,” “T don’t know about that. The red-skins are double your strength in numbers, and have armed themselves with strong bows that will shoot a red- hot arrow a great distance.” * Oh! they’r goin’ ter persuade us wi’ fire, eh?’ and the eyes of the Indian-hater sparkled with a danger- cuslight. ‘ They're a-goin’ ter burn us out, be they, the varmints?”’ . That is evidently their iatention,’’ Hazel Eye re- lind. sd Is old Sitting Bull with them now?” “No; the chief has suddenly disappeared, and the red-skins believe he has returned to the village for more warriors.” ““Reckon mebbe some galoot's tap} the old son of a sea-cook on the noggin! Ef sech be the case, I shall cavort and weep, fer it hes bin the sole ambi- tion of my latter life to raise the ha’r of thet old red cutthroat. By the way, gal, what war thet explosion a while ago?” “Ic was the blow-up of the Magician’s cabin, on Beaver Lake, A white renegade and a number of indians were killed.” Rachel Connors started forward, eagerly. “His name! his name!’’she gasped, her form et td and features working, ‘‘Was it Canada “t?? “No, Mrs. Connors, it was not. This man’s name was Casper Dayton, But, I have to advise you, that the ruffian, Canada Chet, was massacred, together with every person in Quinnebog, during the forepart of this night!’ ; a Before Haz: 1 Eye had finished speaking, there was a sharp scream, and the outlaw’s wife fell to the floor, as all mi lee in a swoon; but when they icked her up, they found that her heart had ceased beat, and she was dead. : This cast a gloom over those within the cabin, for iff seemed a bad omen, just when they were “ before the enemy.” Tne boty was pieced upon a couch of skins, and covered uo. and then a deep silence prevailed in the cabin, while they all watched for the coming of the enemy. Harry Reynolds managed to get a few words with Hazel Bye, and a pressure of her hand, as a reassur- ance that she had not forgotten him since a previous meeting. ‘The attention of all was presently called to the eastward by Old Anaconda. fire had suddenly been kindled at the edge of the timber, around which several forms ould be _ seen busied “Thet settles ef. We're goin’ ter hev the cabin over our heads, But we must sareumvent sum 29 of them red _ripscallions’ plans, tho’, Old Anacon+ da said, *‘* You, young man, whose han Je is Dave Laam, mount up inter ther loft, whar you'll find a trap openin’ out on the roof. hen ye hear moa screech, you open ther trap, climb out on ther rc of, an’ pull out the burnin’ iron, sling it away, an’ et Lindi i a under kiver lively, lest ye git plugged in the ave turned to obey; then Old Anaconda called r) “Cum, ye’re: next tallest; ae stand by ther door, an’ ef an arrer sirikes inter wood below ther eaves, et’ll be yer duty ter knock it out wi’ yer gon, and skedaddle back into the crbin like Hellen azes, ; “Lordy! Jerusalem, no! I wouldn’t gO ous thar fer all ther money thar is *twixt heer an’ Michigan! Iswow ef I would!” Amasa ejaculated, in horior. ‘Gosh all-fish-hooks, no! D’ye epee I want ter git all stuck full o’ arrers like porkypine quills?” “Oh, ho! ye’re a wuss coward than I thort ye war,” the Dwarf cried. ‘Ef natur’ hed only made me a few feet longer, you wovldn’t find me a-ashin’ you ter go!” “[ wish ter gracious natur’ hed made ye tall then,” Amasa growled. “Cum, git yer position thar near the docr, ro t’ et ye can scud out whenI yell. None of yer whirin’ now, ef foe want me to shoot you.” “Oh, Lordy! Jerusalem! I don’t want to ro cus there—boo boo-o-0-0!” and the big.lubber from Kal- amazoo actually began to cry. “Shet up yer bellerin’, you big buttermilk calf! Ef thar’s an injun or @ Gog evy(r growed as war a bigger nuisance than you, I’d like to see him!” Ana- conda said, fiercely. 5 ‘‘Let the poor man alone,”’ Hazel Fye said, ta’ ing compassion on him. “ Perhaps he cannot help being afraid. Give me a long stick and I will fill the place if Lam not very tall.” “Thankee, miss, thankee,” Amasa Faid, the huge tears stre aming down his face, ‘I’m much obleeged to ye fer goin’.” “Here, let me go! Iam glad of the chance to git a breath of open air, and am not afraid of gitting hit,” Harry Reynolds said, coming forward. And so it was arranged. The occupants«f the cabin selected lecp-holes at both sides and ends of the cabin, so as to guard the approach on all sides, for it was suspected that the forest on every side of the clearing was swarming with Indians. Old Anaconda directed his attention to the east for the time. being, leaving Wild Fird to the west, Hal to the north, and Hazel Eye to the south. with the remainder of the ecmpany cqually divided in the different locations. The first arrow from the east shot out of the edge of the timber like a rocket, and soared upward like astar. But the air bad cooled the steel, and it was seen coming on its journey only for the space of a few seconds. “Thet leetle arrer will never reach heer!” Ana- conda ayverred, with an odd Jaugh. ‘‘They’ll hiv ter put on a leetle more elbow\grease, ef they want ter send us any o’ their bulleux-doos, you bet.” He-was right. The arrow fell abouy fifty fect short of its destination. “Can a bullet reach the cabin from the edge of the clearing yonder?” Harry Reynolds asked. “Yas, I reckon so, but thar ain’t much canger of hittin’ any one, or cf gettin’ hit, as the distance is suthin’ over a thousand yards.” { “How can an arrow possibly carry such a dis~ tance?” “Ordinary ’uns ken’t. Ye see them as they ar’ shutin’ now, ar’ about a pang Se weight, an’ ar’- Sent by a strong bow, which has twice the strength of a small bow.” All watcbed with interest the flight of the next | re Ww. Soon it was seen to soar up out of the ¢ hhe forest, and then they lost sight of it,

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30 te we, Aa instant later there was an audible thud against the side of the cabin ‘““Now’s your time!” Anaconda yelled, Tfarry Reynolds darted out of the cabin, and with a heavy stick reached and dislodged the arrow which had already commenced to burn a hole in the wood, He barely had time to get back into the ae) hed a perfect shower of arrows shot out from the forest on their fiery mission, Another and still another sory then a wild, fierce war-ery wrung upon the oizht, : “Hellen Blazes! Git ready, fer ther varmints ar’ a-cumin'! “Look out fer ther arrers, boys, an’ we'll cover ye if we can!” : Harry Sen ala was out of the cabin by the time the arrows had struck using His cudgel against such as were below the eaves, with a vigor that proved he was bora of heroic stuff. When he had finished his vart of the dangerous‘job, he glanced upon the roof, ~and perceived that it was literally stuck fullof ar- rows. Dave was working bravely, but the fire was gain- ing headway, bai which Harry dashed into the cabin, and up opto the roof, to assist in tearing out the flery barbs. _ In the mean time the red devils were swarming toward the cabin from all sides, howling and yelling the best they "new ow, as they came. believias that an easy Vis .o-, who Suavanieed vhem, Indeed, if 4d lool, raszer duvious, as tho painved demons swarmsd towerd the one center, in» terri- ble grotesque gang. But, Old Anaconda was not the one to say die when there was a chance for liv- ing, and his order rung ous, stern aad sharp. — _ * Wing] eb ’em have yer compliments—gol durn yo, les ‘em have, i sayz, an’ don’t waste a shot, Make every chunk o’ lead count, fer ef ye don’t we're a gone seto’’coons. When they get in, next ter ther cabin, we may’s well say our kittenkisms, an’ lay _ down an’ die!’ : Crack! bang! went the weapons in sharp concert, answered by fierce Indian yells and death-cries; eracx! bang! crack!~bang! Would the incessant rattie never stop? They were fightiny for life and liberty, were these confined ye ‘aces, and bravely, determinedly, too, Every bullet counted a death in the Indian ranks; the volleys caused them to waver; then they came on again, howling and yelling like mad!- eerie Dave Laam had left the burning roof, carrying tho senseless form of Harry Reynolds in his arms, And the arrows were not all out. Whe cabin is surely doomed! ORAPTER Vis, oF tayin’ up thar.” he gasped, droppt ix’ nowuse stayin’ up thar,” he ga, ropping Reynolds on the floor, ‘We're. both. riddled Tice mullets and Harry here, I guess, isdead!”” Hazel Hye uttered a scream of anguish, and ran forward to kneel at the side of the unconscious lad, She placed her hand upon his heart—then gave an exultant axclamation. ; “He lives—he lives, for his heart still beats!’? While Hazel Eye and Kitty Owen, devoted their at- tention to caring for wounded Harry and Dave, the others were keeping up a steady fire upon the ad- vaneing enemy. Hor Old Anaconda’s little “fort,” was wellsupplied with ammunition, and the rifle-bar- rels grew hov_asthe hurricane of bullets continued to But, fire as rapidly as they might they could not keep the swarms of red demons back, and it was only a matter of a few minutes when the cabin was completely surrounded bythe howling horde, And as they kept below the rvnge of the loopholes there was no chance for Ou aud Of LugitiVes vo core * point, What then renso.2c: 3 aes: ‘Death stared chom » “hs “ass 1.6202 Im Ne ofits reost horrible phases,’ RB ELIR Bisty eds Aeeath by fire, or by surrontlering io the touder P * f mercies of the scalping-lnaife, These were the only two alternatives. Old Anaconda gazed around into the faces of those within the cabin, Each face was a shade paler than usual, although begrimed with powder and smoke. Harry Reynolds had recovered consciousness, and after having a bull-t extracted from his shoulder, he was able tostand alone. Dave Laam had also been relieved of several leaden messengers, but was very weak, . The Dwarf Destroyer gave vent toa stifled ee as he listened to the triumphant howls of the re helliong on the outside. They were making no attack, for they knew that the burning cabin must soon rout out the concealed pale-faces, With a grim nod of his head Old Anaconda ascend- ed into the loft, and took a peep out of the man-hole onto the roof, One glance satisfied him. The whole roof was in one blinding blaze—burning rapidly, fanned by a stiff breeze which had sprung up, and came bowling down from the north, He returned to the ground floor, and once more glanced into the faces of his men. Alarm was ex- pressed there, but they were yet resolute and deter- mined to Aight to the death. , “Whew, sw WO dias” Ow Mandeod, in bis caet mann death face to face, ov malo ? “Neither, Listen, By alt ths’ elorions. rep ts coming!” cried Hal Dayton, as tie ecno oc a horn © came faintly to their ears. i * God be praised thou, for {> is true!” Old Ana- conda cried, leaping to a loopnoe and peering out toward the east. ‘Yonder comet © Civaicade of mounted Manitoba, volunteers to our succen.* The savages made the discovery about the same time as those inside the burning cabin, and advanc- ing abreast, in military style, prepared to open fire upon the horsemen as soon as they came within range, ¢ But, forgetful of the rear. they made on advance ee far enough to expose their person? to the loop. oles’ range, ; a Anaconda had been watching for this, and took advantage of it, lex Watchman de- ‘Stay here and stare gh?” Every loophole on the eastern side of the cabin was manned, and at a given signal a volley of lead. en death poured into the line of savages, mowing ¢ them down like grass before a scythe. At the same time there was a toot of a bugle, and a the mounted police charged forward, with speaking rifles. . What could be the result? There was but a sine gle eiternatlye 2g t. ‘ : : With howls of defeat the savages scattered in eve eng direction, and fled at the top of theirspeed. hile Old Anaconda flung open the door, aud the besieged pioneers—if so they might be called—all escaped into the open air just. a moment before the roof of the Earns cabin fell in with a crash. The volunteers gladsome welcome they received. Among them was James Payton, the father of Hal, who, coming in search of his son, had enlisted the Manitobans in his service, together with a squad of picked scouts, and it turned out that they arrived upon the scene just in the nick of time. The defeat of the savages was so roe that they fled from the neighborhood, Lot offering further molestation. see Pie Preparations were made for an eary ccnarture from the region, hen rode up in triumph, and a — ; Horses were found in the forest belonging tothe had. Leave sac vicinity of the burn- Ooyos) WES seen crossing Indians, and appropriated, 80 that cach person ., nous, p Sey aere 70a JC tne cabin, whew sme. the ciearing, and the mysterious Yemon o1 vie Mor- — est soon stood close at hand, Not leug, however, for the eae : "mer grotesque bead

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‘ras seen to part in the back, and out rolled a hu- man body, doubled up like a ball. This unfolded, and ina moment more Sylvanus Dayton, the Magi- cian, stood upon his feet, and the Demon of the For- est was no more! The whole secret of the Demon, * amounted to the fact that Dayton was one of those “boneless” wonders of the human race, and was able to roll himself into a ball, and get inside the Walking Head, which was manufactured out of buf- falo hide, with artificial eyes and ears. *i ae he worked from the inside by the aid of his ands, Another reunion took place between the two long- separated brothers, which we have not space to relate in detail, then the whole party bade adieu to the wilds of the Northwest, first, however, interring the body of Rachel Connors, near Old Anaconda’s cabin, The Daytons are now in Ottawa, and an equal division of the wealth between James and Sylvanus placed them forever above pecuniary want. Hazel Eye lives with her step-father, and at no distant day will probably become the wife of Harry Reynolds, while Kitty Owens as the adopted daugh- ter of James Dayton, will no doubt in time wed Happy Hal. Old Anaconda has wedded Wild Bird, and they live happily together in the Northwest. Two trap- oe stop with them, occasionally, in the persons of ave Laam and Alex. Watchman. Therest of those who ese ped from the Pen, dispersed their various ways. Amasa Scroggs satisfied with his experience in the far Northwest has returned to Michigan and settled down. We believe he has recently “ doubled,” with a Hoosier lady. Sitting Bull is not dead yet, which {3 much to be regretted. He has now under his conti'ol some two thousand braves, ready for any attempt that the Government or individua’s may make to pnnish him “or his awful crimes. THE® END, DIME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS AND HOME ENTERTAINMENTS. Dialogues, Nos. 1 to 32 inclusive, 15 to 25 popu- ar dialogues and dramas in each book. “Bach vol- ume 100 pages 12mo. Speakers, Nos. 1 to 24 inclusive. Each speaker 100 pages 12m0, containing from 50 to 75 pieces, ; YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERIES, - Dime Book of Winter Sports. - Dime Book of Summer Athletic Sports, Dime Gents’ Letter Writer. Dime Book of Etiquette, Dime Book of Verses, Dime Book of Dreams, ; Dime Fortune Teller, Dime Ladies’ Letter Writer. ‘Dime Lovers’ Casket. Dime Ball-Room Companion. Dirae Book of 100 Games. Dime Chess Instructor. Dime Book of Beauty. Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. oa Half-Dime Singer's Library 1 Waoa, Evora! and 59 other Songs. 2 Captain Curr and 57 other Songs. 3 Tue Garnssoro’ Hat and 62 other Songs. 4 Jonnny MorGan and 60 other Songs, 5 ’tu Strike You Wirn A FraTrHER and 62 others. - 6 GEORGE THE CHARMER and 56 other Songs. 7 Tae Bette or Rockaway and 52 other Songs. 8 YounG Freriag, You'Re Too FresH and 60 othere 9 Say Youne Girt and 65 other Songs. 10 I'm THE Governor’s ONLY Son and 58 other Sengs 11 My Fan and 65 other Sougs. 12 Comin’ Toro’ TUE Rye and 55 other Songs. 13 Tae Roxiickine IrtsHMAn and 59 other Songs, 14 Ory Doe Tray and 62 other Songs, 15 WHoa, Cuartir and 59 other Songs, ‘s 16 In TH1s WHEAT By anv By and 62 other Songs. 1? Nancy Lee and 58 other Songs. 18 I’w THE Boy rHar’s Bounp ro Biazx and 57 others, 29 Tae Two Orpnans and 59 other Songs. 10 Waar are tae Winp Waves Sayina, Sister? and 59 other Songs. 21 InprGnanT Potty Woe and 59 other Songs. 22 Yue Otp Arm-Caair and 58 other Songs. 28 On Conny IsLANpD Beacu and 58 other Songs, 24 OLp Stmon, THE Hot-Corn Man and 60 others. 25 I’m 1n Love and 56 other Songs. 25 PARADE oF THE GuARDS and 56 other Songs. 27 Yo. Heave, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 28 °T'wiLL Never po To Grp rr ur So and 60 others, 29 Buus Bonnets Over THE RorpER and 54 others 30 Tae Merry Lavcnine May and 56 other Songs. 31 Sweer Forert-me-Nor and 55 other Songs. 32 Lrerie Basy Mine and 53 other Songs. $3 Du BANJO AM DE INSTRUMENT FOR Mz and 53 othors. 34 Tarry and 50 other Songs. 85 Just To PLease THE Boys and 52 other Songs, 86 SKATING ON ONE IN THE GuTTER and 52 others, 37 KotorED Kranxs and 59 other Songs. 88 Nu. DesprrANDUM and 53 other Songs. 29 Tur Grew I Lerr Beninp Mx and 50 other Songs 40 °T1s put A Lyrruz Faprp Frower and 50 others ~ 41 Prerry Warrnetmina and 60 other Songs. : 42 DANCING IN THE Barn and 63 other Songs, 43 H. M.S. Prvarors, comptes, and 17 other Songs Sold everywhere by Newsdealers, at five cents per copy, or sent post-paid, to any address, on ree ceipt of Sia cents per number, . BEADLE AND AD4MS, Pustissers, 98 Wiis Srreer, New Yore, The Dime Dialogues No. 32, Containing eighteen Minor Dramas, Extravaganzays, Burlesques, Farces, Dress and Humorous Pieces, for — the Amateur Stage, Parlors, Schools and Exhibitions, All original and by favorite authors, professors. teachers and amateurs, For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, post-paid, 2% : receipt of price—ten cents, BEADLE AND ADAMS, PrecisHers, 98 William Street, New Yor¥,} ;

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BEST AUTHORS. A CHOICE COLLECTION OF Beautiful Compositions | Carefully Compiled for SCHOOL, LYCEUM, PARLOR, AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENTS, —— By Issued Quarterly, June, 1886. Subscription, 50 Cents per Year. FRANCES P. SULLIVAN. | | cae | M. J. IVERS & CO, | PUBLISHERS, » ! ape eis Entered at the Pest Office, Y. N., as second class matter,

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THE Deadwood Dick e Library e LATEST AND BEST, HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents, Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest! axtracts from the New York Evening Sun. TWO REMARKABLE in only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a movel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera- ture has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps more than one reader will have to think a moment over this remark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit mrikes home. But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement Ghat will be news to many when it is added that litera- ture, if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam ‘was @ mere child down to the present day, would show put few heroes that in the eyes of boyhood would be oven judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest peroes known to American literature, or, to promptly re- real them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr. * * * The modern heroes of fiction for young America, yho are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and of whom the Deadwood Dicks are much the most important * * * it is but natural that their * * * should bear eway the palm of popularity, andsuchas * * * be left far behind in the race. It can be easily believed, therefore, that the two Dicks are so firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature fer, boys and young men, that their position is assured * * and that they stand to-day head and shoulders HEROES. above all rivals in the eyes of the public for which the) have lived, and for which one of them has died. American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor im the land, now knows Deadwood Dick, Jr., 8 good beai 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 vever-enaing solving of impenetrable mysteries. Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when the victims are thoroughly undone, the millions wait hungrily for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appears with the certainty of the Wednesday itself, and a new set or selleuEedy thrills go thrilllng away from Maine to Call- ‘ornia, There are the volumes each so crowded with thrills and heart-tugs that {t were madness to hope to do justice te them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be- tween them, To abandon the idea of giving a few extracts causes in- finite pain, but if once a start were made in that direo- tion, it would be cruel to The Evening Sun’s readers to stop, and it is therefore better not to relate one single adventure, Suffice it to say that the stories are clean and well written, : DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance $ The Buffalo Demon; or. The Border Vultures Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval Death-Face, the Detective The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian @ Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger {1 oh Finances Jr.,the Boy Phenix; or, Through to eat! 1% Deadwood Dick’s Eagles: or, The Pards of Flood Bar 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the phmepehaotar 18 Deadwood Dick on Deck: or, Calamity Jane 6 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 1% Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Gulch i8 Idyl, the Girl Miner; er, Rosebud Rob on Hand ‘9 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 9 Watch-lye, the Shadow ai pearing Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double Jross 82 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 88 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 84 Deadwood Dick as Detective % Gilt-Wdge Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve #7 Chip, the Girl Sport %6 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 20 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks a0 Bear oon Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon's ule # Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base # Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 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 Party 36 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 387 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 48 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues 44 Detgenive Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's ame : 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam’‘s Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect ives 51 ne ee Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anc 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 Dick's Pard: or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dik’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz: or, The Store-Detective’s Deco 63 aes yids Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- ras City 64 ae Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings . M. J. IVERS & CO., Pubiishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 879 Pearl Street, NEW YORK. /

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Uopyright 1879-1885, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office. New York. N Y., 98 second-class matter, Mar. 12, 10vv, v THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. VV 7 No. 22 Cleveland, Ohio \ ol. II we BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘‘ ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ETC., ETO. AND THE BRUTAL GUARD, LE GURO, WAS ON HAND, WITH HIS TERRIBLE WHIP, WHICH Hi SEEMED TC TAEE DELIGHT IN PLAYING OVER THE BACKS OF THE OFFENDEBS. ous » Z eee —ew

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BEADLE’S FRONTIER SERIES i5c. Per Copy. 1. The Shawnee’s Foe. ~ 50. Harry Hardskull. 2. The Young Mountaineer. 51. Madman of the Oconto, . ce 3. Wild Jim. 52. Slim Jim, = 52 ) 4. Hawk-Eye, the Hunter. | 53. Tiger-Eye. \ ” 5, The Boy Guide. “1 54. The Red Star of the | 6. War Tiger of the Modoca = Seminoles. | 7. The Red Modoes. 55. Trapper Joe. ! * 8. Iron Hand. 56. The Indian Queen’s * 9. Shadow Bill, the Scout. ¢ Revenge. 10. Wapawkaneta, or. the 57. Eagle-Eyed Zeke. Rangers of the Oneida. 158. Sear-Cheek, the Wild 11. Davy Crockett’s Boy Half-Breed. Hunter. ,* 59. Red Men of the Woods. 12. The Forest Avenger. ~ 60. Tuscaloosa Sam. 13. Old. Jack’s Frontier | 61. The Bully of the Woods. Cabin. | 62. The Trapper’s Bride. 14, On the Deep. |.63. Red Rattlesnake, The 15. Sharp Snout. t Pawnee, 16. The Mountain Demon. 64, The Scout of Tippecanoe 17. Wild Tom of Wyoming. 65, Old Kit, The Scout. 18. The Brave Boy Hunters He The Boy Scouts. of Kentucky. 7. Hiding Tom. :19. The Fearless Ranger. 68. Roving Dick, Hunter. 20. The Haunted Trapper. 69. Hickory Jack. 21. Madman of the Colorado. 70. Mad Mike. ‘22. The Panther Demon. 71. Snake-Eye. 23. Slashaway, the Fearless. (72. Big-Hearted Joe. 24, Pine Tree Jack. 13. The Blazing Arrow. 25. Indian Jim. 74, The Hunter Scouts. 26, Navajo Nick. ae a soeee of Long Island. 27. The Tuscarora’s Vow. 7. Whe Des th Ee 28. Deadwood Dick, Jr. 78, 2B a t Hen a angers. 29, A New York Boy Among 75° ithe Indiam Spirit. Ene TR AaH ’ 80. The Twin Trappers. ‘80. Deadwood Dick's Big 91° Lightfoot the Scout. ei ele aks Geae 82, Grim_ Dick. - Hank, the Guide. 83. The Wooden-Legged Spy. 32, Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. 84. The Silent Trapper. 33. Squatty Dick. 85. Ugly Ike. 34. The Hunter’s Secret. $6. Fire Cloud. 35. The Woman Trapper. 87. Hank Jasper. 36. The Chief of the Miami. 3’ ‘The Scout of the Sclota. 37. Gunpowder Jim. 89, Black Samson. 38. Mad Anthony’s Captain. 90. Billy Bowlegs. / 39. The 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. 44, Brimstone Jake. 96. Old Zeke. 45. The Irish Hunter. 97. The Panther Paleface. 46. Dave Bunker. 98. The Scout of the St. Lawrence; 47, The Shawnee Witch, 99. Bloody Brook. F 4 48. Big Brave. 100, Long Bob of Kentucky, ; 49. Spider-Legs. BEADLE’S FRONTIER SERIES are always in print and for sale by all Newsdealers; or will be sent oatpald. to any address: Single copies, |5c. ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. CLEVELAND, OHIO eS \ SAI He at seen se pects ete Semen ey

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Deadwood Dick e Library & DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 2 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 7 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 8 Old Avalanclié, 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 ii ear a Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to eat 12 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood ar 12 Buckhorn Bill;'or, The Red Rifle Team 44 Gold Rifle, the pra sree ay id 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 1” yoo Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the uich .8 Idy], the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob's Reappearance 20 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 21 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 23 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 Gulp, the Girl Sport 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 29 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 80 Deadwood Dick's Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s ule 81 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 82 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent ee ——————_—_——eeeeeSe————— ee LATEST AND BEST. 82 Pages. : Bay One and You Will Buy the Rest! — For Sample Cover See Other Bide. 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob's Boss Joo 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 i 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebei 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective, A Romance of Rogues 44 Dereenne Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's ame 4 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent es 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective , 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect — ives : 51 ~ as Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anch 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 53 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport — 86 Denver Doll's Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 1 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco: 63 T 5 eli Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa ras City P 64 pete Charlie's Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings "