Deadwood Dick Library (v. 2) (1899 08 16)
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Sopyright 1879-1885, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter, Mar, 15, 1999. ; ; M, J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, : ; No. 93. Issued Weekly. Jumes Sullivan, Proprietor.) Price 5 Cents. Vol, lI, aU eee 379 Pearl Street, New York. $2.50 a Year. CLIAvITY 7’ND BALD A PAIR OF COCKED REVOLVERS, WHICH SHE HAD LEVELED TOWAN®? iret RALPH GARDNER, THREATENINGLY.
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- 648 Deadwood Dick, EDWARD L. DEADWOOD DICK, JR., NOVELS IN THE HALF-DIME LIBRARY. Price 5 Cents per Copy. 443 Deadwood Dick, Jr.; or, The Crimson Crescent Sign. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round. Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10. 71 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral. 476 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective. 481 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protege. 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Death Hunt’ 539 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocq. 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr , on His Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. _ 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin. 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 630 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. 636 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., glers. 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Insurance Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Durango. 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Discovery. 684. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. at Danger Divide. 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco. Among the Smug- For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c. per copy, by the publ ers, M. J. IVERS & CO., 379 Peart Srreet, New York Crry. WHEELE iR’S 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. 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Death-Blow. 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait. 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand. 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection. 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. "87 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Defied. F 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, Foyal 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. 853 Deadwood Dick. J r.’8, Death-Hole Hustle 863 Deadwood Dick. Jr.°s, Bombshell. 7 870 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. — 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 Dollarvilie. 934. Deadwood Dick, Jr, at Flush Flats. 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Shake-Up. 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Double Drop. 951 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Right Bower. 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.°s, Ten-Strike. ~ 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 's, Gold Dust. 971 Deadwood Dick, Jr.°s, Oath. 977 Deadwood Dick, Stas; 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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8) 52 AO Pe “ 25 rh "RO es oe sg en GP» erp Beene PAN 2) Me) as : 3 5 ‘i SA Sa Sytis Copyright 1879-1885, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter, Mar. lo, 1... : M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers : ae No. 93. priate ral A ech (James Sullivan, Propriétor,) : Price 5 Cents. y | lI Sp ates on che 379 Pearl Street, New York, $2.50 a . ie. Year. Deadwood Dick in Leadville; °° “yon'tisemer FOR LIBERTY. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. “PAIR OF COCKED REVOLVERS, WHICH SHE HAD LEVELED TOWARD s ARDNER, pi tpt EELS i :
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~ Deadwood Dick in Leadville: A Strange Stroke for Liberty. A Wild, Exciting Story of the Leadville Region—of Regulators and Adjusters; of Road-Agents and Bandits—of the latest events in the atrange carcer of Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Round, BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK ” NOVELS, ‘* ROSE- BUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘‘ DEATH-FACE, DETEC- TIvn,” ‘*WATCH-EYE,” ‘CANADA CHET,” ETC,, ETC,, ETC, CHAPTER I. A MIDNIGHT CRIME—THE TOURISTS. » Tae night was a stormy one in the latter rt of March. The snow fell ceaselessly until the mountains and prairies were covered, and the gulches drifted full, when a fierce wind came driving down from the north, with re- lentless fury, scattering the powdery flakes in a blinding cloud. Yeta stranger was abroad—a man mounted upon a jetty steed, and muffled ina heavy fur overcoat, that with the grea collar coming up about his neck, completely screened his face, Mees He wore a broad-brim slouch hat, and cavalry boots, mounted with spurs, with which he would occasionally touch his animal. : Through the blinding fury of the storm, the man and beast toiled, seeming determined upon reaching some given point that night, despite the adverse elements. Their course lay through a narrow gulch, flanked on either hand by low hills, and further off, but seemingly quite near, were the snow- eepres mountains of the world-famous Rocky belt. An abundance of scraggy pine timber grew be ide the trail, and up over the hills, a fact the - Jone traveler noted with a satisfied air, as he urged on his faithful animal, through the drifts in the gulch. “Tt can’t be many more miles,” he muttered, beneath his furry muffler, as he endeavored to penetrate the darkness ahead. ‘‘ Ugh! this is the worst ride I ever experienced. Triumph, my good horse, it has been a hard jaunt upon ou, but take courage. The meal we so covat s not far distant, unless I have lost my reckon- ing.” The animal, however, gave no sign that ho understood his master, bu sage on as wellas he was able through the snow, impeded, too, by the flying clouds of flakes, No sound broke the stillness, except the mourn- _ ful howl of the wind through the pines that re- sisted the fury of the gale with iron stolidity, On—on went the horse and the lone rider, with- out stopping. Presently the gulch grew narrower land deep- er, and as he rode down through the gap, the Deadwood Dick in Leadville. a sight which he had not expected, inasmuch as '_Gtranger gave a surprised start, For he beheld the night was one when prowlers were not likely to be abroad. - What he saw was half a dozen mounted horse- men, on each side of the trail—dusky, grim and motionless as if they were ornaments fixed there by Nature’s mighty hand. Not a word they spoke, nor a motion they made to stop the lone traveler; they seemed to form a part of the dark howling night which surrounded them, The lone traveler did not pause to make the acquaintance of these strange horsemen, on see- ing that they offered him no molestation, but spurred on, until out of rifle-range; then he gazed back through the gulch. “Them chaps must be road-agents, I'll al- low,” he muttered, wiping the snow from his eyebrows, ‘‘or else what be they doing there, on such a night? Waiting for a stage, most likely. But, ten to one the stage from Webster doesi’t reach Leadville to-night, without a dou- ble gang of snow-shovelers.” On he rode through the gloomy gulch, finally rising a considerable eminence, where he paused to gaze about. To his right, through the blinding flurry of snow, a faint, starlike gleam of light twinkled, but this was all. In every other direction, all was dark. “There lies Leadyille,” gazing toward tho light. ‘‘ But there is naught there to attract me. But one thing could ever have brought me to this region—” He did not finish his soliloquy, but abruptly turned his horse in an opposite direction from the light. k Rough cabins and barn like shanties soon loomed up in the way, being the coverings of ‘the mouths of shafts, of “leads” and “strikes,” which have made Leadville the ‘‘red-hottest” lace in the Far West, and more than arival of eadwood in her palmiest days, Seep his way among the shanties, the stranger at last dismounted under an open shed, where he left his horse, and once more set out, but this time on foot. Wading Sho the snow to one of the larger cabins, he opened the door, and entered, with- out the usual formality of knocking. The cabin was floorless, and a large hole pene- trated the earth near the center, over which a large windlass had been constructed; to lower a huge iron bucket into the mine, of which it was the shaft. _ A single lantern suspended upon a nail driven into the wall, furnished the only light within the rae ie Closing the door behind him, tke stranger sat down by a little wood-stove, in one corner, and | warmed, while his eyes roved about curiously. “This must be what they call the Wild-cat mine,” he said, lire ga “for yonder is the rude picture of one of those animals. Just like Morris, that; he always was an odd one. I hope he’ll come soon. I am not anxious to stay in this rookery all night, without supper or bed.” But the party in question did not put in an immediate appearance, and the stranger lit-his — pipe for a smoke. r tobacco-smoke, together with the fatigue of his rough ride, must have quieted his mind, for he 4 how The lulling effect of the
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Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 3 was soon asleep, and snoring as soundly as ever did venerable old Morpheus. How long he slept, he knew not, but he was awakened by the sound of loud and angry voices, and discovered that he was not alone, Two men stood on the other side of the wind- lass engaged in a dispute. One was a man of five and forty years, and the other scarcely thirty, judging by appear- ances. The first was bearded, and attired in the nee garb of a miner, while the latter wore only a mustache, and was dressed more tastily. From his ition the stranger was able to see without being noticed, and the two men evidently had not discovered his presence, ‘You are a liar!” were the first words he caught, and they came from the younger of the two. ‘You are an accursed liar, and were you as young as I, I’d mop the dust of the ground with you.” ““You can have that privilege now, if you feel able,” the elder replied, coolly. ‘‘I am not afraid of you, in the least. My assertion that you have stolen from me since you entered my employ is the truth, and all I want is a restora- tion of my property. That I will have, or—” “Or what?’ demanded the other, with a sneer, ‘‘ Your life!” replied the elder. ‘‘ I will toler- ate theft from noone. You can repay me the sum ie stole from me, or you can fight.” ‘Wight it shall be, then!” the young man said, savagely. “‘My hate for you will allow me to kill you with the best of grace. Choose your weapons.” “They are knives. You had better return the money, and save your life. I do not want to kill you, but I must have my money back!” “Get it, if you can!” the young man retort- ed, defiantly. ‘‘ You should know me _ well enough to know that I am not a fool, I am eager to kill you, and then the Wild-cat all is mine!” < “Should I fall, you will never live to enjoy the victory!” the elder gritted, hoarsely. Then the two men drew knives from their belts, and advanced stealthily toward each ether. Upon the faces of both was an expres- sion of deepest hatred~in their eyes flamed a light which, set to words, meant: Death ! From his corner the stranger watched coolly. Enough of life in the rough mining district had he seen to know that it was best to interfere in no man’s quarrel. Nearer and nearer’ crept the two foes, with knives firmly clutched, and teeth set; nearer and nearer—then there was suddenly a flash and a report, and the miner fell tothe floor— dead! : = The younger man drop’ a smoking revol- ver from his left hand, and restored his knife to its sheath, with a low, triumphant laugh. Spring! ae sense of exquisite pleasure that single word excites! How many hearts beat afresh as the springtime dawns, with, its refreshing breath, pet ge days, its delightful showers, and its wr skies, Spring had come in the mountains and upon the prairies, bringing with it flowers, grass and foliage, and the songs of a thousand silver- throated birds. All nature seemed r neo and be wooed by every lover of the beau- ul. icturesque road from Webster to Leadville. t was not the regular passenger coach, but a private, open conveyance, containing a party evidently tourists, judging from their personal appearance, and the several huge trunks ap- pended to the rear end of their wagon. This wagon was drawn by six prancing horses, while in the driver’s seat sat a veteran Jehu, who handled the ribbons with perfect skill. A “regular beauty ” of a driver, Jack Fargett was esteemed, for he had been the hero of more scrapes with flood, fire and road-agents than any other man in the rockies, and had run. the tlet with his stage where other men less rave, would not have dared to venture. And then, Jack Fargett knew all the prominent road- agents, personally, and knew whom he could fool with and whom he couldn’t. The party, aside from Fargett, consisted of five persons—or, to use Fargett’s characteriza- tion—‘‘one gentleman, one conceity fule, two" leddies, an’ a niggur.” The latter, much to es disgust, had to ride with him on the x. These ladies and gentlemen we shall know as eady to — A stage was toiling along the tortuous but 4 the Farnsworths, a party of English tourists, — in search of picturesque sights and scenes in | Ree although each traveled for a different object. ‘ir Noel, the handsome elder son of my Lady Farnsworth, traveled to get rid of the London society. He was a blonde, eight-and- twenty, a thoroughbred ladies’ man, and a gen- erous, whole-souled fellow. ; From Old Sir Roderick he had inherited the lion’s share of the Farnsworth wealth, but the wealth or title made no change in him. He was afree and easy fellow. Spending his revenue in a moderate way, where it would do the most good. From the early age of sixteen he had been kept constantly m society by Lady Farnsworth, whose sole ambition, it was, that he should make a tig match. But, although Sir Noel a all his mother and sister dictated, he had grown to regard women: 2 generally. os an gre nuisance — especi e scheming butterfly belles of Zachianiabie cineled: E Lady Farnsworth was a brunette, and a well- Lrg BS, woman of fifty, who had her est days in the service of s to see her children eligibly married, Third in the party was Chandos Farnsworth, who traveled expressly to see the sights, re of uiesced to nearly E ociety, and now lived — amuse himself by criticising bbe Mer ne ; = son of didn’t meet his favor, He was the secon Lady Farnsworth, aged six and twenty, and a sort of hanger-on, as, having been cut off with- out a cent m his father’s will, he had to look to Sir Noel, through Lady Farnsworth, for his sup- — port and loose cash, He was neither the most amiable or handsome of the Farnsworths. Dark and swarthy, with a rather sinister cast of features, and ess black eS as
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& 4 eyes and hair, he was irritable, haughty and self-conceited, often to actual rudeness. He had a great propensity for drinking and gambling, and much of Sir Noel’s money was absorbed in keeping his spendthrift brother above water. Chandos was more after Lady Tarnsworth’s liking, as she regarded Sir Noel as too easy-going —not austere enough for the high position he oeeupied. Chandos, she argued, would have let the world know of his importance, while Noel was too lazy and sluggish ever to create an great sensation. f Fourth.of the party, was Lady Belle; who traveled because she liked ‘‘roughing it.” She was the youngest, being only nineteen, and was ee a counterpart of Sir Noel. A blonde, well-shaped and very pretty of face, she possessed the same mild, unruffled temperament of Sir Noel, though she was a trifle more girlish and wild, and vivacious. Out of doors and out of social restraint she was in her element, ready for anything from a horse-race to a fox-chase—a sail or a hunt with hounds. The negro, Josephus Wash, or ‘‘ Snowflake,” as Sir Noel had christened him, was a servitor whose business it was to superintend luggage, black boots, dust the clothing and make himself generally useful. Hoe was an eccentric fellow, chock-full of fun and music, and was never so much at ease as when telling some abominable yarn in his genuine darky dialect. The Farnsworth party were bound for Lead- ville, intending to make that their stopping- place while they were ‘“‘ doing ” the surrounding places of interest.’ Jack Fargett kept his six-in-hand ata lively trot, and cracked his lee incessantly, while his keen eye roved ahead and around him. “Yas.” ho said, in answer to a remark from Sir Noel—‘‘ yas, et aire a purty day, but then, ef ye’d bin over this yere trail as many times as They, ther scenery wouldn’t affect ye muchly. T opine instead o’ studyin’ out ther picturesque- ness uv every heap o’ rocks, ye’d better be feel- in’ in yer pocketbooks fer loose cash,” ‘¢ For loose cash?’ Sir Noel echoed, ‘‘ How do you mean?” “Oh! ye'll parseove, directly, no doubt. S’pose ye’veall read in ther hymn-books, hain’t -ye, and sorter studied ‘over yer kittenkizzoms, occasionally?” “Very likely we have; at least there are re- collections of my early days when steyn Sir Roderick had me imprisoned for hours in the nursery, because [ couldn’t tell who was the oldest man,” Sir Noel replied, laughing. “Waal, mebbe ye’ve read, then, of athorough- bred cuss called Deadwood Dick?” “Deadwood Dick!” “ Thot’s wat I sed, pilgrim.” “Why, I think I’ve heard of the fellow. Some notorious road-agent, eh?” “Waal, ye’ve purty near hit. it, stranger. Deadwood Dick is one on them same chaps. And as-he’s at present takin’ toll on this yere route, T opine ’twould be healthy fer ye ter begin to count up yer dudads, bein’ as Dick’s a fu’st-class sort o’ hoss and don’t keer o’ deprivin’ a galoot as he can git what toll he of his’ life, as lon wants, An’ while l’m remarkin’, stranger, ye’d By ti Deadwcod Dick in Leadville. better keep sum 0’ yer cash in reserve, fer Dick ain’t ther only galoot as is: tappin’ this yere trail, by a long shot. Captain Hawk the ban- dit ginerally speaks in fer his share. Thar, now, begin ter shell out yer sand, fer as I’m a live hoss-driver, yonder comes Deadwood Dick and his crowd around ther bend. Whoa-a-a, thar! It’s no use o’ runnin’no gantlet ag’in’ that cuss, narry a time!” ; CHAPTER II. DEADWOOD DICK’S DEBUT—THOk. GHBRED TOM i —A ‘*BRUSH”—GONE! iv was as Jack Fargett had said? A party of ten or a dozen horsemen-were com- ing around a bend in the gulch stage-road, at a moderate trot, and at their head rode he whom they called Deadwood Dick, the road-agent—the same graceful equestrian—the same black-clad knight of the trail, of whom we have written so many times before, ; At the head of his band of masked followers he rode, as fearlessly as he had in the days of Deadwood’s excitement, and when the Black Hills was the Mecca of the fortune-seeker, as Leadville is to-day. ‘* Yas, thet’s Deadwood Dick,” Jack Fargett said, reining in his six horses with a powerful effort of his muscular hands and arms—‘“ thet?s him, an’ no mistake, an’I ain’t a-goin’ ter gitmy last: sickness by tryin’ ter run him down. So shell out yer V’s and yer X’s right liberal, ef ye i, ter git ter Leadville, to-night, my beau- es, z ‘““ Why this is a blarsted houtrage!” Chandos grunted, angrily. ‘‘ Do you expect we aremade _ of money, sir mule-driver? Go ahead!” ‘Waal, I should remark not,” Jack Fargett replied, stolidly. ‘‘ Ef ther old court re’lizes her exact condition, I opine we shall stay hyar. Mule-driver, eh?” and Jack’s bushy face began to assume a ferocious look. ‘‘ D’ye kno’, Mr. Englisher, thet I’ve swallered_severial bigger men ’an you, fer a less insult? Thank ye, I don’t ee reins over nothin’ but’a hoss, an’ a clear east, at thet!” ‘““Hil yi, dat’s do trufe!” assented Snowflake, rolling his eyes, ‘‘ Me an’ Jack Fargett be driv- as dis yere coach, so you keep still, Chan- os. ; “Curse the nigger, I will chastise him for his impudence!” Chandos cried, hotly, reaching over and jerking thie long-lashed whip from pk ee ands. ‘‘Now, you black rascal, “Hold yer hosses, thar, ef ye please!” sudden- ly roared the stentorian voice of Fargett, and he shoved a huge revolver almost down in under the irate Englishman’s nose. ‘Ef ye know when ye’re liable ter be blowed up py a teetotal ’arthquake, cheese it, ter once’t. es nig’s all level, an’ w’en ye go ter tech him aboard my ship Pinyfore, ye’re clean off yer groove!” Chandos reluctantly returned the whip, with a scowl, while Lady Farnsworth shrugged her ughed shoulders, and Sir Noel and Lady Belle outright. : It always pleased them to have Chandos fair- ly beaten. : his time the coach was surrounded by 1 ; ; ‘
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Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 5 oe ee with Deadwood Dick at the front. He rode forward, politely tipping his hat to the ladies, . “You did well, Fargett, to stop,” he said, with 4 nod-to Jehu, ‘‘for you cannot run by me like Captain Hewk. Ladies and gentlemen, your money and jewelry, if you please.” “By what right do you make this demand?” Sr Noel found se to ask. “I was not aware that we had highwaymen at this day and age, ‘ “Then you were not well posted,” Deadwood Dick replied, coolly, but courteously. “‘ These mountain districts are infested with ruffianly bands of road-agents and outlaws, who prey not only upon one another, but upon al. who come within their reach, often resorting to the most ‘endish torture to extort money. It does the proud to claim that Deadwood Dick and his followers are in no way allied to such gangs. We are a band of free rovers, under a flag of our own. They call us road-agents, because we haunt every mountain trail, by night and by cay. Let the world regard us as it will—we care not., We area band, to a man, who hate the world and everything worldly. While we are _ called road-agents and robbers, we style our- selves the Rovers of the Rockies.” “But you are robbers, all the same?’ Sir Noel interrogated. < ‘By no means, sir!” Deadwood Dick replied. “Tn a literal sense, we are guardians of the trail, and bankers. For instance, we pounce down upon you, relieve you of your valuables, and give you in exchange, a peculiar token, which you carry exposed upon your person. You go to Leadville, and walk about the streets, and, first you know, a packet is slipped into your hands, which prove to be your valuables safely return- ed, minus a few dollars, which we keep to repay us for our trouble.” “But, what is the object of this?” “Our object is twofold—firstly, to protect the traveling public from being robbed by Cap~ tain Hawk and his bandits; secondly, to earn an honest livelihood by our new banking sys- tem, and at the same time fight against these vuffians, in behalf of the State.” “Do you do this of your own.accord, or aided and abetted by the people?? . “Of my own accord, and a desire to do good for the evil past-of my name. The people— well!” and a bitter laugh came from the Prince of the ‘Road—‘‘they would smite me down, were I to do them each and every one a blessing. They have a grudge against me which only my death can appease. And asfor them, generally, I bear them no ill-will.” “You're a strange fellow,” Sir Noel said. ‘I do not know what to make of you.” “Ye can stack yer trick on him every time, you bet!” Jack Fargett said. ‘I'll go his se- eurity from one dollar ter a milyun, every day in a week.” “T do not ask you to trust me!” Deadwood Dick said. “I make my demands for your valuables the same as any road-agent, and I believe you are wise enough to see that resist- .. ance is useless, will meet Captain Hawk and gang. rs face) Mas ee er at a Resta sy thes ~ yal Stee 59% A few miles uF Bes road _you we often. killing: ce | SPS ee Ee they get hold of your jewels and money, you may whistle before you get them again.” “You demand our valuables ti promise of speedy return?” “No! I promise nothing. You have heard me sore of our custom.” “And if we refuse to yield them up?” “Then Jack Fargett and his stage goes on to rape: without you. Come! my time will no! “TH not give the thief a sou!” growled Chan- dos, angrily. ‘* Shoot him, somebody!” ““You had better keep still or he may shoot you,” Lady Belle whispered. ‘As resistance seems useless, we may as well art with our jewels and cash, and trust to the onesty of this outlaw banker. If he returns us what we give him, my faith in road-agents will be somewhat strengthened,” and Sir Noel took out his huge wallet, and laid it into Dead- wood Dick’s hands, while there followed it his handsome watch and chain, diamond rings and- E studs. Pretty Lady Belle then handed over,a watch and purse, and a few plain ornaments, and Lady Farnsworth and Chandos sullenly did like-_ wise. It was gall and wormwood to their proud natures to be forced to acquiesce in the demands of ‘a common robber,” as Chandos growled. When he had received all, Deadwood Dick gave an amused glance toward Sno e, who, with his eyes widely distended was extending an old Peter Funk watch, and a bag of old cop- — pers. “No, you can keep your property, Pompey,” — i vt ea ae laren the Prince of the Roa: laugh. don’t believe Captain Hawk would even notice you, of a dark night.” Then turning to Sir Noel, he continued: ‘‘One thing more, my dear sir, which you forget to leavein my care.” “What?” Sir Noel demanded, in surprise. “The Farnsworth casket of jewels, which you — have very rashly brought with you into this country, since they are worth many thousands of dollars!” Deadwood Dick replied, coors “Good heavens, man, how did you out so much?” the young baronet demanded, is ciously. ‘*I shall believe you leagued with the devil, ntly.” $ s ‘ Deadwood Dick srmiled under his mask. , ‘¢ You compliment me,” he said, witha strange laugh. ‘That credit has been given me before. As to my knowledge of your jewels, I saw the elder Lady Farnsworth ladies at a hotel in Trinidad a week ago. It occurred-to me then, when I learned that your . party were bound for Leadville, that I'd better” intercept you and secure your things from the clutches of Captain Hawk.” “Tf it is not asking too much, who isthisCap- — tain Hawk, of whom you speak?” “Tike all others of his evil nature he is a heartless ruffian,” Deadwood Dick replied. ‘He is also a bandit, who stops at no crime to further his ie ae? tnt crimes would fee Sal Rh ume, Everything passing over the trails — Leadville that is for the victims. lwoed Dick’s Rovers patrol the mountain 7 ; ; ies en, with a — laying themto some too strong for him, he halts A n Since a ee me to stand and parley with you all _ Es =
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6 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 3 trails, however, his spoils are lessened, and like- wise his good opinions of me.” ‘*You demand the jewel casket, then?” ‘For your own sake, I do.” Without a word Sir Noel anlocked a valise at his feet, and took therefrom a small barrel- shaped casket, hooped with bands of pure gold and handed it to Deadwood Dick, who receiv it with a bow. _. * That will do,” he said, courteously. ‘‘ You may now go on your journey. But—hold! . I have not yet given you the check. Here it is— a gold coin, valued at twenty dollars, bearing the ‘D. D. R.’—7. e., Deadwood Dick’s Rovers. Tf you have that in sight, while in Leadville, your valuables will be returned to you. If you lose it, I can not be responsible for them, Ibid you a pleasant good-day !” And tossing the coin to Sir Noel, he wheeled his horse and galloped up the gulch in the direc- tion whence he had come, followed by his men. Jack ne Sa then cracked his whip, and the coach rolled on. “Oh! wasn’t that a delightful adventure!” Lady Bello exclaimed, laughingly. “‘I really enjoyed it; and that Deadwood Dick—wasn’t he perfectly handsome?” “Why, Belle, my dear, how can you!” Lady Farnsworth exclaimed, putting up her hands in horror. ‘I am shocked at you.” “Pshaw! you’re always shocked at a straw, mamma, dear, Ido think that road-agent was a real.love of a man, and so does Noel, while you and Chandos sat as prim and stiff as if you _ were monarchs upon your thrones, instead of two of a party traveling for fun and excite- ment.” “Dear! dear! what fun could you see in that horrid man, and his villainously masked follow- ers? Chandos, I should have thought you at least would have resisted!” ‘* How could I when they had me covered with their revolvers?” was the reply. ‘Hach ono of the accursed highwaymen had a pistol leveled at my heart!” ‘ Pshaw! you’re a coward, Chandos!” Lady . Belle exclaimed, with a merry laugh. ‘‘T am not afraid. Just think; Deadwood Dick did not _ hurt. me, and he had his eyes leveled at. my heart!” = - “And at mine, too, fo’ syah!” put in Snow- flake. ‘‘My heart was jes’ in one perpetual Z poe ater, and I feel like a school-gal of fif- en.” . The day, though beautiful, was not nearly so beautiful as before, in the eyes of the travelers, . tor the reason that they were momentarily ex- pecting an attack from the road-agent, Captain awk, Nor were they disappointed. From a mountain dugway the vehicle rolled __ down into the depths of California gulch, into ~which the shadows of night were dimly gather- ing. 3 Fithout regard to the roughness of the road, Fargett let his horses out into a swift trot, and his long Jashed whip cracked incessantly. —_- _ Suddenly four men sprung from the side of in throwing Jack Fargett’s horses back upon heir haune eS. HESS z the trail, and by their united efforts succeeded | ‘Just hold on a bit!” one of them exclaimed, stepping to one side. ‘‘ We ain’t road-agents, Jack Fargett, an’ you can’t gantlet past us!” ‘Well, what d’ye want?” Fargett- demanded, lowering his right hand toward his belt. “You'll find out presently, if you wait long enougk. We want toride with you a bit of a ways, if you don’t object.” “Can't ride. This ain’t the reg’lar stage, but a private snap,” with a nod toward his tourist passengers. “T don’t care a cent if it’s a private or a pub- lic snap,” the spokesman of the party retorted. ‘* We're the chaps as is Ae to ride, and don’t let it slip your mind, Never heard of me, per- haps—Thoroughbred Tom, at your service. y men here, and myself, are after _a party of road-agents, headed by Ceptein Hawk. The captain has a plot afoot to stop your stage, and raise the devil poy and we have a desire to be around when the circus comes off. So wo want to hide down in the bottom of your ba- rouche, and when they pounce down on you, we'll lend a hand.” ‘All right!” Sir Noel cried. ‘‘ Climb in, and with our united force, well make it interesting for the gentleman of the road.” Thoroughbred Tom spoke to his men, and they all climbed into the wagon, and crouching down, they were covered over with blankets, Then on rolled the stage, until there came a stern order, rolling out of the darkness, in a coarse voice—a single word: oy Ha t!? ‘* Now, then!” Thoroughbred Tom said, in a low tone; “draw and cock your weapons, and made every shot count. You, Fargett, let. the horses blaze ahead!” And Jack Hargety did let them blaze, for at a yell from his lips, and an extra sharp crack of the whip, they leaped away at a ‘‘ dead ” run. 7 Then Thoroughbred Tom and his companions, together with Sir Noel and Chandos Farnsworth, sat waiting for the issue. It came, an instant later, in the shape of a volley of rifle or revolver shots, that did no par- ticular harm, and a chorus of yells from the bandits. Then, in response, those in the flying vehicle returned a volley from their revolvers in the di- rection whence had come the flash of the enemies’ weapons—not alone one volley, but several in rapid succession. * Hach shot seemingly was answered by a fierce vindictive yell, either of baffled rage or pain. : An attempt was made to stop the stage by men who had blockaded the road, but it was ineffectual, for Fargett’s nearly frantic horses trampled them under foot, and their agonized pee s only added fo the dire confusion of the our,
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a Deadwood Dick in Le2édville. ; % ‘Il go home with a headache, never more to tan talize this trail.” ~ thing amounted to aaa those who plead for aoe God! where is Lady Belle?” suddenly : P justice without receiving it, and hence came the ~ organization known as the Regulators and Ad- justers, making Leadville the r oftwo as) Sir Noel. ‘Sto argett—stop for Teaven’s sake, Lady Belle, my sister, is not in | laws—a law of the State, and a law of the the carriage. She must have fallen out!” people. ee Neither was Lady Belle in the carriage, her seat was empty ! Lady Farnsworth was crouching beside Chan- ‘dos, in the bottom of the wagon, who had col- lapsed into a dead faint, at a bullet-scratch upon the arm. . ‘* Belle! Belle!” shouted Sir Noel, when Far- gett had reined in his horses, at the top of his voice, ‘* Belle! where are you?” But there came no response except a wild ex- ultant screech from Captain Hawk’s men around Perea ee ees upon Leadville, ved is not | struc anything prepossessing in its a N eeeete ance, Situated on the left bank of California 2 gulch, pres a gentle elevation, ithastheappear- ance of the average mining city that has = built with more rapidity than elegance. 2 The principal thoroughfare, Chestnut street, is constantly crowded with people who have come to the new Mecca in search of wealth— 3 people from every quarter of the globe, one would say, upon looking them all over. are hurrying along in their respective directions, _— and everything has a lively, bustling appear- —~ ance, oe “ : Let us pass along Chestnut street and make observations. ae It is early evening. * aia The sun gone down over the distant snow- capped peaks of the great Rockies, and the early gloaming is settling over the town so far — -up near the timber line. The shanty stores, saloons and dance-houses on either side of the street are well lighted, while out in the street, disdaining the use of the sidewalks, the crowds meander to and fro. The ~— eries of an auctioneer of cheap jewelry; the stentorian shouts of a corpulent individval who is endeavoring to attract a ‘‘house” vor a cheap — _ variety theater, the yells and curses of drivers, together with the incessant hum of more mod- erate voices, serve to make a strange din that ©— at first impresses the new-comerunpleasantly. __ Americans, Frenchmen, Jews, Swedes, Ger- — mans, Mexicans, Spaniards, Irishmen, China- ~— men, and the everlasting negro, are among the —~ different we observe moving by in the eat, restless swarm; speculators, gentlemen of eisure, rough, bewhiskered, dirty miners, in woolen shirts and stogy boots, gamblers, sports, professional pickpockets and thieves; men of “i all stages and stations in life, may be singled -out, if one ts an adept in the business. (Net Women are frequently seen hurrying along, — but as they, as arule, mind their own affairs, adville, which is but a short distance away. for the king and all the king’s men could no’ take her again to-night!” “What!” Sir Noel cried, nearly distracted ‘must I leave my sister in the clutches of that pack of demons? God forbid!” “Nevertheless, you will-have to do so for the present,” Thoroughbred Tom said, “ until you can muster a sufficient troop to make an attack upon the bandit chief. is gang of outlaws numbers many men, and it would be simply an act of folly to aha ae to give chase with our resent force. I’d advise you to take your lady ere, and find her accommodations in ville, while you instigate a search for your sister.” * And you will help me?’ Sir Noel interro- gated, anxiously. “‘T cannot in person, but can furnish you a substitute. Targett, drive on. Leadville!” CHAPTER III. OLD FACES—A STRANGE WAGER. -LEADVILLE! That new Mecca of the wandering miner, the spear the gambler and adventurer. The place where many minds gather, to form a see , restful populace—a teeming city near he timber line. ae What Deadwood was to the Black Hills, but so short time ago, Leadville is to the mountain dis- trict in which it is situated. A ‘‘ red-hot” town it is, with plenty of business men with capital, and generally an industrious ciass of citizens, though, as in every town of its class, there is a preponderance of ruffianly and villainous char- acters, who are constantly in a jangle among themselves, and who literally ‘“‘ boss” the town. Leadville differs in one respect from her sister city of the mining regions, Deadwood. She is within the governing eye of a State, while Da- kota is but a territory; and her laws are en- forced by the iron hands of those who set them- selves up as guardians of the peace. Justice is stern; and then, there is a class, who in defiance of the law, set themselves up as adjusters of their own wrongs, and the measure they mete out to victims is generally a cord and _ the limb of a convenient tree Almost to a spirit of insul
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“4 _ minutes, he ~ Joon. ‘stoically. Deadwood Dick in LeadviNe. meet of fortune, which hums at one end of the There are miners, here, and gamblers by pro- fession ee and ruffians, and a mixture of the different types that make up the populace of Leadville. At one table two men seem to be deeply in- terested in a game of eucher. And it isa game for stakes, for piles of money, dustand paper are iled on the right hand of either player, which Indicates that the game had either been a loag one, with no particular gain on either side, or that it is just started. The latter is the more probable. 3 One of the players evidently is an American, while the other is a Spaniard, as might be guessed by his swarthy complexion, and black eyes, as well as his peculiar costume. The American’s name is Ralph Gardner. He isa stalwart fellow of one or two and thirty neers: with a well-develéped form, and a face hat many would pronounce handsome, had it not been for the sinister expression, ever hoyer~ ing about his mouth, and the cold gray eyes. He is inclined to a sandy complexion, his hair being of a brown. color, and curling tight to his head, while a heavy sandy mustache shades his mouth. He is attired in white linen jacket and trowsers, with a spotless shirt-front, which sw ee blazing diamond pin, and a soft whi elt hat, of enormous brim, covers his head, A massive linked gold chain encircles his neck, reaching down to a watch-pocket in the waist- band of his trowsers, and his trowsers bottoms =o partly tucked into the tops of a pair of fine oots, : Altogether he is the ideal make-up of the character he represented—a reckless, rowdyi mine-owner, named Gardner, who has naugh to do but to kill time and spend a fat income, which rolls in upon him day by day. The Spaniard is a oa sortof a character, altogether. He is short and fleshless, with a pinched, dusky face, set off by a compressed mouth, eyes of midnight blackness, a swarthy complexion, and hair and imperial of the samo hue. His Spanish costume is icturesque and rich in its ornamentation, and is hat and cavalry boots are all of the best material. He now wears no weapons, while his oo in the-game carries a derringer upon his hip, in a pistol pocket. : -The Spaniard plays a square deal and a fair ame, but a close observer would notice that ardner is no slouch with the pasteboards, as he continues to win steatlily, while the Span- iard’s pile is on the decrease, rapidly. “Have you enough?” Gardner asked, with a sneering smile, as at last, in the course of ten rakes in the Spaniard’s last doub- “Jt isn’t your night for play, I should say. You will never win, at this rate.” ‘T will play again,” Carlos Cordova replies, ‘T will fight you with cards, Mr. Gardner—it shall be guerra al cschillo—war to _ \ the knife between us!” : ‘So saying, the Spaniard brought a pouch o - doubloons from under his serape and emptied _ thera upon the table. Y has pees ey neh “There are sixty doubloons, or nine hundred and botnet dollars and forty cents,” he said in perfect English. ‘‘I will wager them against a like number of dollars and cents, if you dare, senor.” “You will rg lose,” Gardner answered; “but I will play if you wish, Stack your chips and I will deal.” Carlos Cordova obeyed, and the game begaii. A number of tors gathered around to ° await and watch the result of the game, for it was known that var Gardner was a card~ sharp, and would be likely to fleece the Span- iard out of every veal he possessed. Among the tators were two strangers in the place: an old man, of uncouth appearance, and a young woman. Tho latter was Calamity Jane. As to her identity our Half-Dime audience needs no explanation, as the Girl Sport is well- known to them; while to those within tho ‘Leadville Casino,” she seemed to be sally recognizable. For nowhere along the Rocky Mountain mines can you go where the name of Calamity Jane has not been heard. She was attired in a ¢ostume consisting of fancifully ornamented buckskin breeches, and a hunting-frock mee ring Dean to the tops of a pair of patent-leather knee boots. A jaunty slouch hat boasting of a wild eagile’s feather, she wore back upon her head; a belt upon her waist contained a pair of handsome revol- vers. These were the principal items of her make-up, except that she was even more handsome than when we saw her last, with her eyes grown brighter, her cheeks more tinted, and her form just a trifle more robust. < Tn the hight of her womanly beauty she look- ed, as she upon the floor beneath the light | of a chandelier and watched the game between Ralph Gardner and Cordova. She knew the gambler Cordova to be astraight and honest player: for several times she had nek him up in the Animas mines, near Silver- mn, Of Ralph Gardner she was not sosure. He was just the sort of a man she most disliked, with his cynical, overbearing ways, and the sinister glit-— ter in his eyes. The old man who stood“near by was an un- couth old veteran, whose appearance indicated that he had followed many a trail. His hair and stubby beard were \grizzly with age, his form was bent and he carried a hard, gnarled stick as a staff to walk with. One peculiarity was noticeable in him, aside from the fact that! he was attired in buckskin—his ears. had, some day, in an eventful past, been shorn off close to his head. This old man, as well as Calamity Jane, seemed to be recognized, for several spoke his name.~ .It was Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator. He and none other. The battle-scarred veteran had at last found himself down at Leadville, in company with Ca- lamity, to see this new Mecca of the mines. “Great antediluvian ham-bone that bu’sted the Chinese bill! ef these don’t seem like real — Deadwood days, over ag’in!” the Annihilator -grunted, as he gazed around, SRE Deadwood ae os
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Deadwood Dick in Leadviile, 9 Dick war only around these parts to kick up a condemned breeze—a teetotall Norwee- jan hurricane 0’ demolition, we shed be all right. 2 “Eh! Jinny, gal?~hain’t them yer concise an’ comprehensive ijees o’ ther matter? Old Moses who cavorted through ther bullrushes! but thet Dick war a cuss, an’ no discount ter ther trade. Ef I warn’t gettin’ so blamed old, an’ my bones , an’ jints warn’t so contorted by_ther rheumat- ‘ics clutch, and oe him blue. Hello! great mor- tuary o’ which Jonah war a shinin’ light—w’at’s this? A game o’ eucher. Lordy! ye jest orter see -my old mare Prudence Cordelia, pilgrims, w’at’s now dead, but once constitoo' one 0 ther j'ints an’ cog-wheels o’ ther Great Boreal. Avalanche Extirpation Consarn. She war a knowin’ anymile, war thet same Prudence, an’ don’t ye fergit it. Why, it’s an actooal fact thet she could tell every card in a pack, and. comprehended a game as much an’ more so than the ginerality o’ pilgrims. Fer illustration o’ ther wonderful sagacity o’ thet jint o’ ther great annihilation, ye shed hev see’d ther hand she tuk one night in a quiet game. I war play- in’ wi’ a heathun Chinee, oncet, an’ my Prudence war browsin’ close by, wi’ one eye upon thet pig-tail—Lordy | what an orful grudge she had ag’in’ ther race! Wal, she sot her eyes onter thet pig-tail, an’ we played severial games, I losin’ every time. ‘ “ Suddenly she gave a screech, andshe danced up ter thet John Chinaman, an’ grabbled him and held him upside down by her teeth. An’ pilgrim, may I never be etarnally plagued wi’ a mother-in-law, ef she didn’t shake a hull trick o’ cards out o’ thet pig-tail’s sleeves. now I shed remark. reat’ pentenshal ham- bone, tho’, but theni war no sarcumstances ter ther many other exploits my jints used ter do.” A loud laugh was elicited by the old Annihi- lator’s story, and he was at once a prime fa- vorite. But, although all dared gaze at her, none had the courage to speak to the eccentric Ca- lamity Jane, for it was reported that she had salivated many a pilgrim for a less offense than lookingeat or speaking to her. » Ralph Gardner’s sinister gaze rested upon her occasionally, but even he was not desirous of angering her. At last the game was over, and the last card planked. y Cordova had lost! Every lire in his posses- sion had he consigned to the keeping of Ralph Gardner. ‘ é He leaned back in his chair, pale and faint, his black eyes glowing like coals of fire. * Satan seize you!” he gritted, all in a tremor. ‘¢-You are in league with the devil, Senor Ralph Gardner!” “Be that as it may, I’ve cleaned you out!” the dandy mine-owner replied, with a cool laugh. ‘‘When you want to see me again, Senor Cordova, you will find me at home. Hav- ing played enough for to-night, I'l] bid you & pleasant good-evening!” ‘Fold on—you must play more!” the Span- jard cried, excitedly, ‘‘Y ou shall nob carry *d jest like ter grap le thet. Dickey by ther | Waal,’ here, and I will cut z away my money—you iarust let me wim back snnogh to get my lodging and a start!” “Pshaw! Here, Pll give you ten dollars, ra- ther than sleep through another game!” Gard- ner said, thrusting his hand into Bis eee with a yawn, and drawing out a handful of gold ieces, “No! no!” Cordova said, hastily, ‘‘ I not take your money. fam a gentleman—I receive no avors from an opponent!” “Well, what are you chinning about then?” Gardner demanded, ‘‘ How can you play?” “PU tell you!” Cordova explained, a craf smile lighting up his swarthy features, ‘I wi ‘wager my head against a hundred dollars on the result of one more little game. If you win, you cut ny head off in the presence of these ate It I win, I take my hundred dol- ars A low murmur of wonder ran through the room. Here was a novelty not often occurring in the latter days of mining life, A man had risked his head on a game! The word pass instantly collected. Gardner resumed his seat at the table,a strange smile upon his face. ““T will play, if it is your wish!” he said, grimly, “put if J win, I shall claini your ead!” ‘“You shall have it, if you win it!” Carlos Cordova replied, ‘‘ Let some disinterested party cut and deal the cards!” A stranger was selected from the crowd for this work. ‘* Great ham-bone thet accompanied old Joner from lip to lip, and a crowd to the Antipodes!” Old Avalanche cried ‘‘ thet — Spaniard’s a cuss, pilgrims, an’ don’t ye fergit it. But, Holy Moses 0’ bullrush fame! heads must be cheap down in this section. Thar war a time when heads fetched a big sum, wi’ a road- agent’s carkusses attached to ’em. But them ee days aire over since Deadwood Dick’s gone. Great ham-bone! thar war my nanny goat, Flor- ence Night-in-a-gale—she did Lev a head, while ere talkin’, stranger—a regular old sledge- ‘hammer uv a head, an’ don’t you fergit it. See’d her take after a tramp, ae in Dakota, — s oncet, an’ she struck him whar pantaloons fitted ther tightest. Lordy! ther two met wi’ a shock like a consarned ’arthquake, an’ thet jest. actooally exploded. An’ ther next tram day ther papers spoke about a lot o’ loose flesh bein’ found on ther perary, supposed to hev fallen durin a shower. Ham-bone thet agitated ther larynx.uv old Joner! but. that warn’t a sarcum- stance ter some’ ther exploits uy ther Great Annihilation!” Tho cards were shuffled and dealt. Then the game begin. ‘ Every spectator s suspense. ~ he Spaniard played an honest game, but the fates seemed against him, for he lost / Ralph Gardner rose from his seat, and drew a long, sharp-edged knife from his bootleg, with & chuckle, fe “‘T have won, Sir Spaniard!” he said, triumph in his tones, ‘“‘and [ now claim my dues—your wager, which -was Pees head! y it r ofl : y “s od watching in breathless
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Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 10 CHAPTER IV. CALAMITY SHOWS HER HAND — GARDNER'S THREAT, ‘rx bet you five dollars to a continental red cent that you won’t do ee a the kind!” Clearly rung these words through the room, and everybody stared wonderingly, for they had come from the Girl Sport, Calamity Jane, and in her hands she held a pair of already cocked revolvers, which she had leveled toward Ralph Gardner, threateningly. He shrunk back with a curse, for he had no doubt but that Jano meant business. “Ts this your affair?” he demanded, savagely. “You'd better not meddle in business of mine, or Pil cut your head off, too.” “Hal hal you are welcome to that eae if you regard it as a health-giving task!” Jane replied, with utmost coolness, ‘As to that Spaniard’s head, it is his own. You cheated him at the game, and I saw you!” * You lie! you lie like—” Gardner began, but he suddenly paused, for the muzzle of Calamity’s revolvers raised; she was about to fire, ‘*Tédo not lie!” she said, menacingly. ‘‘ That is; a thmg,I am proud to say, I never do,” I siw you slipping cards out of your sleeve, or elsa I should never have interfered. Come, now! pony up and refund Cordova every cent you have won from him, or Dll salivate you jast so sure’s I’m Calamity Jane.” "You to thunder!” Gardner growled, savage- ly. ‘Tl not give back a cent. I won it fairly anil I’m goin’ to keep my winnings, you bet!” * And ll bet you ain’t!” Calamity said firm- ly. ‘Avalanche, are you with me?” “Great pestiverous ham-bono thet discom- bobborated the: composure of old Joner, yes / V'm wi’ ye cl’ar tor ther teeth, C'lamity, gal?” the Great Annihilator replied, hobbling for- ward. ‘Ef it warn’t fer these blarsted rheu- matics, I ked lick ther crowd, old’s IT am. Them war palmy days, howsumdever, when ther jints of ther Great Committee on Extirpation war all tergether, in workin’ order—thet war m4, and my old mare, Prudence Cordeliar, and my he-goat, Florence Night-in-a-gale. Oh! but J tell ye we tore things, them times, as we eavorted like a harricane o’ demolition thru ther boreal lattytudes and longytoads!” - “Come!” Calamity said, turning upon Gard- ner, impatiently. ‘‘I’ll give you just two min- utes by yonder clock to drop Cordova’s wealth on the table. If you don’t come to time, there'll bea funeral in Leadville, to-morrow!” “You dare not shoot me. Ihave the law on my side!” ‘Hang tho law! I have the Adjusters and _ Regulators on mine. You probably know their terms, to those whocheatatcards, Come! one minute has gone!” Ralph Gardner uttered a frightful curse, as he pulled a buckskin pouch from inside his hunting-shirt, and emptied the contents upon the table. Never before, in all his experience had he thus knuckled under to a woman, ani ~ that woman scarcely more than a girl. “ Never mind!” he said, in a rage, as he shook his fist, first at Cordova, and then at Calamity— you both, ere long, in a way you won't relish. emember |” And with a scowl he strode to the bar for a drink of liquor, after which he took his depar- ture from the ‘* Casino.” Calamity Jane uttered a low laugh as he dis- appeared, and turned to the Spaniard, who was phrases in gathering up the money from the e@ “You'd best make yourself scarce around these parts, Carlos Cordova. It won’t be par- ticularly healthy for you, should your opponent catch you sleeping.” “Thanks, lady; I shall hasten to obey your suggestion,” the Spaniard replied. ‘‘ Let me thank you for so kindly interfering. And should Tever have the opportunity I shall surely try to repay you.” “That's allright. You look to yourself and youll have enough to do!” Calamity replied, with a reckless oy Then turning to Old Avalanche, she said, ina low tone: “Come! it isno use for us to remain here. 1 am going to my hotel. If anything occurs that I am needed, you will find me at the Tontine,” “ Kerect, Clamity—kerect!” the Annihilatoy replied. ‘Goan’ get rest, gal, fer we ken’t tell w’at minnit we're goin’ ter be calied on ter quell some disturbance. Great ham-bone! I feel bet- ter already, since I’ve eo down here whar thar’s plenty goin’ on. My bones hain’t half so rheumatic as they war, an’ ef we ked, only get inter one scrimmage wi’ fu’st class red-skins or ruffians, I opine ther great Annihilation would be once more in workin’ trim, I do, by ther etar. nal shadder of old Bullrush Moses!” Ralph Gardner left the ‘ Casino” in a terrible passion, and strode down Chestnut street, ap- parently noticing none of the many persons he passed, to whom he was accustomed to speak at other times, His soul was burning with a fiery thirst for revenge upon the Girl Sport for her triumph over him. He knew her not, except by hearsay, but it was his belief that in her he had an enemy. : ‘Curse her!” he growled, as he strode along. ‘“What does she mean? I never harmed her, and yet she comes to pick a fuss with me. Cal- amity Jane! Yes, I’ve heard herspoken of be- fore as a hard crowd to tackle!” : Pausing in front of the Tontine House, where a stage had just driven up, the young mine- owner watched thoss who were embarking, with idle curiosity, This curiosity soon deep- ened to interest, however, and then to eager. ness, and he bent forward, that he might have a nearer view of the new-comers. His face had grown a shade paler than usual, and his eyes eat to emit a venomous sparkle of recogni- jon, The party were the Farnsworths, under the pilotage of pis laa telh Tom, who: assisted them to alight from Fargott’s stage, and showed them the entrance to the Tontine, He then sauntersd into the hotel office, for a quiet smoke. ; 7 : A handsome, dashing fellow was this Thor- “never mind, curse you. I'll get even with | oughbred Tom, with a close-knitted form of ees
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great muscular strength, and a face well- chiseled, and looking almost boyish for its want of hirsute adornment. His hair, dark as the raven’s wing, was worn down upon his shoulders after the fashion of many of the fron- tier scouts.. His eyes were dusky and brilliant, while the expression upon his face was pleasan and genial, Clad in a stylishly fitting suit of light gray woolen material, with a white wool slouch-hat upon his head, and cavalry boots upon his feet, he was the ideal make-up of the sporting char- - acters so often met in those far-away western mining towns. Ralph Gardner followed him into the office oe the Tontine, and touched him on the shoul- er. ~ “Ber pardon!” he said, as Thoroughbred Tom turned around, ‘‘ but I wish to ask the names of the party whom you just assisted to alight from the carriage?” ; “Why?” Tom demanded coolly, “‘Oh! because I had an idea that their faces Poe famihar, though I had the impression that —that—’ Tere the mine-owner stopped. Words that would have escaped his lips he choked off, “Itis probable that you are mistaken, sir,” Thoroughbred Tom said, haughtily, and so say- ing he sauntered away. A black look came upon Ralph Gardner’s face, as he glared after the sport—a look decidedly expressive of hatred. “So you refuse to answer me, eh?” he mused. “Well, I must seek satisfaction elsewhere.” And he turned away. Leaving the Tontine, he made his way toward Stray Horse gulch and Fryer Hill, where the largest mines in the Leadyille district are lo- cated. The streets of the town left behind, he followed a narrow path down into the gulch and thence on to the elevation called Fryer Hill. Passing among the groups of shanties and cabins which cover the shafts of the different mines, he at last came to an unpretentious, rough board cottage, surrounded by a rail fence, inside of which was a newly made garden, and a few beds of flowering plants. .» Passing through the little wicket gate; he ap- proached the cottage by a well-beaten path, and entering the place without the ceremony of knocking. He passed into.a small, uncarpeted room where éwo women were sitting. 5 The room was rudely furnished, but every- thing was clean, and the walls contained a few pictures and ornaments, which gave ita cheerful appearance. A stove in one corner gave forth a trifle of warmth, anda lamp upon a mantle furnished light. The two oecupants were a middle-aged woman and a maiden of some seventeen or eighteen sum- mers. Tho elder lady was seated in an invalid’s chair, propped ‘up! with pillows. There was a ule and wearied look upon her features, which in their youth had been of wondrous beauty. an/l a pained expression about her eyes and -mouth, ‘which evidenced a past or present = Si Deadwood Dick in Leadville. trouble and worry. She was attired ina plain — calico wrapper, and wore no ornaments, what- ever. i . The maiden was wondrously pretty, with her ~ alent but shapely form, her pure, fair face, set — off by a sweetly expressive mouth, lustrous brown eyes, and a luxuriant mass of hair of the _ same hue, which fell over her shoulders and to — her waist. She too was plainly attired, but looked charm- — ing and winsome, with a bunch of syringa blos- soms in her hair and at her throat, which was as — pure as alabaster. Aba roe fom Ls rar ne smile that bg : mn upon her lips chan an expression of — contempt, as Halph Ganiast entered, while | the pained look upon her mother’s features in-~ reased. “You, Mr. Gardner!” the maiden said, in a cold tone. ‘I believe we told you that your — calls here were unwelcome.” ; . Ralph Gardner flushed, but managed to smile, — in a sardonic way. . = “T am aware of the fact, Miss Heath!” he re- - sponded, ‘‘but I seldom consult the wishes of — others, when I have views of my own to further, I came expressly on purpose to talk with your — mother—not with you!” f , It was Jessie’s turn to flush, but it was a flush of indignation. Sree “My mother is not well, and I pray you won't disturb her,”-she said. Shs “Then I cannot es with your prayers, my dear Miss Heath, for I have business of utmost importance with Mrs. Heath, and must talk!? Gardner returned, triumph in his tones. “You will find that it is better to have me for afriend than an enemy, for as a friend I am rich and influential, while, as an enemy, I have — the power to turn you out of your present — abode, onto the world.” - “Sir? - “Some months ago I purchased this cabin — and ground whereon it stands, for the sum of one hundred dollars, from your father, — Crowded as I am by business affairs, I had for- gotten it, until your refusal of my suit sharp- ened my memory, and set me about looking up the deeds.” j i “This is false!” Mrs. Heath cried, bursting into tears. “‘I am sure Morris wouid not sell the home without telling me. Oh} you are very hard on us, Mr. Gardner.” es: “Not so, my dear Mrs. Heath,” the mine-— owner replied; ‘‘I never am intentionally hard — only to those who are hard on me, To-such, J extend no mercy. I offered my heart and hand ~ to your daughter, and she scornfully refused me. The blow staggered me, for a time; ee the devil came to my relief, and suggested that T turn you out of doors, as I have t do. But, even this I would notdo, if ‘would reconsider her verdict, and give a 7 son I could ever love, or _r 2h “And why, pray? Wha lowers me in your estimation¢~ What is to
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12 difference between me and other men? I am one of the richest men in Leadville—” ** Bah! why boast of that to us, sir? A part of your riches you deliberately stole from us, for positive we are that it was Depa who had a controlling interest in the Wild-cat mine, in- stead of you. But his untimely death gave him no chance to advise us of his business af- fairs, and you took advantage of the fact, de- stroyed what papers he may have had, and claimed the mine as your individual oA Oh! Ralph Gardner, even though the world may beliove in you, and lionize you, I can read you like a book, Uhate—dety—despise you!” ; ae “ Jessie! Jessie!” Mrs. Heath remonstrated, ' ehidingly, ‘you should not say hate to anybody. » The Good Book tells us to love our enemies.” .._ “ Pshaw! that has nothing to do with my dis- ' like for Ralph Gardner. Do you suppose that - one can love a snake that has bitten you? No, indeed!” r Gardner sat and listened, an evil smile upon i is face, “Fire shine Miss Jessie!” he said, with a chuckle. ‘* The more spirited you become, the more I am forced toadmire you. You have made some serious charges, but I can afford to pas; them by. When you come to find out my in- nocence, you will regret your hasty words. As to the matter of the cabin, if you will give me your promise to become my wife, I will give _ you the deed of the place.” / “And if I refuse?’ . you removed hence.” _“ You dare not turn us out of doors. My mother is an invalid, and there is no law that will eat you to turn us out short of three months’ warning.” ‘Perhaps not, I have not consulted the law ~ -on the subject. If I am determined to turn you out, there are ways in which you can be ousted.” “Mr..Gardner, will you have no mercy upon us? We are two lone, defenseless women, de- pceent upon our needles for support. It would e very hard for us to be turned out of house and home, and have to pay rent.” “Tam well aware of that, Mrs. Heath, and that is why I urge your daughter to become my wife. Then you could both have the comfortand elegance of a rich man’s home.” _ “But Jessie cannot marry you—will not, sir. She does not care about getting married.” _ A little courting, I believe, would dissipate her prejudices,” the mine-owner suggested, with agrin, / ais laughed outright, a ringing little laugh of sarcasm, “Were I ever to be courted, I could easily pick out any one among the miners, preferable to you, Ralph Gardner!” she retorted. ‘* Though ou endeavor by dress and looking-glass study make yourself attractive, the effort is useless, ~ People of sound judgment would regard you with derision.” } ~ Ralph Gardner’s face flamed redly at this cut, He sprung to his feet and advanced a step, threateningly, But ho paused when Jessie seized asi tee ee 4 Te held it ready, witha firm hand, ell ny 4 eee “Then it shall be my painful duty to have’ a cowhide whip from the chimney corner, and Deadwoed Dick in Leadville. “Curse you, you little tigress!” he gritted, hoarsely, ‘“‘your tongue isas sharp as a knife. blade. But, never mind; resist though you may, you shall be mine yet—ay! I swear it, by all I hold sacred—swear that you shall be mine. Then I shall spend my whole time in taming you, until you are broken in spirit and as humble as a wild colt that has passed through the tamer’s hands, Ha! ha! I: already foresee the sport I shall have, my peerless Jessie. You will find then how merciless a mancan be. As to this house—I give you until to-morrow night at sun- set to get out, bag and baggage. If you fail to get out by that time you will rue it.” i “T defy you!” Jessie cried, ‘‘and sc docs mamma. Do your worst, Ralph Gardner, Now, go—get out of our presence, or I will teach you a lesson you may not have yet learned!” And whip in hand, Jessie advanced in a way that meant business. With a curse he retreated to the door, and sped away into the night. Then it was that poor Jessie’s courage failed her, and dropping on her knees by her mother’s chair, she burst into tears, “Oh! mamma! mamma! we are in the midst of a great trouble. We shall soon be turned out of doors, poor, friendless and helpless.. What shall we do?” — - CHAPTER V, THE PHT ELEPHANT’S DEFEAT—CAPTAIN HAWK'S BULLETIN, Sir Norn Farnsworra, once the sluggish blood in his veins was aroused, was an expedi« tious worker. After arriving in-Leadville, and installing his mother and brother at the Tontine, he set out in search of aid for the recovery of Lady Bello. Inquiry of different ones resulted in a general shake of the head. “Hf ye’ve got any one in the hands 0’ Cap- tain Hawk, ye’d better leave ’em thar, ’ca’se how you most likely git plugged right thru ther ernoodleum, ter oncet!” they all said. ‘‘Thet: Hawk be one cuss-an’-a-half, an’? Pl allow them as ever tried ter war ag’in’ him have got a coat o? war in return.” ‘ Failing to derive any satisfaction from these replies, Sir Noel hunted wp Sheriff Jo Murphy and laid his ease before him, Tho sheriff was a shrewd little Irishman, with a red face and red hair, whose sole solace ap- peared to be in a common clay pipe, which he held in his mouth. He, listened to Sir Noel’s narrative with one, eye closed, and the other directed upon the visitor, a. thoughtful expression wpon his face. When Sir Noel had concluded his narration, he said: f “Tt be a divil of a fix yez be got yer sister in, me lord. This Captain Hawk has a retreat somewhere in the mountains, where with his force ay fifty,or more bloody spalpeens he be invulnerable, they say. An’, as for Deadwood Diek, bad luck to him, the divil himself couldn’t catch him, at all. He goes and comes when- ever it plazes him, and begorra! there’s nary a : hand quick enough to reach him, or a bullets good enough to drap him.” ~~ REARS pa 8S ‘From what J saw of sthe fellow, the more. _ ne tented \ he eecaatin
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x‘ ou let him alone the more he'll let you alone!” ir Noel suggested. ‘‘ Ah! bad luck to his picture, it's mesilf as will not let the spalpeen alone! He has bid defiance to the law, and by my soul, it is Jo ere as will yet tache him a trick wid a hole in it. ‘ But, laying aside his past, as a thing which is past, is he not doing more good to the travel- ing public than any one else!” and then Sir Noel related all about his encounter with the Prince of the Road, : ety ee ly. ‘He's been moighty accommodatin’ to yez, Pil admit, sur, but it’s not every poor son av a gun ets trated that way. "I'wixt you an’ me, here’s divil a man but is fraid aS dith av either he or Captain Hawk.” “T am inclined to believo that Deadwood Dick will do as he has said, in every case!” Sir Noel replied. ‘But, that is neither here nor there. It was not he who stole my sister, and I shall not wage war against him. In the case of this Captain Hawk, what do you propose to do, or what do you advise me to do?” “Faith, it’s sorry little ye can do, Iam afraid, Sir Noel.” It would bo rash to venture into the mountain in search of the bandits, for by their own. numbers, it’s ivery man ay us they could surround and cut ter pieces. The only way will be to sthick up some papers, offering a re- ward for the capture av Captain Hawk, pur- orting to be your offer; and another lot signed S me, offering a reward for the return of your sister, ‘Thar’s nary anither plan to aqual it, I believe. -How much reward do yez want mo -to offer?” “Just whatever you choose. I shall not stand about dollars, if I can get my sister back safely.” “Thin T will have some bills put out at once, Ye kin rest a few days, Pha honor, an? if we don’t hear f om yer Ieddy, we'll adopt some other plan av action. But it’s meself that be- laves tks money will bring Captain Hawk to the front in thrue Skidmore sthyley’ Sir Noel took leave of the sheriff, and walked back toward the, Tontine Hotel, through tho crowded street, trying to make himself believe that he was comforted by the advice he had received. But it was meager satisfaction after all. ‘ ? He thought a great deal of Lady Belle; she was his pet, and he hers, since they had grown up from childhood. For she and Sir Noel were unlike the 1e%t of the family, except old Sir Roderick, who possessed some of their free, pleasan’ nature, From the cradle Chandos had been ugly andof. a quarrelsome disposition, and had Sir Noel not been of a mild temperament the two could not /have lived under the same roof together. There had been another brother, older yet than Noel but he had turned out badly, and had been sent to the penal colonies years before, The matter had been hushed up, so that very few knew where he was, or if they did, they were ignorant of what crime he went for, and as old Deadwoed Dick in Leadville. street, until -he came to the Casino, where © Roderick had utterly disowned and disinher- fted him none cared where he was. 4 Wt ~The estate by entailment in the house_of | him, 18 Farnsworth, of course descended to the eldest son, together with the title, but,in case of the death of the eldest son or his disinheritance it descended to the second son. Thus it was, that, though a oo brother, Sir Noel had inherited the whole Farnsworth | wealth, together with the title. Being unmarried, he had. always kept his mother, sister and brother with him, although Chandos and Lady Farnsworth eften gave him much cause for provocation, and put him to great expense, Returning along the street, he was attracted by a large crowd to one side of a little vacant lot, where a man was lying on the ground. Upon approaching nearer, he perceived that he was dead. A bullet hole in the forehead had done the work. ‘« What is the matter?” Sir Noel asked, of a big red-shirted miner, who stood by. ‘‘Hasmurder — been done?” “T should smile!” the miner replied, with a chuckle. ‘Ye i thet galoot what is a corpus. stranger? Waal, he tuk a notion into his head. that he war a-goin’ ter capter Captain Hawk, - the bandit. You see how he suckseeded. They jest found His carcass a-layin’ on ther trail, w above here. Oh! I'll allow thet.Hawk’s not~ a goin’ ter be captered wi’ chaff, like us crows!” rning away, Sir Noel continued along be ie paused, and curiosity finally prompted him to enter. It was not often he looked into gam- bling dens; indeed, he had never visited one of these wild Western palaces of Bt Upon his entrance, he found the room nearly full of men of all types of character, the same as they were upon the streets. . But the principal attention seemed to be cen- — tered upon a drunken bullwhacker, of si size, who was parading about like a tting cock, and using his mouth after trug bullwhacker fashion. He was fully six feet and a half in hight, and — correspondingly bulky of limb and trunk, with swelling muscles, and feet of tremendous size, His head was even too large for the size of his body, and was covered with a stubble of grizzly hair, as was the greater share of his face.. His eyes were bleared and vicious in their expres- — sion, and his large mouth exposed a row of — fang-like teeth that were anything but hand- — some. He was clad in ragged, greasy ganmen’ several sizes too small for him, and a batter Sua va hat—probably the only one in all — Leadville—was cocked upon his head. ace Altogether, he was a hard-looking citizen, and in his‘short residence in Leadville, had set him: ; self up as ‘‘boss” of the town. Few were there who cared to cross him, or dispute his assertion that he was monarch wherever he went, for he — had shown his authority, at once, by killing sev= eral men. <a Justice let him alone. He was regarded with — terror by the majority of the citizens, and no~ one dared to tackle him. , =a And this giant’s name was Beautiful Bil. He was parading around, singing a baccha~— nalian song, but the minute Sir Noel entered, — he stopped short, antl glared savagely toward
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t4 Wat in the name ~ “ Hello! kerwhoo ev we here? Lookee, will ther seven planets ye, my gay brethren, and behold thet snoozer, will ye—an’ Englisher, I’ll bet my old hat? Say, ye galoot, d’ye know m ‘ye ever hey ther pleasure o’ my acquaintance?” And straight up to the baronet, the giant yranced, with a leer of triumph. Sir Noel stepped to one side, to pass, but Beautiful Bill again confronted him with a chuckle, “Hold yer hosses, my darling, or Pll mount ye and gnaw off yer nose, now, you hear mo remark! Ill allow I’m boss of this town, an’ them as sez I ain’t don’t live long in these parts. I'm Beautiful Bill, I am—Beautiful Bill the Charmer, they call me, fer short. Don’t remem- ber of havin’ heerd o’ me? Waal, thet’s singu- lar. Webster defines me as a man 0’ great im- ortance—a Northern Light in ther sky o’ ther est—a sort o’ second cuzzin ter ther planet o’ Jupiter, ye see!” : “T don’t care who you you don’t I'll summon aid. “Oho! yell summon aid, wull ye? Ye won't noice ther great Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail, eh? Sayee, lookee hyar, ye durned leetle British rooster, dye know what I’ve a mind ter do wi’ ye? Dye know,I say? Waal, Pll tell ye. I’vé zot seven kinds 0’ a notion ter jest swaller ye, jest like Joner did the whale. An’ hayr's the trimber for that same leetle exploit, _ef ye don’t git down on yer knees fer that samo lestle slack o’ yer tongue, Kneel, durn ye, and apologize ter ther Pet Elephant of ther Lead- ville trail, or I'll gobble you up like a cat 4 »@ young rat. You hear me, Beautiful ill! ~ * And you hear nie!” Sir Noel cried, angrily, “that if you don’t remove yourself, and allow me to pass, it will be the worse for you. Though ‘somewhat smaller, I am not in the least afraid of you!” _ _A faint cheer went up from the crowd that had gathered around. None had they ever seé2 before who dared to face Beautiful Bill thus boldly. And the giant was even somewhat astonished, for he glared at Sir Noel with a greenish glitter ‘in his eyes, as if he could not believe the evi- dene of his senses, “You talk thot way ter me!” he gasped, - hoarsely, his fingers working convulsively— vou talk thet way ter me, the great second euzzin ter Satan an’ Jupiter! Haw! haw! why, ye little banty, Pll chaw ye all inter coyote fodder in less time’n it takes ter cook a China- man. Isee plainly thet ye don’t re’lize my tre- - mandou; caliber—my importance as a respected an’ law-abidin’ citizen. hy, [ve got a leetle rivate grave-yard o’ my own, outside o’ town — havr, whar Pve made funerals fer sech cavort- in’ pilgarlics as ye!” _ “Once ani for tho last time, are you going to remove yourself from my path?” Sir Noel de- -mandod, sternly. - _ "No, sir-ee!” the giant replied—‘ not ef ther _ that she do. ville trail is a king, an’ don’t step aside fer any- are. Let me pass; if ee “Then take that, and reflect upon it, you overgrown ruffian, and let it be a lesson te youl” and, springing suddenly forward, and into the air, Sir Noel planted his right fist squarely between the giant’s eyes, with sledge- iano effect, for Beautitul Bill dropped like a Only stunned, however, for he staggered back to his feet, with a terrible roar of pain and rage. x ring upon one of Sir Noel’s fingers had cut an ugly gash re ate the bridge of his nose, from which the bl spurted, copiously. Blood-blinded, the Pet Elephant cf the Lead~ ville trail glared around until his eyes rested up- on Sir Noel, who had borrowed a knife from one of the bystanders, and stood coolly awaiting an onslaught. é “Cuss ye!” he gasped, ib es away the blood with his coat-sleeve. uss ye, ye durned Britisher. Lend me a knife, somebody, an watch me carve him. Watch me dissect his carcass!” Ralph Gardner, standing near by, tendered the giant a long, handsomely mounted blade, a greedy, wolfish glitter in his eyes. Seizing the knife, Beautiful Bill made a Junge forward, a frightful oath upon his lips. A murmur of anxiety ran through the crowd for it was expected that Sir Noel would be butchered on the spot, so much faith had these Leadvilleites in the prowess of the giant. But they were disappointed in their expecta- tions. Sir Noel met the onslaught with a skillful parry, and then, throwing himself quickly ee the Pet Elephant, drove his knife to the hilt in his shoulder. For the second time that night Beautiful Bill went tumbling to the floor, this time not to rise, though howl after howl of pain escaped his ape while a thundering cheer greeted this. act of the baronet’s. . “You have done the country an invaluable service!” Thoroughbred Tom said, oe for- ward out of the crowd, to shake Sir Noel’s hand, “But en want to keep an eye out, now, for the bullwhacker is as revengeful as a Spaniard, and has plenty of backin; He'll nab at you some 0 don’t look sharp.” “Thank you for your advice. I shall look out for him,” Sir Noel replied. ‘‘I should not have touched him, but he forced me into it.” “ You did eee, right. Pathe had killed him, you would have-done a good job. By the way, have you heard the news?” “To what do you allude?” ‘¢ To the news concerning this bandit scourge, Captain Hawk. He has threatened, it is report- ed, to come down here with his men, and take the town, andthe mines. A scout has just come in from Malta and Adelaide City, and states that large gangs of ruffianly: characters are leaving for the fastnesses of the mountains. where it is supposed they intend to join the ban- dit forces.” among the ruffians. these times, if you “God pity m: r sister!” Sir Noel roaned ae, ty my poo’ sroenat =. in anguish of spirit. ‘‘ Do you think she harmed?” 3 ; gi es net,” Thoroughbred Tom replied. ea, Reiter % ce: % “No, I do
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x Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 1B “Captain Hawk, though a veritable fiend seem- ingly, is said never to misuse @ prisoner, He captures them for the purpose of extorting a ransom. If the ransom is not forthcoming, he kills them, but does not in any other way ill- treat them.” : ; ‘* Where is his stronghold?” “That I do not know, nor do any of those who are not in league with him. He wouldseem to have a Sted different bodies of his gang operate at different points at the same time, and if pursued, escape as easily as if the earth had opened up to swallow them.” Shortly after the twain parted. Sir Noel re- turned to the Tontine, while Thoroughbred past went to Izzard’s Totiging-house upon State street. * The following morning was the beginning, literally, of a new era, in the history of Lead- yille—an epoch witnessing many strange and startling scenes. For with the rising of the sun, there were found posted up all through the town huge posters, hand printed, bearing the following: ‘*Norrcr:—To whom it may consarn. Iam sworn thet ther town 0’ Leadville ar’ doomed. Warning is given, fairly, to all who wish to save life and limb, that unless they take advantage of the next ten hours to pyckuchee, they won't be allowed to escape, but will be hed; in, and massacred. I have a standin’ army, who are impatient to come to battle. Leadville is mine, and I am bound to have it. This is my only notice. — Caprain HAWK.” This was all, but it was enough to set all Leadville in a furore of excitement, for they believed that war was upon them. Enough had they seen and heard of Captain Hawk, to be- lieve that he would keep his threat. Not to be scared out, were they, however, by any means. rowds were soon organized, ready for fight, with orders to shoot down any roughs who showed sign of he EE for that was proof enough that they were of Hawk’s gang. Posters were got out by Sheriff Jo Murphy, and tacked up on every approach to the town, and in all the saloons. There were two different kinds. One read as follows: “ $5 000 Rewarp!—Five thousand dollars reward will be paid by me, for the capeare, alive, of the no- torious bandit chief, Captain Hawk, or any dozen of his men,and deliverance of the same into my custody At Leadville. Jo Murrny, Sheriff.” The other poster contained the following: “ Whereas, we the Adjusters and Regulators of Leadville, have sisi and found guilty of the mis- demeanor, road-agentry, we do hereby offer $100 reward for the arrest and deliverance of Deadwood Dick--result of said decision being against bim. “Signed Ratpx GARDNER, Sec’y.”” CHAPTER VL RALPH GARDNER’S SCHEMING—DEADWOOD DICK’S: RETURN—CASTLE HAWK. ON the following morning, or the same on which Captain Hawk’s posters were found stuck uP ao the town, Ralph Gardner made it his usiness hotel. @f course he was there for a purpose, “ to visit the vicinity of the Tontine recover her?” on that purpose was one of great importanes to The time wore away, without evident satis. faction to him, and he was at last about turning away in disgust, when, leaning upon his cane, Chandos Farnsworth limped from the hotel, out upon the covered veranda, in front, ; Gardner’s eyes assumed a triumphant gleam as he saw him, and writing upon a card, he ap- roached and handed it to Chandos, with a WwW. ‘Perhaps you may not have recognized me, if ou have seen me!” he said, with a cynical little augh. ‘I thought T would drop around and re- new your acquaintance, since you had come so far to meet me.” : Chandos turned from reading the card, and gazed the young mine-owner over with a sharp, criticising glance. — “Tf it is indeed you,” he said, indifferently, “T am glad to see you looking so well. I sup- posed you in Van—” . “Hush! you need not mention the place aloud!” Gardner finished, nervously, with a glance about. ‘I want to talk with you, so come to my office down at the Specter Mine, and have a little chat over old times.” “Really, I can’t. It would exhaust me too much!” Chandos ‘replied, sinking into a chair. “Tf you had a carriage—’ . “Hang the carriage! You’re no better to walk than I. Come along, and cast aside those imagined afflictions of yours.” F At last persuaded, Chandos accompanied Gardner down the street, and then over onto Fryer Hill. Here, in a large grove of pe overlooking the town, stood a couple of build- — ings, one a cabin, and the other a small, white — shanty,.bearing upon a sign over the door the — word—’ “OFFICE.” > Into tiuis Ralph Gardner conducted She Some Englishman, and the two were soon sea’ by a table, in a snug little room, with a bottle of jiateht whisky and a box of cigars betw them. ee _ Then it was that Gardner was more at his ease, “Now, first of all, what ever brought you to this wilderness, away from the oil and social honor of London?” he asked, curiously, ; “Tf was not my fault!” Chandos replied, — growlingly. ‘‘Sir Noel and Belle were the in- — stigators of the expedition. a “Through the operation ve been wounded — by road-agents, to say nothing of jolting about through an execrable country. I wish V'd staid — in Chicago, where people are at least more — civilized!” eer “ Where is Belle?” _ <2 “The devil only knows. She-was jerked out of the wagon back here, when we were runnin the gantlet, through a Sapam ee attack, and that’s the last we have seen of her,” ~ “Sho'! Captured by road-agents, eh? By which celebrity—Captain Hawk, or the notori- — ous Deadwood Dick?” , gan “By the former.” ay “What effort is Sir Noel making to find and — know; I have been so much more
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~. ent,” F ms 18 interested in nursing my arm than in inquiring about her, that I have not posted myself.’ Ralph Gardner laughed, “Then I am to infer that you are not in mourning over the loss of our sister, eh?” *“You may infer what you please,” Chandos srunt d, tossing off the second glass of whisky. ‘You doubtless know that I never was so much in love with or attached to, my family, as some j920ple might expect. It was never an ingredient in my nature to be so.” “Then youcan call yourself my brother, for those were ever my exact sentiments. Families cons sting of brothers, sisters or mothers, are all well enough in their proper places, but when they get out of their places, and into one’s way, they are not desirable. Is that not your opinion of matters?” “To some extent, yes.” “Good. I believe we shall get along capi- tally together, You do not like to see Sir Noel commanding Marnsworth Heath, and I do not either.” “But that’s all the good it does. He is heir by your disinheritance, and can hold the estate and all the wealth.” “Pobesure. But if death were accidentally to! overtake him here in this wild country, he would not-be heir, Oh! no! the estate would then revert to the line'of entailment, and I, Sir Roy Farnsworth, baronet, would become its rig tful owner.” ‘T am afraid not,” Chandos answered, with evident satisfaction. ‘Sir Roy Farnsworth dare not show himself in London, or in England again, for fear of being apprehended, and sent back to Van Dieman’s Land.” “Curse it, you are right. But for that I might as well be heir of Farnsworth as well as not, instead of being simply a mine-owner in this rude city of Leadville.” “Therefore, after Sir Noel’s death, the estate will come to me,” Chandos added, triumphant- ly. ‘I step in ahead of you, because of your eriminal record.” “Well, I don’t see as anything particularly ean be realized by having Sir Noel die at pres- Ralph Gardner declared, reflectively. “But ere he leaves this place he shall feel my hand, although I do not show it.” ‘* How do you mean?” “That I cannot tell precisely. But it is “enough to say that I bear him no good will, although he is my brother. He could have saved me that trip to the penal colonies, but he chose to let me go, and suffer the punishment of every murderer, rathor than to help me out. swore then that I would do him an ill turn be- fore I died, and I mean to do it,” Chandos was silent, but puffed leisurely at his _ cigar. _ Whatever you do,” he said at length, ‘ don’t spoil his finances, for I hava te depend upon him for my cash. You know I never soil my hands with manual labor, and were his bank to - fail, I should be in a deuce of a fix.” ‘Never fear. All I get out of him, 1 shall 3 share equally with you, my dear brother. For _ { may need to use you yet.. A few more ques- peat q Deadwood Dick in Leadville, have to ask of you, and then you may £0. | oe : 7 aes How much money or other wealth has Sir Noel in his possession now?” ‘“‘ Very little. Deadwood Dick took posses- s.on of all we had, as we were coming here,” “ Deadwood Dick?” ‘ Ay—the road-agent. He pounced down on us, and demanded all our valuables, promising to return them as soon as we arrived in Lead- ville. He claimed that he was a protective agent for the public, and took this plan to thwart the bandit, Captain Hawk.” ‘A clever lie, no doubt. He may, however, return the money and_jewels, as they say he is a ae of his word. How much did he take in a % * About two thousand dollars from Sir Noel, a hundred from me, and some odd change from the women, including the Farnsworth jewels.” “They are worth fifty ‘thousand dollars, are they not?” : “Probably, for there are many rare old jewels.” ‘ “Then, if they should be returned, you tell me. Those jewels and the money shall ours —ours, understand you, equally divided. You may go now. Don’t mention meeting with me, lest Sir Noel should trouble me with too much of his brotherly affection. A possible twenty- a or thirty thousand apiece would not be bad, é “ Tndeed, no!” Chandos replied, his eyes pee ling. ‘*I shall not decline to accept a share, you may rest assured.” Sir Noel was standing upon the steps of the Tontine, that morning, when a ragged urchin ‘approached him, carrying a compact little bun- dle, wrapped in heavy wrapping-paper. “Can you tell me where TI find’ Sir Noel Farnsworth, boss?’ he demanded, steppi in front of Sir Noel, and eying him, eee dS uch Be you him?” ‘*T should say I was, if I were truthfully in- clined, my lad,” Sir Noel replied. ‘‘ What do you want of me?” ss on es a package for you, I reckon. A chap sed as how he’d give me a quarter to fetch it to you,” and the urchin handed the bundle to Sir Noel. “Very well. gave it to you?” - “You can’t prove it by me, sir, | wasn’t to an- swer no questions,” and doffing his hat, respect- fully, the lad hurried away. Sir Noel went to his room at once, and ea- perly untied the package. When untied, he be- eld his wallet, together with those taken from the ladies Farnsworth and Chandos—also,‘\a smaller package containing watches, and jew- gi ee the handsome casket of the family jewels. All were inclosed, according to Deadwood Dick’s promise. . Examination of thepocketbooks revealed all in them intact with the exception that a hundred doliar note had bee from Sir Noel’s What sort of a looking man n extrac wallet. In its place, however, was a piece of paper, pearing the following message in around, ANG: : 7 Aaa I) ge = a | 7 ae
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“Drapwoop Dick’s Cam>. “iis, FarnswortH, Dear Sir:— “Binclosed vou will find all of your valuables, with tihe exception of $10) dollars, which I deduct for my time and trouble in your behalf. Let me advise you fio look out for enemies, They are thick around you. Also, to deposit your valuables, especially your jewels, in the hands of Levi, the Jew. He is jrusty, and will keep them safely for you, while, if you keep them about you, you are liable to be robbed Truly, ete., * Drapwoop Dick.”” ‘He is honest, at least!” Sir Noel muttered thoughtfully, ‘“‘ and, road-agent es he is, he a Jeast has my friendship, henceforth, and my aid if he needs it. Why would he not be the right man to set in search of Lady Belle? I would that I could see him and enlist him further in my service!” et any moment. Lady Belle Farnsworth, in the meanwhile, bad been spirited away to the retreat of Cap- vain Hawk. : ry In the attack of the banditti upoe the_pre- rious night, a pair of strong arms had reached jartto the wagon and drawn her out. Lhe realization that she was in the power of she ruffians caused her to faint; consequently she knew no more until again restored {to bore sciousness, ‘Then it was that she found herself helplessly wound, and held in the arms of a bewhiskered masked man, who, mounted upon a powerful jaorse, was pushing through a heavy pine forest. Nor was he alone, for behind him galloped a score. or more of men, similarly attired and ' masked, and armed with rifles, : \. The animals seemed to know the way, for they proceeded with a loose rein. ; Although conscious, Lady Belle was careful 20t to betray her consciousness, lest she should joe subjected to more indignities than though she kept quiet, and feigned. insensibility. And 80, in this manner, she rode, keeping her eycs open when practicable, and listening as she was carried away. ; - At last they began to ascend the mountains, and the horses were reined down to a slow walk. For hours, it seemed, they wound around through gaps and fissures, in their up- ward flight, until they came out on a natural ledge’ or plateau, comprising about a half- dozen acres, hemmed in on three sides by per- pendicular walls of solid rock, which even a chipmunk could not have scaled, so high they were. The fourth side overlooked a yawning gulf, with the narrow path worming its way onto the mountain as the only place where footing could beheld. It was a frightful ascent, and not one in a hundred not knowing of the plateau would have guessed of its existence. _ Here it was that the bandits drew rein and dismounted. The man who carried Lady Belle descended from his saddle, and turning, addressed a tall, thinnish individual, who had alsodismounted. “See that the horses and men are fed well, Marmosa, forthere is more work before us scon. If Tam wanted for anything important, you will find me in the castle.” c So saying, he strode away, carrying Lady Deadwood Dick in Leadville. Your bro- ther, Sir Noel, is very well fixed in this world’s. 17 Se ne Belle partly over his shoulder with greatest ap- parent ease. ‘ Her face being to the near, as he proceeded, she was able to gaze around her, considerably, without his seeing her. The night was illumined by a young moon, a objects discernible at a considerable dis- ce, ; The plateau seemed to have at some remote date been quarried out of the solid rock of the mountain, for it was smooth and even, as were the walls, which hemmed it in on three sides. A greater part of it was covered by an edifice which the chief had rightly called a castie, for . it was built of massive stone, three stories in hight, with many odd little windows and niches, and two turrets or towers pointed up skyward, at either end. It was an unsightly pile, over- oe with moss and clinging vines; evidencing the fact that it had stood there many years. A wide covered court or passageway appear- ed to be the principal entrance, for through this the bandit carried Lady Belle, and ‘into an inner square, where flowers and shrubs grew in tubs containing dirt, and emitted a gratifying fragrance. Passing on through this square, tho bandit re-entered a continuation of the castle. After traversing a narrow passageway for some distance, he ascended a pair of stone steps and entered a large room, which was lighted by a lamp suspended from the aarti Upon a couch he laid Lady Belle, and in the action he saw that her eyes were open, and that she was conscious. : » “Oho! so ye’ve cum to, eh?” he said, survey- ing her with a pair of fierce gray eyes that gleared through the holes in hismask, ‘ Well, what do you think of your new quarters?” Lady Belle sat up, resolving to be brave, She had inherited. coe from her father, stern old Sir Roderick, and it was the kind of courage which manifests itself inan hour of emergency. ‘“‘T do not like them at all,” she said, coldly. “Why have you brought me here?” _‘ Because you are a valuable bird,” the ban~ dit replied, with a smile, ‘‘ You are a valuable bird to pring to my cage, for the simple reason that you will command a large ransom. You probably do not know me?” ‘* How should I know you?” “Well, that’s so! You were but a mere baby when I saw You last.” ‘“ You saw me? When did you ever see me, pray?” Lady Belle demanded, wonderingly. “Oh! I saw you when, you were a yeariin babe in your mother’s arms, at Farnswort: Heath, I never supposed I should be honored by | a visit from you.” ® ‘Who are you?” “T am: Captain Harriot Hawk, the bandit.” “The murderous outlaw fiend?” ‘The same, if you so please to call me. 1 ~ once had another name, butit matters not about it now, for itis many years since I have been called by it.” “You are a bad man,” Lady Belle said, cold- ly. ‘‘ Why should you b ring me away from my’ people, when J have never harmed you?” ‘“ As I said before, it was ror the sake of mak- ing money that I brought you here. bro-
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- usual was crowded to overflowing. to look right or left he kept on until | . sheriff, and Simon 18 goods, and will pay handsomely to have you re- stored to him,” 3 ““You may be mistaxen. Ido not believe he would gratify you thus, He would quicker organize a force of men, and come to my res- cue, ‘a! ha! he would have a fine time reaching me! Understand you, my lady, I am the king of robbers in this wild region, and some day not far distant, it is my scheme to own and con- trol the whole sweep of mountains in this vi- cinity. Iam lodged here where no one short of the Almighty himself can oust me out. It is not in the power of man to do so. Iam daily gathering around me hosts of men who’ are eager to serve under my flag, which shall.soon wave from the turrets of Castle Hawk, So, you seo, that when, even now, I can call two hun- dred men to my aid, there is no hope of your brother. ever reaching this stronghold alive, Should he make the attempt and refuse to pay the ransom I ask, you shall receive the same treatment meted out to all my prisoners who fail to get ransom.” ‘And that is—” ** Death, my lady—death by a hundred rifle- bullets. But we will hope that your brother will sea the er gee of ransoming you and saving your life. Until then, you shall have all the freedom and courtesies of the strong- hold, together with the constant attention of a lady’s maid, who is my own daughter. It is useless for you to attempt to escape, as you would only court instant death, where, if you remain, peaceably, you wil probably in a few days be restored to Shs mp Respectfully, Lady Farnsworth, I bid you adieu.” And turning he strode from the room, : CHAPTER VII. A DISCOVERY—A GHOST—AND A ORIMN, A. MAN camo out from the Clarendon hotel, on Harrison avenue, Leadville, and walked through State street to Chestnut, and hurried along through that main thoroughfare, which as Without ausin; e reached the outskirts of the town. it was early evening, and the stars overhead were making it fe upon the little main street, whore-swarmed the populace. i The man whom we have seen, was the Vigil- ante chief of the town who had but lately tak- en his stand as such under the namo of Thor- Se Tom. t the edge of the town he entered a clump ‘of heavy chaparral, and was gone for some time —for_good, perhaps, unless he could be iden- tified with the masked horseman who rode out - a half an hour later, and set off at a gallop, down into California gulch. 3 For the horseman was Deadwood Dick! Three men immediately afterward emerged from an ag bunch of bushes, and gazed after the Prince of the Road, as he galloped away. They were Ralph Gardner, Jo Murphy the Kent, one of the principal mine-owners in the Leadville district, And it was evident that they nad come out here for eaepose. a Deadwood Dick-in Leadville, ee ‘You see for yourselves!” Ralph Gardner said, triumphantly, pointing after the receding road-agent. ‘The man who entered the chap- arral was he we know as Thoroughbred Tom, and who heads our Regulators and Adjusters. When he went in, he was Thoroughbred Tom. As he comes out he has changed to the char- acter known as Deadwood Dick!” ‘‘ Tt seems incredible that he should have been among us, unknown,” Simon Kent said, in as- tonishment, ‘TI have often heard of him, but never expected to find him in our midst.” “Nor me, by jabers!” decided Jo Murphy. ‘“Tt’s the divil’s own imp I’d’ave quicker ex- agen to rist my eyes on. Arrah! but it’s @ ne jig we'll cause Misther Deadwood Dick to dance, whin we catch his nibs!” “Yes, he shall not long for a tight rope, with- out getting it this time. All we have to do is keep quiet and nab him when he is in the char- acter of Thoroughbred Tom. Then, we can string him up on short notice, for his many crimes.” “Thin yez’ll have to do it yoursilf!” replied Murphy, “for bein’ a ripresentative av tha at it’s not becomin’ ay me to lynch without a rial. “Well, give him a trial, then,” Gardner said, sarcastically, ‘I can scour up enough evidence against him in an hour, to hang a dozen men.” This same evening, it was, that the mine-own- er had threatened to turn the Heaths from their cabin. But it was not his purpose to show his hand in it, as he was proud of his position ag a citizen in Leadville. . After leaving the sheriff and Simon Kent, he hastened to his office, and for several hours sat and smoked, ee with his writing. He at last rose and left the office, and en- tered. the cabin, close by, which covered the mouth of the shaft to one of the mines. “T must drop down into the mine, and see ~ how things are progressing here,” he muttered, as he stepped into the bucket, and motioned for the engineer to let him down. Down—down—down into the Stygian go until the s was lessened, and the ucket touched bottom. The mine-owner stepped out into a passageway, where tons of the carbon- ates were piled on either side. : ; Following through the passageway, which was not lighted, Ralph Gardner kept on until something more than ordinary caused him to pause. : Hoe was aware of a something awful in his presence, and his hair began to feel tight. y The mine was reported haunted by a genuine specter, by the miners, but Ralph Gardner had never yet seen it, or had any faith in the stories, He now seemed surrounded by a strange halo of bluish, whitish light, but could see no object, although he gazed around him, sharply. “Curse me for an idiot,” he growled, endeay- oring to quiet his nerves, and regain his scatter- ed courage. ‘ Why am T thus cowardly? Tam not afraid of a dozen specters, for there are no such things!” Bracing himself with this decision, he stepped kly forward until he came opposite a shert a gt 5 _ ~ Adwitt, or niche, in one side of the passage. ad
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Deadwood Dick in Leadville. ‘19 Up the drift ie saw the specter moving rapid- ty toward him. The specter, true enough—a tall, white-robed figure, surrounded by a strange halo of whitish light—a specter of the most frightful nature, for in the place of the head was the grinning, fleshless skull of a skeleton. This much Gardner saw; then, with a horri- fied_yell, he turned and fled’as if he were pur- sued by all the demons of the infernal regions, Abeut this time Mrs. Heath and Jessie sat in their cabin, awaiting the coming of Ralph Gardner to turn them out. hg Baa no doubt*but that he would keep good his threat, but they were resolved not to yield until forced to. It had been a ae change in their family within a few months. From a far-away Eastern home they had come to Leadville the previous fall, hoping, with a ‘thousand and one” others, to soon ac- cumulate enough wealth so that they could re- turn to their native State in comfortable cir- cumstances. Mr. Heath had obtained work at once, and soon struck a bargain for the little cabin where they lived. Beyond this, and the fact that money came in more freely, Mrs. Heath and Jessie knew little. He was a very reticent and eccentric man, who locked his own business affairs in his own keep- ing, not explaining either his success or loss in business to his family. But it was currently supposed that he owned the Wild-cat Mine, since named ‘‘ The Specter Mine.” ‘But of course this was only conjecture, as he had never said as much to his family, or to any one. One morning the mangled remains of a man were found in the shaft. Identification was impossible, as but a few shreds of flesh and a few bones were left, the body having been thoroughly dissected and dragged off by the great mine-rats. ; It was, however, supposed to be the miner, Morris Heath, as he could not be found else- where, and his hat was near the remains. Immediately after his death, Mrs. Heath caused inquiries to be instituted in regard to the Wild-cat mine, but disappointment awaited her, for Ralph Gardner had stepped forward claiming that he was the owner of the property, and had employed the deceased miner: also, de- nying that Morris Heath ever owned a dollar in the lode. - * Of course, having no proof ’to the contrary, Mrs, Heath and her daughter could do nothing more in the matter, and nothing was left for them to do but to depend upon their needlework and an occasional job of washing for their liv- ing, which they had done since their loss, al- though Mrs. Heath was much confined to her invalid-chair by rheumatism. ' Jessie, however, was plucky and aie to work, and through their united efforts the managed to eke out a comfortable livelihood, are oveb at times Mrs. Heath grew disheart- ened. Not so with sweet Jessie, whose spirits were every buoyant. z But to-night both mother and ‘ anxious, for they knew not what the next hour wae bring forth. ell aware of Ralph Gardner’s evil nature, they could but expect that he would do them some ill turn, even though he should not actually attempt to drive them from the cabin. ““T don’t believe he will try to do that,” Jessie said, anxiously, ‘‘for that would not give him food for his wolfish passion of revenge, I should quicker think that he would attempt to burn the cabin down over our heads, or perhaps poison the water we drink.” . Tam afraid of him, myself, dear, and I feel that we are running a great risk in sta ing here alone. If we could get Mrs. Davy and her: hus- band to come and stay with us until I am atkle to leave my chair, 1 should feel easier!” Mrs. Heath said. ‘Then, mamma, Vl run across the hiil to their cabin and ask them, Would you be afraid to stay alone?” “No, child. Just wheel my chair. around facing the dogr, and Jay your father’s revolver where I can reach it. But, are you not afraid to go out through the lonely way between hera and Davy’s?” ““No, not a bit! I haye been over the same route before, a dozen times, without getting hurt. I guess I won’t be, this time. <A kiss, now, and I will be off.” And after obeying her mother’s instructions, Jessie kissed her, and hurried out of the cabin. The night was dimly lighted by the young moon and stars, and she was enabled to see the route over the rough hill with its dottings of shanties, most of which were occupied as shaft houses or engine rooms. Taking a well-beaten path, she hastened swift- ly along until— Res When she was midway between her own home and her destination, and in a lonely spot, a half dozen men stepped suddenly ont of the bushes, and seized her, smothering her cries quickly by throwing a blanket over her head. , _ They then dragged her into the bushes, and into a sort of inner glade, where a score more of men were waiting with horses. Here Jessie’s arms were bound, and as soon — as the blanket was removed, a revolver was thrust against her temple as a warning of Silence. All the men were masked, and armed to the teeth, as Jessie could see. “So you've got the girl, eh?” demanded a deep voice, and Captain Harriot Hawk emerged from. further in the chaparral, ‘‘ Well, it’s lucky you caught her without trouble. You areto remain here, while I ride on and finish the job!” “You ruffian, do you mean to molest my poor mother?” Jessie cried, indignantly. ; = “No, little girl, I shall not harm her in the least!” Captain Hawk replied, with a low, bru- tal laugh, and vaulting into the saddle, he guid- ed his horse from the chaparral, and was soon heard galloping away. . Poor Jessie! She was now in an agony cf fear and susnense, for she believed that the ter- = daughter were | » In the mean time the bandit chief rode away rible bandit meant murder. ; There wag that in his tone which caused her _ to think so. ne,
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\. you a, eee ; 20 wee toward the Heath cabin, at a gallop, a fierce ex- pression hovering about his. mouth. When he came in sight of the cabin, he dismounted, and crept cautiously forward on foot, not wishing to be heard, On arriving close to the cabin, 4 peep in at the window revealed to him that Mrs. Heath was guarding the front door, But another rear door offered him means of access, and by skillful! maneuvering he finally. succeeded in opening it, and gaining an en- trance to the cabin, without raising a noise. Step by step he crept forward toward Mrs. Heath, not making the least sound to betray his presence, until at last he was near enough to reach forward and grasp the revolver, She uttered a shriek of alarm as he did this and he then stepped around in front of her, with a triumphant laugh. “Ha! ha! Yousee I was too sly for you, de- spite your vigilance!” he said, chuckling over his victory. ‘‘ There’s always two ways around a bush.” ‘ ““Monster! Who are you?” Mrs. Heath gasp- ed, pale with alarm. ‘‘Why do you come here, sir?” ‘ “To seo you, fe al Heath, and kill you when I go!” Captain Hawk replied, with sudden fierceness. ‘‘Do you know me, woman—does not some instinct tell you who I am?” **T do not know you, sir. You are no friend, and I want you to leave the house!” “Pshaw! Margaret; don’t be foolish. I am not affected in the least by what orders you may give. Here, I wil! remove my mask, and - see if you know mo then!” and true to his word, tho bandit chieftain removed his mask. Deadwood Dick in Leadville. Se ' you would court!” the bandit cried, savagely, and drawing a knife, he sprung forward upon her, and forcing her back in the chair, plunged the gleaming blade to the hilt in her bosom re- Les cn < Then ho arose and burried from the cabin, a hard-set look upon his ugly face. Vaulting to the saddle, he struck the spurs fiercely into his horse, and galloped back to where he had left the men, They were ee mounted, and without halt- ing he waved his hand, and dashed on, they following in his rear, away, to the mountain sens id they went through the soft moonlight night. oor Jessie had long since fainted, as she pic- tured inher mind the murder of her mother, and consequently she knew nothing of the wild ride of the bandits, until she was safe within Castle Hawk, far up in the mountains, Then, consciousness returned to her, and she found herself in a large stone room, lighted by large windows, and with a door looking out up- on the plateau in front of the castle. The furniture was rude, but serviceable, ard floors were laid with rugs of soft furry ins, Captain Hawk stood near by, regarding her with a dark frown, when she aroused, and she shrunk away when she saw him. “Oh! ye needn’t be afeard!” he said, ‘for I sha’n’t harm ye. A man as would harm an or- phan would be mean enough to do anything!” “ An orphan?” Jessie gasped, paling. _ Ay, an orphan, for on my arrival at your cabin, Miss Jessie, I found that the assassin had been there ahead of me, and struck your moth- It was a dark, repulsive face that was re- |! er’s death-blow!” vealed, and Mrs: Heath gave a ery of recogni- tion at sight of it—a faco that was coarse and hairy, with a large sensual mouth, and eyes that were evil in their gaze. “ “red Harriot!” Mrs. Heath gasped paling. “Ay, Fred Harriot, my dear—alias Captain Harriot’' Hawk, the bandit. I see you still earry moe and my name in your memory, Mar- garet!” “Monster! I loathe and detest you. Never so much as now!” 5 “All that may be true, Margaret, but there ‘was a time when I should have won you had it not been for Morris Heath, curse him.” “No! Fred Harriott, you would never have won me, because I_ regarded you with aversion and detestation. But, why talk over a subject of so little interest? T pray you take your de- parture.” “Not until I know my fate, Margaret. I have come here to ask you once more to become: my wife, and the queen of my castle. Ido not ask you to love me; I simply ask you to become my wife. Ihave your daughter in my power, and xn can thus be near her. Refuse, and I will ill you and make her my slave,” * arry you!” the woman exclaimed, in scorn —“‘never, Fred Harriot, even though you were to kill me a dozen times!” é “What! not to save your child?” “No! not even to save her, would IT marry you wretch!” . ao Then, by Heaven, you shall have the death ae And turning with these words, the bandit strode from the room, pale, himself, as a picture of his terrible crime arose before his eyes. While he left behind him a white, motionless figure upon the floor, It was not the first crime of this Captain Har- riot Hawk. Many times before had he dyed his hand in human blood, in his career of a ~ brigand, which had begun in the heart of Mexi- co, where dwelt the rich old rancheros on whom. he preyed, until he had come to this mountain retreat, in order to be near Leadville and its hosts of people. For in unity there is strength, and in strength there is money; and it was for this that Cap- tain Harriot Hawk planned and schemed. From the presence of Jessie Heath he strode to the mess-room of the band, an immense ‘| apartment in the castle, where the outlaws were wont to congregate to drink, smoke and gamble when not out upon the trail. _ : The room was full of brawny men as Captain Hawk entered—men with low brows, swarthy ee and evil gaze—a hard-looking set at the est. - All greeted with a nod their chief, and sat awaiting orders, : : Instead of addressing them, however, Captain Hawk turned to his lieutenant, Marmosa. . “ Are all the men in, lieutenant?” ee “No, Sir Chief. There are three divisions yet out upon the trail.” tetas 1 Why have they nob returned?” fer 4
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“That I do not know, chief, The stages may have been delayed.” “True, I hope they will bring in booty, for wemust haveit, Get the boys fed and xeady for another ride. he posters have thrown Leadville into an excitement, and as soon as it subsides, I shall attack the place, and burn it to theground, Was the wagon-train containing the coal oil captured?” * Ay, chief, and fully five barrels secured and fetched here.” “Good! Let the men prepare enough com- bustible material to fire the town, for it shall be in ashes ere many nights, and the mine’s ours. Ma! who have we here?” For two men had entered, conducting between them a third party, whom they had evidentl ad for his hands were bound behind his ack. ‘Release that man. He is a friend of mine!” said Captain Hawk, sternly. ‘‘ Ile has the free- dom of my camp.” The man was Ralph Gardner ! CHAPTER, VIII. OUTWITTED—DEADWOOD DICK’S DEFIANCE, A crowpD had collected in front of the Ton- tine House—a mob of stern-faced men and yell- ing ruffians—a crowd who were armed to the ‘teeth, and were desperate looking enough to have frightened any ordinary man into sub- mission, “Deadwood Dick! Deadwood Dick, the out- law!” were the cries xeard on either hand. “aul him out, dead or alive, and we'll hang him to the stiffest limb. Hooray for a reg’lar lynch!” ‘‘Great comfluneral ham-bone_ thet. masti- eated ther larnyx uv old Joner! Venerable old Moses in the bullrushes! w’at’s ther. rip hyar? Step aside, ye greasy pilgarlics, and let in ther old boreal thunder-storm o’ demolition, till he teeto'lly demolishes a half o’ millyun o’ yel Give me room, fer ther Annihilation has begun a new keereer, despite o’ rheumatism. Who sed Deadwood Dick—who mentioned that pet road-agent, I want ter know? Whar is he, ther galoot, until I cock.my alphabetical eye at him?” .. “He’s in thar, old hoss,” a miner said, point- ing up into the second story of the Tontine. “Te war spotted out by Sime Kent, and we're om ter stretch ther kinks out o’ his neck, eautifully, when we git our hands onter him.” ““Hambone thet Joner eulogized! don’t tall thet way, beloved pilgrim. It makes my hair grow pale ter hear ye. Ye don’t know what in- stant annihilation threatens you, pilgrim, Ef ye war ter strain yer eyes for’a’d ye could see clean inter ther future, by thunde”,_ Ketch_ thet angelic ’coon, my gay, festiverous Dickey? Never, sir, never! Hist’ry an’ belle-letters hey roved thet ther job can’t be did! Besides, Pll bet two shots from a pop-gun thet Dickey ain’t up thar. Why, larst I heerd o' him he war up in ther neighborhood 0’? Deadwood!” “ Ren't help thet, old hoss. Deadwood Dick’s come down into this region, an’ begun his devil- try, an’ now we've cornered him, and ar’ a-go- in! ter yank him up in good shape. He'll find _ this ain't no Deadwood, by a long shot. Ye see 1 ig tmp: Deadwood Dick in Leadville. he’s sorter been pert off on us in a disguise of Thoroughbred Tom, but,Sime Kent, together wi? Ralph Gardner and Sheriff Murphy, they spotted him last night. An’ a leetle while he sailed inter town, and now we've got in cornered, yonder in ther Tontine», Soef yell wait, yell hey an opperchunity ter wituess a - fu’st-class raisin’.” » ‘Yas, in ther eye uv a blind pig!” Old Ava- lanche replied. ‘Great ham-bone, pilgrim, ye couldn’t tech one side o’ thet ar’ Dickey! act. by gracious! Bet a jug o’ tarant’ler some loot w’at’ goes. cavortin’ too frisky around my . Dickey ’ll get a gripe in ther stumick.so soon he won't know his alfybetty. Know’d o’ sech a case, oncet, whar an ae hed a. curiosity ter embrace thet same Dickey, an’ he got it ker- slop right in the jaw, forninst. Et was good-b: Injun, ye can bet yer socks! Oh, yes; theyll gis my Dickey, no doubt! Why don’t they etch him out, if they dare?” ‘“Ca’se how thar’s durned few who care ter go and tackle*him. They say he sits up thar in ir Noel Farnsworth’s room, wi’ a pair o’ revol- vers in his grip, an’ several pair more Jayin’ — loose around, a-watchin’ fer them as is goin’ ter take him. No one ain’t purtickler about feelin’ — his pulse jest yet, Pll allow!” ; az rin’ old ham-bone thet telefoned ter old Jener! thar’ll be fun an’ funerals, when they tr ter take thet young war-colt, you, bet! An’ say, ef they try ter lynch him, I hope he'll fill every man’s carcass full 0’ bullet-holes, as tries ter take him!” “What is the matter, Alva? Why is all this erowd gathered here?” It was Calamity Jane who proached and, tapped the old the shoulder, ? “Why, Janie, gal, they’ve got Deadwood Dick lodged up thar, in thet hotel, an’ he won’t come out so thet they can _hev ther pléasure o’ fittin’ ee neck wi’ one 0’ Lynch’s patent hemp col- ars! ““What! Deadwood Dick: here?’ Calamity gasped, a sudden anxiety in her tone. “I sup- posed him in Dakota!” =4 Bie “So. did I, Clamity, but et seems both our suppositions ar’ incorrect, Great a’riferous ham- bone! ef they evyer get Dickey out o’ thar, yell see sum high old times!” eos “T don’t want to see it,” Calamity replied. eb as she ap- nnihilator upon, ‘Sh! .Is there no way you and J can rescue him, Avalanche?” ’ : ghik “Great patriarckal ham-bone! I wish thar war, C’lamity, an’ ye could count on ther Anni- hilator, every day ina week. But I fear et’s no use 0’ our interferin’, fer thar’s thirty ter our — one, an’ they’d only mob us.” “They shall have a dear time trying to hang him!” the Girl Sport said, her eyes flashing darkly. ‘‘I but wish T knew where his camp is, — and Pa soon have his men down here to his res- — cue. The crowd did not seem to decrease, but grew denser in the street in front of and around the Tontine. preva- Black Hills; men were 3S pti <—en
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22 or heard of him, but having sometime been rob- bed by other agents, were none the less vindic- tive toward Deadwood Dick; men were here who gloried in taking human life, whether in self- defense, in justice, or cold-handed. And then, the citizens who were law-abiding were there to keep the ball a-rolling. : _ But none seemed willing to attempt to enter the hotel and take the famous Prince of the Road, whose hand, with a pistol in it, was a sure puarenee of death. Ho, together with Sir Noel Farnsworth, was quartered in a room over- looking the street, and it was suspected that the baronet would also fight in the behalf of his guest. : Blacker and denser grew the crowd, and the glitter of knives and revolvers was seen on either hand, —~ But one glance at the notorious Prince of the Road did these excited, bloodthirsty men want, to settle his accounts. stnrp by, the sheriff, was present, trying to urge on different men to enter the building and _ take the Road Prince. But death seemed to have no temptation for them, as not a man moved; and a shout went up, when, at last, Sir Noel Farnsworth stepped out upon the balcony in front of his room. Every voice becams hushed, and all was silent among the mob. After clearing his throat, Sir Noel spoke: “My friends, I highly appreciate your pre- sence in so august a body, but not knowing how I am indebted for this oe will you be kind enough to tell me what you want?" ai ‘‘Haith, we want that divil’s own imp, Dead- wood Dick!” replied Sheriff Murphy. ‘ So tum- ble him out, bedad, or it’s niver a bit we'll let up on yez. ¢ . Wise 2 = § Ay! ay: givé'us Deadwood Dick!” was’ the ‘ shout that went up from the crowd. A smile came upon the face of Sir Noel. ** That is impossibe for me to do, my friends!” he said, Plessenty “The man, Thoroughbred Tom, called upon me, but as soon as he saw you gathoring in tho strest, he donned another garb ~- and diszuise, and made his escape, and—your Deadwood Dick is gone!” The yell of\rage created by this disappoint- ing aniouncement, was furious, and Sir Noel was obliged to retreat into the hotel, for a shower of sticks, stones and bullets were hurled up at him. ‘Wild were the mob over the loss of their priz2, on whom they had counted so ruuch—especially the ruffian element, to whom the name of Dead- wood Dick was a terror. Resolved upon re- vonze, they made a rush toward the entrance to the Tontine, but the sudden closing of the doors by the manager shut them out. In tho streets they still swarmed, however, and dark threats were made-against Sir Noel. Chief among tho leaders of the now riotously disposed gang, was the Leadville giant, Beauti- ful Bill. was a howling beast, more than a mat:. Working their way around to the rear of the restauran', Calamity Jane and Old Avalanche _ succeeded in obtaining admittance. Ron demand, they were shown to the parlor OL SL r Noel’s suit. Tho baronet was pacing to Filled to the neck with bad whisky, he |. | he is plotting against you!” Deadwood Dick in Leadville. and fro, megs while Lady Farnsworth lay upon the sofa, so bing out her hysterical fears, Sir Noel looked up in surprise, but bowed courteously, as he saw his new visitors. He had on both, before, but not to be acquainted with em. ‘s We come without invitation!” Calamity said, “T wanted to oy you a little advice, if you are in the habit of accepting such. My handle is Calamity Jane, - This companion of mine is Old Avalanche, the scout. “You, I suppose, are Sir Noel Farnsworth?” “Tam. In what way can I serve you?” “No way, I reckon, as I generally don’t de- pend on no one, But you're in danger, and I came to advise you to slide toward the risin’ sun just as fast as you can crook your ankle,” ‘You think Iam in danger, lady?” “T do, certain, or I shouldn't have said so. That gang down there are talking eg? of lynching you for assisting Deadwood Dick to ech oe ‘*T didn’t assist him. He didn’t even ask me to, but slipped out of his own accord.” “Tt matters not; you could not change their opinion, atid the pot’s a-boilin’ red-hot among ‘en. I opine that unless ye git out before sun- set, there'll be a lynching right in front of. the Tontine!” ; “But I cannot. My sister is a captive in the power of Captain Hawk, the bandit, and I can- not return East until I regain possession of her.” “Have you heard from Captain Hawk since her capture?’ ‘* No; I have not.” } “Well, it will not be safe for you to remai: here unless you’ve plenty of grit and intend to tee a free scrimmage. In that case, Pl stand y you. ‘“ You?” Sir Noel said, in surprise. “ Ay, I!” Calamity Jane replied, with a smile. “You may think me a strange ithe and perhaps I am, but I enjoy a free fight, when it is for the right; and Avalanche here will tell qe that I never shoot twice at the same ob- fae r “Great ham-bone, that war ther final obit- uary o’ old Joner, no!” the Annihilator said. ‘* Jennie she ar’ sum on ther shoot, Cap. Ferin- . stance, when she ken brush an eyewinker off ’m a muskeeter at a thousand yards wi’out putti’ on specs, she ain’t doin’ so bad, ar’ she?” ‘ Well, no, I should say not,” Sir Noel replied, with a smile. ~‘‘ Indeed, I thank you both for your kindness. As to myself, I shall not run. — I shall stay here and fight it out.” : ‘Good! I honor yourresolye. You can count Old Avalanche and’ m9 on deck with you. As I do not anticipate any trouble, immediately, I will go and secure a fresh stock of condensed death—that is to say, ammunition. But firs*. and while I think of it, let me warn you of en - mies other than those yelling toughs down ther — in the street.” S “TY received a similar warning onco before, sae goes here. LIhardly know what tomake of it. t “ Well, keep pou eyes on a& es*nin dark- faced brother of yours. He mea 5 you mis- — chief. In conjunction with your other brother, ——
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Deadwood Dick in Leadville. “My other brother, lady?” *“Yes—have you not another, by the name of Roy Farnsworth?” Once I had such a brother!” Sir Noel re- pe blushing, ‘‘ but now he is in Van Dieman’s and, paying the a a rash crime.” “Not so, Sir Noel. y Farnsworth is in Leadville, .and is plotting against you, in_part- seme with your brother, Chandos. I saw them together, and playing the spy, [ learned that you bad this bro her, and that the two were vlotting against you.” “*Miss, this is almost incredible. What have I ever done to make them my enemies?” Sir Noel asked, pacing to and fro, in great agita- tion, ‘“* As near as I can learn, Sir Roy, who here in Leadville goes under the name of Ralph Gardner, cherishes a grudge against you, be- cause you refused to buy him out of going to the penal colonies, and the brothers eee er; hate you because you are the heir of Sir Roder- ick’s wealth.” “By Heaven, if this is true, they shall find me game, to. the bitter end!” Sir Noel cried, an- grily. ‘I am usually free-hearted, and easy to get along with—sluggish they even go so far as to call me; but they shall find that I have some of old Sir Roderick’s fiery blood still in my veins.” “Hark!” Calamity Jane suddenly cried, leap- ing to her feet—*‘ listen to that, will you?’ ir Noel did listen, and heard a bugle blast pealing along through the valley; then, the wild clatter of many iron-shod feet. “What does it mean?” he asked, following the Girl Sport to the window. ‘It sounds like a charge of cavalry!” “Tf means that Deadwood Dick has come to show them that he can either be saint or devil!” replied Calamity. ‘‘He has come to disperse the mob, and show them that he fears them not!” They stepped out upon the balcony, to gaze upon a strange scene. The crowd that had been collected before the Tontine was rapidly scattering in all directions some cursing, others yelling, and firing. Bu not faster they flew than came on the road- agents, headed by the straight, handsome, mask- - ed figure in black—the unconquerable Deadwood Dick, Prince of the Road! . Like a charging army they came on, their horses at arun, every manmasked—two score of them in i pated with cocked revolvers in each hand, for they used no hand upon the rein. By the simple pressure of the knee, or the wave of a hand, they guided the flying animals down * the main street of Leadville, an occasional yell escaping the lips of Deadwood Dick, ; On—on they came, and soon there was a sig- nal report from the daring chief's pistol, after which the whole band began an incessant roll- ing fire upon the flying and panic-stricken mob. *Kerwhoop! Great ham-hone that discom- bobberated ther terrestyal garreanen uv old Joner’s larnyx!” cried Old Avalanche excited- ly—‘ thet’s ther kind o’ a hair-pin Deadwood ick is, every day in a week, an’ don’ ye fergit it! Ef f warn’t so old, I shed and a tiger fer him)”. __ , give three cheers “See! not a man falls under their fire!” Cal- amity Jane said. ‘It is a well-arran scare away the mob. And now, Sir Noel, isa capital chance for you to escape te better quar- ters, for, even though we mighe have fought the mob here, it is not a desirable place for you to fight your scheming brothers. It has just occurred to me that I can guide you to the stronghold of this Captain Hawk, you are willing to trust me,” _ “But where would I leave Lady Farnsworth in the meantime?” Sir Noel demanded. “Leave her here, until you return.” “Perhaps it would be the best plan. Have you any other questions?” “What have you done with your valuables?” “T was warned by this Deadwood Dick to de- posit them in the hands of old Levi, the Jew!” “Allright. If Dick told you, you may count on it as a safe place, unless an attempt should be made to rob it, which is not unlikely, on the part of your brothers,” ““Maybe they are accomplished cracksmen enone h, to ergwl into an iron safe for them?? Sir Noel said. “If so, let them try.” A glance down upon the street proved that Deadwood Dick had swept it of the mob, with- out killing a man, and he dashed on with his men into the dense belt of pine timber on the northern side of the camp or town.” It had been a huge scare, and the wild deri- sive yells of the road-agents rung back upon the od v the frightened citizens with maddening effec Still, they dared not pursue the handsome, — daring Prince, for none were there who to face him and his band of invincibles in a fair ee fight, which would be the ultimate issue, should they organize a pursuit. “They've cleaned the mob out!” Calamity said, ‘‘and now is our time to puckachee.” The scare of the ride of Deadwood Dick through Leadville, was a theme for excited dis- cussion in the town, among the miners for the rest of the day. Miners gathered upon the street to distribute their ideas on the matter; the daily paper on the following morning had an extended notice on the bold act of the road- agents. Inclosing,itadded: _ “The so-called English baronet, Sir Noel Farns- worth, laid himself liable to arrest for assisting Dead- wood Dick to escape while he was corraled in the Tontine, but having made himself scarce, accom- panied by the notorious Calamity Jane, and a scout calling himself Old Avalanche, Sheriff Murphy is a unable to get hold of him,” Another notice was posted throughout the — town, réading as follows: “Whereas the people of Leadville, without cause — or provocation, turned their hands against me, cause of past deeds, I caused the raid to be mad into the town Deadwood Dick fears no living man—or men, below, and so long who oppose him shall be meted out a measure full. here ned, CHAPTER IX. re THE AZTEC’S STORY—BRAVH LADY FARNSWORTH. plan to’ for the purpose of illustrating that ‘as he is warred against, those a % Deapwoop Dick.”
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\ ” great friends. 24 ae Hawk. And by the perempt-ry order of, the band t chief he was promptly released. “You did wrong in attempting to come with- out my orders,” the captain said, as he took Gardner to his private room, ‘‘ The men might have shot you for a spy.” “But I came all the same,” Gardner said, ~ “and now I want my prize. Where is she?” * “Tt matters not just now. You cannot see her until I see fit to let you. Both she and you are in my power, and itgsuits me to keep you apart, at present!’ . _ “Why this contrary move?’ he demanded. ‘*T paid you well to secure her, and bring her here, did I not?” . as Yes, but honor is not one of the ingredients of my kind, and I may cause you to pay a dou- ble sum for your own and her liberty. Or I may take the girl for myself!” ‘“‘Curso you!” Gardner cried, in a rage. “You are a traitor to your friends, as well as your foes. But, watch you well—I’ll get even with you if you intend to play me this sort of a game!” Lady Belle Farnsworth, after Hawk left her, began making an investigation of the premises, for the bandit had promised her the freedom of his mrad and she meant to enjoy it. So she ' had not been in the castle four days ere she had learned every crook and cranny thereto, from top to bottom. : er own room was furnished with a table, stools and a bed all of skins stretched upon rude frames, and this was all, except the doors were so arranged that she could fasten herself in, if she chose. : As soon as she found out concerning Jessie fleath’s arrival, the kind-hearted English girl went and made friends with the American, and ‘used her utmost power to cheer Jessie out of her _ mourning for her lost mother. A couple of days served to dispel Jessie’s grief, to some extent, and the two girls became Together they roamed through the old castie; through its quaint hallways, and ancient rooms, from bottom to turret, whiling away their time, and watching for an oppor- tunity to escape. It was a strange, monotonous sort of life, this of the bandits of Camp Hawk. They had a few amusements, and were as a rule of the most brutal type of ruffians. But they made no offer to molest either Jessie or Lady Belle, doubtless having been warned not to by Hawk. But though the fair prisoners looked cagorly for some chance to escape, thedays rolled by and none came. They took their meals in Lady Belle’s room, an slept there. The food was mainly corn- dodgers and roast meat, but it proved very pal- -atable. ~ _. In the course of their rambles they came across an odd character to whom they took an - instant liking. He was an old Indian, who guarded one of the turrets, where the girls were wont to climb in order to get a view of the surrounding moun- tain scene Ee At first he was gruff and uncommunicative, ¥ fo #¢ Deadwood Dick in Leadville, but after awhile they succeeded in winning him out of his guard, and getting him to talk. Finding that they appeared to like him, he became communicative, even going so far as to tell them the history of Castle Hawk. “Tt is many years,” he said, in tolerable Eng- lish, ‘‘ since the Raven came hither, He was then young, and Nee ae a great brave of the Aztec tribe. He a squaw, and two panecoee as handsome as the growing maple. ut his people, who were a. great race in tho Far Southwest,;banished the Raven from the tribe, because he would not sacrifice a beauti- ful pale-face maiden at the altar, and hunted him away from their land. The Raven was a great warrior, and rallied around him fifty warriors, and came hither. Raven ordered the plateau made, and he was obeyed, He ordered the castle built, and it was done. He ordered the road dug up the mountain-side, and that, — too, was done. <All this took many years, but the warriors found both time to work and hunt, and were happy. Raven was ha By with his squaw, and young sons, too, and built great fires.on the surrounding peaks. ‘¢ When not upon the hunt, his warriors work- ed inthe rock of the mountain, piercing deep into the bowels, to make secret passages, “At last came the terrible scourge, and one by one Raven’s warriors dropped off from a disease that seemed incurable. One by one he laid them away in the depths of the passages their own hands had made, until all, including Raven’s squaw and sons were sleeping the sleep of peace at the feet of the Great Manitou. Then Raven alone was spared, and left by himself in his village in the mountain. He never tried to rally another band around him, but became a hermit, until the bandit chief came and robbed the Raven of his peaeeful home, and turned it into a robbers’ stronghold. Raven's life was spared, but he was placed here in the turret of his own wigwam, to watch until the Great Manitou shall call him.” “Then you bear the bandit chief no love?’ Lady Belle questioned, eagerly, “The Raven hates the bandit more than the cougar hates the trapper. But his hands are old, and his body lame, and he cannot fight.” “Poor Raven! Would you not like to leave the castle, and go to the villages of the_pale- face, where you could get work, and have a better home, than here?” ies “The Raven would like to go, but he has no where to go—no home—no friends.” “Tet him not fear. If he will eScape from ‘the castlo, and take us with him, we will guide him to the pale-face city, and give him money ta buy a ie weapons and ammunition, il you go Rte ‘The Raven will think, He kiows of many secret ways out of the castle, and he mebbe take pale-face girls, and go. ‘He think much hard about it, and if he go, he come for pale- face girls an’ take ’em song. 2 So the girls went back to their room, refreshed with a stronger hope of escape. This was the third day of Jessie’s stay in the castle, and the fourth of Lady Belle’s. - That evening as they were sitting alone in | their room, after lamp-light, the door was sud-
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Deadwood Dick in Leadville, denly thrown open, and a man stepped quickly into the room and closed it after him. Jessie uttered a little cry of alarm, for she recognized the well-known form and evil face of Ralph Gardner. “Sh!” he said, ina low tone; ‘*keep still, or fe will attract attention. If I were caught ere it would be my death.” mo why are you -here?” Jessie demanded, coldly. “To rescue you young ladies from the power ot this wretch, Hawk. I have been days in working to reach you!” Gardner said, ‘I have at last triumphed, and can effect your escape.” “How kind you are, Ralph Gardner, But, do you think that you can deceive me? No, indeed! You are a hypocrite—a base schemer —a murderer. Were I to stay here until dooms- day, I would never accept rescue at your hands.” ‘Why, my dear Miss Heath, I am surprised. You speak in riddles.”- y “Then, I will speak even plainer!” Jessie re- plied, scornfully. ‘‘I will say even more, if your comprehension is so poor. I can see through your whole scheme, as though I were reading it from a book. It was you, who hired Captain Hawk to murder my poor mother, and bring me here. Now you have come, pretend- ing that you have gained an unobserved en- trance, and you propose that if I will marry you, you will take me away from here. Other- wise, you will leave me here, in the power of Captain Hawk. Do so. I would rather live here until I died, than to leave here with you!” A demoniac scowl came upon Ralph Gard- ner’s face. “Ourse you,” he said, savagely, ‘ are pretty’ shrewd at guessing, for you hit the case, exactly. Ihired Hawk to bring you here, and now you have your choice between marrying me and leaving here, or marrying him, and staying. Which will you do?” “TI will do neither!” Jessie replied, firmly. **T defy you and your power. Do your worst, for I would take my own life, rather than to marry you. ‘ ‘‘We shall see. I will leave you here-to the tender mercies of Captain Hawk, and not re- turn for a month. By the end of that time I believe you will be ready to accept me,” And with a bow, and a devilish smile, Ralph Gardner left the room. : * Captain Hawk, in the mean time was riding alone, toward Leadville, at full tilt, upon his handsome horse. A fine equestrian was this bandit chief, but merciless upon a horse, for he used the spur and whip savagely. On arrival at the outskirts of Leadville’s bustling city, he drew reins and dismounting, secured his horse in a grove of chaparral, to a stout sapling. t He then removed the mask from his face, and walked boldly into the town. Few if any had ever seen bim without his mask, and he had no fear of being recognized. P Making his way to the Tontine restaurant and hotel, he ordered a waiter to show-him to the rooms of the Farnsworths, and, was conse- quently shown into the parlorjof their suit. 4 My Lady Farnsworth was sing by the win- a dow, but arose haughtily, as she beheld a stran- ger standing boldly in her presence. 2 “T beg. your pardon, my lady!” the bandit said, bowing low, ‘But I could not resist the temptation of calling upon you, believing that you would know me, but it would seem that you do not.” “No, sir, Ido not know you. How should I when you are a total stranger to me, and in a strange place?” her ladyship replied. ' ‘*T was not always strange you, Barbara. There was once a time when Byron Stansol was a dear friend to you—a friend that was a lover, but you refused him for a title.” : “ Byron Stansol!” Lady Farnsworth echoed— “vou Byron Stansol?” “The same, dear Barbara, although I have — never carried sail under that name since I left England. Here in America I am known as Captain Harriot Hawk, the bandit.” f “Merciful Heaven! you are not that mon- ster?” A “The same, if a monster-you choose to call me. Tam known as Harriot Hawk, here, and as a bad man. Iffave your cao in my posses- sien, and 1 have come to make terms with you for her restoration.” ‘What terms do you demand, sir?” “T have not really decided. One hundred ben a pounds might possibly do fér the pres- ent. ; , -* Aye you mad, Byron Stansol? I havenotso much money in th tu you, if I had.” “$0? ‘Well, Lam not a hard man to please, and we can talk up’another plan. For instance, — you marry me and take me back to England as some great lord you have met during your tra- vels. Your title and social position will enable you to do this. I have plenty of filthy lucre, © and we can cut a great swell in London, and flatter myself my title and shrewdnesS will get — e world. Nor would I give it ~ me into the Queen’s favor, after which Iam all — hunki-dori.” o Sto ly. 73 : “Not even to save the life of Barbara?” “No, not even to do that. marry again. : “Probably not, unless shall kill you if yourefuse.” * Monster!” « Ay, call me all the pet names you like, for I deserve them all,” Captain Hawk said, witha in. ‘‘T am a demon when yourouse me. I ave no fear of God or man. stained with blood many times, and Lam not — afraid to stain it again.” “Nor am I afraid of replied hea drew a cock and leveled it at the bandit’s heart, had no time to draw was ‘* covered.” : “Now dare to make a.single hostile moy and I will shoot you!” Lady Farnsworth saic S$ Own weapons ere he you mean?) ; ing under the aim of the reyolver, ‘‘ You marry me, for I * My hand has beer’ — you ” Lad Farnsworth | : and. making a sudden move she — revolver from her skirt’s folds, ! Lady Farnsworth said, deprecating- would not marry you were youa king!” _ your daughter, — I shall never — is So sudden and zipidly aid she act, that Hawlt at
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26 “‘T mean that if you move an inch, t will put every one of the seven bullets in this revolver in- to your body!” Lady Barbara ghee triumph- antly. ‘‘ You are my prisoner, Captain Hawk, and I shall see that you are dealt with, as men of your type deserve.” * Pshaw, you would not shoot me, Barbara!” the bandit said trying to force a smile. “ You are only trying to intimidate me by playing a practical joke. “Try me!” Lady Farnsworth replied, a steely Lage in her eyes. ‘‘I have every confidence t it will prove a serious joke to you.” ** Curse you! curse you! What do you intend to do?” Hawk demanded, his face growing white and flushed by turns. ‘‘ You are not going to give me up?” “That is precisely what I am going to do,” the h2roic woman replied, keeping a revolver still upon a level with his heart, and touching a vall-bell with her other hand, ‘* You are a prize I do not value, and Ishall makea present of you to the public!” “But, stop! listen to reason!” Hawk cried, rowing nervous. ‘‘If you give me up, and I o not return to the cece te my men will cut your daughter’s head off. Those were my orders when I left camp!” *“A clever lie, Byron Stansol, but it willavail you nothing. You would not give such an or- der, as you value your prize too much, and you knew not what delay might detain you. You are too shrewd a schemer for that!” A horrible oath escaped the ruffian’s lips when he saw that ho was foiled at every turm. He was tempted to reach for his own weapons, and murder the daring woman on the spot, but he was fearful that she would kill him ere he could accomplish his purpose. A servant soon appeared, in answer to Lady Farnsworth’s call. . Send: the proprietor at once,” her ladyship said, calmly, ‘‘and also the sheriff and one or two stout men. This is the notorious bandit and ruffian, Captain Hawk.” ' The servant hastened to obey, and in five minutes the room was full of men who were willing to take charge of the outlaw, and tho news had i all over the town of how Lady Farnsworth had captured the dread chief, of whom nearly every one was afraid, Sheriff Jo Murphy secured Captain Hawk, and bound him beyond a possibility of his ever escaping without aid, and he was marched off to the jail, followed by a crowd. The news spread like wild-fire, aud it was ‘soon in the mouth of every man, woman and child. An instant trial was ordered by the people, -anl though the sheriff should have waited the slow motion of the law, by rights, he could not resist, without running the risk of having his own life taken by the mob. ~~ Afd, then, too, it was not known how many ‘pals might have accompanied the bandit chief to the town, and it was feared that if there had been any such, they would spread the news to Z ‘tho main band, who would make an effort to re- gain their chief. Accordingly a jury was selected, and the case Deadwood Dick in Leadville. = i was brought up, with a prominent lawyer as prosecutor. A Captein Hawk was present, and had to be gaggea to prevent his frightful profanity and abuse, A yo pettifogger undertook the de- fense, but after he had spoken a few words, tho crowd grew so excited, and revolvers were dis- played in such profusion, that he wisely took a seat. A verdict of “‘ guilty” soon followed—the jury not leaving their seats. “Then,” said the judge of the improvised court, ‘I sentence the said Captain Hawk to death, by hanging to the limb of a convenient tree, until he is dead. The execution to take ame to-morrow morning at sunrise. Off with im, to jail, and leta strong guard be placed over him.” Away to the jail was the bandit again taken, and a guard of half a hundred armed men et around the jail to guard against his ing rescued by any of his confederates in crime. In the morning he was to die! CHAPTER X. — LYNCHED—DEADWOOD DICK AGAIN—OUT OF THE CASTLE. From the moment Captain Hawk was recom- mitted to jail, crowds began to gather in antici- pation of the coming lynching in the morning, en came in from the mines—from Malta—from Adelaide City, and from all the local mining points, for the execution of a real live road- agent was quite a treat, in its way, to these rough toilers after wealth. They gathered in little knots about the street corners, to discuss the exciting topic, or in saloons to gamble away the time. At last the morning came, and the street for many rods from the jail was black with a surg- ing mass 6f humanity, even at the first strea of day.. And there they watched and waited with feverish impatience, for the moment of the execution to arrive. At Igst the sun shoved his rim up over the eastern horizon, and promptly on time, Captain Hawk was led from the jail by the sheriff and his aids, and positioned beneath the strong out- reaching branch of an adjacent tree, Then the rope was drawn over a limb, and attached to his neck, and ’mid wild cries he was Jaunched into eternity. N Ralph Gardner returned to I> ville, the evening after the execution of aban Hawk in the morning, and sought out Chandos, who had changed his quarters to another hotel. ‘“We have work to do to-night,” he said, throwing himself into a seat. “I have just learned that Sir Noel has deposited all his wealth in the keeping of an old Jew pawn- broker, down there, and it must be our duty to steal that mcney, and light out.” : ““Why light out?” the Englisher demanded, coolly puffing away ata cigar. NS eae ‘* Because the place will soon be too warm to hold rae, unless I turn road-agent. Read this!” wmAnd he handed Chandos a sheet of note paper,
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Onerar ee, upon which was written the following, in a bold style of chirography: “Mr. Rano Garpnek:— Your day as owner of the Spect rmi-eisnowtoclos*. Aft rplaying specter to my sa isfa tion, Ihave concluded to come back tol fa, and haunt you in anot.er way—I shall drop you at sight. q “Morris Hearn!” ‘ Well?” Chandos queried; ‘ what about this?” ‘Tt means that it will be healthiest for me to puckachee! This man Heath was supposed 10 have been murdered some months ago, but it seems by this note that he is still alive. I do not care to meet him, for he carries a deadly rancor in his bosom for those whom he hates.” “How did you learn about the jewels?” Chandos demanded. “T heard Sir Noel say that they were de- posited there. In company with the old scout, Avalanche, he is quartered in an old cabin, down in California gulch.” ‘ “Why don’t you send the mob after him?” Chandos asked, savagely. “Twill, I will. They will fix him in fine shape. There's the big bullwhacker, Beautiful Bill, who will take delight in routing him out, But, for the present, we’ve other work to do. Hlave you any disguises with you?” ‘ ol" ‘Then, wait here, and I will get a couple of wigs and beards.” And so Sir Roy, or Ralph Gardner, took his departure, soon to return, however, with the required articles of disguise. : fter careful genre their disguises were effectually donnéd, and they were ready, for the work ahead. “Where does this pawnbroker hold out?” Chandos growled. “Like as not we shall get ourselves In a& trap, for our pains.” ‘‘Never fear. The old Jew is fast asleep ere this, and if he awakes [ll smother him. He keeps a shanty around here on Harrison avenue, and there’s an easy mode of entrance on the back side, and the sooner_we get through with the job, the better, for I want to getout. It means death for me to remain here with Morris Heath alive, unless I can get first pop, which is not likely.” Leaving the hotel, they set out at once toward their destination. Crossing from Chestnut street to Harrison avenue through State street, they hurried along with the crowd that was still broad, despite the lateness of the hour, Entering an alleyway they traversed it until it brought them to the rear of a low slab building, and here they halted. “This is the place!” Gardner said, in a low tone, ‘I think we can work here, unmolested. The first act is to open that door, and gain an entrance. Lackil have a number of keys, some of which may suit the circumstances.”- With the rapidity and caution of an old and - ra ab ge cracksman, he began to try the keys, but none would fit. He next took a wire from his pocket, and bent %, and tried that, several times. In the third trial he was success: ful, and the bolt was turned in its trough. Cautiously opening the door, the two broth- = entered, and softly closed the door after Deadwood Dick in Leadville 27 ——— They were in od dese darkness, now, but Gardner had provided for this contingency by* bringing with him a dark-lantern, and they soon had some light on the subject. ‘Removing their boots in the linter-room they had entered, they then stole softly into the front apartment, which was as store- room and store for the sale of lager beer, grocer- ies, notions, and jewelry; also as a pawbroker’s shop, where money could be obtained on articles of value, The stentorian snores from behind a counter announced that the Jew was already enjoying sweet oe: after the fatigue of a day’s labor in his ‘‘ leedle sdhore.” “That's one point gained,” Gardner whis- pered. ‘t You hold the lantern, and I will try to bind and gag him. If I am successful at that, our prize is within our i Chandos took the lantern, and amet 2 some stout straps, Ralph Gardner climbed in behind the counter where the corpulent form of Levi, the Jew, was stretched out on a cot-bed. ‘Working with great care, the mine-owner slipped the rope- beneath the Jew’s wrists, and soon had a successful tie, then followed his feet, and next Gardner threw a heavy blanket over his head, to prevent his cries. - “ Now, we are all hunki-dori!” he said. ‘‘We ean work without molestation. Yonder safe, probably, contains what we want.” . eT up and get the accursed stuff, for I am getting as nervous as a cat!” Chandos whined. If we were to be caught here, we'd be ceed up like that bandit was, this morn- in ‘Tll take the chauces!” Gardner replied. ‘Here, hold light down here while I cipher out the combination of this lock.” It was a harder job than the mine owner had expected, but he was equal to the task, and at last the door swung cpéen. Inside the safe were a large number of com-~- partments and drawers, all of which -were locked. But to pry these open was the work of only a few minutes, and the contents lay revealed to the two burglar: F : There were wallets, and caskets, and port- monnaies, and watches, chains, and gold and silver ornaments in great profusion, end the hands of Ralph Gardner hauled them ruthlessly from their receptacles, while a triumphant laugh ecaped his lips. : “This is a fat pan, We'vestruck it rich, sure _ p! he said. ‘ Here, let’s first count the cash, ~~ and divide the spoils.” Not only was the pocket-book of Sir Noel cor- dna with money, but each of the others were ‘ull of bills and dust, and when the money had all been counted and the dust estimated, there was at least twelve thousand doliars’ worth of spoils in the two burglars’ possession. This in- addition to the diamonds, watches and other jewelry. ‘We will divide the money, and keep the jewels until we can dispose of them!” Gardner said, counting it out into two different piles. “ And now, let’s get out of this before we are discovered.” + Pocketing their spoils, they stole from the”
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38 rear entrance, like the thieves they were, into ths night wherein to hide their guilt. ° Not far did they go, however, before they wore suddenly and peremptorily halted. Before them and behind them the alley was filled with armed masked men. Confronting them was the unmistakable form of Deadwood Dick! ‘“* Hold!” he said, sternly. ‘‘ Your trouble has availed you nothing! Not a word, unless you ara seins that death should suddenly overtake you ‘What do you mean by this foolery?” cried Gardner. ‘‘ Let us pass.” “Deliver up the spoils of your theft!” Dead- wood Dick replied, coolly. ‘Get ready, boys: I give this pair of precious rascals five minutes, by the watch to unload, If they do not begin before I wave my hand, plug them.” si Gardner and his brother at once began to dis- gor.e their spoils into the hats of several of the men who stood ready as receivers. “Curse you, Deadwood Dick, I will get even with you, for this, if I have to wade through blood to do it!” Gardner raved. ‘‘ You’ shall got littls merey, once I get you in my power, I assuro you.” 5 “Til take your word for it. There: have you disgorged all that you stole?” ft pe a 3 Am his neck, and kissing his swarthy cheek. -miingle Fs ‘“Yo3, curse you.” ‘ “Very wall. Boys, you may search them, and bind and gag them, and leave them here in the alley. Be lively, now, for we have no time to tarry.” The order was obeyed with alacrity, and the brother-villains soon were lying upon their backs in the alleyway, stripped of their dis- xiises; while with the spoils in his possession, eadwood Dick was soon riding mountainward, accompanied by his band, To a cabin in California Gulch he rode, while his band galloped on toward their retreat. After the departure of Ralph Gardner, Lady Belle and Jessie were more at ease, for they feared the villain, even though they tried to be brave in his presence. Fortunately Lady Belle was spared the pain and humiliation of knowing that Gardner was her own brother, and still clung to the supposi- tionthat he was in Van Dieman’s Land, serving out his time. The next day they again visited thé Raven in the turret. The Indian welcomed them with a grim uch!” and after a few questions on the part of Lady Belle, he said: Raven escape to-night; take pale-face girls jato earth, and out through secret passages. Go - to Leadville, and leave the tower town of the Aztec forever.” “Oh! you dear good Indian!” Lady Belle cried, involuntarily throwing her arms proune you will only do this, you shall be well reward- ed for it, and youshall have a nice home. Iwill even persuade Sir Noel to take you back to Eng- Jand with us!” _ Tho Raven would not leavethe land of the lt sun,” the Indian, replied. ‘‘He stay near the ashes of his ple, and when he die his dust witb their dust. Let the pale- Deadwood Dick in Leadville. Le LTE | face maidens go now; the Raven will come soon after the birth of the new day.” ; So Jessie and Lady Belle went back to their room rejoicing with the prospect of their early escape. The day passed slowly, however, and the only way of whiling away their time was sitting at the window and watching the men moving about upon the plateau, for they had been through the castle so many times that there was no novelty in it any more. f There were new recruits. coming into camp, every few hours—evil-looking ruffians whom one would have feared to meet of a dark night. Upon the plateau they formed themselves,and Lieutenant Marmosa drilled them in the tactics of the manual of arms. Night at last came, however, and with it great excifement to Castle Hawk. A courier ar- rived, heralding the death of Captain Hawk, at Leadville. The news of course created a great commotion in camp, and there were immediate prepara~ tions made for a night ride, by the orders of the lieutenant. The men were ready—even-eager to go. Before starting, however, the whole band were assembled on the plateau, and mounting a barrel, Lieutenant Marmosa looked them all over with an Syproving glance, ** Comrades,” he said, ‘‘ you are about to take the road to avenge the death of your captain, Harriot Hawk. You will meet with strong re- sistance, and your success depends all onhiae you fight and who leads you. Choose some manfrom the band whom you would have fill the boots of Captain Hawk, and we will at once start upon the road.” : There was a moment’s silence among the men, during which time each man turned to look in his neighbor’s face, ‘Then, in a voice that was unanimous, they shouted the name: . “Marmosa!” The lieutenant bowed, grimly. ‘* As you like, my fellows. I‘would as soon lead you asnot, and hope to do so satisfactorily!” he said. ‘To the saddle, now, and we will sweep down upon Leadville like a blight!” The ruffians obeyed by mounting with alac- rity, and soon the whole band rode off of the plateau and down the terrible mountain trail that led to the darkening oe of the solitudes in the strange vales and gulches below.” “Now we are better able to escape than ever,” Lady Belle exclaimed, triumphantly. ‘‘ There cannot be many of the outlaws, and I believe we could take and hold the fort ourselves.” ““T fear we would not make very brave sol- diers,” Jessie replied, with a faint smile, It was nearmidnight ere a soft rap came upon the door to their room, and a moment later the Raven entered. He was armed with a rifle and knife, and a skin mantle was drawn about his shoulders. “Ugh! Pale-face girls git ready, now, and come with Raven. He take ’em out to the gulch at the feot of the mountain, and go with them to the city of the pale-face.” , Lady Belle and Jessie hastened to don their wra) into © castle, ings, and then the chief led the way out _ *
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Deadwood Dick in LeaAs.life, eT “fy there no danger of the guards?’ Lady Beile asked, glancing nervously around. - Raven, the Aztec, smiled. “Guards gone to sleep—all pac what guard the dugway,” he said, tapping his knife significantly. ‘‘ Pale-face girl no need to fear.” rom the room they entered a ] hall, and traversed it for a considerable distance. Then they passed into a sort of niche, and touching a concealed spring, the Aztec pushed open an apparently solid wall of rock; it moved to one side, revealing a large, black, cavernous space beyond, Bidding the girls keep close at his heels, the chief entered the dense gloom, and soon the began to descend a rude stone staircase, whic ha thes time been chiseled out of the solid rock. Down, down, down they descended step by step, without stopping, until it seemed that ee hours. had been spent in the toilsome walk, Then Raven paused, and the girls heard him aoieaie a ee ate eee ; moment later they step upon the grass bottom of a gulch far down in between rake ing mountains, where the moonlight shone full upon them. Ly “Now pale-face girls free!” the Aztec an- nounced. ‘‘Have to walk many miles before reach town.” ‘**T do not think we shall mind the walk, as we are walking for liberty,” Lady Belle re- sponded. “Let us start at once,” was Jessie’s answer. and they sallied forth on their weary night tramp, ; CHAPTER XI. A SPANIARD’S VENGEANCE!—DEADWOOD DICK’S “STRANGE RESOLVE.” A¥FTER the departure of Deadwood Dick, Ralph Gardner and his brother lay in the alley- way, bound and gagged and unable to move. It was food more bitter than gall, for the for- mer, to know that he had been beaten at his own game, to say nothing of the humiliation of being left in such a plight. The night wore on, and the noise and bustle of the town died out. The infant city was wrapped in slumber. Still the two burglars were forced to lay upon their backs in the dark _ alley-way, with no sign of rescue until discover- ed by some chance passer-by. e At last, however, the sharp ear ot Gardner detected footsteps coming up the street, but when they turned into the alley, he knew not whether to be fearful or to rejoice. Nearer and nearer came the footsteps, then a man bent over the, imprisoned mine-owner, and peered down into his face, \ It was the gambler, CarlosCordova! To see that the man before him was Gardner caused the Spaniard to start. “ At last I have got you!” be exclaimed, with ‘a low, devilish laugh, in which all the Spanish ee a Sai to ea aay a Fh x ou just where I want you. Cut my head oft, would you, because you beat me at cards by chexting, eh? We'll see you do it, at once—oh! yer,at once. Did you not receivemy note—from the specter of the-mine? I that, as well as played the specter. orris Heath is deaGd—i saw you when you murdered im. I was in the shaft-house at the time, watching you. Ha! ha! Icould hang you higher than Gilroy’s kite, but I have a better vengeance in Bashi ge eecce do you hear? For all you have stolen from meI am going to cut your head off, as you were going to mine, a few nights since. Ha! ha! that will appease my ap- petite for revenge ee ou!” Gardner groaned. He could not do more, with the gag fastened so tightly in his mouth. Cordova saw it, and laughed more villainously than before. “Groan, groan,” he cried, demoniacally, “It is sweet music in my ears to hear you. But hark! footsteps come this way. I must not be thwarted of my vengeance. T’ll tako care that I'm not, too. Say your prayers, for you are. doomed |” ; He drew a heavy; thin-bladed knife from his pocket, and with a sweep of it across the throat ee rig Gardner, he severed the head from the ! “ x Then, wheeling, he plunged the reeking blade to the hilt\in Chandos’s heart, after which he ae and fled from the alley, out into the night. : Down in one of the blackest portions of Stray- horse Gulch, two-score of horsemen, attired in - black suits and masks, were drawn up in line,, as silent as specters of the night; silent until 4 there came the sound of ringing hoof-strokes, and a horseman dashed up. Then the voice of - Deadwood Dick: : ‘*Come on! come on! The bandits are com- ing down the gulch. We'll make the cliffs, and with our repeating rifles, cut these human hyenas to pieces!” m dashed the Prince of the Road and his men. On—on—until they were upon an emi- nence Smear sy the gulch below. Here they waited. rong Soon the clatter of many hoofs was heard» pad the bandits were in sight in the gulch be- low. Though very strong was this ruffian fare of cut-throats, with Deadwood Dick to lead the as- sault there was no hesitation. A terrible round of fire from the inexhaustible Henry rifles of the road-agents poured down into the ranks of the bandits. ted Surprised at this unexpected onset, the bandits made but a feeble response—then they spurred their animals in all directions to escape the. scourging fire. : A detachment of Deadwood Dick’s men gaye chase, but were not successful in capturing a single bandit. : Of those who had been killed there were full . a dozen, and as many horses, but not: for thesa eared the Prince of the Road, and after ascertain- ing that none of his own men, or horses were in- qured, he dispatched them back to their cam} Later Deadwood Dick was at his: village, but ‘ne staid not long there, but rode away, after
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OF. bidding his men all good-by. He acted strange- ly, but they could not account for it, and watch- ed him depart with feelings of anxiety. From his bare oe he went to the cabin, on the outskirts of Leadville, where he expected to find Calamity Jape, Avalanche and Sir Noel Farns- worth, but he only found the former two. Sir Noel, in disguise, had gone to Leadville to make arrangements for the burial of his two brothers of whose death he had been apprised by an ex- p'anatory letter from their murderer, Carlos Cordova. Calamity welcomed the Prince of the Road, with a cordial handshaking, and the Annihilator was profuse in his greetings. . ‘* Great pestiferous ham-bone!” he ejaculated, ‘I’m as glad tersee ye, Dickey, as tho’ ye war a part o’ ther greatdestructive Annihilation; shute me fer a coyoteef I ain’t! Hain’t seen anything o’ my mare Prudence, or my goat, Florence oS ea I suppose? Left the latter up at Del Norte, when you an’ I war thar, Dickey, an’ the goat he desarted me up in Dakoty, ter eat destructive caravan o’demolishun hisself, T expect.” “No, Alva, I haven’t been fortunate enough to run across your animals,” Deadwood Dick replied. ‘Indeed, it gave me surprise when I heard that you and Calamity were down here.” ‘“ Yes, we had to come down, so that if there were any notable skewrups, we could take a hand,” Calamity said, witha quiet laugh. “TI like it here, and believe I shall stay here for awhile.” : “Possibly I may follow your gs 4 when Tt pay off the debt against me!” and Deadwood Dick spoke bitterly. “ How do you. mean, Mr. Harris?” ‘You shall soon learn,” Dick replied. ‘'T am going straight to Leadville, and give myself up to the justice-grabbers and let them hang me and have done with it. They will never get over their antipathy for me, until they see me dangling in mid-air beneath a tree-limb. After that, Iam not afraid of them, for they cannot hang a man but once, and that satisfies the law for all previous misdemeanors. I have but to hang, and then I can laugh at them all, for I shall be a free man—free to go where, or do whatsoever I choose.” ‘ Deadwood Dick spoke earnestly, and they could not doubt that he intended to do otherwise than as he said. _ *Y¥ou are foolish,” Calamity said, advisingly. ‘What do you expect to make by losing your life, to satisfy a crazy people? Bet your boots I Se patty do it, not by a long chalk. Would you, va ‘“‘ Great mother-in-law ter ther antediluvian devil, no! I reckon I wouldn’t stretch my windpipe, jest because some cone wanted me “But I think you don’t comprehend the ad- yantage I am going to derive,” the Prince of the Road said, grimly. ‘‘I am not going to die, as pilgri usually do, but I am going to live - through the ordeal. Iam cone live through the ordeal, and afterward laugh in the faces of * those who witnessed my send-off.” * Live through being hung!” Calamity ejacu- lated. ‘‘ Impossible!” : Deadwocd Dick in Leadville. ‘* No, not impossible. It has been done, Af. ter I am cut down, l want you to take chargeot my body, and apply remedies for my resuscita- tion. If you succeed, all right. If you fail, all right. Death would have grappled me sooner or later. Itis buta venture, at the best, and Tam going to try it.” : “You will fail!” Calamity said, anxiously. “The men who serve Judge Lynch do not make knot-tyers for fun.” ; “T care not for that fact, I shall run the risk. All that I want you to promise is that you will try to resuscitate me.” ; ‘‘ Which I promise, of ccurse. But I think you are rashly running a terrible risk. Sup- posing on weather the gale, and free your- self! How. long will you remain so? Not three months will Ls Tll guarantee, ere you will be again at the head of the band of men scour- ing through the country. Some one will call ered just as thick with rewards, then, as now. It is not your nature to be still, and therefore, you cannot long remain a free man. Half-man and half-devil, it is. your destiny to live and die upon the road.” ““Then I will die in my pores res Teh oa if Ido not live!” Deadwood Dick repli ‘Great ham-bone! Ef I hed sech a grudge agin’ ap gee like you, Dick, ’d go and drown myself, I would, sw’ar if I wouldn’t. Yer grit reminds me, sum’a’t 0’ that o’ ould Huldah Pen- eroil, up in Dakota. -She war a tremendous ugly-lookin’ woman, an’ every time she looked in a look’g-glass, shed git madder ’ana hornet at_herse’! lookin’-glass. One day she resolved ter commit susanside, and hired a feller ter tie her heels ter ther tail o’ a buffler, and Lordy! ye orter see y her snaeaed io Et war beauchiful, an’ an’ my old goat Florence Night-in-a-gale nigh about bu’sted our sides a- ’, That war the last Ses see’d of Huldah.” aven’t got any particular dge against myself,” Deatgacd Bick replat a I rick made my mind up to do it, and no sort of argu- ment will change my decision, You will act as T have directed, Calamity?” : ‘To the letter, Dick,” the Girl Sport replied, in a choked voice. ‘ You are not going?” “Yes, Jennie, for I have other matters to at- tend to. Good-by, my friend,” and Deadwood Dick clasped her hand warmly in his. when I look upon your face again, it will be a3 a free man.” Then, after shaking hands all around, the Prince of the Road took his departure, riding rapidly toward Leadville. As he was passing through a ravine near the town, four men stepped from the chaparral, and raised their hats to him, in salutation. i ‘All right,” he said, without drawing rein. “Be ready at sunset, and act according to my directions, I guess the matter can be managed all right.” Then, he galloped on. CHAPTER XII. EXIT DEADWOOD DICK! : A crown of people in the main street of foau- you a road-agent, and your head will be cov-. an’ punch ther stuffin’ out o’ ther. “T hope- ~*~ | ville—men, women, and children, the sun rising
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Deadwood Dick in Leadville. | over the eastern chain of snow-capped moun- tains; a man, bareheaded, standing upon a box in the midst of the crowd and thet man, Dead- wood Dick! Such was the scene. é “(My hearers,” the Prince of the Road said, coolly, ‘‘ you behold before you, the notorious road-agent, Deadwood Dick, come to deliver himself up to justice, .Iask your attention but a moment, and then you shall have the pleasure of witnessing my skill asa tight-rope performer. “My career has been one strangely eventful, and in bringing it to a close, I wish to thank my Maker for his pay mercies to me, and also you my pilgrims, for the contributions you ma: . have tendered me, generally speaking. Indeed, you have pence out handsomely. Some of you mnay say that my life asa road-agent has been highly criminal. I don’t agree with you on that score, for where I have tapped you, I have done so in a gentlemanly manner, and have, as a rule, circulated the spoils among poor and needy families. At any rate, I have not a cent in the world now that was not honestly earned. - *“T have aided a few ruffianly characters in getting a grand send-off, to be sure, but they were the worst of human brutes, and feared neither God nor man, and whose lives were a curse to the country and a discredit to the name of man. I only wish I could drop a few more of them, but have concluded to let out that job to some one else. “Therefore, in balancing my accounts, I have not much to regret. “But the law has seen fit to regard me as a ferocious criminal], and not wish- ing to offend the law—the great, majestic law— Ido deliver myself up to be lynched from the nearest limb of the nearest tree. Isee below me, here, in the crowd, four officials of the law, from Deadwood, and as I know they are anx- ious to assist me off, I will surrender myself to them! ‘* And we claim you, in the name of the law!” came the ery, and the four bewhiskered individ- uals Deadwood Dick had indicated, sprung upon the box, and took possession of him, while the crowd yelled and cheered lustily. No ceremony was there used in giving the Prince of the Road the send-off he had desired, by these four men from Deadwood. } He was borne between them beneath an ad- jacent tree, and a rope was fixed around his neck by one of the men, Then, at a signal from him, the‘other three threw the other end of the rope over the limh of the tree, and they all ected it, ready to launch the cool road-agent - into eternity. “Have you any word to leave or any prayers to make?” asked the rope-adjuster, imly. , a No prayers to make, as I made them before I gave myself up,” Deadwood Dick said, cool- ly. ‘If, however, you will deliver my body, after death, to my friends, Calamity Jane and Old Avalanche, they will have me taken care of, as I have given them proper instructions. That’s all—pull ahead!” “a And they did pull, and the body of the famous _froad-agent was suspended in mid-air. : _ He gave a few struggles, and then was quiet. fo five minutes -he. was lowered to the ground, 34 and after a short examination, the executione turned to the crowd. “Deadwood Dick is dead!” he said. ‘ has paid the penalty of the law, and you can as} no more. is body belongs to Calamity Jane, Until she comes. forward to claim it, I hold it. Please to disperse, and go your ways, and let the dead lie in pence!” The words had tho effect to disperse the crowd, when a wagon drove up, containing Calamity Jane and a rough coffin-box. Into this the body of Deadwood Dick was: placed, and then the wagon was driven rapidly away. A few more words; then we close the book © this veracious chronicle. The two erring brothers of Sir Noel Farns- worth were buried in the Leadville cemetery, as also was the mother of Jessie Heath; then Sir Noel and his party returned to Denver, from whence they started on their return toEngland, accompanied by Jessie, who wentas Lady Belle’s companion, but it is not unlikely that’ she will some day not far off become the dearer compan: ion of Sir Noel for life. Deadwood Dick, Calamity Jane, Old Ava- lanche and Réven the Aztec have gone from Leadville to new fields of adventure which we shall depict in Pocket Novel Na 94. ‘* Dead- wood Dick as Detective.” THE END. DIME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS AND HOME ENTERTAINMENTS, Dialogues, Nos. 1 to 32 inclusive, 15 to 25 popu lar dialogues and dramas in each book. Each vol ume 100 pages 12mo. Speakers, Nos. 1 to 24 inclusive. Each speake 100 pages 12mo, containing from 50 to %5 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 Rook of Verses. Dime Book of Dreams. Dime Fortune Telle Dime Ladies’ Letter Writer. Dime Lovers’ Casket. . Dime Ball-Room Companion. Dime Book of 100 Games. Dime Chess Instructor. : ‘ Dime Book of Beaut; PONS (8 The above books are sold by newsdealers everywhere, or will be sent, post-paid, to any ad dress, on receipt of price, ten cents each. Brapt AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William st,, N. ¥.:
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BUFFALO BILL Novels in the DIMB LIBRARY $2 Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; or, Life and Zovein a Frontier Fort, By Buffalo Bil, _ ’ ole 4 Ae hl %, A ; pat eae ed | “lis Phe Doomed Dozen; or, Buffalo Bill, Chief of __ Seouts. By Dr. Frank Powell. {> Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead-Shot. A Romance of Buffalo Bill’s Old Pard, By Col. P. Ingraham, 45 Wi'd Bill's Trump Card; or, The indian Heiress, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 489 Wild Bill’s Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 43 The Pilgrim Sharp; or,The Soldier’s Sweetheart, By Buffalo Bill, Government Scout and Guide. } $19 La gl the Whirlwina of the West, By Buf- &l) Bill, RY The League of Three: or, Buffalo Bill’s Pledge, By Cpl. Prentiss Ingraham, 7 ' J ‘7 The Wizara Brothers; or, White Gouver’s'Trail, By Buffale Bill. nN The OneArmed Pard; or, Red Retribution in Borderland. By Buffalo Bill. {7 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail; or, Will Cody, the Pony Express Rider. 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Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men, By Col, P, ' {ngraham, > Buffalo Biil’s Blind. Ry Col. P. Ingraham, 03 Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack’s Bravos, By Col. P, Ingraham, 150 baffalo Bill’s Big four. By Col. P. Ingraham. 757 Buffalo Bill’s Double; or, The Desperado Detec- ti,a. By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam. 61 Buffalo Bill’s Mascot, or, Death Valley Victim No, 18. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. '85 Buffalo Bill's Dozen; or, Silk-Ribben Gol Pretiss Ingraham, 469 Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake, Sam, By By Col. Ingrabam, , V7? Buffalé Bill's Spy-shadower. By.Col. Ingraham ,% ut by mall on: \87 Buffalo Bill’s Dead Shot, al. Prentige ; CRBS, wad Bap 800 Wild Bin, the Dead-Center Sho or, Rio Grande Ralph. the Cowboy Chief. By Buffalo Bill. 807 Wily Bill, the Wild West Duelist; or, The Giri Mascot of Moonlight Mine. By Buffalo Bill. 812 Buffalo Bill’s Death-Knell; or, The Red Band Riders of the Rockies By Col. P Ingraham 820 White Beaver’s Still Hunt; cr, The Miner Marauder’s Death-Track. By Buffalo Rill. 822 Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower; or, Montebeilo, the Gold King. By Col. P, Ingraham, 826 Buffalo Bill’s Sharp-Shooters; or, The Surgeon Scout to the Rescue. By Col, P. Ingraham. 830 Buffalo Bill’s Boys in Bine; or, The Brimstcne B.nd's Blot-out. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahain. 839 he Raneh King Dead Shot; or, Texas Jack’s Proxy. By buffalo Bill. 845 Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Ruse; or, Texas Jack’s Death Shot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 851 Buffalo Bill’s Double Dilemma; or, The Grea» Scout’s Big Three. By Col, Prentiss Ingrapam} 857 Buffalo Bill’s Royal Flish; or. Vhe Pony Rider’s Death-Run, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 863 Buffalo Bil’s D-ath-Charui; or, The Man Wiib aSear. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 869 Buffalo Bul’s Road-Agent‘Ronad up; or The Mys- terious Masked Manin Black. By Ingrahom. 874 Buffalo Bil’s Buckskin Braves; or, The Card aecn’s Last Game By Col, P. Ingraham. ‘ 882 The Threc Bilis: Buffalo Bi, Wild Billand Band box Bill: or, The Bravoin Broadcloth. Ingraham 890 Buffalo Bill's Life Stake; or, The Piedged Tnree, By Col. Prevtiss Ingraham. q 695 Buffalo Bill’s Secret Ally; or, The Texan” Double, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 900 Buffalo Bill's Rough Riders; or, Texas Jack” ‘Sterp-Shooters, By Cc] P. Ingraham, 004 Buffalo Bil’s Tanelhd Trail; or, Gentlemar Jack, the Man of Many Masks. Py Ingraham, 909 Buffalo Bill's League; or, Red Butterfy. Bb Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 915 B ffalo Bili and the Surgeon Scout; or. Go wan: 0, the Redskiu Rider. By Col. P. Ingraham. 921 Buffalo Bills Quandary; or, Velvet Bill's Vow By Co}, Prentiss Ipgraham, 927 Buffalo Bil’s Buff; or, Dusky Dick, the Sport By Col. P. ingraham. j é 936 Buffalo Bill’s Black Pard; or, The Gold Boomer of the Big Horn. By Col. P. Ingraham. 943 Buffalo Bill’s Block Game. By Colonel R, Ingraham, 950 Buffalo Bill at Bay. By Colonel Prentiss ngraham. 956 Buffalo Bill’s Volunteer Vigilantes. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 960 Buffalo Bill’s Blue Belt Brigade. Prentiss Ingraham, 964 Buffalo Bill’s Invincibles. 069 By Colonet By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. / Texas Jack, the Lasso King; or, The Rob- ber Rangers of the Rio Grande. By i3uffale Bill. PF The Dread-Shot Four. By Buffalo Bill. Relentless Trail. By Cot. Buffalo Bill's Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Life Raffle; or, The Doomed Three. Ready Sept. 1. Buffalo Bill’s Marked Bullet. By Col. 1 Ingraham.~ Ready Oct. 6. 973 79 "S84 ‘89 94 Buffalo Bill’s Lone Hand, By Col. P. In graham. 900 Buffalo Bill's Grin Guard, By Col, P. In- graham. x The above Drum Libraries are Mor Sale O¥ ‘ NEWSDE 4™-FORS, ten cents per Gay, at af orice = a 4
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A ee ae ee s4 4 Fel T. MART TOASTS ROR THE SMART OST. Vest Pocket Size. 64 Pages. Sewed Book. Up-to-Date. By Mail, Postpaid, I2c. per Copy. BEST LINE OF HAND BOOKS PUBLISHED. “YIDDISH” YARNS.—A Collection of Hebrew Jokes, Stories, ete. GENTS’ LETTER WRITER.—A Perfect Guide to all kinds of Correspondence. FAMILY PHYSICIAN.—Family Diseases and Their Treatment; Rules of Health, ete. BOOK OF DREAMS —Their Romance and Mystery, with a Complete Interpretation Dictionary. HOUSEWIFE’S MANUAL.—How to Keep House; How to Dye, Cleanse, ete. VAUDEVILLE JOKER,—Best Jokes by Nminent Vau- deville Artists. BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—Society, Visits, Introduc- tions, Dress, Balls, ete. FORTUNE TELLER.—Fortune Telling by Cards, Tea or Coffee Grounds, Eggs; Palmistry, ete. BOOK OF 100 GAMES.—One Hundred Games for Social Parties and Home Amusements. COOK BOOK.—Economical, Practical, Excellent. LADIES’ LETTER WRITER.—How to Write; When to Write; What to Write. The above books are bound in handsomely ‘illustrated lithographed covers. Price by mail, postpaid, 12 cents per copy. RECIPE BOOK.—For the Parlor, Nursery, Sick-room, Toilet, Kitchen, Larder, ete. BOOK OF BEAUTY.—Beauty of Form, Color, Head, Hair, Complexion, Skin, ete., with chapters on Perfumes, Cosmetics, ete. BOOK OF VERSES.—Comprising Rhymes, Lines, and Mottoes for Lovers and Friends. THE LOVERS’ CASKET.—A Treatise on and Guide to Friendship, Love, Courtship, and Marriage, “GERMAN” JOKER.—“ Dutch” Jokes and “* Gags” by best ‘‘ Dutch” 'leams on the Stage. “HAYSERD” JOKER.—The Doings of “Our Country Cousins” in a Humorous Way. “TRAMP” JOKER.—Good *Handouts” in this Book *for Professional and Amateur Nntertainers, ; “COON ? YARNS.—Best Jokes Relating to Our ‘* Dark- er-Skinned Brothers,” “TRISH” Joker No. 1.—The Wittiness and Whimsicali- ties of “ Pat.’ at His Best. “VARIETY * JOKER.—Good Things from all the Na- tionalities: ** Pat,’’ “Alphonse,” ‘“* Hans,” ** Jona- than,” ** Moses,” and ‘* Ebenezer.”’ M. J. LIVERS & CO., Publishers, 379 Pearl Street, New York City. BEADLE’S BOYS’ PRICE 1 Dandy Bill's Doom. By Oll Coomes. By A. W. Aiken. By Stoddard. By Ingraham, By E. L. Wheeler, 3 Kit Carson. y 4 Lillie, the Reckless Rider. 5 Old Grizzly in the Rockies. 6 Deadwood Dick as a Boy. 7 Wild Bill. By Ingraham. 8 The Prairie Ranch. By J. B. Badger. a Habe ban By i sl stil Texas Jack. By Ingraham. 11 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By H. B. Stoddard. 12 Brimstone Bill’s Booty. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 13 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 44 The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick. By J, E. Badger, Jr. 15 Wide-Awake George. By E. Willett. 16 Wide-Awake Ned. By B. Ringgold, 17 Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn. By Noah Nuff, 18 Adrift on the Prairie. By Oll Coomes. 19 Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post. 20 Giant Pete and his Pards, By Harbaugh. 21 Yellow Hair. By Ingraham, 22 The Snow-Trail. By Harbaugh. 283 Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr. Powell. 24 Woods and Waters. By Whittaker. 25 A Rolling Stone. By W. R. Eyster. 26 Red River Rovers. By C. D. Clark. 27 Buckskin Sam's Wild Ride. By Ingraham, 28 The Sword Prince, By F. Whittaker. 25 Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. 30 Paul De Lacy. By C. D, Clark. 31 Round the Camp-Fire. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 22 Fancy Frank’s Drop._ By Ingraham. 2 'The Boy Crusader, By Capt. F, Whittaker, LIBRARY. 5 CENTS PER COPY. 84 The Chase of the Great White Stag. 35 Old Tar Knuckle, 86 The Dashing Dragoon. By F.:-Whittaker. 387 Night-Hawk George. By Ingraham. 88 The Boy Exiles of Siberia, By ‘I’. C. Harbaugh. 39 The Young Bear Hunters. By Morris Redwing, 40 New York Bill, the Dodger. By Edward Willett 41 The Settler’s Son. By Edward §. Bilis. 42 Walt Ferguson's Cruise. By C. D. Claric, 43 Rifle and Revolver. By F. Whittaker. 44 The Lost Boy Whalers. By ‘I’. C, Harbaugt 45 Bronco Billy. By Ingraham. 46 Dick, the Stowaway. By Charles Morris. 47 The Colorado Boys. By J. &. Badger, Jr. 48 The Pampas Hunters, By ‘I. C. Harbaugh, 49 Nebraska Charlie. By Ingraham. 50 Jack, Harry, ana Tom. By F. Whittaker. 51 ‘om Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C. D, Clark. , 52 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Harbaugh. 53 Harry, the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles, Morris. 54 California Joe. By Ingraham. - 55 Tip Tressel, the Flatboat Boy. By Edward Willett. 56 The Snow Hunters. By Harry De Forrest. 57 Harry Somers, the Magician. By S. W. Pearce. 58 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost. By Ingraham, 59 Tim, the Mule Bov of the Mines. By Charles Morris, 60 The Young Trail Hunters. By ‘I’. C. Harbaugh. 61 The Tiger Hunters. By J. E. Badger, Jr. ‘ 62 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. By Ingraham, — 63 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker, By Roger — Starbuck. 64 Young Dick Talbot, By A. W. Aiken, : 4 By C. D. Clark. By Rover Starbuck
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THE Deadwood Dick e Library e LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRE-GOLOKED COVERS. 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents. Buy One and You Wiii Buy the Rest! “xtracts from the New York Evening Sun. TWO REMARKABLE In only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a ‘aovel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera- ture has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps more than one reader will have to think a moment over shis remark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit strikes home, But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement vhat will be news to many when it is added that litera- jure, if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam was a mere child down to the present day, would show feut few heroes that in the eyes of boyhood would be oven judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest jaeroes known to American literature, or, to promptly re- veal them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr. * * * The medern heroes of fiction for young America, who are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and of: whom the Deadwood Dicks are much the most important 9 * * it is but natural that their * * * should bear @way the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left War behind in the race, It can be easily believed, therefore, that the two Dicks © 80 firmly ¢ ‘grafted on the tree of popular literature “~*~ boys and 5 ung men, that thele position is assured * * and thac they stand to-day head and shoulders HEROES. above all rivals in the eyes of the public for which they have lived, and for which one of them has died. American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor im the land, now knows Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good beal bet- ter than it kaows its catechism, and millions of young minds absorb the thrilling incidents of his career in his everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending solving of impenetrable mysteries. Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when the victims are thoroughly undone, the millions wait hungrily for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appears with the Sen of the Wednesday itself, and a new set of COGS thrills go thrilling away from Maine to Call fornia, There are the volumes each so crowded with thrills and heart-tugs that it were madness to hope to do justice to them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be tween them, To abandon the idea of giving a few extracts causes in- finite pain, but if once a start were made in that direc: tion, it would be cruel to The Hvening Sun’s readers to stop, and it is therefore better not to relate one single adventure. Suffice it to say that the stories are clean and well written. D Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road 3 The ee le Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol %§ Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval % Death-Face, the Detective ? The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza ¢ Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand % Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian @ Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger it pice Bin Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to eat. {8 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood aur Pp 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team ‘4 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter {6 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 uroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 7 che Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight o2 the ule. {8 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand \8 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance % Watch-Eye, the Shadow 7” Been Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double ross @ Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief %8 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective % Gilt-Wdge Dick % Bonanza Bill the Man-Tracker}; or, The Secret Twelve ¥ Chip, the Gir? Sport s Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks ® Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon . Gulch 44 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base ‘@ Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent SADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 33 Tony Fox, the Ferret: or, Boss Bob's Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 35 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, '“he Picked Party 36 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues 4 spares As 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 oe ace Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anch 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 58 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz: or, The Store-Detective’s Deco: 68 ane Perens Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa ras City 64 coeds Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 379 Pearl Street, NEW YORK.
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top) right 1879-1885, by Beall: & Adams, Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., a8 second Class master, Mar, 15, 1894 Wo. 238 THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK Gleveland: Ohio aaa dis Vol. 1@ COCKED REVOLVERS, WHICH SHE HAD LEVELED TOWARD H GARDNER, THREATENINGLY. CALAMITY JANE HELD A PAIR OF RALP’
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Deadwood Dick e Library e LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest! For Sample Cover See Othe: Bids, DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road 2 The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflaace 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 5 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 6 Death-Face, the Detective 7% The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 10 Omaha Olli, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger 11 i ae Jr.,the Boy Phenix; or, Through to ea 12 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team l4 Gold Rifle, the Spend see 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 17 oe Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the ule’ ' [8 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 200 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 21 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 238 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Libert; %4 Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Kdged Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker ; or, The Secret Twelve 27 Chip, the Girl Sport 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 29 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 30 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch 31 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 32 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 385 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues AA apy Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jac« 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 sage <2 ogg Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anch 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe's Disguise 53 Denver Doll’s Device; or, ‘The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy 63 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sas*a- fras City 64 = Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings