Deadwood Dick Library (v. 3) (1899 11 22)

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Copyright 1880-1886, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office. New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899. ; M, J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, LAPRe) No. 37. eae de James Sullivan, Proprietor,) Price w Cents. Vol {| Ov. 22, 1899. 379 Pearl Street, New York, $2.50 a Year, 3 ‘ MOBBY NICK, BY TH& WONDERFUL POWER OF IS KNOTTED ARMS, BEGAN TO SWING THE RUFFIAN.

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445 448 453 459 465 471 A476 481 491 496 500, 508 515 522 529 534 539 544. 549 554 561 567 572 57 584 590 595 600 606 612 618 624 630 636 642 648 654 660 666 672 678 684. 690 695 700 T04 7 10 ers, EDWARD L. WHEELER'S a DEADWOOD DICK, JR. NOVELS IN THE HALF-DIME LIBRARY. ; y Price 5,.Cents per Copy. Deadwood Dick, Jr.; The Crimson Crescent Sign. Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance: Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. Deadwood lick, Jr.’s, Inheritance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protege. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocgq. Deadwood Dick, Jr , on His Mettle. Deadwood Diek, Jr., in Gotham. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. Deadwood Dick, in Chicago, Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. Deadwood Dick, « Deadwood Dick, Jr, in Beelzebub’s Basin. Deadwood Dick, Jr. at Coney Island. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent. Deadwood Dick, glers. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durango. Deadwood Dick Jr.’s, Discovery. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dazzle. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco. or, Jr., Among the Smug- M. e ‘IV BRS & 00., 716 Deadwood Dick, 722 Deadwood Dick, 728 Deadwood Dick, 734 Deadwood Dick, 740 Deadwood Dick, 747 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 770 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 2 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 2 Deadwood Dick, 7 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, } Deadwood Dick, 22 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 5 Deadwood Dick, 2 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 863 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 876 Deadwood Dick. 882 Deadwood Dick, 891 Deadwood Dick, 898 Deadwood Dick, 904 Deadwood Dick, 910 Deadwood Dick, 916 Deadwood Dick, 928 Deadwood Dick, J 934 Deadwood Dick, 940 Deadwood Dick, 946 Deadwood Dick, 951 Deadwood Dick, 957 Deadwood Dick, 965 Deadwood Dick, 971 Deadwood Dick, 977 Deadwood Dick, 980 Deadwood Dick, 992 Deadwood Dick, 998 Deadwood Dick, 1005 Deadwood Dick, 1011 Deadwood Dick, 1018 Deadwood Dick, 379 Pre ae Srokgniea New Mone Gar: ews pe eee Ee Jr.'s, Still Hunt. Jr.’s, Dominoes. Jr.’s, Disguise. Jr.’s, Double Deal, Jr.’s, Death- Watch. Jr.’s, Doublet. Jr.’s, Death-Blow. Jr.’s, Desperate Strait. Jr.’s, Lone Hand. Jr.’s, Defeat. Jr.'s, Resurrection, Jr.’s, Dark Days. Jr., Defied. Jr.’s, Double Device. Jr.’s, Desperate Venture. — Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. Jr.’s, Royal Flush, Jr.’s, Head-Off. Jr.’s, Rival. Jr.’s, Boom. Jr.’s, Scoop, Jr.’s, Proxy. Jr.’s, Clutch. Jr,’s, High Horse. In; at Devil's Gulch, P Jr.'s, Death-Hole Hustle. Jn’s, Bombshell. Jr., Bi, Mexico. Jr.’s, Decoy Duck. ITs; dn Siiver Pocket. Jr.'s, Dead-Sure Game. Jr.’s, Double Drive. Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. Jr., at Tip-Top. a Double: Decker. r., at Dollarville. Jr., at Flush Flats. Jr.’s, Shake-Up. Jr.’s, Double Drop. Jr.’s, Right Bower. Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. Jr.’s, Gold Dust. Jr.’s, Oath. Jr.’s, Death-Doom. Jr.’s, Best Card. Jr., at Gold Dust. Jr.’s, Big Play. Jr. Branded. Jr.’s, Dutch Pard. Jr. : oe Four. = : me Ps 3 at Pee ee oe

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Sopyright 1880-1886, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N-Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899. M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, Issued Weekly. : s > ; Price 5 Cenisz. 0 3 acta Sate (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) 3 pte, : I, Nov. 22, 1899. 379 Pearl Street, New York.“ $2.50 a Year. Vol. HE —<—A! NOBBY NICK, BY THE WONDERFUL POWER OF HIS KNOTTED ARMS, P GAN TO SWING THE RUPFIAN, t

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Nobby Nick of Nevada; THE SCAMPS OF THE SIERRAS, BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK ” NOVELS, ‘ ROSE- BUD ROB” NOVELS, CHAPTER I. THE OLD HUT AMONG THE CRAGS, NiGut has spread its wintry mantle over the Sierras. From the crest of the highest peak to the bottom of the deepest chasm the cold gray gloom prevailed, while the bleak north wind bore on its icy breath fine flaky particles of purest white, that alighted with ease on every obstacle, covering it with a feathery coat of snow. It was the first snow of winter in the Sierra Nevadas, and coming late in November, as it did, when all nature seemed housed and pre- iatig for winter, it presaged the winter at and. In a remote part of the north range of the ' snow-capped hills, and far up the craggy moun- tain-side, securely hidden in a shelving plateau dell, fringed by weird, gaunt-looking pines and ponderous rocks, was an old, tumble-down hut, It had evidently been built years ago by some venturesome miner, as’ decay and moss were everywhere visible about the black logs and thatched roof. It was built against the face of a huge cliff that formed one side of the plateau, and ted of but .a single slab door and a small window, up near the eaves, from which a bar of white light streamed out upon the bleak, wintry night. The door fl 3 2 ed, and the Lig Hic ofa man appeared; the eyes took a hasty glance Ground then the head was withdrawn, and the door slammed to with a vengeance. ‘Ugh! et’s a cussed tough night outside,” the man said, as he strode to the fireplace where a bright fire was burning, and around which sev- eral men were seated on camp-stools, engaged in smoking- grimy pipes. ‘‘A cussed tough night, an’ I reckon the capt’in’ll find it out, fore he rises the mountain. Et’s a-snowin’ and a- blowin’ like thunder, outside, and ten tew one the gulch ‘ll be full to-morrow.” ‘The five men on the camp-stools nodded with- eut looking up from the cheery blaze, and went oe esa in utter disregard of what had been _ said. A strange collection was the inmates- of the hut, at the best. All were attired in red flannel shirts, mud-splashed pantaloons thrust in knee boots, with slouched wool hats, and waist belts containing weapons, No masks, but immense black beards concealed all of their face except the tip of the nose and the eyes, their hair being banged down over their foreheads so as to con- * _ceal even that feature. ~ There was another inmate to the cabin besides the bearded men, in the person of a woman, or _ &t least some one clothed in female attire—for as she was closely masked, it was impossible to dis- | es See SS Ee pees Nobby Nick of Nevada. tinguish whether her face was masculine or feminine. Nor did the Bearded Brothers know for cer- tain, although they allowed she was a ‘woman, judging by her voice, and she had given the name of Marie the Unknown, She was seated at a rude table in one corner, engaged in writing, and occasionally Jou over a te of manuscript in front of her. A her right, upon the table, was a telegraph in- strument, to which’ was connected a wire that ran through a chink between the logs of the wall, proving that these strange beings in this lone mountain retreat had electric communica- tion with the outside world. Another noticeable thing about the Bearded Brothers was, that each man was numbered al- phabeticaily with a brass letter pinned upon the shirt-frort. Thé man who had commented upon the weather, wore the letter B, and the other five respectfully C, D, E, F and G. Letter A was absent. The drear shrieks of the wind outside caused a gloomy silence to pervade the hut, and the six men puffed away at their pipes until the thatched ceiling was lost from view in a dense cloud of smoke. ‘T don’t see why A doos not come,” Letter B growled, as he knocked the ashes from his old rierwood, preparatory to refilling. ‘‘ Don’t *pear ter me as ef thar’s enny great attraction own tew Deviltry, to-night.” ‘“Mebbe trouble,” G suggested, ominously, “Ye know H hasn’t showed up fer two days. Mebbe Grim-Goblin hes come down heera- bouts.” S As of one accord there was a general exchange of glances, and shrugging of shoulders. ‘he name of Grim Goblin seemed to startling effect upon the gang. ‘“No; the cussed scourge has not struck this district yet,” and Letter B gave a nervous lance toward the door, he mischief up around Bard Pan, and down at Blue Canyon. Any new reports, Marie?” » “None since yesterday,” the Unknown re- lied. ‘‘ There were then but four of the league left at Hard Pan, and six, at Blue Canyon. All the rest have fallen prey to the vengeance of the mysterious Grim Goblin, as he styles himself.” A sullen murmur passed among the Bearded Brothers, and Letter B smote his knee heavily with his clinched fist. : / “Tm cusse’d ef 1 don’t believe it’s our only salvation to shut up shop and scatter. un- known, unseen foe is a-pickin’ off the by one, day by day, an’ ye can bet yer boots we won't escape, no more’n the rest o’ the boys. I fer one ain’t favorable ter hayin’ my heart cut out by this bloodthirsty avenger.” — - : ‘You are cowardly, B,” the Unknown said, sternly. ‘“‘If the captain was to hear you say that, he’d settle with you in short order.” “T didn’t mean T’d a notion to desert,” B growled. ‘I only meant we'd all better throw up ther sponge and shift, ruther’n ter git our death warrant.” ; “That is inspossible,” Marie said, stamping her foot emphatically. ‘Too much is at spake to entertain that idea. Our motto is ‘Gain havea without scruple or fear,” — ng one’ Es —- ‘““He’s been workin’?

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Robby Nick “Yes; but Dll be blamed ef we've seen much above our venison an’ whisky, awhile back, hey we, boys?” > . _The five men shook their heads in the nega- ve, “That is because,pusiness has been at a stand- still. The travel has been small, and the paper has been watched narrowly. I reckon L will negotiate a fat document soon, and the result will set every man on his taps, Ah! caark!” The Brothers sprung to their feet, and stood in an attitude of listening, with their hands upon their weapons. Out in the night, above the howl of the wind came the muffled sound of horses’ feet upon a rocky road, and a monient later the sound be- came hushed, “Tt’s A,” Letter B declared, whereupon all hands dropped back upon their stools again. “He's in bad temper, for he rode up the trail at a mad gallop.” A few moments later there were heavy foot- steps without, and the door was flung open, ad- mitting a tall, brawny man to the hut—another of the Brotherhood evidently, for he was beard- ed the same, and attired the same, with the ex- ees of a heavy cloak worn about the shoul- ers. With a keen glance about the hut, he shut the door, threw his gloves upon the floor, and strid- ing to the fire-place warmed his hands over the dancing blaze. .‘* Well, what’s the news at Deviltry?” Letter B inquired, drawing slowly at his pipe. The captain grunted some unintelligible sen- tence before replying, whick might or might not have been a curse. ; “No news at all,” he finally said, brushing the snow from his whiskers. ‘‘Summed up in a nutshell—snow, poker and whisky the three rul- ing elements.” “No news of H, I, or J, yet?” “None. They are doubtless laying low. The town is stirred up considerable because .of a check old Porcupine paid out of the Miners’ Club fund. They say it’s a forgery, and have withdrawn their sand from the bank.” A peculiar laugh escaped the Bearded Broth- erhood, in which even the Unknown partici- pated, : 5 “This is the seventh thing of the kind that has happened within two months, and the min- ers and citizens generally are mad as hornets, To make matters worse, a miner came over from Hard Pan to-day, with a like report.“ So it has become generally surmised that a gang of forgers are in the vicinity, and every one is on the alert, watching his or her neighbor with suspicion. It would not be healthy tor one of the ‘shovers’ to be caught just now.” And the captain laughed. A silence ef a few minutes followed, within the hut, while the wintry blasts without made weird music among the mountain crags. _ Then a sudden click of the telegraph instru- ment, brought'every man to his feet. ‘Sit down!” the Unknown said, sharply, and her command was obeyed, although every man bent forward in his seat, as if over eager to _ grasp the every meaning of the electric clicks. i | of Nevada. 8 Then, turning, Marie seized a paper and pen-~ cil, and waited. : Soon there came more clicks of the instru- ment, now slow and measured—then a perfect tattoo of sounds. It was all Greek to the bearded men who sat in eager waiting, but it was apparently plain enough to the Unknown, for her pencil moved upon the paper nearly as fast as came the sounds, Finally there was a‘cessation of the clicks and the message lay upon the table. “Read it!” Letter A. said, huskily. ‘ Let’s know the best or worst, at once.” “The news is a mixture of good and bad,” Marie said, taking up the paper. so judge for yourself.” “Harp Pan, November 20th:—Look out for old gent coming to Deviltry—Name Gen Arlington— Lot’s of money—Look out for Grim Goblin—Also for the Sharp, Nobby Nick—suspicious character— Look out for spy in employ of Government, hunt- ing for us—Trouble brewing your way—Tap man Arlington.” ; Captain A. uttered a fierce curse, “We must »be on our guard, now, if ever. This Nobby Nick, I have heard of before. He bears the repute of a thoroughbred, but will find that he’s struck the wrong nest, in Deviltry. As for the Grim Goblin, our only salvation is to him out. In order to do this we must knife 5 wee pie, too,” Marie added with a light laugh. / ‘‘T chance to know this General Arlington, and his signature is as familiar to me as my own. “Tt is well. We will have no difficulty then in drawing on him. And, now, since the rece tion of this news. I shall go back to town. 8B, C, D and E may follow at a later or rather an earlier hour of the morning. While you, fair Unknown, will of course remain the guardian angel of our'mountain aerie?” the captain said, gallantly raising his bat, ‘‘Didst ever miss me from my post?” the Un- — known demanded, Sia “Truthfully I can say no!” Captain A_re- plied, raising her gloved hand to his lips. You came among us unknown, as‘a sort of queen, and have ruled right royally to our pecuniary ‘* Here it is; . interests. May you long continue in the same au revoir! Bo way. And now, my hearties,. + there are no ob- careful in leaving the nest tha’ servers around.” : Then, taking a long pull at a brown jug which occupied a chimney corner, the leader of the Bearded Brothers wrapped his cloak well around Bud and. set forth into the wild November night, y = Captain A was not the only storm-traveler abroad that night. : At the base of the er oa among whose gaunt pines was pitched the hut of the Bearded Broth- erhood, ran a deep, wide gulch between two — continuous chains of mountains, whose tower- ing peaks shut out all but a limited cold, gray ge 3 : ~ _ Snow had fallen to considerable depth, render- view of the — r

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a Nobby Nick of Nevada. ————— _ ing everything white, and lessening the gloom of the wild, blustering night. : Plodding . industriously through the _ snow came a horse, or rather a superannuated little donkey, bestriding which was a snow-covered figure of stalwart proportions. The donkey was evidently the least tired of the two, for it shied at every suspicious obstacle, while the rider dozed and nodded in his saddle regardless of the capers of his long-eared charger. . He was finally aroused by curses fierce and loud, which came from around a bend just ahead of him. A sharp chirrup to the donkey caused it to canter ahead at a lively rate, soon bringing the storm-traveler to the spot wheace came the » curses. And an exciting scene it was. : eae his back planted firmly against a’rocky cliff asingle stalwart Indian, fighting off a half-dozen able-bodied men, with the simple aid of his clubbed rifle; while the whites in ques- tion were trying to get at him with their hunt- ing-knives. « his, however, was hard to accomplish, as " was amply evidenced by a glance at three bleed- ing_figures that lay outstretched upon the white " snow. A fourth assailant received a tremendous blow beside the head, from the rifle of the In- dian, just as the storm-traveler rode into view, and took a place not too gracefully beside those who had gone before him. The man on the donkey drew rein at once, and took a glance at the situation, as if “‘ sizing” the crowd before taking a hand, ** One oe whites,” he mused, drawin: a pair of gleaming revolvers from his belt, an cocking them. ‘¥Good-looking Injun—whites, tough-lookin’ customers. I'll drop my lines on the red spot, an’ give the whites a chance to : a free passage to the next station after ife. Se His arrival had been unnoticed, but he sprung to the ground, and took his steed by the left ear in a patronizing manner, “Now, see here, Doxy,”’ he said, solemnly, Sade ha) goin? fer to help clean out the white gang, ; ag ek the figh 1 ee we strike Deviltry.” and I want you to takea hand also. Mind, if you earn ’em, it’s a bushel of corn for you, when - ’ 2 oy ‘died from view. ! handle is not Nobby Nick. “A full bushel of cern shall you have the next moment after we set foot in the estimable town of Deviltry, wherever that may be. Hello, Injun! I opine they was crowdin’ on. you ruther close about the time I arriv’, weren’t they, now? Canaan a Jerusalem didn’t seem more’n a mile off, eh?’ ' “Stern Face was not frightened,” the Indian replied, with»stoical calmness. ‘‘ Old age has frosted his hair and caused his hand to tremble, but his arm is yet strong and heart brave.” | “Good fer you, Injun! I like your grit. a was them chaps who were tryin’ to knife e ‘““Wagh! bad miners. Jealous of Stern Face because he has gold. Tack him once, twice, three times, Git lick ebbery time.” “That's business! Glad my old@onkey took sides with you. She’s a snorter, is my oxy, -an’ kin clean out_ary crowd she tackles. give us yer paw, Injun, an’ we'll be Joggin’ on toward Deviltry, wherever that may be. My name’s Nobby Nick, right down from Nevada.” The old Indian put out his hand, warmly. ‘ Pale-face good,” he said. ‘Stern Face re- member. Nic . Tell Wild Flower about him. Good-by. os gets 7 saddle, and D 2d aylaey Lavra eae aie oxy cantered away down the storm ch. White pale-face—true heart,” Stor Face said, watching after the eccentric couple as they “Stern Face like. Tell Wild Flower; Wild Flower like him too. Make him presents, Watch over him—ugh! Nick heap good pale-face.” ; t And thus the man from Nevada had formed one fast friend. CHAPTER I1. DEVILTRY—BIJE GREEN’S TAVERN, DEVILTRY! What a name fora place, and yet such wasthe portentous appellation of the little meine town down in the heart of the Sierra Nevadas, be- tween two ranges of snow-capped mountains, The postal station, I believe, is called Surrey, but among the inhabitants, and for miles around, the town itself was called Deviltry. Why the title nobody seemed to know, unless it sprung from the fact that plenty of deviltry was always in session in the town. In a broad, deep gulch bottom nestled the scat- tering shanties upon a sandy and rocky surface, some two hundred all told, only, about two- thirds of which were used for dwelling pur- poses, and some of these were but mere huts and tents. Still, they answered the purpose of - habitations better than none at all. ate A swift running stream, some twenty yards in width, rushed through its channel in the center a the gulch, dividing the village inte © two par’ é On the eastern shore was the main street r my a Be

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Nobby Nick of Nevada. Of the business places, there were several stores, a half-dozen saloons, and Bije Green’s Tavern, « This large two-story log edifice was one of the landmarks of that particular region, having “heen built long before the discovery of gol caused a few sanguine mortals to start what was now the prosperous town of Deviltry. Abijah Green had been the landlord from the start, and often remarked that it was his in- tention to continue as long as the auriferous was found within the lonesome precincts of Hard Pan Gulch, ; The tavern of which Bijah was the host was a monstrous affair for the far Western mining- towns, having no end of rooms, and queer out- of-the-way closets up-stairs, while the whole of the oné floor below was one great rtment, wherein was kept a bar, a post-office—which by the way was partitioned off by itself, having a wicket opening into the main apartment; a dining-counter ranged along one side of the room, and the center was occupied by chairs and tables. Mr. Bijah Green was a little man of only medium stature, with remarkably thin legs and wrinkled face, and wore a perpetually hungry eo Be nip about his mouth, Moreover, the end of his nose was very red, his head was totally barren of hirsute vegetation, and he » ‘wore goggles, ‘These facts, taken together with his peculiar attire, which consisted of a lon swallow-tailed coat, and a broad-brim batter plug hat, so large that it rested upon his ears, gave him a most eccentric appearance. Bijah Green generally presided at the post- office, and but little could ever be seen of him except his superannuated vissge through the postal window. One reason for this lay in the fact that Bijah was a most pitiable coward, and dare not circulate about the town, for the rougher class of the residents having Jearned of his weak- ness, took every opportunity to annoy him in all sorts of ridiculous ways. Mrs. Bijah, however, was the man of the house, literally speaking, for what she didn’t oversee and boss did not need bossing. Leaving Bijah to attend to the few duties devolving ona postmaster at Deviltry, she ran the rest of the establishment herself, with the assistarice of a couple of Chinamen, she generally attending to the bar in person. A big strapping woman was Mrs. Bijah Green, of some two hundred and fifty pounds’ weight, with a superdbundance. of grit and muscle, a squarely molded red face, and red hair to match, and there were those who avowed that she could _ clean out any two men in the town in a square stand-up fight. ’ The day following the scenes last doseribed, . _ was but a continuation of the wild November storm, The wind had fallen a little at sunrise, but the snow came down ceaselessly all day, until, when darkness once more hovered over the little settle- ment, several feet of pure snow lay upon the surface of Mother Earth, . , ‘tory manner. BE e Using: | brute!” Mrs. Bijah answered, putting ber ae ©) of the idle hands and citizens made Bijah — Green’s tayern their objective point, for Mrs, | Bijah always kept a roaring fire in cold weather, and something else of an excellent quality be- — hind the counter to warm the innerman. An : the amount of beverage consumed on that-snowy day was astonishing, yet the motley crowd Kens ie very good-natured, although it was noticeable that they began to grow more boisterous as the night drew on. mi rs, Ee looked grim, took a pair of service-\ _ able revolvers from: a drawer, and -laid them upon a shelf behind the bar. The crowd noted the movement, andthe noise decreased for a time, but soon began to increase ~ again. te One of the leading spirits of the gang, and,one upon whom the liquid spirits seemed: to be hav- ing considerable effect, was a burly, broad- j shouldered ruffian, who bore the title of Evil _ Eph—and ah appropriate handle it was, for he was a swarthy, Pabrogatne gn See! with long, — unkempt black hair, and full rd to match, while his -face was literally a mass of scars. His attire, too, was greasy and rough, andghe babe an unsavory appearing customer at the — 3eST. “‘T tell ye, b’yees, thar’s no cussed use 0’? hey- _ in’ a spree *thout ye hev a spree, in dead earn- ~ est,” he yelled, clambering on top of a deal — table and swinging his old hat above his head. “So fetch along some more insane asylum ter ~ drink, ole elerfant! It’s my treat this time, fer _ I feel’s ef I could smashall creation inter pumice — in a red-hot seckont.” F ay “See hyar!” Mrs. Bijah cried, in a peremp- — “Jest you get down off that table, or Pl cum over there an’ pitch ye right pon out oy doors, Eph Saunders! \ Ef ye want icker, what I want is to see the tin afore I lose sight o the beverage. Whisky is whisky, now- ays. . “Yas, what ain't water,” growled Evil Eph. ‘Bf it hadn’t bin fer ther water ye put in our tonick, old woman, me an’ ther boys’d bin fat- tened up, ready fer congressmen or senators, _ Jong ere this. Ef ye want money, ’m yer * huckleberry! Hyar’s a brick weighin’ twenty ounces—wu’th three bundred an’ twenty dollars, ef acent. Give ther boyees sumthin’ to drink, and be sure an’ give me back ther change.” And taking a gold ‘‘brick” frony his inner pocket, the ruffian hurled it at Mrs. Bijah’s head, regardless of what the consequences pS have been, had it reached its intended mark, ine But it did not, for the strong-armed proprie- tress caught it gracefully, and slipped it quite as gracefully into a strong-box, before she pro- ceeded to serve the drinks. ) ‘ “T say hurra fer ther old woman, G vid Evil Eph cried as he received his liquor,“ ye wasn’t quite so old an’ ugly, Mrs. Bijah, cuss my boots ef I wouldh’t break my neck bu what I'd kiss ye.” : “Oh! ye would, would you dis akimbo, and glaring at Saunders, ‘Oh! human frazly “Bf it tected, Pd

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Evil Eph well knew she never said the word she couldn’t sustain, so he backed off, with a inuttered curse, Whereat a general laugh ensued which cut © him to the quick. : * Hurra! Evil Eph’s bluffed down,” cried one. “Dursen’t kiss Bije’s old woman,” “Pshiyw! -He’s no sand,” another-rough re- *. marked. ‘‘T'll bet a ten-ounce brick he dursen’t step up an’ kiss any female in town,” — . ** You lie; I durst,” Hph roared, in a rage. * Ti go ye another brick ye dursen’t,” asecond miner cried. ‘So ef you’ve got any sand, put up, and we'll have some fun.” The ruffian took a glance around him, and saw that he either had to bet or flunk, in which latter case he forever forfeited the regard of his rough “‘coinpanions. : So, drawing a wallet from his pocket he counted out three hun !red and twenty dollars, in bills, and planked them on the table. “‘ Here’s the worth o’ two ten-ounce bricks, wot says I ? kiss the first female who-axes fer mail at the r fi toma. ter-night!” ho cried, determimation in aac dus tone. “Who holds ther stakes?’ “Twill!” Mrs. Bijah cried, ‘“‘ It allus hes bin ki may rivelege since I run this shanty!” : Be ye please, ma’am, you failed to mention _- thet I'm the proprietor,” interposed Bijah, thrust- -- ine his head throtigh the postal window. 1) show you who owns the place if you don’t get out of sight,” retorted Mrs. Bijah, seizing an empty bottle and hurling it at his head. -‘‘ You kin prepare yourself for a good sound spankin’, to-night, Bijah Green!” At this the crowd cheered, and Bijah became immediately invisible. From the earliest days of Deviltry qaeerts Green had been the ‘‘man” who held the stakes -of all bets, becatse she was square in dealing, no matter whom she had to settle with. '. The stakes were accordingly deposited in her keeping, and Hvil Eph sauntered about ‘the - room with the villainous smile of anticipation upon his face. The crowd, too, became less noisy, and kept a close watch lest they should miss the impend- _. Ing sport, - ay ery few women ever entered the tavern, ~~ and the few who did were such as had no one to ~ send for their mail, which necessitated thair sowing. for it in person. It was seldom, how- ~ ever, that they were offered insult by: the rough gang who frequented the tavern, for, rough though those men were, they seemed to have some Sia eee for unprotected femininity. To-night, however, the ease was destined to be an exception. Half an hour had not elapsed ere the door ‘was opened, and a young maiden, with a shawl _ thrown partly over her bead and shoulders, entered the tavern, and made hey way toward -. the postal window, without noticjfag any of the men who were jounging about, awaiting the Nobby Nick of Nevada. with a fair, health-tinted complexion, dancing, blue eyes and golden hair, which flowed in fine glossy ripples down over her shoulders, She was clad, however, in a plain calico dress, white apron, and the shawl which covered the head and shoulders. oS A murmur ran through the crowd as she passed acrosg the floor to the postal-window, and the interpretation of that murmur was the name— “Sandy Sue!” : Z All eyes were instantly turned toward Evil Eph, who was conversing with a miner. 2 e@ saw. the look, and well knew what was expected of him; accordingly strode up to the postal wicket, where Sandy Sue was in the act of inquiring for mail. ‘*No, thar ain’t nothin’ fer ye, Miss Sandy Sue,” the ruffian said, laying a hand familiarly upon her shoulder. ‘‘ But ye see as how P’ve got suthin’ fer ye.” : “You got something for me, sir? the girl said, turning about, and casting his hand quick- ly from her shoulder, ‘Pray how comes it that anything of mine should be in your care?” & : ‘“ Waal, yo see, gal, it ain’t, exactly—not yet, but it’s goin’ to be. Ye seo as how. ther boys made a bet with me aboutsuthin’. Thatsuthin’ was to ther effect that I, Evil Eph, ther Bold Lion o° the mines, dursen’t kiss ther first female __ woman who entered ther post-offis ter-night. IT tuk ther bet and put up three hundred dollars — an’ over thet I could and would do it, an’ you bein’ ther first gal/who’s come in since ther bet, it naterally falls ter yer lot ter be kissed. So on course, you'll submit, an’ not forceme ter steal, when [ kin git a thing in an honest way.” ~ _ ‘* Ruffian!” She cried, indignantly, pushin, him back, ‘‘ don’t dare to touch me or Pll ail for assistance!” “But, thet won’tdono good. Ther’s durned few in this town as will take yer partag’in’ Evil Eph, an’ you know it. So the purtiest thing, _ ou kin do is ter pucker up yer lips an’ leh me iss’em, an’ earn my money. Then ye kin go, an’ not till then, Come, now, give me the smack, little one. It'll be allover in a jiffy.” oe ** Never! you miserable loafer—never! Stand — back, and don’t dare to lay ahand on me. Gen- tlemen! T ane to Ais Will you (it there and see this bully insult a respectable woman?? “You bet your boots they will!” Evil Eph declared with a horrible grin. ‘ They’re all a- _laffin’ up their shirt-sleeves, a-thinkin’ I dursen’t kiss you. But they shall durned quick find out. — Ef ye won't give me a kiss, my little brick-top, © then by thunder I’m the lad that’s going to take it, *thout leave or. license, here goes—one, two, three, and a kiss, you see!” tate _ And with a wild chuckle the rough leaped for: ward and seized her in his strong embrace, hold- ing her arms so she could not resist. aye x ut, for all this, the eee irl si led. Saun 10

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Nobby Nick *‘@urse youl” the bully gritted; ‘some one her for me,” ut no one seemed to proffer this assistance, ‘* Help! help! help!” screamed Sue, again. ‘Help! will no one save me?” “No, thar won’t, an’ I'll cut yer cussed weas- and,- soon’s I kin git hold o’ my knife,” the ruffian raved. A wild shout and a clatter of hoofs was at this instant heard without the tavern, while the g inmates of the bar-room sprung to their feet, with startled glances. Then thcre came a tremendous crash, and a donkey and its venturesome rider came through one of the front windows and landed half-way” in the middle of the bar-room. It all occurred in an instant, as it were, and when the astonished spectators had time to col- lect their scattered senses, they saw a youn: "man astride a scrawny donkey, with a pair o sea six-shooters leveled straight upon Evil » ph. “That's quite sufficient, my presuming friend,” the new-comer spoke, in a slow but re- solute tone. ‘I'll bothersyou to release that young woman, whoever she may be, 2nd let her go her way.” ; “Vl be cussed ef I will,” Evil Eph growled, holding his victim tightly. ‘‘Ive, %@ wager up that I’d kiss the first gal who kum io ther post-offis to-night, an’ I’m goin’ ter do. it.” “No, you are not. If you dare to pollute that young lady’sdips against her will, Pll agree you won't be able to munch your buffalo-meat to- morrow—not if ’'m any judge. Release her in- stantly, or, as sure as my name is Nobby Nick of Nevada, Pll let candle-light’ through your cowardly carcass!” _Eph looked the young stranger straight in the eye, and saw that he meant business; then he released Sue, with a baffled oath. Glad to escape, the terrified girl turned and fled from the tavern. After she had gone, Nobby Nick dismounted. ‘** And, now, by the way,” he said, brushin ithe snow from his long wolfskin overcoat, ‘if have ruffled any one’s feelings by this little pro- ceeding, I am ready to render satisfaction by the car-load |” . 3 GHAPTER III. A NEVADIAN’S PROWESS, ae Hap a meteor fallen down in the bar-room of Bije Green’s tavern it probably would not have caused a greater state of confusion than did the arrival of Nobby Nick of Nevada. Not but what as cool and daring men as he appeared to be bad walked the planks in the floor of the old tavern—not that,these rude and ‘lawless men of Deviltry were inclined to be bluffed by a single man, but there was an inex- plicable something in the appearance of the young stranger, added to the reports of his dar- ing deeds, which had reached the town long be- fore him, which caused the crowd to gaze on him insome awe. / : Nobby Nick was a stalwart young fellow, of handsome limb and well-developed body, and of Nevada. = for his face was fresh and youthful in its ex- pression, though indicating much firmness. Hyes ” of midnight black, hair of the color of the ra- ven’s wing, in close-clinging curls. about “his head, and a smooth, handsome face, and you - had the photograph of Nobby Nick, except his costume, which consisted of a pair of buckskin — breeches and a fringed hunting-shirt, top boots, slouch hat heavy wolf-skin overcoat, with the furry side — out. 3 A light sporting rifle slung at his back, and the pair of revolvers, constituted his weapons. A murmur of astonishment escaped the crowd — v. inned up on the left side, and a at the Nevadian’s bold challenge, and hands — were laid upon the hilts of weapons by a majori- ty of the spectators. = Fess “Oh! that’s right,” Nick said, noting the movement; ‘* I mean business, and am glad to see that you are not inclined to be facetious. — Perhaps my precipitate entrance into this — Bacchanalian sanctuary has given offense to somebody, and if so, I’m ready .to fight, drink, or gamble with the offended one, as to whichever dffection his inclinations may lead. Fight. can I fron’ sunrise to sunset, on an empty stomach, when occasion demands; drink can I all the prime old liquid of nature you will furnish—pure and sparkling water; gamble will ~ LI with any pilgrim here, in any way, shape, or manner, for any amount froma nickel to fifty ~ or a hundred thousand dollars. And that’s my — lay-out, right fresh from old Nevada, Ima prize vest, afterward hold his peace.” And with an air of utter unconcern, the young stranger folded his arms across his breast a stood gazing around, Ah A hush pervaded the room; then one b: the miners drépped into chairs, or form: r httle knots, and conversed in smothered tones. ~~ one into — package, Tam, and if any one wants to in- — et him amble forward at once, or foreyer _ Full five minutes Nobby Nick maintained his — was Jithe and agile asa panther i: his move- ments, — Be is ‘attitude; then seeing no motion was made. to- ward hostilities, he took off his coat and hung — it up on a nail in the wall. Acting upon this as a.fact that they were to — remain, the donkey betook himself to a com-— fortable position near the fire-place, and squat- ted upon his haunches dog-fashion, and closed — his eyes wearily. — id The move elicited a laugh from several of the bystanders, but not from Mrs. Bijah Green, who — ee uf sailed out from behind her bar, in high dud- — geon, “See heer, young feller, dye know what ‘c want ye to do?’ she exclaimed, striding up to — Nobby Nick, and shaking her formidable: fist under his nose, te do, or git lickee by a puppy ‘s Well, no, ing at her with a smile; ‘tI ean’b say as “Well, PH inform you then,” Mrs, Bijah de- clared, with arms akimbo. ‘‘ You kin jest fork over a fifty-dollar note for breakin’ thet windy, — yonder—ten dollars. for cleanin’ up. ther muss, an’ fifteen dollars fer disgracin’ my place by vringin’ a mule into it, An’ what's more, ye is lead that animal right straight out-doors, mighty ats ” =a a “Dye know what you've gob — Geeks replied Nick a : Tt Paper « DY

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ec 28 t x, ‘ ; . = s oe Nobby Nick of Nevada, _ See: Nick said, coaxingly. ‘‘Doxy he enjoys a fire | ting the mule out? he inquired, dryly. ‘‘ Looks just as well as you or I.” as ef the donk knew his biz a leetle better’n any “Can't help that. I swon’t have no nasty | of you, don’t it?” mule in my hotel—no, sir-ee!” “Oh! you miserable blackleg—you scamp!” “Oh! so this is a hotel, is it?” Mrs, Bijah cried, stamping her foot, in a rage. “On course it is.” “TU get even with you yet, mark my word! ‘* How much d’ye charge a day, then?” Pll skin you the first chance I get.” _* Five dollars—cash in advance, afore ye git “* Be mild, my dear, be mild,” came the sepul- a mouthful.” chral voice of Bijah, trom the postal window. ‘Allright. Here’s ten dollars for myself and “Oh yes! I'll be mild with you when I catch my donkey. A loaf of bread, a pie, a few po- | you,” Mrs. Bijah screeched. ‘‘ Now, lookee tatoes and some cheese will answer for Doxy, | heer young feller, my name is Abbical Green, while a little rare antelope steak will answer | an’ I’m the menos and boss 0’ this tavern, » as every one knows, an’—” “*“Tain’t so—’m the ~proprietor,” squeaked Bijah from the office. ** Will you shut up!” yelled Mrs. Bijah, hurl- ing aepoker toward the window of the U. 8S. de- artment, ‘Ill see who’s boss. As I was say- in’, young fellow, either you remove that long- eared critter from my establishment, or you don’t get nary a mouthful o’ vittles. Now take yer choice.” ‘‘ Well, as I had supper down at a miner’s cabin below here, I’m not at all hungry, and so - choose to let the donkey remain undisturbed,” | Nick answered with provoking calniness. He then dismounted from his perch on the bar, and ensconced himself in a comfortable chair beside the donkey, and began the perusal of a newspaper which he pulled from a breast- pocket, ‘ The crowd finding the ‘‘fun” over resumed their various games and even Mrs. Bijah seemed unwilling to disturb the peace. And by and by the Nevadian’s chin dropped forward upon his breast, and then” heavy breathing pronounced him to be asleep, _ Evil Eph now rejoined the crowd, but took care to keep at a safe distance from the donkey. Eph and some of his boon companions cast grum glances at the sleeper as he reposed com- posedly in his chair. Wearied by long and tedious rides Nobby Nick did not find it much trouble to sleep, even in so noisy a place as Bije Green’s tavern, and he was in the mnidst of a pleasant dream when a loud bray from the donkey brought him to his feet quick as a flash, his revolvers in his Re And the cause of Doxy’s signal of alarm came apparent to him at a glance. f 3 A.score or more of the most ruffianly-looking: inmates of the bar-room, headed by Evil Eph, were drawn up in line before him, and the man ? Hph was armed with a grappling hook fastened iG to the end of a pole, some ten feet in length. Tt at once became plain to Nick, that’ Saun- ders was about attempting to hook him with the Frer le when Doxy gave the alarm. i ‘Ha! ha! So that’s your game is it,” we said, leveling his revolvers. ‘‘ Afraid of the lion awake you propose to take him asleep, eh? — * But I won’t. have no mule in my establish- ment, I say!” vociferated Mrs, Bijah. : “But, I say a Nick persisted. ‘‘Where } stay that donkey always stays, too, and I’m going to putrup here to-night. ‘So if you don’t \ want Doxy to remain, you'll have to speak to him about it.” “See here, old woman, ef ye/want thet mule put out, P’'ll do it fer ye,” interposed Evil Eph, coming forward, ‘‘ an’ all I'll ax yo is a.drink 0’ beenzeen.” “You put the critter out, and I'll give ya the whisky,” Mrs. Bijah assented, \ “<P treat the crowd if the bummer is success- ful,” called out Nobby Nick, vaulting to a seat on one end of the bar, and lighting a cigar. ee allow he'll earn his bitters, for once in his‘ 7.) Evil Eph evidently did not think so. Doxy still squatted Sry Aeagi ge near the fire apparently fast asleep, for his ears no longer vibrated back and forth—and a truly laughable are he made, and one not encountered every Sects a strong lariat, Evil Eph formed one end into a noose, and then, rope in hand, he gett ey. toward the seemingly unsuspect- onkey. e had gained a position within ten feet of ' the animal when, all of a sudden, Doxy sprun; upon all four feet, opened his mouth wide, an gave vent to an ear-splitting scream—that startled Evil Eph and frightened him nesrly out of his wits. The next instant Doxy made for him, with glaring eyes and distended jaws, the very pic- ture of fury incarnate. \ _. The spectators sprung f their seats and ‘rushed back with cries of co rnation, while, with a horrified yell, Evil Eph bounded toward the broken window. _ Luekily for him, he gained the opening first, and leaped out into the snowy night, a frenzied _ howl of terror eae oe his lips, for he ex- pected the infuriated beast to follow him. But in this he was agreeably mistaken. Doxy _ only gave chase to the broken window, evident- _ dy content with scaring the ruffian from the tavern; Well! that’s about your style. Cowards toa Gs through man!” mourely ¥ =] ¥y

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_ Eh, boys—ain't it so’ Nobby Nick of Nevada, Ele aa 0 ei a i But ye don’t understand,” Saunders replied, fily. ‘* Ye see, some of the mining dee- stricts hyar in ther Sierras o’ late hey been hevin’ heaps o’ trouble wi’ a skulkin’ assassin who claims to be &n avenger, and calls hisself Grim Goblin. He spots out a town an’ ef it suits his notion, he goes ter pickin’ off ther citi- zens one at a time, like as ef it was no more ac- count than shutin® buzzards. * “The thing’s run along more’n a year now, an’ it’s gittin’ high time suthin’ was did. AJ sorts o’ traps has been set fer him, an’ yet he ain’t never bin caught, till now, an’ now we reckon as how we've got him,’ ‘Pshaw, you don’t mean to tell me you've “really caught the wretch?” “Thet’s jest what we allow, pardner, an’ you're the man.” ‘“‘ What! J the cut-throat, Grim Goblin?” _“Perzactly, Me an’ ther boys hes put this an’ that sash ey an’ them’s ther facts we've riv’ at, you bet.” “Well, well, you’ve made a most itive blunder, that’s certain. Why, old man, I never even heard of this Avenger, until I struck the mining-camp called Hard Pan, a couple of weeks “Get out! It won’t be no use fer you ter lie, fer we're convinced that you're our man, an’ won't cut out any tore white men’s hearts,” “When I surrender as Grim Goblin the Avenger, which I swear I am not, it, will be when my weapons have lost their powers of ready speech!” Nobby Nick retorted, in ringing tones. Tll make more than one dog of you bite the dust before you get me.” Tuvoluntarily the men exchanged glances. “T allow we better: wait till we can nab him, unawares,” one of the gang suggested, *' or else give up takin’ him alive, an’ shoot*him:on the spot.” i Pe No. We want him alive or not at all,” Saunders snorted. ‘‘ We'll cut out his durned Keart like he did Jim Granger’s up at Hard Pan. Ef ye’re all afeard, I ain’t, not by a long shot, Providin’ he'll agree not to use no weapons, gape natteral ones, I’m the very lad as can sail right in an’ capter him, an’ hev him bound hand an’ foot inside o’ five minits.” “That hits me right away,” Nobby Nick re- sponded with a smiling face. ‘‘ Providin’ it’s a distinct and honorable understandin’ that I use no weopons, you use no esa nor the crowd offer any interference, Tll give you all the chance you can get to take me a prisoner or lick me—you to take whatever knocks you get, all in good part. If you succeed in capturing me, you can take me out to the nearest tree, and. fell back a pace, and stringmeup. If you get worsted, I'll extend a standing invitation for the rest of the crowd to step in and fill your place, one at a time, Is this a fair offer?” = “Waal, I opine itll do—eh, boys?” Evil Eph ehuckled. ‘‘Ef I can’t take the cuss thar’s enuff of us to tire him out. But I’m the bold bully 0° the mines w’ot kin lay him on hia back |. before ye kin count a hundred. So we all ees fair an’ squar’ ter yer proposition, young feller. ¥ - tes ‘So if you want me, come along, and’ ‘Ay! ay!” was the response, to a man. q ““ You hear, Doxy,” Nick said, turning to tha donkey. ‘‘ I’m 7oin’ ter clean out this un ealthy crowd. So ef ye see ’em pitch orto me faste1 than that, or see any pilgrim draw a weapon, jest yee sail in and make the fur fly. D’ye mind, now . : The Pepesiows animal actually nodded his head, and gave vent to an affirmative bray, as — Nick began to strip. . With a pleasant expression upon his face, and the utmost appeene unconcern, the young pil- grim from Nevada threw off his jacket and pun seals his boots, and stood ready for the struggle. More than one murmur of astonishment es- caped the crowd as oop gazed upon his broad knotted trunk, with its deep chest, and upon his trim clean arms and their tremendous muscular _ development. ‘ a No man was there in the crowd who could boast of such a pair of arms. a Evil Eph did not strip, but spat upon his bands, and gave vent. to a gruff laugh. a ‘“* Now, ef ye ever did see any fun, an’ wanter see sumthin’ ter dubble discount, it, jest watch me sail in an’ gobble up ther Grim Goblin. Oh! — T'll show ‘Ye-sumthin’ great!” he cried, with a ugly grin of anticipation. fae Then, in a half-squatting posture, he stole — stéealthily forward toward Nevada Nick, witha — cat-like tread, and a sinister glitter in his blood- _ shot eye which well befitted his evil name. Nearer and nearer he crept, and Nobby Nick stood with coolly folded arms, watching him sharply with his eagle eyes. Never a move he made until Evil Eph was but little more than an ,arm’s length away— when, with lightning quickness, he cuce ONS has his knees, seized the ruffian by the ankles and — jerked him down to the floor. As Evil Eph went down the young athlete regained his feet, — still grasping his adyersary’s ankles, and then, — by the wonderful pores of his knotted arms, he began to ne the ruffian around and around, - above his own head. ie Around and around the bully was swung by the heels, then the athlete suddenly let go his grasp, and Saunders went flying to the further — end of the bar-room, where he struck against the” wall with crushing force, CHAPTER Iv. =f 3 GRIM GOBLIN’S NOTICE. x =? ote A WILD shout of consternation went up from the crowd, for Evil Eph rolled out upon thes floor, a ‘senseless mass of crushed and bleeding — humanity. : ; esi ~ While with folded arms, the young gladiator — stood firmly erect, with his right foot apace, a faint flush upon his cheeks, a steadfast unwav ing gleam in his dark eyes. Reet: “One!” he said, calmly. ‘What rare old — sport the ruffian made by, capturing me! Is — there a substitute for me to play with?” 3 ‘* Hurrah!” one of the miners shouted. ‘Heer comes Colonel Bill Travers, the famous fightin’ cockolorum of the Sierras! He'll cut yer spurs fer ye, you young bantam.” sad s

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40 Nobby Nick of Nevada. ‘ eee] made his teeth chatter, and elicited a giggle. from not a few of the spectators. ‘** Box one!” called out Nick, tauntingly. Travers uttered a smothered curse but stood his ground and aimed his blows thick and fast and in a way which showed that this was not his first fight, But it was his first attempt at boxing with such a man as this from the unclassic districts of Nevada, for, while Nobby Nick received not the first bruise, the colonel’s face began to assume many of the different shades of the spree and blood was visible in more than one place. Pie Nor was the young gladiator in the least con. . cerned, Sppanenty. seeming to put in bis blows in a mechanical sort of way, with the utmost sang froid. : Not so with the nee Man of the Sierras. Tnfuriated over his defeat at every move, he looked more like an enraged wild beast than a human, as he made lunge after lunge only to his further personal injury. ae - “*Cuss ye! cuss ye!” he howled, spitting blood from between: his swollen lips, ‘Give me a knife, somebody—a knife, I say!” : ‘The one who draws a knife might as well go speak for his coffin!” Nick said, sternly. ‘ And as for you, my friend, a knife would not avail you! 5 . Even as he spoke, the Nevadian leaped for~ ward, and seizing his antagonist by the throat. and belt, raised him high above his head by the marvelous strength of his iron-like arm, Then, stepping forward to the front of the building, he hurled the colonel from him with all his strength, and he went crashing through a window, carrying sash and all out into the stormy November night. ; Turning, this wondrous native of Nevada walked back to his first position and folded his arms serenely across his breast, not betraying the least excitement or fatigue even in his breathing. “Next!” he called, glancing at the clock above the bar. ‘ Don’t keep the audience waiting.” , e But the next man did not appear. Evident it was that courage was*the thing lacking at this precise moment, ““T reckon none of us want a bite, pilgrim,” Alaska Joe responded, scratching his hi ‘‘Jeastwise them’s my sentiments, and I allow the'rest 0’ the crowd is about the same way 0’ ~ my thinkin’, You're ther toughest meat w’ot — ever struck this town, or I’m a fu’st-class liar.” “ Well, if you are all of a disposition to mind your own business, why all right. If, however, any of you has got anitching to sail in and wipe me out, I’m still open for business,” was Nick’s satisfactory assurance. arbi te. ‘*No one anxious, eh? Well, then, if the land- -lady ean accommodate me with a room, I think “All right; trot forward your royal rooster, and oo me get a squint at him,” Nick replied, eagerly, The P chinanes of a broad-shouldered, well ~ proportioned six-footer had-occasioned the shout of the miner, and the new-comer came quickly forward, Rather a handsome man was the colonel, as compared with his rough comrades, for he boasted of a full, round face, a clear, deadly eye, and long black hair which fell below his shoul- . ders. His mustache, too, fairly touched his breast, and gave him a decidedly brigandish ap- pearance. “Well, what’s the row here?” he demanded, pausing and surveying the scene with a flashing eyo. “‘ Who’s hurt?” ‘ Bvil Bek has‘ got the first dose,” a rough by name of Alaska Joe replied. ‘Ye see, the chap yonder he’s ready ter lick ther hull crowd ef they come fer him without weapons, one at a time. So Eph sailed in, an’ yonder he lays, tee- _ totally smashed up. The Grim Goblin jest slung him up ag*in’ the wall, like as ef he wasn’t noth- in’ more’n a muskrat, by thunder!” The Grim Goblin!” Colonel Bill ejaculated, with a black scowl. - VYas—that’s him, yonder, wi’out any shirt on. He sailed in heer ter-night, a-callin’ his * javs Nobby Nick, or somethin’ o’ the kind, an’ the boys put this an’ that tergether, an’ wemade up our minds that he was ther Avenger. So we jest told him ter surrender, an’ he showed fight, but sed if ary man in ther town could take him single-handed, without usin’ weapons, he was ~ willin’ ter be tuk.” ~ **Oho! So this bold assassin has come down _ to dare us, eh?” Travers growled. ‘‘ By my soul, he has a hangéd sight of assurance. But he must - not escape, now that we have him!” _ When you get him, I wouldn't let him escape; - if I were you,” suggested Nick, with a sarcastic ~ laugh... ‘For if you are in search of Grim Gob- — lin, you will have to look further, as I am not _ your man.” _ “'Phat’s not for me to say,” Travers replied. “The boys here have been the jury, and render- eda verdict. All being sensible fellows, I dare a) itis as they have decided,” ‘Oh! well; have it to suit you,” the man from Nevada replied. ‘Grim Goblin, or no Grim Goblin, if you want me your chance is open to me and take me, and I'll venture to agree that you'll earn all of me that you can get, if you come for me fairly, one at a time.” Travers uttered an oath. “Cuss me ef you-ain’t got plenty of pall he allenge, man, I accept. Ef ye have cleaned out he best fightin’-men in the town, you ain’t x ea attempted to play with moe to-night, I'd ad you to Scrape together what’s worth saving spies 6 a doctor. able : feelings are humane toward those fellows eae ae mAh leh? weno it noting worm Tl retire, as I'm most deucedly drowsy from riding all day in the wind, Bythe way,ifyour

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a Nobby Nick of Nevada. Sits Then, donning his apparel which he had re- moved at the commencement of the struggle, he followcd Mrs. Bijah Green up-stairs—for the.| a black gown, which covered the face and head ood hostess had come to the wise conclusion at the gent from Nevada was a customer who -was in the habit of having his own way, and the likeliest thing she could do was humor him. When they arrived at the head of the stairs, however, she turned, facing him, and shook a long bony finger admonishingly in his face. ‘See heer, young feller, et’s all very, plain. You’re right pert, an’ as good as yer ekal, enny day,” she said ‘prmly, but you. jest take the advice of an old woman who knéws a few things, and keep yer watch eye open, If ye don’t, thar’s them hyar in Deviltry who'll make it snug fer you, when ye ain’t on yer guard. ‘Sh! mum’s the word, Lifo’s cheap, heerabouts, sometimes!” : About this same hour, the weekly mail was nearing Deviltry. Once a week was as often as the citizens of the little mining towns in the Sierras had communi- cation with the outside, and in all probability this would not have been afforded them, had not pious Pete Travers started a Pony Express and mail route, charging a smart per cent. on all matter to pay him for his trouble, « A slow, easy-going mortal was Pete, who had never been known to swear, lie, drink or steal, nor to harm even a- fly, and he had the entire confidenee of every one, and jogged along into Deviltry every Thursday, as regular as Thurs- day came, and jogged out again on Friday, bringing in mail and taking cut mail for ten cents apiece, each letter or package. ~ To-night he rode down through the snowy gulch upon his stout, able-bodied horse, not in the best of spirits, despite the fact that he was considered extremly pious. : ' The snow had delayed him badly, and where he should have reached Deviltry in the morning, he found himself still a round dozen miles from his destination at eleven o’clock at night. ““Drat the snow! G'lang, Dobbin!” he growl- ed occasionally, casting an eye at his surround- ings suspiciously. ‘‘ Iit’s high time. we was ter town, for these mountings have a pesky bad reputation, they say. More’n one man’s bin robbed heer. Goodness knows how many rob- pets may be layin’ for me, anywhere’s along eer.” 4 Des ” The thought seemed to-.make him nervous, for Ke urged his steed into a gallop, something, by _ the way, quite unusual with him, “«S*posin’ some o’ the pesky rascals should git it into their heads that I’ve got money aboard to-night?” was his next thought. ‘‘I s’pose i'd be killed and scalped right here.” The words in thought had searcely occurred to him when he dashed into a dark shadow cast arise, but lay upon his.back in_ the | ii to behold a tall — his cheek, and opened his eyes form standing beside him, entirely wrapped in — as well as the body, with the exception of a slit — to breathe through, and. a pair of eye-holes, . This uncanny object held a rifle in its grasp, and it was the muzzle of this which touched — Pious Peter’s cheek, and sent chill after chill of terror coursing down his spinal column. a “Stop your yelling,” the figure said, ‘‘or you shull die like a dog!” : Be “Oh! yes, yes, yes—I’ll stop—I'll beg—Tl beg,” Peter declared, with chattering teeth, “ Don’t shoot, an’ I'll do anything you ask.” “You are wise, J am one who always am — obeyed. I am Grim Goblin, the Avenger,” ‘oat good Heavings!” Peter gasped—‘ oh! “Silence!” the Avenger ordered, sternly. ‘You need have no fear that I shall hurt you if. you do as I direct. See, here is aroll of papers,” and as he spoke he drew-a roll from beneath his cloak, and cast them upon Peter’s breast. “ TEey are posters or placards, printed in blood of mine ewemies. Take them; mount your horse, and pursue ae journey. You will ar- rive in the town of Deviltry.at the dead of night. When you get there I want you to post one of these posters upon the door of every salcon in the'place. You can do this without being ob- served, and at the same time oblige me.’ Prom- ise me faithfully to dothis, and I will let yougo, Refuse, and I’ll blow your brains out where you — = =) “Oh! Lordy a’mighty, yes—I. proses promise anything,” Peter gasped, wildly. © — “Very well; Pil Jearn i you have done my — bidding,” Grim Goblin said, ‘‘and if you have not it won't be many days before you'll be a ripe subject for a funeral.” : a ‘Then, with a wild laugh, hecdbounded away, and ere Peter had regained his feet had disap- peared from view. Pee It is unnecessary to add that the pious mail man did not pause to make any particular search for his visitor. : Instead, he gained hissaddle as quickly as pos- sible, put spurs to his animal, and tore madly away down the gulch. : at Neither right nor left did he look until the lit- tle camp hove in sight, and then he utter y prayer of thanksgiving for his escape. When the town awoke the following morn upon the door of every saloon and .gamlin house, Bijah Green’s tavern included, was tac ed a sheet Of paper, inscribedin red ink or blood, of which the following is a fac-simile: : SNOTICE,. - mnie “Take warning, all ye sinners of the recat ealled Deviltry, for Grim Goblin, the Avenger, is in your mi and death shall follow where notice is posted—death to all whose hinds aré dyed in blood of innecen humans, gee “ (Signed) : SS Aveny ‘Such was the notice that was read and re- by startled groups, and sent a thrill of terro Sern a eee ried Jes Se

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maybe. 12 ~ streata—me an’ my ’dopted darter, little old man limped away. Nobby Nick of Nevada. oughly aroused, and the street filled with an ex- cited populace who came to read for themselves the terrible warning of the Avenger, a being whose very name was an Wl-omen in more than one of the Sierra Nevada mining districts, Nobby Nick came down from his room, look- ing fresh and wide-awake after his night’s re- pose, and took a look at the posters, while he smoked a cigar. y TY must see if I can’t trap this Grim Goblin,” he muttered, more to. himself than for other ears ‘He'd be ou a prize to capture. I wonder if a reward has been offered for him?” “You bet thar has, young feller,” a voice: at his elbow said, and he turned to behold standing near him a little dried-up specimen of humani- ty, bow-legged and humpbacked, and. positively ugly of eountenance—a buckskin-clad being, with stubby beard, long iron-gray hair and a game eye, who might or might not have been pronounced a human, according to the Hae enter ideas of the observer. ‘‘ You bet thar has, m larky,” this shriveled-up individual continued, with a-grimace, ‘‘an’ you kin bet also thet 2 is ain’t car from. yer shoulders, yet. They’ve got an eye on ye, hey ther people, watchin’ fer somethin’ ter confirm the ’spicion. Why, you didn’t know et, my boy, but, ’twixt you an’ [ yer room was guarded, all. last night.” * Pshaw, you don’t mean it?” Nick exclaimed, regardin; the old man with a smile. *Yas I do, sure’s my name’s Old Porcupine, an’ I’m a sinner, Oh! ye’d better keep yer peepers on ’em, fer they’re bitter toward ye— that is, the tougher class. Another thing while Vm tellin’ ye, ye’d better not venture out o’ , sight till they are convinced who ye be.” , And why not?” “ Because ve hearn it sed thet ye couldn’t leave the village alive, till et was fairly proven you weren’t Grim Goblin.” ‘ “Oho! so this is the lay, eh?’ Nick said scratching his head. ‘‘ Well, I’m much oblige for the warning, uncle. What's yer handle?” . *‘ Old Porcupine at yer sarvice,” the old man said, doffing his hat. ‘‘ Ye see as how I keeps the bank across the bridge on ’tother side a8 Sue. Eb eek Sue ye reskied from the miserable rough, Eph.’ = Oh! it was?” with a stare of surprise. , “Yas, an’ she sed as how I should tell ye she -was mighty thankful to ye. I must be goin’ now, or the folks ’cuse me 0’ connivin’ wi’ ye. Good-day to ye! Keep yer eye out. Hf ye penees ’oross stream, drap in.” ‘ dare say I shall,” Nick muttered, as the “But I shall keep my eyes about me, all the same, accordin’ to our advice. If this is a nest of hornets they’ll find they have the addition of a bumble-bee, CHAPTER V. f DOGGED FOOTSTEPS. . As the day progressed, and he sauntered about the litfle mining town, Nobby Nick be- came more fully aware that he was the center Ske a labtte for all eyes—and another thing gard you with av@rsion. You a1 £ yr a h every turn, and shi uld the least thing arise to id not escape his keen notice: One or more | ¢o i wot : men of the town never lost sight of him, as he could see them ies bites whenever he looked back. They were hard y ever the same men when he looked, but this did not deceive him i the fact that he was watched. But Nick did not take the matter to heart as many would have done under the circumstances, Instead, he sauntered leisurely about the settle- ment, paling away at a cigar and inspecting everything of interest as he went. In the early part of morn, just before dawn, one of those sudden changes had taken place which are peculiar to this particular region, The mercury had risen rapidly, and the snow- storm turned into a drenching rain, which by day-dawn had cleared the valley of its winding- sheet of white. ‘ Then the sun rose warmly above the moun- tain-tops, and the air was balmy like an Indian summer day. The miners went to work on the placer claims, and a scene of general activity ‘was’every where. One thing rather puzzled Nobby Nick, He could neither hear nor see anything of the two men he had disposed of so effectually the pre- vious eigen? They were not abroad, that was certain, nor did any one seem to know of their whereabouts, for inquires were general. / During the course of his rambles he crossed > the narrow foot-bridge that had been built over the stream from bank to bank, and was strolling along the opposite shore when he heard a foot- step and felt a hand laid softly upon his arm. ‘urning, he beheld the maiden to whose rescue he had come the previous evening at the tavern. - She was attired in a pretty pink calico dress, with beaded slippers upon her feet, and wore her hair in a rippling wave down over her shoulders. + And very pretty she looked with the sunlight resting warmly upon her pretty face. ‘*T was told that you were the gentleman who came so bravely to my rescue last night,” she said, flushing with hesitation, “Sand 1 came to thank you for your brave act. I trust I am not bold for so presuming to address you.” “Most assuredly. not,” Nick replied, doffing his hat gallantly. ‘Indeed, I was just medi- tating on calling on you, and thanking you for the opportunity afforded me to save so pretty a young lady from insult,” ; “Pshaw! youare inclined to flattery,” Sandy Sue said. ‘‘ That is out\ of place, as I am not even good looking; and I should think you would hate me for getting you into trouble,” “Ha! ha! that’s nothing, I’m always in trouble with some one,” Nick replied, smilingly. ‘Ten to one if I hadn’t heard your appeal for assistance, T should have made my entree to the tavern in the same way I did, as I have a pe liar idea that dashing and independent first im- pressions rule the day.” > ‘Perhaps; but, even though you may deem yourself safe, you had best look out,” Sue warn- ed, candidly. “ You are feared by the majority of the citizens of the camp as a bold bravo. s) Pas while the suspicion that you are the dread — scourge, Grim Goblin, causes the people to. re- are watched at ” confirm this suspicion, it would not be ee: a Pi

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= > Nobby Nick of Nevada. ere Nand whole populace would be turned into a mob, ‘ With yourself included?” he queried. “No, indeed! I'll stick by you. When others are bitter against you, I shall defend you!” ‘ ase you do not believe me to be the.aven- r an No. You have two honest a face.” ‘*T thank you for your confidence,” Nick said, * warmly. ‘‘ Thin gs do be to look rather squally for me, but I allow Pll wriggle out some- how. One thing is certain—if they take Nobby Nick alive, they’ll have to do it when he don’t know anything about it.” ‘Sh! Talk lower,” Sue said, looking straight in his face. ‘‘ Don’t loek around yet. By and by glance c@Pelessly toward the bridge. You will see two men there leaning on the railing.” “ Well—?” ; “They have been shaking their fists at me as a warning that I haye no business to talk with you. If 1 provoke them it may be the worse for us both, so I will bid you good-day.” ‘*Good-day! Accept my sincere thanks for jyour interest in my behalf, for I feel I have in ‘ou at least one friend among a host of foes, hall I see you again?” ‘When o poe ney, comes, and I can do so ‘safely, I will find you,” Sandy Sue replied. Then, with a nod, she crossed the street and entered a well-built log cabin, over the door of which there was a little sign bearing the inserip- tion: ~ “ JoHn FALCONER, BANKER AND BROKER,” “ Falconer,” Nick muttered, reading the sign and then turning and retracing his steps toward the bridge. ‘‘That must be the name of my young friend.” F The two red-shirted, stogy-booted miners who had been lounging on the bridge also turned toward the other side of the stream, when they saw Nick coming, but’ he hailed them in an authoritative tone. ; “Hello!*slow up there a bit,” he said, com- mandingly, whereat they paused, hesitatingly. ‘What's your hurry? T want to see you!” “Waal, what d’ye want?” one of the pair demanded, gruffly. ‘‘Reckon ye don’t know us!” S x] “ An’ I reckon I haven't any particular hank~ erin’ after yer bert en ie either,” the Neva- dian retorted, with a provelins laugh. ‘But T'd like to inquire what satisfaction you get from dogging my footsteps!” ‘We ain’t bin doin’ nothin’ o’ the sort.” “You lie! My movements are under con- stant surveillance, and you were watching me while I conversed with the young lady back yonder.” “Et don’t matter. Them’s our orders, an’ we've got ter stick by ’em,” the second man ad- mitted, ‘‘an’ ef you don’t like em, why ye can chaw ’em.” “Tl chaw you, if you give me much of your _tongue,” the champion replied. ‘‘Who gave the orders to have me dogged?” ‘“S8pect it was Colonel Bill Travers.” 7s “Oh! so he’s alive, eh? What business has he _to order me watched?” = é _ “Humpb! - W’at the colonel says is law, hyar- ¥ ' heen’ ya, Se Sy give your name, and explain in what way abouts, an’ thar aims no man, woman or child as'll say he ain’t boss, You'll find it out, too, when he gits ready to square up accounts with you. ‘* So he hasn’t got enough yet, eh?” _ “Guess not. A broken arm an’ a smashed’ — head won’t bother ther colonel much, an’ ef ye — want any letterin’ done on yer tombstone, ye’d ~ better let out' ther job,.ter oncet.” . = ‘Many thanks for your unselfish advice,” Nick retorted. ‘’When I need a tombstone I'll have time to import one from the East. March along, now, before I am seized with a notion to tumble you over into the river.” 4 The men obeyed without urging, for neither, ~ after what they had seen of the Nevadian’s prowess, cared to court a scrimmage with-him. Nick followed them back to the tavern, which he entered, and sought hisroom. To hissurprise, © he found the door unlocked, and on eet found that Wis apartment had another oecup ba Ee aa : ‘ tty” 3 ot aman, but a woman, young and pretty, dressed in men’s clothing—top boots, breeches, “ As to the sensible part,” he said, his compo- sure returning to him, “TI don’t know about that. Perhaps if you would be kind enough to— ‘ indebted for your unexpected visit, my sent may come to a more settled state,” Peri “Oh! we'll get to that directly,” the girl re- _ wiied, coolly. ‘‘ This world wasn’t made in one ay, and yet it is a success. But, to begin-wil how are you feelifg, to-day?” _ ‘ ‘ = Never felt better, I assure you.” “Glad to hear it.” Tf yon have a cigar a Py ce . x

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14 Nobby Nick of Ni vada. me in a smoke? I haven't an extra one myself. I see you’ve got yourself in an unenviable situa- tion since your arrival here.” “Tf so, I am quite able to get myself out,” - Nick retorted, not altogether pleased with the ‘‘ freshness ” of his visitor. ‘* Don’t be so sure about that. I have reason to have serious doubts of your ever getting out of the place. You barked up the wrong tree when you took hold of Colonel Bill Travers. He’s a bad man.” “So am I when you fool around me too much, So you area friend of this border ruf- ~ \ fian, eh?” ‘By no means, But, who, or what I am to you, it matters not. To youl would be a friend —more, a benefactor. possess the power to got out of town and to a place of safety.” “ But, ain’t you a little fast? I am not half- ready to shake hands with Deviltry, yet, if I recollect myself.” ** But stop! If you do not take advantage the of opportunity and escape, ere five suns have come and gone, there will not be so much asa bone of you left to teil you were ever here.” “Ha! hal ba! Your tas would do * credit to a novel writer,” Nick laughed. ‘I fancy I shall know something in regard to this wholesale dissecting business about the time it is’ transpiring.” “Wumph! you may be facetious now, but I fancy you will know more than you want to, of it, later,” she returned with a faint sneer. “Still, if — desire to take the consequences of - your fool-hardiness, it is not my lookout.” ‘Decidedly. Supposing, however, I were to _ sengage your service; to conduct me to a place of ap Meebo remuneration would you ex- et ** Three species, namely: five hundred dollars * which you carry ina belt beneath your hunting- shirt; your hand joined with mine in marriage; and last but not least, the se¢ret of the exact location and entrance to the old Indian mine !” As she spoke the woman leaned forward and gazed searchingly into the Nevadian’s face, ex- _ pecting evidently to note some great change or startin his manner, and her countenance fell when she noted none. Perfectly composed was this man of strength, no surprise even depicted upon his countenance. “Asto the money, no. As to marrying an unknown adventuress, emphatically no. And, as to the secret connected with some old Indian mine, you’ve tackled the wrong dictionary for a solution, I can tell you.” “You are lying to me. You and you alone, Ralph Arlington, hold the secret!” the woman cried, rising to her feet, a wild glare in her eyes. eueny it you dare not.” Still no expression of surprise upon the face of the gua from Nevada. __ “T can deny it with the greatest of ease,” was _Nick’s calm answer. ‘‘I know not who or what “you are, madame, nor dol care. Yourattempt to pump me of any knowledge you may wish to possess, is utterly without avail, and the sooner ig than take your leave, the greater will be my ob-. se + cobrg to you. .Your name I would, however, ike to know.” “You may call me Moll McGregor, but that f | ke : x is not my name!” and she rose to depart. ‘‘ What- ever my true name is, it does not matter to you; suffice to say that Iam one who knows you well, and your abe and shall never lose sight of you, until I get possession of the key to the old In- dian mine.” ; “Tf you wait that long, your hair will be _snowy white!” * y no means. If you will not have me as a friend, you shall have me as an enemy. I will plan to get you in my power, and then tear the secret from you, or tear out your heart.” “Very well. That will do for the present, and I'll excuse you now!” Nick said, pointing toward the door. ‘Go, now, and do not make yourself quite so forward henceforth.” She did go, but shook her fis®at him as sho vanished through the doorway. ‘* Remember!” she said, savagely, ‘‘ this is not our last meeting.” - After she gone, Nick lit a cigar, and sat fheditatively eying the clouds of smoke which rolled ceilingward from his a “*T reckon I might better have stayed away from this place,” he confessed, scratching his head, ‘‘as it appears that Iam between several fires—one the populace who have set me down as an assassin—the other that eccentric female who apparently knows more about me than” Ihnow myself. Iam fogged about her, for I cannot remember that I have ever met her.” — ~ He sat for over an hour, buried in deep thought, his brow wrinkled in a half-scowl as though the nature of his meditations were not pleasant. Finally his eyes closed, wearily, and he slept. It was some hours ere he awoke—at least the light in his room was dull and gloomy, and he concluded that it was nightfall. : He awoke with a start, caused by. a hubbub of noises without—the sound of voicesand barks of dogs prevailing. Rising and going to the window, he gazed down into the street below. And here his eyes fell gs a sight Which thrill- ed him in spite of himself, Z The street was filled with the townspeople, who were talking clamorously, and pointing to- ward an object upon the extreme top of a pole carried by a burly miner, This object, horrible to relate, was a man’s head, detached from the body—a ghastly, bloody trophy, with distended jaws and poy eyes—yet Nick knew he had seen the beard face before, in the hotel disturbance. Straight toward the hotel the trophy-bearer — came, Closely followed by the yelling crowd, with weapons drawn. Zz What did it mean, the young Nevadian asked himself? ; ; Was this a victim of Grim Goblin’s vengeance? And were they coming for him, Nick, to an- swer for the crime? . ‘ It was a horrible thought. CHAPTER VI. ; UPRISING OF A POPULACE, : ““T am in a position that necessitates my do- ing scatretrs, for my country, I should opine, if Chabary dis any prognostication of coming

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Nobby Nick of Nevada. events,” he said, grimly. ‘‘I would like to know for certain if they are coming for me... If so, they'll not find me—that’s certain. Their hand is decidedly too flush for me to attempt to raise it, and so I'll pass. The next important question is—where will I pass to?” It was an important question with him to know how he was to get out of the dilemma that stared him ominously in the face. Outside was the hooting, howling crowd, and he did not want any firmer conviction than that ‘ of his own senses, that they sought for him. He took another glance from the window. The fun bad gone down behind the hills, and a dusky gloom was creeping rapidly through the valley. A ook at the ghastly head perched on top of the pole—then Nobby Nick shut his teeth to- gether with a snap, his eyes flashed resolutely, and he buckled his belt a notch tighter. ‘I wonder where Doxy is?” he mused, glanc- ing at his revolvers, to see that they were all right and ainging his rifle to his back. ‘Tf she was down there I’d set her on the mob. T'll bet a cracker she’d make some of ’em dust their leather.” 2 He was now ready for escape, as soon as he should find the avenue thereto. Going to the door of his room he listened in- tently, but could hear no one in the hall outside, This hall ran the whole length of the upper story of the great cabin, and was intersected by numerous smaller passageways leading to side rooms. The stairway leading to the bar-room below was located at the eastern end of the hall, while at the western end was a window looking out upon the gulch stream. Leaving his room Nick stood for a moment partly undecided which direction to £0. Final- ag, however, he resolved to creep to the head of aos stairs and listen to what was going on be- low. : He therefore stole stealthily along for a few, steps—then suddenly paused and retraced hi¢ steps rapidly, and went to the western end of ' the hall. A thought had occurred to him in which there was reason. He would remove the window sash from its frame—then, in case of necessity, he could make a run along the hall and jump from the window into the gulch stream, which only ran about ten feet from that end of the tavern. : The work of removing the window only occu- Boe a couple of minutes; then, drawing one of This revolvers and cocking it, he crept cautiously toward the opposite end of the hall. Without incident he reached the head of the stairs, and stood silently in the dark in a listen- ing attitude. p from the bar below came angry voices. profane shouts and the clinking of glasses an if he had had any doubts before as to the mission “f# the aroused populace, he bad none now, for more than once he heard the name of Nobby Nick and Grim Goblin mentioned in connection, -and gathered from snatches of conversation, that the murdered man was one Hank Long, and had been killed by the Avenger, Grim Gob- | ready for use,” Travers said. ‘Tf our man isin | Sa Bas oe known by a familiar cross slashed ha knife upon the forehead. The body had | fire upon. not yet been found—the head had been discoy- | have to kill 16 aS ered mounted on top of the pole, just out of the - village-in the center of the gulch. All this was, of course, interesting to Nick, and he was resolved to learn everything possi- ble before he was forced to ‘light out” for lib- ¥ erty. he half an hour or more the hubbub contin- ued, and during that time it was evident that considerable whisky changed hands, judging by the rattle of glasses, Finally there was a fearful racket made by pounding upon a tin pan, and all became quiet, et a that a meeting was called. With all attention, Nobby Nick leaned for- ward to heat what was said. From his positicn he commanded a view of a portion of the scene below, and could see the speaker, who proved to be Colonel Bill Travers, mounted upon an empty flour barrel. A sorry-looking orator he made, however. His left leg was bandaged, his left arm was in a “sling, his Tage eye was tied uP, and his face was bruised and raw in a dozen places. - He took the stand, and gazed around with te Sint of a hungry wolf in his eyes ere he spoke. : “ Fellow-citizens,” he finally said, saveuel dy “J don’t reckon I’m called on to say mucb. You all know thet Grim Goblin, the cussed cut- throat, is among us, an’ thet we’ve jest found one bloody evidence of the fact to-night. You are all well satisfied, too, that the young puppy who calls himself Nobby ‘Nick is none other thee ; the veritable-Grim Goblin, and so what remains for us to do but capture the cuss an’ make him suffer for his crimes?” : ‘*Hurrah! that’s ther ticket to vote!” shouted Alaska Joe, who now calculated he was second — thoroughbred of the town since Evil Eph was sick. “Ef Nobby Nick is ther chap, Grim Gob- lin, why, et’s our saintly duty ter clean him out. An’ ef he ain’t, I opine as how he ain’t no pil- grim as will use his bone-dust fer fertilizin’ purposes.” ~ “See heer, Alaska, you’d r shet yt yawp!” Colonel Bill growled. Ef ye ever stic in yer blab when I’m addressin’ a meetin’ like this ag’in, I'll be cussed ef I don’t.slip my knife~ — inter yer juggler vein. I say, Nobby Nick ts the self-same , of him, an’ I fer one propose we don’t parley any longer, but sail right in and capture him, Arter 8 plan o’ puttin’ him to death. All in favor of this motion make manifest by saying I!” A general yell of ‘‘I! was the answer. s I expected,” Colonel Bill said with agrin ‘You all like this chap about’ of approbation. as much astdo. Now the next thing is to get him. Ef I’m elected captain of the thing, Tll give ye plans by, which ye kin take the cuss!” 2 ‘Hurrah! hurrah!” shouted the crowd, ‘*Col- _ onel Bill is ter be ther boss.” “Then, first of all, let twenty able-bodied men — surround the building on all sides with weapons the shebang and makes an attempt to escape, him: do not let him get lawsy if y do any purtickler credit to our — moral town, an’ et would not do any hurt ter tim Goblin, or else anemissary t? we kin hold a meetin’ an’ devise a ~

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EN atin el » come ani r‘ port, and he knew that the route lay thro _ the several narrower passages. Another turn _ was soon made, this tizo2 into a room); evidently, _. for he heard her close a door : procure a light. you to a still safer place.” _moye ~ No, not she, he diff tone—softer and more gentle, yee Keb 16 Nobby Nick of Nevada, The, order was executed, some two score of the crowd swarmizg to the outside of the build- ing. “Next, Ist. two men creep cautiously up- stairs, and to the door of the Avenger’s room, and listen there. If Pho hear anything of him, If not, give the alarm, and there shall be a general search of the premises.” Two burly miners immediately signified their readiness to make the reconnoissance, and put fresh cartridges in their revolvers, preparatory for battle, if necessary. Then they came to the foot of the stairs, and began to ascend them in a stealthy manner, Crouching behind a back-set in the wall, at the head of the stairs, Nobby Nick waited for them, his eyes gleaming desperately. He was resolved to hold his own as long as practicable, and then make a bold leap for liberty. One of the men paused upon the steps, half- way up; to tighten his belt—the other came steadily on, and gained the landing. The next instant he found himself in the iron asp of the modern Hercules, and ere he could lefend himself was raised in the air above his ' opponent's head, like a helpless child. Then without warning, he suddenly hurled the vic- ’ tim of his surprise down the stairway against ty the second miner, and the two went crashing headlong to the bottom, mid cries of consterna- tion from the crowd in the bar-room, _ Uttering a ae of defiance, and without wait- ing to note the effect of his bold deed, Nobb Nick turned and ran swiftly through the hali toward the western end of the building, intent upon leaping through the open casement ‘into _ the gulch stream, But, this plan was sudderily foiled, for he had only gone about half the distance to ‘the win- dow when he tripped A a wire or rope strung across the floor, and fell with stunning severity, - and, before he could even make the attempt ta regain his feet, a figure darted forward, sprung upon him and bore him back, and ere he fully _ regained his wits, his wrists were handcuffel and a bandage tied over his eyes, “Now rise to your feet, quickly,” a voice spoke, close to his ear—a feminine voice, al that. ‘Do not attempt to run, but come with me, and I'll get you away from the mob. Lis- * ten! they are coming. \This way, now, lively!” She grasped him by the arm and led the way, rapidly; and he followed, not too willingly, for ho knew not whether he was going out of the fire or deeper into it, She led the way for perhaps fifteen paces through the main hall—then made a sbery an one 0} behind them, “Stop here a moment,” she said, ‘‘while I “We will be safe until I take beyed, while he listened to her as she about the apartment.’ Her step was light, soft, cat-like, Who was she, he asked himself? Moll McGregor, San e He o ‘haps! liberated, for the voice was” Ripe litt aiuto s @Pull ted” SSE She soon succeeded in striking a light, and then came forward and removed the bandage from his eyes. It was a decided relief, for he was eager to know whom he had to thank for his rescue from the mob. And he saw standing before him not a white girl—not Sandy Sue; as he had half hoped—but an Indian girl of some sixteen or seventeen sum- mers—a well-formed maiden of medium hight of women, with a face nearly as white as a na- tive pale-face, regular and remarkably attract- ive features, dark eyes whose power of expres- sion was dazzling, and hair black as a raven’s wing, and worn down her back in two braids. She was attired in buckskin leggings reachin above the knee, and met by a neat-fitting hunt ing-shirt belted at the waist, which was also of buckskin, and all of which was fringed with the down of the eagle, colored or painted in the many shades of the rainbow. Beaded moc- casins upon her feet, and a jaunty round fur cap upon her head completed a very tasty costume, which contributed to make her a very pretty girl. But for the dusky expression of her eyes, and the faint tinge of brown to her skin, one would not have suspected that she was an In- dsan, for her features were of an Anglo-Suxon ae he gazed at her in mute surprise end ad- miration, a thought flashed across the Nevadi- an’s mind, . Of the three pretty females be had met since coming to Deviltry,which was the prettiest ~this Indian maiden, Sandy Sue, or Moll McGregor? And he was not ge 2s to answer, for all three were pte. to afault. “cc +i am Face, the banished Sioux,” she said, breaking the silence, ‘You saved my father from the vengeance of the gulch miners, and he liked you. He dreampt you were in trouble and sent me to help you escape.” ‘Wor which I thank you heartily,” Nick said extending bishand, ‘I did give the old ghief a lift, or rather, my old mule, Doxy did, but didn’t reckon\there’d be any chance o’ returning the favor so soon,” Wild. Flower hesitated a moment, and then . seized his left hand, and examined the palm closely. As suddenly then did she drop it and reel back, a shade of pallor crossing her countenance, . h He Dib tore and her own shapely right hand ong hee butt of a revolver which she carried in her belt. “Fold on—what’s the matter, now?” Nick de- manded, in surprise. ‘ What’s the mattor with my fist that you are so affected?” ‘ : ‘Sh! Your life is in deadly peril, if Stern Face sees that hand,” she gasped. “‘Not even the favor you did bim would save your life.” “ And why not? I'll be shot, if I ain’t fegged, for once in my life.” ‘ “Perhaps. Maybe you are ignorant of the secret that envelops your life, but Lam not, Did. you ever study the veins of your left band ade veins that blood circulates through, but mar: the hand of nature and which look like a laby- rinth of trails on a prairie?” As ; that seem to have been seared there by © ild Flower the daughter of Stern

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’ as a blindfold. “Tn truth I have studied my marked 7 nee many times, in curiosity, but never allowed there was any particular meaning connected therewith,” Nick replied. “There is a meaning, however,” Wild Flower assured, ‘“and-one which I can well understand. By that marked hand I know who you are, your whole antecedents, and that you are the last of a race of people who know the secret of the old Tndian mine.” ; “You are mistaken, I know nothing con- cerning any Indian mine.” : : “Maybe not, but the trail leading to that mine is engraven upon your hand, and there are hundreds who would give their mght hands to gain possession of the secret!” Then she stopped short and listened intently. Sharp though were the ears of the-Nevadian, he could bear no outside sound, for the room was apparently without doors or windows, none being visible. Wild Flower heard hostile sounds, however, for her big eyes grew duskier, and she repro- duced the bandage which had previously served ‘* We must escape further, lest they scent us out,” she announced. —‘* We are safe unless the think of one thing. Colonel Travers has a blood- hound, and if he were to set it on our trail it would be bad, Come!” E “Where?” ‘‘Tt matters not, to you, just yet. I will blind- fold you and lead the way—a long and tedious one, it will seem. By and by we will pause to rest, and WildsFlower will tell you something of the story concerning the mystery that surrounds you. Come!” She bandaged his eyes, and taking him by the arm led him forward, A few paces thus; then they began to descend what he concluded was a narrow and winding staircase. - +It proved to be of extreme length ere they came to the end of the steps, the lower portion of which proved to be stone. ~ They were now in a damp, musty-smelling place which his senses of smelling and feeling told him was a subterranean passage, CHAPTER VII. THE BANK BESIEGED. IMMEDIATELY after the two miners came ‘head-foremost down into the bar-room, pro- pe thither by the mighty power of by ick’s terrible arms, there was a loud yell of vengeance and fully a hundred rough and lawless men sprung up the. staircase, armed with drawn revolvers, and lighted by burning fagots which they had grabbed from the fire- vlace. : Colonel Bill Travers was too lame to lead the van, Sut brought up the rear, urging on the yang whose ruling spirit he was, ' A swift and thorough search of the upper story was made—in every room, hallway and niche, and the result was nothing! _.. Nowhere. could anything of the Nevadian be found, but the open window at the end of the hall pointed out the avenue of his escape. cea a pea howls and curses escaped the { ig miners, and a rush was made for the ! A ~ Nobby Nick of Nevada. i from a position near the door. thunder out of ye in ete saat 1? outer air, some descending the stairs, and others par; te: tinge 1h from the window. nm being shesply questioned none of those who had formed the guard surrounding the cabin, had seen anything of the supposed aven- ger, and declared emphatically that he had not escaped through the window by leaping over their heads. Loth to believe this were the larger share of the populace;—even Colonel Bill raved and ~ swore around like a madman, and ordered every house and building of any des¢ription rane sacked, ‘a And his order was obeyed. , The mob divided up into several companies, and, armed with torches began to search the town. 7 ’ Colonel Bill hobbled and limped along lat the head of one gang, and led the way across the river to the cabin bank of Porcupine Pete, for- ‘merly owned by John Falconer, Here he Pe and rapped pr aenlg Pere the door, which was partly opened by Sandy Sue, whose pretty face and figure filled the pap. ; ‘Come, gal, open up an’ let us s’arch the lace,” Travers said, fly, pushing on the oor. But Sue held it firmly. i ‘*No you don’t,” she said, “‘ till I know what you want.” ““Durn ye, open the door! We're s’archin’ fer that infernal cuss, Nobby Nick,” he replied, savagely. ‘‘He’s slipped away, like a greased eel, an’ we wanter see ef ye ain’t got him hid away somewheres,” bank is closed for to-day.” ‘Oh! but we'll cussed soon open it, tho’, ef ye don’t let us in.” ‘“Then blaze away, and you'll get aa fill, mighty quick!” Sue retorted spirite ly. She was a resolute girl, one not easily frightened, and she slammed the door in Colonel Bill’s face, with a will, after which she barred it heavily. “There! now stay out!” she cried, in a deter- mined tone. ‘ Nobby Nick is not here, and you can save time by searching for him elsewhere.” — “‘Tlibe cussed ef ye will,” Travers roared, — ; enraged at his defeat. ‘‘ Boys, go cut and trim a good tree, for a battering-ram, an’ we'll devilish soon make splinters of the door.” = A dozen sprung to do his bidding, while the __ rest ha 24 gue ead this girong ge nee = ! but spoil yer purty face, when in thar,” the valiant colonel ae about. ‘I'll cut yer head off an’ stick it a-top of a pole like Hank Long’s,” She did not reply. She was alone in the cabin, Porcupine Pete having been absent on a hunt in the mountains since noon, and she did not feel that it was policy for her to provoke these rude citizens too much—yet was determined they should not — enter the cabin at any hazard. = For, though she knew nothing of the where- — abouts of Nobby Nick, she did know that there _ was wealth enough in the iron safe to tempt : more honest men than Travers and his gang. _ : ““Ye'd better let us in,” Travers growled, cutting a tree, over yonder, an’ we'll batter — door ef ye don’t open it.” pre RO ee nga So ; > ets ‘He ain’t here, and you can’t come in. The . — yelled, limping “The boys aire

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is Nobby Nick of Nevada. ‘Batter away!” Sue replied, firmly. ‘T guess it will require a deal of pains for you to get in here, and even when successful in so doing, you'll fail to find the object of your search, I warn you fairly not to attack this . cabin. If you do, Pll shoot every man I get a glimpse of sure as I am Sandy Sue.” “Oh! we ain’t afeard 0’ ye! We've heerd squaws talk, before.” Presently the tramp of feet announced tiiat the bearers ofthe battering-ram were returning, as did a Babel of discordant voices, “Come, now,” the hoarse voice of Colonel 3 Bill shouted, ‘‘ef ye’re goin’ to open up, do so— ef ye ain’t say SO, and we'll make pudding of yer old cabin.’ 2 “Thave told you Bt I shall not open the door,” Sue returned. ‘‘ If you resort to vio- lence you do so at your peril.” A yell of defiance came from the outside; then there was a tremendousthump against the stout oaken door, which shook the cabin from roof to ' foundation, But the door did not yield. ; Taking down a light repeating rifle, of the Winchester pattern, Sue stationed herself at a loop-hole in the wall, and waited, resolved that as the cabin was attacked, she would show fight, in dead earnest, The cabin was admirably adapted for standing a siege, the walls being built of three thicknesses of logs, and the roof doubly boarded and very _ steep, making it impossible for any one to stand’ upon it. = Within, it was divided into two rooms below. the door by wh‘ch entrance could be gained opening into the bank, while from that a door opened into a side room which ,was used for tchen and dining-room, Sleeping apartments ‘ere up-stairs, under thé roof. The windows _ Yof the cabin were well protected by stout iron \ seater and altogether it was a snug little or ra Sa aes Surrounded as she was by these formidable barriérs, Sandy Sue felt little or no fear as to whatthe final result would be, for with her father she had settled here when a mere child, and when Indians were hostile, and she could remember more than one occasion when the stanch little edifice had withstood the ingenious attack of the wily savages, for days. _ _Cocking the rifle she leveled the weapon through the loop-hole, The next instant there was a flash, a sharp report—and a yell. ; The yell told that the shot had taken effect, and howls of rage among the self-styled Regu- lators proved it. b ¢ “Open ther door, you she-wildeat!” Colonel. - Bill demanded. ‘ 3 ‘* Never!” came the response from the inside, followed by a shot which dropped another ‘mirier. . en the battering-ram was applied with a will, _ _ At-first the door withs‘ood the shocks brave- - ty, but the continued attack finally began to pake it clatter noisily and show signs of giving iD. x ti ‘ Encouraged by this the men with battering- ram lent renewed efforts, and made the night with their yells, é tel. Shot after shot came from within the cabin with telling effect, which increased the fury of the Regulators, for they could not handle their clumsy weapon of assault. Thump! bang! crash!—the door shook visibly, the bars burst in twain. Another thump, an the door went in with a loud crash, Cheer after cheer rent the air as the men | dropped the log and poured into the cabin. Later that same night, when the moon was soaring down tBvard its western bed, a stage came dashing down through Hard Pan Gulch; nota public conveyance, evidently, but a pri- vate hack drawn by four handsome white horses, and driven by a liveried darky who sat upon the box, Who was inside could not be seen from the exterior, both doors being closed and the cur- tains drawn, The moonlight fell dimly in the gulch, but it was still light enough for the coachman to see, and. he drove rapidly and seeming] econ His constant glances about him hecpoka C) nervousness he felt, probably owing to the hour and his lonely surroundings, and his left hand ever hovered near his belt. The trail through the gulch lay all the way down hill toward Deviltry, and this fact accele- rated the speed of the horses until the convey- ance tore along ata furious speed, Yet this fact did not seem to alarm five beard- ed men who were drawn up in a line across the trail a fow hundred yards further down the gulch dark, rough-looking fellows, with great rass letters upon their hunting shirts, .and cocked revolvers in their Sternly the leader called Sut the chatlenga word “‘ Halt!” as the turnout came nearer, and the darky, on seeing them, promptly drew rein, and allowed them to approach. “See yar now, you fellows, w’at youh want, a-stoppin’ folkses dis yar way?” he demanded, leveling his big navy revolver at the foremost of the outlaws. ‘Jes’ you ’splain, sah, or I’se on bore a hole right away froo youh, fo! sua “Git out, you infernal nigger!” the chief re- plied, savagely. ‘Drop that Weapon, or we'll blow ye so fur you never'll find even the color of yer black hide. As to what we want, we're the Bearded Brothers, and we want thet bloated old aristocrat, General Arlington, who is aboard this stage.” ‘Oh! de good Lor’ bress you, but you’s too he fo’ suah,” Pompey replied, throwing up- s robbers free miles up de gulch, sure’s I’se a live — nigger, and de general an’ all bis gold jes’ taken — right away off into de mountings, fo’ suah! An’ de general he say, ‘ Pomp, fer heaven’s sake go on to de town, an’ send some one to my ’sist- es Yes, sah, de general is done gone fo’ act. An exclamation of dismay escaped the Beard. ed Brothers, and Captain A uttered a frightful string of curses, vis “Pm cussed ef I don’t believe you're lying, you infernal y : Open the carri ‘oor, bo ‘Several of ain’t in thar?’ black skunk. see ef the old ands. ‘‘ Dis yar hack has been attacked by —

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Nobby. Nick of Nevada. ~ and as a result, both doors were flung wide open. **Gone, sure enough!” the captain growled, flashing the light of a bull’s-eye lantern within icle. ‘*Cuss the luck, the nigger is ed, whose arms ached from holding the snorting horses by the bits. ‘‘ Shall we let him go on or not? ‘Yes, cuss him, let loose the horses and leave him go on!” Captain A growled. ‘“ We've got in our bid too Jate to-night.” The horses were accordingly released, and the carriage rolled away toward Deviltry. And then it was that a panel in the front part of the interior of the cab was shot aside, and a ‘tall white-whiskered man — forth from a secret compartment wherein he had been hiding with a satisfied smile upon his face. At the rush of the Regulators into the bank or cabin home. of Sandy Sue, the brave girl brought the steel barrel down upon the heads of those who darted forward to secure her, but a score of hands seized her as in a grasp of iron. Resistance was out of the question, and nothing was left for her but to submit. ‘Bind her securely and take her to the jail cabin,” Colonel Bill ordered, slapping her oe ly beside the head. ‘* Ef we don’t stretch her purty throat in thé mornin’ I’m a liar!” The order was obeyed, and Sue taken to a strong cabin on the opposite side of the stream, where she was locked up in a cheerless room with gratings over the window and left alone, At the bank part of the crowd busied them- selves in caring for those who had been wounded by the prowess of the brave girl, while the others made a thorough search of the premises, with- oe of course, discovering anything of Nobby ick. : . Nor was he found elsewhere by the other “searchers, and it had to be given up that he had made good his escape. : - About midnight Colonel Bill and five of his comrades left the town on horseback, declaring their intention to search the mountains, but they returned about daylight without their man. Tho settlement was thoroughly aroused again by sunrise, for it was understood that Sand Sue was to have a hasty trial, and that in all probability she would be lynched for the crime ‘of killing two of the citizens who had joined in the attack upon the cabin. ates A large crowd assembled upon a square near the river, where all public trials were usually sheld, and about two hours after sunrise, the maiden was placed upon the stand, along with a lawyer and Colonel Bill Travers. : This lawyer was a ruffian- as well as Travers, and things looked dark for the girl, for not a friendly expression was there upon the sea of faces that surrounded her, and she could not see even the rough visage of her guardian and pro- _ tector, Porcupine Pete. " : «Colonel Bill arose pompously, : ment. spy for some time, 19 > j “Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor of opening this court,” he said. ‘*The case is one of murder, committed upon two of our most re- spectable citizens by a mere chit of a girl, here. ~~ e are assembled here to try her for No particular trial is r fused us admittance to her cabin, when in the name of the law we t for a notorious crim- inal,-and boldly killed two of our men when we took measures for obeying the mandates of the law. Now if there is any law to protect her, let us hear it!” _ “There is no law on the side of the prisoner in such a case,” Deviltry’s disciple of Blackstone declared, ‘‘and I make no hesitation in pro- nouncing her guilty of murder in the first de- gree, and sentencing her to such death as may — suit the people, _T propose she be put up as a target, an’ be shot at by every one as wants to,” Travers said. ‘* All in favor of this motion make manifest by saying Ir pele ‘here was a general shout of acclamation, on all hands, ; i _ Such a thing would be a novelty. rae “Hold on. I protest!” a well-dressed stranger with long white beard said, stepping forward. ‘*T want to purchase this prisoner!” : CHAPTER VIII. _ WILD FLOWER NARRATES. : To return to Nobby Nick, whom we left some- where beneath the earth, as he judged by the. ~ danksome smell and feeling of what little air — circulated through the place. A halt was made, and Wild Flower pusked him gently backward toa seat upon a square ~ rock at one side of the passage. ame “Be seated,” she said, seating herself beside ~ him, “and_we will rest awhile, while I talk with you. I like you very much.” ga “TI thank you for it,” Nick replied, ‘without knowing Why zou should.” e= “Because 1 do. Youare the only white man I ever fancied, because you are strong, fearless, handsome, noble, Then, too; the mark ng oa your hand draws you nearer to me. Presently, { will explain all this which seems to bea mys- — tery to you. But first, let me inquire what — brings you here to the mines? You surely must” — have had an object in coming.” : ys “ Certainly. I am here Sor A DOr But, how do I know that you are one whom I can safely intrust with my secret?” S ae es Whert the Indian girl offers her hand itisin undying friendship and faith, Here—I offer ou my hand, swearing that I am ever to be — Yoana by you.” ‘7 Nick received the hand in his and pressed it — warmly. It was soft, shapely and warm, and he felt a magnetic influence from its contact with his own. Z aes “Tam prong to earn you as a friend, Wild Flower,” he said, raising the hand to his lips _ 5 w e crime, uired. She openly re- and then releasing it, ‘‘and will tell you what brings me here. I am sent by the U:-S. Mar- shal of this territory to spy out and find the aendezyous of a certain band of forgers who are known to be quartered somewhere in this sec- tion, I have followed the business of Govern- and came

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+ OB ia 20 posing I should be able to pursue my calling without trouble.” ‘You come on a good mission, and I am glad. These forgers do exist in this section, and [ can give you considerable information concernin, em. They undoubtedly exist in a party o outlaws known as*the Bearded Brothers, and whosé ruling spicit is a woman, unknown by _ real name to them, who always keeps her face masked. She, I believe, is the author of the forgeries, and these Bearded Brothers pursue a double calling of disposing of the forgeries and attacking lone mountain wayfarers for the pur- pose of robbing them.” ‘Hal this is good news to me, Where are they located? here is their retreat?” “That Kdo not care to tell. I stumbled upow it one night, and saw enough to convince me’of what I have told you. They caught me, how- ever, and would have cut my throat had I not promised never to reveal the whereabouts of their den to any human being. They made the clause,-and I agreed to it.” ‘* Then, in order to get possession of the know]- edge T have to ago aa pc eh?” Té-would seem so, if you hoped to get your news of me.” “Well! well! I shall have to think this mat- ter over seriously. It may not be a bad plan anyhow, providing the party of the second part is inca But now, tell me what is the secret of my branded hand, and why would your father be angry were he to see it?” Wild Flower was silent a few moments—then _ she went on to relate: “Years ago, sir, to begin with, my father Stern Face, a halt-breed, and your father, John Falconer, became acquain in Texas, and formed a partnership to come to this section of country, and explore for gold. They came hither and explored and found gold, sure enough. They built acabin and lived together, mined together, hunted together; and were the best of friends. Finally, rn Face signified his intention of building him a cabin and bringing: his wife and child hither. And his decision proved identical “with one Falconer had formed, and so both the ards journeyed hence and brought back their ‘amilies—Stern Face, his pale-face wife and little ‘daughter, and John Falconer, a little son and daughter—their mother having died while en route from the East. ‘* A year passed by. The two pards were grow- ing rich, and settlers began to string in, one by one, forming the beginning of a little mining city, when one day Stern Face discovered some writings upon the stone that lay over an Indian mound, which disclosed to him the secret of an ancient subterranean Indian gold-mine, which secret had been written on the stone in signs and had remained unknown since the Indian’s death. My father unearthed the mine, explored it, and found it to be one of the richest this country ever had known. Tn the spirit of his loyalty to John Falconer, he took him into the secret and as a partner in . the new fortune. Bey ‘* Ht was then they took an oath that the secr: ‘of the whereabouts of the mine should never go beyond their present family, and sealed that h with ataste of blood, They then branded rs a = Pies ns ee PATS, Nobby Nick of Nevada. (a ee re their left hands and those of their family with a die made by Stern Face, which marked out the topography of the surrounding country, and the secret entrance to the Indian mine. This was done as a sort of link binding the two fami-_ lies together. : “Well, in the due course of time they had taken out really more wealth than they cared to haye lying around loose, lest it arouse sus- picion so, as the town began to increase, John ‘Falconer built a bank and started a general banking business—more as an object to secrete the gold of the Indian mine than anything else, until he and Stern Face should come to some decision how to invest their wealth; and while Falconer ‘attended the bank and guarded the gold, Stern Face secretly mined it. “One day John Falconer took a trip to an Eastern town, and when he returned brought back a_ wife—a mere girl of sixteen, with a retty, babyish face and snaky, bead-like eyes. tern Face did not like her, as he read treachery in her eyes, and so he warned John Falconer not to let her into the secret of the mine, and a prom- ise was given. “They did not agree together, Stern Face says—that is, John and his new wife, and his home knew not the peace it did before. John was often despondent and moody and strange. One night Stern Face returned to his cabin, to find his little girl crying bitterly, saying ‘mam- ma had gone.’ In surprise he went over to Fal- coner’s, and there found his little girl in the same condition, she, too, saying that her mam- ma had gone. pace revealed that John Fal- coner had left that afternoon for the Hast, ac- companied by his young son, and that his wife and Stern Face’s wife had not’ long after takén the same trail on horseback. Searching the bank, Stern Face found all gone—his own gold. John Faleoner’s gold and the gold that had been deposited by miners—gong! and who had taken it? ““He could form but one conclusion. John Falconer had sloped with the,gold, accompanied - by his wife and my mother, as accessories to the crime. It maddened the honest. old chief be- yond comparison. He did not take the trail in Fibers but registered an oath to have the life’s lood of every one whose left hand bore the branded key to the secret mine. He, however, excepted me, his own child, and the innocen' little one John Falconer had left behind. Over her he appointed Old Porcupine, a scout, as rdian; then took me and our household into the Indian mine. Here he has since lived, watching and waiting for the time when some Mm the guilty ones should return to this vicin- Ys ‘ Pye Then my name is Falconer, and not Arling- ton, and I am the brother of the young lady ~ they call Sandy Sue?’ Nick exclaimed, excit-— edly. a You are. Did you suppose your name was Nari saad d : . **Yes—or rather I was called Nobb over at the fort in Nevada, where my first re- collections date back to, when I wasa years. From that time on, to the present, I i shifted Tor myself around through territories, knowing little or nothing F steele tee as SER: g as to my anteced k Nitk SE one

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s * t Nobby Nick of Nevada. and caring less. That’s my history in a nut- shell. “You are Nick Falconer; I knew that the minute I saw your hand,” Wild Flower de- clared. : ‘* And so when we were little shavers we used to play together? Well, well! pisieey ea things have happened, to be sure. So you think your stern old father would be likely to feel scalpish- ly disposed toward ‘me were he to find out my identity?” , “In truth he would. His anger even I could not stay.” 4 “Well, then, I’ve got to keep this left fist out of his reach.” : “You have. But I think I can manage it. He thinks the world of you, as Nobby Nick his rescuer, and bade me secure you and make you a guest of the Indian mine, first sealing your lips with a terrible oath binding yourself to secrecy. This oath I have not demanded of, you, because I trusted in you implicitly:” ** And you can bet your life that your trust shall not be misplaced!” Nick assured, warmly. oa The sin of the parent shall not follow the son! ; “Bravely spoken—words that fill Wild Flow- er’s heart with gladness and love for you. Stern Face shall not harm you. Wild Flower will fix qe hand in a sling for the present, and Stern ‘ace will see that it- has been kurt, and ask no questions. Let Nick remain here a few min- utes, till 1 return with some bandages.” Re She then skipped lightly away, and was absent a few minutes, when she returned with some strips of cloth and bound up bis left hand in a sling, as if it had been wounded, F “Thave just been bela igs Be Nick remark- ed, when she had finished, ‘‘ where you get all your education and refined manners, living as you always have in the wilds here, away from schools and society.” “Stern Face is a man’ of some culture. My father has been my instructor, m I owe such knowledge as I have not learned from experience and reading. | Though the taint of Indian blood is in my veins, my heart is as white and my education nearly as perfect as that of my white sister.” “So I perceive. But tell me one thing:—do you know who is this Avenger who styles him- self Grim Goblin, and for whom I have been mistaken in this mining town?’ 4 “T often have suspicions, but sometimes be- lieve them wrong. I neither give them credence nor publicity. Who Grim Goblin is, is-destined toremain unknown. He is undoubtedly some person who has been ec f wronged by the ruffian element upon whom he ever preys. He has never been, known to attack any of our peaceably-disposed citizens of the mines. It has always been that class whom dissipation or evil ‘natures had transformed into wretches of the worst order. Buf come now, and we will go on to the end of our journgy.”* She linked her arm in his, and led the way ‘ Ba aro t, Bie strange subterranean which, by its formation, Nick judged. Ne apron Th ek : an » = r te | chamber, with high rocky wa _ accepted, ge, 4 1 one bt Le : a = i f I 7 7; ee te day been an underground water-course. She had removed the bandage from his eyes, yet the darkness was so intense that he could not see his hand before his face. ‘One entrance to this mine is then through the tavern?” he merle as they went along. — “Yes. One of the queer gables, supposed to be solid, is in reality room and spiral staircase, descending to this old water-course, .which connects with Phosphorus Cave, which is the main chamber of the old Indian mine.” ; f They soon emerged into what was evidently the yery cavé. It was a huge subterrancan and vaulted ceiling, with rugged, uneven bottom, and these rocky walls seemed to emit a peculiar bluish- white glow, which had the effect of lighting the cavern throughout.: : The center of the bottom sloped off into a narrow ravine, through which a little rivulet of water gurgled along,/entering through a black. tunnel-like fissure at one side of the cave, an disappearing through a similar one on ‘the opposite side. “Lhere was fall enough in the stream so that an admirable system of sluice- boxes and cradles had been arranged in its course, making the washing of minerals an easy matter. : _ On the opposite side of the ravine was a Be table engine and an ore mill or crusher, working order, ’ On the side of the ravine where they had aused there was little but rock and sand. own in the.ravine three Indian lodges had been built, uot over half a dozen yards apart, and before one of these a fire of pine cones was burning, and an Indian was engaged in roasting some meat. . One thing puzzled Nobby Nick; how had the engine and crusher ever been conveyed to this secret avenue? He asked the question of Wild — Flower, and she laughed gayly. ~ “Oh! they had it here at Deviltry before the _ Indian mine was. discovered, and after discovery made pretense of selling it, but in aeelae re- moved it hither, by anotherroute.. Come; Stern Face is yonder preparing supper.” approaching, and put out his hand, which Nick brave,” be said, motionin camp-stool. Fe is glad to see Nick come with Wild Flower. Nick brave man—Wild Flower good Injun girl. Nick and -Wild Flower make gold—big heap like mountain. Go East den— lib like nabobs. len Washington an’ be big man like Presi- en : And Nick’s spoken thoughts were: ‘I would- n’t mind that, myself.” Rent: _ CHAPTER IX. THE MAN FROM DENVER, same hour in the morn Anovs ollow, and- contains a pope’ Ba eee: “Stern Face is glad to see pale-fece — Nick to a seat on a Stern Face like that—like to. — good match—then Stern Face give ’em all bis z

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Nobby Nick of Nevada. ‘ trial of Susie Falconer was occurring in the town of Deviltry, Evil Eph had a visitor. The ruffian made his home in an old tumble- down cabin, down the gulch, where the pines rew dark and gloomy, and to this cabin he had ept closely since his rough usage at the hands of Nobby ick. In his terrible fall that night he had sustained such injuries as a fractured shoul- der-blade, a broken rib, a badly bruised head, and a dislocated knee, and was now yet unable to more than crawl about his cabin and get what food and medicine he actually needed. He had partly risen, this morning, upon his elbow on the couch, and was puffing away at his pipe when there came a rude knock on the door that made it rattle. : He started upright with an oath, but sunk quickly back with pain. : The knock was immediately repeated with a peremptoriness that spoke of the knocker’s im- patience. “Come in, cuss ye!” Saunders growled, reach- ing for his revolver, but, failing to find it in its accustomed place. The door opened, and a man entered. _ Or at least a person of rather small stature, with an immense beard that fell down over the breast, and which hid a view of all of the face except the nose and eyes and forehead. His belt fairly bristled with weapons, too, and, taken as a whole, he was not a person of prepossessing appearance. Evil Eph did not seom to recognize him, either, for he gave vent to a snort of rage at sight of him. “ Who ’re you an’ what the devil d’ye want?” he demand- ed. “Tam Grim Goblin, the Avenger, and I sewx your money and your life,”was the s*tanger’s matter-of-fact sep. Saunders uttered a gasp of alarm, “You lie!” he gritted. ‘‘ You are not the pie: Avenger.” = “ He, and none other!” the man replied, seat- ing himself near the door, with a drawn revol- ver. ‘I rejoice in the honor of being that noted person who seldom appears in public, yet quite often makes his presence felt, ou being one of the alloted few in this town, who happen to be entered upon my Death Register, I thought l’d call around and settle up with you. Where is your gold concealed?” _ \ ‘All T’ve got’s in my pocket, an’ thar ain’t but cussed little o’ that,” Evil Eph growled, “Oh! it won't avail you to lie to me,” Grim Goblin assured. ‘‘ I know you have upward of ten thousand in greenbacks and gold, else I should not have asked you.” ; The next instant, without any warning what- ever, he raised the revolver and fired upon the border ruffan. ~ One bullet—that was enough. It had pierced the forehead of Evil Eph, and ee Vee back upon the couch with only a gasp— lead. With a horrible laugh the Avenger restored the revolver to his belt; then he began a search of the cabin, overhauling such things and ran- ' sacking such places as were likely to contain hidden wealth. : : In one corner a huge stuffed wolf stood with distended jaws and glassy eyes, It had been Bae Roe eee SRA Seee pty Eph’s pride, this animal. Gazing at the brute a moment, a thought seemed to strike Grim Goblin, and he thrust his hand down the wolf’s throat. He then uttered a cry of joy, and throwing the stuffed animal upon the floor, slashed open its hide with his knife. Then through the aperture, he hauled out handful after handful of bank-notes and coin and dust, and transferred . the same to his own pockets. f eee ell was secured he hurried from thr cabin, : To return to the village and the scene therein, in which Sandy Sue was a prominent figure. A murmur of surprise escaped the crowd at the words of the stranger, whose fine garments, silk hat and jewelry seemed to indicate that he was well able to buy several prisoners, ‘ A black scowl] came upon the face of Colonel ~ Bill Travers, for he scented in the new-comer a powerful adversary. re “Who are you?’ he growled, gruffly. ‘ yi- dently some snob or ye’d know we don’t turn trials into auctions up in this hyar country.” “My name_is General Joseph Arlington at your service, a noted Dénver financier!” was the reply, whereat there was more than one in the crowd who started. ‘‘I just arrived, and finding the young lady yonder in trouble, T pro- pose to extricate her by purchasing her liberty, and making her a present of it, hat price do you set upon her head?” “ A cussed sight more’n you kin pay, I'll al- low,” Travers replied, with a sneer. ‘The price upon her head is the lives of two men whom she shot last night, when we was tryin’ tet git inter her cabin to search it.” ‘‘Humph!” the Hasterner said, iegiae a ae of gold-rimmed glasses to his nose, and taking out a note-book and pencil. ‘‘I s’pose thesa- eg like you, were worth their weight in gold, ‘On course they were!” Colonel Bill replied, erulty. “They was bully fellows, an’ we lon’t purpose to let ary female or hemale mor~ tal stan’ up an’ decrease ther population of this hyar town, like Sandy Sue has been doin’,” ‘What was the aggregate weight of thése Fs two ruffians?” the his pencil. “Cuss you, what's it your business?” Traverg roared, getting mad. ‘‘S’pose they weighed "bout three fifty, but £ don’t reckon you'd better stick in yer blab around here if you don’t want to git knifed,” 3 general demanded, poising ¢ ‘““T shall take care of myself, never “your fear,” _ ent the pa eagerera, yidetre: the general replied, calmly. time figured with his pencil. weight of these men you say was three and fifty pounds, Let me see: gold issixteen — dollars a Troy ounée, or one hundred and ninety-two dollars a Troy pound. These men’s lives, counting them worth their weight in gold. would be in the region of thirty-six thousan dollars each, or seventy odd thousand, all told, — T have a fifty thousand dollar draft in zay pocket onan Hastern baitk, which I will give for the young? lady’s release.” x et ieee “Oh! no! no} sir, do not do this, I beg ut? shi ied, implori fic tt K

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Nobby Nick of Nevada. 23 money and let them do their worst. I am not worth so much roeneys ‘* No, ner ye wouldn’t escape death, gal, ef he was ter offer a hundred thousand for you!” Colonel Bill growled. ‘‘ Ye may as well shet up, old white whiskers, fer yer stamps is out of pice in this crowd,” - ‘¢Not so!” General “Arlington replied. “It appears evident that you have run the town heretofore, my friend, but Pll allow your days are over. 1] divide ten thousand dollars among the first fifty able-bodied men who will step forward and back me, and help me clean out this domineering, ruffianly, one side element, and release the girl, who it appears was but act- ing on the natural principles of self-defense. These men are to also back me in making this an orderly and .respectable town—not a den for eut-throats and robbers.” The fifty men asked for were forthcoming in a twinkling—honest, well-thinking fellows who longed to see the town ruled by a better spirit than Colonel Bill Travers. Immediately. © women and childrep, and another parcel of miners crossed over, and but a few roughs were left on the side of Travers. “There, you see that your power is only in your insolence, don’t you?” the general said, mockingly. ‘Where money goes, if must always wins the day. Boys, draw your weapons and fire upon the-rufilans, if they offer molestation, while I assist the young lady to the ground. ne then strode forward to the stand where Susie and Travers were, and assisted her to the ground. , “Cuss ye, I'll have your heart out for this!” Colonel Bill roared. ‘‘ You'll have a chance to pay me a debt of gratitude soon—ye'll hev ter ght or flunk.” i “Though I am not a fighting character, I dare to presume I could master you,” the general. re- turned, with a stiff bow, ‘‘Come, my dear child, and I will conduct you to the hotel.” “Gh! no! no! I do not want to go there,” Sue cried. ‘I will go back to my own cabin.” “ Very well,” the old man said, kindly. ‘TI _ willhave a watch kept to see that you are not ' further molested by those ruffians.” ; They crossed the bridge and paused before the battered door of the bank. 2 . General Arlington started as he saw the sign above the door, but Sue did not.notice the fact. , ‘So, this is your home, eh? he said. ‘* Well! welll they have been giving the place a pretty rough usage, I declare. When John Falconer uséd to keep here, that door was mighty strong.” “Did you ever know him?” Sue demanded, turning her great lustrous eyes upon him. ‘* Ay, quite well, It’s been many years, how- ~ ever, since I looked upon his face.” “How long?—where was he when you saw him last? Pray excuse my eagerness, but he was my father.” a3 Indeed! Well, I last saw Falconer at Omaha, a matter of fourteen years ago. He was bound ‘tor the East, to settle up the matter of a herit- age which had come to him.” ‘ _ ‘Were there two ladies with him?” *No. He was alone. He was very_much led by that had reached him, him, ; ; “Yas, T from here, to the effect that he had carried off the bank proveeds. I am ready to swear in his behalf that he was guiltless of any such mis- ss nk God for that!” Susie said, fervently. ‘Though every one in Deyiltry except me be- lieved him guilty, I never could, but laid the deed to my step-mother, and the wife of Stern Face, who disappeared the same day.” “Undoub ly they were' the culprits,” the general declared. ‘Then you think it would not be advisable for John Falconer ever to come .back here?” “No. I hone he may never come—not but what I should dearly love to see him, but be- cause his life would not be safe were his identity known. The miners are very bitter against him, and have never really trusted me.. Then there is an old Indian called Stern Face, who has sworn to kill him if he ever returned to this country. Thus you see his life would be in -double peril.” ** So it appears. . Well, he will probably never return, as the heritage in the East netted him a matter of about a million dollars, which sum he has more than @oubled in sticcessful specula: tions. Good-day to you, child,- If you need as- sistance,.send for me, in ee order again, I wish tomake a deposit in it. * Then, tipping his hat, the old gent turned away and sauntered back toward the hotel.’ “What a nice old man,” Sue commented, watching him from the doorway. ‘He is just nice, and I owe him an everlasting debt of grati- tude for saving mie from so horrible a fate. Oh! I wonder if the money is all right yet?” She hurriedly turned and entered the cabin and approached the safe which stood in a niche behind the counter. A brief examination proved to her that, al- though it had been tampered with, it had nct been opened. This was ove relief, at least, and her spirits rose accordingly. r carpenter, she soon had the demolished door of the cabin replaced with a more substantial new one, and things put in order generally. : General Arlington returned about noon, with a package in hand, which he placed upon the — counter. ; - _“ There isa hundred thousand dollars in thai package, in thousand-dollar notes,” he said, will leave it in your care for a few days. I may give out checks on ‘some:of it, so I will order you to pay such orders as bear my signature.” Seizing a pen and piece of papers he wrote out. his name in a full, graceful well-arranged flourishes. . “ There,’ Every check bearing an exact sem- blance of that signature is mine, oo counterfeit it without a deal of prac He then took his departure and returned to Be Green’s tavern. Some of the men who haa en sides with him were there, and also & being the center of the group, and the cause considerable noise and blasphemy.» goin’ to make mince-meat _| crowd of Colonel Bill’s confederates, Bill ie : When you get your bank ~ he added. ‘T" ws do not believe there is a penman in America Securing the services of a x at foe set ties and, enhanced by ~~

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24 Nobby Nick of Nevada. ae \e that ar old white-whiskered galoot, an’ don’t ’ you ferget it!” he cried, flourishing a long-necked Bottle over his head and occasionally taking a drink of its contents. ‘* ’ve got about six inches uv old red-eye down my throat, an’ by ther time I git six more I kin lick ary man,from Joner down to Methusler’s time.” “You better leave the Hasterner alone, colo- nel,” Wolverine Mike said, ‘‘ You know ye got orfully fooled on the Nevada chap, an’ this white-whiskers may be one of the same style.” “ Bah! [ll risk it,” the ruffian replied, glaring at the general, who was now eating his supper at the lunch counter. ‘I ain’t afeard o’ ary Eastern snoozer, no matter ef he does sling on more style than a country peacock} I’m not a-goin’ ter let et be said thet enny pilgrim ever cum hyar to Deviltry an’ clipped off the spurs of Colonel Bill Travers, Ner I ain’t a-goin’ ter play mop for ary floor ag’in; I’m‘ goin’ ter make the Hasterner fight or flunk!” "Tl bet a cent he don’t flunk at all,” a miner : “He don’t look like that style of a airpin. **Oho! Ye think he’s game ‘cause he’s got ; _ money and style, do ye?” the ruffian snarled. “No, I don’t; but I'll allow still waters giner- ally run deep,” tlie miner retorted, ** Yes, an’ so does whisky!” the colonel snort- ed, taking another long swig from the bottle. “Whisky is what sets'a pilgrim on his taps, every day in a week. Now then, ye chicken- hearted duffers, I'm a-goin’ ter sail in an’ show _ ye I’m high-cockolorum uv this pious burg yet, \! am! I’m jest goin’ ter challenge that high- toned cus; fer fight a duel, ef he dare.” ‘* Well, I dare, yau bet!” the general said, ad- yancing from the counter with a huge piece of custard pie in his hands. ‘‘I accordin, i chal- lenge you, first, to meet me in a duel to the death, and I make this a seal to the challenge!” As he spoke he stepped quickly up to the bul- ly, and slapped the piece of soft pie fullin his ‘ace, ; ‘ A howlof laughter escaped the crewd, while Travers spat, sputtered, swore and dug the stuff from his eyes, in a terrible rage. - Come!” the general cried, promptly. “ There’s no time for a waste of words. If you want my life, name your tools and the condi- ‘tions, and we'll get to work. I never like to put a duel off, but like to see one or the other get killed.” ; CHAPTER X, A STRANGE DUEL, “THEN, cuss ye, you shall git ali you want,” Travers cried, ‘Tl choose rifles as the weap- ms, an’ show yer ther position outside.” He accordingly led the way into the street, and was followed by the crowd, including the old general, who seemed possessed of all the 7 vigor of a man twenty years younger. ‘There! You see the twin cliffs?’ Travers said; ‘‘they are the relative positions,” _The cliffs, or crags, in question were down -where the either side, a ‘the hight of * gulok was narrower, one being on rising with a perpendicular face ‘to sea fair play. ; } _tiently. ‘a hundred feet or more, while Bang the pee separating them was not over forty: yards, A : Once upon a time in the history of Deviltry, two miners had stood upon the top of these cliffs and fought a duel with’ rifles, and since then they had been regarded with superstition by a majority of the citizens, Hence there was an exclamation of surprise at the words of Col- onel Bill. “Oh, I mean it,” he said, with a vicious look. ‘‘T purpose this:' We each take a position on a cliff, with our backs to each other, level our rifles across our right shoulder, sight by aid of a piece of looking-glass, and then blaze away until one or the other dies in his boots. Ha, ha. ha! How d’ye like the flavor of that, you old Ses eae é ; “Tf you ‘ess query to%me, I respond, bully!” the general Berne “Tt is an excel- lent plan. Only neither is to fire until one man here below gives the signal by firing a pis- tol. An equal number of men on either side 1s If either of us try to use foul play, we are to be shot down like dogs.” A cheer followed this speech. : It was evident that the general was gainin friends in the town, by his bluff and independen ways. E Peln? cussed purticler?” Colonel Bill declared. ‘But ef you're satisfied, lam, Git yer shootin’- iron and piece o’ lookin’-glass, an’ git up on one cliff or the other, where I can blaze away at ” ee Yes, hurry up with yer shoot, fer you're ‘keepin’ the boys away from their toddy!” Mrs, business. ‘‘ Ef Bijah Green cried, with an eye 1, ’'m the one you want any one to give the si; fer the biz, every day in a week!” General Arlington soon succeeded in borrow- ing a handsome Winchester rifle from one of the” miners, and also a piece of mirror, after which he clambered up the mountain-side to the right-hand cliff, Travers having set out for the left ong. i In five minutes both men had assumed their - relative positions upon the cliff, with backs to- ward each other, rifles over right shoulders, and gaze fixed upon the mirror by whose reflection they were to obtain their aim; then they awaited the signal to fire. ‘ Below in the gulch the men, women and chil- dren of the mining-camp waited in suspense. _ “God save the old gentleman,” Susie Falconer murmured, as she nervously watched from the door of the bank. ‘ “The old cuss is doomed!” was the general ; tone of the comments among the crowd. ‘ Colo- /| nel Bill understands his. biz, you bet, an’ the old un is goin’ to git scoopetl!” ; o the two antagonists awaiting the signal, — this was of course all side-talk, to which they were not listeners. The colonel was nervous and inclined to blas- phemy, as he grew angry with impatience. The general, by far the cooler of the two, did not appear the least alarmed as to his personal gist ; Me “Cum, old woman, ef ye’re a-goin’ toshoot, go ahead,” some of the miners “exclaimed, impa- - the old horse-pistel in the. “We want to see the fun.” cis went | a]

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t ~ Mrs, Bijah, the next minute, causing a report Joud enough for a small-sized cannon. is Bang! Bang! “A This time it was from the twin cliffs that two reports echoed, and little wreaths of smoke curled up toward the sunlit sky. Neither man stirred, and the inference was that neither was burt, : “‘Onee, an’ nary-a thing done!” Mrs. Bijah announced. ‘‘ Here she goes ag’in!” : The pistol went off a second time, and bang! bang! again from the cliffs, This time there was a manifest result, Colonel Bill uttered a frightful yell, threw up his arms and fell over the edge of the cliff, A shudder passed through the crowd of spec- tators. He would he killed, ey thought. ~ But, luckily for him, the gulch stream ran at the base of the cliff, and he struck in the water. Ready hands soon pulled him out, and found that he yet lived. He had only received a flesh- wound, a ooh | The wound to his bullying pride was evident- ly the greatest, for soon afterward he mounted his mustang and rode away down the gulch. ~ The following morning saw crowds-of poopie gathered around two posters which had, during the night, been tacked, up against one side of Bijah Green’s tavern, ; Sam Peterson, a Chinese Jaundryman, had first discovered’ them, and called the attention of the crowd to them, after which they were read and re-read by every one in the minings camp. Oise of them was printed in crimson letters with a marking-brush. and bore the insignia of the Grim Goblin—a skull and cross-bones. The following message was conveyed by means of the poster: “ Noticr.—It having come to my hearing that you, the people of Deviltry. have accused a man calling himself Nobby Nick of being Grim Goblin, the Aven- ger, I wish to emphatically deny the charge. I will allow no mortal to bear my noble name and noto-. riety. If you want further evidence of my work, go to the cabin of Evil Eph. But never again accuse Nobby Nick of being Grim Goblin. Until I get in an- other vote on you lam “ Humbly yours. “Grim Gopi.” And this explanation should have convinced the most stubborn that they had wronged Nob- by Nick, but it was evidence which those stub- ' born ones would not admit. { Tho other poster was printed with a brush, but in black ink, and read asfoliows: , “Norice.—It having come to my notice that Iwas suspected. of having stolem and absconded with the money in my bank, fourteen years ago. I hereby deny the charge, and lay the crime upon my wife, | who left ee after my departuré. Having pros- ered in the Kast, and not wishing any one to suffer, .. through the misdoings of my family, I shall to-night’ .ride down the gulch into the town, and bring a pack- age of money. If I am not molested, I will give this money over to my daughter, who has a reeord of what money was missing years ago, and who it belonged to, She will pay off such rightful claim- ants as are living, or as have heirs living, with prin- ‘eipal and interest. 1f I am molested | will turn and zi you see no more of me. Re- | : a 5 =e ~ Wobby Nick of Nevada. ta eds ‘moving. — 25 member, I am but a sprit, having died four years ago. You may try to capture me, but yourgrasp will rest upon—nothing, JouN FALconEr,” - Ne We will return to the old Indian mine. While Nobby Nick became seated, Wild Flower bustléd around and assisted Stern Face mpre- paring the evening meal, her every movement watched by the admiring eyes of the young Nevadian. : She brought a little rude table and placed it before Nick, and then served him with some rare bits of antelope steak, with accompa ying dishes of corn-bread and coffee, which taste: very relishable to him. “Why don’t ,you sit by and eat in company! “with mé?” Nick asked, seeing that Wild Flower remained standing near his elbow, and Stern — Face squatted on a log on the opposite side of the fire, and ptiffed away at his pipe. ; “Wild Flower rather wait upon the pale-face brave,” the girl replied, with shining eyes. “She likes to serve him very much.” “Well, I can at least remark that I have no ner eot objections to that,” Nick replied, with a smile. : He finished his supper, finally, and signified his willingness to turn in, for he was in truth — fatigued. . ‘* White brave sleep in three wigwam,” Stern Face grunted, designating the third one from the camp-fire. ‘‘ Skins there, and tobacco,” Nick accordingly sought the wigwam, and found it carpeted with bear-skins, ann furnished with a bear-skin couch, and a rude stand con- taining a lantern and box of tobacco. Not ‘car- ing to smoke, Nick threw himself upon' the — couch and was soon asleep, feeling a sense of — security in this subterranean abode that he would scarcely have acknowledged in the town just above it, in the outer world. After his retirement, it was not long ere Wild Flower arose from the camp-fire to seek her own wigwam. ; “The face of Wild Flower is bright,” Stern Face said, in the Sioux tongue. ‘ Her thoughts must be of a pleasant nature.” ‘‘Wild Flower is happier than ever before ‘in Ker life,” the maiden admitted, gazing down- ward, with a flush upon her cheek, ‘ z ‘* Because she loves the pale-face brave,” Stern, — Face suggested. ‘‘The eyes of the old chief are sharp, and they can read. It is well. Let the Wild Fiower seek her couch and dream, Her choice is wise—unless—” ig He added the ‘‘ unless” just after she had van- _ ished within the wigwam, and there came to his cold gray eyes a glitter that was terrible in its uninterpreted ees SS pe For hours he sat before the blazing camp-fire, with a gloomy expression of countenance, and smoked pipeful after pipeful of tobacco, until a great mantle of smoke hovered cletd-like above 4 him. wate Then like a noiseless shadow he rose to his feet and craned his neck forward as though he were listening. 4 Several minutes he stood thus, never a muscle ‘Then he circled cautiously around the camp Ex oy

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F ~ SNe eee 26 — Nobby Nick of Nevada. would score his first link of vengeance against John Falconer. But the blow remained*unstruck. There was a quick, wild cry, and Stern Face . found his arm in a vise-like grasp, “Stop! What would Stern Face do?” the voice of Wild Flower exclaimed, sharply. ‘““What would Stern Face kill the pale-face brave for?” ‘*Wagh! He snake in the grass!” Stern Face replied. ‘‘See scar-brand on his hand. He . John Falconer’s son. .He come here to steal yold of Sioux same like his treacherous father, tern Face kill him.” fire, and erept in a half-crouching position toward the wigwams, Instead of pausing at his own, he glided by it, and, also past the one oc- cupied by Wild Flower. n front of the third wigwam he paused! Like a grim statue he stood erect, his every sense on the alert. From within the wigwam came heavy. breath- ing, which bespoke the fact that Nobby Nick slept. This sound did not seem to satisfy the old chief, entirely, for, stepping to the opening, he softly parted the skins and peered within, Nick was lying outstretched upon tho couch with eyes closed. There could”be no doubt thaé he was slumbering. ‘No! no! Pale-face brave is Wild Flower’s For several minutes the old chief stood as if in | lover.” : hesitation—then parting the curtains still fur-| “Stern Face care not. He snake. He come ther, he stepped within the wigwam. Withcat- | with covered hand, fearing the vengeance of like tread he then approached the sleeper, his | Stern Face, Stern Face no fool—he smell rat. eyes fixed searchingly upon the young Nevadi- | He know him. He prove him—now he kill an’s features, . him,” ; When he had reached the bed or couch side, | + ‘*.No, no, I say!” Wild Flower cried, stam he knelt upon his knees, and studied the face of | ing her foot impetuously, “ Stern Face is wild, ~ the sleeper intently. He is not wise, Nick did not come here for “The face is that of John Falconer, fifteen | mischief. He knew not the secret of the summers ago,” he mused, with darkening brow, | scarred hand, or anything of his own or his “The mouth, the forehead, the expression are | parents’ history, until told by Wild Flower. He nearly thesams. Ugh! the hand iis bandaged. | came to this country to break up the forgers, It may only be to conceal thé brand that tells | He did not bind his hand—Wild Flower bound who Nick is.” it, fearing to have Stern Face see~it lest he get ang ‘Wild Flower lie!” the chief cried, angrily. “Sho snake, like Nick!” BS He wrested his arm from her grasp and struck her across the face. With a faint cry, she fell back insensible upon the bear-skins, ; Then, again grasping his gleaming knife, the — revengeful chief turned teward the helpless Nevadian. The gleam deepened in the eyes of the old chief, which indicated that his passion was ris- ing. Stern Face no fool!” he continued to him- self, ‘‘ He seo straight like hawk; he must look at the bandaged hand.” He arose softly and glided from the wigwam but returned ina few moments with a tiny vial of liquid, which he uncorked and held under Nobby Nick’s nse several seconds, allowing him to inhale the amore fumes arising therefrom, ‘“He sleep sound now,” the chief muttered. * Devil no wake him for an hour. Stern Face seo that hand now.” A cautious red-skin was the Sioux miner— that was plain in all his actions. Before leaping he always looked, Arising from the Neyadian’s side he left. the wizgwam and carofully approache that of Wild Flower. Parting the skins, he peered within and saw her lying upon her couch of skins, appa- rently asleep, With a grunt of approval he returned to tha other wigwam, and drawing a keen-edged hunt- ing-knife from his belt; bogan to cut away the bandages that covered Nobby Nick’s scarred hand, using great caution not to prick the flesh. - _ It-was but the work of a few seconds ere the _ ‘hand was bare. _ A-growl of rages escaped tha chiaf. f His suspicions had not bean without verifica- tion, for there was tho peculiar brand upon the ~ palm of the Nevadian’s hand. ; _ ‘Nobby Nick is Falconer’s son!” the old chief said, rising to his-feet and folding his arms across his breast. ‘‘ He come here with gloved _, hend to steal Stern Pace’s gold, like his father. | He snake in th grass. Stern Face will remem- ber his oath, Hoe kill him! ae 3 _ He stepped nearer to the couch and raised the | Knife, ready to strike the deadly blow, ee ee CHAPTER XI. A BROUGH RECEPTION, Tue date of yohn Falconer’s coming drew nigh at hand. People swarmad in the streets of Deviltry in expectancy—men, women and children. ‘Tho poster had literally set the town wild, and yet, it would have taken a sharp guesser to tell what the recéption of the long- absent miner would be: Little or nothing was said to indicate whether they were in favor of reclaiming John Falconer as a free and loyal citizen or driving him forth again an outcast. Sandy Sue was behind the counter in ber little bank, engaged in figuring upsome deposits for the day, and entering them upon the ledger, =~ when a burly, mud-snattered pilgrim, in slouch hat, red shirt, overalls and stozy boots, came striding into the bank—a seedy-looking indi- — vidual, with heavy reddish heard and hair, and eyes that were deep and black. et ie “ Hello!” he saluted, taking a huge chew of~ — tobacco from a pouch and thrusting it into his mouth, even as he spoke. ‘‘ Is ther boss of this — ranch in?” * es eee Ne Ra “Yos, Pm. the boss,” Sue responded, not too. @ chap up as @ ¥

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- afore Nobby Nick of Nevada. 24 “Ob, ye aire, aire ye? Waal, neow, I'll be cussed ef ye ain’t ruther a good-lookin’ boss, too. But, I say, neow, hey ye seen a feller round this town, a-callin’ hisself General Arling- ton—a gallus sort o’ galoot with stove-pipe hat and white whiskers?” ; “General Arlington was in town this morn- ing,” Sue replied. ‘‘ You will find him at) Bije Green’s tavern, undoubtedly.” “Oh! Lain’t purticular ’bont seein’ him,” the ‘*Tt’s his cash I’m arter, you bet! My handle is Jim Tucker, Py gum, an’ I’m jist down from Painter Flats. The Genril he guy me a leetle paper hyar, and sed as how when I presented it heer, I’d git my cash fer ther Poker mine w'ot he bought of me.” And Tucker pro- ceeded to fish out a soiled slip of paper from his pockets, and an 1it down upon the counter with a business-like emphasis. man replied. Sue took the order and examined it closely— | then went to a desk and compared it with the chirography of General Arlington. When she again approached the counter it was with a shake of her pretty head. “You will have to furnish re.iable identifiea- tion before I can pay that order’,” she said. ‘‘So many forgeries have been presented lately, that I require all persons not personally known to me, to be identified.” : The devil yousay!” the miner grunted. ‘‘So ye don’t know me, en, an’ won't: pay that order for five thousand dollars, till I’m indenterfied ye? Well, I’m blasted. ’Spect how you'll bein’ callin’ the order bogus, diréctly.” ‘T have my doubts as to its yalidity,” Sue re- lied. ‘Sit down a moment—my tea-kettle is oiling over,” she added, darting into the kitchen. She did not lie in this respect, for the kettle was doing that very thing, But another mission also was a cause of part of her hurry. Quickly leaning out of the kitchen window, _ she beckoned toa small boy who was playing near, and when he came up she said: “Go to the tavern, find General Arlington, and tell him to come quickly, and I will give you a dollar. : The boy nodded and sprung away; then she returned to the banking-room, and stood behind - the counter. “Seems to me you're a mighty long time a- fixin’ yer tea kittle,” Tucker growled. ‘* That’s none of your business,” Sue retorted. * Let’s see that note again.” He produced it with a growl, and she occu- “ied several minutes in scrutinizing it. 5 +‘‘Come, dang you, ef ye'r’ going ter pay it, tork over the cash. Ef ye ain’t say so.” _“ Well, Tl admit that I am not,” Sue declar- ed, as the form of General Arlington loomed up in the doorway. ‘ “General, please close and bar the door. Jim Tucker, you are my prisoner.” And, even as she spoke, a cocked revolver -gleamed in the brave girl’s hand; leveled full upon the miner. : Z Tucker leaped back with a horrible oath. and his hands flew toward his belt, but he drew no weapons, the deadly tube in the hands of Sandy ig warned him what the consequences would + . “What the devil does this: mean?” he de- manded, savagely. “Tt means that you are my prisoner until General Arlington says he gave you this order for five thousand dollars,” Sue replied, coolly. “Tt is a base forgery,” the general said, em: phatically. “I have given no person any or- der, whatever. Let’s see the order.” i = received it and examined it with a strange smile, _ : “Tt is a clever imitation of my chirography,”” he said; ‘‘nevertheless, it isa pintereeit But ” one person within my knowledge could imitate that hand. This fellow is undoubtedly connect- ed with the same gang of forgers which exists in this vicinity, and Pll venture to bind him if you kee» him covered, Miss Falconer, If he’ offers resistance, shoot him!” z And the general proceeded to bind the mi- ner’s hands with a strap he found hanging upon. the wall. Tucker did not resist, physically—he dared — not, for Sandy Sue’s hand held the weapon lev- eled with unflimchin firmness, and he knew by the snap of her eyes that she would assoon shoot as not, if provoked. Accordingly he suffered the general to bind him, contenee himself with resorting to the utterance of all the curses he could think of. “There you are,” Arlington announced, ashe secure@ his arms behind his back. = “We'll seo if you cam be made to disclose ~ some knowledge about this nest of forgers; now, — Miss Falconer, if you will hold your aim upon this man, ’ll soon bring a man to take charge of him, The.U. 8. Marshal of this section has — camped up the south gulch, I understand, witha posse of men, and will be only too glad to take possession of this P artgenee $ Sue nodded, and the genergl departed: 3 “You're a cussed sharp ‘un, my gal,” Tucker snarled, fiercely, ‘but, you mark me, you'll’ git your throat cut for this job. If I don't have at pleasure 0’ doin’ the-job, thar’s them as— will.” ci ‘*T'm not at all alarmed,” Sue replied. ‘Your capture is but the signal for the whole gang’s defeat.” ae “Bah! you will find out better.” ‘We shall see. If Iam not mistaken [know who you are, under that evident disguise of red -| whiskers,” “Who?” the ruffian demanded, savagely. “You'll find ye ain’t so smart as ye think ye “You are Blue Bill Groton—that’s patert,” — Sue declared, and as she spoke, she reached guickly over the counter, and caught his lon gled beard. The next moment she ha jerked it off. “There! you see!” she said. — “I was right.” ” “Devils take you!” the disguised decoy cried, “Tf I bad the drop on you, I’d make you wilt,” “But you haven't, you see,’ Sue retorted, — laughing at his chagrin. “Pve got you in a tight place, for sure. x eu The a soon returned, accompanied by the UsS. Marshal, who at once swore in the peeest and Sue, and then took Tucker away to is camp. — ‘A portion of the ero

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28 age Nobby Nick of Nevada, : “Ha! hal your bullets are but little hail- stones!” Falconer shouted back. ‘‘ You had best'save your ammunition, while I will save ee ie you have scorned to receive. Hal ha |?" ‘Stop! stop!” Travers shouted, infuriated at the apparent defeat, for no part of the bullets fired at the ex-miner had seemed to take effect. ** Shoot him, I tell you, somebody.” Another volley was accordingly fired, but without effect, for Falconer dashed on, waving his hand back, occasionally, in defiance. Once more the enraged citizens fired, and this time scored a hit. The horse that Falconer rode uttered an almost human scream, and fell for- ward to the ground heavily. Falconer had landed upon his feet first, how- ever, and darted on at a greater speed than when on horseback, soon disappearing from view up the gulch. ; . A figure stood upon one of the Twin Cliffs viewing the scene below. The person was garb- ed as a man, but the face and form were unmis- takably feminine. And upon the face there was> a strange, exultané expression, as she saw Fal- coner escape. — ‘““Good! He is now left for me,” she said, surning away. “What Travers haslost, I have won! nate “ shover” of the Bearded Brothers, to the . marshal’s headquarters, but, they were the re- : eee of no particular satisfaction, for Blue Bill was put in a marquee, and a strong guard posted around his prison. ‘ The marshal was reticent as-to what disposal he proposed to make of his prisoner, Before _Bije Green’s tavern the crowd grew ~‘Steadily more dense and black. The sun went down, so that even the top- most peaks reflected none of its radiating beams, and in the valley below the dusk of evening crept on apace. Facing the northern opening of the gulch the erowd stood with silent pearing weapons be- 4 to appear in more than one hand, and they d their own significance. No friendly aspect, atleast for the man Th were all waiting for, and that man was John Falconer, He had said he would come at dusk, and the hour was at band for his arrival. . ; Colonel Bill Travers was at the front of the _ erowd, pacing to and fro with the impatience of an animalat bay. Not a word he uttered, but the baleful ‘glitter in his eyes spoke the same - Meaning as the grim silence among the crowd. Ha! a faint murmur passes among thejwait- ers—a general stir is visible. A man has just hove in sight up the gloom ich, on horseback~a man clad in citizen’s ‘arb, except a steel cap with visor, which sur- mounts his head. ; | He comes riding nearer at a canter, seeming - to have no fear, and carries in front of him - upon the saddle pommel a package several’ - inches in dimension. Nearer—nearer he approaches, until opposite _ the Falconer cabin, across the stream—then - draws rein. 5 Susie is staynding~in the doorway, and starts to rush forth in greeting, but he waves her back, peremptorily. He sees a movement among ths crowd that arouses his suspicion of foul play; itis the aiming of two-score or more of rifles and r@volvers at his person. A laugh of defiance escapes him, and he _ throws his arms and hands behind him. L “Surrender!” Colonel Bill yells, at the top of his voice, at the same time advancing toward the bridge, followed by the citizens, with wea- - ponsleveled. ‘‘You are our prisoner.” _ ' “You are mistaken!” a clear, deep voice re- plied. ‘‘I came here expecting no molestation. . Am Ito understand you propose to take and treat me as a prisoner?” . _ “You can bet we're a-going to take ye, and, make ye hump fer what ye did fourteen years ago,” Travers shouted. ‘Efye budge a hair’s- breadth we'll riddle ye fer certain.” : 4 “Then riddlg away!” Falconer cried. ‘Ive The defeated citizens of Deviltry, generally, adjourned to Bije Green’s tavern for refresh- ments after watching.their contemplated victim esea, All except Colonel Bill. He I6unged around until he thought he was” not observed and then crossed the bridge and hurried up the gulch to where Falconer’s horse had fallen, The neighborhood was deserted. The poor animal was quite dead, having been riddled by a dozen bullets. ; & Travers uttered an Pea delight as he noted that the package’ was still strapped to. the pommet of the saddle. ‘*Mine!” he said, as he cut it loose and hefted it. ‘* This is what Falconer offered to give to the ong he robbed. But for my influence, the cussed fools would have been foolish enough to have accepted it. Ha! ha! it’s mine now.’ He did not tere to open it, but hurried on up +he gulch. Once or twice he halted, nervously, fancying he heard footsteps, but could see no signs of human presence through the gloom that ' surrounded him, : In the course of half an hour he came to a halt in the depths of a heavy pine forest that enveloped the gulch bottom, and listened again. | Not a sound could he hear denoting human pre- sence in that vicinity. ~ Say ~ “Tt will be as good a place as any to examine icone! my prize,” he muttered.» , + offered to do more than a fair thing by you, and| ‘Ha! hal you’ve struck a bonanza, Bill Trav- ow that you spurn that offer, you must Jose | ers, and you'll be a fool if you ever whack up your gam2. Ta! ta!” | with your brethren.” = =~ t ‘He wheeled his horse like a flash, and dashed |- He scraped ether some leaves and dry ee y, up the gulch. KK twigs, and soon had a bright fire blazing be- “Fire? howled the colonel; ‘‘shoot the thief | neath the forest cover. ” ; the back!” cy 4 = i @ deafening explosion of powder answer- | eommand, Pie ee iy xe

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Nobby Nick of Nevada. ted, “and if thar is, East I go ter set up asa rst-class nabob.” “ “Your ill-gotten gains will avail you not, Bill Travers, for you are another of Grim Gob- lin’s marked men!” a — deep voice cried and the following instant there was the vivi * flash and ringing report of a rifle. Travers gasped, and attempted to gain his feet, but fell forward wpon his face, and expired after a few short struggles. The moment after, Grim Goblin stepped forth into the firelight. Scarcely noticing the body of Travers, he picked up the packet and tore it - open, Instead of money, he found it stuffed full of bits of valueless paper. : Falconer had been too sharp for the sharpers; instead of putting his money in the package, he had put it in his pocket, and used the package as a blind. Grim Goblin seemed to comprehend this fact, for, dropping the package with a curse, he hur- ried away into the woodland. About three hours later General Arlington sat in an easy-chair in his room at the tavern, with his head resting upon his hand, buried in deep meditation, when there came a light rap upon the door. “Come in,” he said, rousing up, and suppos- ing it was the landlady who knocked, for he had ordered a cup of coffee to be fetched to his room. - The door opened, and instead of the landlady, there sy os less a person than the same female who had visited Nobby Nick—Moll Mc- mp Se . At sight of her, General Arlington staggered to his feet in astonishment. “ You!” he managed to gasp, though it cost him an effort. ‘* You?” 4 “Exactly, I!’ the woman ee comin; forward. ‘‘ Are you surprised that I shoul still be on the hunt for you?” “On the hunt for me?” mes _ . “On the hunt for you, precisely! You basely deserted me, and is it anything surprising that I should wish to find you and clasp you once more to my bosom?” ** Fool!” the eee cried, rising—‘‘ idiot! Whom do you take me for?” Moll McGregor laughed. ? “Well, when I saw you skinning out of the gulch to-night, about the best a knew how, I very naturally concluded that you were none - leg “han John Falconer. Ha! ha!” CHAPTER XII. z CONCLUSION, - as out with what money I could lay my > han Ss on. | his gag, and the old chief seemed to comprehen ¢ life than I have been leading, and want you t/ take me back. I have money, by the million. ~~ and will share it equally with you.” “Bah! I'd die of starvation before I'd take a cent of it, and cheerfully accept a life of im- i Reaceeene in come foul dungeon, rather then — ‘or a moment take you back. Go, woman—go} You were always the curse of my life, and have pean the means of bringing disgrace upon my “Oh! you needn't apprise me of my short-~ comings; I am well aware that I’m no saint,” was the sarcastic reply. ‘‘ Nevertheless I am tired of a harum-scarum life, and want to settle down. You must receive me back with open ermarce it will be the worse for you.” \ “What! you dare to threaten me! You are insane, woman!” “Not a bit of it,” the runaway wife replied. “T know what I’m about, every day in the week, Below in the bar-room, you doubtless hear a noisy crowd, who are drinking and ca- rousing, to drown their grief and disappoint-— ment at losing you. Were,I to inform them that John Falconer could be found in this room, your life would not be worth the bits of paper you had, to-night, in the budget attached to your saddle-bow.” ‘Bah! we shall see!” the general cried, fierce- ly, and with agility not becoming his apparent age, he leaped upon her, and bore her to the oor. : Smothering her screams with-a cushion, he manage@ to bind her hands; then he gagged her; after which he secured her feet, thus hay- ing her a safe prisoner, any ning a closet door, he thrust her into the dark recess, and closed the door, again. “There! lie there till I make up my mind what todo with you,” he muttered, ‘‘Tll see — which plays the trump hand, this deal.” TE He then went. back and resumed his former . osition, and turied himself in a deep reverie, o deep in fact that it turnedintoasound slam- ber from which he did notavraken until aroused bya oth jar. ere He awoke to find himself slung over a man’s shoulder, and being carried along out of his room into the hallway of the hotel. es sai He tried to shout for assistance, but could not, — A gag in his mouth prevented him. He triedto stregele: ye release himself, but also found that im ible. 2 e had been tightly bound; hand and foot, — and could only submit to be carried along ‘upon the shoulders of his capturer, whose face he could not see. , ‘ Out into the main hall they went, andthen — along to a narrower passage, which was cutee ; and followed until at last the general’s captor came to a pause for a moment, during which — of time there was pebiok aps isin after which the man entered a room off fromthe hall, when there was another creaking sound sim: pay to the first. Sa. — Se In this room the general was lowered to his — feet, and he beheld his captor’s face. a ““* Stern Face!” was bis exclamation, benea’ his meaning; for he said, calmly: “Vea, 1 an Stern Face, once cay

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30 Nobby Nick of Nevada, miner of John Falconer. Youare Jobn Falcon- “ex, beneath your long beard—same thief whoran away, fourteen years ago. Stern Face know you —never forget you! He swore to kill yqu and “Eanes for treacherous snakes, He no kill Beir air. He papier Dh and your boy. He kill ou both, if Wild mnocence,”” : Then, not waiting to note the effect of his words, he threw a blanket over the head and face of John Falconer, as we shall continue to call him hereafter, and again lifting him in his arms, descended through the trap that had sery- ed as a mode of escape for Nick and Wild Flow- er not many hours before, lower no bring proof of your . Moll McGregor, otherwise the faithless second wife of John Falconer, lay for hours in the closet unable to rid herself of the gag and bonds that bound her‘limbs. - Desperately and determinedly, however, did she writhe and struggle, until, after several hours of effort, she succeeded in getting her hands free./ The remaining work of liberating herself was but short, and she soon stood out in _ the upper hall. Here she disguised herself with a sandy wig, and beard, and went boldly down into the bar- room and out into the street. Twomen immediately left their position at the bar, where they had been drinking, and fol- lowed her out into the night. 3 Both were roughly-dressed, common-looking - miners, but were armed to the teeth. Sandy Sue was seated that same evening in her cabin, engaged in sewing, when there came a knock at the door. it, for she expected that it was her father’s knock. She had been watching and waiting with all eagerness for him to come back, and her heart beat fast as she turned the knob and open- ed the door. - But disappointment flew into her face.as she beheld standing without—not John Falconer, but Wild Flower! -“ Let me come in,” the half-breed girl said, - quickly. “I have bad news for Sandy Sue, and - we must -work.” } _ What is it—tell me, quickly,” Sue cried, ad- mitting her, and handing her a stool. “Pil tell you if you listen,” Wild Flower said. “ Your father, John Falconer, and your brother, _ Nobby Nick, are both captives in the power of Stern Face. _ Sue uttered a horrified exclamation. She well knew of Stern Face’s vengeful oath, and ho peril of those who were dear to her instant- “pnt of tae her mind, — eo ee a3 “My brotheryou say—is Nobby Nick m _ brother?” she asked. is “Yes, he is your: brother. He and John Fal- -coner are both in Stern Face’s power, and it de- pends on us whether they live or die. Wild Flower is in love with Sandy Sue’s brother; she would through fire for hissake, She plead- Dropping her work she sprung hastily to open * ed with Stern Faee, and he consented not to kill them until two sunrises, and if in that time we can prove that John Falconer did not steal the money, Stern Face will release them.” “ Oh! Wild Flower, you area brave, noble girl, But it will be sc as ces for us to produce the required proof, y mother, or rather step- mother, was undoubtedly the culprit, and she only could furnish, the desired proof by confess- ing.’ : “Exactly. And she must be made to give a confession.” ** But, how? Where can we find her?” “Wild Flower will find her, in a few hours, She has long suspected who she was, and if Sandy Sue will arm herself, and follow the In- - dian girl’s lead, the game will be cornered ere another sunrise.” : : : ‘‘Then you can rely.on'me,” Sue said, brave- ly. ‘I am no coward, and will help you all I can to trail this woman down and extort from her a confession.of her misdeeds.” “Then prepare at once. Arm yourself with revolvers, and dress in men’s clothing,as it will facilitate our speed in getting through among the rocks.” : Sue hastened. to obey, and ere many minutes elapsed they were both en route, like sleuths of the night, on the search for the faithless wife of John Falconer. They were not the only ones. The two men who had followed the tigress from the tavern gained on her, as she hurried away up the gulch, and made their pursuit sz noiseless as possible. 3 < Two more miners might have been seen bring ing up their rear in. the same cautious manner, making it altogether a night chase of a very in- teresting nature. = The first pursuers were soon near enough to make aim certain, and halting, they leveled their revolvers at the figure ahead, and cried: { “Halt! Face about, og you are a dead man!” And there was no mistaking the meaning of their order—it was life or death. Moll McGregor seemed to recognize their voices, for she wheeled about abruptly, and ad- van toward them. “There! there! Put up your tools, and don’t try to play highway tricks on me,” she said, with a grim laugh. ‘‘ It’s I—Marie !” 5 Oly Yes, SO We are aware, one of the mem re- | plied. ‘* And you are the very one we want.” “Oh!” the woman said, shoving her hands down into her jacket pockets, and giving vent to a whistle of surprise. ‘‘ What, may I inquire, do you want of me?” Is “We want you for your funny little pranks of late, mum—in fact, we've found out that you are the one who has been playing up Grim Gob- lin, the Avenger. Ho! ho! ou start, youshe- wolf, but not so hard as you will when you're yanked up to a limb.” boy “Yes, I start, for I thought my secret safe in — my own keeping,” she replied, ‘ But you shall not take me—oh! no!” . Even as she finished sj she whipped a— ir of revolvers from her jacket pockets, and — both of them as Se ed upon them, droppin though byseeele: sh fe ~ Then sh :

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Loud ole came from the rear, and the sound of rapid footfalls. She was pursued by others of the desperate gang of Bearded Brothers, whose queen and literal leader she had been for many years; they trusted her implicitly, when, all the while, she had abused their trust, and now that they had jearned of her treachery and were pursuing her, she knew too surely that her escape wasa matter of skill and nerve. ‘ Summoning all her strength sHe s along up the gulch as fast as she could run, but, try her best, she could not get out of the sound of the pene footfalls, To follow her through the tortuous windings and over the crooks and turns of the route she chose would necessitate a description of an al- most unflagging run. : For hours she sped on, her strength fat leayv- ing her, and her footsteps slower and more un- certain, from sheer fatigue. At last she entered a long, narrow chasm or _ fissure between two mountains, into which the light of early dawn was just creeping. “Tf I can get through this, lam safe among the caves beyond,” she muttered, a. wild, hag- gard expression in her eyes. _- If! Itisa word’ that interposes between full ‘many a success of this world, and brings death and disaster to the front. If she could get Re the chasm unmolested, the way lay open for her escape! But she did not. She had not pore fifty yards into the chasm when she heard the Bearded Brothers in her rear, near the mouth of the pass, yelling and cursing, and saw step out across her path, in front, two persons, who leveled cocked revolvers full upon her. lt was she and Sandy Sue who had Jain in wait for the female figure, on not finding her at the rendezvous. ‘*You are our prisoner. . Throw up your hands, or I'll fire!” - So exhausted was the fugitive that she did not try to disobey, and the girls bound her in a jiffy. @ Quick! Take me out of this place, or they ae get me,” the forgeress said, with a nervous glance. ‘We will rescue you only-on one condition,” Wild Flower said, in a stern, ringing tone. ‘¢ What is that?” Marie demanded, eagerly. Tt is this,” Wild Flower replied. ‘‘ When «we take you before my father, Stern Face, you are to confess to him that it was you instead of John Falconer who robbed the bank fourteen years ago. Swear that you will do-this, and then take your departure from this section of the country, and we will take you direct to Stern Face.” = “ And if I refuse?” “We will bind your feet and leave you ly- ing here at the mercy of the Bearded Bro- thers.” Marie shuddered. ‘ Too well she knew the rough men who were seeking her life, not to know that her fate would ~ be a horrible one. ; world, “post world, to’ do as you wish,” she cried, *% ¢ Nobby Nick of Nevada. oy -now live, but Stern Face true to his love a “T swear by my hope of redemption in the | Bh will do anything rather than fall inte the hands of those human wolves on my trail,” “We shall be doing according as you have done by others, did we leave you to their tender mercy!” Wild Flower declared, ‘Come! ‘e She blindfolded the captive with a scarf—then ~- she and Sue seized her, each by an arm, and hurried on through the . —AS soon ‘as they were able to find a secure hiding-place they came to a stop and waited for darkness to again fall, : The remainder may be briefly told in a few words, When night once more fell, the two brave girls set eut for the old Indian mine, where they arrived in safety, and, true to her promise, Marie confessed before Stern Face that it was she who had stolen the money fourteen years previous. = When questioned as to what she had done: with the wife of Stern Face, she said she had gone back to the South. She was reticent on — all other points; but Stern Face’s doubts were .— satisfied, and he instructed Wild Flower to con- duct her from the mine and set her at liberty. John Falconer and his son were then released, — and a joyous reunion and reconciliation took place within the mine. Marie, released, disappeared; none could tell where or whence. A woman in sex, yet in © heart and hand a devil incarnate, she had lived a wilder life than many a hardened rene- gade and rmffian, But never, in all those years of vicious indulgence in the frenzy- of excite- ment bad she permitted any intimacy that could taint her worman’s honor! She was, in- deed, a strange compound of evil and good, the explanation of whose career was to be meas- 3 ; | urably found in the humane Rite of a ~ “Stop!” cried _the voice of Wild Flower, for species of insanity that goaded her to do and — dare the very worst that a human arm and wiil could do—as if in revenge for the first rash act i that made her a thief and outcast. Even John — Falconer, while he could only shudder at the — thought that’ she had been and still was his wife, yet had not the heart to wish her punish- — ed for her crimes, and so, with his full assent _ she passed into the world again tobe known no more as the thing she had been, but with th millions at her command which her crime~ stained hands had won—what part was it no possible for her to onlay? in a new sphere or i another continent? Most of the Brothers were Jater captured ay . the U. §. Marshal, assisted by Nevada Nick, — and taken to the fort for trial and condemna- tion. . Having amassed the equivaient of a dozen fortunes, the friends abandoned the hidden mine and separated, Nick and Wild Flower — ‘oing to Denver where they were married. — Sohn Falconer and Susie to Chicago, where they — wilderness passed into the Northwest to the — bunting region of his people, the Sioux—among — whom he reigns as Peacemaker, Father ayQ Great Medicine, i ee

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y . “EDWARD L. WHEELER’ _ Peanmoon dick Novecg In The Half-Dime Library. Deadwood Sick, Jr., in Nevada. & Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 624 #0 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Dag- | 630. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. a gers. 636 Deadwood Dick, Jr, After the Queer. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffalo Ben. | 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. ne Deadwood Dick in His Castle. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the ct. Deadwood Diok’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom tinent. ed Miner. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Amdng the Smugglt 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll. 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case, / 6% Deadwood Dick's Hagles. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Minks, ° 3 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane. | @#8 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durango. 47 Deadwood Dick's Last Act; or, Corduroy | 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery, : Charlie. 684 Deadwpod Dick, Jr.'s, Dazzle. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars, a 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, at Danger Divide, i09 Deadwood Dick as Detective, 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. : Pe 2 Deadwood Dick’s Double. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. : : Deadwood Dick's Home Base, wr, Blonde | 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco, Bill. 716 Deadwood Dick, Jm’s, Still Hunt. WMD Deadwood Dick's Big Strike; or, A Game | 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr?s, Dominoes. of Gold. 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise. ~ 166 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood. 74 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. .W5 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of | 74€ Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Déathwatch. the Road, {747 -Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s | 752. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow. . Jezebel. 758 Deadwood Ditk, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait. } _ 295 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s | 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand, Adventure. 2. 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. 817 Deadwood Dick’s Dead Deal. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Resurrection, #21 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. 382 Deadwood Dick at Pistolville. 787 Deadwood Dick, Jr.,’ Defied. ae 268 Deadwood Dick's Divide. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device. - 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trai}- 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Venture - 798 Deadwood Dick's Deal. 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice., >“ =u 3 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Royal Flush, ' #.7 Deadwood Dick's Ducats. 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Head-off, xe $51. Deadwood Dick Sentenced, 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival: y _ $02 Deadwood Dick’s Claim. le 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom. « @ Deadwood Dick in Dead City, 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Scoop. &30 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. : 8384 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Proxy. “21 Deadwocd Dick in New. York; or, A ‘Cute | 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Clutch. ‘ Case.’’ 845 Deadwood /Dick, Jr.’s, High Horse, 230 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained | 852 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at DGevil’s Gulch, Hand. 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Death-Hole Hustk’ 843 Deadwo . Dick, Jr.; or, The*Crimson Cres. | 863 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Bombshell P cent Sigrs, 870 -Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Mexico. “7 tas Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defiance. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decoy Duck. ‘938. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr,, in. Silver Pocket. 9 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. 891 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drive. Deadwood Dick,,Jr.’s, Corral 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, 'Trade-Mark. eadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dog Detective 910 Weadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top. eadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood 4 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double-Decker. Deadwood: Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. : 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Dollaryille. 4 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, 934 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Flush Flats, ' Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Shake-up. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance, 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drop. Deadwooe Dick, Jr. 951 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Right Bower, Deadwooa a 3 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Ten-Strike, ~ : Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks, 965 Dea@woad Dick, Jr.’s Gold-Dust. Deadwood Hick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. 971 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Oath. Deadw 3d Diek, Jum, in Texas. ee “977 Deadwood. Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Doom Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoeq 986 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Best Card. Deadwoo4 Dick, Jr., on His Mettle. 992 Deadwood Dick, wy at Gold Dust. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham 998 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.'s, Big Play. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Branded. 1011. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dutch Pard. 218 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Four, 84 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. The above Half-Dime Libraries are Vor Sale 388 Peadwood ECs Je eceey. * Basin’ by ALL NEWSDEALERS, five cente pe aadwo ck, Jr., in Beelzebub’s eant ay wane La Deadwood Dick, Jr.. at Coney Island, pee aed eA be eS Hee oh Detee ; Deadwood Dick. Jv.’s, Leadville Law. m4, oe : pe z Pa Nesdwood Dick, Jr., in*Détroit. Mesa’ ‘ 4, 3 ; Deaidlwoot Dick, dr. in Ciacinng”: = =~ \ : ‘ Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. eadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat.

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NHART TOASTS FOR THE SMART SET, Vest Pocket Size. 64 Pages. Sewed Book. Up-to-Date. By Mail, Postpaid, l2c. per Copy. BEST LINE OF HAND BOOKS PUBLISHED. “YIDDISH” YARNS. Stories, ete, GENTS’ LETTER WRITER.—A. Perfeet 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. deville Artists. BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—Society, Visits, Introdue- 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. A Collection of Hebrew Jokes, Best Jokes by Eminent Vau- 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, Cosmeties, ete. , BOOK OF VERSES.—Comprising Rhymes, Lines, and Mottoes for Lovers and Friends. THE LOVERS’ CASKET.—A Treatise on and Guide to Friendship, Love, Courtship, and Marriage. “GERMAN ” JOKER.—‘ Dutch” Jokes and “Gags” by best “* Dutch” Teams on the Stage. “ HAYSEED” JOKER,—The Doings of ‘Our Country Cousins” in a Humorous Way. “TRAMP” JOKER.—Good ‘“ Handouts” in this Book for Professional and Amateur Enterta:ners. “COON” YARNS.—Best Jokes Relating to Our * Dark- er-Skinned Brothers.” . “TRISH” Joker No. 1.—The Wiftiness and Whimsicali- ties of “* Pat’ at His Best. “VARIETY * JOKER.—Good Things from all the Na- tionalities; ‘t Pat,’ ‘‘Alphonse,” ‘ Hans,’ “ Jona- than,” ** Moses,” and “* Ebenezer.” The above books are bound in handsomely illustrated lithographed covers. Price by mail, postpaid, 12 cents per copy. “ M. J. LIVERS & CO., Publishers, 379 Pearl Street, New York City. BEADLE’S BOYS’ LIBRARY. PRICE 5 CENTS PER COPY. 1 Dandy Bill’s Doom. By Oll Coomes, By A. W. Aiken, Lillie, the Reckless Rider. By Stoddard. Old Grizzly in the Rockies. By Ingraham, Deadwood Dick as a Boy. By E, L. Wheeler, Wild Bill, By Ingraham. The Prairie Ranch, ly J. &. Badger. Roving Joe. By A. H. Post, 10 'lexas Jack. By Ingrahain. 11 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By H. B. Stoddard, 12 Brimstone Bill’s Booty. By J. EB. Badger, Jr. 13 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 14 The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 15 Wide-Awake George. By 1. 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, 28 Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr Powell. 24 Woods and Waters. By Whittaker. 25 A Rolling Stone. By W. R, Evster. 26 Red River Rovers. By C. D. Clark. 27 Buekskin Sam’s Wild Ride. By Ingraham. 28 The Sword Prince, By F. Whittaker, 29 Snow-Shoe Tom, By T. C, Harbaugh. 30 Pavl De Lacy. By C. D. Clark. 31 Round 1% Camp-Fire. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 82 Fancy Frank's Drop. By Ingraham, 83 The Boy Crusader. By Capt. F, Whittaker. t Kit Carson. CWDBVWAUE Ww 34 The Chase of the Great White Stag. By ©. D. Clark, 35 Old Tar Knuckle, By Rover Starbuck 36 The Dashing Dragoon. By F. Whittaker. 87 Night-Hawk George. By Ingraham. 88 The Boy Exiles of Siberia. By ’. C. Harbaugh. 39 The Young Bear Hunters, By Morris Redwing. 40 New York Bill, the Dodger. By Edwara Willett, 41 The Settler’s Son. By Edward §. Ellis. 42 Walt Ferguson's Cruise. By C. D. Clark, 43 Rifle and Revolver. By F. Whittaker. 44. The Lost Boy Whalers. By ‘I. C. Harbaugt.. 45 Bronco Billy. By Ingraham. . 46 Dick, the Stowaway. By Charles Morris. 47 The Colorado Boys. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 48 The Pampas Hunters. By T. C. Harbaugh, 49 Nebraska Charlie. By Ingraham. 60 Jack, Harry, and Tom. By F. Whittaker, 51 ‘om Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C. D. Clark, 52 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Harbaugh. 53 ery, the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles orris. : 54 California Joe. By Ingraham, 55 Tip Tressel, the Flatboat Boy. By Edward Willett, 56 The Snvow Hunters, By Harry De Forrest. 57 Harry Somers, the Magician. By 8. 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 T. C. Harbaugh. 61 The Tiger Hunters. By J. BE. Badger, Jr. e 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. ohne ca aes 4 sates i

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THE Deadwood Dick ® Library @ ; LATES? AND BESY. HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS, 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents. buy One and You Will Buy the Rest’ axtracts from the New York Evening Sun. TWO REMARKABLE HEROES. {n only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a govel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera- jure has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps jmore than one reader will have to think a moment over this remark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit @trikes home. But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement hat will be news to many when it is added that litera- jure; kf traced from the dimly distant days when Adam as a mere child down to the present day, would show t few heroes that In the eyes of boyhood would be en judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest ‘}eroes known to American literature, or, to Peony re- veal them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr. * * * The modern heroes of fiction for young America, who are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and of yhom the ‘eadwood Dicks are much the most important * * it .. but natural that their * * * should bear way the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left behind In the race, It ean be easily believed, therefory, that the two Dicks gye so firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature boys and young men, that their position is assured * * and that they stand to-day head and shoulders 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 in the land, now knows Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good peal bet ter than it knows its catechism, and millfons of young minds absorb the thrilling Incidents of his career in hig everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending solving of impenetrable mysteries. Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracke his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when the victims are thoroughly undone, the millions wait hungrhy. for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appeat. with the certainty of the Wednesday itself, and a new ses ee sr AN thrills go thrilling away from Maine to Call- ‘ornia, There are the volumes each se crowded with thrills and heart-tugs that it were madness to hope to do justice to them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be tween them, To abandon the Idea of giving a few extracts causes in finite pain, but if once a start were made in that direc tion, it would be cruel to The Evening Sun's readers to stop, and it is therefore better not to relate one single adventure. Suffice it to say that the stories are clean and well written. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. | Deadwood Dick, the Priace of the Road 4@ The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick's Defiance $ The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval Death-Face, the Detective 1 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza % Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand BY Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian MW Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger ile ook Lor i Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to eat i@ Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar ® Buckhw.n Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team J¢ Gold Rifle, the pupcpelaciee YW Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo mein Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the ulch Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 1 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance Watch-Eye, the Shadow Beelecos Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double ross 2 vanada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief %8 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty Deadwood Dick as Detective Gilt-Edge Dick Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve 97 Chip, the Girl Sport Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortuae Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks Deadwoed Dick’s ble; or, The Ghost of Gorge. *s Siriieria 33 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob's Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 386 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 Jezebeb 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Roguee. 44 ee Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator’s ame 4 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 ake Sree Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough. anc 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 Ruckskin 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 Fard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz: or, The Store-Detective’s pees 63 7 Domuuee Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sasse, ras City _ 64 ouarece Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings ; M. J. IVBRS & CO., Publishers (James Sullivan. Proprietor), 879 Pearl Street, NEW YORK. A, - be " 5 a . ;

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ond class matter. Mar, 15, 1899, THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. f Cleveland, Ohio Vol. Ill . by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as see rin = 1 TE URE NORBY WICK, BY TAZ WONDERFUL POWER OF SIS ENOTTED ABMS, WEGAN TO GWIN® THE RUBEIS

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de inisee,,

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ANG “ ; s Jakes oa RS Dt BAS Pe MESSE Yopyright 1880-1886, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899 ea ISSR AS en Bs Tg TT oh Re |e Sea a tt oie ‘. THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO, ; No. 37 Cleveland, Ohio Vol. Tit YU Yy Ve Wii GE, YH Lie Zilli Zz BY Epw. LWHEELpSs —— NOBBY NICK, BY THE WONDERFUL POWER OF BIS KNOTTED ARMS, F1GAN TO SWING THE RUPFIAN,

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BEADLE’S FRONTIER SERIES 15e. Per Copy. , Pe ee Re 1. The Shawnee’s Foe. ~ 50. Harry Hardskull. 2. The Young Mountaineer, ee Madman of the Oconto, 3. Wild Jim. » 52. Slim Jim, : 4, Hawk-Eye, the Hunter. , iyi 53. Tiger-Eye. } ” 5. The Boy Guide. T7{,54. The Red Star of the 6. War Tiger of the Modocs Seminoles. 7. The Red Modoes, 5. Trapper Joe. * 8. Iron Hand. : “56. The Indian Queen's * 9, Shadow Bill, the Scout. ( Revenge. 10. ‘Wapawkaneta, or the 57. Eagle-Eyed Zeke. Rangers of the Oneida. | 11, Davy Crockett’s Boy Ni } 58. Sear-Cheek, the Wild Half-Breed. Hunter. : 59, Red Men of the Woods. 12. The Forest Avenger. ¢ 60. Tuscaloosa Sam. 18. Old Jack’s Frontier 61. The Bully of the Woods. Cabin. 62. The Trapper’s Bride. 114, On the Deep. \.63. Red Rattlesnake, The :15, Sharp Snout. Pawnee. 16. The Mountain Demon. 64, The Scout of 'Tippecance 17. Wild Tom of Wyoming. 65. Old Kit, The Scout, 18. The Brave Boy Hunters 66. The Boy Scouts. iy of Kentucky. 67. Hiding Tom. fe 119. The Fearless Ranger. 68. Roving Dick, Hunter. : 20. The Haunted Trapper. 69. Hickory Jack. 21. Madman of the Colorado. 70. Mad Mike. 22. The Panther Demon. 71, Snake-Eye. 23. Slashaway, the Fearless. 72. Big-Hearted Joe. 24, Pine Tree Jack. 73. The Blazing Arrow. . The Hunter Scouts. . Indian e ae Pp awe ge i uc Beene of Long Island. 27, The Tuscarora’s Vow. 77, The Dea aod 28. Deadwood Dick, Jr. 73. B ra t ten a Angers. 29. A New York Boy Among 79. The Indian ‘Spirit. Shee darn 9 80. The Twin Trappers. 30. Deadwood Dick’s Big 31° Lightfoot the Scout. 81. ‘Hank, the.Guid 82, Grim_Dick. - Sank, the Guide. 83, The ‘Wooden-Legged Spy. 32, Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. 94° The Silent Trapper. 33. Squatty Dick, 85. Usly Ike. 34, The Hunter’s Secret. 86. Fire Cloud. 35. The Woman Trapper. 87. Hank Jasper. 36. The Chief of the Miami. 938, The Seout of the Sciota. 37. Gunpowder Jim. 89. Black Samson. 38. Mad Anthony’s Captain. 90. Billy Bowlegs. i 39. The Ranger Boy’s Career. 91. The Bloody Footprint. | 40. Old Nick of the Swamp. 992, Marksman the Hunter. | 41. The Shadow Scout. 93. The Demon Cruiser. 42. Lantern-Jawed Bob. 43. The Masked Hunter. 44, Brimstone Jake. 45. The Irish Hunter. 46. Dave Bunker. 47, The Shawnee Witch. . Hunters aud Redskins. . Panther Jack. . Old Zeke. . The Panther Paleface. . The Scout of the St. Lawrences 9. Bloody Brook. 48. Big Brave. 100, Long Bob of Kentucky. 49. Spider-Legs. . BEADLE’S FRONTIER SERIES are always in print and for sale by all Newsdealers; or will be sent postpaid to any address: Single copies, {5e. ; ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO CLEVELAND, OHIO

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1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road % The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 5 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 6 Death-Face, the Detective % The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza | 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 10 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; ar, Deadwood Dick _ _ in Danger Jim Bludsoe, Jr.,the Boy Phenix; or, Through to | Death /12 fos Vad Dick’s Eagles: or, The Pards of Flood © | a 118 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 114 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 116 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 10 earn Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the - ule 18 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 -Aotograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 20 Watch-Hye, the Shadow 21 Cy the Dick’s Device; or; The Sign of the Double ross 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 283 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Edged Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker ; or, The Secret Twelve 27 Chip, the Girl Sport . 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 129 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 130 Beeson Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon's | ule! 131 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 132 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent - LATEST AND BEST.¢c — 32 Pages. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest! For Sample Cover See @ther Bide. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job 84 A Game.of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 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 48 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues 44 Detective Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator’s e 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scher-e 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 See as Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anc 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 Pick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Di x’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwovd Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy 63 The Dexective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- fray City 64 goes Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ngs ; eS HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS,