Deadwood Dick Library (v. 4) (1900 02 21)

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as second Class matrer. Mar, 15, 1899 M, IVERS & CO., Publishers, tice rah Jumes Sullivan, Proprietor,) Price 5 pou eb. 21, 1900. 379 Pearl Street, New York, a FEU. SIERRA SAM WAS CARRIED #ROM THE CaBiN Any ®QUND UPON THE BACK OF A MULE.

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EDWARD L. WHEELER'S DEADWOOD DICK, JR. NOVELS IN THE HALF-DIME LIBRARY: " Price 5 Cents per Copy. a 443 Deadweod Dick, Jr.; or; The Crimson 716 Deadwood Dick, Jy.’s, Still Hunt. Crescent Sign. . 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, Dominoes. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance. 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise. 453 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. 734 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 4 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up? 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Watcl f 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10. 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. A71 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Blow. 476 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective. 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait. 481 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. , 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand. 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. 496 Deadwood Jick, Jr.’s, Inheritance. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Resurrection. 500 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Diggings. 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance. 787 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Defied. 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protege. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device. 2 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Venture. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks. 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. 534 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr. *s, Royal Flush. 5389 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr. s, Head-Off. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocq.} 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr. °s, Rival. 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr , on His Mettle. ~822 Deadwood Dick, Jr. ’s, Boom. $84 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in- Gotham. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr. g, Scoop 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. 834 Deadwood Dick, Jt: ’s, Proxy 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Clutch. 845 Deadwood Dick, 852 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, High Horse. Jr., at Devil’s Gulch. Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in‘ Chicago. Jr., Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in.Denver. 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Hole Hustle. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. 863 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Bombsliell. 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin. 870 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Mexico, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decoy Duck. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Siiver Pocket. 612 Deadwood’ Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 891 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drive. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 630 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. 636 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across ‘the Continent. ; ‘3 ‘ 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smug- glers. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick. Jr. in Durango. 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery. 684. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars. 695. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco. 904. Deadwood Dick, 910 Deadwood Dick, 916. Deadwood Dick, 928 Deadwood Dick, 934 Deadwood Dick, 940 Deadwood Dick, 946 Deadwood Dick, 951 Deadwood Dick, 957 Deadwood Dick, 965 Deadwood Dick, 971 Deadwood Dick. 977 Deadwood Dick, 980. Deadwood Dick, 992 Deadwood Dick, - 998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Play. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Branded. 1011- Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dutch Pard. 1018 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Four. For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c. per eopy; by the publish ers, M. J. IVERS & CO., 379 Peart Street, New Yor« Crry. es Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. Jr., at Tip-Top. Jr.'s, Double-Decker. Jr., at Dollarville. Jr., at Flush Flats. Jr.'s, Shake-Up. Jr.’s, Double Drop. Jr.’s, Right Bower. Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. Jr. s, Gold Dust. Jr. ’s, Oath. Jr.’s, Death-Doom. Jr.’s, Best Card. oa Jr., at Gold Dust. 660 666

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52°; ), SO As SITE os aN $ BESS RGAE: en, ; . egies eo > oss ogo ENR eo. \\opyright 1882-1888, by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Office, New York, N, Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1898 a M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers. . | No. 50, Ped eae (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) : Price 5 Cents, Vol. lV, Feb. 21,-1900. 379 Pearl Street, New York, $2.50 @ Year. eres ————_—_— 5 -. = = = — — a _ SIERRA SAM WAS CARRIED ; SEA ia ACME D BOUND UPON THE BACK OF 4 MULE, Maes rere Sarat yi ees ” pane

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2 Sierra Sam’s Double. Sierra Sam’s Double; OR, The Three Female Detectives. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘ SI- ERRA SAM, THE DETECTIVE,” “ THE MINER SPORT,” ETO., ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. SIERRA SAM’S CADAVER. Tre Flumeville stage rolled downinto Flume- ville, at precisely six o'clock, when the sun was ust sinking behind the pine-clad peaks of the ivide, and the miners were quitting their day’s work and coming ‘into town” from the scene of their labors, As the stage always brought in the mail for those of the rugged citizens who were fortunate enough ever to receive any, and as the ponderous vehicle always stopped at the tavern, to unload its mail and passengers, six o’clock always saw the representative citizens of the little city con- gregated in and about the tavern, Flumeville was what an observer would have called a well manned city, for the inhabitants were all men. Only one woman had ever dawned upon the rugged horizon, below which the little mining- camp nestled; only one case of the softening influence of the opposite sex was known among the knights who wielded the pick and shovel in Flumeville Gulch. The usual crowd was drawn up inline before the tavern, when Long Lige, the Jehu of the stage, brought the vehicle to a halt, It was a rare thing for the stage to drop a passenger at Flumeville, but to-night a man clambered out of the conveyance, valise in hand, and struck a bee-line for the bar-room - where he proceeded to wash down the dust o travel with a glass of ‘‘ bug-juice.” After he had ‘“‘inclosed the beverage,” he smacked his lips with a grateful air, and Jooked around him to take note of his surroundings. Every inch a six-footer, as he stood in his boots, he was as lean as a bean-pole—no appa- rent. superfluous flesh existing anywhere upon his skeleton-like frame, to which his poorly- tailored garments hung with great looseness, His face was equally thin and pinched, and wore a ghostly and cadaverous expression, while his eyes, black and sharp as a hawk’s, were sunken beneath an overhanging pair of shaggy eyebrows, His hair was tow-colored, while of beard he wore none. After looking over the rough audience ‘with an inquiring gaze, the skinny gentleman turned to the bar-maid, ‘‘ Jim Jackson’s gal, Mag,” as tha proprietor’s daughter was called—a smart, . quick-witted, and by no means homely, true- _ western miss, of some sixteen summers, who ran thetavern, while her father labored at the - “cradle.” . “Ahem! Nice day!” the thin man observed, _ by way of opening a conversation, _ Lovely!” Miss Maggie responded, busying mans lt herself at polishing off the counter, ‘ Jest drap down on the hearse?” “T did that, expecting to find more of a town. Iam from Big Vista—heard of it I dare say. My name is Junius Brutus Dunk.” ‘Indeed! Whata delightful name!” Maggie said, with mock soberness, ‘I s’pect you’re aoe big guns up at Big Vista, Mr, Dunk —eh? The lank man looked displeased, “My name is not Donkey, miss—but Junius Brutus Dunk, I flatter myself that 7 am one of the representative gentlemen of Big Vista.” **T judged likely,” Maggie allowed, turning half around to suppress a giggle. ‘Let me see —hayen’t [ heard something about there having been a famine up there lately?” Dunk colored, for he ‘' tumbled” to her hint quite readily; he was at first inclined to frown, but finally brought to the surface of his cadaver- ous face rather a ghastly smile, ‘Well, uot particularly; although I might personally illustrate the contrary,” he replied. **By the way, you seem to be a pretty pert young miss—maybe you can answer me a few questions?” ‘* Well, that depends. Can tell better arter Well, to begin. you ax ’em.” ‘‘That’s sure as you live! : with, do you know a man here in Flumeville by the name of Sierra Sam?” Maggie looked surprised, ‘* Waal, I should say so,” she confessed, with anod, ‘‘Guess thar’s few as don’t know Sam- ” *“ Ah!” then I am in luck by coming here, What sort of a character is this Sierra Sam?” “He? Waal, | guess you'll find he’s about the strangest character you ever tackled, ef you go a-nosin’ inter his business, When he ain’t disturbed he’s jest as playful and kittenish as ye please; when he’s riled he’s bad. “Sol hear. Well, I must interview him, at allevents. If I get demolished, please bave my remains expressed back to Big Vista,” “Waal, jest let me remind you that thar won’t be no need of that,” Maggie suggested, “Sammy’s a pulverizer, Sammy is, and.if he should ever shake up your bones, there’d be nothing left for transportation.” Dunk was probably not of that opinion, how- ever, for he wandered leisurely about the bar- aor, awaiting the appearance of Mr, Sierra am. In the course of an hour that individual put in an appearance, armed with a shovel and pan, and somewhat more mud-splashed and grimy than was usual with the dashing Moun- tain Ferret. His face and figure, however had lost none of the old-time grace of outline, and his eyes glowed with the same good nature as of old, His long hair swept down to his shoulders, from beneath his jaunty sombrero; his mustache and imperial were as neatly pointed as ever. After depositing his tools in one corner, he turned and gazed at the occupants of the room, ’ with a nod, his eyes finally resting upon Dunk. Something like a waggish glitter shot into his "eyes as he scanned the attenuated man, but .s turned his glance away so as not to betray 1%,

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Sierra Sam’s Double. Dunk, seeming to realize that Sam was the man he was looking for, soon came forward and tapped the Californian on the shoulder, “Excuse me, my friend,” he said; ‘* but have I the honor of addressing Sierra Sam?’ “Tt allow you have, if so be there is any honor thereto attached!” Sam responded dryly. “Tam generally known by the name of Sierra Sam.” “And Iam Junius Brutus Dunk, Esq., of Big Vista, at your service. I came here on purpose to hunt you up and have a talk with you on a matter of importance. So if you will grant me a private interview, we will at once get down to business,” ‘“ Well, if your business is as important as you intimate, perhaps we had_ better adjourn to my palace,” Sam suggested. ‘‘ Come this a i e led the way from the tavern to a small log-cabin near at hand, where he ‘lived when he was at home,” as he explained while en route, It was furnished after the primitive frontier style, and yet was a neat, and, withal, a com- fortable abode. Sierra Sam seated himself upon a stool at one end of a long, rough table, and motioned the man from Big Vista to take a like position at the opposite end. ~ “Well, Mr. Dunk, Iam allattention. Proceed to unload as rapidly as you like.” “That L will, sir,” the other replied. ‘‘ In the first place, I wish to announce that I came here for your individual interest, providing we can come to terms—that istosay. I have an im- portant revelation to make to you, which is vastly to your pecuniary interest.” “Ah! well, that is good news, Am J to fall heir to half-a-dozen gold mines, or a million or two in Government bonds?” ‘¢ Well, that depends, I am here, the posses- sor of valuable data that to you means much, Tam the kind of a man who lives. by his wits, in preference to manual.” “*So J should estimate,” Sam smiled, stroking his chin, ‘‘ Judging by your personal appear- ance, however, the effects of subsisting on the strength of your wits has rather rubbed against your constitution, not?” Dunk frowned. “You are inclined to poke fun at me!” he de- murred, evidently displeased, ‘‘When you ome to know me better, you won’t do this, hy, my dear man, I can lay you gently in the lap of luxury, or do you incalculable injury at will. My mission here is speculative, come to make terms with you, if you choose; if you don’t, wby I have other ends to further.” ‘** Consequently I am to know you as a super- annuated shyster, eh?’ Sam assumed, dryly. ‘My friend, I don’t think I care to entertain any dealings with you.” ~ “But, you don’t understand—you don’t know what you are talking about, my dear sir! You don’t seem to realize that I am the man through whose instrumentality you can win or lose a fortune.” - “ You think thusly?” — ; *T know it! All you've got to do is to come to reasonable terms, and I will put you on the track of a priceless fortune, which otherwise — ys = must remain in ignorance of all your ife. “Well, that’s a pretty broad mouthful for yor to ask me to swallow,” Sam declared, calm- y! ‘You may be quite sharp, as far as shar ness goes, but at the same time I flatter myself it takes aun uncommon human to ring in a deal — on Sam’],” “This is no deal.” “Well, maybe not, line, if it pay you a sum of money, you will in return give me a fortune. Now, how much — money do you want in case I should feel dic posed to dicker with you?’ ‘Ah, you talk business now,” the man from Big Vista exclaimed, rubbing his hands together patronizingly. ‘‘ It sbows what good sense you — ossess. I have always heard tell of youasa rave, noble sort of fellow, and I cannot find it in my heart to be hard cn you. So if you will — give me a thousand, why Ill give you the se-- cret, und we'll call it square, You cannot make an independent fortune easier.” ; ‘Not to let you tell it, very likely. But you see I know better, ig ee I were to turn around and tell you w me?” } _ * That you can’t do,” Dunk growled. “ But I can, though! You wish to inform me ten hundred dollars’ worth that I have a rich — old maiden aunt residing in Big Vista.” Junius Brutus looked astounded. According to your out- — at you wish to sell to — “This old maiden aunt, Tabitha Green by name, happens to be nearing the portals eternal possessed of two valuable gold mines. Having read, no douht, of the promised difficulty rich people shall encounter in getting a passport into the realms of bliss, she wishes to give away her riches to one of her two nephews, of whom I chance to be one, Is this not so?” “Well?” : ‘Having known Tabitha’s desire to see her — long-haired relative, with a view to heaping upon bim some of her superfluous cash, you, hired by nephew Number Two, set out in search of nephew Number One, for the purpose of ter- minating his existence in cage you cannot make _ better terms with him,” The Californian was now eying the man from 3 Big Vista sternly; the latter sat rigid on his ~ stool, his face even whiter than usual, Hee “T knew you were coming—I am glad to meet you,” Sam pursued, with triumph, ‘I guess we can settle this matter here as well as else- where. Don’t you think so?” 7 And as he spoke be drew a revolver from his © hip-pocket and laid it on the table. 2g Dunk gave vent to a gasp. He was trembling — # ee” in every limb from fear—that was evident — enough. ee “What! you don’t mean to do me harm, — Sierra Sam,” he articulated, faintly, ‘‘ You are — wrong in your estimation of me, Ihave no de-— signs against came to—” Ms your life in coming here, I simply — ‘““Make money out of me. But you cannot do a that.. I am always alive to all my personal in- ty. terests you bet, and able, as a general thing, oh anticipate the moves of my enemies. Ido not’ propose to harm you, sir; you are bene th my

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4 Z Sierra Sam’s Double. notiee. But I want toshow you that you are as powerless to do me harm as a new-born babe. I see you have a revolver in your belt, Please draw it, level it at my head and fire.” Dunk saw the cool Californian fold his arms across his breast, and a treacherous fire shot into his sunken eyes, He made an effort to move his hand toward his belt, but could not. He tried to leap from his stool, but could not. Searcely a muscle could he move, while an ex- pression of excruciating torture came upon his cadaverous face, Sierra Sam fairly roared with laughter, and picked up his revolver. ““You see you are mine, did I choose to use you,” he said. ‘See! and he touched a small knob at one side of the table. ‘‘ You were held by electricity, which the stool administered to you in such gradual currents that you were not aware anything was the matter until you were powerless. You are now at liberty to go.. Take the first stage back to Big Vista, or Pil shoot ‘ou the next time [ see you, When you get to ig Vista tell all parties concerned to look out for the arrival of Sierra Sam/’l on the 5th of July, Go!” Without further urging, Junius Brutus left the cabin. To all appearances, he was a very cowed and crestfallen man, Bat within his heart there rankled a venge- ful, rancorous grulge against the calm man of the ee and once outside the cabin, he mut- tered: * Yes, I will go back to Big Vista, and—” The “and” was spoken with emphasis, and seemed to imply a threat. CHAPTER II. ; MISTAKEN IN THE MAN, - * Att aboard!” yelled the driver of the stage Epne between Kunestown, Silver Spur and ig Vista. “Allaboard! Next station is Big Vista!” And he oe an extra emphatic crack to his long-lashed whip, to warn his would-be passen- ee that a start was to be made instanter from Silver Spur, where a half had been made for supper. # A. number of passengers poured out: of the lunch saloon, eating as they came, and clam- bered into and onto the great vehicle, Among those who came last, and was conse- qnently forced to resort to the top seats of the conveyance, were two characters likely to at- _ tract more than ordinary attention—the more, ~ perhaps, owing to the great contrast in their personal appearance, - One was a young female, clad in top-boots, trowsers, a long hunting-shirt of knee length, belted at the waist, and a plumed sombrero—a girl of about seventeen summers, evidently, _ with a fresh, round, rosy, pretty face, sparklin dark bee and happily-chiseled features—a gir who, although of a somewhat reckless nature, was amply able to take care of herself under all circumstances, ; _ The other party was a meek-faced, clerical- looking individual, with a fringe of cravat- whiskers beneath his chin, and reaching to the rs, A pair of deep blue goggles shaded his ; his face was one of most sepulchral cast “hs 2 each day. his hair was bushy, streaked with white, and was topped out with a genuine Quaker, broad- brim hat, 5 g Otherwise he was attired in fine broadcloth, and being lame, walked with a cane, It was with a great effort that ho clambered to the top of the stage—at least he gave vent to enough grunts and ‘‘ums” and ‘‘ahs!” to indi- cate the fact of his physical disability. The Girl Sport who had nimbly mounted, ahead of him, seemed to enjoy his attempt huge- ly, as did two other outside passengers whom it may be well to describe here. The one was a typical specimen of the border rough, Not one of the evil-natured class, evi- dently, buf of that bragging, blatant species commonly denominated in Western life as bull- whackers—a fiery red-haired, full red-bearded chap, the end of whose nose was as red as a cherry: whose eyes emitted a gleam of sluggish shrewdness, and whose attire was aboutas greasy and mud-begrimed as it well could be. His belt bristled with revolvers and knives, which it was evident he would not hesitate to use if it became necessary to do so, The other man was of more dashing appear- ance—was possessed of a fine figure and cool, handsome face, with clear, unwavering dark ‘| eyes, a firm, pleasant mouth, shaded by a grace- ful mustache; he also wore a trim imperial; his hair drooped to his shoulder; and altogether he looked and dressed remarkably like the frontier ferret, Sierra Sam. The Quaker finally succeeded _in gaining a seat on top of the coach; Jehu Jack gave his whip another crack, aur away went the horses. and conveyance down the rough mountain trail, just as the sup was setting over the rugged land- scape now dotted here and there with summer’s green. From one side to the other swayed the pon- derous coach, owing to the unevenness of the trail, threatening to capsize at any minute, and the clerical individual grew extremely alarmed. “Stop! stop!” he cried out, to the driver, “ You'll have us killed! Drive slower, I make “Go to Jericho!” heartily responded ehu; “‘!m drivin’ this ver’ stage, pards, an’ I reckon T regilate ther momentum ter suit my own self!” “Vas, uncle!” the Girl Sport interposed, ey- ing the Quaker amusedly; ‘‘*tain’t no use git- tin’ skeart. Jehu Jack knows his Y, Z, &s, you bet!” i “Verily I asked thee not for advice, unseem- ly-clad girl,” was the retort, given in a chiding way. “Oh! you don’t, eh?” the girl queried, a slight flush coming to her cheeks, ‘Don’t like my style o’ gear, then?” “Verily, do not. I mought say I was rever more shocked in my life, to witness such an un- becoming masquerade jin a young woman. Verily the world groweth more and more sinful Ah! um.” And he heaved a deep sigh, and held tighter to the railing, for fear he would be jerked off pes the roe! a - right eee” “ Xas, you she grows - pat, every day!” the girl said. ‘ any. ye disli Eg tho’, old gent, ’cause Pm a square gal, ; &

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Sierra Sam’s Double. & day in a week, and kin lick any galoot as says fain’t. My handle is Trumps, that’s my sheer of the game o’ life, too, Jest puton male attire, you see, because I want to vote; an’ then, too, it makes locomotion easier. Bet yer boots ye'll get worse shocked than at me, ef ye land down ' in Big Vista.” Obediah Potts, as he afterward gave his name, did not reply, but instinctively clapped his hand to the region of bis trowsers pocket, probably to see if bis pocketbook was safe. Trumps laughed at this. ‘“You'd better hang on to yer wallet, uncle,” she suggested. “Et ain’ an oncommon cir- cumstance that this hyar hearse has been halted by road-agents, and the passengers relieved of their filthy lucre. Preachers don’t stand no more show than pilgrims wi’ the knights of kleptomania.” : ‘*Bet yer boots they don’t, or my name ain't Snodgrass the Snorter!” put in the bullwhacker. “ T¢ don’t matter ef a man’s a parson or a Van- derbilt—the ’gents pockets his rhino jest the same. Guess ’tain’t much the galoots wull ever get out o’ Snodgras the Snorter, tho’.” “Ye don’t want ter go snortin’ tew certain about that,” Trumps warned, looking the man over with a single searching glance. ‘’Spect big men has to weaken when it comes to facin’ road-agents. §S’pose, tho’, judgin’ by your title, that you are some pumpkins when you're tew home!” ‘* Waal, I am that, you bet! I am bad—very bad!” Snodgrass asserted, with a dignified air, that was ludicrous in itself. ‘IT am sometimes so bad that hull towns stampede to escape my vengeance. My principal holt is swallerin’ men half-way, bitin’ off their ears, an’ spittin’ ’em out, I allus breakfast on a pair of tender souse, dine on a bite of some galoot’s clean-shaved cheek, and sup on a plump arm or spare rib. Oh, yes, I’m snortin’ bad, am I, Snodgrass!” And, with a graye shake of his head, the “bad” man serenely proceeded to pick his pearly white teeth with a knife. Obediah Potts smothered a groan of righteous horror, and cast a sidelong glance at the red- headed man of cannibalistic propensities. If he had any idea of expressing his opinion of a man. of such inhuman tastes, his intention was cut short by the sudden halting of the stage in a gloomy pass. The cause was evident enough, On every side of the coach swarmed a crowd of masked men, in red flannel shirts and black pants, top-boots and pruned slouch bats, and every man except one held a carbine leveled to- ward the coach. The excepted man, who was burly of figure and evidently the captain of the band, at once advanced toward the coach, ** Shell out, gentlemen!” he called out, stern- ly. ‘* No time for parley. Your money or your lives!” No one responded, Obediah Pott’s teeth began to chatter, although his face did not seem to grow particularly pale; and it struck Trumps, who was watching him, _ that the teeth-chatter was more a piece of actin’ than anything else, ‘‘Come! come!” the road-agent chief te} cried. some time there had evidently been an Indian “Tf you don’t pan out, I'll order fire. Ye can’t trifle with me.” The inside passengers responded by handing out their pocketbooks; gaa a Snodgrass the Snorter, and the long-hai passenger also handed over pocketbooks, somewhat noticeable for their flatness, At which the captain growled. “Say, this is a cussed poor haul!” he cried, with an oath. ‘Aire yesure ye ain’t got any better ter offer?” “Better tackle outward-bound stages} they pan out better. Pilgrims generally go in broke and come out flush!” Trumps explained, with a aie “* Mebbe!” the captain ae ag ** Hello, old Quake! where’s your tite “Verily, sir, I ama minister of the Gospel, and my purse hath in it but sufficient to purchase a single meal!” Obediah said, faintly. ‘“Can’t help it—shell out!” the captain or- dered. ‘‘ Tumble it down heer!” With a groan, the solemn man obeyed; then the captain fixed his gaze upon the long-haired man upon the stage heretofore mentioned. “Sierra Sam!” be cried, ‘' You will be re- quired to stop off and accompany us to head- pro s You’re just the man we’ve been look- ing for ; ‘ihe long-haired man looked astonished, ** What d’ye mane!” he demanded, in a stron Trish accent. ‘‘I’m no Sierra Sam, at all. at alll Terry MeNorrin’s me name, sur, if ye pl’aze.” “But you see I don’t ‘pl’aze,’ despite your well-feigned Irish brogue!” the road-agent de- clared. ‘‘ You're Sierra Sam, plain enough to suit my notiow; so sige down off from that eee instanter, or I'll have you shot where you are MeNorrin saw that it was useless to disobey, so he reluctantly descended from the stage, As he clambered down, Snodgrass, the bull- whacker, whispered: 4 “Tt needn’t worry you; I'l) get your release!” ‘“Get along with that stage!” yelled the cap- tain, as the Irish Spotter stepped down upon the ground, ‘‘The next time ye come along, see that ye fetcb more swag!” “Next time you'll get a lead chromo, maybe!” — Trumps called out, Then the stage: rolled xepialy away, Jehu Jack whistling as merrily as nothing had pappenes t was not the first time his conveyance had been halted by these same gents of the trail. and therefore it was, as he remarked, ‘*secon nature to him,” After the departure of the stage-coach, Mc- Norrin’s arms were bound behind his back, and he was sent ahead of the main gang, in charge’ of two of the outlaws. After leaving the pass, they struck a route u ; the bed of a little creek, which flowed through — a transverse ravine, é \ sent Following this stream, by slow stages for an — hour—for the water was knee-deep and wading was difficult—they finally emerged into a rocky ket or mountain-surrounded valley, where

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6 Sierra Sam‘s Double. village, for a number of skin-lodges still stood in a circle, McNorrin was taken to one of these lodges, and left there, only the captain remaining with him. After taking a drink from a bottle that stood upon a. sort of deal table, the outlaw approached the Irishman. ‘So you insist that you are not Sierra Sam, do you?” he demanded. “Faith, and I do!” Terry replied. “Shure I niver beerd divil a thing of Sierra Sam afore, and don’t know a won of him,” “T know better, You see, I have an acquaint- ance who met you over in Flumeville, a bit of awhile ago, and you sent word you would be in Big Vista the fifth day of Juiy. This is the 5th, and you are Sierra Sam.” ne Be the pardon of yez, but you lie like the divil!” Teddy declared, unflinchingly. ‘‘I niver was in Flumeville in me life, D’ye mind the red-whiskered galoot on the stage?” “ec Yes.” : “Waal, sur, he spake in me ear, as I got off, not to be onaisy, as he'd fix it up all right for me—so very likely that was your man, in dis- guise,” The captain uttered a curse. “Tf you should chance to be right, it is a remarkable coincidence, this chance resem- blance, and all that saves your life!” he growled. He then blew a whistle, and another road- agent entered. “T say, King, look at this man sharply. Is this Sierra Sam?” The road-agent stared hard at McNorrin, and shook his head. “Don’t think so,” he said. ‘The two are remarkably alike, however. Indeed, I can de- tect but one difference—that, too, something no one else would notice,” The outlaw chief retired from the lodge in disgust, \ Two days later he once more visited McNor- rin in the lodge where had been confined. “You were right,” he said, ‘I have re- ceived a communication that satisfies me you are not Sierra Sam. Outside you will find a man ready to escort you back to the vicinity of Big Vista.” After the Irish Spotter was gone, the captain swore roundly, and took a letter from his pocket and opened it, ; It ran as follows; “Brea Vista, July 5th, 18—. “Da Woir Deerina, Str:— “The man you took from the coach is not Sierra Sam, although Sierra Sam arrived here the same hour the coach dil, and made inquiries for you. You had better return, when it shall please the writer of this to give you further information. “Yours, etc., UNKNowN.” ** And who the deuce is unknown?” Deering grunted, as he tore the letter into shreds, “Possibly the male-attired girl who sassed me back from the coach. If so, I shall have to buy her off, or—” CHAPTER III. THE TWO SNODGRASSES, Bie Vista! Location—in the Sierra Nevada. Site—high up the mountain-side, upon a natural shelving ledge or Blea which over~ looked the’ yawning gulf below, and beyond this a lower rugged broken range of hills, sparsely timbered and possessed of some rather wildly beautifully scenic qualities, not to the rugged eye of the miner, but to the eye ro- mantic of the day-dreaming tourist. It wasn’t much of a city, Big Vista. It possessed enough able-bodied men to work its quartz drifts, which ran back into the moun- tain; it had a small complement of gamblers, roughs and adventurers in general, such as are identical with nearly every mining-camp, and that was about all, not forgetting that Big Vista possessed several citizens of the fairer sex. Access was had to the place by a dizzy stage route that wormed its way down the mountain- side, and through the gulf toward Silver Spur, but it was seldom traveled except by Jehu Jack’s semi-weekly stage, Of the business places in Big Vista might be mentioned first of all, the post-office, which was located ina little cigar-store shanty super- intended by one Angel; then followed a general store, five saloons, a smithy, ore-breaker and mill, several small enterprises, a theater and ge shanties. he ‘ post-office,” however, in the mind of some people, was the most attractive place of interest in Big Vista, for the reason that it was superintended by the ‘‘ purty gal ” of the place. Angel, she said her name was, when one morning she dropped down into the rough camp, but Angel what she did not mention. She said she was out of luck, and wanted to know if there was any sort of position in Bi Vista where an honest and respectable gir! could earn a decent living. A meeting was at once held, and the question eonsidered; and it was decided there was. Chauncy Bloker, Big Vista’s blear-eyed P. M., had recently been suspicioned of horse- stealing, to say nothing of robbing the mails; so the aforesaid Bloker was immediately in- vited out toa lynch picnic, and Angel was in- stalled in his place, at a moderate salary. She soon succeeded in saving up enough to purchase a stock of cigars and tobaceo, and combined the two businesses profitably. In some respects, the girl, with her seventeen or eigbteen years, did not fall short of what her name implied. It was no matter of secrecy that she was the prettiest piece of femininity that had ever set foot in Big Vista. She always dressed plainly but yet neatly; her every move indicated grace and refinement. She was habitually agreeable to customers, but still enough reserved to preclude the possible idea that she cared to be sociable with any one, This very fact made her more friends than she was aware of, even though it may have won her a few enemies. _ One morning, nearly a week after the stage- coach robbery, Miss Angel was enga; in dusting off her cigar-case, and putting things to rights, when a shadow darkened the doorway, and looking up she saw a stranger standing upon the threshold, . : f :

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Sierra Sam’s Double. 9 It was the man of professed cannibalistic pro- pensities, Snodgrass—surnamed the Snorter, and since his coming to Big Vista had been rechris- tened Kittens by some of the local bums, who had challenged him to knock off their hats, but without effect, ** Gude-mornin’, mum!” spoke Snodgrass, doffing his battered semblance of what at some remote period had been a plug hat. ‘‘ This yer’ is an all-fired fine mornin’, neow ain’t it. The birds aire a-vocalizin’ in the tree-tops—ther in- sects aire dronin’ through sunlit etherialism— I’m sufferin’ fer asmoke. Be-a-u-tiful mornin’!” Angel flashed an inquiring, half-amused glance at the bullwhacker, “* Yes, it is quite pleasant this morning,” she replied. “Gorgeous!” Snodgrass declared, seeming to grow more assured, and stealing raked along to the counter, ‘‘ How et do sublimify ther nature o’ mortal humanity tew see things joggin’ along so durned nice! [’m an esthete, I am—cl’ar down to my heart’s e’na’most corner, you het, an’ 1 worship natur’s manifold wonders. But Talso rather luv compressed lead-pencil-shaped editions 0’ tobacco, an’ the fact is, my financial status air rather deteriorated at present. So, I thought I’d drap in -to inquisitate ef ye ever trust!” “Ob! yes—I trust in the All-Wise 4rovidence, as every one should!” Miss Angel replied, dust- ing away vigorously. ‘‘ That’s the safest account one can run nowadays.” ‘But, ye see, I referred to the terbac!” Snod- grass declared, with a grin, which his red beard made ludicrous. ‘‘ D’ye ever *comydate broken- up pards wi’ stick *baccy, on tick?’ “Never!” Angel replied, shaking her head. “Or, just hardly ever, so to speak?” the bull- whacker perpetrated, evidently believing he had made a hit. “Never!” Angel said again. —I never owe, -day, sir! ** But, see hyar!” protested the Snorter, “I ain’t gone yet. I must have a smoke or I shall kerflummix right heer, frum sheer wantiveness. So set out yer dice, an’ show yer angelic quali- ties. “Tf you get beat—” * T get nothin?!” “Tf I get béat?” “You've got ter set up ther best five-bit-ers your shebang boasts of!’ Angel smiled. ‘“ Well, I guess your assurance deserves a treat,” she said, reaching for the dice cup, and with one tip spilling five aces upon the counter. Snodgrass whistled his surprise. “You be great, you be!” he allowed, only succeeding in turning a full hand. Next time he threw less—three trays, and Angel quietly beat it with five fours, and re- stored the box to its place on the shelf. Whereat Snodgrass looked blank. * Alas! alas! such is fate!” he murmured, sadJy. ‘I hearn et tell thet the women war tew much fer men at gamin’, and I reckon she’m So. “Well, I won’t let you suffer," Angel said, smiling, “T en to be befriended some myself, so stick these in your vest pocket,” Gee aE ee Ea ae Bee sey pay as I owe And she threw half a dozen good cigars out upon the counter. Snodgrass gazed at her a moment in evident astonishment, then he picked up the cheroots with a hand nearly as white as Angel’s own. ““Gal, you’re a jewel!” he said, at the same time flipping a gold eagle out upon the counter. ‘Thou art an angel, fer sure, * As fair at heart * As fair complected, by gum! But, nuther am I a tramp, bet yer ‘bacey on thet! I’m Snodgrass, I am, 0’ great appetizing revown—Snodgrass ther Snorter, you bet!” “Well, neow, pilgrim, I beg ter argy on thet leetle p’int!” a voice cried, and the post-office immediately afterward had another occupant. Angel uttered a ery of astonishment, and rubbed her eyes to make sure she saw aright, The new-comer was an exact counterpart, in every respect, of the man who had just tempted fortune at the dice-box, Snodgrass No, 1 turned around and gazed at the new-comer in evident anger at the inter- ference. 5 “Hello! great yowlin’ wild-cats, what d’ye mean?” he roared. **T mean thet you’re a consarned lyin’ decep- tion—a consummate counterfeit—a designin’, diabolerikal cheat!” the other cried, bristling up. ‘‘ Tm the famous Snodgrass, the Snorter, right up from Sorrocco, ther bad, bad man who ©~ chews up humans fer fodder, 1 am, you bet!” “Ditto hyer!” asserted No. 1. ‘*My best holt is chawin’ off ears, cheeks, arms, an’ dis- sectin’ ther deKeacies o’ fine old sparerib, Snod- grassam I, ther great, original bad-bad doubie- steam chested Snorter, from Sorrocco City, you bet yer bonanzas, every day in a week and twice on Sunday!” ; The two men looked at each other, something like a grim smile coming into their eyes. + ‘Waal, this beats my time!” No. 2 grunted, — scratching his chin. ‘Knocks me cl’ar off my base!” No, 1 sighed. ‘*-You aire the cheeriest liar lever met in my — life, pon my cannibalistic honor,” ‘An’ you're the cussedest lyin’ fame-stealer I. ever hearn tell on!” No, 2 fired back. ‘‘ITam Snodgrass the Snorter!” “T am Snodgrass the Snorter—you bet!” from No. 1. ; : “How ye goin’ ter prove it?” “ How are you?” “Dunno. Reckon thar’s no way, except to settle it atwixt ourselves,” him; then the two Snodgrasses left the Fee isap- — It is quite evident that o i dace “3

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gS Sierra Sam's Double. is not; but, which is which appears to be a co- nundrum. Ha! ha! strange—strange! But, I haven’t done so bad a trade, for a morning start, I wonder if those ten-dollar gold-pieces are good? I scarcely glanced at them.” She went behind the counter, and took them from a box where she had previously placed them. One of them was all right. The back of the other one had been ground off, and a picture of a man engraved in the place of the official stamp! It was a most expert. piece of workmanship, and the picture was of a man of handsome face,. with mustache, imperial, long hair, and slouch hat—a man whose appearance was of the type peculiar to the prairie scout. _ Angel gazed at the face adniringly. “That settles it!” she murmured. ‘“ One of those men was the negative of this likeness, in disguise. But, which one? True as I live, I don’t know which man gave this coin!”, She tried to recollect, but could not, for she had taken only aquick glance at either eagle which had been given her. Oh! well; Vil keep it, and fall in love with the owner of the face. Maybe he will call for the coin,” she said, aloud, with a merry laugh, as she slipped it into her pocket, A step upon the threshold, just then, caused her to turn quickly around, her cheeks flushing scarlet. . “Oh! Mr. Deering, is it you?” she exclaimed, ** You startled me,” “So I perceive,” Deering said, advancing into the room. ‘‘Every one is liable to be startled!” And he laughed, sarcastically. He was a man of rather heavy build anl medium stature; his dress was thoroughly * citizen,” and faultless as regards fit and tex- ture; his face was a commonplace one, of dusky complexion, possessing no particularly attractive feature; his eyes were jetty black, as was his hair, and his rather sensual mouth was shaded by a fierce-looking mustache. : ** By the way,” he continued, as he saw the flush deepen upon her face, ‘who is the owner of the face whose likeness you just slipped into your pocket?” “Tt is not for you to know, Mr. Impudence,” Angel responded. ‘It was not your picture.” “Oh! wasn’t it?” “ *¢ Well, I guess not!” ' “Pshaw, you are foolish, Angel, to be offish toward me, Where in all Big Vista can you find a better man to cling to through life?” * Big Vista is such a great city that I really don’t know,” the girl replied dryly. ‘I’ve a wide world, though, to make my choice from.” i ‘“Pshaw. Your position is against you. Who do you imagine would have you, a cigar-store girl, but infatuated me?” ~ “Oh! my! What conceit! Supposing I should make an announcement that I was in the market—how many of Big Vista’s pilgrims do you suppose would come to the fore?” Deering scowled, ‘*None!” he said. to infringe on my a 2 ae They all know better | ‘*¢ claims” I nature,’ A man stepped into the store just then, and tipped his hat to the Angel. “Excuse me!” he said, ‘‘ but could you tell me where I can find the residence of Miss Tabitha Green?” CHAPTER IV, TOO MANY ACES, Du Wor DEERING wheeled around with an oath at the query of the new-comer, and then added a second one. The stranger who stood in the doorway was Kierra Sam. Or was it the Irish Spotter, McNorrin? These questions went quickly through Deer- ing’s mind. ‘Ob! are you the man,” Sam asked, with a smile, ‘‘who knows of the residence of Miss Green?” “Treckon Iam, What does it concern you?” Deering demanded, savagely, “Tt concerns me to the extent that I am here to see this Miss Green,” Sam replied, unruffled. ‘* Tf you do not see fit to impart the information I desire, perhaps I can find out elsewhere.” ‘“‘T can tell you—” Angel began, but Deerin: turned upon her so fiercely that she stoppe speaking. “You shut up!” he growled, “or it will be the worse for you.” Then he turned to the Sport. “Who are you, and what do you want with Tabitha Green?” he demanded “ Emphatically it is none of your business, De Wolf Deering,” was the prompt reply. ‘I didn’t come here to make a man of your stamp acquainted with my business, by any means, so Vil bid you good-day.” De Wolf Deering did not follow him as he ae and strode away, but instead, turned to ngel. ; “You seo that galoot?” he queried, noting the fact that the girl was watching the Californian’s retreating figure with interest, } “‘T see him, to be sure,” Angel replied, coldly. “* An attractive appearing person.” *“Humph! he won’t appear so attractive when he gets through with me, cuss him! D’ye know who he is?” ‘* Tt has just occurred to me,” the girl nodded, “Miss Green told me a few days since that her other nephew was coming here soon, and that she was going to choose between him and your- self as the heir to her wealth.” “She told you this, did she?’ Deering hissed, bis face growing darker than was usual. ‘ She told you this?” 3 ‘She did; and I presume likely you will fall short of the liberal allowance of pocket-money you have had, through being the manager of | her affairs,” Angel answered, watching him with something like a triumphant expression in. her eyes, f “Never! never!” Deering gritted, his face flaming with rage. “I'll teach this puppy, Sierra Sam, that he made a disastrous move when he came to Big Vista, mark my words. a ic eh I do believe you would rejoice in my ownfall. ; ; © Of course, with all the angelic zest of m * she fired back, “I do not admire you, ser’:

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Sierra Sam’s Double, ao Mr. Deering—I told you that when I first came to listen to your would-be loverly proposals, Since then you have made yourself more and more obnoxious, until I assure you I cannot bear you. So sab remember this, and govern yourself accordingly.” : Deering glared at her in evident astonish- ment, It was the first time she had ever ex- hibited such independence and ruffled temper. “Well, curse me if I ever expected you to turn on me in such a way,” he ejaculated, ‘* But you'll find you will lose by it. ou shall et learn to fear and love me at the same time, he day is dawning when it shall become ne- cessary for me to put on the screws, so to ~ pes and prove that my will here in Big Vista is law. He turned then and left the store. ‘Oh, you bad, wicked man!” Angel said, after he was gone. ‘‘ You area desperado, but you'll find you cannot scare me, I’d rather be your enemy than your friend.” Miss Tabitha Green, spinster, the owner of the only paying mines in Big Vista, and the possessor of other wealth in money, bonds, etc., resided in a comfortable house near the center of the little town, in company with her pet cat, canary, poll-parrot, and house-plants, and with only one attendant, whose color was black, and who filled the position of domestic and man-of- all-work, Claudie was his name, and he put on airs that indicated his equality with Big Vista’s most im- portant citizens, Miss Green, although in the fifty-sixth year of single blessedness, was rather a shrewd, sociable woman, with less of the peevish old- maid characteristics than might have been ex- pected of her; and she was friendly to all well- disposed persons, ut, although neighbors she had a-plenty, she seldom was seen outside of her home, During the same forenoon of the day that witnessed the unpleasant interview between Angel and De Wolf Deering, Claudie thrust bis ebony visage in at the door of Miss Tabitha’s room, and showed his ivories in a most ludi- erous grin. - Seuse me, missy, but dar’s a man at de do’ ee desires to interview de boss ob de house!” he said, “A man, Claudie?” Miss Green cried, ner- vously. ‘‘ What kind of a man?” “White gem’man, missy—long hair, mus- tache, eae i ar masher, fo’ suah!” “Oh! my! and I haven’t got my hair in pa- pers even!” Miss Green murmured, smoothing out her apron, and adjusting the ruffled collar. ‘* Show the gentleman in, Claudie.” The servant retired, and soon the same person who had inquired for Miss Green’s abode, at the ost-office, entered the room, closing the door hind him. “My dear aunt!” he exclaimed, stepping for- ward, with outstretced hand, ‘‘you can not guess how glad Iam to meet you at last—you whom I have heard so much of, and long desired to meet!” : “*Ts it possible?” Miss Green gaspe d, rising— “ean it bg possible that you are rea’ ” ly— “Sam Slocum, you bet!” the handsome man exclaimed, heartily. ‘I’ve been here several days, and finding out this was your abiding- place, I concluded to drop around and see you.” “Tam so glad that you did. 1 have been wish- ing to see my elder sister’s son very much!” and Miss Green shook hands with him, and they both became seated, “So you are Sammy, are you?” “Tam, in truth. And you, I see, are my mo- ther’s much-talked of maiden sister. know you by the strong resemblance you bear to or mother,” ‘Why, indeed; how strange! I always heard people say we bore no resemblance to each other, whatever.” “Oh! possibly in your younger days, you may have not. But, latterly, up to the time of my mother’s decease, she looked very much like ou,” ‘Ah! well, perhaps. You, I see, have grown ay to be a strong, healthy and good-looking man. ave you any particular trade or profession, Sammy?” t “Oh! yes. Iam independent, so far as that is concerned. Iam a detective, devote my time to hunting down evil-doers,” “Indeed! Iam proud to know you are work- ing in so good a cause. Have youseen De Wolf, your cousin? De Wolf is my right-hand man.” ‘Yes, I have seen him, and my impression of him is hardly favorable, I should jades you needed a left-hand man to watch the right.” “What! is it possible you do not fancy De Wolf? He isa very influential citizen, here in Big Vista, and has the whole charge of my busi- ness. ‘“You may regret having confidence in him,” the new nephew said. ‘Kor my part, Ido not take any stock in him, and don’t care how soon he knows it.” : a About the same hour that Mis, Green was en- tertaining her visitor, we change the scene to Big Vista’s principal saloon, over the entrance to which was a sign bearing the inscription: “FRENCH FAN'S ‘ FIND.’” ‘ It was a big barn-like one-story affair, of rough lumber, with no floor other than the rocky level of the plateau upon which the town was built. I should: ” There was the usual complement of chairsand tables for the devotees of games of chance; there was a bar for the accommodation of the thirsty, and in one corner was a platform, where a vicious-looking Italian was employed to grind out stereotyped strains of music from a nearly played-out hand-organ—which, by the way, was the best music the young camp could afford, or produce, the talent not running in that direction, As we enter the saloon, we find the occupants — to be a crowd of miners and gamblers, the usual habitues of places of the kind. There were but few engaged in games, the majority lounging about here and there, smok- ing and drinking and chatting. At one table De Wolf Denrtig was lounging, 5 idly drummiug on the polished top, and allow- — ing bis gaze to follow the graceful figure of the eee of the place as she moved about, @ was a young woman, not far out of her

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10 Sierra Sam’s Double. . teens, evidently, and possessed ofa petite, grace- fully-molded form, a fair, fascinating face, with eyes and mouth to match, and dressed and looked all too prettily for the position she occu- ied. 2 . Fr, although no evil reports had ever as- sailed ber, she was noted as an expert card-sharp an successful gambler, As she sauntered around where Deering was, keeping ai eye about the room, to see what was going on, he nodded to her, and said: ‘You seem to be idle this afternoon?” ** Yes, no business at all, to speak of. Perhaps you want to play?” and a musical laugh followed - ber words. ‘“* Although always unlucky, when I play with you, I am not afraid of you!” he responded. ‘Sit down, and while you wina V from me, I want to talk with you.” “Very well. You can afford to losa money, But, for heaven’s sake don’t refer to your usual topic of conversation,” she said, seating herself opposite him, and producing a pack of _ ¢ards, *“You need not worry,” Deering answered scowling. ‘I’ve given up loving any one but myself. Do youremember that £ once did you a great service, Fan?” ‘T am not apt to forget it,” was the reply, ges astrange expression soon came over her ace, “T thought you would not,” he said, sig- nificantly. ‘It was the greatest service I ever have done any one. And now, when in trouble, I believe you would be willing to help me. * Most certainly; what isit you want?” “Well, I'll tell you. You remember I told you Sierra Sam was about to come here, and that there was a prospect that my old aunt would put him in my place, because ve an idea she has suspicions that I do not deal hon- estly with her in regard to the financial man- agement of the mines.” “ Well, this Sierra Sam has put in an appear- ance—not only once, but twice.” “Twice! How do you mean?” ‘*) mean that there are two men in this town who look precisely alike in every respect, and both, I have no doubt, will claim to be the orig- inal Sierra Sam,” “Flow strange! Which is right?” “That remains to be told. There are alsotwo rouzhs, Snodgrass by name, who are as exactly alike as the other two, One of these roughs is real; the other I have every reason to believe is the real Sierra Sam.” “And you don’t know either of these respec= tive two parties apart?” “T donot, There is but one man who knows the two Sams apart.” - ** Who is that?” ** Junius Brutus Dunk,” “Ab! then perhaps he can give you the in- formation you want?” “But he will not doso, Hehasa scheme on foot to fetch forward one of these men as the rightful heir to a part of the wealth should Tabitha die. Which string he is working, I do not know. He admits no knowledge of either man, or that he is interested in either, Now, I want to find out which is the genuine Sierra Sam, my cousin, and I want you to do it for me, and mark him sol willknowhim. Then I'll settle the case of whois to be Tabitha Green’s heir in short order.” “How am I to do this?” “TIL leave that to your woman’s wit. You find out for me, and I'll give you five thousand dollars clear cash, You know I am good for it. Sh! as I live, here comes one of the Sams!” They went to playing very briskly as Sierra Sam came sauntering along, his movements characterized by grace and ease, and his face as handsome as was the usual wont of the famous frontier ferret. Leisurely along to the table he sauntered, and there paused, his hands carelessly locked behind his hips and a cigar in his mouth. “Well, what do you want?” Deering growled, looking at him with a savage scowl, “Nothing particularly,” was the composed answer, ‘‘except that I observe you have one more ace of hearts in your hand than is allow- able in the general games of cards,” French Fan quickly reached over, snatching the cards from Deering’s hand, and perceived that the stranger was right. . Deering quickly arose, whipping a revolver from his hip holster. But he didn’t fire. CHAPTER V. A STRANGE DUEL, THE next instant there sprung forward a girl- ish figure clad in semi-male attire, and confronted the mine superintendent, a pair of six-shooters cocked and leveled in her grasp. “* Hey! hello thar, will ye!” she cried. “Shoat this purty feller, will ye? Well, I guess not. My name’s Trumps, every day in a week, and Pll jest hitch onter ther Sport hyer, as a pard, and stand by him!” ““Cuss ye! what d’ye mean? Deering de- manded. ‘‘Put up your tools and get out of here, or I will soon put you out!” ‘Bah! Who's afraid of you? I ain’t! Miss Trumps declared, emphatically. ‘I’ve seen a feller of about your size before, and didn’t skeer fer a cent. D’ye want I should locate the meeting?” ‘Don’t dare to do it!” Deering hissed. “ TIi see you later. In the mean time, this tramp owes me an apology.” And he nodded to Sierra Sam. “Tn what way do I owe you an apology, pray?’ Sierra Sam queried, his eyes scanning the face of Deering with a stern gaze. ‘Oh, for exposing his exceeding good hand!” Freuch Fan said, laughing. “Exactly !” Deering announced, with an oath. “You sailed in here and lipped into my game, an’ ye’ve got to apologize or give me satisfac- tion. D’ye know who I am?” “You are my estimable cousin, judging by your polished manner,” Sam replied, with bit- ter sarcasm, “Then ye claim to be Sierra Sam, do you?” Deering growled. “Why, of course! Why not? The other in- dividual is an impostor!”

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Sierra Sam’s Double. So you say; what does he say?” : “Don’t know, sir. I haven’t interviewed him, as yet. Does he claim to be Sierra Sam?” ‘Yes, he does, an’ all I want to find out is, which is the genuine. I'll then make Big Vista too bot for him to live in it!” ‘Oh! will you? Why not proceed directly to business, then, for I am undoubtedly the genuine Slocum, of the Sierras.” “That remains to be proven yet. However, you must apologize to me or fight—take your choice, I never receive an insult without re- taliating, you bet!” ‘ As your dutiful cousin, I must admire your grit, and if necessary, accommodate you. | never apologize, without strong cause, so nomi- nate your weapons, and I’m ready. The sooner I dispose of you, the better show I shall stand of inheriting Aunt Tabitha’s gold mines.” ‘*You'll never get ’em, nor the other feller, either,” Deering growled. ‘‘I do not care to have an open and disgraceful public fight with you, sir; but I see that it is necessary.” “Positively so,” Sierra Sam assured. . “I haven't had a good, square row in over a month, and rather do for you than most any man I know. A pretty good way to settle is to get “up on top of the house-ridge, and engage in a fist combat—the man who gets tumbled off the roof to be considered the satisfied man. How does that strike you?” , ‘Good fer yer! You're a brick, and I’m our pard, tbrough thick and thin,” cried rumps, taking her place beside the Sport. ‘What d’ye say, Serious—can’t I have that honor?” “Well, that remains for you to say, as I am not personally forming partnerships nowadays!” Sam responded. ‘“Ken’t help that, Sammy! I’m a lone or- phan, ’thout any big brother, an’ Pve got to cling to some one, so I’d just as lief take you as any one else, I ain’t afeard:to sass or sbute the biggest rough that ever walked, an’ when it comes to counterplotting ag’in’ sich fellers as De Wolf Deering, I’m thar!” ‘* Well, use your own judgment about your actions, and look out you don’t get the rival sons of the Sierras mixed up. Now, cousin, what say?” ; “You have the choico—we will adopt gaat plan!” Deering answered. ‘‘Iam glad to have so good a chance to make an exbibition of you. Meet me on the roof of this piace half an hour hence,” ‘‘Kerect!” Sierra Sam assented, as the super- intendent of Miss Tabitha Green’s mines left the saloon, The excitement now began toripen. A duel, and especially one of such a peculiar character, was not an every-day occurrence in Big Vista’s little out-of-the-way camp. It had already leaked out, pretty generally, concerning the two Sierra Sams, and the object whicb brought them to Big Vista; consequently there was a growing curiosity among the citi- zens to know who really was Miss Tabitha Green’s nephew, and how the matter was des- tined to end. As soon as Deering was gone, French Fan walked over toa quiet part of the room, and motioned Sierra Sam to follow her, which he did, in some surprise. ‘“*Did you wish to speak to me?” he interro- gated watching her inquiringly. “Yes, { do,” she replied, ‘*I want you to take me into your confidence, and tell me for true and honest if you are the real Sierra Sam.” “T claim to be the original Sierra Sam— otherwise, Sam Slocum. e other man claims likewise, and it remains to be seen which is right. Further, I have nothing to say on the subject, for the benefit of any one who may have designs to accomplish, When the time comes, one of us will undoubtedly come in as successor of De Wolf Deering.” “Well, Ihope you will win. Privately, be- tween you and me, De Wolf Deering ougbt tobe removed, and if you want a missing link to ac- complish such an event, apply to me, and per- haps I can supply it.” You?” “Yes, I know it is rather natural you should regard me as a suspicious person, owing to my position here. But, in time, you will change your estimation, and know that French Fan has a woman’s heart, a woman’s wit, and a woman’s honor,” ‘Your position here need not necessarily con- demn you,” Sam declared. ‘‘I have known ve! estimable women to run places of this kirid. You will excuse me, I trust, while I prepare for — the aerial meeting.” “Certainly, but will you, for a moment, be- fore you go, allow me to offer you a friend’s ad- vice? First, look out for the fresh young woman who declares her intention of becoming your ‘pard.’ Snakes are numerous in the mountains wet seasons. Also, ]Gok out for another certain pretty young lady in this place, whom you may meet, Although fair to outward view, take my werd for it, you will find her far from being an angel. “Thank you; I will bear your advice in mind,” Sam answered, bowing himself away to fulfill his’ engagement. The street in front of the “Find” was already crowded with miners, citizens, and roughs, the news of the house-top duei having already spread throughout the camp, Deering was waiting in readiness, having a a to the waist. e was a powerfully-built man, of exceeding muscular development, and “showed off” to advantage, and was surrounded by a crowd of his admirers, Sierra Sam surveyed him with a cynical smile. A ladder was provided, and the two men clambered up to the steep roof of French Fan’s Find, after which the ladder was taken away. They soon gained standing positions upon the’ ridge, facing each other, and made «somewhat — novel picture, considering the circumstances, At least, soit appeared to the spectators, of whom the crowd below did not form the en- tirety. : Tn front of Miss Green’s shanty stood Sierra Sam No. 2, and the ancient maiden lady herself. — “You see it is as Itold you,” No. 2, was saying. ‘‘ This fellow who looks like me is a ‘ruffian, and hearing of me, undoubtedly comes 11.

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12 Sierra Sam's Double. a re eS dispute my right as being your nephew, pecete hinkiog = have me ousted and estab- lish himself, with a view to the future—some- thing I never even consider.” In front of the “post-office” stood Miss Angel and a very superannuated individual of caday- erous countenance by the name of Junius Bru- tus Dunk, : “Ob! Mr. Dunk, are they really going to fight? pretty Miss Angel asked, anxiously. ‘“Yes—you see for yourself. The fellow went into Fan’s and insulted Deering, and he challenged bim to fight. If I am not mistaken Mr, Sam will get his fill.” ‘* Pshaw! I don’t believe it. Mr, Dunk, which is the real Sierra Sam?” The lean man smiied. 2 “If I know, it’s my secret, till I make a spec’ out of if. So long as all other eyes can discover no difference sgeighes orig ne a A I am not ‘oing to expose the impostor for nothing. at You are a bad man, Mr. Dunk.” ‘“* Pooh! no!” “Then tell me this: which man are you put- ting forward—the right or wrong?” “Ask the winds—not me. Watch the acting —for it must be acting on the part of one, If you find out, Pil treat. Ah! look—they strike a professional attitude now. They'll git down business directly!” They began sparring—that is to say, care- fully ‘‘ feeling” each other, Deering was dark and sinister in appearance— a malicious, vengeful light, burning in his eyes, - Sierra Sam was calm and calculating, a faint expression of reckless confidence upon his hand- some face. He wore his boots, while Deering was in his stocking feet, which gave hima decided adyan- tage upon the slippery roof. leering rushed forward and gras Sam around the waist,and attempted to hurl him from the roof, but failed. * Tne Californian tore loose his opponent’s grasp with a powerful effort—then, with a sud- en movement, which astonished the tators and caused them to hold their breath, he raised Deering bodily in his arms, as though he had been an infant, and dashed along the roof. At the middle of the ridge, was a large chim- ney, with a cavernous opening, which com- municated with a large open fire-place, in the saloon below, Straight to this chimney the dare-devil Cali- fornian bore his victim—an instant later, de- Spite his most desperate efforts, Deering was raised, and chucked down the chimney, head- foremost! While Sierra Sam sprung into the air, turned a double somerset, and landed safely upon his feet on the ground among the crowd, “Was it done fair, gents?” he demanded, a moment later, with the utmost coolness, a majority of the crowd gave a yell of as- nm Deering euleteed from the saloon at this junc- ture, a sorry-loo ing wreck of humanity. He was black from top to toe with soot, his There chanced to be a small fire in the fire- pee soeos time, which had done the latter mischief, “Where is Sierra Sam?” he roared, as the crowd gazed at him. Ay, where was Sierra Sam? The crowd looked around among themselves and echoed the query, for as if by os had the Californian mysteriously disappeared, CHAPTER VI. THE STRIKE, Yus, the son of the Sierras, who had been the cause of De Wolf Deering’s woeful plight, had as completely and mysteriously vanished from ee as if the earth had opened and swallowed im, But he had not flown to escape Deering, by any means, for he sepred out of the ‘ Find an instant later, a smile upon his face, “Well, cuz, how do you feel? Sorry to seo you have fared so badly!” he said, surveying the discomfited villain laughingly. Gia “ Curse you! V’ll get even with you for this! Deering responded, savagely, ‘ Your life-blood shall pay for the insult, mark my word!” Then, havinz delivered himself of the threat, he turned and limped away toward his shanty, followed by a laugh from the crowd. fr He heard the laugh, and turned to shake his fist back at his tormentors. “We'll pay for that laugh,” one miner said, dubiously, ‘* How do you mean?” another demanded. ““Ye remember we laffed at him once afore, an’ he cut down our wages twenty-five cents on . the dollar!” “Bah! he dassen’t do it, now! He's got reason to go slow now!” and the speaker cast a glance at Sisrra Sam No. 1, “Ken’t help that—don’t believe itll hinder his spite. Jest you watch out fer a sign at the office o? twenty-five per cent. reduction ” ‘““Durn my skin if I'll stand it!” ‘ __ ‘Nor I,” put in one of the oldest ‘ang-bosses in Big Vista, “‘ We're working fer low wa now. Why, the men up at Flumeville ai gittin’ more than us since we were cut down Hi) “On course!” assented another. ‘An’ T tell ye what, I don’t believe old Tabitha knows a thing about the former cut. Wt jest strikes me that Deering is putting the ‘cut’ money in his own pocket.” 3 “Sh! better not let the boss heer 0’ these sus- picions,” added still another miner. ‘He is powerful, ye know, an’ things generally goes ther way he wants,” “Taint goin’ ter be so, allus!” old Stockton, the veteran gang-boss, grunted. ‘Right yon- der, ter my notion, stands the kerect Sam Slocum, an’ if he be ther genywive, he’s a man every inch o’ him, an’ I’d not hesitate ter foller his lead.” The speech had a powerful effect on the little knot of miners who were discussing the prob- able turn of De Wolf Deering’s anger, and they eyed Sierra Sam curiously as the graceful sport leaned against one corner of the saloon left arm bung limp and useless by his side, the smoking, : J pomoo8 nearly singed off bis head, and his face ‘Ye think that’s the genywine, do youre i somewhat b "ned, ” Eee ce miner named Dyrham asked, pete j9

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Sierra Sam’s Double. “Yn truth Ido,” Stockton protested, ‘ I’ve heerd o’ this Sierra Sam afore, an’ this feller suits the description to a dot—cool as a cucum- ber, and handsome as a Hercules, and brave to a fault, “But hev ye seen tother feller? “Yus; thar he is, over at old Tabitha’s now, a-tryin’ ter git ins his work of establishin’ bim- self, afore this chap offers any opposition,” ‘Do the two look alike?” ‘« Alike as two peas. I can’t tell ’em apart, as var as looks is concerned,” Stockton replied. ‘Then why not mark this feller hyar? We may want to use him.” The idea seemed to strike the group favor- na pe except Stockton, who shook his head rimly. Psi Thet won't do, b’yees, fer et’s dangerous ter fool around him, Jest wait. Ef Devil Deering lowers wages, I fer one 0’ ye will strike—then it will be time enough to call upon him,” The opportunity to strike came, as one of the miners had prophesied. Deering went from the saloon, first of all, to the superintendent’s office, of which be had con- trol, and soon after a placard was tacked by him on the outside of the door, after which he betook himself to bis cabin to make some re- pairs in bis appearance. Stockton and several other miners, as soon as they discovered the placard, went over to the office, which was situated in one end of the ore-1n0ill, and perused the notice with lively interest. ; This is what they read: “NOTICE! “On and after this date, all the men employed in the interests of Tabitha Green as miners, millers, bullwhackers and operatives, will be subject to a reduction in wages of twenty-five per cent. of former prices. x “De Wotr Drerina, Supt.’ “Thar! didn’t I tell ye?” exclaimed Drake, the man who had first forewarned the result of the crowd’s laugh at Deering’s expense. “ Ye see et war jest as I told ye, don’t ye?” “Yas, an’ et’s enuff,” old Stocl ton growled. “Ther durned tyrant won’t make his game work, Hurra! let’s canvass ther town, and see how many will strike fer better wages!” Tt was a thrilling hour. The canvass was actively begun, and men hurried to and fro excitedly. lp The news of the reduction was carried into the shafts where the day gang were at work, and two-thirds of the number immediately quit work, shouldered their tools, and trudged up the drifts into the town. ; By the time night had fairly dawned over the cloud city, and the moonlight had beautified the rough natural vistas that stretched away to the eastward, the single street was cro-vded with an angry populace, and every mouth helped to make greater the Babel of discussion, Sierra Sam No. 1 happened along about this time, near Miss Angel’s cigar store and found that pretty personage standing in the doorway, surveying the assembling of the populace, with a face expressive of anxious surprise, “Oh! sir!” she exclaimed; as she saw the 13. Califcrnian, ‘ will you be so kind as to tell mo what is the matter? a. “Certainly. There is a strike impending, f helieve, because Deering, the superintendent, has reduced wages,” Sam replied, not particu« larly sorry that she had given him an opportu-— nity to pause in his stroll. : “Oh! how mean!” cried Angel. “It is just - ashame, The miners of Big Vista are not get-— ting nearly so much as those of Flumeville, as it is, without this second reduction.” = “So I am aware,” Sam assented. ‘It seems— like tyranny on tbe part of Deering to try and — grind his employees down in order that he may — personally pocket the more,” “Oh! that’s his lay-out every day in a week,” the girl averred. ‘‘ The strike is apt to help you, is it not? The men will naturall want a leader, and who is more desirable than the future beir of Aunt Tab?” “Humph! You remember there are tw heirs, apparently —perhaps it would be better to say three candidates.” ae **Pooh! Let every one have their own opin- ion—I have mine. Have a cigar?” : And Miss Angel stepped briskly into the store, bebind the counter, and set forth a box of | INAS. ia. For Sam to have refused would have been ungentlemanly, and besides, be was quite enam-- ored of the prey postmistress already. % She put him much in mind of Capitola, a former flame, who had lost herself from him | somewhere in the broad West, and left a ting of regret to gnaw away at his heart-strings, “TJ think you will find those very pleasan cigars,” Angel chatted on. ‘Do you think the} strike will last long?” Sey “T do not anticipate any protracted dif- ficulty!” Sam answered. ‘' Probably the men | will he set to work again by Miss Green’s or- “Ah! Why do you not call her aunty?” and | Angel laughed, rather inquiringly. ao ‘Oh! time enongh for that, when she recog-' nizes me as her beloved nephew, Sanimy!” he assumed, dryly. ‘At the present time, my rival seems to haye the advantage grip, b having got into the graces of the much-coveted maiden aunt, It may signify that I’m left—| again, it may not.” ies At this juncture, old Stockton, the gang-hoss, thrust his bead in at the door. 3 “T say, Cap, d’ye mind givin’? me a pri gri p.on yer ear, fer a minnit or two?’ he as “Weil, providing you'll not decapitate organ of hearing, I don’t know that I ject,” Sam returned, with a smile. Then nodding to Angel, and giving her an mniring glance, he followed the old miner o int? the moonlight. Not far away a littie group of a dozen mine were evidently waiting for them, but Stock stopped, before he reached them. lax? “Now, see hyar. boss,” he said, “I 3 you're knowin’ te Deering’s spite on us,,’ca’se w laffed at his predicanient. Waal, b's gon: cutus down on wages, D’ye call that considerin’?” - etter? : ‘Certainly not,” Sam reptied, “Sy “That's jest our notion, an’ thar'’s x px = =

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14 us w’at ain’t a-goin’ ter stand it. We've thar- fore struck for higher wages, an’ we wanta captlin. You're ther chap who orter bey charge, in Deering’s place, an’ we're willin’ ter back you through,” “You take too much stock in an utter stran- ger. You have no surety but what I'm an im- tor!” Sam suggested. “Tl stake my life that you’re the real Sierra Sam, an’ ther boys is all o’ my thinkin’!” the veteran declared, ‘‘ An’ so we're anxious ter hev ye lead us. We've sent to Deering demand- ing our back pay, an’ ef ye join us, we’re goin’ ter notify old Tab thet she kin get a new super- intendent, or we won’t go to work, at any terms.” ““ Have the whole of the miners joined in this movement?” “No. Thar’s a'lot on ’em—mostly roughs, who sw’ar they'll stand by Deering, through: thick and thin; so it’s about tie who will go to work and who won’t. Deering’s men aire chaps who hold ther softest snaps so fur as work is concerned.” Sierra Sam was silent a few moments; he was evidently considering matters. ‘* Well, I don’t know as I can refuse you, since you have chosen me as your leader,” he said, ‘‘ but I want you to understand one thing _=yon must not kickif it is proven that Tam - not the genuine Sierra Sam!” - “Nary a kick! [Pll vouch every man will stand by ye like a brother, fer we're all satisfied ' you’re the genuine, an’ no sorter proof won’t convince us otherwise, Et’ll go hard wi’ Big Vista, ef ye ain’t given a fair shake, or my - name ain’t old Stump Stockton!” hen all were collected there was indeed a motley assemblage, in which was represented many types of the human countenance. _ Sam looked them all over from his position up- on a little elevation or knoll above them—noted each face and memorizad its lineaments and character lines; then turne. to old Stockton: _ These are the men, Mr. Stockton, who have seen fit to bestow upon me the honor of being _ their leader?” ho asked. Stockton had no need toanswer. The crowd gave vent toa bearty shout of assent that sig- nalized their acceptance, * Yas, them’s the lads, an’ I opine they’re all as good as old Tabitha Green’s gold,” Stockton answered, proudly. “Tam sureof that, and proud to have the nor of commanding you, gentlemen, in a just cause—that of a revolt against tyranny!” the “Californian said. ‘ And to handle this case in a careful and judicious manner, boys, it becomes us to act as one person, all together, and as bro- thers, Woe must form our plans and fulfill them. But before any plans are formed, does it not be- -boove us to make sure there are no enemies among us, who will profit by our conference?” a CHAPTER VII. 7 SAM AND TABITHA. Ir was something that probably few of the strikers would have thought of. “You're rizht,” old Stockton announced; ‘ jest me look through ther crowd, an’ (Il soon tell ef all present can be depended upon.” Sierra Sam’s Double. He looked them over, one by one, and soon cane to the long, angular figure of Junius Bro- tus Dunk. “ Aha! you're heer, aire ye?” the veteran ex- claimed. ‘‘ Ye’re heer, a-tryin’ ter poke yer nose into our business, aire ye?” “Oh, no! Tam ona strike, too,” the cadav- erous man declared. * Yas, [see you aire, in a horn!” Stockton re- torted. ‘So amI, an’ ef ye don’t dust right along out o’ this vicinity, I'll strike ye so hard ye won't never be able to collect yer bones to- gether again!” ‘Then you won’t take’me in?” ‘No, we won’t!” a ““Very well. I’ve no desire to stay where I am not wanted,” the villain said, and he forth- with trudged ue 6 Stockton then finished his inspection of the crowd, and declared that all the rest could be set down as “solid” to the interests of the party. : “Well, then, we will proceed to business,” Sam said. ‘I believe we all understand that I, Sierra Sam, am chosen leader in this move- ment.” ‘ The men gave a hearty ‘* Ay!” There could be no doubt of their indorsement of their choice. ‘Tn that case,” Sam pursued, ‘I shall figure for your welfare alone, As I understand it from Stockton, you have, as a body, decided not to go to work at any price, until Miss-Tabitha Green establishes a new superintendent for her mines?” “You bet! that’s ther ticket precisely,” old Stockton declared, and the men echoed his sen- timents., “Very well. Now I reckon the best thing I can do for you is to personally visit Miss Green in your behalf, and lay the matter before her, T’ve an idea she may be dealt with in this way. But first of all, you will have to nominate whom you want to fill Deering’s place.” “You! you!” shouted Stockton. “You, of course! Hurrah fer Sierra Sam, the original!” shouted miner Durham. And the others echoed the two speakers’ choice clamorously. ““No, gentlemen, I cannot agree to that,” Sam returned, quickly. “I have no desite to crowd myself forward into Miss Green’s affairs in this way. I propose that your gang-boss here is the proper man to hold the position of superintendent. He is evidently a veteran atthe mining business, and with your approval I shall be glad to put forward his name.” The speech hit the rough audience in a tender spot. Stockton evidently had been thought of, but had been ruled out, out of deference for the new captain, whom all see ned desirous of hon- oring with the position. Therefore, a cheer went up, and Stockton was hoisted upon the shoulders of a number of miners and marched about, While this was going on, Sierra Sam an. nounced bis intention of visiting Aunt Tabitha, tosee what could be done with her. 4 Thus the meeting broke up, and he took his way to the Green residence, Sam found her seated in a comfortable chair,

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Sierra Sam’s Double. engaged with crochet work. She looked up with a weleome smile, as Sam entered, seated him- self, and tossed his hat upon the sofa, “Well, have you been out for a stroll, Sammy?” she asked, pleasantly. “Yes, ’ve been up to see how the strike is progressing.” ‘* Well, how do things look, dear?” “ Bad.’ T fear all will not be as well as T first , anticipated, It may end in bloodshed, for all [ know,” 5 “Oh, dear. It is too bad.” “Yes, I think there is only one way to set- tle it, Deering is not a favorite, with the majority of the men, and they swear they'll not go to work until he is removed, and old Stockton put in his place, and their wages raised to Flumeville prices. So they enlisted me to come and lay the facts before you.” “You? Why, 1 thought that they were try- ing to league themselves with the pretending Sierra Sam, who abused De Wolf!” ‘They elected him their captain, because he believed their demands were just and fair, I am the Sierra Sam you just referred to as pre- tending, aud I am tbe genuine original Sam Slocum, too, you bet!” Miss Green fairly gasped with amazement, and rubbed her glasses, in order to get a better look at him. “Do tell!” she exclaimed. “Why, I did really think you were my nephew Sammy, who went out for a stroll.” “So I am your nephew, Sammy, but not the sleek-tongued impostor who has’ visited you, ahead of me, and tried to palm himself off on you as the real Samuel Slocum.” “This is very strange, sir, How am I to know which of you is basely deceiving me?” “That, you must judge for yourself,” Sam answered, ‘‘Itis a strange fact that we closely resemble each other, and, therefore, no wonder that the other man should wish to step into your shoes when you get ready to step out, As for myself, I will have nothing te do with your affairs, further than to prevent you, so far as in my power, from fostering a lying humbug. My professional services bring me in sufficient woalth, for my moderate demands, and I have no desire to become your heir—indeed, I will not. So please understand thaf. And, now, us I came in behalf of the miners, please let me know what you propose to do.” ‘¢T shall have to hold that matter under care- ful consideration,” Miss Green said, rather stiff- ly. ‘*This matter of rivalry I shall also con- sider, but I may as well tell you that I bave no faith in your claims. The other gentleman seems the most like my dear dead sister’s child,” “Allright! Suit yourself, and you will suit me,” Sam declared, arising. ‘The man Deer- ing is a consummate rascal, and the sooner you get rid of him the more riches you will have to bestow upon the Sam’! of your choice.” Then, with a bow, the Californian left the room, leaving the maiden mine-owner to her own reflections, | Later that night Big Vista was wrapt in si- lence. The street was cleared of its usual throng of gS eS 15 miners, the saloons were shut up, and slumber seemed to overhang the mountain town. But every one slumbered not. Just below the level of the great plateau where the town was built, and at one side of the tortuous descending stage trail, stood an old cabin, which was partly overgrown with moss and yines, and deserted. e windows. were boarded up, and upon the door was nailed a white board, upon which was painted in let- ters of black the single word: “SMALL-POX,.” To-night the moon’s bright rays streamed down upon the place with rather spectral effect, and the breeze sighed under the eaves of the slab roof with a lonely sort of moan. At such an hour buman pene could hardly have been expected in the vicinity the! from the direction of the town came a b figure down the trail, and paused in front of the eabin door, ; A person of medium stature was this, clad from top to toe in a coarse somber black, with — a full black mask upon the face, black gloves She the hands, and a black sombrero upon the ead, Upon the breast of was a brass letter ‘* A. ; In front ofthe cabin paused this figure, and wevidently & Ise xpected, jud vidently some one else was e - ing by his glances up the trail. : Soon another man came down the trail, and joined the first one in front of the cabin. Exactly like the first did this second: person look, his whole general appearance pee the eae except that on his coat was a brass letter ““What’s the matter with C to-night?” A growled as B came up. “Don’t know. In love, I expect,” was the laconic answer, the closely-buttoned coat ‘‘Bah! there's no time for love affairs now. _ Business before pleasure,” was the retort. Then silence followed. ) C soon made bis apeae te from the direc. tion of Big Vista, and joined the other two, then the door of the cabin was opened, and the trio entered, closing the door after them, A dark place it was, but a lantern was soon produced and lit, which lightened up the gloom. It was all in one room, in the center of which was a table, with three stools by it. Inonecor- ner was a coffin-shaped box, set upontwo wooden — horses, and the box coyered over with a large somber blanket. i i Just across the room in another corner stood a — fleshless, grinning skeleton. Upon its breast some person had hung a pla- eard, which read: “T died o¢ small-pox.” In dddition to those uninviting relics, there was a musty disagreeable odor to the place, — which added to its somberness. As The Black Trio did not appear to be disturbed by the surroundings, however, for they too! seats about the table, and passed around a small bottle of wine until each had taken a swallow, “Well, here we are once more,” A said, after ; fy ack-clad

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16 Sierra Sam’s Double. the bottle was put away. ‘ Let’s get down to business,” ‘Well, go ahead,” B replied, drumming on the _ table, ‘* Vve learned nothing.” ** Nor I!” C declared. “Tt is queer,” A added bepavienile The man we want—the man we came to Big Vista to entrap, is in the town, and yet, not in our power.” ** Because we're not certain which he is,” C declared, spitefully. ‘‘ We each have our sus- picions and yet we hate to precipitate matters, on account of the other one—” ‘See here!” A spoke up sharply—‘‘let us un- derstand each other. C, you are in love with this genuine Sierra Sam—you need not deny it “Tt depends altogether which Sam you take for the original,” C said. ** You know which one I mean,” A declared ; **so0 admit the corn.” “Tam not ashamed to admit that I never was more impressed with a person,” C confessed, with aslightlaugh, ‘‘ And you are in the same predi¢ament, B?” “IT am!” B admitted. ‘You had better confess a similar weakness yourself, my fair “Tdo—I never met a man before whom I could not steel mv heart against, So we are all infatuated with thisone man? Well, well, this will not do at all! We did not come here to - Big Vista to become fools. We came here to capture a shark for a reward, and that’s what we must do.” “Correct!” assented B. ‘* But that has noth- ing to do with love matters. We three have got to divide, that’s flat, or else give up loving, and stick to our vows of allegiance.” : “Who is willing to give in? that’s the ques- tion,” C demanded. ‘ Not I, for one!” “Nor any of us,” A responded. ‘TIT think I stand the best chance of winning the day!” Both C and B laughed sarcastically at this, ‘Tf Sierra Sam were here, perhaps he might be able to decide for himself better than any of - us,” C suggested, faking a sensible view of the matter. At this juncture a faint cough was heard, _ Havesdroppers!” cried A, and the next in- _ stant the trio were upon their feet, with cocked __ revolvers in their grasp. A moment later the robe was thrown off the ay ay and Sicrra Sam leaped out upon the . oor. - ~The weapons of the Black Trio instantly coy- ered him, and A cried out: ' ‘Halt! You are our prisoner!” “Ts that so?” was Sam’s rejoinder. ‘* Judging by what I have just overheard, I couldn’t have z fallen into more affectionate hands.” _ ‘That remains to be seen,” A retorted stern- Sy ‘You have discovered a part of our secret, and, therefore, your mouth must be sealed. Do you know what must be done to accomplish this ~ result?” Can't say as I do,” Sam replied. “Well, I'll inform you. Before you ever leave this place alive, you must marry one of ‘us. Here we are—you shall have your choice, ‘Ik this satisfactory, Band Cc” es =: a ts et Those personages nodded assent. d For once Sam’l of the Sierras wished the earth would open up and swallow him, or his trio of admirers. - CHAPTER VIII. A BLIND CHOICE. Srerra’s habitual composure was nothing daunted. “Well!” he said, with a grim sort of humor, ‘you seem to have the matter all cut and dried among yourselves?” “Yes, we at present have the whip-row, and it becomes necessary for us to improve it while wecan. If you listen, I will explain.” Sam nodded his willingness, and so Letter A continued: a : ‘*Well, to begin with, you behold in us the Sisters Sarony, otherwise the Black Trio, female detectives, Formerly there were four of us, but the foul hand of a traitor took one off, leaving but us three, bound together by a terrible tie, to avenge our sister’s death, if we have to fol- low her murderer to the end of the earth, our unison to be unbroken until the mission is ful-’ filled, “But, just now arises a dilemma, When we fancy we have our man safely caught, another of precisely similar appearance comes forward; there are two men in the field; we do not know which is our enemy, owing to their perfect re- semblance to each other.” “Then, I suppose I am one of the two,” Sam remarked, unconcernedly. ; ‘*-Ves, you are the one suspected, and accord- ing to our oath, it would be our duty to see that you never saw the open air again—certainly not until we were satisfied to a certainty whether you were really our man or not. But, now, either you must die, or become one of us, by marriage, the consummation of which shall seal your lips as regards us, until you or the other man is discovered to be our man. ““ Well, then it’s settled Pve got to hitch on to one of you?” Sam took out and lit a cigar, and regarded the three Sisters Sarony closely. “One of you is French Fan, another is Trumps, _ my declared pard, and the other Angel, of the post-office!” he said, finally. ‘* Now, can’t you tell me which is which, so I can choose to my own liking!” ; The Black Trio shook their heads in concert. They stood in line facing him now, and looked as nearly alike as was possible. “ Well, in that case, I suppose T shall have to — go it blind. -I don’t know one of you from the other, but on the venture I shall choose C!” There was a moment’s silence; then A ad- vanced to the table and took a book froma drawer—a small Testament. “Do you swear by your hope of heaven, Sierra Sam, to keep secret all the knowledge that has come into your possession to-night, and to take. hereby, this girl, Letter C—other-vise Stella Sarony—as your lawfully-wedded wife, and to love, cherish, protect, and support her? A asked, solemnly. “T do!” Sam answered, resolved to see the - thing through to the end. wi

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Sierra Sam’s Double. 17 A raised the Testament to his lips, and then put out her band, “Allow me to congratulate you at the ex- pense of myself and sister B!” she said with at- tempted heartiness, but with a slight tremor in her voice. ‘‘T assure you that you now have three pards who will stand by you to the end, unless you should prove to be our man, Then, love, hope, and friendship must be crushed by the avenging triple-clasped hands of the three Sisters Sarony! You are at liberty to go, sir.” ‘Rather, yourselves,” Sam returned, “ as I have concluded to make this my headquarters, for the present.” “Oh! well, such being the case, we will bid you good-evening,” A assented, whereupon the strange trio filed out of the cabin. They departed as they had come; A went first, and as soon as she was out of sight, B fol- lowed suit, leaving C last. She turned, as soon as her sister had started, and placed her small gloved hand in the Cali- fornian’s, “Good-night, Mr. Slocum,” she said, earnest- ly, yet in a voice that Sam failed to recognize. “Tf you regret the proceedings of to-night, let me reassure you, for, except at your own solici- tation, you will never be asked to keep your promise; nor will any of your plans ever be in- terfered with. All] have to say is—your choice will never hate you.” She turned, then, and followed the others, *“ Wonders will never cease,” the bewildered detective muttered, ‘‘Sam/’l, you’re a Benedict, at last, and don’t know who your wife is!” Morning dawned at Big Vista and saw the street once more alive with men, most all of whom were strikers. Deering’s crowd was also abroad, but held closely together in the vicinity of the mouth of the drifts, or entrance into the mines, evidently determined to keep the strikers away from the subterranean chambers which yielded gold to Miss Tabitha Green. Deering was about town, once more. He had had the hair and beard all shaved off his head and face, what the fire had not burnt off, and carried his arm in a sling; therefore, he present- ed a slightly better appearance than when he emerged from his chimney adventure. Sierra Sam arrived in camp, shortly aftersun- . rise, looking as fresh, handsome and composed as was usual with him. He met Deering in the Find, and dropped into oad opposite the superintendent’s seat at a able, ‘Nice morning!” Sam reraarked. “Very!” Deering replied, with sneering emphasis, “How about the strike—looks like no work, for the present, don’t it?” from Sam. “Thanks to you, yes.” “To me? Pshaw! I did not suggest the strike, Yow were the cause. I saw Tabitha, and I see she is inclined to consider matters,” “What, at ae instigation?” “Oh no! She don’t seem to take much stock in me, The other galoot has got the whip row, 3 surmise,” Deering grinned, maliciously. “You'll neither of you succeed in displacing me!” he growled, He then arose and took his departure, evident- ly not caring to have any further conference with his audacious antagonist. Old Stockton came into the saloon soon after, his furrowed visage looking rather gloomy. “* Kt’s goin’ to be fun, bymeby,” he announced, ee by Sem. ‘“They’re talkin’ bad, on ’other side, I heer, and propose pitchin’ inter us, an’ drivin’ us out o’ town, ‘Let ’em pitch, I reckon they'll get their fill of it,” Sam replied. ‘‘ Just tell the boys to be easy, keep their mouths shut and eyes open, and we'll see. I’ve an idea I shall learn some news, before long.” Stockton departed, but Sam waited to finish his cigar, before appearing on the street. While thus engaged, French Fan sauntered along, dusting off the tables as she came. : ‘A very pleasant morning, Mr. Slocum!” she accosted, not looking directly at him. “Very |” Sam replied, emphasizing the word. ** An auspicious morning for a newly married couple to start on a bridal tour, eh?” She laughed lightly, and a curious flush came to her cheeks, which he could not inter- pret. “Yes, indeed!” she returned. ‘* Are you con- ee such a tour?” ‘* Well—ahem! hardly,” Sam responded, ‘TI believe it is customary for a man to have a partner in such trips, which I have not.” “You are unfortunate,” she smiled, and passed on. “Ts that the woman I took?” Sam asked him- self, when she was gone. ‘‘If so, she’s as care- ful as a fox about pentyiae herself. Most men would be proud of such a beauty.” After finishing his cigar, he went to the post- office, where the telegraph instrument of the line running from Big Vista to Flumeville was located. To his surprise, he found Trumps behind the counter, in pe of Miss Angel, who was no- where visible. ‘Hello! A new clerk, eh? the Californian interrogated, surveying her in some surprise, “You bet! This just suits yer pard!” was the jolly response, ‘‘ What d’ye want—shake — for the cigars?” : “Hardly, Miss Sarony,’ Sam replied. “T desire to use the telegraph instrument a few minutes ” ‘Oh! do you telegraph? Well, it will cost you three bits, ’ Sam sat down at the table, and soon had com- ~ rounication opened with Flumeville, through oe the operator at the other end cf the ine. ; ‘There’s a strike here,” Sam telegraphed, “and Sierra Sam is at the head of the strikers, Do you know if orf movement is on foot fora — gang to come here?” ; a ‘*One Deering has telegraphed, offering extra — wages for a hundred men!” was the reply that — was flashed back, : 4 ‘“‘ Then, please post a placard from me, giving the boys warning that if they come here to re- ~ a

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is piace us, they come at the peril of their lives,” am instantly wired back, ‘ Iam SierraSam!” Miss Tabitha Green had a morning caller, that morning, whom Claudie ushered into her cosey little sitting-room. This visitor was none other than the Reverend Obediah Potts, to whom reference was made in another chapter. He looked even more sleek and ministerial than during his ride to Big Vista, on the night of the stage-coagh robbery. ‘Ah! excuse me, my dear Miss Green,” he said, when he found himself in the maiden lady’s presence, ‘‘I presume you do not 1ecog- nize me!” “No, sir, I do not, though my eyes are not very good, which may make all the difference,” Miss Green answered, smoothing out her apron and looking very demure. ‘* The loss of one’s sight is a sad, sad calamity,” Obediah observed, wiping his own green gog- gles, without taking them off. ‘Lf know how to sympathize with you, dear Miss Tabitha. And, by the way, it’s many long years since we last met, Tabitha, up in the green-crowned pasture scenes of old Vermont.” To tell!” Miss Green gasped, all in a flutter. “You don’t mean to tell me you came from Vermont, sir?” “Verily Ididst, Tabitha—right from Merino Center, which used_to be the abiding-place of our early years. Is it possible you do not remember me, Tabitha? Doth thy heart not recall when thy maiden heart once beat against my manly young breast—” “Ohadiah Potts! Can it be possible?” “Ay, all things can be possible, Tabitha,” anithe new-comer pressed Miss Green’s by no means girlish hand with youthful fervor, at the same time hitching his chair closer to hers. ‘Long years have passed since you and I exchanged vows of constancy, Tabitha, when our obdurats parents refused to sanction our union—but, bless my heart, Tabitha, | feel just as young as I uster did, and see you look just as chirp and natteral as of yore!” ‘Laws sakes, Obediah! you nearly take my breath away!” Miss Green simpered, blushing red tothe roots of herhair. ‘I was just tell- ing a young lady friend all about my early beau, not long ago, but, dear me, I never expected to haye you pop in on me, in this way. s “Well, ll tell you, Tabitha, I couldu’t stay away. Yoses, I’m joggin’ along in years, an’ hev laid up a snug sum from my ministerial labors, and bave finally come to the conclusion et was time for me to look around for some staid party of tho opposite sex, to help mo down through the declining walk of life. By accident, learning of your whereabouts, my bosom heaved with youthful emotion once more, and says 1—If Tabitha Green is alive and single, bless my soul, I’m going to set my cap for her once more,” _ “Yaws, Obediah, you should remember we are getting old—” “BHudge, Tabitha! Sixty years has passed lightly over both our heads, and we’re liable to celebrate our fourth-score anniversary. Be- ‘sides, T hear that some rascals are figuring after and Sam turned to his double. Sierra Sam’s Double. ¢ + roper your property. Wouldn’t it be quite le the for us old lovers to marry, and thus ba schemers?” ‘*Obediah, I—I—” “Consent, my dearest Tabitha?” ‘Mv sweetest Obediah, you know I cannot say no!” : Curtain! CHAPTER IX. ANGEL AND SAM, AFTER Sierra Sam had sent his warning to the miners of Flumeville, he turned to Trumps, and gazed at her a moment, studyin ly, for he knew she had been watching him, slyly, when his back was turned. ‘“Where is Miss Angel?” Sam asked, buying a fresh cigar. : “Oh! only off duty for a few hours,” Trumps replied. ‘‘Did you want to see her particu- larly?” / “No, not at all, for that matter. Isaw sh¢ was not here, and thought it a little odd.” ‘“Maybe. She’ll be back before a great while, however.” Sam left the post-office, wondering not a little what had become of the pretty post-mistress. About nine o’clock in the evening Sierra Sam was standing in the doorway of French Fan’s Find, looking down the moonlit street, where he saw Sierra Sam No. 2 coming toward the saloon. When he was but a few yards away, Miss Angel came along from an opposite direction, her eyes downcast, and paying attention to no one, To reach her shanty store she had to pass Sierra Sam No, 2, but seemed to think nothing wrong, although she barely glanced at him. The rival Sam’l, however, appeared tc be of a festive nature, and desirous of making himself conspicugus, for he stepped before Miss Angel, thereby blockading her passage, “Hello! pretty!” he exclaimed, ‘* I’m blamed if you ain’t the purtiest gal ve seen in a good while, as sure as my name is Slocum. Give me a kiss,” And he immediately seized hold of her. “Help! help!” Angel screamed, her words ringing out thrillingly through the night, Quick as he comprehended the situation, Sierra Sam No. 1 sprung from the’doorway of the Find, and rushed to the rescue. A crowd of miners followed at his heels, ready to see the fun, if any there was to be, By the time the rescuers reached the spot the handsome ruffian had released Angel, or, rather, she had struggled from his grasp. Sierra Sam surveyed the man sternly, and Miss Green’s choice returned the stare in grim defiance, “ Miss Angel, did this individual attempt to kiss you against your will?’ Sam demanded, his eyes flashing. “He did, sir—but failed!” Angel replied in dignantly. ‘You may go, if you please,” Sam said, with a poe “Til attend to this fellow’s case my. self. Angel hurried away, evidently glad to escape,

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Sierra Sam’s Double. 19 cm gn ee ‘* So, that’s the sort of a character you are, is it?? he demanded, eying the other sternly. “You insult unprotected ladies, do you, and yet claim to be Sierra Sam?” ‘Tf it suits you that way, yes,” No. 2 replied, apparently nothing daunted. ‘Pray, what business is it to you?” “The business of a detective and a gentleman to watch out for ruffians of your stamp,” was Sam’s cutting rejoinder. ‘“ Your ill-breeding alone is sufficient evidence of who and what ‘ou are.” “Tam the genuine Sierra Sam, all the same, and you can’t prove it otherwise!” “That remains to be seen,” Sam _ replied. ‘* Wor the present we have an entirely different matter on hand. You have insulted one of the most estimable young ladies in Big Vista, and poe either got to apologize or settle with me. 0 take your choice,” “T never was known to apologize yet; I doubt if I shall commence at this late stage, If you meaa I must fight with you, I also decline, as Tam a gentleman, and never fight with any one. “You are a cowardly cur, evidently,” Sam retorted, in disgust. ‘‘ Were it not for soil- ing my bands on you, I’d mop the street with ou! “ “T am glad you are so fearful,” the man re- plied sneeringly, but edging away, and finally walking off. Sam turned away, followed by the crowd. “Tf that man is a fair specimen of the real Sierra Sam, I am ashamed that I am alsoa claimant of the title!” he declared to those around him, Two days passed without any inarked in- cident. The strikers lounged about the town with evidently no intention of coming to any terms except their own; on the other side the miners of Deering’s movement guarded the entrance to the mines with persistent deter- mination, ' Sierra Sam No, 1 kept around town, making such observations as he could. On the evening of the second day succeeding his encounter with Sam No, 2, he called in aj the post-office, about an hour after the mail hai arrived. The. room was deserted, except by Angel, who stood behind the counter reading a paper. { ‘*Good-evening!” she said, with her habitual winning smile. ‘‘No mail for you, Mr. Slo- cum.” “Tt isn’t my luck to receive much,” Sam re- sponded. “Guess I’ve no friends to write to me, : “Oh! Tam sure you could win friendship any- where, Mr. Slocum,” ‘Ah! then, have I won yours?” “Have you not! I believe you overheard some such an insinuaftion, once upon a time,” and she busied herself in rearranging her cigar boxes, to hide the flush upon her cheek. “Well, yes, But, I was at a disadvantage then. I didn’t know which was which,” “Nor are you liable to.” ‘Then you won't tell me?? ** Most assuredly not,” “T have half a notion to leave this town be- ‘* Have a cigar?’ she said, handing bim a box, by way of turning the subject. ‘‘ You must ex- cuse me, Mr. Slocum, if I command you to say nothing of the kind again. You will remember you are wronging one of these Sisters Sarony. and they are bound by a vow of constancy. t know you will be kind enough to oblige all of us, in this matter.” “Having expressed my sentiments, I will oblige you,” Sam responded. ‘‘ By the way, did a curious coin once come into your possession? If you will lend it to me, a few days, I will re- turn it to you.” : She took the eagle she had received from Snodgrass, from the money-drawer, and gave it to him with a smile, : “T was going to return it to you, when I was sure who playedeup Snodgrass,” she said. Sam gave her another eagle in exchange. ‘* You are absent much, of late?’ he said, in- terrogatively. ‘‘ When will I see you again?” “16 will be better if you do not see me, at all, perbaps, more than as a nodding acquaintance,’ she answered, quite soberly. ; ‘*T think I comprehend,” Sam said, ‘* but I will answer that I don’t quite believe it.” He then lifted his hat, and took his departure. Outside the post-office he met old Stockton, who had evidently been waiting for him. ‘‘ Deering’s down at the ‘ Find,’ and he wants ee ye, on important business,” the veteran said. They soon reached the saloon, and entered, Deering and a few of the roughs who sided with him, were there, but the majority of the crowd was composed of strikers. Deering came forward, as Sam and Stocktow entered. “Ah! so ye got through yer courtship, eh?* he sneered, his face most evil and disagreeable in its expression. ‘‘I gave you all the chance I deemed necessary.” f “You are very obliging,” Sam retorted, with sarcasm. “What may your highness want of me? “Yes, I opine { kin accommodate you,” Deer- ing growled. ‘‘'The boys an’ I have been talk~ ing matters up, and we've come tv the conclu- sion thet this yar strike is money out of our pockets, and there ain’t no use o’ puttin’ up with it any longer. So we've jest sent down to I'lume- ville fer aother gang o’ men, who aire on the way. Tharfore, as there is no further use fer ‘ou an’ yer strikers, ye’ve got to clear out o’ ig Vista, and make room for the new gang.” “ We have, have we? How are you goingto — accomplish our evacuation?” Sam returned,

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20 ee Sierra Sam’s Double. “You'll find out. I give ye jest till sunrise to morrow to get your men out of Big Vista. If you don’t go, we'll force ye to at.the point of the revolver and rifle,” ‘+ Woe are not in the least afraid of you,” Sam replied, ‘‘ and to illustrate, I'll give you just five minutes for you and your handsome confeder- ates to get out of this place. Take my word for it—if you don’t improve the opportunity, you will never get another, my noble cousin.” A tremendous hurrah followed from the strikers, and revolvers were drawn on every hand, Deering saw nothing but grim earnestness manifested, and that a row just then would re- sult disastrously for his interests; so, motioning to his men, he withdrew, followed by them. By Sam’s orders Stockton at once assembled - his men within the saloon. ‘If they strike before morning, we are better off here than though we were scattered!” he ex- plained. ae ‘““Have you any objections to my making gepe place a temporary fort?” he asked of rench Fan. : “None at all,” she replied, with one of her thrilling glances. ‘If I had, I fancy I could not withstand your plea!” Did she mean it? Or, was it only coquetry? CHAPTER X. ATTACK AND DEFEAT. Ir was well that the strikers of Big Vista had taken refuge in French Fan’s ‘‘ Find” for other- wise there might have been a worse result of that night's affray. It was about midnight before any demonstra- tion was made on the part of Deering and his gang; then old Stockton, who had been doing sentinel duty outside, burriedly entered the saloon, barring the door after him, “ Got ready, boyees!” he cried. ‘* Thor durned skunks aire creepin’ up on us!” ‘**To arms, then!” Sierra Sam caused to be passed along athong the rough audience. ‘‘If you let yourselves be driven out of Big Vista, ‘all right; 1 never will if I can help it!” ‘* That’s the stuff!” the men cried in a chorus, “and we'll stand by ther old camp as long as she holds together!” Ordering all lights put out, Sam took his posi- tion at a loop-hole just over the door, where he could see without being seen. Outside the late moon lit up the scene only indistinctly, giving things rather a spectral act, rom his position Sam could see that the main body of miners were grouped together down the street, just out of sure rifle range, It became quite evident to Sam, when he saw several men crawling toward the ‘ Find’ from equally as many directions. each armed with a bundle of kindling-wood. It was their idea to fire che saloon, and force its occupants to come from cover, when the re- serve force would take advantage of the confu- sion to inaugurate a successful attack. : “Pll check that. little game,” Sam decided, taking aim at the nearest fire-bug. __| be doubted, and Deering felt it the keenest of ‘Just you go tell Deering to sail in boldly, if he wants to fight,” s Bang! The bullet from the Californian’s rifle grazet the cheek of the man, and clipped off a part of his ear, causing him to leap to his feet with a yell of pain and rage, and scamper back to a place of safety. The others, who had been creeping up, at onve followed suit. “ Ready, now, at the loops!” Sam cried; ‘here they come, all in a body! Let ’em fire first, and then give ’em fits!” A rush of feet was heard coming down the ~ street; then a small-sized pandemonium of yells and screeches and oaths, followed by a volley of rifle-shots, many of which burst spitefully through the thin board siding into the saloon, but fortunately not harming any one, With a will did the strikers return the fire, cutting into the ranks of the enemy so badly that they halted falteringly. “Out at ’em!” Sierra Sam shouted, leaping from his perch, and flinging wide open the door, ** Now’s our chance to show ’em they’ve tackled the wrong end of the hornet!” The strikers needed no urging. Out into the moonlit night they poured from the saloon, with fierce yells, and rushed toward the enemy, firing as they went—Sierra Sam at their head. Deering, seeing that his men would weaken before the determined strikers—to save his own skin, turned and ran for life. It was all his crowd wanted—they broke in wild confusion, and also fled precipitately, leaving Sierra Sam and his men masters of t) situation. “ Hurrah! Let’s take the mines while we are about it!” old Stockton cried, excitedly. “‘No, no!” Sam protested. ‘* Let the mines alone. ‘‘If Miss Green does not see fit to re- establish you, don’t touch a thing of hers, Just take your time now, and I'll guarantee all will come out well. If any of you get in actual need of funds, call on Sam'l, and you shall have ’em—only mind that you have nothing to do with the mines, further than to keep them from being worked by the other men,” An enthusiastic cheer greeted this speech, for it struck the majority of the men as being right, and those who did not quite believe so, were willing to succumb to the ruling opinion, _ No further attack was made during the night, and when day dawned once more, quiet pre- vailed in camp, though Deering and his men were discovered housed in the breaker. About noon they ran up a white flag on a pole, which went to say that no further demon- stration on their part would take place for the present; so Sam ordered a similar signal shown, but at the same time warning his men to be on the lookout against treachery, as it was not safe to put implicit trust in the enemy. During the remainder of the day Big Vista once more assumed something of its old appear- ance, the men of both sides commingling upon the street, with no particular hard feeling, up- parently, toward each other, - But that a bitterness was there could not

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- Sierra Sam’s Double. all, as he sat in the superintendent’s office, and bitterly cursed the ill-luck that had turned his pwn assault back on him. Dunk entered the office during the afternoon, ust as Deering was delivering himself of a vol- yy of oaths. ** Hello! what's the matter? Aire you down- hearted?” the skinny man asked, dropping into a chair. ‘¢Curses be on you, yes!” the superintendent growled, savagely. “Things aire in a purty pce when I can’t run my own town, ain’t ey? SEs Junius Brutus laughed rather mockingly. ‘*T am sure no one is to blame but yourself,” he said. ‘ You’d never make half a villain without me to help yow along. By the way, have you heard the news?” What?” * Old Tabitha has got a lover.” ‘*Bah! you mean the old fossil of a preacher who ns himself Obediah Potts?” es, “Humph! the old galoot is a lunatic.” ‘* Nevertheless, Tabitha and he claim to have been lovers once upon a time, and having met again, they’re going to hitch up in double har- ness, and there'll be a new manager for the Big Vista mines.” Whereat Deering swore roundly. “Where did you get your information?” he growled, eying the skinny man sourly, * From my confidential reporter, Claudie.” ** Bah! I don’t take stock in it! They’re both ready to put on a shroud, instead of wedding- robes,” **Don’t fool yourself. They’re going to be married, and that, too, before many days. Now, Deering, ef you don’t look out, you’re goin’ ter lose yer trump in this game.” ‘* No, Pll be hanged if J will!” Deering gritted. ‘* Why, curse me if I don’t murder every one of you, before I'll lose!” “You may not have to do any such bloody ‘work if you come to terms with me, I tell you, Deering, you can’t do better than to come down, and Vil make ‘ee heir of Miss Tabitha Green, and owner of the mines.” * And if I don’t, what then?” Deering sneered. CHAPTER XI. MURDER. Dunx smiled vaguely at the query. ‘“‘ Why, then,” he said, ‘‘I shall see that you never inherit ‘one farthing of Tab’s surplus cash. J’ll work against you with all my power, and, no doubt, sufficient charges can be brought up against you to make this part of the country exceedingly unhealthy for you,” ‘*Oh, you refer to the road, do you? Maybe ou forget you are implicated as well as I?” “That cannot be proven, But there is no use of our being at swords’ points, You can just as well come to terms with me, and I'll put you onto every point whereby you can score a ecess, You see what a gripe the other Sierra jam has got over the best part of the miners, and you probably know that he is the style of a ehap who is able to look out for Number One. t; ee you, therefore, to see that he is de- roned, _ Ldum-book, when that perennial bummer, Snod- ** Well, curseit, what do you want to straighten matters up for me?” ‘Five thousand dollars down, and five more when you are established beyond dispute as sole heir of Tabitha Green.” Deering sat gazing at the floor, his face dark and ate Finally he arose, went to the safe, and brought back a roll of greenbacks, which he placed in Dunk’s hands, “There,” he growled; ‘‘go ahead now, and see that you make good your promises, If you don’t, I need not tell you what you will get, Dunk smiled blandly as he stored the wealth away in a capacious pocket, ‘Well, you need have no fear,”he said. “Ill clearly explain, so you can understand. In the first place, although you may have suspicioned to the contrary, my ; Sierra Sam, and the other fellow is an impostor, but sharper than lightning, which I cannot say of my man. At any rate, the other fellow is sure to win, if left on the market, and the re- mainder of the men will go over to his side, and we'll get drummed out of town, Hmphatically, ke must be removed,” ~ De Wolf Deering nodded his assent. This de- cision harmonized well with bis own views. : “Yes, he must be removed; but my man must be put in his place—see? In this way, no difference will be suspected, and my. man will at my order§ arrange everything so the capture of the strikers can be effected,” : * Good plan!” “ After the strikers are captured and given the choice of allegiance or death, and that mat- ter is settled, something else will be done, 1 am informed that Tabitha Green is to have her ‘will made soon, and as a matter of course she will have me draw it up, and I can easily fix it so that every cent will revert to you, although the real legatee will undoubtedly be his nibs, the Reverend Obediah Potts. Tabitha drops away, all will come to you; my Sierra Sam will come up missing, and all will be as serene and lovely as a sunflower in June. Then you will have cause to thank the great Junius Brutus Dunk for his efforts in making you a nabob from a pauper.” “Curse your impudence! I'll have you know that I am no pauper,” Deering fired back. ‘I’m not so badly heeled. * Well, that is Now it remains for you to Jook tenderly after your beloved aunt’s health, and if after a proper — When by chance a2) Sierra Sam is the real ; our own business, not mine, — course of medicines you fail to see any improve- — ment, but, on the contrary, see that she is rap- idly declining, you must not take the thin, badly at heart, but be prepared for her piog off at any time.” ; 2 ‘ “T shall profit by your advice,” Deering said, wiping an imaginary tear from his eyes. ‘ By te way, how are you going to dispose of Sierra ; Sam?” ‘Leave that to my ingenuity. . and capture him, I reckon, without muc trouble.” r Sierra Sam sat in French Fan’s saloon that night, busied in making notes in his memoran I can decoy — too | rop-—

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22 Sierra Sam’s Double. grass, entered the place, and after looking over | Scarcely had the benediction been pronounced, fi when there wasa sharp, detonating pistol-shot the occupants of the room for awhile, finally deposited his anatomy in a chair, across the table from the Californian. “Waal, how d’ye dot” Snodgrass began, SF Tew bizzy tew receive a communication, Cap? P h, no,” Sam replied, putting up his book. “Tf you have anything to unburden yourself of, friend Snodgrass, proceed to business.” “Waal, I allow et ain’ much. I war jest comin’ past the, post-offis, an’ tho’t I'd ax fer mail fer ye, as I allowed ye war hyar. An’ so ther new gal w’ot tends ter ther offils guv me this,” and the Snorter drew forth from his jacket-pocket a crumpled-up letter. Sam received it, and perceived that it was . directed to himself in a feminine hand, With some curiosity he tore off the envelope, and glanced over the inclosed missive, It ran as follows: “SrpRRA SAM:— “Dear Str:—Be constant!y on your guard, but fear not! All will yet be well; that is, if my efforts are successful, Keep quiet, and be sure and re- member that you are expected to remain faithful to your true ‘pard’ of your own choice, in prefer- ence to all former ‘ pards.’” That was all. There was no signature; tho writing was neat and pretty. “Where did you get this, Snodgrass?” Sam demanded, eying the bullwhacker shrewdly. “ At the post-offis,” Snodgrass answered, with an unblushing effort at earnestness. ‘* At the offis, Sammy.” “Well, what’s your charges for mail service?” “Waal, Sammy, et ain’t my natur’ to be mean about small matters—so ef ye could make et four bits, durned ef I won’t be yer uncle as long as ther scythe of old Time endures contact wi’ thor blades o’ eternal grass!” To rid himself of the bummer, Sam tossed him the desired amount, and then took leave. Several days elapsed. The situation in Big Vista remained about the same, neither the strikers nor the anti-strikers doing any work in the mines. The wedding of Miss Tabitha Green and Obe- diah Potts had been postponed a few days, but finally the day for the event arrived. Tho nuptials were to be celebrated in the Green mansion, and only a selected few had been invited to be present; yet when the hour for the ceremony arrived, the house was filled, many being present who had received no in- vitation at all—among them Sierra Sam, the strikers’ champion and leader, About two o’clock in the afternoon, Junius Brutus Dunk entered the parlor, and thence was shown into Miss Green’s private sitting-room, _He had a bundle of legal-looking papers in his _hund, and the rough audience at once surmised that Miss Green was going to make some pro- - visions for the future, in the way of a will, be- fore she married. About three o'clock the bridal party entered the room, headed by the minister, and took their places, _ ‘The minister then read the marriage service, and pronounced Obediah Potts and Tabitha Green man and wife, ; ae heard; Mrs, Potts gave a quick gasp, and would have fallen had not the minister from Vermont quickly caught ber in his arms, and supported her to a couch. The only medicine-man in Big Vista was Je- rome Stansill, and he was immediately sent for. He was a half-breed, but nevertheless had a fair education in doctoring. But, when he arrived at the bedside of Mrs. Potts, be at once pronounced her past the power of human aid, j A short time later, she was raised and carried into another room, The excitement was intense, The news of the tragedy at once spread throughout the town, and soon a large crowd was collected without the shanty and within. Upon every lip was the quesion—who shot Tabitha Green? Nobody seemed to know among those whe had been present to witness the ceremony. Sierra Sam had heard acrash in a pane of glass—saw Miss Green stagger as from receipt of a shot—sprung forward to her side, just as Obediah Potts caught herin his arms—just as Obediah Potts said to him, in a low and not un- familiar tone: “Sh! Iknow the man! Offer a reward, but do nothing rash until you are further advised.” Then with the assistance of a miner, he car- ried the wounded woman from the room, as soon as the doctor had given her a quick exam-~ ination. Sierra Sam then turned to the crowd, which surged clamorous throughout the room. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, in his tones, ever clear and decisive, ‘‘ I pray you to be quiet and to use discretion, A terrible crime has been committed here, in our midst, and if you know who is guilty, you are far wiser than I. We came here to witness a ceremony of happi- ness—instead, it proves to be one of sorrow. But in this hour, gentlemen, it becomes us as men, to look. up the man who did the terrible deed. I speak not to party or faction—I speak to you all!” The speech was received with manifest ap- proval on every hand. Inquiries were at once circulated on every hand, but no clew seemed forthcoming except what Sam had received from Obediah Potts— and that he was carefnl enough to keep secret, As soon as he could, Sierra Sam cleared the parlor of every person except himself, Stockton, Snodgrass, and Obediah Potts, and, of course, excepting the darky servant, Claudie. Leaving Stockton and Snodgrass to see that no intruders gained entrance, Sam then entered the room where Miss Green, the doctor, and Obediah Potts were, Miss Green was not insensible—she lay, look- ing around her with a searching glance, as if expecting some one. The doctor sat near at hand, looking really sober, for a man of his evident habits. Obediah Potts sat not far away, his head bowed in his hands, and he was weeping. j Sierra Sam looked at him a second time before turning to the dying woman, for it struck him

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Serra Sam’s Double. Ae emma that, tosay the least, there was something pe- culiar in his manner of weeping. He then turned to Miss Green. She was white; there was an expression of pain upon her face—their glances met, almost instantly. x “You are not Sammy?” she said, more inter- rogatively than otherwise. “T am Samuel Slocum, aunt, but not the impostor you are fostering,” Sam replied. ‘ You have met with a bad misfortune, but we hope to bring your assassin to light without much difficulty. As your nephew, I feel it incumbent on me to do all for you that lies in my power, so if you have any word to leave—any requests to make, intrust them in ne care, and it shall be my most earnest and welcome duty to exe- cute your wishes to the letter.” She gazed at him, a new light seeming to dawn over her countenance. “T feel—ay, I seem to know that you are the real Samuel Slocum,” she said, faintly, after a moment’s study of his manly countenance. “You are a far different man from the other iclaimant—I can see it clearly now—I feel by in- stinct that you are the real son of my dead sister.” She put forth her hand, and Sierra Sam took ‘it in his. * Dear aunt, I have only to tell you honestly, that you are right. ButIdo pray that you will not favor me. J baveall of this world’s goods that I require to keep me through to the ‘ud of my journey. “Tcame not to Big Vista, aunt, to become your heir; on the contrary, I came to solicit you not to connect me with an legacy you might make, as I do not make a practice of receiving what [do notearn. But on my arrival here, I found that the fellow who looks like me was trying to get in a deal to the fore, and I scheduled it as my duty to prevent him if pos- sible. It is no matter of secret to you how well I have succeeded.” ‘JT rieed no further assurance to convince me who you are,” Mrs, Potts said, earnestly. ‘TI feel that I am going, and what 1s to be done, must be done at once, Is Obediah here?” The Vermonter came forward, tears rolling Cown his fat cheeks from in under his goggles, “Tam here, Tabitha,” he said, taking her hand. ‘* What do you wish, dear?” “Not much, Obediakh, You know our mutual secret, and that I am dying. I think that all is coming out well, after ali. I now realize that this is really my nephew, Samuel. He does not wish to become my heir. Will. you, when you are through with my wealth, according to the terms of my will, leave all to whom Samuel may dictate?” ‘*T-will,” Obediah replied, reverently, “Samuel, have you any choice?” % “7 have, if the matter be referred tome,” Sam replied. ‘‘Do you know a young lady named angel?’ ** Quite well,” Miss Green replied, an expres- sion of pleasure lighting up her pallid face, “Then, if it is your desire that I shall name your heir, I will name the woman of my choice —Angel,” Sam said. And Miss Green nodded her approval to Obe- a, | declared, ‘‘ ‘Why ther CHAPTER XII. OBEDIAH’S DEPARTURE. WITHIN an hour after Sierra Sam named his choice of heritage, Tabitha Green sunk peace- fully into that sleep from which there is no pi san Befere she dropped away, she whispered a few words to Obediah, which he listened to with strictest attention, and as far as Sam wasable to judge, her communication afforded the smooth- faced, reverend gentleman the greatest degree of satisfaction, After his services were no longer needed, Sam went forth into the town, only to find that the excitement had not abated to any great extent, A large crowd was gathered about old Stock- ton, but they gave a cheer of approval as Sierra Sam came up. ‘‘She’s dead, aire she?” several miners inter- regated, as the Californian came up. i “Yes, she is dead,” Sam replied, ‘and I sup- pose you’ve not found the murderer yet? What - pare of the place have not been seen to- a Ls De Wolf Deering, for one—he went down to Flumeville last night,” Stockton answered. “Angel ain’t nowhar ter be found, an’ t’other Sierra Sam, nuther,” a Chinaman importer re-~ marked. i “*Gentlemen,” Sierra Sam said, “I have no doubt but what I can name the man who shot Tabitha Green. De Wolf Deering would not be away from Big Vista on such an occasion with- out some very important cause. Come, let’s find out if he has been in Flumeville.” Headed by him and Stockton, the crowd tramped over to the post-cflice, and here Sam sat down at the telegraph instrument, and sent a message to Flumeville, inquiring if De Wolf Dae had been seen there within twenty-four ours. After a five minutes’ wait, the answer flashed back that Deering had not been there. ““See, boys,” Sam said—“ straws most gener- ally tell which way the wind blows. My ami- able cousin has not been in the lower camp— where has he been? Couldn’t he have slipped down into the vicinity of my maiden aunt’s shanty, in disguise, accomplished his purpose, and slipped away again unobserved?” ‘* Easy enuff, an’ he war none too good to do sech a thing, neither!” Snodgrass, the Snorter durned galoot hes been a-tryin’ ter sic me onter Serious Sam’l heer, by offerin’ me fifty dollars, but this great snortin’. starm 0’ everlastin’ fury wouldn’t sic wu’th a cent,” .. The Snorter’s verdict was indorsed by the strikers, but the remaining part of the popula- tion would listen to no charge against their leader. Nevertheless, Sam had a long talk with his men, and ordered placards posted up about the town, offering five-hundred dollars reward for the capture of De Wolf Deering, dead or alive, The cards wese written out and posted in prominent places, there to he viewed by the crowd at large, but no attempt was made, on the part of the Deering element, to disturb ox mutilate the notices thus posted, :

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24%. Fe a ee tk oe eee ee Gt Loe a oe ae Sierra Sam’s Double, Toward evening, Sierra Sam dropped into the “Find,” and sought out French Fan, who was seated in a retired corner of the room, engaged iu reading a novel. She pushed a chair forward for him, as he ap- proached, with one of her old winning smiles, and remarked: Be ake way, Miss Green is dead, and you are heir, I suppose?” “Quite to the contrary. Gcoupying dead women’s shoes. you where Angel is?” “T do not know. I have been worrying much about her strange periods of absence.” , **On whose account—hers, or your own?” Sam asked, scrutinizing her fair face witha searching stare that brought color to her cheeks, * As a matter of course, on her account,” she replied quickly. ‘I have bad fears—” ‘That she was not remaining true to the vows of the Sisters Sarony?” Sam interrogated. Well, yes, so to speak, But, that is foolish. Angel is as constant aseither of us, I can not understand where she goes!” “Perhaps, while you and Trumps remain idle, she is working up a case against me!” Sam laughed. ‘Still watersrun deep, and so forth.” ‘Tt may be that you are our man, after all,” Fan answered, a strange, set expression coming upon her countenance. “If you are, you wi be wise to take advantage of the respite we are giving you. “Tam not inclined to take advantage of the circumstance,” he replied, turning away. Later that night, on his return to the Green “ residence, he was hailed by Junius Brutus Dunk, who stood in the doorway of his shanty. ‘Hello! Come over; I want to see you,” the skinny man cried, in a loud voice. ** But I don’t want to see you,” Sam re- turned, striding on. ‘‘ You're mistaken in the man,’ “ Not a bit of it!” Dunk shouted after ‘him. ** know you apart. By the way, it’s all right; see you later.” hen Sam arrived at the Green residence he found the parlor occupied by Obediah Potts, and a stranger, who was very busy at. writing. “Tam glad you have come,” the Vermonter said, ‘‘ for I am making necessary arrangements for my departure from this place, Mr. Slocum, Mr. Dale, a lawyer, whom I have engaged to make my last will and testament.” » The two men acknowledged the introduction —then Dale said: “Mr. Potts, I have made out your will, I think, according to your directions, If you will listen I will read it to you.” . Obediah nodded assent, and the will was read, the devise making ‘' the young woman of Big ‘Vista, know as Angel, sole heir to all-in-all “belonging to Obediah Potts, whether real or ** personal property, bonds, money, or claims by heritage,’ “Tt is all right,” the Vermonter said, when he heard it read, ‘Please call in some dis- I do not aspire to ITcame to ask interested parties as witnesses, and then I shall - be ready to leave.” ‘* What! you are not going away, Mr. Potts?” Sierra Sam asked, in surprise. “Ay, I am gong to bid farewell to this part of the country,” was the sad answer. ‘I have now nothing to keep me longer here, and prefer to go where I can hide my grief with myself.” ‘*T hate to see you leave us, for citizens of your stamp are x, no meags a drug on the market here in Big Vista,” - “Maybe not, sir; but I assure you that noth- ing can tempt me to remain here, By the way, sir, here is a letter you will oblige me by delivering to Angel, after I have taken my departure,” am received 2 sealed envelope, and soon after watched Obediah Potts mount a newly-pur- chased burro, just outside the shanty, and ride away. ‘A singular personage, whom, thus far, = have not been able to make out,” was Sam’s verdict, as Obediah disappeared from view. “By the way, I'll have an excuse for dropping in at the post-office now,” He did drop in, awhile later, just as Trumps was about to shut up shop. ‘ Good-evening, pard! she accosted, in her jolly way. ‘‘ Are you going to buy something? ‘0, for pity’s sake, because I’ve not taken in a dollar to-night, and the boss will think when she gets back, that I’ve been knocking down on the receipts.” “Yes. Dll buy a bunch of cigars, if you'll give me a receipt for the pay for them,” Sam said, laughing—but in reality he meant what he said, because he wanted to get a specimen of her chirography to compare with the note he- had received through Snodgrass. ‘‘Tt’s a bargain!” Trumps assented, seizing a pencil and sheet of paper and rapidly writing out the receipt. ‘‘Tbhere you are: Received of Sierra Sam, ten bits for five cigars. Signed— Tramps, for Angel.” Sam received the paper with an amused smile. ‘*That will answer, I guess,” he said, at the same time noting that the writing was in no way similar to that he mentally compared it with. ‘‘ Here’s your pay. By the way, where is the fair postmistress, that she appeareth so seldom?” “Give it up,” Tramps replied. ‘‘ What mat- ters it to you, anyhow? Married men should be careful not to be too inquisitive about other ladies.” ““ P'r’aps,” said Sam, dryly. Just then some one hurriedly passed the door ial is post-office, at the same time flinging in a etter, Sam stooped and picked it up, somewhat anx- ious to know to whom it was addressed, “ Why, it is for me!” he said, tearing it open. There were buta few lines of the contents, which ran as follows: “‘Mr. Stocum:—I am in trouble, Will youlend me a helping hand?—help me tosolve a mystery? Come to the smali-pox cabin, Yours ever, HL.”” CHAPTER XIII. TRAPPED, | Sierra Sam’s pulse beat faster as he read the / note, 1

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Sierra Sam's Double. ‘* Bad news?” Trumps queried, observing the slight flush that came over his face, “Well, rather. Guess itcan be fixed up all right,” he replied, bowing himself out of the place, and hurrying up the street, With his mind busied with thoughts of the young postmistress and what could possibly be the nature of her trouble, Sam had no suspicion of treachery. The letter was written in a fine, graceful style of chirography, which could not well have been indited by a man, unless he was an adept at imi- tation. Atrived at the old cabin, Sam opened the door, and pared within, expecting to see Angel in waiting for him, But in this, he was mistaken. Hardly had he rt his foot upon the rocky oor within, when he received a blow upon ths PEN ncps which knocked him clear out of the cabin. He was partially stunned, but yet knew enough to realize that he was dragged back into the Saat and his limbs securely bound with strong leather straps. He was also aware that some water was dashed into his face, and was finally able to open his eyes with a full sense of consciousness that a man sat astride his body, and was look- ing steadily down into his face, with a pair of gleaming eyes. Dark though it was in the room, Sam was not long in distinguishing the thin, sharp features of Junius Brutus Dunk, ; “Ah! so you have come to, have you, my friend Sam’l?” the skinny man chuckled, shoy- ing the muzzle of one of his revolvers in under the cool blade’s nose. ‘‘ Your girl gave you rather a warm reception, didn’t she?” “Rather,” Sam responded. ‘I was off my guard or you'd never have taken me, this easy. hat do you want, you rack-a-bones?” “Just what I’ve got—you,” Dunk declared, with a satisfied air. ‘‘I invited you over to have a chat, awhile ago, but you were too shy; so I had to bait you. By the way, don’t you think it’s about time you let oe for awhile, and confine yourself to quiet? You’ve been really too active, since you came to Big Vista, and it’ seems to mie as though you ought to slack up, and give some other people a show for their money.” ‘So you concluded to put a damper in me, to sbut off my action, eh?’ Sam queried. “ Exactly, exactly! you have too much action to accord with the way things should go—so it becomes necessary to temporarily remoye you from the scene of your schemes, to more sedate and substantial quarters, where you will re- main in durance until I see fit turn you loose.” ‘‘T presume, by that, you are in the employ of my amiable cousin, Deering?” ‘Not impossible nor improbable. At all events, I have reason to want you outof the way, until I make what money I can—then, I have no further use for you. You will, like a gentleman, permit me to blindfold you, and bind up your vocabulary-trap, in order that you - may not utter any dulcet notes, while I trans- » vort you hence, to your future abiding-place,” = Rion ook Ss: Sam did not reply, He was not the man to parley uuless he saw a fair chance for making something out of it, and seeing that it was use- less to ‘‘ chin” with a man of Dunk’s caliber, he maintained a grim silence, and allowed the hu- man cadaver to bind his mouth over with a strip of blanket, and blindfold his eyes with a_ similar piece, ; Dunk then left the shanty and was absent several minutes, when he returned, accompanied by another man. Sam was then raised, and carried from the cabin, and bound upon the back of a mule, A short conversation ensued between Dank and his companion, after which the latter mount- ed a second mule and rode off down the trail, leading the first by a strap, ; Thus from Big Vista’s hopeful young metropo- lis, was borne away the only man who was universally feared and respected—even by those who turned against him, even though they were Oe rough and one-sided to acknowledge the act, The following morning was an eventful one, in Big Vista. : When old Stockton arose bright and early, he made a discovery, that, to him was alarming. The Deering gang was once more guarding the mouth of the mines—not alone among them- selves as formerly, but reinforced by at least a hundred men from Flumeville, As quickly and as quietly as ible, Stock-_ ton had his own supporting iy aroused, and gathered within French Fan’s saloon. Here a consultation was held, which Stockton had to lead, as Sierra Sam was not present, and could not be readily found. “Ther durned galoots hev got us now, unless we kin do some big schemin’ ter sarcumvent em,” the veteran declared, ‘‘I tell ye I wish Sam’l war here. Anybody seen him?” No one responded. ‘Probably he’s skipped’ out, an’ smuggled in ie Tana ter work ag’in’ us,” one miner sug- gested. “No sech a thing!’ Stockton denied, stoutly. ‘‘ Thet man Sam is as square as ther day islong, I tell you!” | ““You bet on that!” a voice cried out, and Se Sam No, 2 stepped into the room smil- ingly. », A cheer went up from the crowd, : They did not r ize the difference between him and the original. ; “Stockton, [am glad to hear that you enter- tain so good an opinion of me,” he said, ing the veteran’s hand. ‘‘ By the way, I have been — on a little spying expedition in the enemy’s camp, in disguise, and while [ do not anticipate any immediate hostile proceeding on their part, — it will be well enough to keep our forces under — this present shelter. I have no doubt the other gang will go to work in a day orso with Deerin; at the fore, If any one gains possession of: Tabitha Green’s mines, then it will be only by a superior force of numbers. Ill speak Fite mine host Fanny, and see if her larder will sup- port us as regards provender.” 2 aes Stockton watched him narrowly as he walk ele ae tis a Ff 1

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] over to where Fanny was sitting alone, appar- ently absorbed in thought. “Well, I see you’ve made my place a fort again,” she said, COnInE UD. with a smile, “Ves, for a time. They rungin a sly deal upon us, these anti-strikers, by importing some Flumevillians, It strikes me, Fanny, that it is going to be a tough struggle before we get through—this to you only.” “Do you think so?” She looked at him curiously as she make. “Yes. 1 do honestly think so. They have over three men to our one, I suspect, for they are expecting still another reinforcement from Flumeville. To let this out to the men would ba disastrous just now, and sol must cheer them on and give them every encouragement to pe neshep their bravery. I trust you will assist me “To you need to ask, Mr. Slocum?” was the thrilling answer, ‘‘I think you know full well that I would do all in my power for you.” “You inspire me, Fanny,” the false Sierra Sam said, earnestly. “I think I do compre- hend your nature thoroughly, and can read your heart as though it were my own. I know you are passionate and intensa in your loves and hates. Fanny, I know more—I know that you love me, and { wish you now to know that I also love you with all the power of my soul and being! Only tell me, Fanny, that though the whole world may pronounce me false, and beat and cheat me at every turn, and that though others and even death may come to claim me, you will remain true to me to the last.” She did not reply, and kept her flushed, joy- ous face still averted, but put forth her hand in his as her answer, ‘*May our reward be happiness!” he said, in a low, fervent tone. ‘‘ Excuse me now, please. I must look to the wants of the men, and keep them in good heart. Have youa jug of whisky you can sell me? I wish to give them all a ra- tion to put them on nerve.” **T will see,” she said, arising. ‘*Come with me, mine!” and her loving glance caused even the heart of the impostor to thrill within him, She led the way behind the bar and thence into a small room opening off from that end of the building. Here were decanters, jugs and quarter-barrels of various kinds of liquors. Sierra Sam—as we shall yet call him—selected a gallon jug of Bourbon, and tasted of it to sam- ple its quality. “That will do,” he said. ‘Now, if you will be kind enough to bring me a quart of water, and an empty flask, I will weaken this, as I do not care to stimulate the men beyond a certain degree,” : Fan went back into the bar-room for the flask and water. While she was gone, the villain emptied a pint of the liquor through a knot-hole in the floor, and quickly emptied the contents of a pint- bottle into the demijohn. “That will settle their hash!” he muttered. _ * Alls fair in love or war.” Fan came in a moment later. - _ “T guess Pil give it to them just as it is, but insmall doses,” he said, smiling, ‘‘ You know TC ae Ny Racers Pe Sierra Sam’s Double. the more hornet-stings to the inch of bug-juice the better it suits the average Western man.” They then went back into the saloon, which contained all the strikers, Commencing with old Stockton, the bogus Sierra Sam proceeded to give every man 4 liberal drink of the powerfully drugged liquor, and ended by pretending to. take a hearty drink himself, but the lightning way in which be suc- ceeded in slipping it down within his shirt- bosom, showed that he was at least an expert in the ‘ ways that are dark.” ‘“Now, boys,” he said, ‘* business is before us, and I want to distinctly impress upon your memories that business is business. e have a big odds to contend with, and if we a to win, we must be SstOn RS agile and sharp. I will now leave Stockton get you in fighting trim, while I slip out, and make a few more observa~ tions.” 4 The majority of the men grunted forth an assent, but the veteran Stockton did not appear to feel so deeply impressed with the pseudo- Californian’s speech, ‘* Boys,” he said, after Sierra Sam had left the saloon, ‘‘ I feel all mixed up, and I guess Pll go and sit down awhile and consider.” And he did sit down, but it was not five min- utes ere his eyes were closed, and he wus in ob- livion, so far as his surroundings were con- cerned, One by one his followers dropped into chairs, or upon the floor, as the case might be, from ae effects of the drug that had been put in the iquor. ith a pallid face and staring, frightened gaze, French Fan leaned against her bur, and watched the startling effect of the liquor, the truth of the pseudo Sierra Sam’s falsity, gradu- ally dawning upon her. “ My God—I have been the tool of a demon in nature’s disguise, who has taken advantage of my weakness and gained a point in power. That man was not the real Sierra Sam!” She sat staring at the wreck about her, won- dering what next would foilow, and yet not possessed of power to raise a hand toward arous- ing the drugged men from their stupor. Once she saw the door of the saloon open, and Angel step within—saw her take a quick, com- prehending glance about—saw her dart out again, and close the door, Then all was quiet again, deathly quiet, it seemed—until the door was burst violently open, and De Wolf Deering, with two-score or more of armed men at his back, burst into the room, “ Hurrah, boys! Victory i..nine at last,” he yelled, leaping forward toward French Fan. CHAPTER XIV, THE CHOICE OF LOTS. THERE was no one 6 gainsay Deering’s cry of victory, except French Fan alone, but she not only kaew that her voice would be useless on this occasion, but the less she said the better for her, © ‘Come along,” Deering roared to his men. ‘* We've got everything our own way now, and we must improve the advantage, Bind every’ man, hand ang foot!” ; ie wee RS eg fee

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Sierra Sam’s Double. 27 The job was quickly completed, without awakening the drugged sleepers, and they were shouldered and carried off to the vicinity of the mouth of the shafts, where a camp had been established for the Flumeville miners, } French Fan watched the proceeding with colorless face, Deering approached her with a triumphant leer upon his sensual face. ‘* Well, what d’ye think o’ matters?” he de- manded, with a malicious smile. ‘* Rather trip- ped up your calculations, didn’t it?” ** Not in the least, The plan was worked ad- mirably, as I predicted it would when I con- sented to furnish the whisky,” Fanny replied, with apparent coolness. ““ You?” Deering gasped. ‘Yes, I! Didn’t know that I was a party to the scheme, did you?” “a No ny : ‘You have unusual confidence in yourself,” Fanny retorted. ‘‘ Have you anything to offer, Trumps?’ 4 “Yes. It is my opinion Sierra Sam has been decoyed and captured,” Trumps replied. ‘* Last night just before I closed up he came into the store and asked for Angel. While there some one flung him in a letter, which he opened and read, and then left inahurry. Before he left he dropped this letter for Angel into the postal- box,” and as she finished speaking Trumps flung a letter across the table to where Angel was seated. “A jove-letter, I presume.” French Fan re- marked, sarcastically. **On the contrary, it is not from Sierra Sam at all, Angel said, after opening it; ‘‘ Listen: “* AngeL, OF Bia Vista:— “*EsTEEMED Lapy—When this missive reaches you all that is earthly of Obediah Potts will have been consigned to the tomb, and _all property left behind by me will be yours, according to the provisions of my last will and testament, left in the hands of one Lawyer Dale, and you can enter into the immediate peor of your inheritance, with the last and est well-wishes of Osepraxn Porrs.’ ” French Fan and Trumps uttered exclamations of surprise. y ‘That means that you are heir to the Bi Vista mines,” Trumps said, ‘‘for I understan' Tabitha left everything to the old Vermonter,” “*That remains to be seen,” Fan remarked, ‘*-You remember that the rascal Dunk drew her — will, and he is the right-hand man of De Wolf Deering. It would be easy for him to have some flaw in the will, so that Obediah would have no | claim through Tabitha’s death.” “You are right,” Angel asserted. ‘‘ Dunk is an arrant knave, and will play the game he can see the most money in, on can rest assured, is must look him up, and get possession of the will.” .. “T believe the terms of our mutual agree- objector ted, rath dl, id. pe object,” Fan suggested, rather coldly, “and per- seal matters should not be considered by us as a sisterhood.” ie Ange! flushed. ‘*Perhaps you are right,” she returned, calm- ly. heart. with any of my troubles.” “Stop! this will not r authoritatively. ‘* Let us remain sisters, at ] while our mission is unaccomplished, I th ly only to the accomplishing of one — a Therefore, I will try not to burden you do!” Trumps commanded sy. st ‘ é ‘*T perceive that you are so far forgetting _ your oath as to allow jealousy a corner in your —

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28>; we are all well satisfied which is our man now, are we not?” Both Angel and Fan assented. Indeed, after the bogus Sierra Sam’s treach- ery, there could be but little doubt in the matiter. ““MecNorrin, as he claimed to be before com- ing here,” Trumps went on, ‘‘is in reality Frank Fuller, the murderer of our poor dead sister, Adele, This same Frank Fuller is also the man who betrayed the men of Big Vista into the hands of the enemy?” Angel and Fan uodded their assent. “Such being the case, it behooves us, before looking up the real Sierra Sam, to secure our man. I believe it was a part of our agreement that we should all join equally in the search, and when we found the man we were to draw lots to determine who should strike the blow of vengeance?” “Hxactly,” French Fan replied. ‘‘ It but re- mains now to see who is elected to that honor. Let Angel prepare the lots—whoever draws the shortest out of three shall do the last act in the programme,” Angel’s face paled, but she did not hesitate, She knew too well the terms of the vow that bound them together. She arose, procured three matches, and goin; to the further side of the room, broke them o} in uneven lengths. She then returned to the table, and held the exposed ends toward her sister, “Thore they are,” she said, gravely. ‘Con- sider what the result of drawing the shortest must be, and make your choice.” Trumps drew first, choosing the match nearest to her. It proved to be the one that had been broken off near to the center. aa You next,” Angel said, looking at French an, : The latter reached forth her fair white hand, with its glittering array of diamond-set rings, and drew one of the sticks. Angel then opened her hand, exposing the length of the other. Fan had drawn the shortest of the three pieces, and was elected to strike the blow that was to avenge a dead sister’s wrongs. “The meeting is adjourned,” Angel said. “The yows that have heretofore bound us to- }- gether are hereby dissolved.” CHAPTER XV. A FRIEND, UNEXPECTED. Srmera Sam was taken to a cave in the ' mountains, not three miles from Big Vista, Here his conductor unbound him from the horse, assisted him to dismount, removed the ag from his mouth, and the cloth from before » his eyes, The cave was so dark that at first Sam could hardly distlnguish the features of his captor, _ but when he did, he gave vent #0 an exclama- - tion of surprise. _ **Balbro, as I live!” he cried. _ ‘Ay, Balbro,” his captor replied, “though I am rather ashamed to acknowledge tue fact, _ Sierra Sam, I give you my word of honor, [ _ knew not this was you, when Deering sent me Sierra Sam’s Double. ‘ here with you. He told me you were the bogus, instead of the real Sierra Sam, and that he was working solely for your interests,” “Indeed!” Sam replied, rather sarcastically. “‘ Why did you come here to Big Vista, Balbro, when I positively warned you men of Flume- ville not to come?” - “Simply because I came to help you, Sam, and bring the other party to confusion. With such an aim in view I accepted the charge from the rascal, Deering, of bringing you here.” Sam looked at the man steadily and accus- ingly, but on account of the gloom, could dis- cern no particular expression upon his face. “See nere, Balbro,” he said, in a sternly sober tone, ‘‘ you remember I did you a service, once.” “Have i ever forgotten it? I came into Flumeville one day, a wreck of a drunken loafer, rough and wretched. You met me and made me better by exacting a promise from me to brace up, and putting money in my hand, when I had none in my pocket. I did brace up, in some respects, and got work through your agency, aud though I am counted a pretty rough character, as such run, I have it to say proudly, that I would not barm a hair of your head for all the wealth Big Vista boasts,” “T believe you, Balbro, so let that subjecs drop. What do you propose to do next?” ‘“ What do you suppose?” Balbro asked. “ a friend in need, is a friend indeed; but a friend by act, is a friend intact.” © And drawing his knife, the bummer cut the Californian’s ds. ‘* Now, then,” ha said, ‘‘ back for Big Vista we go. AsI told youbefore, I never forget a kind- ness, and I propose to further prove it, All the men I had brought from Flumeville are your friends, as well as mine, regardl2ss of wages or other influence, At the present time, very likely, your men, through the agency of Junius Brutus Dunk, are in Deering’s power, but it shall not long beso.” ‘“‘ Let’s start for Big Vista as soon as possible, then,” said Sam. “Correct! We will start at once, but I must make a detour, in order to reach a hidden dis- guise. So, if you choose, you can go on ahead to the vicinity of the town, and await my ar- rival, there, when we will form plans for the discomfiture of the other party.” Having little doubt but what Balbro was true, Sierra Sam agreed to his AU ae Sar and they soon after left the cave, Balbro going toward Flumeville, and Sam shaping his route toward the town once more, ‘* When I get there now,” he muttered, ‘‘ mat- ters will have to be narrowed down.” ° CHAPTER XVI. CONCLUSION, _ Srerra Sam went back to the vicinity of Big Vista, to the place that Balbro had appointed. It was uot far from the small-pox cabin, and knowing that he had plenty of time, Sam made his way to the cabin to see if some disguises he had left there had been disturbed. f To his surprise, when he entered the place he found Snodgrass, the Snorter there, seated, com- fortably with his heels elevated upon the table and in evident enjoyment of a cigar, ~ : PR Aer aa) EE Nee cat att

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Sierra Sam’s Double,’ “*Oh! is that you, Sammy?” he saluted. ‘*Come in and take a seat. I got a little ahead of you by a short cut, and thought I’d take a little rest.” * Got ahead of me?” Sam asked, advancing and taking a stat opposite the Snorter. ‘ Ah! { faney I get onto the racket!” “It is not my fault if you don’t, Sam’l,” the seeming bullwhacker replied, ‘‘ for 1 am Balbro, and likewise the Snodgrass you once met in Flumeville, and afterward infringed upon.” ‘By all that’s wonderful, I am surprised at this revelation,” Sam derlared, seating himself nearer to the man that he might get a better view of him in the dim light of the lantern. ‘*T see now that your eyes and the eyes of Balbro are the same. When we left the post- office, once upon a time, and agreed that I should renounce my right to the title of Snodgrass, I had no idea [ bad ever met you except as Snod- grass, which character you will acknowledge I personated with a fair degree of success,” “Nearly if not quite as good as myself, the original,” Balbro replied. ‘‘ By the way, while you have been alg eee a roundabout way to reach this place, 1 haye been making some ob- servations, and Thave come to the conclusion that we can profit best for a while by remaining concealed in this place.” And they did remain concealed in the ‘‘lean- to” kitchen—remained there until the three Sis- ters Sarony had visited the place and decided, by drawing lots, who should be the one of the Black Trio to deal the fatal blow to Frank Ful- wor, the murderer of Adele Sfrony! When the strange trio were gone, Sam and Balbro set out for French Fan’s saloon, and found it deserted, except of the fair proprietress, who seemed surprised at sight of Sam. “ Why, Mr. Slocum, how glad I am to see you back! Have you been in trouble?” ‘Well, no; not particularly,” Sam replied, * How does the situation stand this morning?” “Bad!” Fan replied. ‘‘ Deering and his gang have possession of the town, through having captured the strikers,” She then went on to explain what is already known to the reader, concerning the drugged liquor, which the bogus Sierra Sam had admin- istered to the unsuspecting strikers. 4* Well soon settle the matter now,” Balbro annonnced. ‘Come, Slocum, and we'll deal Deering a deal he does not anticipate,” They left the saloon and crossed the plateau toward. the mouth of the mines, where the Flumeyillians’ camp bad been pilched: and in ieee charge the captured strikers had been placed, When they arrived at the scene of the camp, Deering made his appearance from the ore- breaker, and strode over to where Sam and Balbro had halted. ‘*See here, what the deuce are you two loafers hanging around here for?’ he demanded, with an oath, ‘‘ This town is mine now, and I'll give you just about five minutes to clear out of it, and never show up here again!” “Js it possible?” Sam retorted. ‘‘ Were do you get so much authority?” ‘‘Here!” Deering replied, waving bis hand _ triumphantly toward bis men and the Flume- ' time is up. ville recruits, ‘By force of numbers, as you perceive, Your strikers are my prisoners, and are to be tried and sentenced at my convenience, If you do not want to share their fate, get up and git!” ‘*T am sorry to say that I don’t scare worth a cent,” Sam _ retorted, with imperturbable ccol- ness. ‘‘ De Wolf Deering, I am an officer of the law, and demand your surrender, in the name of the law, for the murder of Tabitha Green, who yet lies unburied in her residence,” As he spoke Sam stepped forward to grasp his villainous cousin, but was not permitted to attain his object. A. dozen of Deering’s men leaped in front of him and, though he drew a knife and fought them back fiercely, they soon succeeded in over- powering him, and also secured Snodgrass, _ Both were firmly bound to posts in the vicin- ity. ‘*O-ho! your euthority don’t extend very far!” Deering sneered, striding up to Sam and smiting him across the cheek. ‘ By all the furies, ycull find you’ve been taking sides against the wrong man in this matter, and to-night at sunset, you shall receive your trial the same as the others, and you need not rack your brains to guess what your sentence will be. Iam the one who holds the trump, and you shall ‘ pass!” ' ‘Maybe not,” Sam replied, retaining his,com- sure. But when sunset came there was no move- ment toward a trial, and Sam was removed from the post and locked up, helpless, in an empty shanty. ; Darkness soon stole over the now grim moun- tain town, and Sam lay still and watchful, in his temporary prison, rather expecting that it would not be long ere Snodgrass and his men would come to his rescue, The evening was well advanced, when the door was cautiously opened and some one en- tered the room. At first'Sam could not make out who it was, but as soon as the light of a bull’s-eye lantern bts turned on, he perceived that it was French ‘an. There was an expression of stern resolve upon her face, as she advanced, and Sam saw, to his astonishment, that her right hand clutched a shining dagger. “Hello! Out on a carving expedition” Sam interrogated, more merrily than he really felt. — “T presume you will find out!” Fan responded. “Merry MeNorrin, Sierra Sam, or Frank Ful- ler, whichever you choose to call yourself, your Your lease of life has already been longer than it should be or would have been but for your strange resemblance to the rea Sierra Sam. Do you not know me, murderer? Iam Bijou Sarony, the one of the three Sisters’ Sarony, elected to avenge our sister’s death, by killing you!” She raised her weapon aloft, and bent forward toward him, y ‘*Stop!" Sam cried, sharply, ‘‘I am not Me Norrin—I am Sam Slocum, the origina]. Strike me not!” “You lie! You cannot cheat me now, as you _ did when you drugged the miners, for my eyes are not to be deceived. As you murdered my

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Deadwood Dick e Library e LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-GOLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest @xtracts from the New York Evening Sun. 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A Romance of Rogues 44 Deore Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam's Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect ‘ves 51 meet let Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anch 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 58 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big 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 Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 ages Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco: 68 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- fras Cit; 64 Colorado Kings arlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 879 Pearl Street, NEW YORK.

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ah : SEN EN SN, New York, N. Y., a8 second class matter. Mar,.J5, 189! | Copyright 1882-1888, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office T THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. T | No. 50 Cleveland, Ohio Vol. IN SIERRA SAM WAS CARRIED &ROM THE CaBIN Aun @®OUND UPON THE BACH OF A MULE, )

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1994 5, r. Mar. 1 as second class matte: Vol » N.Y., 2, New York, THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CQ, Cleveland, Ohio d at Post Office Entere by Beadle & Adams, 22-1888, 8 htopyright 1 LV & OF A MULE, IN THE BAG. PO. 2D FROM THE CABIN AND BOUND JU. CARRIE SIDRRA SAM W.

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15e. Per Copy.’ * 1. The Shawnee’s Foe. < 50, Harry Hardskull. 2. The Young Mountaineer.), 51. Madman of the Oconto, 3. Wild Jim. 52. Slim Jim. 2 4, Hawk-Eye, the Hunter. | 53. Tiger-Eye, * 5, The Boy Guide. i564. The Red Star of the 6. War Tiger of the Modoca Seminoles, { 7. The Red Modoes, * (55. Trapper Joe. “ 8. Iron Hand. . 66. The Indian Queen’a * 9, Shadow Bill, the Scout, P3 Revenge. y | (10. Wapawkaneta, or the 57, Eagle-Eyed Zeke, Rangers of the Oneida. | Davy Crockett’s Boy | Hunter. a 59, 12. The Forest Avenger. A 60 138, Old Jack’s Frontier 61 Cabin. 62. 114, On the Deep. 63, :15. Sharp Snout. 16. The Mountain Demon. 64, 17. Wild Tom of Wyoming. 65. 18. The Brave Boy Huntera 66. of Kentucky. 67. 119, The Fearless Ranger. 68, ‘20. The Haunted Trapper. 69 21. Madman of the Colorado. 70. 22. The Panther Demon. 71, 23. Slashawny, the Fearless, (72. 24, Pine Tree Jack. 13. 25. Indian Jim. v4, 75, Sear-Cheek, the Wild Half-Breed. Red Men of the Woods. . Tuscaloosa Sam. - The Bully of the Woods, The Trapper’s Bride. Red Rattlesnake, The Pawnee, The Scout of Tippecanoe . Old Kit, The Scout, The Boy Scouts. - Hiding Tom. Roving Dick, Hunter, . Hickory Jack. Mad Mike. Snake-Eye, Big-Hearted Joa The Blazing Arrow. The Hunter Scouts. 126. Navajo Nick. The Scout of Long Island, 27. The Tuscarora’s Vow. 76. ee ont RE tte WEE ac is Bullet Soe ee 29, A New York Boy Among 79. the Indian Spirit. (30. Deadwood Dick’s Big ote phehtteat ie een: 81, Hank, the Guide 32, Grim Dick. . ? pid 83. The Wooden-Legged Spy. #2. Deadwood Dick's Dorem, 84, ‘The Silent Trapper. . Squatty Dick, 34, The Hunter’s Secret. a Usiy ona. 35. The Woman Trapper. 87. Hank Jasper, 36, The Chief of the Miamf. 8) The Scout of the Sclota, 87. Gunpowder Jim. 89. Black Samson. 38, Mad Anthony’s Captain. 90, Billy Bowlegs. 39, The Ranger Boy’s Career, 91, The Bloody Footprint. ii. The Shadow Scout, 9% The Demon. Cruiser,” ; e Shadow Scout, é e De y 42, Lantern-Jawed Bob. 94, Hunters and Redskins. 43. The Masked Hunter, 95. Panther Jack. 44, Brimstone Jake. _ 96. Old Zeke. 45. The Irish Hunter, 97, The Panther Paleface. 46. Dave Bunker, cedeaiis ae: ei oon oe ye St. Lawrence: c 5 B s ; 48, Bis Rae 100, Long Bob of Kentucky. 49. Spider-Legs. BEADLE’S FRONTIER SERIES are always |/BEADLE’S FRONTIER SERIES| in print and for sale by all Newsdealers; or will be sent postpaid to any address: Single copies, 15c. . | ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. CLEVELAND, OHIO é

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Deadwood Dick Library @ LATEST AND BEST.- HANDSOME TRI-GOLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Bay One and You Will Buy the Rest! _ For Sample Cover See Other Bide. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road ® The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 65 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 6 Death-Face, the Detective 7 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 10 Omaha oll, 8 Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick n Dan li Jim. ‘Bludsoe, Jr.,the Boy Phenix; or, Through to 12 a ahs Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; = Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy B ravo 17 peeebue Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the j8 ray, er Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 20 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 21 oe Dick's Device; or, The Sign of the Double ross 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 28 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty YU Deadwood aa as Detective 25 Gilt-Kdged Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve 27 Chip, the Girl Sport 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune *29 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 80 Deadwood Dick's Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch 81 Blonde Bill; or; Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 82 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 33 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob's Boss Ji 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Burlke 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 38 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 39 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadw Dick’s Ward; or, ‘The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, ’snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogue! 44 pe ts Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 ie Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect ive: 51 Sierra ae Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anc 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 53 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 87 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck pants Detective; or, The Messenger Boy’ ator 7 59 manda Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Spu! 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco: 63 T ct eee Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- 64 Cokmnde OE nartie's Detective Dash; or, The Kings