Deadwood Dick Library (v. 4) (1900 02 28)

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Copyright 1882-1888, by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Office. New York. N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899, M. J. 1VERS & CO., Publishers; No 5] Issued Weekly. oe ennniteae oe ee 4 Price 5 Cents. y | \V 1 Ole “Feb, 28, 1900. Bag PARI RERGLUN Revive $2.50 a Year. Ol, IV, 379 Pearl street, New Vork, | | { i ll = iil ——t ee = RAMIRZ GRAPPLED WITH HIM. AND AS.SAM WAS UNPREPARED FOR SUCH AN ACT, THEY ROLLED DOWN THE STEEP STEPS. INTO THE STREET BELOW-

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443 Deadwood Dick, Jr.; or, 448 453 459 465 val A476 481 AML 496 500 508 515 522 529 534 539 544 549 5d4 561 567 572 57 584. 590 695 600 606 612 618 624 630 636 642 648 EDWARD L. WHEELER'S DEADWOOD DICK: JR. NOVELS IN; THE. HALF-DIME LIBRARY, Price _5 Cents per Copy. Crescent Sign. Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, The Crimson Jr’s, Defiance. Jr.’s, Full Hand. Jr.’s, Big Round. Up. Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, Jr.’s, Corral. Jr.'s, Dog Detective. Jr., in Deadwood. Jr.’s, Compact. Jr.’s, Inheritance. Jr.’s, Diggings. Jr.’s, Deliverance. Jr.’s, Protege. Jr.’s, Three. Jr.’s, Danger Ducks. Jr.’s, Death Hunt. Jr., in Texas. Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild. West Vidocq. Deadwood Dick, J Deadwood Dick, J Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick ? Deadwood Dick, « Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, r, on His Mettle. Jv., in Gotham. Jr., in Boston. Jr., in Philadelphia. Jr., in Chicago, Jr., Afloat.» Jr., in Denver, Jr."s, Decree. r., in Beelzebub’s Basin. ~, at Coney Island. r.’s, Leadville Lay. '., in Detroit. r,, in Cincinnati. Jr., in Nevada. Jr,, in No Man’s Land. Jr., After the Queer. Jr., in Buffalo, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across’ the Continent. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smug- glers, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. Jr., Back in the Mines. Jr., in Durango. Jr.’s, Discovery. Jr.’s, Dazzle. Jr.’s, Dollars. Jr., at Danger Divide. Jr.’s, Drop. Jr., at Jack-Pot* Jr., at San Francisco. 716 Deadwood Dick, 722 Deadwood Dick, 728 Deadwood Dick, 734 Deadwood Dick, 740 Deadwood Dick, 747 Deadwood Dick, 752. Deadwood Dick, 758 Deadwood Dick, 64 Deadwood Dick, 770 Deadwood Dick, 776 Deadwood Dick, 782 Deadwood Dick, 787 Deadwood Dick, 792 Deadwood Dick, 797 Deadwood Dick, 802 Deadwood Dick, 807. Deadwood Dick, 812 Deadwood Dick, 816 Deadwood Dick, 822 Deadwood Dick, 828 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 5 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 858 Deadwood Dick, 863 Deadwood Dick, 870 Deadwood Diek, 876 Deadwood Dick, 882 Deadwood Dick, 891 Deadwood Dick, 898 Deadwood Dick, 904 Deadwood Dick, 910 Deadwood Dick, 916 Deadwood Dick, 928 Deadwood Dick, 934 Deadwood Dick, 940 Deadwood Dick, 946 Deadwood Dick, 951 Deadwood Dick, 957 Deadwood Dick, 965 Deadwood Dick, 971 Deadwood Dick, 977 Deadwood Dick, 980 Deadwood Dick, 992 Deadwood Dick, 998 Deadwood Dick, 1005 Deadwood Dick, 1011 Deadwood Dick, 1018 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. Jr.'s, Dominoes. 5 Jr.'s, Disguise. Jr.’s, Double Deal. Jr.’s, Death-Watch. Jr.’s, Doublet. Jr.’s, Death-Blow. Jr.’s, Desperate Strait. — Jr.’s, Lone Hand. Jr.’s, Defeat. 4 Jr.‘s, Resurrection. Jr.’s, Dark Days. Jr., Defied. Jr.'s, Double Device. Jr.’s, Desperate Venture. Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. Jr.’s, Royal Flush, 5 Jr.’s, Head -Off. me : Jr.’s, Rival. s Jr.’s, Boom. rg Jr.’s, Scoop. ; Jr.’s, Proxy. . Jr.’s, Clutch. ye Jr,’s, High Horse. Jr., at Devil% Gulch. Jr.’s, Death-Hole Hustle. Jr.’s, Bombshell. os Jr., in Mexico. Jr.’s, Decoy Duck. Jr., in Siiver Pocket. — Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game Jr.’s, Double Drive. Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. Jr., at Tip-Top. Jr.’s, Double-Decker. Jr., at Dollarville. 3 Jr., at Flush Flats. Jr.’s, Shake-Up. Jr.’s, Double Drop. Jr.’s, Right Bower. Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. Jr.’s, Gold Dust. Jr.'s, Oath. Jr.’s, Death-Doom. Jr.’s, Best Card. Jr., at Gold Dust. Jr.’s, Big Play. Jr., Branded. Jr.’s, Dutch Pard. Jr.'s, Big Four, For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c. per copy, by the pub sh- s, M. J. IVERS & CO., 379-Pearu-Street, New York Crry.

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Copyright 1882-1888, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar, 15, 1899 M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers 5 No. 5] - Issued Weekly. (James Sullivan, Proprietdr;) : ed 5 Cents. Vol. lV. / Feb. 28, 1900. 379 Pear! Street, New York. $2.50 a Year, — sete tan — = = — — = mem nn | a \ ; ra SMTA HT TTTTTT Yj : ar N> iu { _ \ == n “3 = Pa ee \ : _ RAMIRZ GRAPPLED WITH RIM, AND AS SAM WAS UNPREPARED £OR SUCH AN ACT, THEY ROLLED ~ / DOWN THE STEEP STEPS, INTO THE STREET BELOW, rae iM : A / 2 ~ Rae. tx ae Se ee ot 9g SA i ae lr ee ere ee a

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= Sierra Sam’s Sentence: oR, ‘Little Luck at Rough Ranch, BY EDWARD L, WHEELER, AUTHOR oF “DEADWOOD DICK ” NOVELS, ‘* ROSH- BUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘“‘SIERRA SAM” NOVELS, ETC., ETC,, ETC, CHAPTER I. “STHRRA BAM, YOU ARE WANTED,” Ramixz, a little Spanish settlement, not many dozens of miles from Tucson. Arizona, had in a measure caught ‘‘ the fever,” for gold had been found in and about the town in sufficient quan- _ tity to warrant sanguine hopes that. ‘Rough Ranch,” as the place was more familiarly known, would soon “kick the dust” in Leadville’s face as a place of importance, But there was a poor show for speculators, _ for the nabob of the town, Ramon de Ramirz, owned nearly all of the adjacent territory that was worth owning, thereby debarring strangers of a speculative turn from getting the vantage ty which to make money, j Ramirz was a Spaniard, to all intents, al- though it was evident that some American blood coursed in his veins; and a goodly share -of the people at the Ranch were of mixed de- scent. : There was a sprinkling of native Americans, however—rough, hard-working pilgrims, who jogged on at their every-day work, and counted it a picnic when there was any cause for excite- ment—for it was seldom that the slumberous little vurg in the mouth of the fotir mountain gaps awoke to any particular excitement, except over an occasional fight, or a report of some-ad- jacent road-agent raid, re ¥ The principal ‘' fun ”-producing place in Rough Ranch was the Casino, run by Joe Flanders, for there nearly all sorts of games of chanco -at- tracted the unwary, and tho man who entered it with a full pocket was rarely called upon to earry it out again, No hotel did Rough Ranch boast of, and what few passengers dropped off at the little moun- tain town were generaly sent for and endter- tained by Ramon de Ramirz, provided they were of sufficient importance to warrant such an invitation. If they were not, they were left to look after their own accommodation. It was in this way that the rich Don obtained a good deal of notoriety for his hospitality—for his board was furnished with the best luxuries afforded in that primitive region—and always had a servant awaiting the arrival of the stage, to conduct well-dressed and well-appearing par- _. ties to his handsome stone mansion, ‘When the Tucson stage rolled down into’ Rough Ranch one summer evening, just at sun- set, and came to a halt in front of the post- office, two passengers alighted. - One was a young lady whose garments were ‘covered by a gray duster, and whose face was rtly screened ata view by a white vail, which was arranged about her hat. » : ‘Sierra Sam’s Sentence. The man was a handsome, graceful fellow, clad in genteel garments, all except the broad- brimmed slouched sombrero upon his head, cov- ering a wealth of dark-brown hair which fell im a wavy mass upon his shoulders, In face he was handsome, with a graceful moustache and imperial, piercing dark eyes, and a firm, but pleasant mouth, denoting decided de- cision of character. 2 Few men of his type ever set foot in Rough Ranch; consequently, he became the target for many glances, Sierra Sam was this new-comer—the well- known sleuth-hound and ferret of the Sierra Nevadas; and the young lady was she who had formerly been Angel of Big Vista, but now Sam’s bride, The interesting ceremony had taken place in Tucson the day before their arrival in Rough Ranch, “Here we are at last,” Sam said, as he assist- ed Stella to alight. ‘‘The next thing is to find a good hotel,” “Tf you please, senor,” a smooth-faced young Spanish-American said, '*T have the honor, by orders from Don Ramon de Ramirz, to invite yourself and the senora to the hospitality of the mansion.” : ‘“‘ But is there no hotel?” Sam asked. ‘Phere is no hotel, senor, and that is why the Don extends to you the hospitality of his estab- lishment,” the servant replied. “Then lead on,” and offering his arm to Stella, they followed the servant up the main street of the town, soon cdming to the De Ramirz mansion. It was a large, rambling, ancient sort of structure, built of stone fromethe surrounding mountains, and more resembled some old Cas- tilian castle than a modern iesidence. Turrets ran up at each corner, fronting the street, and were overrun by clinging ivy, A. broad, arched entrance led into the ‘*eourt,” or plaza, from which halls branched off. in dif- ferent directions, the floors being covered with : bright rugs and the walls hung with pictures, _ “ Hello! I guess we have founda king’s palace in the wilderness!” Sam remarked, in alow tone . to Stella as they were about entering. - Ugh! Ido not like the looks of the place, dear,” the bride replied, with a shiver, ‘It re- minds'me of a grim old castle prison [ once read of in an English novel.” ; “Pooh! You'll quickly get over your disli’:e, no donbt.. As soon as I find what I want hee, we will set out for the Hast, Providence pern it- ting.” “But, Sammy, I fear some evil will befall us while we are in this town!” . “Oh! I guess not. I'll keep my weather-cye sharp open and look out for breakers,” _ They entered one of the great halls, and were thence conducted into a large, magnificently- furnished salon-parlor, where they were request= ed to be seated, and were asked for their cards, Sam smiled at this. . . Tn the social sphere in which he had for.so ne time moved he had not needed cards, excerba playing pack, so he drew an ace of hearts fy mr is pocket, and wrote upon the faceof it—' Sis erraSam,” i

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Sierra Sam’s Sentence. a 8s ‘With a bow the servant received it and took his departure, while Sam and Stella devoted their attention to looking around. Everything in the furnisbings of the room was of ‘rich, oriental style, and to import and bring to this far-away place must have cost a large fortune. Rare pictures, rich carpets, mats and draperies, fine pieces of statuary, exquisite ornaments and grand furniture all met the gaze —the light of a great Jamp chandelier throwing a mellow radiance over all. “This is too beautiful a place for a rambling spirit like me,” Sam declared, with a low laugh. ‘*T should feel out of place here,” ‘Oh! it’s grand—just such a place as I would like to call my home!” Stella said, enthusiasti- eally.. ‘‘ And yet it seems like a prison to me.” At this juncture a portly, dark-faced but not ill-looking man entered the room, and by his dress Sam judged that he was the Don, “You are welcome, senor and senorita,” he | accosted the guests, advancing with a pleasant smile. ‘* Americans are always welcome to the hospitality of Ramon de Ramirz. Newly- te ie eh?’ and he glanced first from Sam to tela. “ Yes—yesterday, at Tucson,” Sam replied, rising an shaking the Don's proffered hand. ‘‘We thought we’d stop over a few stages in Ramirz, but did not know there was no hotel.” “Tt is my wish that there should be none, as it gives me a chance to extend my hospitality to all strangers coming here, which otherwise T should not feel so free to do. Now, while Ferro shows you to your room, I will order sup- per.” ° vee rung a bell, and-the man-seryant reap- ared. ‘ ie Ferro, show the guests to the white cham- ber and’ be in waiting in the hall outside, to escort them to the supper-room, as soon as the have made their toilets,” the Don commanded. Ferro bowed and conducted Sam and Stella up a curious flight of stone stairs to the next floor; thence along a narrow, dimly-lighted corridor, to a room overlooking the street. He admitted them to the room, the walls of which were bung with white satin, with furni- ture to match, and retired. ; ‘What do you think of the Don?” Sam asked, when they were alone, “Oh! I am afraid of him,” Stella returned, with a shudder, ‘ Although his exterior may seem pleasant enough, I believe he is for all a ‘bold, bad man,” ~ : . “You may, and you may not be right,” Sam responded. “I am not favorably impressed with him, myself, although I have no cause to be suspicious.” . Soon after they went down to supper with Ferro in tho jead, ; _ They dinixg-hall was more plainly furnished, except the table, which was set with silver and likewise with a most tempting repast. The Don soon joined his guests, accompanied by a beautiful girl of some eighteen years, whom he introduced as ‘‘my daughter Inez.” She soon proved herself a most vivacious and ‘charming conversstionalist, and made herself. and those in her company at ease, by her art- less, charming manners, 3 | detective, “ Rather. Beauty of a rare type she possessed, both in face and figure, and she dressed in a style be- coming her personal charms. é She at once made friends with Stella, and as soon as supper was over, the two went for a Tamble through the queer mansion of the moun~ tains, leaving Sierra Sam and the Don linger- ing at their wine and ci ‘I believe I have. heard of you,” the Don was saying. ‘Let me see—you are a sort of in your way; are you not?” ,’ Sam replied, with a laugh. ‘I~ knock about the country, picking up points and putes: them to such use as I can,” “7 presume, during your experience, you” have occasionally looked in-on games of chance, have you not? What say you? Shall we run over to the Casino and look on?” “Thave no objections,” Sam responded; and accordingly they scon left the mansion. Going down the rugged, shanty-lined street, until they came to the Casino. saloon, they entered, to find themselves in such a scene as Sam had figured in many times before—a floor covered w chairs and tables, with a bar at one end of the room, and a collection of dirt- besplashed miners, better dressed gamblers and adventurers as acting figures in the scene. ‘ A goodly portion of the professional gamblers present were Spanish-Americans: dark-faced * ‘and treacherous looking. Here and there, how- ever, could be singled out a German, Yankee ‘or Irishman, and in one instance, a negro and a Chinaman, the latter two being engaged in a same of poker, and the sable individual evi- ently getting the best of the game, judging by nis buge guffaws, : As the Don and Sierra Sam entered, all eyes were turned upon them, for the dashing ap- — pearance of the ferret excited no little curiosity _ 5 among the habitues of the place. “This is_ the change hands,” the Don explained, and lost several here myself!” “Tye won “And bave plenty to spareyet, Idare say,” Sam observed, = * ‘Well, no. Iam by no means a millionaire, although not a beggar, I have enough for my current wants and no more, By the way, 1 see a party I wish to speak with privately, and I will leave you to yourself a few minutes,” He strode away then to another part of the room, where he engaged in conversation with a ounger man, who was dusky-faced, had pierc- ing black eyes, and hair, mustache and goateo to match. : Sam took a sharp look at him, so as to ; memorize him; then sauntered about the room, — down on the various games that were - looking ‘going on, i : At one table one gambler was throwing three- — ecard monte, and Sam instantly perceived that he was an adept at the business, : The victim was a rugged, long-geared but good-natured Yankee, of past the middle ABS ‘ who frequently gave vent to the cry ‘“‘hoop-la!? — which evidently was a favorite expression with — him. : Sam stopped, and looked on with curiosity, _ “There they are, nts,” the gambler cried, dexterously -fipping three new cards — oe oe down. : place where fortunes often» —

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‘ Se ee 4a Sierra Sam’s Sentence. upon the table, backs upward—‘‘the aces of hearts, diamonds, and spades, respectively. The aces of hearts wins ten dollars! Buy your chips, and place ’em on your choice of two,” ‘*Hoop-la! durn my skin ef I don’t go ye anuther whirl,” the Yankee responded, purchaS- ing ten dollars’ worth of chips, and covering one of the cards. ‘That's ther beauty, this time, sure sart?in.” ** Any one else want to make or lose a for- tune?” the gambler demanded, his gaze wander- ing from face to face, and finally dwelling for an instant upon Sierra Sam’s, A miner soon put ten dollars upon a second eard, and the gambler covered tha other— which, of course, was the winning card, and he raked in the chips. “Durn my luck! I’m bu'sted, by thunder!” Hoop-la cried, with a grimace. ‘* Sixty dollars hey I lost, jest as simple as A, B, C,, an’ I ain’t got_even ther wherewithal to buy a drink of coffin-nails with.” ; “ Ary other gent got any confidence in the shrewdness of their eyés?”? Dandy Dell, the gambler, asked, with asarcastic grin. ‘' Watch me close now!” And he dexterously threw the cards. “Pretty flip at the game, [ see,” Sam said,/ advancing to the table, ‘None better in the country than I,” the gambler replied, boastingly. “And yet you are very bad,” Sam retorted. “T can pick out your ace of hearts, nine times out of ten, for money.” ' The gambler laughed scornfully. Z “What do you want to bet?” he sneered, pro- ducing fresh cards, * “ Anything that is agreeable to you,” Sam a ag nonchalantly. ‘* Say a thousand dol- ars. “Humph! You must be flush: However, Tl go you.” Once. He threw the cards. the ace of hearts with a smile. Nine times more, in quick succession, were the cards thrown, and as mAny times the ace of hearts was instantly picked up by the Cali- fornian. : . F ‘© Your thousand dollars!” he said, when he had won, ‘ Fork over!” : ; ‘Pil be cursed if I will!” the gambler re- “plied, leaping to his feet and drawing a re- volver. _ Just then, however, Don Ramon rushed up, 1 “Sierra Sam, you are wanted!” he criéd, ex- citedly. “Your wife is missing!” Sam picked. up CHAPTER II. fs SEARCHING. Sam turned upon the Don fiercely. “What is this you tell me?” he demanded, sternly—‘‘ my wife is missing?” “Ay, missing!” De Ramirz replied, wringing his hands in evident despair. ‘‘ Come quickly to the mansion.” , ss He turned and fled from the saloon thén, and Sierra Sam followed closely at his heels, and a large portion of the habitues of the salooa be- hind him, - When they arrived at the mansion the Don and Sam alone entered, the former locking the other's oub, if Ip the parlor they found Inez de Ramirz in tears. ‘‘Oh, Mr. Slocum!” she cried hysterically, “I could not help it—indeed I could not!” “What do you mean? Explain yourself!” Sam demanded, sternly. ‘‘ What do you mean —where is my wife?” ‘*{ do not know—oh! I do not know, sir! I Jeft your lady, for a moment, to come down- stairs for a glass of wine for her, as she said she felt faint, and on my return she was gone, from the blue chamber where I left her. I hastily called the servants and had’ the house searched from top to bottom, but could find no trace of her. Oh! dear, what can I do—what can be. done, toward finding her?” Sam heard her through, patiently, his face whiter than usual, and his eyes emitting a wild, strange glance, “Well, I do not see what more you can do, if all is as you'say!” he replied, ‘‘ but if Stella left this mansion, some one surely, would have seen her! I do not believe that she is outside of these walls,” he declared with some heat, “Sir, you speak as though you questioned my daughter’s words!” De-Ramirz cried, stepping quickly forward, in a white rage. ‘ Apologize, or [ll throw you out of my house!” “Tm afraid you'll find that rather a hard act to perform,” Sam retorted, significantly. “As soon asI am allowed the privilege of ex- _ amining your house, I shall be pleased to seek safer hospitality.” ““Then you refuse to apologize?” “Why, certainly! Sorry if I have hurt your daughter’s feelings, but, you see it isa privilege among all detectives, to suspect whomsoever they please, regardless of personality.” : “Tt is not your privilege to. cast unjust im- putations upon my daughter, and I tolerate no insult to me or mine, Ferro!” The man-servant quickly appeared, in answer to the cat, ; . “Ferro,” the Don repeated, ‘show this man through the house. When you have satisfied him that his wife is not in the mansion, turn about and kick him out of it! Come, Inez, dear,” and taking her by the amm, the Spaniard led the way into another room, Sierra Sam laughed mockingly after them, and turned to Ferro, ‘Lead on, my Christian friend,” he said,- grimly. ‘ff will see what manifold secrets this hospitable resort has to disclose, and then, you can throw me out of bet if youcan.” . ‘‘{ do not propose to meastire strength with a man of your evident caliber,” Ferro replied, showing two rows of ivories, in a knowin grin, “The Don is hot in one minute and coo in another. He'll ask you to stay, before you go, no doubt.” : They went up-stairs, and made a thorough examination of every room, hall and alcove, until every spot had been visited; but it was all without avail. ; No trace of the Californian’s missing bride could be found—nothing in the way ofa clew, to. ces

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_ that Icould tell you more, but my sealed by an oath, the breaking of which, would Le —- os Sierra Sam’s Sentence. 5 |r ive indication of her whereabouts, except that er wraps still remained in the white chamber, where she had taken them off, “There is evidently nothing to be gained by serene here,” Sam averred; ‘det us go be- ow. They went down-stairs, accordingly, and Sam looked through the lower rooms, When he had finished his fruitless search and was about leaving the mansion, the Dom strode out into the hall, ‘* Well?’ he interrogated, gruffly. “Well,” Sam answered sternly, “I have found nothing of my wife, and sball hold you re- sponsible for her loss, That you or your daugh- ter must know something concerning her where- abouts seems but natural to me, and I will give i only a necessary length of time to find her, am ready to be thrown out, sir!” “Ferro! thrust that fellow into the street!” Ramirz roared, his rage increasing. ‘Say to the men of Rough Ranch that I have ordered them to mob him out of town.” Ferro grinned. “T have no desire to die instantly, your Honor,” he declared. ‘‘The long-haired gen- tleman will go without being forced out, I know.” “Right you are!” Sam assented. ‘TI will go, glad to get into a purer atmosphere than I think this p'ace boasts of. Ramon de Ramirz, I com- mand rete to return me my bride! If you do not, ’ll make this place accursed.” Then, as Ferro opened the door, the Califor- nian passed into the street, where the larger share of the camp’s population were gathered about in groups, discussing the current report that the wife of the long-haired, dashing stranger was missing. 7 No sooner did he appear, than he was besieged by this crowd of curious ones, and fad with inquiries in regard to the missing bride. ith his usual coolness, in spite of the pain- ful cire imstances, Sam related all that he knew about the matter, and rigidly questioned the rough audience, but: no acknowledgment could he get out of them that they tad seen anything of Stella, except at the time of the arrival of the stage. Soon after, Joe Flanders, .the proprietor of the Casino, called Sierra Sam to one side, Flanders was an open-faced, keen-eyed fel- low, of American parentage, whom every one knew only to respect, for his manly qualities were many. - Sam took a mental inventory of him inean instant. and made up*his mind that he wasa man who could be trusted. “See here, stranger,” Flanders ‘said, when they were out of ear-shot, away from the crowd, ‘‘ do you know what’s what?” Well it depends on what what you bave reference to,” Sam answered, with a smile. ““T mean, do you know that you have tum- bled down here into a hornets’ nest?” “Well, Ireckon I’m rather on to that con- clusion,” Sam confessed. “Tam glad of it. If you knew all that I know, you’d never have come here. I would lips are Sabai , \ ae me something I hold dearer than my own e, “Ah! but you can tell me one thing which will be service to me—is my wife within the camp?” : “She is not a thousand miles away,” Flan- ders rephed. ‘That is all I can tell you, more _ than to look out for yourself. Mistrust and distrust everything and everybody, or you'll find yourself in a bad fix, This to you simply as a friend.” ent / Flanders turned and walked away, leaving Sam to his own reflections. It was some time before Sam was able to form any plan of action, and in the mean time be wandered up and down the street in deep medi- tation, his face flushed’ with the indignation he could not help feeling at the loss of his bride. He was positive that Ramirz was in-ssome way connected With her disappearance, or at least knew something about it, and it was not often that a decided suspicion took possession of the Californian’s mind whlch proved entirely — groundless, so keen were ‘his perceptions—so quick his judgment. ‘ “Tf Ramirz:is or is not guilty of complicity in this evident abduction, he is at least hence- forth my enemy, and no doubt, judging by the fellow’s tell, who just put me on bie an all- | powerful personage among these dusky-skinned miners. Probably I could hardly gain the foot- ing here that I got over in Big Vista.” } e was pretty well satisfied that no amount of inquiry could elicit any information of Stella’s whereabouts, and so he did not say much more on the subject to any one, Rough nch was wide-awake the better sbare of the night, midnight bringing no notice- able thinning in the people abroad; but Sam, with his ever-watchful eyes, could not fail to notice one thing. J } There wasa Ramon de Ramirz element at work among them, and that element was embodied in the individuality of two persons—cne, the man whom De Ramirz bad talked with in the saloon; the other the gambler, Dandy Dell. % With great industry did those parties go from person to person and engage them in conversa- tion, and Sam guessed that they were arousing a feeling against him in the interest of Ramon de Ramirz. 5 ** Let ’em go ahead!” he -said, a resolute light in his eyes. ‘‘1f they contemplate warring with Sam’l, they may take just a step too far!” The more-he watched the movements of the two men, the firmer became his conviction that his supposition was correct, for, after being talked to, the majority of the men turned any- thing but friendly glances toward the Califor- nian. “Wait till it comes handy for me to encoun- ter that gambler!” Sam muttered, ‘‘ Vl show him some Sierra science.” The chance came sooner than he Bad expected, for Dandy Dell came sauntering along pomp- ously toward where Sam was standing in front of the post-cffice, engaged in smoking a cigar. Just as he came opposite, Sam stepped for- ward and confronted pine is ‘Hello! what the dence do you want?” the sta a a

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" 6 “Bxactly one thousand dollars!” was Sam’s poremptory auswer, ‘I presume that, if you are a gentleman, when you make bets you pay them when you lose.” , “Tf I like, I do—otherwise not. Get out of my way, you fool, or T’ll mop tho street with ut" “Tthink not!” Sam cried, and the next in- stant his iron grasp was upon the card-sharp. Picking him up as though he wee but a babe, Sam hurled hing from him fully fv» feet through fa ed when he fell to the ground with a heavy u For several seconds. he lay without a quiver, and acrowd quickly collected with threateniug exclamations. : But Sam did not stir out of his tracks, CHAPTER Ill, BANDEL, fim knew that the storm which had been gathering was about to burst, and hoped it ‘would. come at once and keep bim from sus- pense, for he was in the spirit to meet it. The gambler was picked up by some of his friends, but was too unconscious to stand, and was carried to his shanty some distance away, The crowd, however, hovered near, and the black-mustached man with the goatee, with whom Sam had seen the Don conversing, soon approached the Californian, his dusky face by no means pleasant in its expression, ‘* So you are inclined to create a rumpus here are you?” he demanded, gruffly. : “Yes, when [ perceive that there is a treach- erous undercurrent working against me,” Sam answered, notbing daunted. ‘ff you refer to the card cull, I have only to say it isa pity I didn’t break his neck.” : “Ob! you’re independent, are you? Well, maybe you won’t be quite so much so directly. Through Don Ramon’s directions, I order you to leave this town, and never set foot in it again at the peril of your life.” Sam faughed, and surveyed his admonisher with a quizzical stare, ‘¢ Well, I must say you have a power of as- surance,” he declared. ‘‘ What .has Don Ramon or any one.else to do with my staying here?” “Ramirz runs this town, and what he says yon can bet is law among the men. So when e decides on a point, it always gets carried out.” ‘Well, you can just go over and lisp it gently in your master’s ear that when Sierra Sam’ gets ready to leave Rough Ranch, he will do so, and not before; and, furthermore, say that I will come and go when it pleases me, regardless of any blustering threats that he or his tools may make,” “We shall see about that. Ill turn Bandel loose on you as sure as my name's Frocard!” And with a string of maledictions, the Span- iard strode pray Who or what Bandel was, Sam of course had no way of knowing just then, nor did he care . Much. He turned and went back to the Casino, a num- ber of the crowd Se iar 8 him, evidently in- tending not to lose sight of him. i, But Sam paid no. attention to them whatever Cus Sierra Sam’s Sentence. TT a TS Seating himself at a vacant table, he lit a cigar and busied himself in observing what was going - on around bim, Shortly afterward a man burst into the saloon, which, the instant afteward, echoed with a roar that fairly mado the windows shake and eman- ated from the new-comer’s lusty pair of lungs. Was this Bandel? Sam concluded so, and knew from the moment that if- such were the case, he had a desperate character to contend with, for the man was a very giant in size, armed to his teeth, and, more than all else, was a raving maniac! One glance at his fiery eyes showed that. “Flooray fer hornpipes an’ huckleberry pics © ferever!” the giant roared, prancing around among the chairs and tables, the men being care- ful to make room forhim. ‘‘Once more do 1, King George, breathe the pure air o’ freedom, Turned loose once more to slay one of my mor- tal foes, ere lam again remanded back to my gloomy dungeon. here is he?—oh! let me gaze upon him, this: milk-faced vampire Iam to ex- terminate!” - He glared about him fiercely; his huge pro- portions, his passion-furrowed face, glaring eyes and disheveled hair all helped to make his ap-~ pearance at once frightful and repulsive. Fiercely his piercing gaze swept down over the sea of faces, until his eyes fell uopn the Cali- fornian—then an expression of triumph fight- ened up his ugly countenance, and he strode forward, “Hooray! Hyer’s my little mouthful of bu- manity, I do declare!” he roared again, pausing and glaring down upon Sam with curiosity. ‘You're my calf to kill when ther prodikle re- turns!” \ “Well, old gent, what’s out of kilter with you?” Sam asked, eying him narrowly. ‘ Lit- tle off your circumstance this evenin’, eh?” “No, not this evenin’,” the lunatic replied, with a malicious grin. “Tam King George, o: Great Britain, here in see of Bandel. I have been ordered to get rid of you, and I am going ter to it.” e is that so?” Sam queried. ‘ S’posin’ I ob- ject? i “‘Ohol When I say die, it must be so,” the giant replied. “T want you to understand, my noble galoot, that you can’t touch one side of me, and it you're not very careful, I’ll take your scalp and use it for a rug to wipe my feet on?” & A look of incredulous amazement swept over the maniac’s face, showing that the words of tae California cool-blade impressed him more snare, than anything he had heard in a long ime. | “You!” he finally gasped, life one dazed, * ‘¢-You bet; I!” Sam reassured; “I’m a living earthquake, an’ the man who tries to get up a breeze with me’most always gets badly used up.” “But, ye see, I’m King George, ther greatest king thet ever ruled a nation, an’ ’m yer tenth exception. See!” and with a lightning move- ment he leaped forward. : But, quick though he was, Sierra was quicker. Ducking his head; he darted like a h be- as tween the giant’s | when, raising qui he “spilled” bim apenas ‘ground 4p a. ae eR aw cabs jatar SS ae RES

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Sierra Sam’s Sentence. 2 then turning, he shoved the muzzle of a cocked revolver in under Bandel’s nose and held it there menacingly. “Move an inch and Ill give you the con- tents!” he cried, sternly. The maniac evidently thought so, too. If crazy, he had enough sense to remain perfectly et no doubt having as great a terror of grim eath as any ove else, “Do you know what I’ve a notion to do with you, you big overgrown tool of Ramon de Ramirz?”’ he demanded. 2 ‘Kill me!” Bandel replied, with a sneer, “That's right. If you don’t kill me when I’m down, I'll kill you when I get up!” ““T never take advantage of & man, when he is down!” Sam retorted; ‘‘so rise to your feet. and go your way in peace, remembering that, i am your master, and you dare not harm me!” He spoke in a tone and manner that were authoritative. Bandel arose to his feet. hesitating air. ‘*Ha! bal strange! strange I did not know you before. dey you are Nero—yes, Nero of old! Why I would not harm you for worlds!” he cried, wildly. ‘‘ Nero! glorious Nero; no monarch to equal you. Give mé your fist, and I am your friend forever!” “Glad you have changed your tune,” Sam said dryly, allowing the giant to grasp his hand, “ Better run back now and let old Ramirz vage you, hadn’t you?” A cae grin came upon the maniac's face. “Maybe I should, my noble Nero, if I hadn’t met you, but now, I say no! Two kings and monarchs shall we be, and no more dungeon fare will I see. Iam free! free! free. at last!” The last words were roared forth in a sten- torian voice that fairly made the house tremble, after which the giant struck out for the door, With alarmed cries a number of the Spanish- Americans, present, attempted to check him, but all to no purpose; in an instant, he was gone from the saloon. ‘ A nuwwber of the crowd gave chase—it seemed evident that they were afraid to allow the lunatic to escape. : Probably they also were tools and subjects of Ramirz, Sam reasoned, “711 bet P'vo struck a friend in the maniac, though,” he muttered, *‘ as long as his hallucin- ation tbat 1 am Nero, continues. Aud if I mis- take not a friend indeed is a friend needed in this bell-hole.” Attention was now turned from him, and he expected no immediate trouble. he procured several sheets of white paper and a marking-pot from Flanders, and proceed- ed to paint some reward notices, which, when finished read as follows: “$500 REWARD! “ To whom it may concern :— * My wife, Estelle Slocum, having been abducted He wore a puzzled, by & party or parties unknown, (said abduction hay-. - ing aken roe at the house of one Ramon de Ramirz) and believing that she is still within the limits of this camp, I will pay the above sum of money to the first person who shall give me positive information of her present whereabouts and the whereabouts of her abductor and captor. - ; : “Sierra Sam.” Then, procuring some tacks and a hummer, he went forth from the saloon, and posted the bills up in conspicuous places. : Passing the Ramirz mansion, & spirit of devil- ment caused him to pause, then he mounted the steps, and in a moment more had one of bis notices tacked upon the front door! The door suddenly opened, and Ramon de Ramirz appeared. ‘ Sam laughed, and the Spaniard uttered an oath expressive—or meant to be—of his great astonishment, “Well! What the deuce do you mean by posting bills on my front door?” he demanded, ‘““Why, I bad such a circus here, and you keep such a stock of wild beasts around yon, that I thought it would be a good bill-board!” Sam retorted. ‘‘ Better read it and see. if you can’t profit by it.” And he pointed to the sign, Instead, Ramirz Gregpled with him, and, as Sam was unprepared for such an act, they sr down the steep steps, into the street, to- gether, Here, for the space of several moments, they rolled 6ver and over, neither of them gaining - the top; for the Don was a far stronger an more agile man than Sam had at first estimated him to be. At last Sam gained the top, and it is doubtful what the result would have been, bad not, at this instant, several of the Don’s' men, includ- ing Ferro, dashed up, and pounced upon Sam, overpowering and making him a captive in short order, although he struggled desnerately _to preserve his liberty! : if CHAPTER IV. A FOUND FRIEND. ; Now that he was a prisomper, Sam was marched down the street, under c.0se guard, the Don taking the lead quite pompously, despite. the fact that the skin “barked” from his nose. When the vicinity of the post-office was reached, a halt was made, and Sam was securely bound to a tree which grew by the side of the street. t The majority of the crowd. then withdrew, out of earshot, and held a long consultation, m which oaths in a loud voice could occasionally - be heard. Finally they came surging back toward Sam, Ramirz, as before, in the lead. But when they came toa halt, another man acted as spokesman in the Spavicrd’s place—an American be was, and less evil in appearance _ than the larger part of the population. .. ‘*But I can expect none the more mercy for that fact!” Sam argued to himself, ies And he was right, as usual, “Sierra Sam!” the man said, weighing his words carefully as bespoke them—‘ Sierra Sam, do you know that you are occupying a very un- _ enviable position-at present?” “Yas, Pm aware that this tree and I were not made for one another,” Sam responded, - ‘But you don’t catch my meanivg,” persisted the spokesman, ‘I mean to impress upon your mind that you have, git speaking, ven- — (ae ” tured into thé jaws of deat! threaten to close on you.” ad been pretty severely 8 and the jaws

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7 Sierra Sam’s Sentence. ‘Well, let them close,” retorted Sam, appa- rently in no way disconcerted by the frightful prospect. ‘I haven’t been chewed up and swallowed by a whale in some time.” : **See here! this is nonsense,” Don Ramon cried, sternly, ‘Sand you may as well talk: sanely. Your presence in this place 1s regarded by every one as an intrusion, and we wish to ask you asa body of citizens—will you peacefully take your / departure and never return here again, if we give you your liberty?” “No, I will not /” Sam responded, promptly. ** You'll find I’m a stayer, right from the old school. When you produce her whom you stole -away from me—then I will be only too happy to bid you an affectionate and tearful adicu. Bat, until you do restore to me my wife, PU make this town a place of terror in the annals of Western history—and don’t you forget that!” “* We shall see about that,” Ramirz declared, gruffy. “If you will not goof your own ac- cord we will help you to go—and hear me swear it—if you ever return again, Pll give a thousand ee to the man who shoots you down like a - Then turniug to Ferro, he ordered: ‘ Bring the wild horse, Ferro!” A murmur of something like horror ran through the cr>wd as they heard the order, and comprehended the meaning. Sam heard it, too, and was not at a loss to comprehend, He was to be hitched at the heels of an un- tamed horse, and in this manner dragged out of town into the rough and rocky labyrinths.of the mouatains. Little wonder that a chil] crept down his spine, but he threw off what might have been to others a feeling of horror, by assuming a de- fiant glance. “Yes, bring on your horse, if you like!” he cried, his tones defiant and ringing; ‘‘ but do not fail to remember that henceforth the curse of Sierra Sam is upon this town, and for all time!” ‘“¥our curse amounts to but little,” Ramirz assured him, with a laugh. “When you find yoursalf being trailed through the mountains on your back at a speed of twelve miles an hour, you'll mayhap begin to realize how insignificant a person you are.” - : * And when, phenix-like, I rise from out of the cloud of dust left behind me, and prove that I can be equally as much a devil as it ismy nature to be an honorable man—then tremble, and ask who made Sierra Sam an ‘ avenger.’” Ina moment more a dozen men approached, leading with great .effort a powerful, fierv- spirited horse, which seemed to chafe greatly under confinement. A strong rope, sme thirty feet in length, was |- then tied to Sievra Sam’s feet, and the other end of it noosed about the stallion’s breast. A fine specimen of the equine race was the animal, being of unusual size and graceful pro- Sinetee with a flowing mane and tail, and a aughtily poised head, and flashing, fiery eyes. His color was a jet black, and Sierra Sam ‘seemed to be greatly surprised at sight of him, _ for he gave vent to a peculiar laugh. “ What's the matter?’ Ramirz demanded, angrily. ‘‘I should think you’d be praying, in- stead of laughing!” ‘* Maybe you’d like that privilege, too!” Sam retorted, with sarcasm, ‘‘ As I happen to run eny own business, I presume I shall alternate prayer and laughter at times to suit myself— not to please you. I was just wondering where you got hold of my horse!” “Of your horse?” the Don ejaculated ia amazement, “Why of course! I was forced to leave him once, in the eastern part of this territory, and have never seen him since. To prove to you what I say, Dll speak to him, and then give you leave to start me off upon my journey. Ranger!” He uttered the last word sharply, as he lay upen the ground—for he had been unfastened from the tree, The horse pricked up his ears, and turned quickly around with a whinny, knocking down several of the men that were holding bim. The fiery eyes roved from face to face until they rested upon the prostrate Californian— then an expression of almost human intelligence ~ became visible upon the wild steed’s face. Another whinny of recognition escaped the horse; no one who gazed upon the man and the brute could doubt that Sierra Sam had found a friend among strangers, “Ranger!” he called again, and the sagacious animal with a glad whinny, walked forward and smelled of the captive ferret, licking his” clothing as a dog might have done. ‘That's all, gentlemen!” Sam said, to the astonished crowd. ‘I have found a friend among a corral of wolves, and your ruffianly lan is frustrated. If you want to kill me now, ‘ll guarantee this noble brute will avenge me!” “We'll see about that!” Ramirz gritted, a .poriae gleam entering his eyes, as he drew a nife, : “Ranger! Quick!” yelled Sam, and with a sudden movement the animal wheeled around like a top, biting and kicking in every direc- tion, : Ramirz got a kick in the stomach that doubled him up like a jackknife, and several others got severely bit or kicked, all in the space of a minute, Those lucky enough to escape, were not slow - getting at a safe distance from the infuriated or'se, While the crowd stood gaping and irresolute, Sam managed to get upon his feet and then clamber upon the back of the steed. j In another instant, at his command, the horse was dashing furiously up the gulch street. Turning so that he could look back, the dar- ing Californian cried: “Beware! The curse of Sierra Sam rests upon Rough Ranch! When I come it shall be. to introduce death into your midst, until you give meup my bride!” 3 A moment more and a bend in the gulch hid. him from view. Weeks went by. if { Rough Ranch now waxed famous, becan=¢ «new and valuable gold mines, had beeu Wi Be - ag s

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~ Sierra Sam’s Sentence, Pec earthed, which Ramon de Ramirz did not own | you will give me that woman as my wife, T will or control, but which hard-working miners had located and staked out for themselves, This discovery called in a new class of people peculiar to the average mining settlement, such as spectators, thieves, gamblers and knaves at large, who lived “by their wits, in preference to doing manual labor, In fact, Rough Ranch grew and prospered. What sin, crime or like similar excitement could not be found therein, was not worth speaking of, and the citizens of the booming mountain town looked down on its smaller sis- ter camps with great contempt. Now that the influx was largely composed of sturdy Americans, Ramon de Ramirz became day by day a person of less importance and of less influence, which was galling to him, in the extreme, And not to him alone, but to those of his Spanish subjects, who upheld him. - To have the Yankee element take control of the town and run things pretty much to suit themselves, was altogether against his inclina- tions and wishes. - One night Ramirz anda dashing young Spaniard, named Carlos Meiro, sat in the Don’s private parlor, engaged in snioking and drink- ing, when the topic of conversation turned upon the power which the Yankees were gaining in ‘the place, “They have already fairly obtained control of the camp, and we have little or nothing to say in our own town,” Carlos said, candidly. *<T am not dead to the fact,” Don Ramon replied, his dusky face assuming an ugly scowl. “The influx of miners has wrought the change, sand weakened my power. They're already two to our one, and more coming by every stage. It is buta matter of a short time when the will have entire control of everything in Roug Ranch.” ‘* Even steal your own mines from you!” Car- los sneered, ‘‘ And are you going to stand this, Don Ramon?” . ‘How am Tf going to hinder it, or help my- self? The Yanks outnumber my friends two to one, and are a rough and lawless gang!” ‘“ Nevertheless, there is a way,” the younger villain declared, ‘* by which youcan regain your former power and prestige. Listen, and I will tell you.” He bent forward and’spoke long and earnest- ly, while the Don listened with great eagerness, showing often, by the expression of his counte- nance, that he favored Meiro’s argument. When the man had concluded, the Don said: “Your scheme might work well, I believe, and if it did, would surely be of benefit to me. You say you have all the men picked out?” “T have.” ; “And for the sake of re-establishing me as ruling spirit in Rough Ranch you will prosecute this proceeding?” \ \ Carlos grinned sarcastically. ‘* Oh! certainly—on conditions!” he responded, with a chuckle. ‘‘ On certain conditions!” * Humph! what are they?” “Tl tell you. I have heard it said that you hold possession of one most beautiful woman— the same whom Sierra Sam lost while here, If [earn eee eee do all that I have proposed to you.” “Bab! what puts such foolish ideas in your head, Carlos? I know nothing whatever of Si- erra Sam’s lost bride, nor do I want to, As nothing has been heard from him lately, I pre- sume he has found her and cleared out.’ “Don’t. be too sanguine on that score, He may oie in on youatany time. As for the woman, [am not yet convinced but what you have her secreted somewhere.” “Think whatever you choose—I know best, There is my daughter, Inez, too, whom you have been paying attentions to. Better look sharp ~ lest she becomes jealous and lets her passion get the best of her, She is a fury then,” Carlos laughed. “Fear not. We are not lovers,” he said. “Your amiable daughter has gone off a-loving a far handsomer man than I.” ““ Who?” the Don demanded, quickly. , ‘* Sierra Sam, I believe!” was Meiro’s laconic answer. ‘a ‘The devil! Dll see to thet! She must be ae : ‘Not # bit of it. She knows her business. But how about the other matter? Give me my price, and the good work shail begin.” ‘Should I be able to get hold of the git, Pi give her to you, but cannot do so when I know nothing about her.” 2 “Well, I pppert shall have to take your word tor it. SoI will have proceedings begun, whereby you will resume your ‘ boss-ship’ of Rough Ranch.” ; “Do so, and you shall not lose by it, I promise you,” Don. Ramon asseverated, soon after which Carlos Meiro, or Black Carlos, as Be was more familiarly known, took his depar- ure. A compact had been made that opened up one of the greatest wrongs against one man that Western annals of crime ever recorded. - ‘ The.next morning, when the people of Rough : Ranch awakened, they found a most startling notice posted against the sides of several houses. It ran as follows: “NOTICE! “Beneath this announcement, on the ground, lies one dead man, eine the initial fruits of Sierra Sam's vengeance against Rough Ranch and its citizens. The reign of terror has just begun. Sierra Sam came to your eas a stranger, and you turned upon. him and stole his bride. Some one of ree is guilty— look among yourselves and find out! Restore the lost bride, and the reign of terror shaN cease. Otherwise, I'll turn all Rough Ranch into a grave- yard! Smmrra Sam,” CHAPTER V. : THE MAN FRQM YUMA AND HIS LITTLE PARD, LirtLe wonder that Rough Ranch was in a red-hot condition the next few days, after the terrible warning. ~ Day and night almost, groups of men stood about the street, in consultation; purses were raised and rewards offered for the capture of \the vengeful son of the Sierras, whose wrath x Eat

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30 was declared against the citizens of the moun- tain metropolis, and on two more ocvasions was a dead man found upon the street. A band of Vigilantes were organized in se- crecy, and posted in various parts of the camp, to keep up a watch incessant, and every new- comer, whether he came in on foot, horseback or on stage, was given a rigid examination, lest * he be the dread avenger in disguise, : One morning Joe Breck, the sturdy, keen- eyed chief of the Vigilantes was found dead in front of the Casino, where he had been seen the night before, in full health and spirits. t was literally the last straw which broke the ’ camel’s back, and the people fairly howled their indignation, The street swarmed with the excited popu- lace, and terrible maledictions were hurled upon the name of Sam Slocum, Breck had been stabbed in the back. Some one was wanted to fill his place, and a conference was held among the principal citi- zens to determine upon another, While the discussion was in pfogress, a well- built but dirty, shabbily-dressed pilgrim crowd- ed forward—a man with a dusky countenance, the better share of which was covered witha jetty black beard and hair. He wore a greasy slouch hat; his revolvers were beauties in point of size and finish; when he spoke his voice was like a roll of thunder, * Hello! I say hyar, nda yer huckle- berry fer ter fill Breck’s place, ef ye want a man what's sharper than the blow-end uv a razzer, stronger than old Hercules, braver than ther ‘roarin’est lion uv Asia. Did yer ever heer of Jake Yuma, boyees?” Had they? : These excited pilgrims of Rough Ranch rather thought they had. A fame, throughout that part of Arizona, had Yuma, like unto George Washington, from the fact that he was credited with having pitched into and killed some twenty members of old Miguel’s outlaw gang, once upon a time, and still lived to tell of the wonderful exploit. . So that many curious glances were leveled upon the man from Yuma, whose prowess was so confessed; but he laughed in his deep, thunderous tones. ‘* Don’t git skeart acause I worsted them pas- sal o’ road-agents, up nor’, ’ca’se ’m jest as calm asa Car’lina kewkumber now, an’ wouldn’t hurt ye for a ten-cent drink o’ blue vitriol. I drapt down here tew lay ina new stock o’ provender fer a prospectin’ trip, an’ heerin’ o’ the defickelty ther town has got into, I thort mebbe I might be 0’ some sarvice!” “Well, boyees, what d’ye think about it?” Joe Flanders asked, looking the «crowd over inquir- ingly. ‘' Yo’ve nigh about all heerd tell about Jake Yuma. Ef ye want a fu’st-class fighter and a man who'll die game wi’ his boots on, jest say Oa 3 ‘Does the man unders.and the case?” a ass rei miner inquired, who had lost a brother n ono of the recent visitations of the avenger, “Roackon I’ve got it all down, pat as pat can be,” Yuma replied, with a nod. ‘Ter begin with, ye drove a galoot named Sierra from yer town, an’ he swore vengeance—ain’t that so?” Sierra Sam’s Sentence. “Correct.” Flanders assented, *‘* though et war Ramirz who instigated the movement.” “* Perzactly!” nodded Yuma. ‘‘ Don Ramirz bossed the town then, an’ aire losin’ ground since ye’re fillin? in wi? Yanks. Might be possible thet through his agency ye’re gittin’ all this blumbago an’ steel taffy, while yer Sierra Sam is gittin’ all ther credit fer et. Nevertheless, ef ye want to collectively gather inter yer net the chap Sam’l, why [ll jest tell ye what Vildo. Vl take er trail of ten days, an’ ef I don’t fetch ther galoot ter Limerick ye kin jest lay my thrut across ther handiest log an’ chop my pericranium off!” ‘“Mair enough, that!” assented Flanders, “What d’ye say, boys?” The majority of the crowd signified their ap- proval, and Yuma was forthwith declared chief of the Vigilantes. : “Now, then, Pll pick out my own men!” he said, ‘‘ just as I happen ter cum across sum fel- ler wot I jedge ter be sharp. Jest hold het hosses, though, an’ P’Il saow ye my gal, Sal Slick. She’s a hull host in herself!" He took a wooden whistle from his pocket and blew a shrill blast. A moment Jater a scrawny, dwarfed mule came trotting down the street, upon whose back sat a young girl—a mere child of nine or ten pone who was. dressed in boy costume from oots to sombrero, About as pert a looking miss was she as. is often encountered, her face being saucily pretty, with a roguish mouth, danciag brown eyes, and the whole partly framed by a wealth of curling SE Rare oh tit graceful, and n figure she was petite, yet ‘ul, and wag, altogether a most pmritee child, us “Hello! Whoa, Thunderbolt!” she cried, aa she espied Yuma. “ What?s the racket, daddy " “ Bizness, Sal—bizness!” Yuma answered, ad. vancing. ‘‘ Make ye quaint wi’ ther representa- tive citizens 0’ Rough Ranch, wi’ whom we've gotadicker. I’ve jest tuck ther job o’ capterin’ a cut-throat who’s named Sierra Sam, an’ ef I don't succeed wi’in ten days ye'll be left an or- phint, ’case I’ve went my head on ther ginerale result,” “Bully boy, daddy! Jest count on Little Sal ter lend yea lift. ut, I say, whois goin’ ter provide ther chuck? I’m as hungry as a b’ar w’ot can’t eat.” “Well, come along to the Casino, and [ll do the agreeable,” Flanders said. ‘‘ Probably you wouldn’t like Ramirz’s hospitality?” “Waal, I should snort negatively, you bet!” Yuma replied, with a shrug, which pretty plain. ly expressed his opinion of the Don and his place. From that hour Yuma and his child became rime favorites among the Yankee element of ough Ranch. — / Sallv may have been a just cause of part of this liking, for she was always as pleasant as a streak of sunshine, pert and saucy, and at the same time apparently able to take care of her- self, Saat Fo Yuma, after bis first introduction, avec y became more staid, and had apne he eceasionally allowed his outland: 7, althong' e

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Sierra Sam's Sentence. 1i ties to have enough scope to show that by nature he was somewhat of a wag. While he studied those with whom he came in contact, narrowly, he was also studied by the people, who somehow did not seem to have as full confidence in him as they: should, consider- ee position, his was perhaps in a measure owing to the fact that a powerful opponent was cautiously working against him, in the person of Carlos Meiro, Supplied with large amounts of money, by Ramon de Ramirz, the crafty young Spaniard was spending freely among all classes, he him- self the while simulating to be on a ‘‘bu’st!” to use a familiar phrase, : But to a close observer, it would have become at once apparent that his semi-intoxication was all put on, and that his sole purpose of eae fe gance was to draw over to the Ramirz side, the major part of the population, bere was one man, howeyer, who was thor- oughly alive to the work that was going on, and that person was Jake Yuma. His keen observing eyes let not one important action escape bis notice, and it may be safe to add that few minor items there were. that did not come in under his surveillance or that of his right bower, Sally Slick. ’ As fully acute of ear and eye as her -blacik- bearded parent, was Sally, and when her merry eyes became set upon a person, it was with a reading power that was irresistible, Even while studiously scrutinizing a person, she was as bright, piquant and saucy as one well could be, and won many friends. She too had discovered the fact that Carlos Meiro was feeding the men on money, as well as whisky, and as soon as she got an opportunity she called Yuma’s attention to the fact. & “Phew! you're slow!” the man grunted, puf- fing away at his grimy pipe. ‘I discovered it long ago.” ‘“ What d’ye savy, then, daddy?” “Oh! thar’s mischief, on course; but, jest keep yer eyes open an’ yer tater-trap shet, an’ : reckon we'll come ter some conclusion, by and * During the evening, as he was lounging in the Casino, the Spanish-American, Meiro,approached una, ‘¢ Hello, old pard,” he hailed, with an assumed stagger, and drunken accent. ‘‘Come up an’ have suthin’?” “No, thank you; just imbibed a bootleg of blue vitriol, which warms up my inner man sufficient for the present!” Yuma responded, gruffly. ‘* When I drink, 1 pay!” , * Oh! so yore a high-toned galoot, aire ye!” Meiro demanded, flushing. “Very!” Yuma returned, with a yawn; ‘so _ high-toned in fact, that T cannot’ be bought over with money or whisky, bet yer boots!” Black Carlos uttered a curse, i “Look out that you don't go a step too far with your insolence!” he gritted, fiercely, ‘‘ or T shall call you to account!” And as if to emphasize his threat, he laid his hand upon the hilt of a sheath-knife he usually carried, Yuma laughed, scornfully, Si se ace “You needn’t take any more slack than you like, ’'m sure,” he remarked, in his dry way. ‘If you feel like getting hurt, I can accom- modate you any time, You are a sneaking puppy, and the sooner you're utilized as a street mop the sooner you'll be settled gracefully into your right position!” The Spaniard’s face fairly flamed with rage. * You're an infernal coward and craven, and you've got to fight me!” he yelled, savagely. Yuma uttered a deep roar and, with move- ment of astonishing celerity, leaped upon Black Carlos, and bore him to the floor, heavily. The Arizonianthen seized the hapless Spaniard by the long hair of his head, dragged him from the salcon into the street, where be jerked him into.a mud puddle. “Now, sir!” he roared, ‘the next time you or any other man calls Jake Yuma a coward, you'll get something besides mud to swallow, bet yer boots!” Tke crowd which had followed gave a rousing cheer, and Black Carlos slowly arose from his dirty bath. For a moment he glared his inexpressible— wrath at the man from Yuma—then, turning on his heel, strode away toward the Ramirz mansion, While Yuma chuckled softly: ““That’s the way I serve them as think they're. better nor all other earthly galoots!” he said, ** One dose generally proves sufficient to let *em a that dake Yuma’s tew hum, once in a while. Sally Slick met Miss Inez de Ramirz the next day. With independent freedom Sally was saunter. ing about the town, munching peanuts, and curiously eying every one she met, when she chanced to encounter the Senorita Inez, near the latter’s residence. The beauty was elegantly dressed and moved along with majestic grandeur—at least, so it — struck Slick Sal, who stared bard at her, And, as neither offered to turn out, as a con- sequence both were forced to come to a halt to avoid a collision. 2 g ** What do you mean?” Miss De Ramirz de- zoenred haughtily. ‘“‘ Why do you not turn re : “Just what I was replied, with cool impudence, out when you meet a lady!” The senorita grew red. : wy “Tndeed! your-insolence is unpardonable, Who are you, pray?” ~ - “Slick ee ueht eg ‘e Ea Acer a a& trump gal, you bet al replied, prompt putting her arms akimbo. « ISpect you're old Ramirz’s gal, not?” ‘oin’ ter ask you,” Sal “You orter turn “T am the Senorita Inez, if it pleases you to know—so please step aside and allow’ me to pass, Miss Impudence!” : “Can’t see the p'int, sis!’ was the indepen- ** Ave before beauty, ye know— , half-way, an’? I'm willin’ ter go dent. retort, “Mercy! T command you to step aside, child, or I chastise you with my parasol!”

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he _ placidly engaged in cigarette-smoking. 12 *‘ Don’t ye try it, or Pl scratch yer eyes out, and pull all them bangs out of your head!” Sally cried, resolutely. ‘tI offered fair, and V'll fizbt before Pll be crowded on, you bet!” “Dear! dear! I shall have to call for m father!” Miss De Ramirz gasped, white wi passion. ‘11 double dare you to!” Sal rejoined, ‘If that old cove pokes his nose outside the door, Tl shoot it off, as sure as preachi..’!” The senorita uttered a Spanish oath, so great was her rage, and sprung toward ber youthful tormentor, at the same time drawing a silver- mounted stiletto from her dress. But, ere she could use it, a rifle-shot rung cut, and a whizzing bullet struck the glittering in- strument of death, and tore it from her grasp! CHAPTER VI, A LETTER FROM SAM’L, Wao had fired the shot that had struck Miss De Ramirz’s stiletto no one seemed to know; a crowd gathered immediately, at the head of whom loomed up old Jake Yuma and Ramon de Ramirz. ‘‘ What is the matter here? Did you dare to fire at my daughter!” the Don roared, glaring fiercely at Sally Slick. **No, she didn’t!” Yuma cried, pushing him aside, ‘ y al knows her biz, you bet, an’ hyar’s what'll Tack her. How is it, Sal?” “* Jest like this: I met this highfalutin’ hornet ou ther street heer, an’ as I see she wasn’t agoin’ ter turn out, I didn’t nuther, and as a natteral consequence we had ter halt. I offered ter see her half, but she wouldn’t budge, an’ drawed the stiletter on me, w’ot ye see lyin’ on the ground yonder. Jest then along come a bullet, zip! and knocked it out of her hand quicker’n flash!” ‘Ts this true; dear?” Ramirz asked, turning to Inez. - She nodded, but did not speak. Her face was ashen white, : “My daughter was right, and it is lucky for -you that you attempted to do ber no harm!” the Don declared, speaking to Sally. ‘The next tiute you meet a ee on the street, es- pecially my daughter, yoa had best be polite. Come, Inez, dear, let’s get out of this street rabble!” § 3 “ See heer, old Ramrod!” Sal cried, with sud- den childish ferocity, as she stepped in front of him and shook her cliuched little fist- at him; ‘* est you lookee heer. I won’t budge only jest half-way fer any man or woman, no matter ef it’s Queen Vic. or old Ulysses, and if that gal o’ yours ever tries to crowd on Slick Sal again, _ she'll get every bang snatched out of her head! You hear me!” : Tho crowd cheered vociferously at this, and De Kamirz’s face fairly flamed with rage as he led his daughter up the steps and entered his own mansion. In the salon-parlor, they found Black Carlos “Hello! what’s wrong?” the younger rascal asked, noting the Don’s savage aspect and the _ genoritia’s paleness, : Sierra Sam’s Sentence. The Don quickly explained, interlarding the explanation with plenty of Spanish oaths. Carlos langhed when he had heard the explan- ation through, “Well, you see what things are coming to, don’t you?” hesaid, ‘First you know, through this new man Yuma’s instrumentality, they'll be telling you to pack up your duds and puck- achee, There’s only one thing to be done, and [ think you will agree with me: The screws must be put on harder!” “You are right!” the Don growled; ‘if must be done at once, And that is not all—the devil- ish black-whiskered ruffian who calls himself Yuma, must be removed.” ‘“‘Ttcan be easily done rales be you choose to help in the job. fam not prone to tackling men of his caliber alone hereafter.” ‘You are cowardly,” “You are wrong. I know no fear, but the man Yuma is something extraordinary in the matter of strength and skill. Il guarantee there’s no one man in Rough Ranch who can successfully tackle him when he’s on his guard, which he always appears to be.” 3 “ Perhaps youre right; at any rate he’s a dangerous opponent to my interests—that’s evi- dent, and must be put out of the way, even if I have to help do it. When would be the best time to move against him?” “ At uight—to-night, if I can learn where he hangs out, or, if not to-night, the first other night we get a favorable opportunity, I'll keep watch, and in the mean time, I'll work up some- thing for the gossipers to talk about again.” That night, when the shadows were at their darkest, the nocturnal ‘bill-posters must bave been abroad, for ‘the next morning posters stared at Rough Ranch pedestrians from many Agconspicuous place, - Of these placards there were two varieties, which had evidently been placed in position by two different parties, & One ran thus: “ To the People of Rough Ranch:— “Tt having come to my hearing that a series.of _| ghastly crimes are being committed in and about heated camp, against innocent persons, and placards ave been posted, purporting to be from me, and assuming that T have maliciously committed said crimes, I take this method of emphatically denying the charge, Although I swore vengeance against you all, I have not, until now, perfected any ar- rangements for the consummation of that ven- geance. Now, however, T have rallied around me six trusty fellows, and you shall henceforth know us as Sierra Sam’s Seven, No murder shall we do— no killing unless forced so to do in self defense. But ‘bleed’ you, one and all, shall we, at every op- poreany until you, as a people, shall find my lost ride, whom I have every reas ‘n to believe has not been taken out of Rough Ranch. When you shall find her who never gave you offense, and restore her to me all will be well. This may not be exactly right to bleed’ you all. some of you may say, but it is the only way I have of enforcing justice. Find my bride, who is secreted by some person or per- sons. unknown, in your midst—then shall Sierra Sam’s Seven be unknown forever after, But, until .| such time as you do find her, and restore her to me, I swear that you shall all pay me a liberal tax or toll. when least you expect it, trusting that the de. pletion of your respective purses will spur you to isearch for Sierra Sam's missing bride, But re

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“ Sierra Sam’s Sentence. . . r member one thiag: look in your own midst for mur- derers. for you'll find ’em not among the ‘Seven.’ “**Search where ye may, by night or day, “From your velvet grip we'll keep away.’ + With due respects, &c., “Smrra Saal’? That was what some placards had to offer for the edification of the open-mouthed: citizens of Rough Ranch that morning. : But, this was not the worst. In five different places were notices posted, which read thus: ‘Revenge! sweet revenge. Asa people ye drove Sierra Sam from ye, after stealing his bride, and hé cursed ye. Behold! the fruits of your-action are cropping out. Fly! fly! for none of ye shall escape! Tll make of Rough Ranch a graveyard wheréin to bury youl Ha! ha! Beware! an Bi 5" Here was another pretty little souvenir for the denizens of the young metropolis to read and ponder over. Needless to say the notices created tremendous excitement, The men who had been etricken down were all recent arrivels except one, who was a brother of Joe Flanders, of the Casino. , After having the body removed to his shanty, Flanders sought out old Yuma, and found that worthy and the bullwhacker, Hoop-la, engaged in reading the notice concerning the organized Sierra Sam’s Seven. “Well?” Manders said, his face white because his terrible emotion was held in check; ‘‘ what do you think of the situation?” Yuma scowled, “Tt looks just as I hinted, don’t et,” he groan- ed, ‘‘when I jiined ye? Sierra Sam hain’t got nothin’ ter do wi’ this butcherin’ business; right hyar’s bis prospectus,” “ye read it; also found my brother Tom dead. Now, this thing has got to be investi- gated, I say, and the town’s with me, You've tuk the job, and you’re looked to to, stir around.” “Aumph! look out that you don’t get too fast as you did in Sierra Sam’s case!” was the reply of the Arizonian, ‘‘If I don’t come to time in ten days, you know what I told you.” ** But the whole town may be massacred in that time!” : “Oh! I guess not. I have no fears on that score. Ill tell you what's what, though; the sooner you arouse an indignation meeting, and ‘clean every bit of Spanish blood out of the town, the surer you'll be’ not to have so many dead men lying aroung loose!” “Ab! then you think that Ramirz is at-the | head of the matter, do you?” Flanders queried. ‘Most assuredly I do, About as nigh as I kin jedge, Ramirz don’t like it because the Yan- kee element aire gittin’so strong hyarabouts, an’ he can’t be boss. Looks like ter me as ef he warn’t too good fer to do enny crime--he an’ that Spaniard Meiro—that would help him ter run this town.” “Maybe not!” Flanders said, reflectively, as he walked away. ; “ve set bim to thinking, at least, whether it does any good or not,” Yuma muttered, also moving off toward the Casino. lieve I have planted the kerne! wher it'll grow "into @ cor él ‘ ; _ The day passed rather wildly monotonous, Everywhere was every catia excited to a great pitch, and it was lucky that the perpe- trators of the murders, whoever they might chance to be, were not around, for lynching would surely have been their fate. There was not a little comment disparaging to the Arizonian, Jake Yuma, because he did not, to use one miner’s words, ‘‘ make more of a. splurge” toward sifting the matter through to the bottom. On several occasions the remarks became of such a bitter character that violence was threat- ened against him. But it did not come to pass. Perhaps.this was partly eg Sally Slick was constantly here, there and to the fact that and as merry as a lark, precluding all Manga of any one disliking her for any great lengt of time. Che: So that on her account might bave been at- tributed the fact that no outbreak occurred against Yuma, who kept bimself pretty well in- doors, at the Casino, with his grimy pipe as his chief solace. : ; The veteran horderman, Hoop-la, was, the while, not far away, a sort of friendly intimacy seemingly having sprung up between them, Yuma was in no wise ignorant of the feeling against him» among the major part of the citizens, for Sally kept him advised, and he re- ceived the reports with stolid indifference. ; Finally he suddenly seemed to change his actics, : Going to the bar, he ordered a quart bottle of bug-juice and a glass, then sat down at a‘table and proceeded to get outside of it in the most — approved manner, apparently, but, in reality, all but acouple of glasses went into his boot- legs, a. sleight of hand operation which he per- formed so cleverly that but one man noticed “ Almost be- — the cheat. That man was Joe Flanders, of the Casino, with no little curiosity, \. Assoon as Yuma had apparently dispatched deep bellow, etepeed away from the table and zig-zagyed toward the door, “Hip! hip! hooray!” he cried, in a tipsy way. ‘“‘Three chairs for the bar jangled spanner! The epleuribum unnis, ferever! Hooray fer bed, by thunder!” : fs Many strange glances were turned after him fierce. miners made a move toward stopping — him, but were checked by their companions. “Bet him go and sleep off his load,” the "peacemakers said. ‘‘No wonder ther galoot went an’ got drunk. Thar’s bin so much talk ag’in’? him,” : ee This also checked the others, and Yuma was allowed to go his way unmolested, sort of hut-shanty had been erected against the — towering wall of mountain rock, when Rough — Ranch first sprung into existence, but. as it was not tenantable in rainy weather, Yuma was the only one who had lately occupied it. /Sither he went now, aud the gaze of many a5, everywhere among the men, chatting, sassing y 3 the contents of the bottle he gave vent toa as ho staggered down the street, and several Not far was it across the gulch to where a

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34 Sierra Sam’s Sentence. pairs of eyes followed him unti) he was out of sight—particularly that of Carlos Meiro. “So that’s his cage, is it?’ he muttered, glanc- ing at the sky and perceiving that it was about sunset, ‘‘He will sleep well to-night, an1 there will be no danger in paying him a visit, I must notify the Don, and at the same time not forget to draw on him for another thousand. I am getting fatout of working him. Ha! ha! a thousand a day to buy these bum miners over with, when in reality I don’t waste over fifty on ’em, It’s a soft snap, surely.” He went at once to the Ramirz mansion, and found the Don {just in the act of finishing a bot- -tle-of wine. j “Weil, what news, Carlos!” was his gruff query. : «Good news, you can bet!” the scoundrel ‘said, with a chuckle, ‘‘The game from Ari- zona, north, is packed away snugly in his cage, sound asléeepyand with his boiler full of bug- juice. So be ready at two Pp. M. tu-night, and there'll be another opportunity for the under- taker to-morrow. Come well armed, and be careful lest some accident should betray your identity!” When darkness had enveloped Rough Ranch once more in its somber shroud, and muttering thunder around the horizon added to the aspect of night, together with drizzling rain, a man skulked along the deserted street until be came to the post-office. Euveloped in a long oil-cloth coat was he, with a full mask of thé same material over his face, and a slouch black bat upon his head. ‘Cautiously unlocking a front door, he entered, and was gone several minutes, ; aS he returned, he gave vent to a low laugh: 5 “So far, so good!” he muttered. I must pay the fair Inez a visit.” So saying, he stole toward the De Ramirz mansion, “* Now then, CHAPTER VII. A MIDNIGHT VISIT, THE Ramirz mansion was wrapped in gloom, ‘when the masked stranger reached it. He stood across the street studying the front of the build- ing through the holes in his mask. ; “No chance to effect an entrance, by the front,” he finally muttered, crossing the street. “ Here’s an alley, however, that runs to the rear of the place, - May be there’s some show there.” On threading the dark alley, however, and _ reaching the back side of the mansion, he found -that there was bardly any better chance of gain- ing access than in front, os n the second story, however, was a window drawn down from the top; so looking about inthe neighboring sheds, he was not long in finding a ladder, which he placed against the _ side of the building, and was soon up to the open window, He at once saw that the room wasa lady’s __bed-chamber, but .the bed was unoccupied, _ though it was evidently been slept in but a _ short time previous, ¢ _ He also saw something of a very different nature, which gave hima start. \ | Confronting him, wrapped in her night-robe, i .that you. were stood the Senorita Inez, a pair of formidable cocked revolvers in her grasp, the deadly tubes of which pointed directly at Sierra Sam—for it was he who had climbed to the opened window. ‘s You are my prisoner!” the Don’s daughter gaid, quickly and positively. ‘Stir but an inch, and you shall realize that J am a dead shot!” “Indeed,” Sam observed, rather gruffly. “ Just at: present you do seem to have the drop on me. But I know you wouldn’t shoot me!” ‘* Just stir, and see,” Miss De Ramirz snapped, decidedly. ‘‘I know who you are, and I’d just as lief earn a few hundred dollars’ reward as . not. So climb in here and make me a visit, or; Pll tumble you from that ladder to the ground in a hurry.” “In that case, I guess I'll h-ve to accommo- date you,” Sam replied, vaulting through the opening into the room, ‘‘although I generally make my calls upon ladies by day.” ‘““That don’t matter,” the senorita replied, with great coolness. ‘ It cannot matter much, since, under the circumstances, you must hence- forth be my husband.” “Your husband?” Sam echoed, in great amaze~ ment, as he removed his mask and seated him- self, bis handsome face showing indistinctly in the dim lamp-light within the room. ““Yes, my husband!” the woman answered, with a significant smile. ‘‘ What more natural? I find you in my room at the dead hour of night, and consequently my indignation can know no rie) until you honorably take me as your wife, Sam laughed in a harsh, unnatural way. “Quite a scheme, I must say, if it only works,” was his dry answer; ‘ but lam fearful that you have made calculations on sornething ~ impossible, fair plotter. I have a wife, as you know,” ‘*T have laid my plans well. Isaw you when you were at the front of the house; and knew ‘oing to try and effect an en- trance. I sent Ferro to secrete himself in the back yard, where he could watch your move- ments unobserved. I raised this window so that you could make this your point of entrance. That was all that was necessary. You camo and entered. Ferro saw you, and his word and mine is all-snfficient.” = ‘And so, for the sake of geeting a husband, who at best could but despise you—” © * Anything! anything!” she criéd, passionate- ly, dropping her weapons and falling on her knees before him with clasped hands, ‘“You are certainly the biggest fool, for an arch schemer and adventuress, that I ever saw!” Sam cried, quickly springing past her, and securing the weapons. “I am very much obliged, however, for your weakness, which gives me an advantage!” : “ Villain!” she gasped, regaining her feet and staggering back a pace. ; “Lady!” Sam also gasped, mockingly. .“* Pray do not take your failure too heavily at heart, because such things are liable to occur among the shrewdest of mortals. If you will have the kindness to show me out of the house by the | front way, you will save me the necessity of shooting you in your tracks.” i Fe The jor upon her face changed to a flush of ae apere sit

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5 4 Sierra Sam’s Sentence. ea either anger or shame at this—Sam did not _ know which, : “Very well; I will not tempt you to despera- tion, because 1 have not even yet given you up. You shall be mine, even if I force you down to your death-bed and then marry you. Come! the house is deserted, and I will show you out.” She led the way from the room into an upper hall, thence down a broad staircase to the front \ of the house. While descending the stairs behind her, Sam carefully extracted the cartridges from the re- volvers, and when they reached the door he handed the harmless weapons to her. “*T will not keep your man-killers,” he said, with a smile, ‘‘as you may want to use them on me at some future time.” “You need not have been so careful to ex- tract the loads,” she flashed back. ‘‘I love you too much to do you harm.” ‘However that may be, I’d hate to let you havea good shot at me,” Sam assured, sarcas- tically, putting on his mask, ‘‘Ah! thank you —avu revoir !”"—as she opened the door, He darted out, down the steps, across street, and was gone. the The next morning opened up with a series of startling discoveries. The local Express Office, which was also made a place of banking for those who had any super- fluous money they did not need to use, was found to have been entered during the night and pe apie of all the money contained in the safe, : Not a copper had been left in the place, and upon the wall was painted with a marking ‘brush: “Yours, With Gratitude, Sierra Sam.” The town seemed turned into a literal pande- monium over this event. One, for himself, had Samuel of the Sierras neatly scored, in his role of retaliation, and the worst of it was that the sufferers bad nothing to do but stare the fact in the face and whistle, Again the, topic of conversation turned to- ward Jake Yuma, in a spirit of dissatisfaction. “V]) be darned ef I'll stand. it!” one miner cried, who had been a heavy loser, ‘‘I propose we take that galoot, Yuma, and give him the penalty he proposed himself.” “ Hurrah! that’s the ticket!” several sym- pathizers chorused. ‘‘ He ain’t no good, an’ orter not tried ter stick hisself in,” as “Tt won’t do ter tech him, till his ten days is up!” Joe Flanders demurred, and Joe was ac- cepted of late as pretty good authority on general matters. ‘‘He’s got his own way 0’ doin’ things, and may pop Mr, Sierra Sam around before we like it!’ . ‘T allow Flanders is right,” Hart, the owner . of one of the new mines, assumed. * And I persist that he is not! Don Ramon cried, who had until now been simply a listener. ** This Sierra Sam is a desperate character, and if the loafer Yuma can’t do as he bragged he could, why I say string him up! Robbing the Express Office isn’t the only thing Sierra Sam did last night.” : “Tt isn’t?” Flanders ee 3 queried, eying the 15 mpenient sharply. ‘What else did he do, pray?’ . “Enough, I should say. He entered my mansion at the dead of night, when there was no one around, and my daughter forced him | out of the house at the muzzle of a revolver, _ where many women less brave, would have fainted.” es ‘*And where, pray, were you at that hour of night?” es ** In bed, of course!” the Don replied, flushing. “ That don’t correspond with your first story,” ~ Flanders criticised. ‘‘ You said there was no one around—and it looks very much like it, for, instead of+forcing the bold burglar out. on her own responsibility, the fair Inez would ee have been likely to c for assistance. So — now, De Ramirz, it’s no more than fair that you should, under the cirenmstances, give an account of your whereabouts at that dead- — of-night hour, when all honest men should be arthe bystande f al, and e bystanders gave a grunt of appfoval, an Ramirz fairly foamed with rage. “Tl have you understand that I am an honorable gentleman, sir, and above being ques- ~ tioned!” he retorted, fiercely. ““You may be the most notorious desperado - - in the country, all the same!” Flanders declared, — not at all abashed, “T’ve known nature’s noble- men ere this to weigh light when some of their cloaks were taken off.” “ Perhaps I can thrown sum light on this yer? interestin’ subject, ef nobody hain’t objections ter offer!” a deep, sonorous voice cried; and, looking around, they saw Jake Yuma standing near, leaning on his rifle, : : “If you have anything to say, say it!” Flan- ders called out, promptly, “Waal, et ain’t much,” Yuma allowed. “Ye — see, I war out a-spyin’ around ter see ef thar ~ war any more murders goin’ ter be committed, when I see’d two disguised chaps a-makin’ fer’ my paletial residence, over yander, Very nat- terally 1 meandered along arter’em an’ secreted — myself, an’ when they cum out o’ my palace — they seemed tuk back a hitch, an’ werry much disappointed at not findin’ yer sarvent ter hum, — huggin’ up old Morpheus wi’ a stummie full 0? Bacchus, Puttin’ this an’ that tewgether, an’ — rememberin’ ther rising reflection an’ the fall- ing intonation o’ their voices, et struck me somewhar purty pat that one o’ these fellers — was Don Ramon, heer, an’ t/other one was Black Carlos,” eee All eyes instantly turned to Ramirz, whose — Ho a livid with passion at the exposure of — is lie. ? . i ‘It?s a lie—an infernal lie!” he cried, fiercely, “T was at home in bed, and although my daughter did at first ery for help, I did not hear — her, This is all I have to say on the matter, If — you choose to take this black-bearded loafer’s word in preference to mine, you are, I Suppose, at liberty todo so, [Il bid you good-day.” And he turned to go, a4 But the figure of Yuma loomed up before im. < sae. “See hyar, Ramrod!” he observed, a peculi grin upon his face, ‘* T hope ye don’t think you’: going jest yet, do ye?” * : =e: ees *

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46 Sierra Sam’s Sentence, Ea ne rT “Why not?” the Don demanded, trying to About the same time, or may be an hour make haughtiness cover his alarm, “Oh, w’ot a question! Sorter off in yer memory, aiu’t ye? Didn’t lisp somethin’, about . a certain black-whiskered loafer, did ye, jest a bit ago” : ‘““What if I did? Lalways say what I please and mean what I say!” “Then, by ther holey polekats, you’ve got ter apologize—yas, sir-ee—apologize hev you got ter, right ter me, or [ll teach ye what fer sort o' loafer Yuma is,” “Get out of my path, man. Don’t you pre- sume to lay a finger’s weight on+me,” the Don hes = . “Then you won't apologize? “No, erat pee The Arizonian leaped forward with a terrible yell,.and threw himself upon the Don with such force that both went to the ground together heavily, ss Yuma was on top, however, and his grasp at once encircled the Spaniard’s throat. f ‘*Help! help! a thousand dollars for help!” the Don managed to roar, before Yuma’s grasp got so tight that it shut off his wind. ** Apologize or die!” Yuma _ cried, sternly. ~ 66 utek PY ut the Don’s offer was too big money to lose | by simply standing by and looking on; conse- quently a dozen burly fellows piled upon the _ Arizonian and jerked him off, allowing Ramirz '. to rise, In doing so, however, to their astonishment and that of all other bystanders, they pulled off a complete false beard, mustache and wig, and Sierra Sam’s handsome face-was once more sen! ‘ The great number of expressions and excla- mations that followed was something amusing. “ Well, by all that’s wonderful!” Joe Flanders ejaculated, ‘‘I for one never suspected it!” De Ramirz uttered a devilish laugh. ‘*T suspected it long ago,” he said sarcasti- cally, *‘ but chose to le6 you find it out for your- selves.” ‘You lie!” Sam said coolly. ‘‘ If you had sus- picioned such a thing you wouldn’t have kept it still this long.” “ Put this man unde; arrest!” several miners eried, and Sam was forthwith deprived of the use of his arms. **Now then, there’s no use of fooling in cases _, like this, boys!’ Joe Flanders announced, ‘ This man has robbed us, and, not that alone, has in- _ veigled himself into our confidence, that he . might work us the better to his own interest. I propose that we try bim at once, and if we find him guilty, according to Western code, why, we'll have him shot to-morrow at sunrise.” \ __ A tremendous cheer went up. ' “But hold on!” a voice interposed, and # _ stranger pushed forward. ‘‘ Mebbe this is my ~ man. Wm looking for a man who is palming - himself off as Jake Yuma, the boss bruiser of Big Butte. That's me!” CHAPTER VIIL\ SAM’S SENTENCE. Lat us change the scene of our narrative fora few minutes. er <i I would promise, on “leaving this place, to go to after, Sierra Sam had left the mansion of Ramirz, after his visit to the Don’s daughter, a vailed woman, Se in a _ waterproof, dodged along through the darker, portion of the mining-camp watil she came to a drift in the side of the mountain. During the early days of Rough Ranch’s gold- fever, this drifs had been worked for several hundred feet into the mountain, and a track even laid for a var with which to haul out the quartz rock; but, as no gold was found, the drift had been abandoned, : Entering the gloomy place with no apparent — timidity, she followed it with rapid steps, as it descended into the bowels of the earth. Ere long she eame to where the work on the drift had been abandoned, in the face of an under- ground stream of water of considerable size, which flowed gently along through its time: worn subterranean tunnei. Pausing here, the woman procured a whole rubber suit, for wading purposes, exchanged it for her own attire, stowing that away behind a rock, where she had first found the rubber suit. She then stepped into the stream, which was belt deep, and followed its course, as it ran to the left, with careful steps, The channel that high waters had worn out, above her head, was barely of sufficient hight to admit of her walking erect, and in many in- stances she was obliged to bend so low that her face nearly touched the waters. Following the course of the stream for fully ten minutes, the space overhead suddenly in- creased, greatly, and she stepped from the stream into a large cavern, the sandy floor of which covered considerable space, The sides and ceiling of this strange place were of rugged rocky formation, and the air was close and damp, aes As soon as she stepped into the cavern the yailed woman produced a lantern from a niche in the rocks, and lit it, fer darkness there reigned supreme. f y the light thus afforded, she crossed the sandy floor of the cavern until she came toa temporary room or cell, made with boards and provided with a door which was fastened on the outside with padlock and chain, Producing a key, the woman unlocked the door and entered. : % The light of her lantern revealed that the place was tenanted, and that, too, by no less a, person than Stella Slocum, the bride of Sierra Sam, who was partly reclining upon a rude lounge, the only furniture in the place. She looked up with a frown, as the masked womafi entered. Bs ‘““ Why do you come here to mock at me?” she demanded, her eyes flashing indignantly. “TY should think you could at least leave me, alone, if you persist in keeping me imprisoned in this awful place.” “T shall likely consult my own ideas on the nmtter,” the vailed woman replied. ‘It is not for me to be dictated to, when I hold the reins, You can have your liberty at any time, asyou . full well know—on conditions,” “‘ Conditions, indeed! I would die here before iY

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Sierra Sam’s Sentence. a some distant part of the country and never see my husband again.” ** Poor child! how I do pity you,” the vailed woman said. ‘Once I was like you—loving and true to him; but after I found him out to be a bigamist and a heartless wretch, I swore that, so far as I could prevent, none other should ever be aught to him.” , ‘1 do not believe you,” Stella cried. ‘‘ Noth- ing you could ever say would convince me that “my busband is untruthful and false.” ‘“So said I when I married him, my dear. But I found how utterly wrong was my opinion. You may not think it my busiress, but I cannot allow you to wreck your young life upon such a man as Sierra Sam, Only when you promise to put a thousand miles of distance between your- self and him will I grant you a release from captivity. Persist in your refusal to come to terms, and you are doomed to live and die in this place, in under the ground,” ~ ‘Better so than to/come to your terms,” Stella replied, firmly. ‘‘I have great faith that my husband will sooner or later come to my assistance, and woe be to you if he finds out who you are,” The vailed jaileress laughed tauntingly. “Your faith will die hke a freshly-set plant under the scorcbing rays of a summer sun,” she said, with sarcasm, ‘‘ when you wait and wait— wud ‘he cometh not,’ she said. Why, only last night I saw him climb by ladder into the emis mansion, undoubtedly to see the fair nez! ‘Bah! that lie does not dampen my ardor a bit,” Stella retorted, bravely. ‘In fact, as I ‘have told you repeatedly, nothing you can say will shake my faith in my husband.” ‘Oh, well, if you will be stubborn, I am not to blame, In trying to do for your personal good, J am su.2 no one could censure me.” She took the lantern then and left the little prison, being careful to quickly close and lock the door behind her, ‘© Pll send you some food to-morrow,” she said. “I forgot to bring it to-night, You won’t starve on love, I guess.” “ “Your great kindness merits reward,” Stella answered, J Then she heard her vailed enemy move away, and soon the light was extinguished, by which she judged that the woman had left the cavern. “Ob, that wicked fury!” the. imprisoned bride breathed, as a sense of loneliness stole over ner. ‘ Why is it/she keeps me shut up here, pnd brings meevil reports of my husband? Does sbe want to kill me or drive me crazy? Does she want me to go far away from him, in order that she may have a chance to win him?” A cee on the sand outside interrupted her = erie, and sent a thrill of terror through her rame, Who was coming? ; » Some one surely, for the footsteps became eer to her hearing, and were coming toward er cell, Nearer and nearer! Then she saw a pair of sory gleaming eyes peering through the cracks at her. With a scream of terror she sprung into the _ further corner of the apartment; and when she bbe ais CU In x, see, wy ream OVS eee eo oe ee Jong time. i fetid Ns erlaeatie ae heard" the door wrenched fiercely open, all her senses left her, and she fell to the floor in a deep swoon, from which she did not awaken for a The individual who ‘thrust himself forward with the introductory conclusion of ‘‘ that’s me!” was a burly, black-bearded pilgrim, but he did not very closely resemble the recently disguised Sam’l of the Sierras. “T reckon this is your man,” Joe Flanders assumed, pointing first to Sierra Sam and then to the disguise, which lay upon the ground. % We jest relieved this feller of some superfluous air. ‘*Hello! Why, great snortin’ snakes, this feller isSam Slocum, ther detective!” the genu- ine Yuma ejaculated, * Alias Sierra Sam, the robber!” Don Ramirz sneered, ' - “Oho! Bin up ter that racket, has he? Waal, neow, gents, | tell ye what. A feller ken’t kick ther tenderest part o’ my shins, an’ hurt me half so bad as he kin by felloniously appropriatin’ Se individuality an’ infringin’ on my reputation. hen a galoot does that, ke jest riles me clar up ter ther horns, an’ he’s Bot ter fight, Thar- fore, jest let that feller loose, an’ lll show ye how I dusted out a hull pack of severial thousan’ road-agents, single-handed. Set loose yer rob- ber, I say, an’ I'll assist him ter climb up Cal- vagy in ther jerk of a lamb’s tail,” Sorry for en my friend,” Flanders replied, ‘but we shall bave to give this man a tnial first; then, should he be sentenced to hang, and the boys say it’s right I’ve no he in to his standing up and giving you satisfaction.” “Hurrah! that’s ther talk! Honor bey you got cl’ar down to ther holein yersocks!” Yuma the original declared, enthusiastically caperin about in high glee, ‘‘ Hurry up wi’ yer trial, feller-citizens, so thet I can git in my work on this son of a gun who durst wantonly desecrate my satin-finished name an’ fame by appropri- atin’ it to hisself.” “You may get more than Sam observed, quietly. ‘‘Oho! Heer that, wull ye?’ Yuma. roared, “Ther bogus chap torks famuss. Why. ye leetle pigmy, ef ye kin but git in one squar’ sockdolager on ther surface o’ my sensative smeller, durn me ef I don’t git down on my | knees an? pey ter these hyar noble-hearted citizens o’ Rough Ranch ter set: ye at liberty,” Sam smiled, and his eyes twinkled merrily. He was evidently not at all alarmed; he could take care of bimself in case of a scrimmage with the man he had counterfeited, “Enough of this!” Flanders commanded. ‘“* We will at once proceed to give this man an informal trial, on the facts of the case, I will undertake the responsibility of counsel for the people, and Slocum can choose for himself, though I dare say he'll have a hard time of se- curing counsel.” ¢ ‘“Not at all,” a stranger said, stepping for- ward. “I will act for Sierra Sam.” ‘ He was well dressed, wore a heavy reddish beard and mustache, and his hair was of the same color, crowned by a jaunty sombrero. : - In appearance he was somewhat a cross be- you bargain for!”

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Sierra Sam’s Sentence. AAS T ee ae EL ea ee Be SE BE I ET ad A SE EIEN 8) tween a Southern planter and a card-sharp, such as frequently are seen on the Mississippi River packets—men who were seemingly not designed for any particular manual labor. His gaze did not waver when it met that of Flanders and the others. “Who are you?” Flanders demanded, eying him sternly. “Jack Racer, from New Orleans, if it is any of your business,” was the pert reply. “Ima stranger in your burg, but know the prisoner by detective note, and shall help him all { ‘* You’ll lose your case,” Joe asserted, sternly. ** Yonder comes the stage, full of strangers. I'll go and select twelve disinterested parties as jurors—then we'll get down to business,” He soon came back with a dozen strangers, some well dressed, and others in working clothes, The trial then began, in a sort of way. Flanders opened the prosecution by stating the case as it stood: How Sierra Sam had come to Rough Ranch; how his bridé had turned up missing; the circumstances of his flight and his threat; the murders and the notices; the recent robbery, and the discovery of the man, disguised. Several witnesses were called and corrobo- rated these statements, The defense then made an appeal, arguing that it was but natural that the prisoner should feel hard toward the town; stated that Sam had publicly announced his willingness to with- draw hostilities, when. his bride should be re- stored to him, he believing that she was im- prisoned in the town, and he having no liberty therein, to search for her, ‘" The Southerner’s defense was strong, eloquent and to the point, and created some impression among the jurymen. Would it prove sufficient? Sam decided negatively, ; He also, while watching Racer, had discover- ed that the eloquent defense was uttered ina disguised voice, Who was this stranger? He had no way of “judging, as Racer kept his face averted, ‘‘Have you anything to say?” Flanders asked, turning to Sam. ‘*Nothing,” was the answer. ‘‘Mr, Racer . has stated the case good enough to suit me.” “Very well. Gentlemen of the jury, you have heard both sides of the case, and it now. remains for you to say whether Sierra Sam shall hang, or go free!” The men arose and walked off to a short dis- ._ tance, and consulted, f » When they returned, one of the twelve said: “ After mature deliberation, we have decided by a majority of one, that the prisoner at the bar is guilty and merifs a sentence of death!” : “Then in behalf of the people, I do sentence Sierra Sam to be shot to-morrow, at sunrise!” Flanders said, “And now, gents, shall he be allowed to give Mr. Yuma satisfaction, or not?? An a ative shout went up from a hun- dred. throats! CHAPTER IX. PUGILISTIC. Tr was thus settled that the original Yuma and Sierra Sam should fight, in order that the former, if possible, might obtain satisfaction for the injury the Californian had done him by sur- reptitiously appropriating his cognomen, **Keerect, my noble warriors; thet’s ther tune ter sing in L, M.—long meter, Squar’ up yer man hyar, an’ T’ll see ef I can’t do ther act rzam. ‘Trot out, Samuel, ther shyster, and ef don’t knock him inter the middle of next week in less time than it takes to whisper bug-juice, ye kin call me no good. “* Release Sierra Sam!” Joo Flanders ordered, “but let every man have his pistol ready, lest the fellow escapes!” i ““You need not observe so-much caution!” Sam retorted, rising to his feet and rubbing his wrists to get the blood in circulation, after the cords had been removed. ‘‘I do not intend to run unless I get a betcer chance. So you are anxious to have a disturbance with me, are you, Mr. Yuma?? * You bet yer last dollar Tam!” the Arizonian replied, with a horrible sort of grin, ‘‘ { want ter mutilate ye sumw’at as an example fer other men never to steal my thunder!” ‘* Well, as I am the offender, I suppose I must honor you,” Sam said, smilingly. ‘In what way do you propose to celebrate?” “With these ornaments what nature be- queathed us—sluggers!” Yuma tragically cried, exhibiting a huge pair of fists, ‘All I want is ter git one diff at ye wi’ these sledge-hammers, an’ ye'll think a pocket edition uv ther millen- nium has struck ye!” * Allright! Get yourself into position, and fire away. Ef you get bruised, ye mustn’t ery quarter, fer this isa row of your own instiga- tion, : “Never you worry. Et takesa deal ter make me squeal,” poetically declared Yuma. The two men got into position, facing each other, - The crowd formed a ring, and all adja- cent places of observation were quickly occu- pied by those who were anxious to see if the original Yuma was as good as he claimed to be —which a few regarded as extremely doubtful. “Ready!” Sam said. : = “ Ready!” responded Yuma; then they Hale @ pace nearer, and began sparring light! y and carefully, or, in other words, “feeling” each other, 7 : : At this juncture who should push her way forward but Sally Slick—or Little Luck, as she was known in a former Sierra Sam romance. ‘* Whoopee!” she exclaimed, when she took in the situation at a glance, ‘My old man got ketched at his racket, didn’t he? ‘Told him he would, - T’other fellow can’t lick him, tho’—bet money on it! want ter give his nose a bath arter Sammy gits in a couple of raps.” by The crowd laughed, and the next minute Isay some o’ you fellers better | bring a wash-tub o’ water, kase Yuma will — laughed again, for, just then, whack! Sierra Sam’s fist shot out, and hit the Arizonian square on the nose with such force that the vic- tim went to earth in a decided hurry. __ He quickly assumed a, si * 4. thing position, howe

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x . Sierra Sam’s Sentence. i9 en ee Nt ever, and felt of his somewhat flattened nasal appendage dolefully. “Oh! lordy, what a sockdologer that was!” he gasped, hoarsely, ‘‘ Ef I war guilty of own- in’a mule as could kick as hard as that, I'd shoot bim for buzzard food, But, thet warn’t no fair shake—no, siree. I made a kerslip—” ‘© And bu’sted yer lip!” chimed in Sally Slick, Withagrin, ‘Take an urchin’s advice, and let Sammy alone, uncle, or your eyes ‘ll be in mournin’ fer a week.” “Durn my luck, no! I’m goin’ ter knock blazes out of bim!” Yuma roared, regaining his feet and rushing ferociously at the Californian, A number of blows were exchanged, and al- though Sierra Sam did not get bit once, Yuma’s face looked more like a pumice than anything else, when he finally fell to the ground senseless, from the stunning effect of Sam’s parting shoul- der-hit, A tremendous cheer went up as the Arizonian went down, and Sierra Sam re-arranged his necktie. “Most honorable body,” he said, with great sarcasm, ‘* you can put up your popguns, as I surrender myself to your most tender mercies!” “Take him to the strong cabin, bind him hand and foot, lock him in, and station a guard outside!” were Joe Flanders’s orders. ‘* Where's the young kid—I want her?’ But Miss Sally Slick was not to be seen just then; she had vanished as quietly as she had come, Sam was marched to the jail, followed by the pupulace. This jail, or strong cabin, adjoined the Ramirz mansion. When Rough Ranch was an infant camp, as compared with its present size, it had been built as a place of safe-keeping for rough characters that frequently pounced down upon the town. * The main structure was of logs, while the door was of triple thickness of oaken planks. ~ The only window was grated with heavy iron bars, so that any one unlucky enough to get locked within the place, could not well make his escape without assistance, - Tnto the jail Sierra Sam was conducted and bound hand and foot, He was then left lying upon the ground; which served in lieu of other flooring, the place was cleared of the crowd, and the door locked upon him. Sam was well satisfied that he was not des- tined to bang, for be knew that his six followers would be apprised of his capture, by Sally, - es would make a strong effort to secure his iberty. . So he felt little concern about himself; his main worry was about Stella. hat was her situation—her fate? : It bad been a source of constant anxiety to him because he could learn nothing definite as to ber whereabouts. That he should some time hear from her captors, he had little doubt, and he i not wrong; it came sooner than he ex- pected, A sheet of paper was thrust in through the grating of the window, and fluttered to the ground directly in front of him, so that he was oe to see what was written thereon with- ou j pene changing positions, f 1t was in an evidently disguised hand and ran. as follows: ; “ Strrra Sam:— “You are in jail, helpless, and with death staring you in the face. To-morrow at sunrise you_are to e shot, unless rescued. Iam the only one who has the power to help you; also Lcan restore your bride to you when you are free, It was I who defended rou at the trial. At the imminent risk of -my own ife I am willing to do this—rescue and restore your wife to you—but of course I naturally expect’ com- pensation for my services, Itwas for money, which knew you had a plenty of, that I abducted your bride, and it is only by paying money that you will ever be able to set eyes on her. Therefore, if. you: agree to give me two thousand dollars upon being released, you shall have bofh your release and your bride upon payment of said sum. If you agree to this, ery out ‘All right,’ in a loud voice, and to- night you will be rescued, Ungnown.” Sierra Sam burst into a loud laugh as he fin- ished reading. _ “Your game won’t work!” he shouted, in a loud voice, ‘* Pm going to swing or be shot, and don’t want my liberty. Bring my bride to the killing-bee to-morrow, and give her her lib- erty then, and you shall be paid for it.” Through the tes a scornful laugh came in as the answer, and he heard a person walk away. % “A very clever dodge to lighten my purse without being of advantage to me,” Sam mut- tered. ‘*I wonder who I am indebted to for this kindness? Ah, yes; the racy Racer, who so eloquently defended me during the trial! Enough of the womanly in my counsel's figure and peek for me to recognize the fair Inez in the Racér. Hal! ha! it’sa cold day when you find me blind, my fair friend, and ’ know for a certainty to whom I am indebted for the abduction of my bride.” Night drew on, and the prisoner saw the stars appear one by one in the heavens, as he lay gazing upward window... **Should think Td get some word from shall now . tween the grates of the — Sally,” he mused; “for if I am not greatly mistaken, some of 1ay men were about town to-day.” It was a couple of hours, however, before he heard a tap at the window, and, ities! § uP, % e saw the face of Sally Slick peering throug! statings, to which she partly clung. YP ing nay : ; ‘Tl be all right, by’meby. Some one lost a quart bottle 0’ w I side is gittin’ dead drunk on it. The fellers will be heer time enough, I guess; so hold yer hosses and.be cucumber. Fes ae : She dropped out of sight then, but soon re- appeared, y “Tve got an idea,” she said. ‘* Your hands are fastened with ro} your head, an’stretch ’em as fur apart as ye kin,, and T’ll cut em loose, an’ then skedaddle,” Sam tooked surprised. : : “ How?” he asked. 2 “Thusly!” and she thrust her hand through the grating. lt contained in its grasp a large, handsome long range revolver, which was coc ee) and ready for use, ws Nam shook bis head dubioysly, she said, shaking her head in a warn- f isky, and the guard on t/other ~ ~ Jest hold’em up above OF

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-30 “fm rather afraid you are not equal to that emergency, my child!” he said. ‘‘1t’s a ticklish feat.” ‘“Did my aim ever fail?” Sal replied, tersely. “Jp with your hands, and hold ’em steady!’ With some; hesitation the Californian obeyed. Out went her little arm; her keen eye ran along the barrel of the weapon; then there was a sharp report, and Sam held up his hands, minus their bonds. The bullet had\ cut the rope neatly in twain, . ‘t Well done!” he said, looking toward the window—-but Sally was gone! ; When, the town was quiet, and few people’ were abroad, that night, a dozen hard-looking customers, headed, by Yuma, assembled in the vicinity of the jail. “We'll fix things now,” the Arizonian said. ** AsI told ye before, ef we war ter leave that feller in jail till mornin’, ten ter one he wouldn’t be thar, an’ tharfore I head this movement ter ive him a quiet boost ter once and make sure, is this ther understanding, my larkies?” The men assented, _ “Then come along—let’s move on the bastile atonce!” - : With stealthy tread they approached the jail! CHAPTER X. ALMOST A LYNCHING. Tr looked as if Sierra Sam was a doomed man, as Yuma and his ruffians moved down upon the jail. ? Sam heard their approach and knew it was not his own followers, It needed no hard guessing for him to suspect the character of the raid. They were coming to lynch him! He quickly lay down upon the ground and rawound the thongs about his feet and hands, to have the appearance of being bound, ‘““PN try ’em a whack before they pack me off,” be muttered. By this time the would-be lynchers had reached the door, which was savagely shaken, *T guess the cuss is asleep; don’t make much noise,” the voice of Yuma was heard saying. “We want no alarm now.” Sam then heard a, file working rapidly, and concluded that they were filing off the hasp, which in conjunction with the padlock held the door fastened shut. . It was not long ere he kedrd a grunt of ap- proval, and the following instant saw the door swing open, and the men pour into the jail, Yuma in the lead, “Hello! the durned skunk’s awake,” he ejac- ulated, as he peresived that Sam was awake, “We war unvecessarily cautious. I say, ye iron-fisted galaot, d’ye know what we're goin’ ter do wi’ ye?’ $ “Dunno!” Sam answered, quietly. ‘‘ Goin’ to liberate me?” **Oh, you bet! liberate ye from all ther cares, ‘trials and tribulations to this earthly coil. In other words, we're goin’ ter give you a story in song, where the swing went a little bit higher. Grab him, bovees, and transport him to the _ ~ shades neath the big oak outside, w¥ere vhere’s ¥xeatAer ther weary.” a i Sierra Sam’s Sentence. Half-a dozen of the mer stepped forward and lifted Sam to a standing position, As they did so, his hands became quickly dis- engaged, and he seized a pair of revolvers from the belt of one of the roughs—self-cockers they were, too! ‘Back! back, you hell-hounds!” the Califor- nian cried, firing right and left. ‘“‘ Lynch Sierra Sam, will ye? Out of this jail, or Pll kill every . one of you!” But the ruffians rushed upon their enemy with savage yells, he clubbing them back and firing, while Yuma roared: “Take him alive! Hurra! we'll string the rascal up!” : The noise of the battle soon brought Flanders and fifty others down upon the Foe and they soon quelled the fight by hauling off those of the lynchers who were not already disabled or stone dead by shots from Sam’s terrible pistols, When the reinforcements came he threw down the weapons and submitted to be re- bound. ‘What the devil is the meaning of this fracas!” Flanders demanded of the Californian. “Tt means that the gang under Yuma came after me to invite me to a lynch picnic, and found the Cyclone to home, you bet!” Sam re- plied. “They pitched onto me, and F should judge, got the worst of it,” : ‘Which they richly deserved,” the proprietor of the Casino averred. ‘ T’ll see toit that you will not be disturbed until sunrise.” The cabin was cleared of all except the pris- oner, who was locked in, and once more left to -| his own reflections, Morning dawned, bright and clear, with a fresh breeze blowing down from the mountains, laden with the exquisite perfume of pine and wild grape. The town was early astir, in anticipation of the first lynching-bee that had occurred there; and while the miners’ wives put their hair in papers, in honor of the occasion, the miners themselves resorted to the Casino to ‘‘ lubricate” and talk over the coming event. A party was ranged along the bar, imbibing “family disturbance,” when there was a crash of glass, and an arrow buried itself in the mir- ror behind the bar. To the shaft of it was wrapped a paper, which Flanders Se secured. In penciled chirography were these words: “Beware! If one hair of Sierra Sam's head is hurt to-day, or any attempt made upon his life, the mining-camp of Rough Ranch is doomed! “*Srerré Sam’s SEVEN,” “Humph!” Flanders said, after reading-the admonition aloud. ‘We'll see about that. ‘We'll see if the town is to be run by mob law, Look! the sun is just coming up, Let’s get to business. Arm yourselves well, and be pre- pared for an attack from these road-robbers!” The bar*was deserted, and in less than five minutes the vicinity of the jail was black with people, who were eager to see the execution. Accompanied by the six men, who were to act as his associates, Manders advanced to the. jail and unlocked the door. When they flung if open) however, @ sight

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A > Sierra Sam’s Sentence. Zt ~ + f ~ met their gaze which caused them to start back, aghast. Stretched out upon the ground, in his own blood, lay the body of Sierra Sam, all but the head! vi ea ° That had been cut off and was nowhere to be fouud within the jail. There could be no doubt that it was the body of Sierra Sam, for there was his clothing, his ’ top boots and sombrero, and even his hand- some gold watch and chain. A search of his pockets also revealed a roll of money aggregating about fifty dollars, but no papers or anything else to betray who were his executioners, The discoverers’ cries of terror, brought others to the scene, and many were the cries of astonishment. ~ *¢ We've been cheated out of our vengeance, by thunder!” one miner cried, angrily. “That's true as preachin’!” Joe Flanders assented, scratching his head. ‘Some one’s stolea march on us, Who is it?” ““ Who tried it last night?’ another citizen suggested, significantly. Flanders swore, roundly, which was some- thing unusual with him, “Tf that cussed prints Yuma, is-at the bot- tom of this, he shall swing for it!” he cried, fiercely. ‘‘I gave him fair warning, after the attempted lynching. Where is he?” A search was made, and Yuma was seen run- ning in the direction of the stables beyond the Casino. He was bent on escape, “That settles it,” Hlanders cried, seizing a rifle from a miner’s hand. ‘‘T'll show him what he has brought upon himself!” He raised the weapop and fired, and Yuma dropped like a log. } : “Throw his carcass into the creek for the fishes!” Joe Flanders commanded. I'll run this town hereafter, and see if we can have law and order.” A deafening cheer greeted this declaration, which struck the majority of the crowd in a tender spot, E Attention was then turned to the ‘ stiff” of the unfortunate Californian. j ‘* What shall be done with it?’ was the quer; of several. , ‘Tt shall have a decent burial!” Flanders de- clared decidedly, ‘‘Through us the fellow has suffered an even more horrible. fate than we would have awarded him, and I shall respect his person enough to give it a civilized burial.” At this juncture Sally Slick pushed forward. “Tsay, hello!” she cried, glancing askance at the headless body of the murdered man, ‘I _ hear my old man has met with a sort of diffic- kulty. Is that bim?” “‘Yes—what’s left of him!” Flanders an- answered. ; ** That's too bad!” Sally said, giving vent to a whistle of sympathy. ‘‘He was jest as squar’ as an eight-day clock, Sammy was. S'’pose you’ve no objections to deliverin’ the body up to me, seein’ as we war pards?” “Well, I rather opine I have!” Joe replied gruffly. ‘‘It happens that you’re jest about the man I want to see—or rather, the gal!” . “Git out! What do you want of me?” “Oh! simply a little information, that’s all. ou see, we're anxious to investigate the case ot Sierra Sam’s other six cherubs, who have threat- ened us with total annhilation,” ‘“*Humph! You better not go a-fishin’ after them fellers!” Sal warned, ‘‘for, if you do you'll come out at the little end of the horn, I tell you. As fer me, ye can’t prove nothin’ by me, no more’n you can make a dumb man sing!” ‘We'll test the matter!” Flanders gritted, and at a notion from him Sally was seized. The body. of the unfortunate Cahfornian was then hauled out of the jail, and Sally thrust in and the door locked on her. *« There!” Flanders shouted. ‘*Tbhat’s where pe stay till you get ready to tell us where ierra Sam’s pals are to be found!” ** Bet you ten cents ag’in’ a dollar I won't! Sal fired back, defiantly. ‘‘T’ll get out of here, and when I do, ef I don’t sp’ile your purty mus- tache, ye can call me a liar!” ; Flanders winced at this, and swore, as he walked away. His mustache was one of his greatest prides, for it was certainly a handsome affair, both on account of its great size, and also on account of its blonde color and graceful curve, as it stretched across either cheek. Sally laugheti wickedly after he was gone, and put in the better share of the day in eS : \ en her supper of bread and water had been partaken of, and darkness had settled over the town, she began work, Taking a knife from her dress, she began to dig down into the ground, close to the rear wall, and as fast as the dirt was loosened, she scooped it out with her bands, ; Like a beaver did she toil until the perspira- tion trickled down over her face, But she stuck grittily at the work for five hours with searcely a pause, . : At the expiration of that time she stood with- out the jail, a triumphant expression upon her dirty face. > ** Now for the mustache and revenge,” she said, speeding away. CHAPTER XT. FLANDERS LOSES. On the following morning when Joe Flanders emerged upon the street his friends burst into a roar of laughter. ‘¢ What in blazes are you laughing at?” Joe demanded, gruffly. : “ Fergot suthin’ hav’n’t ye?” a miner observed, ‘tor bin heyin’ a family disturbance with your band suddenly to his His bandsome mus- Slick had kept her ' wife, eh?” Flanders clapped his upper lip, with an oath. tache was gone! Sally promise, by shearing the handsome appendag: off so close to his lip that but a stubble remained. - “That cussed little vixen said she’d fix me, and she’s done it. Oh! blast her; if I ketch ber. sho shall pay dearly for this!” Joe cried, m his. hot anger, and rushed toward the jail, followed | by the crowd, * ~

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\ her lately,” Joo replied, bis curiosity by no], Byery card sharp in Rough Ranch tried to : e2 ee Sierra Sam’s Sentence. “The gal dug out, and it wasn’t my fault I | means lessening, ‘‘So you were after Sierra’ got beat!” Joe growled, betaking himself back | Sam, eh? Female detective?” ; to the Casino. ‘* Perhaps—perbaps not,” was the brief reply. The day passed quietly. But that was sufficient. From that minute it The body of the beheaded man was decently | went out that Mlle. Marie was a detective, and buried near the jail, a large crowd turning out |had come to Rough Ranch to arrest Sam for to witness the interment, some criminal offense, arriving just too late to Every-one was armed, for it was feared that | secure him. there would be an attack from the road-agents; Then some one started the report that Sierra but none was made. . | Sam was not gone at all to ‘‘that other place,” That night about‘nine o’clock a frame shanty | but still existed in life and flesh. was discovered on fire, and was quickly con- After closing business at the Casino thav sumed, night, the new-comer, Marie, betook herself to This fire had but fairly begun when two other | the Ramirz mansion, and rapped at the door. shanties in different parts of the town were dis- Several minutes later the summons was an- covered on fire, swered by Don Ramon himself, who surveyed This fact, as soon as it became known, created | the masked stranger in great surprise, considerable consternation among the people. “ Good-evening,” Marie saluted, in a prompt, And for the second time in the history of | business-like way. ‘‘ Allow me to introduce Rough Ranch a Vigilance Committee was or- | myself. Iam Mademoiselle Marie, private. de- ganized and the members scattered through the | tective of New Orleans.” camp. “Weill, what does that concern me?” the Don But the incendiaries were not to be found; | demanded, coldly. ‘I am not aware that Iam they had done their work quietly but surely, | interested in any detective case.” and made good their escape. ‘** Perhaps not, but I have a desire to talk with Nearly a week after the fire a strange charac- | you on a subject of importance,” : ter appeared in Rough Ranch; rented a table in “That you can do right here, if you like,” the Casino and opened for business. Ramirz said, not offering to admit her within She was evidently a young woman, judging | doors. j by the graceful contour of her oe which Marie gave vent to a ‘‘humph” of disgust, was neatly clad; but whether beautiful or other- | but proceeded: wise was not for curious ones to know, as her “Tt came to ask in regard to a certain West- face was hidden behind a black thick vail, | ern individual by the name of Sierra Sam. which had two eyeholes cut in it for her two | you know where he is?” Sharp eyes to peer through. The Don laughed coarsely, _ That it was her desire to conceal her identity ‘*From bis record, I infer that he has emi- was evident; but she at once attracted a deal | grated toa land where the temperature is ex- of attention, and was not long in starting up a | ceedingly warm.” game, in which she skinned” a bevy of miners | _ ** Sierra Sam isnot dead. You know it and out of their lucre in a very short space of time; | I know it. I want to know what has become of and with the sang froid of an experienced Sierra Sam—for money!” Marie persisted. gambler. “In which case you will have to go and in- ~ As may be surmised, this did not decrease the es of some one else, my dear woman,” the interest in her, and finally Joe Flanders telt ia- | Don replied, ‘‘as I know absolutely nothing of clined to try his luck, to the tune of fifty a side, | the outlaw, more than that his headiess carcass at an opportune moment when the table of the | has been buried somewhere on the outskirts of supposedly fair pasteboard manipulator was de- | the town.” 5 serted, except of Mademoiselle Marie, asshean- | ‘* You are telling mea lie!” the woman said, nounced herself. =» | as she descended the steps to the street. : Joe was hardly a lady’s man, and was rathe timid in fen.iftine society; but after she had The next morning the.town was flooded with . won the stake from him, with a quiet laugh, he | placards, framed in the following language: lost much of his bashfulness. ‘“You play too strong a game for me, that’s *°$5.000 REWARD ! ; sure,” he said, ruefully watching her. tuck away “T will pay the above-named sum to the party or the crisp note with a roll of others, parties who will deliver into my custody Sierra Sam, “‘Tndeed I am a very poor player,” she re- | the frontier ferret, alive and well, within ten days, plied, ‘‘having had but little experience prior set believe Leet cate Sierra Ss pt he, alive and a to coming here to Rough Ranch.” ; 2 DLN MLC Bo Cloned) ie i = “ Goin’ to run the business?” Joe queried, in i eee ILS curiosity. ; What did Mlle. Marie want with the Califor- ‘ Possibly, for a time, JI came here to meet | nian, that she should be willing to pay so big a a party, but learn that he has been so unfortun- | sum? ate as to loso his life.” And was there any foundation in the sup- ‘¢Oh, you mean Sierra Sam, eh?” position that Sam was really yet of the earth — ‘* Ves, It seems, from all I can hear, that it | earthy? : was an unlucky step that brought him here to These were subjects discussed by the groups Rough Ranch with his bride. Has the young | who thronged the streets, and Mile, Marie was Tady been found yet?” the center of close observation; consequently “Guess not. Never heard anything about | her business at the card-table was great. 4

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Sierra Sam’s Sentence. and got “left” so far, that they retired with little bravado, and many dollars-out of pooket, Ever quiet, modest and pleasant, the Unknown sill had enough dignity to command respect and, by a stern glance, to check insult. All day long was the Casino crowded, and all day long money changed into Marie’s hands, and was complacently pocketed. So that when night came the reputation of Mademoiselle Marie was something immense. She had beaten the town at cards, and added several thousand dol- lars to her capital. Among the “lucky” spirits of Rough Ranch, it was acknowledged that nobody stood a ghost of a show at cards, alongside Don Ramon de Ramirz. So far as cards were concerned, he was alleged to be a second-sight seer, and had never been known to lose a game where any great amount of money was up, So, when he heard of Mile. Marie’s achieve- ments he resolved to see for himself if she really was so great an expert as reported. Arming himself with all the ready cash in his possession, and dressing himself in his hest, he resorted to the Casino, *‘ to beard the lioness in her den,” as he expressed it. CHAPTER XII. A GAME OF POKER. . StraicatT to the Casino did the Don proceed, to find her dlsengaged. The chair on the oppo- site side of the table was unoccupied; he slipped into it with a suave smile, while a crowd imme- diately gathered around, _ “Ahem! I hear you are getting a big name for card-playing!” the Don said, surveying the vailed Unknown shen. “Oh! Because I’ve had a streak of luck in winning a few games, I need not be classed as an expert!” Mile. Marie replied, calmly. Don Ramon smiled. “ Just so,” he assented; so I thought I would call around and in case you were disengaged, to ei to have the honor of changing your luck as you call it.” Marie uttered a peculiar little laugh, “<Tf monsieur desires to show his proficiency; let him put up a poodly sum of money; I will not play for a trifle.” re ‘Of course I will play you for any sum you may wish, to the limit of that pile!” Ramirz answered, taking a roll of bills from his pocket, and laying it upon the table.. “How much?’ Marie asked, with apparent carelessness. cre ‘Hive thousand dollars!” Ramirz said, tri- umphantly, ‘‘To accommodate your means I shall have to divide it, eh?” ‘** Not at all!” the vailed lady replied, produc- ing aroll of greenbacks, and counting out ten crisp bills, of five hundred dollars each. “Phew! you must have been striking itrich!" the Don sneered. “T can put up dollar for dollar with you, or any other man in Rough Ranch!” Marie re- torted. ‘‘So put your stamps in the landlord’s hands, here, if you are anxious to lose ’em.” ** You'll see how I will lose,” the Don returned, 2 sharply, putting his money in Flanders’s hands, beat her at poker casino, monte and old sledge, 23 as did Marie—making more money than Joe had handled for many a day. Poker was the-chosen game, and the play at . once commenced, with a new pack of cards. Dense grew the crowd about the table, to watch with eager interest the turning of the game that was to decide who was entitled to the ten thousand dollars. ‘Tf I win this, do you propose to call for re- venge?” Mile. Marie asked, as the game pro- ‘pressed very nearly evenly. : “Tf I lose, I am still game, providing my mines are any good. I never met the person yet who could beat me at cards—consequently I am not greatly worried.” < But be was worried shortly after, when the turning of a single card decided the game, and Joe Flanders handed over the stakes to the vailed Mademoiselle. “ Eternal curses on your luck!” the Don gasp- ed, growing livid with rage. ‘' You cheated, and I demand ay money back!” 2 ‘Tf I cheated, let the crowd unanimously say so, and I will refund the money which I have fairly won from you.” You needn’t kick, Ramirz,” Joe Flanders interposed, ‘‘ for you were beaten fairly, The gal ae it square, and all you can do is grin and “Til be cursed if I will!” the Don roared. ‘Pll lose all or nothing. Where is the person who will loau me not five thousand more but fifty thousand dollars, for a few minutes, and take a mortgage on my entire mining estate?” . ** What is the value of the whoie business?” Mile. Marie asked, calmly. “Exactly the sum I named.” “Then draw up a mortgage, and I'll go you half the amount you name,” Marie said, ‘* That is as much as any broker would give you.” Ramirz knew this well enough, and instantly } turned to Flanders. ‘Send for Giles, the Jawyer,” he ordered, “Pll either win back all or lose everything.” Giles, the Iawyer, carre soon, and drew up a mortgage for $25,000, which, if not paid in seven days, would vest the title to all the property named in Mile. Marie. As soon as this instrument was properly exe- cuted, the vailed woman sport paid over into Ramirz’s hands the full sum indicated, which he in turn handed over to Flanders. Marie then covered it and a new pack of cards were produced, shuffled, cut and dealt, 3 By this time the saloon was crowded to suffo.. cation, and a sy Babel of voices were.mak. ing the night hideous with betting, cursing and bacchanalian songs. 5 Many of the Spanish element of the town were by this time present, ‘and of course bet high up-" on the Don, but the majority of the wagers were made upon Mile. Marie’s success, The game began Then a bush pervaded the Casino, so that scarcely anytbing could be flip of the pasteboards. ; The Don, for a man of dark complexion, was very pale, and exceedingly nervous, showing that heard, except the from the first, evidently, he had felt it in his— pe 4 bones that he was to be beaten. ee: Maries face being. covered, no one eould de- a %

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i . '* Curses on me, yes, g4. Sierra Sam’s Sentence. a a a a er rr ET termine whether she was affected or not, but, judging by ber deliberate and easy playing, the impression conveyed was that she was perfectly. confident of winning. And she did. By exactly the same hand that had won her the first game did she win the second, while thunders of applause made the room echo and re-echo, Don Ramon arose from the table with a vicious oath, as Fianders handed over the immense stakes to Marie, and made his way out of the saloon—no longer rich nor powe-ful, but literal- ly a pauper, as compared with his former pres- tige and means, Straight to his own mansivn ho took himself, his dusky visage a scene of many evil thoughts and passionate expressions. “tam ruined! I am ruined!” he muttered, as he ran up_the steps; ‘* but it shall not be long. Wh, no!” Entering the mansion, he sought out. the Senorita Inez, and found both her and the ras- cal Carlos in the parlor, neither of them appar- ertly ia a very favorable frame of mind. Black Carlos, however, no matter how much angered, was not a thundercloud, but instead, more of a cynical villain. ‘*Been over to see the elephant, eh?” he queried, as he noted the savage expression upon the Don’s features. na Rather to sew the lioness!” was the gruff re- Wes PY, Which means that you have felt her teeth, eh?” Carlos laughed. I went from this house a rich man, and came back a pauper, The in- fernal she-sharp literally chawed me up—skinned moe of all Iam worth!” * Phew! not all!” Carlos demanded, “Ay, of every dollar. Iam ruined as sure as Iam a live man.” “The deuse you say! How about my claim? You are indebted to me over two thousand dol- lars, you will please remember.” “Té matters not. I have not a cent in the world, and can pay no debts.” Carlos scowled: ‘Supposing you were well heeled, and desiring to have a home of my own, Ihave just been talking love to the fair Inez, but she repulsed me at every word. Had sho accepted me, your debt to me would be canceled. But under the circumstances, something must be done, and done at once, too.” * Bah! you area fool. My child could never accept a man of your stamp—neither can I pay 5 } “T will die before I will marry yes !” Tnez de- ‘clared, her eyes flashing, ‘‘I shall marry one man only,” j ‘* And that man living somewhere in your cus- tody, would not deign to wipe his feet on you!” Carlos declared, with mocking triumph. ‘‘ Bow- ever, you are the priceless jewel I covet, and mine you shall be, or Pll lay you in your grave with uy own hands.” “Blatant bombast 1” the Don growled, ‘* You ny dare do nothi: i! Wait and see!” Carlos warned, rising.’ ‘I will giv: forty-eight hours to accede to my oak TP you refuse, Ti not only make it a ee cee ee ae Lee hee | not, we can do ee | exceedingly warm#for you, but I will also make five thousand dollars reward by exposing the whereabouts of a certain advertised-for per- son. “Yon are talking nonsense,” Ramirz averred, ** Although it is not impossible that we may come to terms, I am perfectly satisfied that you cannot locate the man you refer to.” ‘“* Well, that remains to be told,” Carlos re~ torted, taking his hat and leaving the room. After he was gone, Don Ramirz and _ his daughter stood gazing at each other, until Carlos was heard to leave tho house; then the Don said: ; “It isas I expected, Matters are approach- ing a crisis. If some move is not made at once we are not only irretrievably ruined, but, will never escape from this town. What shall be done?” Inez was silent for a few minutes, then an- swered: ‘You say Mile, Marie has got all?” *Hverything—all; money and mortgage, Nothing remains belonging-to us but this house,” ** And you say she offers a reward for Sierra Sam?” ‘* Yes, of five thousand dollars,” ** And has all this money about her?” ** She did, a short time ago.” ~ “«Then wait!” She sat down af a table, and hastily wrote the following: ““Miue Marre:—You offer five thousand dollars reward to any person who will deliver Sierra Sam into your charge. If you will meet me at the Curve . a mile below town, I will give you the key that will unlock the dungeon that holds him. ring the money. «Li Sa? CHAPTER XIII. BAFFLED, ** THERE,” the senorita said, reading it aloud to her father, ‘See that this paper reaches the woman, Marie, at once, before the Casino closes for the night. She will then, likely, come tothe appointed place of meeting, with all her money. with her. We will be there in disguise, ‘While you engage her in conversation, I will stealup behind her, throw my arms about her, and thus hold her until you can bind her. Then we will rob her at leisure, and also see what face is con~ cealed behind that vail.” ‘Your plan is excellent,” the Don cried, enthusiastically. ‘‘I did not know you were so courageous and capable, Weshould feel flat, however, if she should not haye her money with her.” ‘‘ Well, in that case, we shall have to apply a remedy befitting her. Her money. we must ee a I think the sooner we leave here, the etter. 4 “You are right again. But do you not be- ere, we can geti some money out of Sierra” m y “No, He remains as stubborn and f as a mule, Het he will die where he is bes me wi : feb. en eT leave. ig ee will come tot teed then Re a -no more than let him velo > nate

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Sierra Sam’s Sentence. Carlos may give us trouble unless wo accede to his terms,” ~ ‘Bah! he will do nothing, I believe. If he does, all that is necessary is to give him a dose of arsenic in a glass of wine, That will quiet him effectually, As, to his knowing the where- abouts of Sierra Sam, that is all fudge.” “Probably, Well, I will go, now, and see that Mile, Marie receives this note immedi- ately.” That evening’s sport was not all over, After Ramirz had left the saloon, Marie be- came even more a center of attraction than before, but she caught no other customer, for exceedingly shy were the habitues of the Sn a of a woman who had such phenomenal uck, Late in the evening, the stage arrived, and the driver reported that the conveyance had been stopped, scarcely a mile from town, and both the treasure-hox and the passengers robbed of everything of value, and one man, who had attempted resistance, had been hauled off the coach and shot, This created a new excitement, and the Sierra Sam subject received plenty of discussion on every hand. ; ‘“*T tell you what!” Joe Flanders cried, mount- ing the bar; ‘‘ this thing must be stopped. Woe yare fools to calmly submit to being robbed by a pack of mountain roughs, who cloak their crime uuder the pretense of avenging tho possible death of their former pal, Sierra Sam. Some of you don’t believe the cuss is dead, at all, and I am not positive, myself. Therefore, I pro- pose that it is no more than fair that an inves- tigation be made, to learn who is who, here in ~ Rough Ranch, There’s one or more suspicious characters about town, who might be able to inform us if Sierra Sam is alive or not.” During this speech a man entered and handed Marie a letter, which she read and pocketed. When Flanders finished she arose quickly, a shining revolver in her hand. “Tf you mean me, sir,” she cried, ‘‘in your reference to suspicious persons, I have to in- form you that you will not profit by waging eS alan me. Iam prepared to defend my- self. z “So I perceive,” Flanders responded, ‘‘ but I trust you will kindly remove the mask and thow us your face,” “Then you trust in vain, for I will not show ft at all!” Marie cried, defiantly. ‘tI came here’ vo mind my own business, and the first one who attempts to mind it for me, will have cause to regret in!” Wer So candidly did she speak that: there could be no’doubt about her sincerity, and the crowd stood gazing at her in respect and wonder. Joe Flanders did not feel proud at this, and he sprung down off the counter toward her, If he contemplated tearing the vail from her face, as was evident, he was not destined to be successful, for just then there was a yell of rage, and Bandel, the madman, darted between them, d dealt Flanders a terrible blow in the face that dropped him - je net withont ‘uttering a word, awav dashed e strange protector again from the saloon. lay a haad Flanders was but stunned by the blow, and slowly picked himself up and rubbed his nose dolefully. No one else offering her any further molesta- tion, Marie left the saloon, Once outside, she burried up the gulch toward what was known as the Devil’s Curve, Her rapid footsteps soon brought her to the pias: which was the one appointed in Inez’: i Sho presently heard footsteps approacbing, — and soon after a man made his appearance around the curve, : As soon as he came near enough to be dis- cernible, Marie perceived that he was wrapped inalong rubber coat and cap combined, and the cowl of the’ latter being pulled down over his face, hie it from view. When he was within a few paces of her, Marie raised her hand, and motioned him not to advance further. ** Stop!” she cried. ‘‘I prefer that you re- main at a proper distance. Are you Y. Z. &?” “Tam!” the man replied, in a gruff voice evidently disguised. ‘‘Hayve you_ come to deal with me, for the release of Sierra Sam?” “T have, when you prove to my satisfaction — wer,” that Sierra Sam is alive and in your ring him ‘‘T suppose you’d like to have mo out where you can see him, eh?” ‘Precisely! «I will pay, when I get that which I pay for. If you want the money, pro- duce Sierra Sam!” _ : , ‘‘T am more cautious than that. Give me the money, and I pledge my word of honor, to turn Sierra Sam over into your keeping, within the hour.” ; ‘* Tf you think me green in treating with men of your stamp, Don Ramon, you are doomed te disappointment,” she said. ‘‘Only when you produce Sierra Sam alive and well will I pay you your price.” Ramirz (for as the reader is aware it was he) uttered an oath, “You are very careful. Have you the money wit you” } *T’dbe a fool to bring it here,” Marie re- ise. ‘““where I could easily be robbed of it, ben you produce the prisoner, however, the money is ready for you.” “ Bab! this is monotonous!” Rarzirz declared. ‘You have all the money and the mortgage ‘ou robbed me of about your person. Deliver it up, or I will leave your corpse for the wolves - to pick to-night,” “Tam not at “T have a revolver bearing on your heart, as you doubtless know, and if you make a move toward harming me, you are a dead man!” But.at this instant she was seized from behind, CHAPTER XIV, “ UNSUCCESSFUL, Ta person who had seized Marie from behind had thrown a strong pair of arms around her, ra pineal her arms firmly. aid in securing the prisoner, but all alarmed!” Marie retorted. g * ue “ ' “ = A x & is Ee Don at the same time sprung forward to cofing-the prisoner, bat betote he ahah upon this yailed mademoiselle, @

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- male attire, at once obeyed the command, and . 26 Sierra Sam’s Sentence. rere iad rung out, and one of hisarms dropped | ‘In that case she must tell what she knows, imp and useless to his:side. or we'll make her, that’s all!” An instant later Sally Slick dashed forward, a “But how you going togetat her? She is pair of cocked six-shooters in her grasp. hard to reach, as you’ve cause to know.” ** Let up there, you robbers!” she cried, firing “Yes, so I am aware, but we must put our again and sending a bullet so close to the dis- | heads together and devise a plan, whereby to guised Don’s ear, that ~) jumped violently aside. | effect her capture. Then, if she does not come ‘ Release that lady, or I will make you so sick | to time she shall be killed, thus ridding the of yer little job that yer won’t never live to | community of one curse at least, if not more,” tackle another.” The plotters thereupon did put their beads The person who held Marie, and who, the | together, and secretly arranged a campaign reader is probably aware, was Senorita Inez in against Mile. Marie, which boded her no good, should she fall into their trap. But, with her usual independence, she was to be found at her table in the Casino, at the usual hour in the morning, ready to play with any one who had anything to risk on cards, During the forenoon after the late robbery, Black Carlos dropped into the saloon and en- gaged her in conversation. 2 : To his surprise he found — quite amiable and talkative, and he soon found himself very much -interested in her, a fact of which she was well aware, as she redoubled her efforts to hastened to the Don’s side, while the weapons of Sally Slick still kept a bearing upon them, “ Your schenie has failed, and you had better take advantage of the chance and clear out while you can. I suspected your gume, and came prepared, as I have my mone¥ where you could never finlit. Dl give you ten days to produce and deliver up Sierra Sam; if you fail, we will ses what can be done with you.” Then, without another word, she turned and hastened down the gulch toward the camp. When she was goné the Don and his danghter turned to where Sally had stood a minute be- fore, but she too was gone, ‘Baffled! ruined!” Ramirz hissed. We, too, may as well go home.” Inez sneered. “You are anold fool!” she said. ‘If you had had plenty of help here, no one would have interfered, Now youcan go home without your money, and ten to’one you'll never get another chance to secure it,” “ Well, we won’t give up, yet!” the Don re- lied, sullenly. ‘‘ We will pay a visit to Sierra am, and talk with him.” 3 lease. e Gradually their conversation turned to the subject of the doubt existing as to whether Sierra Sam was dead or ng” “*T see you have been offering a reward for Sierra Sam,” the Spaniard said. ‘‘ Do you sup- pose he is alive?” “Most assuredly. You know he is, too, sir.” “No, I do not know it. I merely infer it.” “You do know,” Marie persisted, with a t deal of spirit, ‘‘ You know as well as I that Sierra Sam is alive and in the power of Ramirz.” “ Well?” ‘*You can earn the reward by revealing the hiding-place of Sierra Sam and delivering him tome. Why don’t you do so?” : ‘* Perhaps I might were there sufficient induce- ment, I believe it would not take me long to ferret out the place where Sierra Sam is confined, if so be he is still alive.” ; ‘Pray what inducement could. you ask further than what I have offered already?” 3 ** Humph! the aey, is not sufficient to tempt me, for one thing. If Sierra Sam is worth a cent to you, he is worth a good deal more than the reward you offer. I fancy I know who you Still later, that night, Rough Ranch was awakened from its slumber by~a wild, weird chorus of song, with an accompaniment made by the clater of horses’ hoofs, Those who ventured to thrust their heads from windows to learn the cause, saw a small party of masked horsemen dashing down through the main street of the town, and knew that they were Sierra Sam’s Seven, for seven there were in the party, the person in the lead being none other than the child-brayo, Sally Slick. So quickly did the party dash“through and lout of the town, that no one thought of giving | are and why you want the bold sport. You are the lost bride, Stella Slocum!” Marie laughed sarcastically. _ ‘You would not make a fortune at guessing, or you'd know better than that. If Sierra Sam’s wife I should not be apt to hide my face. Who or what I am does not in the least concern you © or any one but myself. I am willing to pay the sum of five thousand dollars to any one who will set Sierra Sam at liberty, outside the town, but not one cent more, That is a big sum of money to pay, and only strong motives could cause me | to give away so much.” “Then I don’t believe we can make terms, Twenty thousand would be my very lowest fig- ure, and then I should want you to marry me, — and give me control of your affairs.” es Mlle. Marie fairly gasped with amazement at the preposterous proposition, Then she laughed sardonically, : : ; pursuit, until they were gone. The next morning brought to light another annoying ciege 2 During the night, five business places in the town had been entered, and money and other valuables taken therefrom; while in each-place a wisiting-card, in the shape of a full sheet poster, had been left, on which was written: ‘“STERRA SAM’S SEVEN.” Joe Flanders picked out four trusty miners, and they held a private consultation, “Tt’s a matter of no further doubt in my mind but what these accursed outlaws have a go-between in this very camp!” he said, ‘tand who more likely than the vailed woman Marie? She, perbaps. is also the lost bride of Sierra am? * Well”

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_ were you I wouldn’t stand it, We Sierra Sam’s Sentence. Pe SA A na “Why you bave no end of assurance!” she averred, ‘I forgive you, however. Were I in the matrimonial market you would be the last person I could imagine as the object of my choice. Your price, too, is most unreasonable, and I could not dream of paying it.” ‘Sad am I to declare that I cannot exert my- self in your behalf,” the villain sneered, arising from the table and taking his departure, * Better so, perhaps,” Marie murmured. Later that day Joe Flanders met the Senorita Inez upon the street, and hailed her, She waited for him to approach, in consider- able surprise, for he had never paid much atten- tion to her, rarely ever speaking to her. ‘Excuse me, senorita,” he said, doffing his hat with a gallantry not usual with him, ‘but I _ have something of importance to say to you.” “Well, say it!? the lady responded, coldly, “ but please be as brief as possible, as I am in a burry.” “Well, it is this, who gambles over at my place, has been tellin some pretty hard stories about you, and if d some of us remonstrate with her, but are afraid to touch ber until we find out who she really is. That's what we most desire to do, and if we find, as we suspect, that she is Sierra Sam’s wife, she’s got to surrender,” ‘‘ Well, what has this todo with me? What do you want of me?” i ; “Simply this: Go over to the Casino, enter it, and approach Marie on the sly. When within reach of her, spring forward and tear the vail from her face. I anda dozen others will be near at band, and be ready to quickly cover her with weapons, so that she will either have to surrender or die!” ‘And what am I to get for this?” _ “Why, the satisfaction of triumphing over your enemy, of course,” : = ‘‘Humph! I will not be madea tool of for nothing. If you choose to restore to me the money that she robbed from my father, it will be’more of an object.” . “1 will do this,” Flanders asserted. ‘TI will restore to you whatever amount is found on her person at the time she is captured. If this is satisfactory, why go ahead.” “Very well; I will doas you say within half an hour.” : Promptly at the appointed time, Inez de Ramirz entered _the Casino and stole stealthily Ap behind Mlle, Marie, who was deeply engross- ed in a game of poker with a miner, When sufficiently close the senorita reached quickly forward and tore the covering from the mademoiselle’s face, while at the same instant Flanders and a dozen others leaped forward. CHAPTER XV. SaM’S DECISION. A ¥Ew hours before Inez tore the vail from | _ the face of Mademoiselle Marie, Ferro delivered the Don an envelope as the latter sat in the par- Jor of his mansion. fter Ferro was \ gone he tore open the mes- " Sage and read: is That woman, Mile. Marie, 2? “Ramon DE Ramira:— * Srr:—You are hereby notified that the members of Sierra Sam’s Seven have firmly decided, by care- ful observation, that Sierra Sam still lives, and that he also is in your custody. Therefore, this is to in- form you that we have placed the seal of doom upon your head, which nothing can lift therefrom except your surrender and that of our captain. At- tempt not to leave the town, as every avenue of es- cape is guarded with trusty men. Until to morrow at midnight will you be given to set Sierra Sam at liberty; outside of Rough ich. ’ “Srprra Sam’s. SEVEN.” The Don read this over, his features growing _ dark and bard in their expression. “Curse them!” he growled savagely. ‘* The mean to hound me down to a dog's death yet, it would seem. But they shall find me game to the last! I wl at once pay a visit to Sierra ain, whom -we so cleverly extracted from the jail, and replaced with a headless cadaver, If 1_ can get a reasonable sum of money from the Sport, we will leave this place behind—Inez ond i—and try for better luck in some strange place. ‘ Leaving the parlor, he entered a sort of ante- room, where he procured and lighted a lantern, and also donned a pair of handsome revolvers. Opening a trap in the floor of this ante-room, he descended a flight of stone steps into a dark cellar, where boxes and barrels were stored. Passing along to the further end, be hung the lantern upon a nail in one of the stringers overhead, and began to remove a pile of boxes that choked up the rear end of the apartment. When this job was accomplished, a grated door in the rear wall, was discovered, Repossessing himself of the lantern, the Don approached the door, unlocked it and entered, at the same time drawing a revolver, and flash- ing. the light around the cell. hen it became apparent that there was no use of taking the precaution of drawing a weapon, for the prisoner within that gloomy dungeon was helpless, being chained to the wall, and his hands and feet securely bound. | Sierra Sam it was, alive and looking well, who sat upon a box as the Don entered. Ramirz chuckled triumphantly, as he per- ceived that his captive was all rigbt. Sam heard the laugh, and his eyes glittered » with set resolve. “Well; what brings you here again?” Sam demanded. ‘‘I have nothing to say to you.” _ “But [have to you,” the Don declared, with, a taunting smile. ‘‘I have come to inform you~ that our pleasant business arrangements must be brought to a close at once,” ‘* Indeed! mand?” ’ F ake we Well, proceed to say what you de- sire to, What terms do you propose to de-

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28 rejoinder. ‘Had I a thousand bank accounts. I would not accede to your terms, So go ahead and wall me in. Not one continental cent will I give you.” - he Don looked puzzled, ‘You are a strange man!” he said. must value life ve: pa “So lightly that I wouldn’t pull a hair out of my head to gratify you!” the Sport cried, flercely. ‘* Get out_of my presence, and do your worst, curse you! My spirit will rise from this tomb and haunt you, mark me!” ' “Bah! Tam not superstitious. made your bed so shall you lie init. If for gold you would die, then no sin be on my hands, So prepare for your dark watch!” ith a diabolical laugh he turned, left, the cell and locked the door, In one corner of the cellar was a pile of stone, _ left there when the mansion was built, The bottom of the cellar being of sandy for- mation, all the Don had to do was to procure a few buckets of water from above-stairs, when he was enabled to make a passable bed of mor- tar. Setting to work, then, he commenced walling up the entrance to the dungeon, Sierra Sam watching the operation with glittering eyes. Three hours of rapid, laborious effort suc- ceeded in accomplishing tae job, and Sierra Sam was literally entombed, while the Don with agrin of demoniac satisfaction, ascende into the mansion and closed down the trap. "You As you have Of course, Mile. Marie—otherwise Stella Slo- cum, for she it was—saw that the game was up the instant. she was covered by the aim of so many weapons, and wisely made no effort to de- fen herself, “Oho! so we’ve got you, have we, my fair mademoiselle?” Joa Flanders cried, exultantly. ._ ‘You had to employ a snake to do the brave act,” Stella retorted. ‘That- young woman is tae viper who chloroformed me on the night of my arrival in Rough Ranch, and confined me ’ until a few days since in a cavern!” ‘“‘Tt’s a base lie!” the senorita declared, **Tt is not, and [ have proof of it in the person of my rescuer, Bandel, the madman!” retorted Stella, ‘*Drop this matter dered, importantly. “ ' to attend to. Madam, I presume longer deny that you are the wife o} Sierra Sam.” : ‘‘T shall do as I please about that. Besides m isnot an outlaw. He is a detective, and aw officer of the law!” **Can’t help that. He’s a robber, and he’s got to pry the premium. ‘You, being his wife, are just as liable as he is himself. So, be not bein’ ere, you've got to tell us where to find hiny, ar you are a corpse, forthwith,” “T know nothing about the whereabouts of my husband, more than that I believe him to be in the power of the Ramirz tribe!” Stélla cried, Empty, at won't work, ma’am. Our eyes won’t ciuse worth a cent, you know, and ye ain’t got . mo course to pursue except jest what I’ve told ust now!” Flanders or- 6 have graver matters gi will no the outlaw, Sierra Sam’s Sentence. — rrr et ye—spit out the truth, the hull truth, and noth- in’ but the truth, you bet!” “ T see that it is useless to contend with you,” Stella returned, calmly.‘ So, having nothing more to say, I will say nothing,” “Then you'll die!” Flanders cried, savagely. ‘* Boys, seize her, bind her, and search her!” The order was promptly obeyed, Her pockets were then searched, discoverin only a pocketbook containing two bits, whic Flanders banded over to Inez. : ‘* Bah!” she said, throwing it, upon the ground, **T want my father’s money!” ‘It’s where you could never find it!” Stella assured. ‘If you came here to make a fortune you better trot home like a whipped puppy 1 “Out onto the street with the prisoner!” cried Flanders, ‘‘and bind her to the old horse-chest- nut tree. Pll then draw votes with any six galoots in the town to see who shall take a rifle and shoot her till she is dead. f we can’t have regular law and order here in pias Ranch, we will have something to fill its ace! é : ’ x Poor Stella was then seized and borne out into the street with loud cries of triumph, CHAPTER XVI. CONCLUSION, Srmrra SAM was not an utterly reckless man, although he might have appeared in that light in refusing to pay over the sum of money de- manded for his life’s sake; but when he refused Ramirz’s demand, he was well’ assured that it would be not long ere he would be released, whether he was walled in or not. That assurance came to him thus: While Ramirz stood within the door speaking, Sam saw a petite figure slyly step to the door, peer through the gratings, and then as noiseless- ly disappear. He immediately. recognized ber as bis child pard, Sally Slick, alias Little Luck, and he felt confident that it was as goud as certainty that his escape was impending. With great patience he waited. An hour passed by. ~ \ Then he saw the stones begin to move from the top of the door. : n ten minutes a sufficient number had been removed to admit of a voice speaking through the grates from the outside. . ** Say, pard, aire ye thar?” ““You bet Iam here,” Sam responded. ‘11 that you, Sally?” ’ “You bet it is, pard! Just hold your horse, and I'll have you resurrected afore ye know it!’ A silence then followed, except the noise made -| by Sally as she tore down the wall. In much less time than it took to lay it, was it leveled to the ground, **So fur, so good,” Sally said, pausing to sur- vey her work. ‘‘ Now then for the lock.” : It was a common affair, and producing a bunch of keys, she soon had it fitted, and the door unlocked. A F After that it wasa comparatively small job to release Sierra Sam. ‘When he was freed, he caught Sally ue in his_ arms and kissed her, after which she said: ~ “Come! follow me, now, and I will show you - : ma SOA

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Sierra Sam’s Sentence. ” omar ho te get out of this house, and out of the town, Don’t fret about Stella. She is at liberty and will join us, as soon as she knows that I have found you.” ‘* Lead on, brave girl! I only want the chance to turn my face from this town, with my brave ones with me,” Sam said, in a tone of gladness. Ten minutes later they stood in the rear yard, adjoining the Ramirz mansion, mounted upon the two best horses in the Don's stable, while at the gate stood Ferro, the Don’sservant, ~*~ “No thanks are required,” he said, ‘t lam not a brute nor a villain, and knowing Ramirz and the Senorita Inez to be guilty of many crimes, I am glad to assist in your escape. But look! they are dragging a woman from the Casino! Ah! it is Marie!” “Stella! Stella!” screamed Sally. ‘‘ For God’s sake, quick, open the gates!” Open went the gates, and out and down the “treet dashed Sierra Sam and Sally, furiously firing with their revolvers as they went! Fiercely through the crowd Sam led on, and bending in bis saddle tore Stella from the arms of her captors. Then away and on they swept, followed by*a oa harmless bullets, and the town w3s left be- ind! Sierra Sam, nor Sierra Sam’s Seven, heard of thereafter. Up in a lone mountain valley, heshortly after struck a paying ‘lead,’ and he, Stella and Sally tuere settled down, thankful for peace and quiet. Aud Bandel, the maniac, was there with them, but perfectly barmless. The Don Ramirz soon after got into dispute with Black Carlos, A duel was the result, and ‘ both received wounds that used them ae The senorita drifted away from Rough Ranch, and among the few whoyet try to ‘‘ keep order ” in the hard little mountain town, Joe Flanders may be classed as ahead! vs THE END, ’ DIME HAND-BOOKS. Brapie’s Dive Hanp-Booxs For Youne ProPLs cover a wide range of, subiects, and are especially adaptea to their end. : Young People’s Series. Ladies’ Letter-Writer. Book of Games, Gents’ Letter-Writer Fortune-Teller. Book of Etiquette. Lovers’ Casket. / Book of Verses. | Ball-room Companious Book of Dreams. Book of Beauty. Manuals for Housewives. t Cook Book. 4,. Family Physician. , Recipe Book, 5. Dressmaking and %. Housekeeper’s Guide. . linery. The above publications are for sale by all news- _ fleaiers or will be gent, post-paid, on receipt of ~- price, ten cents each, by BEADLE \AND ADAMS, $0 Winu1aM street, N, Y. wereever, ‘| IV.—Ethan Allen, -- X ‘BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS | Speakers. Each volume contains 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collec- tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Recitations. The Dime Speakers embrace twenty-five volumes viz.: 1, American Speaker. 15. Komikal Speaker. 2. National Speaker, 16, Youth’s Speaker, . 83, Patriotic Speaker, 17, Eloquent — 4. Comic Speaker. 18. Hail Columbia Speak- 5, Elocutionist, er. 6. Humorous Speaker. 19. Serio-Comie Speaker, %. Standard Speaker. 20, Select Speaker. 8. Stump Speaker. 21. Funny Speaker, 9, Juvenile Speaker. 22. Jolly Speaker. 10, Spread-Eagle Speaker | 23. Dialect Speaker. 11. Dime Debater. 24. Recitations and Read. 12. Exhibition Speaker. ings. 13. School Speaker. | 5. Burlesque Speaker 14. Tudicrous Speaker. These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, etc, 75 to 100 Declamations and Recitations in each book. a) Dialogues. / The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em! brace thirty-five books, viz.: 7 4 Dialogues No. One. Dialogues No. Eighteen. Dialogues No. Two. Dialogues No, Nineteen. Dialogues No. Three.. |Dialozgues Nov Twenty. Dialogues No, Four, Dialogues No. Twenty-one. Dialogues No. Five, Dialogues No. Twenty-two, Dialogues No. Six. Dialogues No. Twenty-three, Dialogues No, Seven. —|Dialogues No. Twenty-four, Dialogues No, Hight. Dialogues No. Twenty-five. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Dialogues No, Dialogues No, Dialogues No, Thirteen. Dialogues No, Fourteen. Dialogues No. Fifteen. Dialogues No, Sixteen. Dialogues No, Twenty-six. DialoguesNo. Twenty-seven, Dialogues No. Twenty-eight Dialogues No. Twenty-nine, Dialogues No, Thirty. . Dialogues No. Thirty-one. Dialogues No. Thirty-two, Dialogues No. Thirty-three, Dialogues No. Thirty-five. 15 to 25 Dialogues and Dramas in each hook, Hand-Books of Games. Handbook ef Summer Sports. Book of Crequet. Yachting and Rowing, Chess Instructor. . Riding and Driving. Cricket and Football. : Book of Pedestrianism, Guide to Swimming. ; Handbook of Winter Sports—Skating, etc, Lives of Great Americans. ° I.—George Washington. | VIII.—Israel Putnam, ~ Il,--John Paul Jones, ~ X.—Tecumseh, Ti.—Mad Anthony Wayne V.—Marquis de Lafayette (@ The above books are sold by newsdealers everywhere, or will be sent, post-paid, to any ad: dress, on see of \4np Apaws, Publishers, 98 William st., N. Y. : 4 ’ Dialogues No.Seventeen | Dialogues No, Thirty-four, « XI,—Abraham Lincoln, ~ XII,—Pontiae. > XIII.—Ulysses 8. Grant. ~ e price, ten cents each, Bravtg

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Save the Republic, Watches of the Night, The Closing Year, Wrong ort s A Wes Road, An Enemy to Society, Barbara Freitche, The Most Precious Gift, Intellectual and — Moral Thanatopsis, (Power, New. ae of Labor, ve of Faith, ream, La Dame Aux Camelias, Penalty of Selfishness, Lights Out, Clothes Don’t Make the The Last Man, an, Mind Your Own Business th se o' July oe y Esquimeux Frien Storyot the Little Rid Hip My Castle in Spain, Shonny Schwartz, The Indian’s Wrongs, @ Address to Young -TStifnl Snow, Strike Through the Knot, An Agricultural Address; ‘The New Scriptures, The Trombone; Don’t Despond, The Mill Cannot Grind, What Became of a Lie, Now an Es for High $s Dot for a isin; How Ub Early Zi, Smart Boy’s Opinion, The Venomous Worm, p > “ Not So tisy, Dead Beat in Politics, War and Dueling, ~ Horses. A Protest, _ Excelsior, [ceision, ; res Version of Ex: 5! The Close, Hard Man, Apples and Apes e cCrooge, er Man, Generically Conside A Chemical Wedding eaker, No. 20. Now is the Time, Exhortation to Patriots, He Is Everywhere, A Dream of Darkness, Religion the Keystone, Scorn of Office, Who are the Free, The City on the Hill; Rat How toSavethe Republig@ = The Good Old Times, * Monmouth, : Hope Moral Desolation : Self-evident ‘Truths, ae Won’t you let my Espa G Work, ~ [Gui S 52 Conscience™ the = Whom to Honor; whe The Lords of Labor, aeaty. cae ae ‘or : impernichel an : Only a Tramp, techikoke : Cage Then Time’s Sotiloqu BS eo Find a Way or Make I, The Musquito Hunt, Tho Hero, — 5

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ee we Wo. 12. SOE oxi spd Recrry Noir BY BEST AUTHORS, A CHOICE COLLECTION OF Beautiful Compositions | Carefully Compiled for SCHOOL, LYCEUM, PARLOR, AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENTS, — BY " FRANCES P. SULLIVAN. - Issued Quarterly, June, 1886. Subscription, 50 Cents per Year. M. J. IVERS & CO, PUBLISHERS, - | y geNASSAU STREET, N.Y- YX 3 ENS < 23) " ‘\ Entered at the Post Office, Y. N., as second class matter, oS

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| Smart TOASTS FOR THE SMART SET, Vest Pocket Size. 64 Pages. Sewed Book. Up-to-Date. By Mail, Postpaid, I2c. per Copy. BEST LINE OF HAND BOOKS PUBLISHED. “YIDDISH” YARNS.—A Collection of Hebrew Jokes, Stories, etc. GENTS’ LETTER WRITER.—A Perfect Guide to all kinds of Correspondence, FAMILY PHYSICIAN.—Family Diseases and Their Treatment; Rules of Health, ete. BOOK OF DREAMS.—Their Romance and Mystery. with a Complete Interpretation Dictionary. HOUSEWIFE’S MANUAL.—How to Keep House; How to Dye, Cleanse, etc. VAUDEVILLE JOKER.—Best Jokes by Eminent Vau- deville Artists. BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—Society, Visits, Introduc- tions, Dress, Balls, etc. FORTUNE TELLER.—Fortune Telling by Cards, Tea or Coffee Grounds, Eggs; Palmistry, etc. BOOK OF 100 GAMES.—One Hundred Games for Social Parties and Home Amusements. COOK BOOK.—Economical, Practical, Excellent. LADIES’ LETTER WRITER.—How to Write; When to Write; What to Write. RECIPE BOOK.—For the Parlor, Nursery, Sick-room, Toilet, Kitchen, Larder, ete. BOOK OF BEAUTY.—Beauty of Form, Color, Head, Hair, Complexion, Skin, ete., with chapters on Perfumes, Cosmetics, ete. BOOK OF VERSES.—Comprising Rhymes, Lines, and Mottoes for Lovers and Friends. THE LOVERS’ CASKET.—A Treatise on and Guide to Friendship, Love, Courtship, and Marriage. “GERMAN ” JOKER.—‘“ Dutch” Jokes and “Gags” by best ‘‘ Dutch” Teams on the Stage. “ HAYSEED” JOKER.—The Doings of ‘Our Country Cousins” in a Humorous Way. “TRAMP *«JOKER.—Good “ Handouts” in this Book for Professional and Amateur Entertainers. “COON” YARNS.—Best Jokes Relating to Our“ Dark- er-Skinned Brothers.” “TRISH” Joker No. 1.—The Wittiness and Whimsicali- ties of ‘‘ Pat’ at His Best. 3 “VARIETY ” JOKER.—Good Things from all the Na- tionalities: ‘‘ Pat,’ ‘Alphonse,’ * Haus,” “ Jona- than,” ‘‘ Moses,” and ** Ebenezer.” The above books are bound in handsomely illustrated lithographed covers. Price by mail, postpaid, 12 cents per copy. M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, 379 Pearl Street, New York City. BEADLE’S BOYS’ 5 CENTS PRICE 1 Dandy Bill’s Doom. By Oll Coomes. By A. W. Aiken. 3 Kit Carson. By Stoddard. 4 Lillie, the Reckless Rider. 5 Old Grizzly in the Rockies. By Ingraham. 6 Deadwood Dick asa Boy. By E. L. Wheeler. 7 Wild Bill. By Ingraham. 8 The Prairie Ranch. By J. E. Badger. 9 Roving Joe. By A. H. Post. 10 ‘'exas Jack. By Ingraham. 11 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By H. B. Stoddard. 12 Brimstone Bill’s Booty. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 13 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 14 The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 15 Wide-Awake George. By E. Willett. 16 Wide-Awake Ned. By B. Ringgold. 17 Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn. By Noah Nuff. 18 Adrift on the Prairie. By Oll Coomes. 19 Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post. 20 Giant Pete and his Pards. By Harbaugh. 21 Yellow Hair. By Ingraham. 22 The Snow-Trail. By Harbangh. 28 Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr. Powell, 24 Woods and Waters. By Whittaker. 25 A Rolling Stone. By W.R. Eyster. 26 Red River Rovers. By ©. D. Clark, 27 Buckskin Sam's Wild Ride. By Ingraham, 28 The Sword Prince. By F. Whittaker. 26 Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. 30 Pavl De Lacy. By C. D. Clark. 31 Round the Camp-Fire. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 82 Fancy Frank’s Drop. By Ingraham. 32 The Boy Crusader, By Capt. F, Whittaker. LIBRARY. PER COPY. ‘ 34 The Chase of the Great White Stag. By C. D, Clark, 35 Old Tar Knuckle. By Rover Starbuck. 36 The Dashing Dragoon. By F. Whittaker. 87 Night-Hawk George. By Ingraham, 88 The Boy Exiles of Siberia. By ‘I. C. Harbaugh. 39 The Young Bear Hunters. By Morris Redwing. 40 New York Bill, the Dodger. By Edward Willett. 41 The Settler’s Son. By Edward $. Ellis. 42 Walt Ferguson’s Cruise. By C. D. Clark. 43 Rifle and Revolver. By F. Whittaker. 44 The Lost Boy Whalers. By ‘I’. C. Harbaugt. 45 Bronco Billy. By Ingraham. 46 Dick, the Stowaway. By Charles Morris. 47% The Colorado Boys. By J. E. Badger, Jr, 48 The Pampas Hunters. By T. C. Harbaugh. 49 Nebraska Charlie. By Ingraham. . 60 Jack, Harry, and Tom. By F, Whittaker, 51 Tom Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C. D, Clark. 52 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Harbaugh. 53 seri the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles orris. 54 California Joe. By Ingraham. 55 Tip Tressel, the Flatboat Boy. By Edward Willett. 56 The Snow Hunters. By Harry De Forrest. 57 Harry Somers, the Magician. By S. W. Pearce. 58 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost. By Ingraham. 59 Tim, the Mule Bov of the Mines, By Charles Morris, 60 The Young Trail Hunters. By T’. C. Harbaugh. 61 The Tiger Hunters. By J. BE. Badger, Jr. 62 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. By Ingraham. 63 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker. By Roger Starbuek. - 64 Young Dick Talbot. By A. W. Aiken.

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LATEST AND BEST. man: HANDSOME TRI-GOLORED COVERS. Deadwood vai 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. @ Library e Price 5 Cents, Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest! @xtracts from the New York Evening Sun, TWO REMARKABLE hiROES. {n only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a above all rivals In the eyes or \he public for which they novel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera, have lived, and for which one of them has died, ture haa given many heroes to the world, and perhaps American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor in more than one reader will have to think @ moment over the land, now knows Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good beal bet- this remark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit ter than it knows its catechism, and millions of young strikes home, * minds absorb the thrilling Incidents of his career in his But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending that will be news to many when it Is added that litera- solving of impenetrable mysteries. ture, if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks was a mere child down to the present day, would show his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when the but few heroes that In the eyes of boyhood would be victims are thoroughly undone, the millions wait hungrily even judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appears heroes known to American literature, or, to Browpely re- with the certainty of the Wednesday Itself, and a new set ’ veal them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr. of delightful thrills go thrilling away from Maine to Call * * * The modern heroes of fiction for young America, fornia, Who are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and of There are the volumes each so crowded with thrills and whom the Deadwood Dicks are much the most important heart-tugs that it were madness to hope to do justice to * * * it is but natural that thelr * * * should bear them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be- away the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left tween them, far behind in the race. To abandon the idea of giving a few extracts causes In- It can be easily believed, therefore, that the two Dicks finite pain, but if once a start were made in that direc- ‘6 80 firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature tion, It would be cruel to The Hvening Sun's readers to r boys and young men, that thetr position is assured stop, and it Is therefore better not to relate one single * * * and that they stand to-day head and shoulders Ba ances Suffice it to say that the stories are clean and well written. 7 DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road 33 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job 2 The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 8 The Buffalo Demon; or. The Border Vultures 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 36 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 5 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 6 Death-Face, the Detective 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 7 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Adventure ‘ Edna, the Girl Brigand 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 10 Omaha Oli, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick | 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp in Danger 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues nd a a ag Jr.,the Boy Phenix; or, Through to | 44 Pelee Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's eat! ame 12 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood | 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme Bar ‘ 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team . 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claim 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane Road-Agent 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 17 Scat Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the | 50 sg Sam's Double; or, The Three Female Detect- ule ves 48 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 51 Sierra Sam’s Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance Ranch Watch-Eye, the Shadow 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Jow’s Disguise 21 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double | 53’ Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen Cross | 54 Denver Doll as Detective 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 28 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke | 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss for Liberty 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's 25 Gilt-ldge Dick Fortune 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve | 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 27 Chip, the Girl Sport 60 Dumb Dick's Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road te Fortune 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 29 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy tH eee Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s | 63 T : Perecure Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- ulc ras City #1 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 64 Colorado Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle 8 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent Kings CE ea carer ec | M. J. IVERS & C0., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 879 Pearl Street, NEW YORK. “

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Copyright 1882-1888, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899, THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO, No. 51 Cleveland, Ohio =! Vol. IV Cll INC a laa Co oi nt RAMIRZ GRAPPLED WITH RIM. AND AS.8AM WAS UNPREPARED FOR SUCH AN ACT, THEY ROLLED ) DOWN THE STEEP STEPS. INTO THE STREET BELOW. rs

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is Cy ESRD RPS STEER Dopyright 1882-1888, by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y.,a8 second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899 end 1 Issued Weekly, THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO, Price § Cents, ‘No. Di Cleveland, Ohio $2.50 : Year. Vol. IV RAMIRZ GRAPPLED WITH HIM, AND AS SAM WAS UNPREPARED SOR SUCH AN ACT, THEY ROLLED ea DOWN THE STEEP STEPS, INTO THE STREET BELOW. 4 s

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Deadwood Dick e Library « DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road % The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 5 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 6 Death-Face, the Detective 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 Oli, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger 11 Jim eee Jr.,the Boy Phenix; or, Through to Dea 12 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood ‘ar 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 17 yee. Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the E ule 18 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud’Rob’s Reappearance 20 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 21 pesoon Dick's Device; or, The Sign of the Double ross 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 23 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Edged Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve 27 Chip, the Girl Sport 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 29 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 80 age ad Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s ule 81 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 82 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent LATEST AND BEST. , HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS, 82 Pages. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest? For Sample Cover See Othev Side. 33 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job 84 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 86 New York Nell, the Koy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues 44 shila Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective : 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect ives 51 eats: eas 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 Ruckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Bre ae ; 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's | Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick's Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy 63 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- fras Cit; 64 Colorado Charlie's Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings