Deadwood Dick Library (v. 4) (1900 03 07)

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ond class matte at Post Offic ow Y ‘ right 18 388, by I ¢ Adams. Entered M. J. IVERS & CO., Publisher No, 52, tsued Weekly. "idames Sullivan, Proprietor)” rice 8 Cente. “Vol IY , ‘ Mar, 7, 1900. t : , > Was 50 a Year Ol. . = eet J earl St reet, “WW Y ork. x .

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443 448. 453 459 465 471 476 481 A491 496 500 508 515 522 529 534 539 544 549 554 561 567 572 578 584 590 595 600 606 612 618 624. 630 636 642 648 ers, IN THE HALF-DIME LIBRARY. Price 5 Cents per Copy. Deadwood Dick, Jr.; Crescent Sign. Deadwood Dick; Jr’s,Defiance. . Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protege. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocq. Deadwood Dick, Jr , on His Mettle. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in‘No Man’s Land. Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smug- glers. Deadwood Dick, - Deadwood Dick, - Deadwood Dick, - Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dazzle. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco. or, The Crimson r.’s, Insurance Case. r., Back in the Mines. r., in Durango. 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt.’ 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes. ; 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Disguise. 734 Deadwood Dick, 740 Deadwood Dick, 747 Deadwood Dick, 752 Deadwood Dick, 758 Deadwood Dick, 764 Deadwood Dick, 770 Deadwood Dick, 776 Deadwood Dick, 782 Deadwood Dick, 787 Deadwood Dick, 792 Deadwood Dick, "97 Deadwood Dick, 802 Deadwood Dick, 807 Deadwood Dick, 812 Deadwood Dick, 816 Deadwood Dick, 822 Deadwood Dick, 828 Deadwood Dick, 834 Deadwood Dick, $40 Deadwood Dick, 845 Deadwood Dick, 852 Deadwood Dick, 858 Deadwood Dick, 863 Deadwood Dick, 870 Deadwood Dick, 876 Deadwood Dick, - 882 Deadwood Dick, - 891 Deadwood Dick, - 898 Deadwood Dick, - 904 Deadwood Dick, 910 Deadwood Dick, . 916 Deadwood Dick, 928 Deadwood Dick, 934 Deadwood Dick, 940 Deadwood Dick, - 946 Deadwood Dick, - 951 Deadwood Dick, 957 965 971 977 980 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 992 Deadwood Dick, 998 Deadwood Dick, 1005 Deadwood Dick, 1011 Deadwood Dick, 1018 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Four. Deadwood Dick, - Jr. Jr. dr. Jr. Jr. JX. dr. ity or: Jr. Jr. JT: Jr. at. Jr. Jr. JT. ur. Jr! Jr. Jr, Jr. ot, Jr. Jr. Ay dr, JT. '.’s, Decoy Duck. r., in Silver Pocket. — '.’s, Dead-Sure Game. — '.’s, Double Drive. — r.’s, Trade-Mark. ',, at Tip-Top: : '.’s, Double-Decker. r,, at Dollarville. r., at Flush Flats. .’s, Shake-Up. .’s, Double Drop. r.’s, Right Bower. rs, Ten-Strike. r.’s, Gold Dust. r.’s, Oath. r.’s, Death-Doom. r.’s, Best Card. r., at Gold Dust. .’s, Big Play. ’s, Double Deal. . ’s, Death- Watch. : *s, Doublet. Hb ’s, Death-Blow. ’s, Desperate Strait. — ’s, Lone Hand. ’s, Defeat. ‘s, Resurrection. ’s, Dark Days. , Defied. . *s, Double Device. ’s, Desperate Venture ’s, Diamond Dice. ’s, Royal Flush. ’s, Head-Off. ’s, Rival. ’s, Boom. ’s, Scoop. ’s, Proxy. ’s, Clutch. ’s, High Horse. , at Devil’s Gulch, ’s, Death-Hole Hustle. ’s, Bombshell. <e . in Mexico. <a ¢ A % ‘ ¥ 4 , Branded. ’s, Dutch Pard. For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c. per copy, by the publish M. J. IVERS & CO., 379 Peart Street, New York Crry. ri -

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RPL Ate fee NY BAS areas ° 726 Wopyright 1882-1888, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 18 M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, . | No. 52. eed bts ae (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) Price 5 Cents. Vol {V Mar. 7, 1900. 379 Pearl Street, New York. $2.50 a Year. ‘ Y = = —— = c = ws = _ THE NEXT MINUTE JOE ¥ELT THE BONDS THAT CONFINED HIS FEET SEVERED,

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2 The Girl Sport. The Girl Sport; JUMBO JOE’S DISGUISE. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘* ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, BTC., ETC, CHAPTER I. : JUMBO JOE, : AN evening in the month of May—a beautiful evening, such as render May the fairest of all the months. Im the starry dome the full moon shone with a mellow radiance. The air was balmy and perfume-laden, and a soft breeze fanned both grass and foliage into a gentle rustle, : Riding across a stretch of Arizonian plain was a young man, or more properly a boy, for not more than eighteen summers had passed over his head. He was of admirable figure, clad in a neat- fitting suit of buckskin, That his home was literally in the saddle seemed clear, for he rode his fiery black horse like a master equestrian, His features were clear-cut, with a rather large mouth, whose waggish expression indi- cated his almost constant good-humor. His eyes were as keen as those of a hawk; his nut- brown hair fell in a luxuriant wave upon his - shoulders. In his sombrero was a jaunty plume; a rifle was slung to his back, while to his saddle woe affixed the several necessaries of camp es , . Such was the boy making a trip across the moonlit prairies. “ll bet a buffalo ’m fogged,” he muttered, as he drew rein on a billow and studied the landscape ahead. ‘‘Can’t screw my eyes onto no habitation byarabouts, sech as old Johnson told me of, Houses air as skeerce— Hello!” A faint glimmer of light was discerned—evi- dently in a prairie valley to the right. “Thar! Hezekiah Blum lives down thar, Ill stack my chips on that. Wouldn’t never ’a’ guessed it, ef it hadn’t been fer the glim. So that’s where the old sinner hides w’ot has so much money, hey? Well, Pl go down and in- terview him,” and ere long the young horseman -had dismounted before a rambling old log edi- fice in the tree-choked valley. “You stay hyar, Chub,” he said, patting his ‘horse affectionately on the nose, ‘and be ready to light out ata minute’s notice, for I don’t know est what for kind of a ranch this mought be. ’pose et can’t be wery bad, ef the old man is the saint w’ot they say he is!” - He then rapped smartly upon the heavy door, and awaited an answer. Presently a little window over the door was opened, and a man’s head appeared. “What d’ye want a-comin’ here at this hour of the night?’ was the surly demand. _SReckon you ought to know,” the youth re- plied, ‘‘ beiu’s you sent for me by old man John- son, the trapper.” A whistle of surprise came from the man, and soon the portal was opened, the youth was seized by the wrist and hauled into the cabin, then the door was closed again and locked. All was darkness within, but a light was soon produced, whereby the traveler and Hezekiah Blum were able to see each other. Blum looked anything but a minister, though he claimed to have been one once upon a time. He was as thin as a rail, both in face and figure, and his unusual ee gave him still more of an odd appearance. is features were pinched and shriveled; bis nose bad been broken, and was hooked; his eyes were keen and restless as with suspicion. A fringe of hair encircled the bald spot upon his head, and standing out in all directions, it corresponded well with the two weeks’ stubble growth of beard upon his face. His garb was ragged and dirty, and his whole appearance that of a manstruggling in poverty. he furniture of* the room was meager and rude, but there was a degree of cleanliness ap- eae that indicated the agency of a woman’s_ hand, > Blum surveyed bis visitor with a frown. “ What’s your name?” he demanded. “€ Joe Star—otherwise Jumbo Joe,” was the boy’s reply. ‘‘I war named over arter Barnum’s big elephant, ’ca’se I’m a big gun myself when I kin get a chance to fight.” “You are evidently a wicked boy, and as long as youtread the thorny path, you cannot hope to succeed!” Blum said, in a solemn way that illy became him. ** You bet your boots I kin hoe my own row, and not produce corns, neither!” declared the boy. ‘*Old man Johnson told me thar wasa venerable cove over this way, of about your photograph, w’ot wanted a chap as war sharper than a razor, and so I thort I'd put in an open ee fer ther job, whatever it may be.” “Your tongue waggeth wild, young man. I do not believe you would suit me,” ‘“‘ Jest give me a fair shake, and see ef I can’t fill ther bill. Ef it’s mum you want, why 1 can seal my vocal trap so cluss that et can’t be pried open with a crowbar. Ef ye want any onest job done, why [’m jest the galoot fer the ~ work,” ; The old man motioned him to a seat by the table, and dropped into a chair himself, “Waal, I'll tell-ye,” he remarked. ‘‘ Trapper Johnson said ye war an honest fellow, an’ could be relied on to do jest what you promised, So I told him to send you around. Ye see, I’ve got a little bit of money saved up, and havé bought a mine over in Wolfville as an invest- ment. The money has got to reach the man who sold it by to-morrow before midnight, or the bargain is off. I suppose youare acquainted a Ais hard reputation the people of Wolfville ave ver ‘¢ Well, I should smile!” was Jumbo’s response. * Tve hearn tell. o’ sum tall old skewrups thar, T have, and hev hed kind of an itchin’ to land - down in the burg and—” ‘And get killed,” Blum snarled. At which the boy put his finger up to his nose, a . “Mary a time!” he declared. ‘'Twixt you

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and me, I never git skeert. I’ve hed my share of skirmishes, I tell you, and I never got; left et. Ifyou want me to tote yer spondulicks over to Wolfville, jest produce the chink, and I’m yer huck.” “Jam afraid you are not the competent per- son J seek, I would take it myself, but there are certain designing persons, backed by a set of ruffians, who are expecting me to bring the money, and will be on the watch, with the pur- pose of waylaying and robbing me, Ye see, I calculate IL kin be too smart fer ’em.” At this juncture the door of an inner room opened, and.a girl entered. She was nearly Joe’s own age, and certainly was the most beautiful creature the young scout had ever set eyes upon. Possessed of a petite, graceful, well-rounded figure of only medium hight, she appeared much younger than she really was, Her features were delicately chiseled, and tinged with the tint of happy health, Her mouth wore a winning ex- pression, and Jumbo was sure he had never seen a more bewitching pair of eyes than those she turned so inquiringly ae him, : Her hair was tastefully arranged, and her dress neat if rather plain. To the boy’s surprise, she approached him and looked down into his face with a gaze of inter- est. “You are the young man who is going to render assistance to papa, are you nov?” she asked, ‘Well, that depends on circumstances, as the fish said to the angleworm,” was. the reply, ** Kinder reckon I will give the old gent a boost, providin’ we can come to terms.” ° “Tam afraid you cannot do the errand safe- ly,” Hezekiah Blum replied, uneasily. ‘ Ten thousand dollars is a big pile of money to intrust to the care of a boy.” “See hers, unkle, ’m vo boy!” replied the youth, spiritedly. “I’m a big ’un, I am—a Jumbo. . You’re afeard to tote the ducats, an’ I ain’t. Tell you what ll do—bet ye my head I can do the job upin squar’ style. If I fail my head’s yourn.” CHAPTER II. BLOKER AND HIS GANG. Tar words of Jumbo Joe caused a strange . glitter to enter the eyes of Hezekiah Blum. Did he know the boy without being known?’ . Joe Star bad no recollections of his early childhood. Since he could remember, he had been a rover on the prairies, and in the moun- tains, sometimes cha neroned by a gruff old trap- x named Jobuson, but most generally shifting for himself, He had often wondered who he was, and had a faint idea that he was something more than a scouting outcast. “So youwllrisk your head on your ability to transfer the gold, eb?” Blum said. **Don’t you know that if you failed, I could and should have your head?” ~ “Tf you.could get it!” Joe replied, coolly. “But ye’r’ welcome to et, ef I can’t fetch yer ld inter Wolfville in good shape. Ef ye want ‘ll draw up contracts.” = “It will. be the safest to do so,” Blum agreed, | fully to the girl than to the boy. rover. The Girl Sport. ES Sandee 3 ink and paper. ‘Just wait and Pil x it up.” Joe did wait, and bent his admiring gaze oc- casionally upon the maiden, who frankly re- turned his glauces, showing that their interest in eath other was mutual, The girl, however, kept a watchful eye on Hezekiah, as though suspicious or afraid of him, The old miser soon proved himself to be an expert penman, and it was not long ere he a the agreement drawn up, ready for signa- ure. “Listen, and Pll read you your death-war- rant. it says: “This is to certify, that I, Joe Star, have agreed to carry a certain sum_of money safely from he resi- dence of Hezekiah Blum, to the offiee of Joseph Tyler, Wolfville, within five days from date, in and for the consideration of two dollars, received in hand, And I further guarantee the faithful «xecu- tion of my mission thus: If I fail to deliver the money to the consignee safely, as above stipulated. it shail be kngwn to all people that I do then forfe my head to Hezekiah Blum, and he shall have the right and power to take it, wherever he shall find it, and dispose of it as best may suit him. Witness my signature, -——” “There! how does that strike you?” the ex- minister said, with a significant chuckle. ‘Don’t hit me at all, as fur as the spondulicks comes in,” answered Jumbo, calmly. ‘Ye see I ain’t takin’ any two fer five jobs, hy a~ long shot, this season, Goin’ in whole hog or none. Twodoliars! Wouldn’t you like to get some greeny green enough to put bis head into jeopardy for that magnificent sum? Guess-PIl go to dammin’ up creeks, furst, an’ sendin? in __ Po to Congress for an appropriation, — ake more lucre that way.” : ‘What sum do you expect?” Blum demanded, greedily. ‘‘ Maybe you'd like to have the whole — ten thousand, and just carry the wrapper over?” 3 “No! I ain’t no swine, nary a time, Jest _ write hundred after the two, and that will fix it all right. I'll shovlder your pewter, and drap it inter Joseph Tyler’s office within forty- eight hours.’ No two -hundred—no workee, allee samee! Speak up, fer ’m in a big hurry, you ‘bet!” ess ‘* I suppose I shall have to give it to you; so sign this paper,” the misar growled, Joe obeyed. ‘‘ Now, the money!” he said. ; “One thing you had best understand at once,” Blum added, as he went to a closet in tne corner, trip, to see that you do not run off.” : “Your wife?” exclaimed the boy, his gaze _ involuntarily turning to the girl over whose — ne came. a flush—of distress, Joe construed t s : “Yes, my wife!” with a sinister smile on his ugly phiz; ‘‘ that’s her there—my Sadie. A nice young girl she is, and bound to be mine, as soon as I get my money all put out where it willbe producing a handsome revenue.” ep Jumbo Joe was thunderstruck, ; This fair child the bride of a man old enough to be her grandfather. os The thought was repellent—evidently more ‘““My wife will accompany you on this _ =

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4 ‘Yes, she’s mine, and will go with you; I am not afraid to trust her out of my sight. She knows what will follow if she does not return,” Joe took a quick sidelong glance at Sadie, and saw that she was deadly pale. ‘There is some deep secret here,” he mused, his brows contracting. Aloud he said: “Well, hurry up with the chink, then. If Tm to tote extra baggage along, I want a good start. Jest tip us the two hundred first, an’ we'll look out for the superfluous arterwards, Blum took from the chest a large tin safe which he unlocked, The safe, Joe could see, was quite full of something, which he rightly concluded was money. Blum selected four rolls of bills, and rolled them up in a piece of oilskin, He then produced ten twenty-dollar gold-pieces, which he handed to Jumbo Joe. * There’s your pay—here’s my guarantee,” and he patted his breast with a grimace, for he had placed the remarkable document in an in- ner pocket. ‘‘If you fail to perform your duty, Tl make the country so warm for you that you will be glad to escape from it), Here are the ten thousand dollars. When you. pay it to Tyler, you are to take a receipt for it.” ** Keract!” Joe assented, receiving the money, and stowing it away in his haversack. ‘ How soon will you be ready, ma’am?” “In a few minutes!” Sadie replied, as she tripped away to her room; at the’same moment there came a sharp rap at thedoor, and before either Joe or Blum could spring totheir feet, the door was burst in with a crash,,and a dozen pret men rushed into the room, with a yell. For the instant the boy.rover did not know just what to do, more thaa to whip hisrevolvers from his belt, and stand on guard, an action which Hezekiah Blura also imitated, The intruders were all bordermen of the peeouuced type, in whose grizzled faces but ittle mercy was expressed. - : ‘Blum, you’re the man we want to see!” the foremost man announced, in a-resolute tone, “This matter has been goin’ on too long al- realy, an’ we're goin’ to make a stop of it.” “What d’ye mean?” the miser demanded, angrily. ‘‘Whbat have I done to merit this in- trusion?” Then turning his head slightly, he said to Joe, a tone that was inaudible to the rest: “Quick! Escape with the money! Go to Skeleton Camp!” Jack did not hear all, but he caught the words ‘' escape,” and ‘Skeleton Camp.” Quicker than a flash he turned a Bacvand somerset, and went crashing through a window that opened from the cabin immediately in his Vs im . rear, ' Half a dozen shots followed his sudden exit, but failed to reach him, Bleeding from several glass wounds, he whip- ped around the cabin, leaped into the saddle, gave his faithful horse the word, and away they dashed up out of the choked valley. ‘Bravo, my beauty! cried the boy, as they reached the crest overlooking the valley. ‘So 5 n 3 .g The Girl Sport. much for to-night’s queer adventure. I wonder what that gang were after Skinny fer? Looked kinder like as they war goin’ to invite him toa lynching bee, 1f he didn’t whack/over his assets, ve got the ten thousand, anyhow, and I’m oin’ to carry out my contract to the letter, ef lose my hull body, instead o’ my head. Kinder queer why the old cove told me first to goto Wolfville, an’ then to Sheleton Camp, Meb- be the latter was a blind, to put them off guard, Anyhow, Pll take Wolfville in first, and if Joseph q'yler ain't to be found, I'll go over to Skeleton,” and he rode away at a gallop, head- ing toward that town of unenviable repute, Wolfville. , Wolfvilie was a place of several hundred in- habitants, ‘situated among the frowning soli- tudes of a dark, wooded mountain landscape, where no one would have expected to encounter a buman being. The town had got rooted from the fact that the trails to three mining districts met at the point where the first tavern had been built, aud thence continued eastward. Wolfville boasted of small mining interests, too—very small, but just enough to attract a motley gang o’ roughs to its vicinity, — \ ard names were fired at the place, and well deserved they were. Hardly a settlement of its size in Arizona's wild regions could boast of a worse crowd of ruffians. Fights were of hourly occurrence, and old Cross-eyed Kit, one of the first citi- zens, often pointed with pride to a knoll beyond the town, where were many mounds, remark- ig? “Was! purty hard town, though we allers plants ’em decent up thar, when they levant over Jordan. ’I'won’t be long, neither, afore we'll have to enlarge, ter ’commydate ther boys as wants to explore the infernal regions.” Every town has a few of the better element of the human race to relieve the monotony, and such was the case with Wolfville. There were a few persons in the place who were not of the ruffian order, and among these few was a recent arrival of the girl sport order—one or more of which class of female Bohemians gen- erally is to be found in any Western mining- camp, This one in question had appeared in Wolf~ ville, on horseback, one evening about sunset, — and walked into the Punch Bowl, the town’s most flourishing saloon, After taking a good look at the crowd scat- tered about the large room, she walked up to the bar and called for whisky, which she put down with seeming satisfaction. t Pete Prindle, otherwise Paragon Pete, claimed to be a woman-killer from the shoulder, and likewise a connoisseur of womanly beauty, but he was not prepared ‘‘to allow” that he had ever seen quite so dashing a personage as the “eal.who took her whisky straight.” Certainly few women had paid Wolfville a visit who could vie with this stranger in per- sonal beauty. She was of medium hight, with a figure perfect in oreey propor toms which was set off to advantage in a suit of faultless-fitting white duck, Sateen ay , In face she was fair, with magnificent black ; stn St domes

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rs The Girl Sport. 5 eyes, a mouth of tempting ripeness, and hair that was long, golden and flossy. A jaunty sombrero roofed her head, patent- leather slippers incased her feet, while a superb diamond pin and a cable gold watch-chain were her adornments. Her age migbt have been sixteen or it might have been twenty, and it would have puzzled a good judge to have guessed which. She looked Paragon Pete over witha stare that made his heart flutter beneath his white shirt- bosom; then she glanced around at the bronzed habitues of the place, who were watching her. * Purty crowd!” she remarked to Peter. “Yas, werry purty, he replied, “Ever hear of Leadville Lil?’ she demanded. ‘No, ma’am; never heerd ov the critter.” “You don’t say! Well, that’sme. I’m look- in’ for a man—a la-de-da young man—a very zesthetic young man—named Joseph Tyler. Do you know of such a human?” ‘CHAPTER III. BURIED ALIVE, Tue first twenty-four hours of Jumbo’s ride toward Wolfville passed without incident, and night once more overhung the wild, broken country through which his course now lay. There was a moon, but it was only seen now and then, when clouds flitted from over its sur- face. Several times during his journey «oe bad fancied some one was dogging him, but bis in- cessant watch for the enemy failed to result in a discovery, and he finally halted to bring the matter to a test. ‘Hf some human mortal ain’t either follerin’ or layin’ in wait for me, then I reckon the Old Nick is nibblin’ at me to see if he can’t convert me and the money into his cause. I’ve kinder a notion he’ll have a bum old time a-wrestlin’ wi’ Jumbo Joe. *Tain’t his Majesty w’ot’s shadder- in’ me, I don’t calculate, howsomever. Ef thar’s some one behind me, dash my brains out ef I don’t try to cultivate his acquaintance.” To think, with him, was to act, and he slipped from the saddle, and led his horse into a aac arral near the main trail, Then he left him, then crept back to the vicinity of the trail, and crouched behind a bowlder to wait. An hour passed, but brought no sign/of pur- suit that he hac balf expected would come, . But this did not deceive him. Many a night he bad lain flat on the prairies, to await the ar- rival of Indian scouts, and had caught them at their own ganie. Another hour passed. Unconsciously his eyes ed heavy, and the sighing of the wind through e shrubs lulled him to sleep, couyette Peeps) with the fact that his long ride had left him much fatigued, How long he had git he knew not, when he yi rudely awakened by a kick from a heavy t. . He sprung qvickly to a sitting are, and “stared about, only to perceive that he was sur- rounded by tbe same crowd whom he had seen the previous night at old Bluin’s cabin. The burly leader, whom his comrades ad- he glared down at the young frontiersman, — pa a eS ro inside out. snoozing’, sure as snakes!” won’t work!” Bloker snarled. little joke o’ yourn, but it won’t work on us, You've hid that package, an’ if you don’t fork it Bea you'll have cause to regret it, mark my wo dressed as the colonel, was the first to speak; as_ ig re exalt ie “So ye didn’t git far, did ye, afore we over- took ye?’ he growled, maliciously, ‘*Cunnia’ kid, you are, but not quite smart enough to get ahead of Colone} Bill Bloker, cussed ef ye aire. S’pose you weren’t expectin’ us?” ; **Oh, yes I was, but I eet off asleep be- fore I knowed it!” Joe replied, unconcernedly. “* What do you want?” f ‘“That which you were about to transfer into the hands of ay enemies!” Bloker promptly answered, ‘ Blum gave you ten thousand dollars to give to Joseph Tyler of Wolfville, didn’t be?” “Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies!” was Jve’s saucy response. ‘ ‘Pooh! We know he did, so thar’s no use o’ playin’ it off. ‘Well, d’ye' know that ten thou- sand was only a blind to cover up somethin’ else?” ‘** Couldn’t say if so, or no!” _ ‘* Waal, I kin say thet L know it. Let me tell ye:—Old Blum holds the knowledge of an im- mense secret gold mine, and holds that knowl- edge alone. some sort of dicker, tS poses to turn this secret over to Tyler of ae ville, and so hires you to take a budget of mo’ over to said Tyler, in which is cleverly concealed the key or secret of the location of the mine. See?” : “*T savy!” ‘Well, as you have the possession of both money and secret, we shall be much obliged to you if you will fork over the aforesaid without hesitancy, after which you can go on your way rejoigng. Hefuse, and we will take it from you by force, and plant you to» your neck in the paneer and leave you there, same as we did old um, Joe knew well enough that it was no use for him to resist—that he had no choice but to obey and take chances on recovering the money and the secret. , “pose I'll have to cave, tho’ it’s ag’in’ my grain!” he said, opening bis haversack, and fumbling about for the package.- : He then uttered a cry of astonishment. His baversack was eau He had been robbed while he slept. «It’s gone!” he cried, turning the receptacle “I’ve been robbed while I was Bloker leaped forward with a fierce oath. A US What! what d’ye say?’ he gasped—‘ been rT ‘ “That's the diagram of the matter,” Jumbo replied, went to sleep, and now you see for yourself it’s gone,” ° “*f had the swag in this bag whenI © “See here, cuss yer ne this t’s a purty “T know nothing about what has become of the money. Ihad it when I went to slee now it’s that’s all with decision, one, Some one bas stolen it, aoa ee here is about it!” the boy retorted, “Waal ye'll find et ain’t all thar is iS

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8 {he Girt Sport. ‘ re ORES tage. “Ef you calculate yécan shetmy eye | “Tt will be a cold day when the boss gets the up, you're off yer base, I'll force it out o’ you where ye left that money, or ll skin ye alive. Boys, git ther shovel an’ dig a hole.” Several of the men walked away, but quickly returned with a shovel, and began to take turns at digging a hole in the gravelly earth near by. ‘Reckon you'll come to time whea you get planted there!” Col. Bloker hissed, glaring down at the boy, who was contemplating the work with outward calmness, but really feeling great- ly disconcerted, ‘'Lhar’s lots of wolves to help eat your head off, ef ye remain stubborn. We set up a similiar treat, over at old Blum’s,” * “ Do your worst, and you will fare no better than you have now!” Joe replied. ‘‘I know nothing what has become of the money, as true as my handle is Jumbo Joe, and if you bury me in that hole, Pll guarantee you'll never bury another fellow!” The colonel laughed, viciously, and ordered two of his companions to search the boy scout, which was done, and Joe’s own two hundred ld wera gracefully appropriated by the onel, 3 ‘Much obleeged to ye, Jackal!” he grinned, as he turned his brigandish face toward his vic- tim, ‘Sorry you couldn’t have panned out bet- ter, bet I reckon you'll be sensible when we get you in the hole!’ ( To which Joe made noanswer. His brain was too busy in thinking over the unenviable situa- ‘ion. The hole was soon dug to a proper depth, and he was placed in it in a standing position. The dirt was then packed in so closely around him that he could not budge an inch, and when the job was complete, nothing but his head re- mained above ground—he was buried alive! “There! How do you like it?’ Bloker de- manded, reaching over and giving the young atrol's long hair a vigorous pull. ‘* Purty snug- fitting grave ain’t it, you devil’s imp?” ‘*Very comfortable, you black-hearted ruf- fian™ was. Joe’s reply, with flushing eye. “ Wait till I get out of here, though, and if [ -don’t have your scalp, it will be because there ain’t no knives in the country. Til show you ‘what it means to be funny.” % , “Big talk for a caged canary; but, you se, you never ‘ll escape till you whack up the secret about the money. We're going on to Wolf- Ville, now, all but Murray, who will stay here .. and watch you till you give up the hiding-place of the money. The longer you resist the hun- grier you'll get, and I reckon the want of vittles - . will fetch ye after awhile. So tra-la la, now, and be good to yourfelf!” J . And with a villainous laugh, the border . ,,tuffian turned away, motioning his comrades- in-crims to follow, and all were soon out of _, sight and .hearing, save the man Murray, who _was left behind on guard, He was a dirty, sul- Ten looking rough, with plenty of buli-dog -ferocity manifested in his scarred countenance, It was evident to Jumbo that he need look _ for no assistance from this man, were he ina __ dying condition, but he resolved’ to provoke him into conversation, if possible, aud drag vim = MSMR HO eis Ghat yy SON Se hess ane tobe a ~ 3, swag an’ the secret,” Joe remarked, “Gness youll come tc time!” the man grunted, lighting his pipe. ‘* Hunger will fetch ou.” “ Bet yer boots on that? Lose’em ef ye do. I’m like old Barnum’s pet elerfant, Jumbo, arter whom I was named—I kin go ten days without fodder. By that time some o’ my friends will ante along and give me a resur- reck?” A grunt of disgust was the only answer, ‘Don’t believe it, eh? Well, Pll tell ye what Pildo, Pl give you just five hundred gold dol- lars to dig me up out of bere at once,” Murray shook his head and puffed away at his pipe, seemingly disinclined to further talk. The pressure of the earth around Joe’s form was Las oar ed affect him, by stopping the circu- lation of his blood and sapping his strength, asa poultice would do, and it was evident to him that he could not live twenty-four hours in this living grave, contrary to the reports he had heard of men living for days in a like position. Seeing that nothing was to be accomplished by working on the guard, he relapsed into silence, and racked his brains’ to devise some possible pee of escape, when suddenly he remembered Se horse, and a feeling of confidence thrilled im. : : He had raised the animal, and the two had - become friends inseparable, Though by nature Chub was fiery, and of a vicious temperament, he was deeply attached to his young master; a word from Joe was sufficient to render him as docile as a lamb, or as furious as a wild stallion. On more than a dozen occasions had he and his master taken active parts in Indian and outlaw conflicts at close quarters, and the ani- mal seemed really to enjoy the wild excitement of a life-and-death struggle. He had laid out not a few enemies by the terrible power of his teeth and feet. ; “Pll bet Chub can get me out of this scrape!” mused the boy, eying Murray, who -had a de- cidedly drowsy appearance. ‘“T’ll make that — rascal hunt for his ancestors!” ; Murray had his pocket-flask with him, and took a ‘‘nip” therefrom every few minutes, and as a natural result, he was not long in be- coming so drowsy that he began to nod, Then Jumbo Joe gave utterance to a peculiar ory similar to the caw of a crow. } urray started from his sleep. ‘* What was that?” he gasped, in alarm. “The voice of a demon!” Joe replied, ‘ Lis- ten! It comes!” that were fairly fra, Hehough Joe called a ht PES D a PERE EE MEL, EIST nti

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The Girl Sport. dently not disposed to give up the chase, and pursuer and pursued were soon out of sight. Half an-hour later the borse came trotting back with a triumphant fire in his wicked eye. *‘ Bravo, old boy!” Joe shouted. ‘ You’re the dumpling, you are! You cleaned out the enemy in splendid style. And now if you can give us a lift perbaps I can get out of this scrape all hunky.” 3 The intelligent animal seemed to comprehend what was wanted, for after smelling around a few minutes he took Joe’s tough jacket-collar in his mouth and lifted and pulled until the dirt was loosened from around Joe’s shoulders, going at the work in a careful way, as if afraid lest he should harm his master, **Good boy!” Jumbo encouraged. ‘ Just get my arms free, aud T’ll soon fit the rest of the job, Then, if I don’t make Bill Bloker hump for this, my name ain’t Jumbo Joe!” The horse worked patiently, and finally Joe was able to get his arms up out of the dirt. Just at this juncture,a man came striding up. And that man was Hezekiah Blum—the man who held the mortgage upon Joe’s head! CHAPTER IV. LiL, THE question propounded by Leadville Lil, in the Punch Bow} Saloon at Wolfville, as re- corded in a previous chapter, seemed to create a raarked sensation, for all eyes were turned upon her curiously, “Tyler, did you say?” Paragon Pete mur- mured, rubbing the end of his tinted nose re- flectively. ‘‘ Why, yes, we have such a party here in Wolfville, tho’ I believe he rotates some- “what between here and Skeleton Camp, where he has mining interests.” “The very galoot!” Leadville Lil declared, smiting the bar with her fist by way of empha- sis. ‘The very rascal I want to encounter, Hev ye gota a poke started round this byar sh tae pardner?’ ‘You bet!” Peter announced, with just pride; ““we jest have that, an’ it’s one o’ ther popular resorts of ther city—fer stiffs.” . ‘‘ An’ I s’pose ye have a Yair pistol range handy,” Lil pursued, in a matter-of-fact way, that at once established her in popular fayor with the crowd. * Reckon the avenue in front 0’ this hyer es- tablishment fills the bill purty well. Anything élse ye’d like to know, Miss Inquisitive?” The girl flashed a fierce glance at him that matie him quail. “Ef ye don’t want to answer, please to dry up!” she said, coldly. ‘‘ There is one other question I’d like to ask. Is thar any biped among this gang what knows anything about playin’ cards?” “* Cavortin’ skippers w’ot kim from ther curd, yes ! a coarse, blatant voice announced, ‘Hyar’s your Fourtho’ Julia roast, ef ye want ter kerflippigate ther pasteboards. ‘Scuse me, sissy, but I’m Cheese-knife Charley, the bad rooster from Skeleton Camp — cock-a-dooille- doo! Don’t I look decidedly chick now?” Leadyille Lil surveyed the pilgrim, who bad sepped forward, with a sarcastic smile, = He was the most used-up man in appearance it had been ber fortune to encounter for some time. He was short, fat, bow-legged and dirty, his suit of overalls being torn or patched in nunerety places and splashed liberally with mud, ‘ In visage he looked most strangely like a baboon, both in feature and the way in which his beard was cultivated. He wore a battered plug bat upon his head, and in bis belt a pair of revolvers and a huge, cheese-knife—from which he probably had ac- quired his title, ' “Yes, you’re swer to his declaration. “I suppose by your handle Side moust be a carver.” ‘Holy skippers, yes! Pm a dissecter, I am, every inch o’ me, But, d’ye want ter agitate ther pasteboards wi? me, my blooming bub?’ —_. “ Can" Play, ‘cause m broke—dead bu’sted 1” Lil replied. ‘I’m a hard case, too, and you'd better not play with me, lest I skin you. Tell ye what (ll do, tho’, fer sake of raising a stake, and makin’ business lively. I ain’t got a red, but PH put up ny mouth for a kiss ag’in’ a hundred dollars. If you win, you bave the ae If 1 win, I pocket your hundred, What sa he crowd which had collected snickered at the celerity with which Cheese-knife Charley made a dive into his pocket in search of lucre; but he only brought forth one lone solitary Canada cent toward the sum of the stakes. “Pye been robbed—I’ve been robbed!”. he gasped, feigning to stagger back, astounded, but the Jaugh of the crowd gave him away so badly that he was forced to grin a sickly sort of grin, himself, for it was a well-known fact in Wolfville that the tall bullwhacker’s exchequer was never overflowing, ‘*Well, I’m sorry you're broke,” Leadville Lil said, as she leaned up against the bar, and puffed away ata cigarette. ‘‘Was in hopes I could make a raise out of -you, or have a smack at your luscious lips—one or the other, Any other gent fond enough of kissing to risk a hun- dred?” . “1 take you a trial on that, young lady!” a rather feminine voice exclaimed, and a fone ly dressed individual, with sallow complexion and a mustache and pair of side-whiskers to match, pushed forward. Leadville Lil gisele he him a moment, men- tally noting the fact that. he was more soft and sickish in appearance than he was handsome, — S despite his stylish attire; then she burst into a sarcastic laugh, ; “Well, by guns!” she exclaimed. uite a banty,” she said. in an-~ "So youd hike to kiss me, eh, you superanmuated advertise ment ofja clothing house? My, oh! my! I do believe Pa rather chance-the bona fide monkey here,” with a nod at Cheese-knife Charley, ‘than the civilized ape. However, as I’m dea broke, aud have nothin’ but my good looks to depend on, I'll jest flip the cards with you for the hundred or the kiss, and if you win, Tl ~ bite that nose of yourn off if. you attempt to kiss me more than once. Plank your chips in. the hands of the barkeeper, hyar.” The fop had withstood the harangue with pretty good grace, although he-evidontly did

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‘with a frown. 8 The Girl Sport. not relish Lil’s tongue so much as he did the sight of her tempting lips; but he put up the cash promptly, selecting the necessary gold ao from a handful of glittering coin which 6 drew from his pocket, They then sat down at a table, and a pack of cards was produced, cut, shuffled and dealt. *‘ Tet me see!” Lil said, as she threw down asix- spot of diamonds; “‘ you’re nameis Tyler, isn’tit?” The other gave a violent start of surprise, ** How do you know?” he demanded. ‘‘ Where did you get your information, pray?” é “JT merely surmised!” Leadville Lil replied, without looking up from her cards. if Tyler was naturally pale, he was still more go, now, and it was evident that the words of the strange girl had uvnérved him, fudging by the reckless way in which he played. He watched her covertly, when she was not looking at him, as if trying to make her out. The game ended in Leadville Lil’s favor, by the eee of a queen of hearts, and Paragon Pete stepped forward and handed her the ten gold ae “Thanks,” Lil said, with a triumphant nod, as she pocketed the cash, and arose from the table. *‘ That stands me in good for two weeks board, anyhow,.and I’ve got my kiss reserved for some good-looking man. Ha! ha! ha!” - “Not so fast, my gay maiden!” Tyler cried leaping to his feet, and grasping her by the arm. ‘I’ve paid for the kiss, and I’m cursed if I don't have it.” “Then cursed you are, for it will be a cold day when you touch me!” the girl cried fiercely, and raising her left hand she gave him a smack in the face that staggered him, and caused him to loosen his grasp upon her arm. j A murmur of approval escaped a few, but there was a more general grunt of dissent, show- ing quite conclusively that Tyler was not with- _ out his friends in the town. Tyler recovered his equilibrium, an instant later, foaming with rage, * Curse you!”, he fumed, hesitating to renew his assault, “** Pl kill you for that!” “No you won't,” Lil calmly answered, as \she leaned nonchalantly against the bar. ‘ Instead, I shall probably salivate you, if you don’t look out. I came down _to this hyer town just on purpose to see you, Joe Tyler, on very import- ant business,” “ What do you mean?” the mine-owner asked ‘tT do not know you, nor do i waut to.” ‘‘Perhaps you would not care to have me ublicly explain just what business brings me re to see Phe Leadville Lil replied, signit- cantly. ‘If you will come outside, iv privaic I will endeavor to satisfy your curiosity.” She looked him straight in the eye as she spoke, with a stare that was stern aud unflinch- ing, at which he turned a shade whiter and faced toward the door. **Come along!” he growled. ‘It must bea funny secret that a character of your stamp would hesitate to make public, As for me, [ know nothing of you.” The scene changes once more, in order to in- luce new characters of our romanee, \ 4 Skeleton Camp, the nearest settlement to Wolfville, was a somewhat larger and more prosperous town than the latter place, owin the fact that gold and silver were there fo: larger quantities. Its inhabitants asa rule were also of a more quiet disposition, though the town was by no means without its delegation of rough and law- less characters, There were two men in the camp whocon- trolled nearly everything, from the fact that they owned ‘nearly everything, including min- ing interests and tenants’ shanties, and each was estimated to be worth about equal amounts; while, on the other hand, there were vague ru- mors that there were existing papers a a both proporties that, should they be found, would ruin either the one or the other of the two men of wealth. \ These parties were Abram Levi, a Jew, and an Ex-governor of the Territory, whose real name we will withhold, and give him the name of Governor Gray. i As a usual thing, they were bitter enemies at heart, although they remained on nodding terms, when they chanced to meet, They were brothers-in-law, by marriage, Gov- ernor Gray’s sister having some twenty years before become estranged from her family and wedded the Jew—more for his money than for any love she had for him, although at that time he was rather prepossessing in appearance, and not the miser. he was now. After bearing him three children, she had tired of Ris niggardly treatment, and taking two of the children and considerable of her husband’s money, she fled from where they then resided for parts unknown, since when nothing definite had ever been heard of her by Governor Gray, who had prosecuted a long and diligent search to find his sister, Levi had never attempted to find his wife, seeming to be rather pleased that she had gone and left his son bebind her, who was a bright lad of six at thaf time, and had now grown to be a still brighter young man at nineteen. Governor Gray was a widower, and had ac- curnulated all his wealth in a few years’ shrewd speculation, He lived alone with a couple of colored ser- vants in his comfortable stone mansion, envious of no one, but ina measure envied by all who knew him and of his wealth, Most especially by Levi, who had been locat- ed at Skeleton Flats several years before the governor came, and who watched that gentle- man’s rise in the world with feelings of intense jealousy. « Whenever an opportunity came to defeat Gray in a business speculation, the scheming Israelite was ever wide awake to do it, so that it was little wonder the governor was forced to feel bitter toward Levi, Isaac, the Jew’s son, was a great favorite with Governor Gray, for he was intelligent and epberently possessed of none of the reprehensi-~ ble qualities of his parent. ; . On this account the governor took a liking to him, and made him welcome to his home in and hospitality, little dreaming that he was eatertaining a viper of the most treacherous to-

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_ the physician, ploring expedition,” The Girl Sport. \ order, who was busy in the work of spying for his father and playing the hypocrite in various ways. - : So great was his confidence in his nephew. Governor Gray would quicker have be ieved any man in the world capable of guilt rather> than him. All of which was exactly what the scheming father and son most desired, in order to further certain designs they had. A couple of days before we take our reader’s attention to Skeleton Camp, Governor Gray had been stricken down with a strange sickness which the local doctor couid not define; hence, it was not within his power todo much in the way of remedies for his patient, although he made sundry medical experiments and examina- tions without avail. The governor was confined to his bed and ap- ared to be in terrible pain. Ashe expressed it, e was afire inside and burning up; and yet. he appeared to have no fever, which quite baffled After the third day his suffering seemed to lessen, but a consciousness that he was nearing his end appeared to dawn over him, and he called Isaac. ‘*TIsaac,” Governor Gray said, huskily, ‘‘ I fear that I am nearing my end. Will you has- ten to the nearest lawyer’s office and summon him, as I have some matters which must neces- sarily be arranged at once.” : With a bow, Isaac Levi hurried out; but _to his father’s uapretentious dwelling he went first. CHAPTER V. BLUM’S DEFEAT, Ler us return to Jumbo Joe, who, wnen in a fair way of escaping from one peril, was men- aced by another, in the sudden appearance of Hezekiah Blum. That individual was evidently a: much sur- prised to see Joe as Jumbo was to see him, and paused with an exclamation. ‘* Hello! what does this mean? In the name of heavens, boy, where is the money I intrusted in your care? Speak!” \ “T allow it’s gone up Salt River on an ex- oe replied, candidly. ** Leastwise, it’s slipped out o’ my grip.” A howl of fury escaped Blum, which satisfied the boy that Colonel Bloker’s story of the se- cret contained in the package of money was true, “Gone! Then I’m ruined! oe up, curse you! Explain yourself before I foreclose my mortgage on your head!” Blum cried._ “Dunno as thar’s anything much to explain!” Joe retorted. ‘TI laid down, fell asleep, and ‘when [ awoke found myself in the bands of Bill Bloker and his gang. They demanded the pack- age, which they declared contained a secret, and said if I didn’t fork over they’d make me. So they searched me, and didn’t tind only my two hundred. Bloker appropriated that and dered me buried here, as_you see, till I told aim where the swag was. Look out, sir! my horse is u; ly? Joos wild-aved steel liad tarned. with a snort | to gaze upon the intruder, and am instant after , 9 the young rover spoke Chub made a dash for. Blum, with a mien that boded the miser no good; but Blum, skinny and agile, bounced around a bowlder, and springing nimbly upon it escaped the open jaws of the excited horse, at the same time bringing his repeating rifle to bear on the beast, : “Hal ha! you shoes Vd turn and cut stick an’ run, didn’t you?” Hezekiah cried, triumph- antly. ‘‘ But itis no go; [have got the upper hand, my lad, Call off that horse, or Pil fill him so full of bullets, that he'll never be fit for another trip.” “ All right; don’t shoot,” Joe said. ‘‘He is too valuable a critter to be wantonly killed. Here, Chub!” The horse instantly obeyed its young master’s eas and returned to where Joe was still half uried. “That’s no better than before,” Blum called out. ‘Send the horse off into the woods, so that I can come down off of this perch and re- lease you.” ‘“‘T don’t care to be released of my head, old bypocrite!” Jumbo retorted. ‘‘ The hoss will be all right, providin’ you don’t touch me.” **One! two!”Blum cried, cocking his rifle. ‘‘ Away with the hoss, if you don’t want the buzzards to fatten upon its carcass. I'll have no trifling!” And the young patrol no doubt would have yielded, only that at that instant there was a sudden movement of the huge stone, and Blum came tumbling, end over end, and struck upon his head, os the ground with a heavy thud. As he did not then stir, Joe concluded that he was knocked out of his senses, or else was really Which he was not particularly sorry for, be- cause he had no doubt the old curmudgeon would demand the return of the money, or the fore- closure of his mortgage upon Joe’s head, “Now, if I can get out of here, I am all right,” the lad muttered. ‘“ [lk recover that money and the secrets it contamed, or I'll bu’st!” -It was easier said than done, to work himself up out of the Rone and he was fearful every moment that Blum would awaken, and give him more trouble. But at last, to his eminent satisfaction, he succeeded in pulling himself out of the dirt, though it was some minutes ere he could stand, as his limbs were so numb, When be.could, however, he felt so jubilant that he was inclined to give vent to a good-sized war-whoop. Going over to the side of the outstretched miser, he proceeded to examine him. If not reaily dead, Blum was very near to the borders of eternity, for there was no Se dps beg beat to his heart as far as Joe could find. “Guess it’s all up, whatsoever has been hiss calculations,” the young rover muttered. “Dash my cats ef I don’t play robber, for once, and see if I cannot recover the leetie dockyment I gave him. Thar’s no tellin’ but what his heirs and assigns ferever, might make me wish I was in Kankakee, if oo were to get possession of thet aire little paper™ A thorough search, however, failed Mae? Be = ee a hie zs

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ais ‘reports from Blum. So much for this much. i0 to light the desired document, much to Joe’s disappointment, although he secured a number of business-looking papers, which he decided to preserve for after consideration. “The mortgage is gone, and I might as well take a skip, too!” he said, his brows contract- ing. “If any galoot’s got that contract, what wants to foreclose it, they’ll find out that Jumbo Joe kin fight as long as the strength lingers in his body. I reckon Mr. Joseph Tyler has the paper, whoever he may chance to be!” e then mounted and rode away. CHAPTER VI. FATHER AND SON, Isaac, oR Ixny Levi, made bis way to the shanty of his father,.whom he found seated in the dingily-furnished front-room. He was ‘a man of between fifty and sixt years of age, with stubbly black hair and beard. s eyes were small and black, and the general expression of his countenance sinister. That he was one who would hesitate af no deed to attain Bis ends was plainly written in his repelling ‘ace, His dress was shabby for one possessed of the wealth he was reputed to possess. A glitter of keen anficipation entered his eyes as his handsome son appeared. ‘* Vell?” he interrogated, rubbing his hands to- gether, greedily. ; “Tt is well,” Ikey replied. ‘A consciousness of his approaching fate draws over him, and he dispatches a trusted nephew fora lawyer. It be- gins to look quite aati, don’t it?” ‘Yes, very interesting. But has he received any letters to-day? You haff not told me dot?” “ He has received several, through the eer? servant, Jock, but I have not been admitted to his confidence concerning them. Somehow I half-suspect that he is less confiding in me than at first.” ** Maybe so—maybe so. Read this!” He threw 4 letter upon the table, and Isaac read as follows: ‘* A. Levi, Esq. :~ ‘I have watched the movements of Mr. Tyler, as you s ested, and believe there is something in roe suspicion. That Tyler and another party have ad dealings is true. The second party, it appears, sold to Tyler a half in’erest in a secret mine, the whereabouts of which is known only to the two. The consideration, as near as your informant can find out, was a lovely girl whom Tyler, in some un- known way, under his power, and whom he transferred to this second party, an old cuss called Blum. It has taken careful spying to get at this much, That Tyler has not received the secret yet I am pretty sure, nor has there been very recent: Tt is evident there is some secret concerning the girl’s life, and she might be one of your lost daughters. A couple of nights ago a young woman, dressed in male attire, and callinz hersalf Leadville Lil, ap- ared in Wolfville, and after some pranks, called ‘oe Tyler outside, and, I suppose, had a skewrup of some sort with him, for when he returned to the saloon his nose was scratched, and one eye dra) in mourning. What became of the girl is conjec- ture, as Tyler refused any explanation. This girl, too, may be cne of your own. So look out for her, as she may possibly turn oan Skeleton Camp. “Yours truly, ; y “Der e <a ‘property where it will do “Wor ce to take charg ~s roe: The Girl Sport. Ikey did not change expressions while reading the communication. ; ‘ Well?” he interrogated. ** Well,” the Jew echoed, *‘ you see that m suspicions ish purdy near righd, don’d you? If you ain’dt smart. dere vill pe some new rela~ ~ tives turn up to share der governor’s fortune vid vou, Isaac.” : “J will prevent that by securing a lawyer at once,” Ikey said, with a sardonic gria. CHAPTER VIL. THE GOVERNOR'S WILL, AFTER he had sent his nephew for the lawyer to draw his will, Governor Gray began to fail so rapidly, and Isaac was so tardy, that the sick man was forced to summon his negro servant, Jocko, who was by all odds the blackest speci- men of the negro race that had ever dropped down in Skeleton Camp. ‘** Jock,” the governor said, huskily, ‘I fear that I cannot live much longer, Go out “and call some respectable and honest-looking man in from off the street.” The darky skurried away, his phe bulging out, to the exposure of their w: ites, ludi- erously. ~ ** De Lor’ done gone save us!” he murmured, - as he proceeded on his errand, ‘‘ De governor’s eeie to peg out an’ leave all dis property to at Ikey, sure. Wish I’se de lucky man on dat eatch, Idol” In five minutes he returned to the sick-room, accompanied by a stranger, but who, needs no re-introduction to our readers. It was Jumbo Joe, whom Jocko had singled out from the crowd, “Hyar’s de gen’man I fotched, Marse Gray, an’ I reckons he is above de average in honest looks,” Jocko said. ‘ The dying ex-governor raised himself on his elbow, with an effort, and took a good look at Joe, who bore the scrutiny uhfline ingly. “Your selection is well made, Jock,” he said, serve **' You may retire and leave me alone — with the young map.” ; The darky obeyed; then the governor turned to Joe. ' Pg ed “Young man, I am si a very favorably — with your appearance. ill you tell me your name?” sae ‘With pleasure. My name is Joe Star, I be- Here, though on the trail [ am known as Jumbo. oe. “You area scout, then?” x ‘Well, yes, after a fashion. I roam about — here and there, picking up odd jobs and doing — whatever seems to me honest and best. pts human ever made a mark ag’in’ Joe Star’s — name.” “ ’ Vee he 2 . 9 a - “Tl believe you, my boy—I believe you; but I cannot talk-much with you, for lam near to death; and what I have to say must be said in few words, So listen, and I will tell you what Lam going to do,” : - a Jos Dowsde st + Seri z = ae £< = “Tam George Gray,‘and have considerable — wealth. So-E wish to riake'a disposition of 1 y mi * - ld ow like to tal

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The Girl Sport, “Td rather not,” Joe replied, candidly. ‘I prefer to earn all 1 have, by working for it.” ‘And so you shall, whatever you get from me,” the governor said, with a faint smile, At this juncture the door ee and Ikey entered, accompanied by another personage, with smooth face, little peering eyes, and long, vleek hair, who looked as if he were a cross be- tween a minister and a lawyer. Ikey glared hard at Jumbo as he entered; then turned to Governor Gray: ; ‘Here is Mr. Green, the lawyer, dear uncle,” he said. ‘I had to search a good while to tind him, What else can I do for you, uncle?” “ Yes, Isaac. You and the young gentleman will please retire to the lower room till I adjust some legal business with Mr. Green.” Ikey bowed and left the room, leaving Joe to find his way down to the parlor as best he could. He succeeded in finding it, and also found Ikey there, which young gentleman was pacing the floor with anything but an agreeable expres- sion of countenance. “Well! whatdo you want here?’ he demanded savagely, as Joe became seated. ‘*T want to sit down, if yen have no particu- lar objections,” Jumbo replied *T did not ask you that!” Ikey growled. ‘I wanted to know what brings you here in my house?” “Tn your house?” and Joe gave a whistle. ~ **Yes—it will be my house directly,” Tkey said, ‘* The best thing you can do is to waltz.’ ‘‘ When I feel in the mood I may,” the young borderman replied. ‘‘ Besides, I fancy its hard- ly certain who is Mr. Gray’s heir yet, Think J stand as good a show as you.” ‘¢You don’t dare to suppose uncle is going to make you his heir, do you?’-Ikey demanded fiercely. ‘* Shouldn’t be a bit surprised if I fit the shoes after they are vacated,” was Joe’s taunt. ‘‘The old gent has taken quite a fancy to me, and ten to one he will leave me to fill his vacancy.” ‘*T}] be cursed if be does!” Ikey cried, whip- ping a sheath-knife from his hip pocket. ‘* No man can live who stands in my way.” He rushed at Jumbo, but be bounded aside, and with a quick trip sent the young Jew sprawling on the floor, “Whoa!” Joe commanded. ‘If you don’t want to get seriously injured, the likeliest thing you can do is toquiet rightdown. If you don’t, mark my word, you'll never forget the time you tackled the wrong aman.” “Will I?” Ikey gritted, as he rose to his feet, “ We will see!” He made another rush, but only to come in rontact with Jumbo’s steel-hard fist, and again did Ikey drop to the floor, but Joe was not yet through with his belligerent enemy, Grabbing him up as he would have seized a child, he pitched him through the window headforemost, into a puddle of water outside, and then shaking ns fist at the unfortunate heir-prospective, call- ed out: “Tay there, now! Jf you rise out of that water before Mr. Gray’s will is made, may I be eternally set on fire if I don’t shoot you dead, 31 Mind now—I'll do just as I have promised, if you attempt to arise.” - Y lkey was now thoroughly terrified, and lay perfectly still. ; “Know better than to pull a toothpick on sich a feller as me next time, won't ye?’ Joe warned. ‘I’m dangerous, I am,” Fully ten minutes passed, when> Joe heard a footstep in the room, and turning, saw no less a personage than Leadville Lil standing in close proximity to him. ; Lil gazed upon the boy on guard admiringly, “What are you doing?” she asked. ‘‘ Watch- ing for rats?” ‘I’m watching a two-legged rat, and am trying to learn him that forbearance is in_ this case more of a necessity than a virtue. What do you think of him—ain’t he a beauty?” Lil burst into a laugh when she saw Ikey’s ridiculous Plight. j ‘Well, Lshould say so. How long are you going to remain in pickle, bubby?” ‘*Not much longer, I hope,” Ikey gritted. LT rather enjoy your discomfiture,” Lil “T can at least do nothing to help ou. At this juncture Joe heard a voice in the up- per hall calling him, so be turned to Lil... “Tam wanted, Will you guard yonder ras- eal till I return?” “With pleasure,” the a weapon from her belt. -When Joe“arrived in the governor’s bed- chamber, the sick man was bolstered up with pillows, while Green, the lawyer, sat at a table girl assented, drawing near by, engaged in finishing the writing of a — legal-looking document. “Did you call me, sir?” Joe asked, “Yes,” said Green, without looking up. “‘ Where did you leave the other young man?” “He was rusticating in a mud-puddle, when I left him,” Jumbo responded, with a smile. ‘*He attempted tostab me, saying that I was an intruder upon his premises, and as 1 wasn’t inclined to be dissected on so short notice, I heaved him out of the window!” Mr. Gray opened bis eyes wide at this, . ‘So Iam not so nearly wrong, after all!” he murmured. “T have grown to distrust the boy of late, and if what you tell meis true, it is lain that I have been fostering an ingrate. r, Green, show Mr. Star the document, when complete.” In accordance with the request, the lawyer presently handed the paper to Joe, who began to give it a hasty perusal, % It was in substance as follows: for a consid- eration of one thousand dollars, Joe was to make a search for two children named respec- — tively Jessie and Jennie Levi, who were sup- posed to be living somewhere in the United states. If he failed to find the two, within one year, then Joe Star was to receive one-third in- terest in Mr, Gray’s wealth, and the remaining two-thirds should go to Isaac Levi; but in case Joe should find one or both of the girls, within — the time specified, he wasas Mr. Gray’s repre- sentative to see that all the equally divided between them. property was :

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12 _ In addition to these specifications went on the - document: Joe must discover, seize and destroy a certain illegal mortgage against the Gray estate, which was drawn in favor of Abram Levi and Samuel Aaron, but which had been stolen, by a party or parties unknown, and was unrecorded, Following this was a description of the girls, as children; also an oath for Joe to take, that he would prosecute the search to tae best of his rte oe “This is all satisfactory as far as I am con- cerned, though I accept the terms more because of the duty impo upon me than for the pecuniary consideration,” Joe announced, oo please arise, and be sworn,” Green said, Joe obeyed. Half an hour later, Governor Gray was still and white in death, CHAPTER VIII, IN A SCRAPE, Arrmr Mr. Gray was dead, Green, the lawyer, said to Jumbo: ‘ “My youne friend, you have accepted a re- sponsibility | would not have cared to under- take, myself, but I wish you all manner of good luck, and will belp you allI can, To that end, I will take good care of this will or agree- ent and I want also to give you a bit of ad- vice, “Spit it out!” Joe replied. ‘I ain’t oneo’ these fellers what can’t be told nothin’.” «¢ Which is all the more in your favor,” Green wenton. ‘‘ What I would say is this—look out for yourself! Within the next few weeks you will have soine tough experiences to go through. I will wager, however, that if you don’t get weak in the back, you will come out all right. Here are the thousand dollars which Mr. Gray had in his possession and directed me to give you at once, so that you might go on your mis- sion, I will attend to all the preparations for th governor’s funeral, and see to all his affairs in your absence.” oe pocketed the money, and went down to the parlor, where he found that Leadville Lil was still holding Ikey a prisoner in the pool of water; by the magic power of her polished re- volver, and she seemed relieved when Joe ap- Per Oh! he’s just been going on at a terrible rate!” she said. ‘‘He’s a bad pill, that fellow is. What are you going to do‘with bim?” “Let him up, and slope. I’ve got through bere. Are you not a stranger here, also?” “Yes, I heard Governor Gray lived here, and walked right in, without knocking, I want to see the governor on business, Can you direct_ me to where I can find him?” “Hardly, as his body is now being prepared for the coffin, I, however, in conjunction with Green, the lawyer, shall hereafter represent: him in business, Is there anything I can do for ‘ou “Hardly, if Mr. Gray is dead, Come, lets go! Dead? Well, that’s bad. The world can’t eee cee the good men—there’s too few of The oe Girl Sport. They Jeft the house, and of one accord turned toward the principal hotel, saloon and gaming house combined, which bad adopted \the signifi- can. title of * “THE GATES AJAR.” Whether it was meant to convey a meaning celestial, or otherwise, by this inviting sign, could best be judged by the character of the place and its habitues, who were of the old stereotyed miner’s saloon order. Not many people were lounging about, so that Joe and: his new acquaintance were not long in finding a quiet seat, where they chatted together some time, Joe endeayoring to draw from her some of the secrets of her past life, but she con- fined herself to evasive answers, or, at moments, to extreme reticence. When asked what brought her to Skeleton Camp, she replied: ~ “To finda man. When I find him, I’m going to give him the choice of a pair of pee at thirty paces. That’s what brings me here, for one thing. It won’t: bo long before I get him either.” They lingered there in conversation until the day was gone, and evening well advanced, all without Joe’s becoming very much better posted than he was at first, although he had become considerably interested in Leadville’s fair young representative, and she seemed to take a strong liking to him. Finally she arose. **T must be going now, but will no doubt see you again,” she said, bowing, and leaving the saloon. After finishing a cigar, Joe also arose, ** It’s time I was hunting up a roosting-place myself,” he muttered. ‘Hello! what’s the matter, J wonder?” ; He involuntarily laid his hand on one of his revolvers, as he heard the wild clatter of borer hoofs outside, together with a series of yells... A moment later the doors of the Gates Ajar were burst open, and a motley crowd of moun- tain roughs poured into the saloon. At their head was seen the burly form of Colonel Bill Bloker, while at his side was the superannuated personage, Hezekiah Blum, umbo: saw the precious pair the moment they appeared in the doorway, and made haste to step behind a table screen for temporary con-~ cealment, ‘Theyre after me!” he thought. ‘‘ Old Blum has gone in snooks with Bloker, to recover the lost key to the secret mine. I reckun they pro- Ke to make it warm for me, and about the est thing I can do is to vamose.” They were full thirty of the gang, and none of them looked too good to commit a murder, if they could make a dollar by it. Joe looked around him, but could see no means of escape, except by the front door into — the street, The saloon was only one story in hight and consequently, there were no stairs: nor were there any doors or windows in the rear, where . the sereen was located “There’s no way to escape. If they make an attempt to take me, I must fight, that’s sure.”

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tae tee Be crouched behind the screen, ready for any emergency. joker and bis gang, as soon as in the salocn, filed up to the bar, and the colonel ordered whisky, for each, which was imbibed with mani- fest gusto, “Ye kin charge that ter Cunnel Bill Bloker, the King o’ Vigilantes, bar-k’er!” the leader said, as he set down hi8 glass, “IT guess not!” replied Montana Mike, the barkeeper, showing a bull-bog “‘ six” suddenly under the credit treater’s nose. ‘‘ Just you fork over seven dollars, pilgrim, or [ll blow your skull right off! Bizness!” ‘‘Haven’t got a cent, pard, but heer’s my friend, Blum—he’ll settle fer it, Jest-crack out seven, Hezy, arter which we'll look fer the boy!” Blum saw the peril menacing bis comrade, and knew it would be fatal to disobey, so he aid for the rather costly treat, and gave it to ontana Mike, with a growl at the outrageous rice, zi ‘Now, then!” cried Colonel Bill, ‘I s’pose ye’re kewrious ter know who this august body is, bar-k’er, hey? Waal, we’re a pack of Regu- lators who makes et our purpose to pertect ther weak from injury—’specially weak whisky ;—ter enforce ther laws, an’ avenge ther wronged. Hyar’s Blum, who hes lost a big heap o’ swag thr’u’ a young cuss called Jumbo Joe, an’ Blum’s got a mortgage on the aforesaid Joe’s head, wot he wants ter foreclose, an’ we’re goin’ ter help him, Hev ye seen him?” “Couldn't say. Not acquainted with the party!” Montana replied, as stiffly as a Fifth Avenue Hotel clerk might have done. “Waal, read this—then; mebbe ye'll remem- ber ef ye’ve seen him!” the colonel cried, where- upon he tacked up a hand-printed poster upon the wall, 2 Whether it was the colonel’s composition, or not, is hard to tell, but the lettering and spelling would have done credit to a Billings, The poster read as follows: “NOTISS, ‘““Trw Hoom Ir May Koxcern:—A reward of one thousan’ dollars aire offer’d for ther capter, alive, of ther young robber, Jumbo Joe. He is younz, good- formed, hez long hair an’ an eagell eye. an’ kin fite lixe thunder, they say, Ef capiered alive, an’ de- livered to Colonel Bill Bloker, or Hezekiah Blum, the above summ will be paid, fF “Notiss—2. Wanted a lot o’ fuss-class pilgrims ter help capter ther pours, outlaw, Jumbo Joe. Gud pay, lot’s o’ whisky, an’ a grip at ther rope when he’s hung!” This notice Bloker posted up on the wall of the saloon, and read aloud, to the fast collecting audience, _ : “Vas; that’s bizness, that is!” he announced. % A thousand dollars in squar’ cash fer he w’ot ropes in Jumbo Joe, an gud miner’s wages hile ye’re lukin’ fer him. D’ye all jine ther movenient, feller-citizens?” A tremendons shout went up from the crowd, showing that they were ready for any thing. “T reckon ye needv’t bive any recruits, pil- grim!” Montana Mike said, mounting the bar in srder to give his stubby figure some prominence, * That fellow war‘heer not long ago, an’ when I see u thousand dollars in my paw, I allow I can place yer man,” : Joe, behind the screen, crouched lower, his eyes gleaming with a fierce light. “he dratted p'izen-slinger knows where I am, eh?” he muttered. ‘Well, now, if the take me I'll give ’em a tussle first. Ha! what—” A section of floor, or more ep oar a trap- door, just beside him, was carefully lifted to ae ae by some one below, and an opening dis- closed. : The next instant tlie head and shoulders of @ her ee woman were thrust through, eae a@ voice said: “Come quickly if you hope to escape with your life.” ; Joe, under the circumstances, was nothing loth to obey, and after she had withdrawn, he discovered a steep stairway. Onto this he drop- ped and carefully drew the door over the hole after'him. : They were now ina shallow sort of hole un- derneath the saloon, where a cellar had evident- ly been projected but abandoned, as there were no walls, nor anything kept in it. ““We must be expeditious if we would es- cape,” his rescuer said in a pleasant voice, “If those ruffians were to pounce upon you, I fancy they’d soon use you up.” ‘*Bet they’d have earned their grub before they got me fer supper,” Joe replied. are pow going to take me?” “To a place of safety, if you take advantage of the opportunity to at once leave town, You are le for, and it won’t be healthy for you around here any longer.” ‘Nevertheless, I'l] be nigh when they least think, and'l’ll make my patrol one of terror to those who have evil designs against me.” In a few minutes they were on the street, when they were suddenly confronted by a man who leveled a revolver at them. It was Joseph Tyler, of Wolfville. CHAPTER IX. IKEY GETS LEFT, LEADVILLE LIL, after leaving the Gates Ajar Saloon, made her way rapidly out of Skeleton Camp into the mountains to the northward, taking a disused wagon-trail that was lined on either side with a arral, She had no apparent fear, bowever, for she walked along steadily until she came to a buge blasts pine tree, some two miles from Skeleton amp. Tiere she paused, as if ex It was not long the Girl soon there were sounds of footsteps. the bushes cting some one, parted, and a man stepped out into the little’ clearing. ! He was tall, slim, and dressed in a fanciful Mexican costume of velvet, bugles and laces, while a mask covered his face, and a sombrero was pulled down over bis forehead. He sligntly raised bis hat, as he cameto a halt in front of Leadville Lil; then gave a low — laugh, as be noted her attitude of defense, “Do not be afraid of me,” he said, ‘‘for I am _ perfectly harmless, as far as your safety is cons cerned.” rs ‘“* Where | port bad to wait, for e hick undergrowth of chap- — Ne

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clared, emphatically. 14 The Girl Sport. “Tt is always wellto be on guard,” Lil re- plied. ‘I was informed that some one desired to interview me at this spot, justas 1 left the saloon, in Skeleton Camp, though I did not see my informant. Are you the person?” “Tam, indeed, young lady. Let me intro- duce myself to you. I am Michael Gonzales, the detective.” Lil would have givena visible start, but for great power of self-control, ““T never heard of you,” she said. ‘‘ What do you want with me?” “That remains to be told. I an: ferretin outa case, and seeing you in the town, it struc me you might be a gold mine, What are your antecedents, lady?” : “T haven’t any,” Lil replied, with a sort of bitter laugh, ‘‘If I had Tain’t apt to make *em into biographical form, for the benefit of others,” “ But, were I able to lift you to a “position of affluence and wealth, my dear—” Lil did not answer that question—instead, she asked another. ** Who set you on—Joe Tyler?’ she demanded, sharply. a Tt was Gonzales’s turn to start now. 7 “T donot know such a man,” he said, and sh allowed by his tone that he wasright. ‘‘On the contrary, ’m working up a case of my own. _ Iam looking for a person, and so_ well satisfied am I that you are the person, that I must take you into custody until something definite is settled on!” He stepped forward, as if certain that she would surrender, but-when she shoved one of her revolvers suddenly under his nose, he re- - coiled. “Stop! stop! don’t shoot!” he exclaimed, in alarm, -**T’ve a good notion to bombard you!” Lil de- “The idea of your sup- posin’ that ye could scare me!” ‘*Nevertheless, you'll find no ordinary man now, Surrender, and Ill see that no harm comes to you—instead, ’d raise you into a for- tune, that will make you independent for all your after life.” ‘“Werry much obleeged to ye,” Lil declared, “but you see when I strike it rich, it’s got to be on my own hook. I ain’t to take in no vice- president: or treasurer in the concern, but am goin’ to clean the board myself. If you reckon you know anything about Leadville Lil, don’t let it give you the nightmare, for I'll guarantee it will never do you any good,” ‘Oh! we'll see about that. You've got tho whip row, to-night, but we shall meet again, Au revoir!” “Leb up! Not so fast! Before you go, allow me to say a word!” Lil cried, shoving her pistol forward again, threateningly. ‘' Before you _ ~go, I want one square peep at the face behind 7 that mask|” Gonzales uttered a curse. Lil uttered a cry of surprise. The sulky face ~ of Ikey Levi was turned toward her. “* Well! well! who'd ’a’ thought?” Lil ex- claimed. ‘‘I didn’t know you had recovered from your mud-bath yet.” f “But I have, and you and that young rufflan will learn that you're bound to get paid off for that outrage, J’ll make this country too warm for you!” ‘Bah! Get up-and get, you Pike 2 sneak! Vll_ see ye safe back to Skeleton Camp, for fear the wolves might feast upon your precious body) Right about face, Israel! ‘orward, march!” : Ikey faced about and strode away, Lil close at his heels, her revolver ready for immediate use, : Joe and his strange guide had seen the Wolf- villain at the same instant, and the woman shivered, as if she had a great dread of the en- counter, 4 Well, what do you want?” demanded g ‘ Jumbo, : _ That depends,” Tyler replied, stroking his mustache, ‘For one thing, | want the girl you have there—then I can dispose of you after- ward. I think you are a person of sone value tome, Sadie, come here!” Joe gave vent toa whistle. Hero was a sur- . prise. He had not suspected his vailed rescuer ol being the betrothed of old Hezekiah Blum. : ‘© Don’t you mind him, Sadie!” Joe cried. *¢ You stick by Jumbo, and I’ll see you through. You can’t bave this lady, pard, unless she wants to go to you.” ‘Oh, no, no, no!” Sadie exclaimed, throwing. back her vail and showing a frightened face. “That man is my bitterest enemy, sir, and sold me to Blum. Ob, do take me away!” ‘*Gol” Joe said, suddenly getting the drop on the man. “Well, curse my carelessness!” Tyler shor when he saw the advantage he had ost. f ‘* Jes’ sol” Joe returned. ‘‘T allow I’ve got the upper grip just now. Sadie, you had better — light out while you have a chance. If you see Van Camp, tell him I want him.” , The girl stared a moment—then seemed to “take” the meaning that sho should write Joe, addressed as Van Camp. ‘ Tyler pricked up his ears, but evidently did not understand the meaning of the words.— Nodding in answer to Joe, whose eyes never left the woman-hunter, Sadie flitted away down the street, and was soon out of sight. Joe laughed quietly to note how enraged dandy Mr. Tyler was, as he heard the girl’s foot- steps dying away in the distance. ‘You are not only a villain, but a fool!” he. said. ‘‘If you are scheming to get possession of that innocent girl, you’d better never have tried it,. I’m: warned now as to your true char- acter, and shall make it a point that you do ngt harm her,” ; ; d see about that, There’

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The Girl Sport, ee wants a man bad, end I may as well makea thousand dollars out of you as any one else!” _“Is that so?’ Joe returned, undauntedly. - “Well, now, if you think it’s healthy, just you peep out a note for that gang to come at me!” ' At that instant the door of the saloon opened, and Bloker and bis crowd poured out into the street, bellowing and cursing like madmen. CHAPTER X. } THE SACRED CAMP, Jon was indeed in peril, but he did not quail. Without hesitating, he fired full at Tyler, then bounded away, while Tyler stag- "gered back, and feil to the earth with a ell. a The crowd, headed by Bleker, rushed for- ward with howls of anticipated victory, but strong of limb and agile as a panther, it was not long ere the young patrol had left his pursuers far behind him, their baffled cries sounding in the distance, “ Yell‘on, my noble Romans!” he gritted, as he hurried on into the mountains, ‘‘ But you'll find that you’ve aroused a tiger this time.” z For an hour after his flight from the camp he chmbed into the depths of the mountains, resolved to put at least a safe distance be- tween him and his enemies before stopping. The mountains were wild and rugged in the extreme, but the thought of danger, except from his enemies in the rear, did not occur to him. é ~ It was long after midnight ere he came to a halt upon the top of the range, and saw before him a sheer descent of many hundred fect, into an ominous‘looking gulf*walled in’ ou every side by mountains, _ » At the bottom he could see several: gleam- ing lights, doubtless of camp-fires. _ * Wonder what sort of a place it is, down there?” he muttered. ‘If I wasn’t ’most used up, I’d go down and see. But I guess I shall have to postpone that till morning.” Selecting a cosey spot, under the shade of a cedar tree, he stretched his weary form out, and gave up to Morpheus, a willing vic- tim, and with no thought of danger, slept soundly, _ : When. he awoke geese the scene was changed, and he was greatly astonished at his surroundings. On all sides of a level comprising maybe ten acres, rose very smooth walls of rock, upon the faces of some of which were carved rude images of Indians, animals and wigwams. ~ As for himself he was tied securely to a firmly pianted stake, and a plenty of com- bustible materia: was piled around him! In a circle abvut his place of confinement, a score of ripenvees half-breeds and Indians _ were squatte eae ing upon bow! = drums and tin kettles aes u haped. Wes their baunches, pound- | 15 at the same time uttering a dismal sort of - chant, \ A short distance from Jumbo was another stake within the circle, and secured to this - was another white man, of about Joe’s own. age. : About the base of this strange, natural pocket were large fissures in the rock, within which, the boy calculated, were the habita- Hons of the motley crowd that surrounded — im Involuntarily he turned and addressed the. young stranger, who seemed to be a fresh arrival, the same as was Joe, ; ‘*Hello, pard! do you-know what is all th» meaning of this?” he asked. “Trather reckon they mean to fry us up for breakfast!” the stranger replied, dryly. S Sey be excused, What do you make out?’ * Dashed if I know, unless we've fell into the haunt of one of those ancient tribes of reds that used to belong in this territory, and who do their Sunday-go-to-meetin’ biz-~ ness by sacrificin’ a victim every once in a while to please the Great Spirit.” If sech is ther case, our shanks is bound to ketch it, — What’s your cog’?” = ‘‘ My name is Harry Holly. Iam from the — East, but have been spending the summer in — the mountains, hunting for bear.” i ‘“‘Reckon you’ve found more than you'll be able to bear, this trip!” Joe laughed. — “Tm Jumbo Joe, a cross-eyed cousin to» Barnum’s elerfant. Wonder when the circus — commences?” ; d As he finished speaking, their attention “was attracted to one of the Piles inthe rocky — wall, from which issued four fantastically: — arrayed half-breeds, carrying between them ~ a large arm-chair, in which was seated an — old crone_of a woman, attenuated in form — and wrinkled and vicious of visage as ayper= son well could be, while her hair had the peculiarity of being jet-black. Rage. That there was Indian blood in her was * evident, and although trembling from the ~ decrepitude of advanced age, her eye yet emitted a baleful fire. : =e The four attendants bore her forward to ~ the circle, and there set her down and knelt on each side of her, while those whe formed the cirele beat their instruments furiously. The crone fixed her snakish gaze upon Joe, her hands working nervously. ms ‘“Why did the pale-face come to the holy gratud of Parguita?” she began. ‘ Why id he come whence none ever go forth?” — ‘“What in thunder did you fetch me he. 3. for?” Joe replied, bluntly. ‘‘I didn’t come of my own will.” — ae 2 5 “You were found asleep within the | Greai. Jang, and you fers of our

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16 The Girl Sport. be sacrified’ to him. The same with the other pale-face. The will of Parquita or- dating it.” Jumbo Joe looked at young Holly with a wry expression. _ How d’ye like the idea of goin’ up in a cloud of smoke, pard?” he called out. - “By George! what are we goin’ to do?” Holly demanded, dubiously. “Simply nothing—nothing more, I reck- on!’ Joe replied. He then turned to the erone, y “See here, old woman, \what do you want to burn us for? We didn't come here to dis- cover none of your secrets, and all we want is our liberty!” Parquita shook her head. Overhead, the thunder of a rapidly-ap- pr cenine storm growled ominously, as the ightning zig-zagged across the storm-driven sky. : : The felt a little relief, for he saw that a heavy rain was about to fall. If he could only manage to prevent them from lighting tlie fires for a time, immediate danger migkt be averted; but Parquita evidently under- ‘stood this, by a glance at the sky. “The pale-faces must be sacrificed to the Great Spirit, for he is angry at the delay,” she said, ‘‘Pencho, Marquez, procure the lights and fire the brush.” Two of the chair-bearers hurried toward the caves and returned quickly with flaming torches; but before they could apply them to the fagots an emergency arose. From another of the caves, a woman’s willowy figure glided forward, clad in snowy white, the face being covered by-a white vail. Almost with magic quickness she reached the circle. ; “Stop!” she cried, in ringing tones. “Stop! In the name of the Great Spirit, his ministering angel forbids this great sacri- fice! Proceed at your peril. - There was hesitation among the minions of Parquita, and all eyes were turned upon _ her : : ; 1 She uttered a savage hiss and stamped her oot. “Fool!” she shrieked, turning upon the strange, white figure; ‘‘ you think to check -meagain. Bah! Pencho! Marquez! light ’ the wood!” i : - The two half-breeds darted forward to obey, but there came a blinding flash—an awful crash, and Parquita sunk back upon her rude throne a corpse, while all in the gulch were momentarily stunned. ES ae Bern CHAPTER XI. & JOH’S MANIFHSTO, ; __WueEn Joe recovered his senses he sound the woman in white addressing éhe half- raised the reward another thousand dollars. breeds angrily, at the same time pointing to Parquita. “Fools! dog soldiers! do you not see what you brought down, by not obeying me? The Great Spirit was angry at Parquita, be: cause she would have sacrificed the pale- faves.. Iam your queen now, and‘you shall obey me!” There was a grunt of approval at this, showing that the motley crowd were in favor of the change, and a noisy beating of the gongs followed, “Bravo, Ignace!” was the exclamation heard on every hand. Ignace bowed quietly, and motioned for the crowd to disperse, and take old Parquita with them, which they did, when the young Queen. turned to Jumbo. “Stranger!” she said, in a haughty tone, “‘T have saved your life, as you perceive, or rather the Ruling One did. The secrets of this gulch are mine to fuard, however, ag ‘they were Parquita’s, whom I had civilized to such a degree, that she never attempted any of her savage acts except during my oc- casional spells of absence from the gulch, The secrets of this gulch must be preserved, and before you can have your freedom, you must que the band, and swear eternal secrecy: and allegiance to my rule.” “Well, I don’t know about that,” Joe said, ‘I might join ye for a time, ef youll loan me your men, or give me the privilege of organizing a band of my own here. The Regulators are raisin’,a war against me, and I'll be teetotally shot if I don’t retaliate.” “What is your purpose?” ‘* Not to make open fight against them, un- jess cornered, but to take them prisoners, and keep them chained up, until they unanimous- ly agree to leavé me alone.” “Tm afraid you'll have a tough job to master them!” Ignace replied; ‘‘still if it is your desire to attempt it, all you. have to do is to make oath of allegiance, and you shall have the freedom of this retreat to bring your prisoners to, and also shall have the use of such of my men as may be available.” ‘It’s a bargain!” cried Joe, ‘‘T’ll now teach Bloker, Blum and company that Jumbe Joeisa bigger elephant than they can capture, I will also at the same time dea] with some other rascals!” A few days later Col. Bloker and his men returned to the camp minus the Boy Patrol, as Joe had christened himself. Hezekiah Blum had worked himself into a fever of anticipation, fully expecting that he would soon have possession of his prize, bxt when he heard of the colonel’s poor luck, he was fairly beside himself with rage, and ay

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The Girl Sport. 17 & ehe Then began a thorough organization of the Regulator band, each member beingsworn in, and numbered, full a dozen of tke lot being chosen as secret spies, who were to take no interest in the work of the main band, but keep up a vigilant watch, in the role of citizens—for there were a large number of the men about camp, whg would have noth- ing to do in the matter. The Regulators now numbered over three score, and orders were to take Jumbe Joe, dead or alive; so that matters looked dark for the young frontiersman, who was thus virtually declared to be an outlaw. But that he was destined to retaliate was made evident to the people of the Camp, one ‘morning, by a huge placard which was posted up in the door of the Gates Ajar! One by one a crowd of grim-faced men crept from their abodes, and gathered in’ front of the notice to stare at it with growls of anger. ; Joe had framed it thus: “NOTICE! “You who seek tocapture or harm Jumbo Joe are hereby given fair warning that he will never be taken, for he is surrounded by men who will stand by him, and he will fight to the last. If his attempt- ed capture is stopped right here, it will save blood- shed. If not, when you see your men disappear, one by one, you will know that Jumbo Joe defies you, and is wipe. your ruffian organization out of existence, as fast as OY ae present. Two of your number are gone from your midst already!” That was all, but it illustrated what sort of an enemy Skeleton Camp had in the Boy Patrol. The placard occasioned great excitement, and was left up a good share of the day, to be inspected by the curious crowd. In the mean time Joseph Tyler had sent for Hezekiah Blum, for the first time since that worthy’s arrival in camp, and the sum- -mons was promptly answered. Tyler was lying upon his bed in his shanty habitation, groaning with pain from the wound in his side inflicted by Jumbo Joe’s pistol. ; ‘He looked up with a scowl as Blum aude his entrance and took a seat near the Bas ES é * Well?” he interrogated.. ‘* You’ve made a nice kettle of fish, haven’t you?” * “Tt wasn’t my fault!” the old rascal growled. ‘I was afeard to bring the paper myself, ‘cause Bloker was laying for me. I sent it by the fellow Joe, and he lost it—so ‘he says.” = “Bah! it’s all a trumped-up job. I gave you the gal, and I want the key to the mine or else the girl back again!” “*Go get her, then, She’s shut up in my ranch.’ ; 4 CRT RS ee ee plugged. She helped Jumbo Joe to escape from the saloon.” ‘‘Here? ‘Then she isasly minx. If I get hold of her again I’ll put her under a course of training that will break her.” i “You won’t get her if I can prevent it, unless | see that key to the secret mine. The girl has a big property now since a certain man has died, and 1 can utilize*her.” “Then she is the daughter of Levi, the Jew, and Margaret Gray, is she?” Blum de- manded, scratching his head thoughtfully. ‘« And would be an heir to the defunct goy- ernor’s wealth, or at least a part of it.” Tyler started, angered to know that Blum understood the circumstances of the case. “Tt does not matter to you what relation she has to that subject,” he said. ‘‘ You fork over to me the key to the secret mine, and Tl give you the girl and all you can make out of her.” j j “‘The mine will never do either of us any good until that paper can be found,” Blum returned. after I received it from the dying Indian, and so could not locate the place, although I remember that it ‘is in the mountains, due west, and only, ten miles from here.” “Who do you imagine has it, if that fel. ‘low Jumbo Joe hasn’t?” “«The deuce only knows who to suspect.” $< Well, Icannot yield the girl without ] get an interest in the mine.” “But you haven’t got the girl.” “T can get her.” “T doubt it. I doubt alsoif you have any longer got any influence over her, Mr. Joseph Tyler. = Tyler laughed disdainfully, at the idea. ‘““T know better!” he said. ‘‘ The girl hag a secret, and! being the possessor of it is where I get in my grip. You see, a year ago she was secretly married to a young man, the nephew of a wealthy ranchero. She had nothing but the title of a prairie waif—he, was the heir prospective of great riches; so it was thought best to conceal the marriage. I wus a justice of the peace at the time,’ and performed the ceremony. When a babe was born, the girl brought it tome, and begged me to take care of it. Ere many weeks she returned to claim it, saying the fact of her having put it away had caused her husband to leave her. I re- fused to give up the child, and told her I~ never should, if she did not obey my will and wishes, eens So far she has sub- mitted, quite gracefully.” Blum listened, intently. __* You’ve not spoken of her connection — with the Gray case,” he said, rather impa- “You lie! I saw her here the night I was © tiently. — aro “JT never examined it but once, .

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ig { The Girl Sport. yy 4 ‘*Nor do I intend to, to your advantage Tyler retorted. ‘This much, however, I will tell you, just to tantalize you, well knowing you can learn no more without I will it so.” ‘*Go ahead—we will see!” «Well, you know Margaret Levi left her husband, many years ago, taking her two little children with her. She and one of the children were killed in an Indian massacre. The other child lived. I was told the his- tory of her life, and off and on have kept up a watch on her whereabouts. ‘There are two waifs in the field, one of whom is the old Jew’s daughter, and conse- quently an heir to Governor Gray’s surplus cash. Which is which, it is not practicable for me to say, until I see where -the most money comes from.” Blum evidently was not highly satisfied with the revelation. ‘Where can this will. be seen, and how does it read?” ‘*Green, the lawyer, has it. Don’t know concerning iis contents, more than that they say everything pretty much is left to that in- fernal young rascal, Jumbo Joe.” “Tl have his head, if it costs everything T own, but what he shall produce the paper containing the secret of the mine.” At this instant a defiant peal of laughter was heard in the hall outside. Blum uttered a fearful malediction, and leaped to the door. **Tt’s that devil Jumbo Joe, by all that’s evil!” he cried. ‘‘ He’s been listening to our conversation!” 'He rushed out into the hall, but it was to no purpose. Joe was not there nor were there any evidences of his having been there. Down the stairs went the ex-preacher, two steps at atime, and gave the alarm, where- upon a hasty search of the neighborhood was made, but with no result whatever. If Jumbo had been in the camp, he had not been there without knowing how to es- eape : When the scattered Regulators returned, the roll was called, and two more of their number were: missing, and as they did not - return, it only remained to conjecture that they had been ambushed or captured by the Box Patrol or his men. couple of days passed, without any in- » cident worthy of narration. _ On the morning of the third day, Abram Levi; the Jew, réceived a note through the nero which he hastened home with. [ts contents evidently surprised him much, Judging by his expression, ‘‘ Py shimminy!” The communication read as fol : BS bee ee ae nT lows, 2 5 agai _ gee I igh not harmed, ‘* Mx. Leyi:—As there are other parties bestdes yourself scheming for a bite into the Gray property, it may ead you to meet a certain person, who can put a flea in yourear, half a mile west of town on the disused trail. Come on receipt of this,” There was no signatnre. and the ch graphy was that of a man. }. Over and over the Jew read the missive, his eyés gleaming curiously. | tee “Ish dot a-dritk, I vonder?” hé neused. “JT dinks not. Who vould blay dricks mit me? I vill go.” Leaving his shanty in his son’s charge, he emerged upon the street, and made his way to the appointed place of meeting: When he had gone what he calculated was about half a mile, he paused and looked about him. Even as he did so there was a whirrin sound, and a lasso settled around him, an he was jerked to the ground. The next instant, six masked men and Jumbo Joe leaped out of a thicket and seized the frightened Jew. He was then made to stand upon his feet, only tc be stripped of his own clothing and ornarsented with a suit of the raggedest and dirtiest description, less the boots and hat. “‘Sdop! sdop! vot ish der matter--vot you” mean py all. dish foolishness?” he cried, fruitlessly endeavoring to escape. “Well, we thought: you were living be- yond your means, and thought best to de- prive you of your exalted position for a few days to give you a chance to rest—I, in ~ the mean time, filling your place, so that no one need suspect your absence!” Jumbo Joe laughed. : Levi raved and raged, but uselessly. He was a badly sold Jew, that was evident, After he was arrayed in the ragged suit, his hair and beard were shorn off close and his face dyed red in different parts with the ~ juice of a wild berry, whose stain could not e washed out of the skin in weeks, When the job was completed the Israelite presented a truly striking appearance—a combination of the ludicrous and horrible well blended. He was then taken in charge by several of the Patrol. and marched on into the moun- tains, while Joe and the balance of his men remained behind. : By aid of Levi’s clothing and an assort- iro- ; ment of disguises, Joe proceeded to ‘‘make ~ up” as the Jew, and so deftly did he execute his preparations that when he had finished all hands deciared that he was a perfect fac-simile. of Levi, and would pass as such even with his own son. . se ** As lish an honest man!” Joe said, with — ‘a laugh, ‘‘I dink I vil pass. I goes now to | Skeleton Vlats. You follows pehint, un Sr

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The Girl Sport. - 19, a Half an hour later Joe boldly entered | Levi’s shanty, and with a careless glance at Ikey, who lay in a hammock, seated himself at a desk, and began looking over some ac- count-books. : “*Mighty glad you’re back,” the younger Jew said, ‘‘I’ve got a bet upon a game of cards down-street, and I'll slip around and see what success I’ve had.” : '“Don’d pet your money foolishly, Ikey,” the studious listener replied, without raising his eyes. ‘‘ Monish ish ferry hard to get.” “Not for an inveterate old rascal like you! In getting money you are utterly too!” the “son replied, seizing his hat, and making a dive into the street. ; « Yes, and I'll be three, if not a full hand, in this dodge!” Joe muttered, laughingly. CHAPTER XII. LEVI'S ROLE. Ir had been Joe’s idea to gain vantage- ground, by removing the Jew, for a tem- porary period.“ He had calculated that a careful exploration of the Jew’s worldly ef- fects might bring to light something worth knowing in regard to’ the two heirs of the Gray estate, exclusive of what knowledge he had gained by eavesdropping at the door of Tyler’s room.. Accordingly, after Ikey’s departure, he mur- began his investigation of the premises, by giving his desk a thorough ransacking. Every paper, or rather object of interest, was examined, and among the former, in a little secret compartment, was the mortgage spoken of in Governor Gray’s will. It was faded and worn from much hand- ling, and had been made some years before. Foe gave it a close examination, to see if it was the one he wanted, and, satisfied that it was, he tore it into shreds, and put the pieces in his pocket. : “So much accomplished, anyhow,” he murmured, ‘‘T hardly expected to bein such luck as that. Now Mr. Levi has no claim upon the Gray estate, anyhow.” : A thorough search of the remainder of the building failed to discover anything else ex- cept money. 3 This Joe did not touch; and, seeing no practicable use of remaining longer at the slianty, he removed his disguise, washed his face, and iet down his long hair, whereupon, he looked like himself again. He then left the shanty by the rear, and made his exit from the town, without dis- covery. In a little wooded dell, he paused as he heard voices near. ‘dently enemies. He could scarcely suppress a ery. One was the pretty Girl Sport, Leadville Lil— the other was the equally pretty maiden, Sadie! On entering the glade they faced each other, and the expressions upon their faces were anything but friendly; they were evi- “‘ What little differences exist between us may as well be settled before we leave each other’s: presence. What do you propose to do?” It was Sadie who spoke. “Just what I have been doing for some time,” Lil replied. “There can be no doubt but what I am. the one,” Sadie declared. “‘T don’t know about that. Don’t be so sure. While it may appear to you that you are some lost heir whom Tyler has in his keeping for the sake of making money, it appears to me that I am the real heir, and f intend to cling to the case until. I win or lose fairly.” ; *“You probably do not’ know anything about the case.” : “I probably do. General Gray has died, leaving a fortune. As Tyler is deeply in- terested in the case, it stands that I or you are also interested. If so we are, one of us, a daughter of the Jew, Abraham Levi, whose wife Governor Gray’s sister became, and then deserted the Jew, taking her two little girls with her. The mother and one child were killed—the other stiJl lives, an heir to the Gray estate.” . : ““And, accordingly, 1am the heir!’ Sadie declared, decidedly, a glitter of resolution in her eyes. ‘‘ There is no earthly use of your trying fo palm yourself off when Tyler knows you are wot the genuine heir,” E “Tyler keeps his own counsel, and youdo _ not know any more what he knows than I~ know. If I’m not a dona fide reg lar born heiress, I don’t want a cent!” Lil averred, with a pompousness that caused Joe, in his concealment, to give vent to a quiet little Jaugh of admiration. : ** Your obstinacy in clinging to an impos- sibility is what makes us enemies,” Sadie said. ‘i would fight you for a lifetime be- ~ fore I would yield my rights. Forego your — claims in my favor and 1 -will give you a po- — sition as my maid, at a good salary.” =a Leadville Lil gave a gasp of surprise at the impudence of her rival, and involuntarily. raised her rifle, and cocked it, but she lower-~ ed it in a moment, with a grim laugh. “No, I'll not shoot you, for I understand it’s counted a crime to shoot asfool!” Lil 1 marked, ‘‘ When I forego any claim of He glided into a thicket at the opposite | mine in your favor, it. will bea cold, frosty side of the dell from that whence came the | morning!” See Yound, as two persons appeared in sight, > passa Then you shall decide who is the right-—

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20 aR me The Girl Sport. ful heir im the way men settle differences— with the pistol,” the fiery beauty declared, growing more and more enraged. “Phew! you don’t say so,” Lil ejaculated. “Do you really know which end of a pistol to shoot with?” “You shall see,” Sadie gritted. ‘‘ You stand between me and two objects, and I'll either remove you or you shall me.” ““What other grievance are you scraping up to gnaw your lip on?” Lil demanded, coolly. ‘‘Reckon I know, however. I’ma cactus in the way o’ your makin’ a mash on that Jumbo Joe! Ain’t that so?” “You'll never get him!” Sadie returned, as good as acknowledging what her rival had accused, “V’ve already got him. to such an extent that you can’t draw him from me with rope and tackles!” flashed back Lil, defiantly, which was literally ‘the straw that broke the camel's back,’ for Sadie leaped upon her enemy, and in an instant the infuriated girls were struggling desperately for the mas- tery. Joe watched for a moment, undecided what todo. It was rather a delicate affair for him to interfere in. He saw, however, after a few struggles, that the girl Sadie was no match for Leadville Lil. and that it was a conflict destined to end disastrously for the the fiery-tempered waif. Not desiring that either of them should come to harm, Joe finally stepped from the thicket and parted them. ~ “Here! let-up on this!” he cried. ‘‘ We will have no more quarreling at present, 1f I know myself. Sadie, you go your way, and Lillian, you go yours, and if I catch you fighting again, I shall shoot one and marry the other.” Leadville Lil laughed; it now was all very funny to her, while Sadie looked decidedly sullen. **Gol” Joe commanded, ‘‘and let this wrangling cease. Understand, please, that I am the heir to Governor Gray’s wealth, pro- viding I cannot find the lost children. If you are Margaret Levi’s children, as seems quite possible, I’m the man to see you in- stated in your property and rights, so go now and let there be no more ill-will between pe either about the property or about me. f I choose either, it will not be for money, you can bet on that. So go!” Seeing that be meant what he said, Lead- ville Lil turned her footsteps toward Skele- ton Camp, while Sadie plunged deeper into the mountains, a _ Several days passed, but the vxcitement at _ the mining-camp had by no means abated. _ One disappearance after another had oc- curred in rapia succession, until the number made a grand total of two-score. Hvidently | the Boy Patrol was keeping his promise as faithfully as were the Regalators energetic in their efforts to capture him, for their » efforts were by no means ceasing, Joseph Taylor having offered an additional large reward, as an extra incentive to the search- ers. Spies were kept posted on all the ap- proaches to the town from the mountain, and when Abraham Levi came straggling into the town, one morning, a pitiable sight to behold, the people fairly howled their in- dignation—not that they cared particular] for the Jew, or any mishap that might befall him, but because it enraged them to know that Joe Star had sent him back as an illus- tration of his power and defiance. Levi could not tell where he had been, as he had been kept blindfolded- from the time of his capture, until he had been brought back and released in the vicinity of the camp. . During captivity he stated that he had been | bound to a stake, and fed onnothing but acorns, consequently was pretty well ex- hausted when he got back to camp. As soon as Levi reached his own shanty, he made tue discovery that the mortgage had been destroyed, and was furious with rage. : “The mortgage is gone—destroyed, as I understand Gray ordered it should be, in his will,” the Jew fairly yelled to the astonished Ikey. ‘*That bars us from any claim upon the estate, except through your right, and even that ish no goot, without de vill ish de- stroyed!” j “You are right. The will must be de- stroyed; and then that girl, Leadville Lil, brought over to our side. She, I believe, is my lost sister.” : “Vel, maybe. Anyhow, you go vor der vill, und I ish to dry mit der girl. If I tell her ash I ish her father, she come mit me, Isaac.” ‘ “T wouldn’t like to bet my life,on your success!” Ikey replied; ‘but go ahead and , do the best you can, and [ll guarantee I'll secure the will, if the lawyer, Green, has it in his possession. Better scrub your face again, and get those stains off before you tackle Leadville Lil, for she’s as fastidious as a hornet!” The elder Levi improved his son’s advice during the remainder of the Gay, and at nightfall had nearly scrubbed away both skin and stain; then, dressing himself with — more care than was his wont, he set forth rs tire if possible, the girl, Leadville alk. The Gates Ajar was the first place he vis- ited, and, sure enough, Lil was there, seated \

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z The Girl Sport. 9 gg a rn ae at at ® table, engaged in playing poker with a | nothing but a few ‘clumps of bushes and bullwhacker, for ten ounces of dust—the | some huge fruits of many days’ hard labor for him, no doubt. Quite a crowd was collected about the ta- ble, watching the dextrous way in which Lil manipulated the pasteboards, for her pre- cision and good luck were something of a revelation to the habitues of the Gates Ajar. Levi crowded forward, and when Lil had concluded the game by winning it, he threw his arms about her neck and kissed her. “Mine shildt! mine little Shennie vot ish loat to me all dese years! I ish proud to re- claim you!” Lil was so startled at this demonstration that she leaped abruptly to her feet, and, as a consequence, Levi rolled as suddenly to the floor, where Lil, on seeing who it was, put her foot upon him and. held him down. ‘Now, lookee here, old Jewsharp!” she cried, her eyes flashing. ‘‘I want ye ter ex- plain yer conduct just now, afore I step right through ye,” ‘*My shildt! my Shennie, let me oop!” the old rascal whined, growing really alarmed as he beheld the girl’s fierce eyes glaring down at him. “Yes, I’ll let you ‘oop,’ in a horn!” Lil cried. ‘‘ What do you mean by calling me your child, you old reprobate? I’ve a mind to take your scalp and convert it into a pocketbook!” “You are my shildt—you are my Shen- nie!” Levi protested. ‘‘I ish your fadder, und I ish haff a boy Isaac vot ish your brud- der.” “ Yes, I’ve met that healthy rooster,” Lil observed, with a faint smile. ‘‘Guess he don’t like relations of my stamp. Now, you ' old coyote, I just want you to understand this: If you come around with any more of your fatherly protestations, blamed if I don’t take my knife and scalp you so clean that - you ll be bald-headed for life. D’ye hear? I ain’t takin’ on no relations just at present, and won’t be fathered by no garlic-scented old scarecrow like you. So jest you get Bo up and dust!” alf-frightened out of his wits, Levi made haste to obey, amid hoots of derision from the bystanders. CHAPTER XIII. IKEY’S EXPERIMENT. Axout the same hour that the elder Levi had prone into the saloon and dropped out, again, Ikey, like a thief of the night, was ‘urking in the vicinity of the shanty of Law- yer Green. ~The building stood at the western edge of the little mining-camp, and there were no other dwellings in its immediate vicinity— rocks, Without difficulty Ikey gained a position _ within half a dozen yards of the house, and crouched down behind a bowlder to recon- noiter. The shanty was two stories in hight, and seeing one of the up-stairs windows open, Ikey concluded that Green used the chamber fora sleeping apartment. The lower part of the house was closed, and that proved. that the lawyer had either retired for the night, or was not about the shanty. hich conclusion to adopt was a matter of several minutes’ deliberation to the young Jew, after which he became pretty well sat- isfied that the shanty was deserted, Believing this, he crawled forward and tried the door and lower window, all of which were fastened, except one, j This opened into a back lean-to or wood- shed. Into this shed he clambered, and groped about for the door opening into the main cabin. He soon found it, but it was locked on the inside. The fastenings were very frail, how- ever, as he ascertained by leaning against the door heavily, and after a sudden lurch against it, the door gave way with a crash, and swung inward. So much noise did the opening make that the prowler crouched away in a corner, lest he should have aroused Green, should he perchance be in the shanty. Five minutes slipped away without a sound; then, emboldened, Ikey made his way into the main apartment, and groped about until he found the table and the candle on it, which he lighted. ; Green’s rude desk stvod open at one side of the room, and making for it, Ikey began hauling forth the papers and examining them rapidly. resently he found the will, and gave an exultant chuckle. “‘T have.it at last,” he muttered. ‘I'll take it bome and burn it, and then much is mine.” : me ‘« Will you, though? Take that, you thief!” , And Lawyer Green sprung into the room, and fired upon the young burglar. _ Without a groan Ikey fell to the floor, and expired almost instantly. Tt had been a final deed for him. , Seizing his body, the lawyer carried it | from the house toa considerable distance, where he laid it upona rock; then wrote and pinned upon it a paper bearing the following words: . “Notror.—T isis the chap what tried to rob an- other chap, and found the other chap at home!’ ¢ ’

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22 The Girl Sport. through a deep, narrow defile into the same strange guich where he made treaty with Ignace and her band of warriors. Here it was he made his headquarters, having rallicd around him a score of roving mountaineers, whom he knew to be stanch and faithful friends. The force of Ignace he always left in'the valley, a8 a guard against the escape of his «prisoners of war,’ as he called them, whom he kept chained up in the caves, but other- wise treated well. Ignace, although he had not been able to get a glimpse of her face, he had found to be a very pleasant person, both in manners, dealing, and conversation, That some mystery surrounded her life, he was well satisfied, but could not tell what it was, She had been most friendly to him, and seemed to be:a firm admirer of him, until a, day or so before, when he took notice of the fact that she was more reserved in her de- meanor. That morning, before he rode forth from the culch, she had sent for him, and he met her Fust at the entrance to the cave. ‘““Mr. Star,” she said, ‘‘it seems to me that our interests might be made more iden- tical by a union of hands and hearts. There are riches in this gulch, which you have not access to now, where, if you were mutually interested with me, you could have full charge.” : To say that Joe was surprised, would be putting it mildly. He had never even ‘thought such a thing, “You must excuse me, but you take me by surprise. I have no thought of marrying any one yet awhile.” ‘ “T understand somewhat differently!” she replied, ‘‘and think you should think twice before wedding ap heiress.” Joe started again. “What did she know about the matter? Then flashed across his mind—perhaps she is one of the rival heiresses! “Well, perhaps I might change my mind, you know,” he suid, ‘‘but we will defer con- sidering the matter until some other time, as J must away on my patrol now.” ““T will not forget!” Ignace said, signifi- tantly, as he turned away. This was in the morning. Joe left the gulch without taking his men with him, for- he preferred to spy out the situation in Skeleton Camp alone. : Judge his surprise when he rode into the gulch, on his return at night, to see none of his own followers about the camp-fires, but in their stead the half-breeds and Indians be- longing to Ignace. As he rode forward, Ignace advanced from her cave to the camp-fires, and met him, Tyler @ig, aes reply, but looked thought. — ““You are late, to-night; my noble chief!” she said, in a tone in which he detected sar-~ j casm. ‘« Think so?” he replied. men?” “Where are my ‘‘ All in the caves, bound, hand and foot, by my orders,” Ignace repiied, with a quiet laugh of triumph, ‘‘ You are also my pris- oner, sir.” Joe was somewhat prepared for this, as he had suspected that something had gone wrong, from the moment he entered the gulch and saw that his men were not on hand. “What do you mean?” he demanded, lay- ing hold ofa revolver. ‘‘ You surely do not imagine that I will surrender because of a” woman’s pa : j For reply she waved her hand toward her men, who, armed with rifles, had leveled the weapons. Jumbo saw them, and realized that he had been neatly taken in. ** Why have you done this?” he demanded, turning his gaze upon her rather fiercely. “Because I love you, and you shall never leave this gulch alive until you yield to my proposal. Marry me, and your liberty is again assured. Refuse, and you shall find. that Ignace will heap upon you such excru- ciating torture that you will feel positive you are damned, Now is your time to choose which fate you will prefer!” - ? CHAPTER XIV. JOE IN JEOPARDY. Tue news of how Leadville Lil had worst- ed Levi, the Jew, soon spread over the little “city” of Skeleton Flats; so that it was_ generally believed that Lil was Levi’s lost daughter, and also the heir of the Gray estate—all of which, however, she most em: - phatically denied. : The discovery of Ikey’s remains created another sensation, and in fact: the people were on the tip toe of expectation for any- thing else that might happen. Levi felt terribly over the tragic fate of his son, and although he had little or no doubt that Ikey had met his death at the hands of Green, the lawyer, he was crafty enough to lay the charge at the door of Jumbo Joe. In the mean time, after witnessing the dis- turbance in the saloon, Hezekiah Blum had dropped in upon Joe Avie again, and made an explanation of what he had learned. “You see,” he said, ‘‘ that it becomcs us to join forces, and make our spec out of this while we can, or we ‘may get all tripped up in our calculations and lose everything.”

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ful as he sat up in bed, his arm still ina sling. ‘*You possess the important secret, and I the men to back our efforts. Through money, I have the most of the men in the camp at my command. Let us join issues and capture the real heiress, after quieting the bogus one, and putting the Jew out of the way. We can then arrange between us for one of us to marry her, get control of the property, and then make a division of the swag, which will consist of the two proper- ties—Gray’s and Levi’s. How like you the prospectus?” “T don’t know but what you are right,” Tyler said, after some. deliberation, ‘‘ We had best remove all other obstacles than the real heiress, and then, after we have secured her, we will decide by cards who is to have ‘all and who is to withdraw altogether.” “Agreed! Let us move at once, or we may be thwarted by that infernal imp, Jum- bo Joe, who is constantly patrolling the vamp in disguise and thes 3 off my men.” ““We cannot act until I can get out of doors, which promises to be a couple of days yet,’ Tyler decided. “‘ You can-remove the nee however, as soon as you please, A good: plan would be to accuse him of mur- dering his own son, and lynch him without ado. Then see to it that Lawyer Green’s shanty is burned to the ground as the Gray will must be concealed therein. ‘to success will then be paved, and as soon as I get out we will close up the matter in a summary fashion.” : ‘* Well, I suppose I shall have to wait your motion,” Blum growled. ‘‘ And while do- ing so, I will go ahead with the work you have suggested. First of all, we will give Levi a boost, so that he won’t bark,” Jumbo Joe’s answer to Ignace was char- acteristic of the man. - “Were death to stare me in the face in a hundred horrible shapes, I would welcome it, rather than ally myself to a woman who takes the burden of match-making upon her own shoulders. Do your worst, Ma’m’seile Sadie—I fear you not!” An exclamation of anger escaped through the mask of Ignace. - ‘‘Why de you calf me by strange names?” she demanded. “T do not!” Joe replied, coolly. —‘‘ You are Sadie, and it is no sort of use to deny it. '-You could not know of my preference for “Leadville Lil, if you were not.” “Then you do dare to assert that you care . for that creature?” the woman gritted, trem- ' blingly. $ ne Waal, neow, I should stutter!” Joe said, ‘with provoking coolness, 55 le The Girl Sport. The road _ Hand “ Be it so, then!” Ignace hissed. ‘“Away you shall go to the torture from which I onee saved you!” ; She motioned to her followers, and they — closed in around Joe with arush, overpower- ed and bound him, hand and foot, and then bound. him to the same stake where he had once before been tied, and the half-breeds began to heap the.brush and fagots once’ more around him, while Ignace stood by, looking on with apparent satisfaction. “You'll come to your oats, the same as any burro does!” she observed, not gratified at the defiant expression upon his face, ‘‘To-- morrow at sunrise, if you do not come to. time, you'll singe /” ave ‘Tm agreeable. I always imagined that ra make excellent smoked herring!” smiled? oe. “Perhaps after being tormented with fire awhile, you wouldn’t mind being turned — over to the Regulators?” Ignace suggested, mockingly, as she turned away. Her half-breeds soon followed_her, first ex~ ie Smet the fires and leaving the gulch-— bottom in darkness. i The heavens became overcast with clouds of inky blackness; thunder muttered its warning of an impending storm in’ deep, — detonating tones, ard occasionally a zigzag of lightning flashed across the dun sky. i By the light of one prolonged flash, Joe ~ discovered that a large number of those whom ~ he had held as prisoners, were loose in the gulch, and were creeping toward the place — where he was confined. ae This gave him a feeling of great -uneasi- ness, but the next flash brought him a dis covery that caused him still greater surprise. A person was crouching directly before him, and that person was Leadville Lil. a CHAPTER XY. RESCUED. THEIR eyes met, and the next minute Joe felt the bonds that confined his feet sever Lil then cut the censeining fastenings, an pulled him hurriedly away from the vicinii of the stake. “Come!” she said, excitedly. ‘‘It.is now or never, with us. If we succeed in reach- ing the exit to this den before they do, we’re all right. If not, we'll have to do some tall — skirmishing, mark my word!” : A yell from behind them in the darkness, announced the fact that their escape had beer discovered. ““We can’t reach the exit, now, ahead : them!” Joe averred. ‘Wer must creep around the base of.the valley, and dodge ’em — as best we can, until we can see some show for escape.” ‘ Be -in hand they skulked stealt

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24 away, and as they did so, Joe explained to his fair rescuer concerning his arrest and the - cause of it. 3 ’ ‘Then you really believe this woman, Ig- nace, is Sadie, my rival, do you?” Lil asked, eagerly. *‘T am satisfied that she is no one else,” Joe responded. ‘ She wouldn’t have known of you had she not been, Sadie.” “Strange. Although I have long known her to be a wild waif, I never suspected that her home was in this mountain den.” “Well, it seems to be. She must have concluded that I was utterly lost to her, and resolved to do me all the injury possible by turning the imprisoned Regulators loose upon me. It will be acold day when they get in their work upon me!” They had now crept around the base of the gulch to the vicinity of the caves, where everything was quiet. A hubbub in the lower end of the valley’ told that the Regulators, and possibly Ignace and her gang were there. “T wonder if I cannot contrive to set my men free!” Although the neighborhood of the caves was quiet, Joe was well satisfied that they aes not been left unguarded, and he was right. Reconnoissance proved that every cave had a stalwart Indian in front of it. , “Tl soon fix them,” Jumbo declared. “‘ You stay here, Lit, while I clear the way. Tf you hear a dog yelp, come to my rescue.” e was gone about ten -minutes, and then returned, excitedly. “T fixed the reds, but.my fellows are not in the caves,” he whispered. ~ “T see into it,” Lil said. ‘Ignace has sent the Regulators in pursuit of you, and Will improve the opportunity to follow out ot the gulch and escape.” “*T believe you’re right,” Joe said. ‘‘ Let’s - work down toward the secret gap,” They did so,.and found that Lil’s suspi- _ cions had been confirmed—all hands had in- deed quitted the valley. ‘Tt remains for us to follow,” Jumbo an- nounced, ‘‘Iam going backito the camp. Iwill goin disguise, and you in your present 3 So: . E attire. We will, however, keep close to- gether.” é _ Tney left the gulch, and cautiously wended their way down a dark and narrow chasm. _ Shortly after daybreak they entered Skeie- _ ton Camp from different directions, but with _ an understanding what each other’s move- ments were to be for the next few hours. umbo was disguised as a herder from the lains, and looked one to perfection, but soon chan is mind and rode out of The Girl Sport. me camp, returning made up asa darky, start- lingly genuine. e left his horse grazing in a handy place, and rambled about town for some time, pass. ing Lil twice without her knowing him. His presence attracted very little attention, He was by no means the first nig who had atau the classic precincts of Skeleton amp. The released Regulators had all returned to camp, and were managing to spin some oerntegant yarns about Jumbo Joe’s strong- old. They admitted, however, that they had not been treated badly while capfives in the Boy Patrol’s hands, Joe in his disguise mingled freely among them, and guffawed heartily, when he saw anything to laugh about, When one ruffian, who had “crooked his elbow” often, spilled a glass of ale down over his shirt bosom, Joe roared so loudly that the ruffian turned upon him fiercely. ‘*See heer, ye blasted nigger,” he roared, ‘‘w'at ye bellerin’ at? Speak up afore I knock ye inter the middle of next week!” “ Fo’ de Lor’, chile, ’se couldn't help it-- ‘deed I couldn’t, fo’ suah!” snorted Jumbo, ‘*You’se jes’ done gone sp’iled dat piccan- ninny shirt, youh has, ’deedy!” “Yl have yer black scalp, ef ye open yer *tater-trap ag’in!” warned the miner: ‘I’m Bige Badhen, an’ I can lick my weight in porkypines!” ) ** An’ I’m Josephus Claude Augustus Cala- bash!” Joe: returned. importantly. ‘‘1 want you to ’stinctly understan’ as I’se a colored gen’man ob noble birth, sah, an’ if you lays one thumb on me, I’se gwine to rise up on my dignity an’ skow youh, sah, dat Sam set dese color’d chil’ren free to be equal to de white trash. I’se bad, I is!” Bige Badhen evidently did not relish this, for with a roar something like that of an en- raged elephant, he rushed upon his dusky enemy, but— : Badhen lay upon the floor, with a knife in I his bosom, and Joe was seen,disappearing . peouat a window doubled up fike a cannon- all, E a CHAPTER XVI. TROUBLE AGAIN. ~ Ir was destined to be a night of nights in the history of Skeleton Camp. The treatment Badhen had received from his colored tormentor soon created a suspi- ‘cion that he was really what he was—Jumbo Joe, in disguise—and an order to scour the camp was given; but the Boy Patrol had exchanged his disguise for that. of an ordi- ‘nary bewhiskered ; :

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The Girl Sport. ing about the town, quietly smiling at the enteric ee 2) efforts being made to capture im. : In the course of his ramblings he though of the man, Tyler, and resolved to pay him a visit, and was soon at the schemer’s bed- side. Tyler was asleep at the time, but the prick of a pin brought him to his senses, and he was electrified to find himself star- ing into the tubes of Joe’s handsome revol- vers. ‘Ha! hello! what-—” “*Perzactly!” the young Patrol declared. “‘T came in a-calling, and not having any visiting keerds, I thought ther barkers would do just as well. How you fcelin’ to- night, Gilbert Gayler? Been wounded late- ' ly, I perceive!” ~ ed. Tyler, as we shall still continue to call him, turned ghastly white, while his hands picked nervously at the quilts, ‘‘Who are you? who are you?” he gasped. ‘What do you want? Who are you?” ‘J am not one who proposes to harm you for the past, unless you act mulish—then, undoubtedly, I shall have to apply the screws!” was the significant response, ‘1 just dropped in, Gilbert, on a matter of im- portance. You hold a-little information I should like to possess, and while I am here, I might as well take it along with me.” Tyler grinned maliciously. ‘‘There’s not enough money in your pockets to buy up what knowledge you would like to possess!” ‘*Bah!” was Joe’s answer. ‘I do not care to parley. Before I leave this room, you're going to tell me which is the true daughter of Margaret Levi, or I'll leave your corpse here for the—” The sentence remained unfinished. A ter- rible blow upon the side of his head dropped the Boy Patrol to the floor insensible, where his .hands were hastily bound by his as- sailant, Hezekiah Blum, who had softly stolen into the room in time to save Tyler from a certain doom. ‘“*At Jast I have him!” the ex-minister cried, exultingly ; “and now I’ll foreclose my mortgage.’ Just then, however, the door was broken open and Colonel Bill Bloker, with a num- ber of the Regulators, entered. ‘Hello! what hey we here? Jumbo Joea prisoner, by all that’s wonderful!” the colo- nel cried. ; ** Yes! yes! he’s mine! mine!” Blum voci- ferated. ‘‘Don’t you touch him, for he is mine. I have a mortgage on him, and I’m going to foreclose it.” ; «Jest let up yer chin!” the colonel order- ‘We've sumthin’ 0’ more importance vn the dockets jest now, This hyar hull + camp is gone to ther cats, as sure as ther’ is ile in b’ar-meat!” “What d’ye mean?” Tyler demanded, in alarm. “T mean,” answered the colonel, with. great importance, ‘‘that we are on the eve o’ a great battle, in which we're goin’ to git tetotally chawed up an’ swallered ef suthin’ ain’t done. This hyar town is surrounded by a livin’ swarm o’ Injuns an’ whites, an’ fey mean bizness!” e then went on to explain how every ap- proach to the town had been found to be swarming with armed red-skins, half-breeds and white men. That they contemplated at- tacking the town no one could doubt. A meeting Bloker had called to warn Blum and Tyler; but now that he found Jumbo Joe in custody, it altered matters somewhat. The Boy Patrol might, or might not, prove a valuable acquisition for the de- fense of the camp. A consultation was held, and Colonel Bloker decided that Joe should be taken be- fore the assembled people, to which Blum objected most emphatically, but his objec- tions were overruled, and Joe was borne away. e Out in the rough main street of Skeleton Camp a large crowd was collected, which embraced nearly all the male element of the Satay ; hen Bloker and his gang were seen ap- proaching, leading Jumbo Joe between them there was a great shout from the citizens— also another distinct yell that seemed to, emanate from the mountains, Danger overhung the town of: Skeleton and if it could be averted, there was need that the necessary steps be taken at once. Joe, now half restored to his senses, won- dered what it all meant. CHAPTER XVII. A VOTE. . Tue Boy Patrol was marched into the midst of the crowd, who greeted his arrival with howls of rage. ‘ Colonel Bill Bloker, however, with more — sense than the majority, thought it not im- possible that Jumbo might serve Skeleton Flats a good turn, were his life and liberty restored him. So when he heard the furious greeting of the crowd, he waved his hand to — enjoin silence, and cried: + ‘Lookee hyar. pilgrims, this won’t do at all. You’re gittin’ dressed, so ter speak, © afore ye get yer shirt on. Yelook uponthis cdon as a robber and desperado,. but thar’s none o’ ye what’s bin robbed nor hurt. We created a rumpus wi’ ther chap when he calm _ hyar, an’ he allowed he’d make it warm fer — us!” | 7 es

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The Girl Sport. rr ESP He paused. There was a grunt of ap- proval from several. “Yer perceed,” went on the colonel, ‘‘I’ve kim ter ther conclusion thet thar ar’ wuss fellers nor Jumbo Joe, an’ ther case stands like this, feller-citizens. _We’re emphatically in a devilish bad fix. Ther town is sur- rounded by mountain footpads and their confed’s, the reds, and ef we don’t mind, we're goin’ to get tetotally licked. Conse- quently, something has got ter be did, and I fer one purpose to give Jumbo Joe a chance to redeem himself by savin’ the camp!” ““Ye're a fool!” Hezekiah Blum yelled. “Mhet feller is the captain-ov the crowd what surrounds the town; an’ besides, he’s mine, I tell ye, fer I've got a mortgage on his head,” “Oh! you gosoak your own head, and you will be well off!” the colonel retorted, in su- preme contempt. ‘‘ You’re o’ no account in this hyar camp. I allow I’m ther boss, boys, when et comes ter fightin’!” A shout of approval went up. Bloker was a good man in his way when it came to scrimmages. **Reckon ther cuss might be o’ some use, but ther thing is, kin he be trusted?” one miuer asked. “‘T ask no one to trust me!” Joe here in- _terrupted. He had sufficiently recovered to be able to understand all that had passed. “If you will understand it, I am not to be driven to do anything against my will. The charge of that superannuated kangaroo, who rejoices in the name of Blum, that I am the leader of the gang that surrounds your town, is a lie. Iam not powerful enough to rally many men in this vicinity, except when I call upon one who can furnish me sufficient forces to destroy a thousand camps like this. The person who attacks your camp is known ~ to those who serve under her as Ignace. To two other persons in this camp—or say four —she has another name. Her retreat and mine, were, by arrangement, identical, until last night, when she took me captive, be- cause | refused a matrimonial alliance with her. I escaped, and it now only remains for me to say that I am now your prisoner and at your mercy.” ‘Silence followed, during which a recently- arrived stranger in Skeleton Camp pushed forward and stood face to face with the Boy Patrol. Their eyes met in what, to the spectators, might have seemed a vacant stare, but that they had met some time before would seem certain, as the stranger, without a word, turned and left the crowd and adjourned to a neighboring beer ball. Several persons followed, at a nod from € attach enough importance to the incident to pay any further attention to it. Another person, however, had stolen to- ward the saloon, in a reundabout way, and this was none other than Leadville Lal. Let us, however, keep with the crowd for a moment The last words of Jumbo Joe had created a decided impression. upon the rough audi- ence, which even the intrusion of the stranger had not dispelled. “<I am proud of your explanation, Jumbo Joe,” Colonel Bloker declared, swelling with importance. ‘‘It is entirely satisfactory to a majority of our people, an’ ther majority allers rules. 1 know you're an independent sort 0’ cuss, an’ I know ye kin fight. Ye kno thet we're in danger; ye are ther right hairpin ter help us out. IJ’ll tell ye what [ propose: You take control of ther gang and whip life.” A murmur of dissent arose from some of the rough audience. ‘Let a vote be taken—Bloker or Jumbo Joe, fer commandin’ capt’in o’ ther camp!” one miner cried. **D’ye agree to that?” Bloker demanded, turning to Joe. ‘If you are elected, will you serve this camp as its commander?” “‘T will, on conditions,” Jumbo replied. ‘* What are they?” : “That I have full control, and have the liberty of my own men assured, when I res- cue them,” Bloker turned to the crowd. ‘‘Well?” he said, interrogatively. A murmur of approval followed, which seemed unanimous, though it struck Joe that many voices were silent. ““Good!” the colonel assented, seizing his own and Joe’s hats, and laying them on an ae whisky barrel in front of them. ‘*This hes got ter be a fair shake. Prepare yer squibs of paper, with ther name o’ yer man -marked upon it. No repeatin’—death ter the man who tries shenan. “Vote, gentle- men, vote!” They did vote. : Slips of paper were prepared, and every man in thecamp was requested to vote. When the last vote had been cast, as all supposed, old Levi came strutting up with a slip of paper in his hand; but just as he was about to drop it into Bloker’s hat, that worthy shoved his revolver suddenly under the Jew’s nose. “ No ye don’t!” he gritted; ‘you've voted twice—three times is out!” CHAPTER XVIII. OFF, TO. RECONNOITER. — - Tyler, but Colonel Bloker did not seem to” Lnyz went sprawling to the ground 2 ther enemy, an’ ye’r’ our capt’in fer —

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; The Girl Sport. Fs eee ere SC ee corpse. It was destined that he should never poll two yotes at one election again, ~and Bloker stood regarding his work. ‘Dot ish der vay der monish goes—pop does der veasel!” he grunted, satirically. “Gents, ef ye will lend me yer ear, I'll count ther votes!. That'll tell who is ter take charge of this camp—that’ll tell ye whether we're goin’ to die wi’ our boots on or not. Ef Jumbo Joe don’t get elected, ye can de- pend upon it that some of us will chaw plumbago before morning comes ag’in.” The votes were then counted, and it was found that Jumbo Joe was elected by two majority. It had been a narrow call, and showed that he was not destined to command the spirits in the camp. “Bully! ther majority is fer Jumbo Joe, and our skin is safe, boyees!” Colonel Bill yelled. ‘‘Cut the prisoner free!” The Boy Patrol was promptly given his Nberty, and a repeating -rifle. ‘“‘Gents!” he said, stepping forward, ‘I have been elected, it appears, for assuming the responsibility of defending this camp. It may be well to add that I shall fill the office to the best of «amy ability, trusting that those who have hitherto been my ene- mies, will respond when I call for help. Before I can tell anything what to do, I must make a personal reconnoissance, to see for myself what the strength of the enemy is.”” “Remember! desertion means death!” Bloker warned, é “V’m sguare to my word. If I fail to come back, remember that I am captured. Keep the crowd in its present position. I will return after having made ascout. There will probably be no attack before night; then, I'll be prepared to give them a warm reception.” He stealthily dodged away then among the-shanties, : Tn the mean time the man who had stared so hard at Joe had reached the saloon, where he proceeded to take a drink, after which he seated himself at a table, with the evident intention of writing in a book which he drew from his pocket; but as the rough who had dogged his footsteps hovered about close in the vicinity, he desisted from what was evidently his first purpose. He was a man of rather imposing ap- pearance, good looking, and reminding one of a military officer, although he wore citi- zen’s attire. He evidently had suspicions that he had been dogged by the roughs, and a strarge _ fire entered his dark eyes. - After a few minutes’ deliberation, he drew, Nae See m3 | to my pard, Jumbo Joe. The one thal t1 ley! and laid a pair of revolvers upon the table. “Ts there anything I can do for you, gen- tlemen?” hedemanded, gazing at them. “If so, please to state your errand.” The roughs scowled among themselves; then one of them advanced a few paces. “‘T reckon, boss, we knows what we’s sent for!” he declared, with a leer. ‘Ye can’t skeer us by pilin’ up weapons on that table.” ‘** Probably you will see if you give me any of your insolence. Whatdo you want?” ‘You're a s’picious keracter, an’ et’s our business ter keep an eye on ye!” was the cheering response. The stranger picked up his weapons and ~ leaped to his feet. “Did you ever hear of Lieutenant Black, of the —th Infantry?’ he. cried, sternly. ‘“Well, then, know that I am he, and I’ve got the reputation of being a bad man. So you go, or I'll have every mother’s son of you shot!” The miners had heard of the lieutenant, whose successful raids on the mountain desperado haunts bad given him a wide no- toriety. They knew he never joked. The ‘'Parant’ler,” leader of the roughs who had dogged the officer, gave a signal to ps villainous comrades, and all left the sa- oon. Black resumed his seat, and after jottin down some notes in his book, arose and , opened a yalise, which he had previously left in charge of a barkeeper. From this he took a carrier pigeon, white as snow, and thrust it into his pocket. He then left the saloon, and walked to an unfrequented part gf the camp, where he — once more halted. Tearing leaves from his book, he rolled them up tightly, and tied the little roll se- curely under tke bird’s wing, after which he’ threw her into the air, and she soared away out of sight. ‘‘There! that will do the business nearl as well as I could myself,” he said, aloud. — “Tt was lucky I brought the bird along.” ‘Was it?” a voice exclaimed in his ear, — - 27 and at the same time a person ‘stepped ip front of him, and he beheld a cocked reyol- — ver leveled in the person’s hand. was a desperate gleam in her eyes. “So I’ve caught you, have 1?” she de- manded. ‘ What message did that pigeon bear away?” “None of your business!” the officer re. torted. ‘* Who are you, pray?” 2 ‘Leadville Lil, every inch of me, and square to harm him, ha no use for this world, rime It war Leadville Lil who confronted him, and there — eee ea

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— - don’t you forget it, my pilgrim. There's death in these revolvers, and if I know my- self, you'll oes the first edition, quicker’n by telegraph, ef ye don’t unbosom yourself, in a jiffy, now I tell you!” ‘You will do nothing of the kind,” Black said, calmly. ‘‘ No doubt you’re as good as you represent—I saw you shoot the ear off from a tough in Gay Gulch once—but you’re reckoning wrong when you propose to tackle Lieutenant ‘Black, one of Jumbo Joe’s stanchest friends and one who secured for him the position of special detective of the hills!’ / Lil stared her surprise. “ You don’t say!” she articulated. the pigeon—?” .**Was sent for a company of. cavalry which I am now temporarily commanding. If military aid does not arrive, you'll see bloody times .in this~ gulch, before another twenty-four hours passes! Hark!” ~ ; CHAPTER XFX, ANOTHER PLOT, Tuey both listened, intently. There was a loud scream up the mountain- side, across the valley. : Some would have taken it for the scream of an eagle, but it struck the listeners, pretty forcibly, that it was the voice of a humana being. “That was a signal of'some import to the marauders under Ignace!” Leadville Lil de- cided. ‘‘ What do you make of it?” “T hardly know!” Black returned, ‘ un- less it was a signal of attack, which is hardly probable, or, mayhap, I was seen to set the pigeon free. Let’s rejoin the crowd!” Joe had gone upon his reconnoissance. The crowd grouped about the main street, awaited his retarn Seeing a favorable opportunity, Blum and Tyler went to one side, where their conversa- tion was not likely to be overheard. “Our time to move is now or never!” the ex-minister said, in a significant tone. ‘‘If we do not strike while the iron is hot our take is dough.” ase ‘You are right. I anticipate your ideas on the matter. The majority is but two or three in favor of the Boy Patrol. If we work it right, we can draw over half of those who voted for him, and then, by accepting Ig- nace as the real heir, can secure her aid, and ‘take the town—in sort of triple partnership, as it were.” ‘*Tgnace is Sadie?” “You heard what Jumbo Joe hinted.” “But is Sadie the real heir?” __ S aastoatl Leadville Lil is the only surviving eg But | Well, no. You might as well know first | stealth bar dai nee The Girl Sport. a he id heir of the Gray and Levi estates. We can bounce Sadie, after we get full control, and substitute Lil, providing we can negotiate favorably with her.” — “‘T understand. The next/thing to con- sider is the impending attack. It must be averted,” ‘ “Yes. ‘One ef us must wait upon Ignace, and make our proposal. The other will draw over the men, and have all inreadiness. One rocket from the mountain-side shall be a sig- hal that Ignace accepts our terms. A second rocket signifies that she is all ready for an attack. he third rocket, for all hands to begin an attack.” 3 “All right. You had best go and nego- tiate with Sadie, as I have not thus far made any ecu impression upon her, contrary to all my expectations,” Blum said, with a ghastly smile. __ It was accordingly so arranged. Blum went back to the crowd to try his pecuniary, if not his magnetic powers iz winning over to his cause some of those who had voted to stand by Jumbo Joe. Tyler betook himself stealthily toward the resorts of the enemy, bearing in front of him a stick with a white handkerchief tiec to it. He thought he still held one little point that would make the proud, fiery Sadie weaken to his will. CHAPTER XX. CONCLUSION. Tue daring schemer knew he would run a large risk in trying to gain an audience with Sadie, but he resolved to attempt it, at all hazards, It was not long ere he reached the south- ern outskirts of the camp, and but a few more steps did he take ere he heard the ex- pected challenge: “ Halt!” Mechanically he stopped and held up his flag of truce. “Who comes there? What want?” the voice of a half-breed demanded. ‘‘Tell the fair Ignace that the friend, - Tyler, comes with a flag of truce and impor- tant news,” the wily schemer replied. Then there was a silence of nearly half an hour. Tyler waited with rather poor pa- tience. Then the voice in the undergrowth spoke — again: : % Advance, pale-face. Ignace will see ou.” \ { With a little uneasiness, lest he should be running his neck into a noose, Tyler stole y forward; but as cautious as h es was: soon seized by sey

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a -~ it and hurried away up a mountain defile, pass- ing numbers of the enemy as he went. Ta the course of a few minutes they came to a sort of dell, where a camp-fire was burn- ing, and a woman was standing before it. It was Ignace, attired as when Jumbo Joe had first seen her. Tyler was marched forward, and halted before the young commandress, who survey- ed him keenly. ‘* Well, what you want?” she demanded, shortly. ‘‘I have no time to parley with you.” _“ On the contrary, you have, if you will give me privacy, as I have something of much importance to tell you, Sadie,” he an- swered, She started at that. “You know me then?” *“Of course.” She waved her hand, and the half-breeds retired from view; then with a motion to Tyler to be seated upon a log, she said: “Go ahead, and say what you have to say. If it is of any importance, I will listen; if not, I will not.” “Jt is of much importance. plate an attack, do you not?” ae Yes.” ‘‘Do you hope to win?” “Should not be surprised if I do. make a determined attempt, anyhow.” “You would probably win but for one thing.” _ “ What is that?” “You will not have the men of Skeleton Flats alone to battle with. I suspect that there is a large military force in the vicin- ity.” : Ignace paled. ‘But this matter can be settled,” Tyler pursued, seeing that he had made an impres- sion, ‘Let me explain how. It isin the You contem- I shall power of myself and Blum to win overa large majority of the miners, who have chosen Jumbo Joe as their leader. If you agree. we will assist you to take the town, with the proviso that we share equally with you in everything. When you attack the Camp, our men will also attack it, and once we get rooted there, all the military compa- nies can be defied.” “ Your plan is good. But there must be other conditions. I claim to be the lost child of Margaret Levi, and therefore heir to all my father’s and uncle’s property.” “No one will object to your occupying’ that position, sharing equally with Blum and I; but I may as well cool your ardor, however, by informing you that you are not the genuine heir.” he girl uttered rae rellten 3 curse. “Who is, then?” she hissed, are nao rs oe ee The Girl Sport. 2% “Leadville Lil. But, fear not. She shal never occupy the position, if you come tc terms.” P ‘There is another condition.” “ What?” “My child!” . ‘‘Of that, I have but one thing to truth. fully tell. you. It is dead—died, soon. after you left it in my care.” ; Ignace, as we shall continue to call her, grew as white as death at this, ds Tyler could see, on her removing her vail. She turned a pair of eyes upon him, in which a power of hatred gleamed. “You have trifled with me ee enough, Joseph Tyler, and all to deep and lasting in- jury, too. You shall pay the penalty of your treachery and wickedness—now / And she drew a dagger from her bosom, and rush- ed uponhim. ' “Die! die! curse you!” she screamed. “You will never scheme again. Ha! ha! I will win, and have it to say that I was re- venged on you, too!” “But, you have me yet to deal with!” a voice cried, and Leadville Lil leaped from a ~ neighboring chaparral. ‘‘In the name of the Jaw, I command you to strrender, mur- deress!” “To you?’-Ignace cried, with a diabolical laugh. ‘Never. I'll serve you as I served this plotting wretch!” and she rushed at Lil, the fury of a maddened tigress expressed, in her blazing face and eyes. ‘Stop! Lil cried, drawing and_ cocking her revolver, and the vengeful woman staggered—fell, and then Jumbo Joe darted in upon the scene. “You have killed her!” Lil gasped. “‘T had to, or she’d have murdered you!” Joe replied. ‘‘It’s our turn to move now, for the salvation of Skeleton Camp. J must lift these bodies, and bear them away.” i . He did so, carrying them toa cleft in the mountain wall. “Put on Sadie’s robe and vail,” Joe ordered, ‘‘ You must impersonate Ignace.” She obeyed. When she was arrayed, he handed her a package, and spoke in a low and rapid tone, giving her special directions what to do. She then proceeded to bind him, after which she gave the cry of an eagle. be Shortly afterward a burly” half-breed, whose name was Jagley, and who had- served Ignace as lieutenant, came striding “forward. Lil pointed to Joe, with a nod. “See! we shall yet have the sacrifice!” she said. ‘Order every man,to the guich—then come back and escort me there!” Bid The half-breed looked surprised, “Give up attack?” he queried,

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ar “> eet eee ** Vntil after the sacrifice,” she replied. He gave a malicious glance at Joe then, and retired. In half an hour he returned, and the trio set out for the mountain gulch, On their arrival there, Leadville Lil and Joe were surprised to find the other portion of the band already there, more than a hun- dred of them all told. : Lil ordered Joe at once tied to the stake, and the matter-of-fact way in which she went at it, caused Joe to wonder if, after all, he had not made a mistake. Brush was piled around him, and every preparation for the sacrifice made, the rough gang seeming to be delighted at the prospect. When all was ready, Lil went into one of ’ the caves, and returned with a large demi- john of whisky, and a number of cups. Marshaling the men into line, she pro- eceded to ply the gang with cupfuls of the fiery stuff, which they imbibed with gusto, * seeming to forget the proposed sacrifice. As the rcader has probably surmised, the liquor was most powerfully drugged, and long ere the demijohn was empty, there was more than ore heavy eye among the crowd, At last the vessel was empty. ; Lil then motioned the stupid beings to kneel, and passed to and fro in front of them, waving her hands over their heads, and chanting a weird sort of dirge. Whether or notethey knew the meaning of this, is hard to tell, but after a while, they nore to topple over, one by one, and lie still. She then released Joe, who caught her in his arms and embraced her. “It’s worked like pie!” he ejaculated, “Won't we surprise ’em, though, when we goback to camp! Come! let’s bind’em afore they awaken.” This they proceeded to do. The next morning twenty-five mule-loads of captured -rec-skins and half-breeds ar- rived in Skeleton Camp, in charge of the two young friends, and were handed over to Lieutenant Black, whose men had already arrived, and secured Blum and his cronies. Little need be added. Joe’s last’ accom- plishment was the means of insuring him a future hearty welcome in Skeleton Camp, and he was unanimously elected mayor. he Levi aged Gray estate were satisfac- - torily settled upon Lil, and the Boy Patrol and the Girl Sport were duly married. Yn a pocket of the robe ot Sadie was found papers which evidently had been de- tached from some documents, and Joe con- cluded that it was a part of the clew to the Sevret Mine, which as yet has never been unearthed, and may never be. % . THE END. The Girl Sport. = BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS © Speakers. Each volume contains 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collee- tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Recitations. The Dime Speakers embrace twenty-five volume¥ viz.: 1, American Speaker. 15, %, National Speaker. 16, . Patriotic Speaker. 196 . Comic Speaker. 18, Komikal Speaker. Youth’s Speaker. Hloquént Speaker, Hail Columbia Speak- 3. 4 5, er, E : 6, Humorous Speaker. 19. Serio-Comie Speaker, 7%, 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, ae 13. School Speaker. 25. Burlesque Speaker, 14. Tmdicrous Speaker, These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Wxhibition, for Homes,ete. 75 te 100 Declamations and Recitations in each book. Dialogues. The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, om brace thirty-five books, viz.: Dialogues No. One. Dialogues No. Highteen, + Dialogues No, Two. Dialogues No. Nineteen. pialeags No. Three. |Dialogues No, 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. Dialogues No. Nine. Dialogues No. Twenty-six. Dialogues No, Ten, Dialogues No, Twenty-seven, Dialogues No. Eleven. |Dialogues No. Twenty-eight. Dialogues No. Twelve. |Dialogues No. Twenty-nine. Dialogues No, Thirteen. |Dialozues No. Thirty. Dialogues No, Fourteen, '|Dialogues No. Thirty-one, Dialogues No. Fifteen. |Dialogues No. Thirty-two, Dialogues No. Sixteen. |Dialogues No. Thirty-three, Dialogues No.Seventeen | Dialogues No. Thirty-four, | Dialogues No. Thirty-five, 15 to 25 Dialogues and Dramas in each book, y Hand-Books of Games. Handbook ef Summer Sports, Book of Crequet. Yachting and Rowing. Chess Instructor. Riding and Driving. Cricket and Football. Book of Pedestrianiam. Guide to Swimming, Handbook of Winter Sports—Skating, ete. Lives of Great Americans. se I.—George Washington. | VII.—Israel Putnam. Il.--John Paul Jones, X,—Tecumseh, 1.—MadAnthony Wayne | _XI,—Abraham Lincoln, IV.—Ethan Allen. XII.—Pontiac. ee V.--Marquis de Lafayette | XIII.—Ulysses 8. Grant, 2 The above publications are tor sale by all news- will be ie Bee, ten conts nh by BEADLE, kp same, 98 WILLIAM STREET,

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SURNAME MN m TMT RN eT RTT ET TRE ie! at = od . ~ : Searels = sBe DIMy (JIALOGUES axo SPEAKERS. BUMS MLR SU RT TPE AER ME LUTE ETE TEE TS TER TEE Tee EEE CUD ESC LG CLS TEL EGE LE ME SUL SEE SOE SUD EU CC TUL EOE UOC TEE SOE LT S00 UD Ott SOE TEED STP deP Ete TE Ltt iP tat ste vit ttt | ee oe 3 PUBLISHED BY piaLoauzs, Non1toa. M. J. LIVERS & CO., SPEAKERS, Nos 1 to 25, JAMES SULLIVAN, Prop’r, me 379 Pearl Street, New York, THE TRADE SUPPLIED BY The American News Company, i AND ITS BRANCHES. — i : MMMM Mu ner Oe eet re er eC I Oe EEC MI eee IPP PNY 10/68) Re ei = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = & = ma | = Toes

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BUPPALO BILL Novels inthe DIME LIBRARY — $2 Death Trailer, thé Chief of Scouts; or, Life and Love in a. Frontier Fort. By Buffalo bill, v ‘ él hed a ' : 0 ee ae “ sist ral be ot ‘lié The Doomed Dozen; or, Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts. By Dr, Frank Powell. {> Wild Bil, the Pistol Dead-Shot. A Romance of Buffalo Bill’s Old Pard. By Col. P.Ingraham, 4% Wi'd Bill's Trump Card; or, The indian Heiress, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 189 Wild Bill’s Gold Trai}; or, The Desperate Dozen, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 43 The Pilgrim Sharp; or,The Soldier’s Sweetheart, By Buffalo Bill, Government Scout and Guide. yal. ae $19 oan the Whirlwina of the West, By Buf- ‘alo Bill. m9 The League of Three; or, Buffalo Bill’s Pledge, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, “7 The Wizara Brothers; or, White Weuver’s Trail, By Buffalo: Bill. " Tne One-Armed Pard; or, Red Retribution in Borderland, By Buffalo Bill. {7 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail; or, Will Cody, the Pony Express Rider. By Ned Buntline, 9 The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains, by Buffalo Bill, '%9 Daredeath Dick, King of the Cowboys/or, Buf- falo Bill’s Daring Réle, By Leon Lewis. 1% The Gold King; or, Montebello, the Magnificent, By Buffalo Bill. 44 Buffalo Bill’s Bonanza; or, The Knights of the ‘Silver Circle, Kv Col P, Ingraham. #9 Buck Tay.or, the Saddle K ng. By Col. P. In. graham #2 Buffalo Bill’s Secret Service Treil; or, The Mys terious Foe. By Maj. Dangerfield Burr, 491 Buffalo Bill’s Blind Trail; or, Mustang Madge, the Daughter of the Regiment. By Ingraham. 497 Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Brotherhood; or, Open- ing Up a Lost Trail. By Col P, Ingraham. #10 Buffalo Bill Baffled ; or, The Deserter Desperado’s Defiance, By Col, P. Ingraham. 116 Bufta'o Bill’s Scout Shadowers; or. Emerald Ed of Devil's Acre, By Col. P. Ingraham. 42 Buffalo Bill on the War-Path, By Cok Ingraham (27 Suffaio Bill’s Body-guard By Col, P. Iograham, *S’ Buffalo Bill’s Beagles, By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men, By Col. P. ' gngraham, -« Juffalo Biil’s Blind. Ry Col. P. Ingraham, «3 Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack’s Pravos, By Col. P. Ingrabam, ) 66 baffalo Bill’s Big Four, By Col, P. Ingraham, 267 Buffalo Bill’s Donble; or, The Desperado Detec- tive. By Col. Prentiss [ugraham. “61 Buffalo Bill's Mascot. or, Death Valley Victim No, 18. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, '@6 Buffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk-Ribbon Sam, By Ool Prentiss Ingraham, 69 Buffalo Bill’s Sweepatake. By Col. Ingraham. +77 Buffald Bill’s Spy-shadower, By Ool. Ingreham ! ae Buffalo Bill's Dead Shot }r “Jol. Prontig® RIT. \ \ 800 Wild Bih, the Doad-Center Sho or, Rio Grande Ralph the Cowboy Chief, By Buffalo Bill. 807? Wils Bill, the Wild West Duelist; or, Tre Girl Mascot of Moonlight Mine. By Buffalo Bill, 812 Buffalo Bill’s Death-Knell; or, Tne Red Hand Riders of the Rockies By Col. P Ingraham 820 White- Beaver’s Still Hunt; cr, The Miner Marauder's Death-Track, By Buffalo Rill. 822 Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower; or, Montebello, the Gold King. By Col. P, Ingraham. 826 Buffalo Bill’s Sharp-Shooters; or, The Surgeon Secut to the Rescue. By Col, P. Ingraham. 830 Buffalo Bill’s Boys in Bue; or, The Brimstcne B-nd's Blot-out. By Col- Prentiss Ingraham. 839 the Ranch King Dead Shot; or, Texas Jack’s Proxy. By Buffalo Bill. 845 Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Ruse; or, Texas Jack’e Death Shot, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 851 Buffalo Bill’s Double Dilemma; or, The Greay Scout’s Big Three, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham) 857 Buffalo Bill’s Royal Flush; or. Whe Pony Rider’s Death-Run, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 863 Buffalo Bil’s Deatb-Charm; or, The Man Wiib aSear. By Col, Prentits Ingraham, | 869 Buffalo Bi l’s Road-Agent*Ronnd-up; or The Mys- terious Masked Manin Black. By Ingraham. ~ 874 Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Braves; or, The Card aeen’s Las’ Game By Onl, P. Ingraham, 882 The Threneer of the Big Horn, By Col. P. Ingraham. 943 Buffalo Bill’s Block Game, By Colonel R, Ingraham, 950 Buffalo Bill at Bay. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 956 Buffalo Bill’s Volunteer Vigilantes. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 960 Buffalo Bill’s Blue Belt Brigade. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 964 Buffalo Bill's Invincibles. By Col. Prentise Ingraham. 969 Texas Jack, the Lasso King; or, The Rob- Ha Rangers of the Rio Grande, By~‘3uffale Bill. 978 The Dread-Shot Four. By Buffalo Bill. 78 Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail. By Col, Prentiss Ingrakam. "84 Buffalo Bill's Life Raffle; or,. The Doomed Three. Ready Sept. 1, \89 Buffalo Bill’s Marked Bullet. By Col, & Ingraham, Ready Oct. 6. 94 Buffalo Bill's Lone Hand. By Col. P. Inx graham. 000 Buffalo, Bill’s Grim Guard. By Col. Pe In- graham, - The above Drum L'braries are Mor Sale by » UL NEWSDE 3"-RS, ten cents per cap, At of nlc. « o ent by mail on’

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| ; SuART TOASTS FOR THE SMART NBT. Vest Pocket Size, 64 Pages. By Mail, Postpaid, Sewed Book. Up-to-Date. | 2c. per Copy. BEST LINE OF HAND BOOKS PUBLISHED. “YIDDISH” YARNS.—A Collection of Hebrew Jokes, Stories, ete. GENTS’ LETTER WRITER.—A Perfect Guide to all kinds of Correspondence, FAMILY PHYSICIAN.—Family Diseases and Their Treatment; Rules of Health, etc. 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, Introdue- tions, Dress, Balls, ete. FORTUNE TELLER.—Fortune Telling by Cards, Tea or Coffee Grounds, Eggs; Palmistry, ete. BOOK OF 100 GAMES.—One Hundred Games for Social Parties and Home Amusements. COOK BOOK.—Kconomical, 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, etc. 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 ‘t 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.” “IRISH” Joker No.,.1.—The Wittiness and Whimsicali- ties of “* Pat” at His Best. “VARIEPY ” JOKER.—Good Things from all the Na- tionalities: ‘* Pat,” ‘Alphonse,’ ‘* Hans,” “‘ Jona- than,” “* Moses,” and ‘‘ Ebenezer,” The above books are bound in handsomely illustrated lithographed covers. Price by mail, postpaid, 12 cents per copy. M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, 379 Pearl Street, New York City. BEADLE’S BOYS’ 5 CENTS PRICE J Dandy Bill's Doom. By Oll Coomes. 8 Kit Carson. By A. W. Aiken, 4 Lillie, the Reckless Rider. By Stoddard. 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 ‘Texas Jack. By Ingraham. 11 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By H. B. Stoddard. 12 Brimstone Bill’s Booty. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 13 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 14 The Vicket-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. 5 Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post. 20 Giant Pete and his Pards. By Harbaugh. 21 Yellow Hair. By Ingraham. 22 The Snow-Trail. By Harbaugh. 23 Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr. Powell. 24 Woods and Waters. By Whittaker. 25 A Rolling Stone. By W. R. Eyster. 26 ited River Rovers. By C. D. Clark. 27 Buckskin Sam's Wild Ride. By Ingraham, The Sword Prince. By F. Whittaker. Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. Paul De Lacy. By ©. D. Clark. Round the Camp-Fire. By J. EB. Badger, Jr. Faney Frank’s Drop. By Ingraham. 33 The Boy Crusader. By Capt. F. Whittaker. LIBRARY. PER COPY. 34 The Chase of the Great White Stag. By ©. D. Clark, 35 Oid Tar Knuckle. By Roger Starbuck. 36 The Dashing Dragoon. By F. Whittaker. 87 Night-Hawk George. By Ingraham. 88 The Boy Exiles of Siberia. By 'T. 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 8. 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. Harbaug’ 45 Bronco Billy. By Ingraham, 46 Dick, the Stowaway. By Charles Morris, 47 The Colorado Boys. By J. 8. Badger, Jr. 48 The Pampas Hunters, By I’. C. Harbaugh, 49 Nebraska Charlie. By Ingraham. 50 Jack, Harry, ana Tom, By F. Whittaker. 51 ‘om Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C. D. Clark, 52 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Harbaugh. 53 Harry, the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles Morris. 54 California Joe. By Ingraham. Ps 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. 60 The Young Trail Hunters. By ‘T. C. Harbaugh, 61 The Tiger Hunters. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 32 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot, By Ingraham. 63 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker. By Ro,er Starbuek. 64 Young Dick Talbot, By A. W. Aiken. By Charles Morris, .

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THE Deadwood Dick e Library e Extracts from the New York Evening Sun. LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS, 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest TWO REMARKABLE HEROES. In only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a govei statement when the faes is here recorded that litera- ture has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps move than one reader will have to think a moment over this vemark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit strikes home, But it is mest essenHally a half dime novel statement that will be news to many when it is added that litera- ture, if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam was a mere child down to the present day, wowld show but few heroes that In the eyes of boyhood would be even judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest heroes known to American literature, or, to promptly re- veal them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr, * * * The modern heroes of fiction for young America, who are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and of whom the Deadwood Dicks are much the most important * * * it is but natural that their * * * should bear away the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left far behind In the race, It can be easily belleved, therefore, that the two Dicks are so firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature for boys and young men, that their position is assured * * * and that they stand to-day head and shoulders above all rivals in the eyes of the public for which they have lived, and for which one of them has died, American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor in the land, now knows Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good beal bet- ter than it knows its catechism, and millions of young minds absorb the thrilling incidents of his career in hig everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending solving of bmpenetrable mysteries. Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks his victous victims to thelr undoing, and then, when th~ victims are thoroughly undone, the millions wait hungrily for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appears with the certainty of the Wednesday itself, and a new set oe sees thrills go thrilliag away from Maine to Call. ‘ornia, There are the volumes each so crowded with thrills and heart-tugs that it were madness to hope to do justice to them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be tween them, To abandon the idea of giving a few extracts causes (® finite pain, but if once a start were made in that HD tion, it would be cruel to The Mvening Sun's readers stop, and it Is therefore better not to relate one sing adventure, Suffice it to say that the stories are cleap a well written. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadé wood Dic, the Prince of the Road 8 The Louble Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflance 8 Th. Buffalo Demon; or. The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol § 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 40 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger 1 Jim Blbdsne, Jr.,the Boy Phenix; or, Through to Deat 12 Deadwood Dick's Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter #6 Deadwood Dick on Deck: or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo av Sey Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Gu 18 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 90 Watch-Bye, the Shadow a ee Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double ross 8 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 98 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty ™ Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Wdge Dick % Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve 9 Chip, the Girl Sport 98 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 9 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 80 eee Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gule . 1 Blonde Bill: or. Deadwood Dick’s Home Base ® Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent ) 3% Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Beb’s Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold: or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 35 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 36 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 38 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 30 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Diek’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 baler: 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 Spe nat 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; er, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy® Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Spor¢ 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Diek’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz: or, The Store-Detective’s Deco: 63 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa fras Cit 64 Colorado Enarlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cate Kings ) M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 379 Pearl Street. NEW YORK.

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Jopyright 1882-1888, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899, No. 52 THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. Vol. IV \ Cleveland, Ohio

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yopyright 1882-1888, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y.. as second class matter. Mar. 15, 180% _———__-_________. Issued Weekly, THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. Price 5 Cents, bg ‘ No. 52 fe SGlevelaiid; Ohio $2.50 a Year. \ ol. LV. SSS SS BESS ss Emenee ‘S == THE NEXT MINUTE JOE FELT THE BONDS THAT CONFINED HIS FEET SEVERED,

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THE Deadwood Dick e Library e L Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road & The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance 3 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 Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian ‘ 10 Cees Ol oll, eBe Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in mp ot Bok Bludsoe, Jr., the’ Boy Phénix; or, Through to eat. 12 wes ycod Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 45 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 17 soeene Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the . ule 18 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil: or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance Watch-Eye, the Shadow 21 Paerood 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-Kdged Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve 27 Chip, the Girl Sport 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 29 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 30 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch = Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base ® Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. § Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Bay One and You Will Buy the Rest! For Sample Cover See @thei Bide. 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob's Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwoud Dick’s Big Strixe 35 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 38 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 39 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane's Laat 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 peteeare Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator’s ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jac« in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner's Son; or, Apollo Bill, the oad-Agent : 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective ¥ 50 Bene Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect 51 Sierra, pens Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough | 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 Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold ei } 61 Deadwood Dick's Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco + 63 T! B Bg aide Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa 64 Colonie 1 Sharlie's Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings