Deadwood Dick Library (v. 5) (1900 03 15)

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Copyright 1882-1888, by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Office. New York. N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899 > M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers : No. 53. Issued oe eekly. (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) { Price 5 Rent Vol, \, Mar. 14, 1900. 379 Pearl Street, New York. $2.50 a Year. ~

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445 448 453 459 465 2 pany 476 481 491 496 500 508 515 522 529 5384 539 544 549 554 561 567 572 57 584 590 595 600 606 612 618 624 630 636 642 648 654. 660 666 EDWARD L. WHEELER’S DEADWOOD DICK, JR. NOVELS IN THE HALF-DIME LIBRARY. | Price 5 Cents per Copy. Deadwood Dick, Jr.; Crescent Sign. or, The Crimson Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood lick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr., s, Full Hand. ’s, Big Round-Up. s, Racket at Claim 10. s, Corral. s, Dog Detective. in Deadwood. s, Compact. ’s, Inheritance. Aig re, iio , Deliverance. s, Protege. s, Three. s, Danger Ducks. 5, Death Hunt. in Texas. Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocq. Deadwood Dick, Jr , Deadwood Dick, Jr., Jr., in Boston. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Jr.; Jr., in Denver. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ JT.; Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Jr., in Detroit. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Jr.’s, Chase Across the Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Continent. Deadwood Dick, lers. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Jr., on His Mettle. in Gotham. in Philadelphia. in Chicago. Afloat. s, Decree. in Beelzebub’s Basin. at Coney Island. s, Leadville Lay. in Cincinnati. in Nevada. in No Man’s Land. After the Queer. in Buffalo. Among the Smug- ’s, Insurance Case. Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durango. 678 Deadwood Dick Jr.’ s, Discovery. 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco. 716 Deadwood Dick, a ’s, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, J r.’s, Dominoes. 4 728 Deadwood Dick, i 5 Disguise. 734 Deadwood Dick, Jr. °s, Double Deal. 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr. s, Death-Watch. 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr. ’g, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr. s, Death-Blow. 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait. 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 787 Deadwood Dick, JST as Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Ale 1g, Lone Hand. 8, Defeat. 8, Resurrection. s, Dark Days. Defied. s, Double Device. s, Desperate Venture 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jt., Branded. 1011 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 'g, Dutch Pard. 1018 Deadwood Dick, Jr, °s, Big Four. For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c. per copy, by the publish ers, M. J. IVERS & CO., 379 Peart Srreetr, New York Crry, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Royal Flush. 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Head-Off. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Scoop. 834 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Clutch. 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, High Horse. 852 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Devil’s Gulch. 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Hole Hustle 863 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Bombshell. 870 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Mexico. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decoy Duck, 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Siiver Pocket, 891 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game. 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drive. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Double- Decker. 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Dollarville. 934 Deadwood Dick, Jr. +3 at Flush Flats. 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Shake-Up. x 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drop. A 951 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ ’s, Right Bower. : 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Gold Dust. 971 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Oath. 977 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Doom. 980 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Best Card. 992 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Gold Dust. 998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Play.

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BeBY, ES as RNS ey Copyright 1882-1888, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 18 — aos pores ‘ No. 53,0 Zssued Weenly ws By EYRE A pee sRe Price 5 Conts. Vol. V ' ‘ ar, 1900, . whe ped cake geld re 8.50-a. Year. Vol. V. Mar, 14,29 379 Pearl Street, New York. = ————— o YZ ae Z TRODE NO LESS A PERSONAGE THAR WIH, ACROSS THE RAVINE, S' NANEGE RIKLE N BAND

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. Chinamin, gave an uninterested whole _ dat was de scream ob a chile, done gone suah, are ae Denver Doll’s Device: R, THE DETECTIVE QUEEN. BY E. L, WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ETC, CHAPTER I. ONE NIGHT'S MYSTERY. “Hy yar! kil yil didn’t I done gone tell yer? Thar it goes ag’in, honey, Et’s de cry ob a chile, suah sart’in!” And Fitz Walter August Christie, more com- monly known as Walt, rolled hls comical eyes toward his three companions, his ebony coun- tenance glowing with triumph. But his three companions hovered closer to the lonely camp-fire that crackled briskly upon the gulch bottom, as if they were in no wise eager to venture forth to ascertain from whence and whom had emanated the piteous wailing ery that had twice faintly pealed forth on the chill November night. Tbe camp-fire burned in the mouth of a. deep narrow gulch/of forbidding aspect, und at a int where it opened out upon a bar or pro- tion, three sides of which were washed by the waters of a dark, swift, sileat river, whose appearance was ne more inviting than the wild mountainous country that gave it birth, Four men were gathered about the camp-fire, ' with rifles, picks and shovels lying by their sides, showing them to be prospectors; and over all fell the first gentle flakes of the earliest au- tumnal snow-storm. The darky was the spokesman of the crowd, and appeared to consider himself virtually the leader. He was a trim, spruce-appearing fel- low, and had more than ordinary sagacity and intelligence expressed in his face. One of his campanions was a ponderous _Dutchman of enormous girth, who grunted at every breath like au over-fattened hog and re- joiced in the happy cognomen of Jacob Strauss, or Yakie, for short. Both he and Walt were attired in miners’ habiliments and weré well-armed. Next to Yakie was huddled up an almond- eyed Chinaman, about whom there was nothing particularly noticeable more than that he stil! wore his native queue, and had rather a crafty expression of countenance, not uncommon with the Celestials found in the West, The fourth person was a prisoner, bound to a tree near the fire—a man of some two-and- twenty years, in whose face was reflected little that was villainous or bad. Wy he was held in confinement will present- ly be developed. The words of the darky, as stated, had no startling effect upon his auditors. ~Chug, the yawn, and Yakie grunted louder than ever. \ ** Dot vas a vildcat!” he growled. “Golly! I knows more in one minute dan’ dat rmany,” Walt assevérated. ‘I say y Denver Doll’s Devige. an’ de common instincts ob our natures should cause us to go fru blud an’ water to save dat vt Of ine to dot ish all righé you vants go, vy, dot ish all ri I don’d!” Yakie declared. ry skin vas vort... ind mooch to sell it to der vildcats und lions so cheap.” ‘He! he! lions in America!” sneered Walt. **You’s done can tole a lion from a coon, fo’ suah! Yar’s Chug; he even knows dat daw nuffin’ like lions in America—hi, piggy?” Chug looked sagacious, but shook his head, “ Velly muchee liar in ’Melica!” he declared. ‘*Chinaman nebber lie allee samee likee ’Meli- can man,” | ; Just then came another cry floating into the lonely camp on the keen breeze—a moaning, piteous sort of wail peculiar to a child in dis- SS, Walt could stand this no longer; he leaped to his feet, his eyes rolling ludicrously and peering about in the darkness, * ‘“*T jes’ wish to goodness Denver Doll was hyar!” he cried. ‘‘Dat yar cry done gone chill all der marrer in dis chile’s bones, ’deed it does, Yar’s some lost baby in de pronhins, an’ IT *elar’ to de Lor’ it’s our duty to go to de rescue. Will you go ’long, Chug?” “‘Coinaman belly big coward!” the Celestia said, hugging the fire closer. ‘“‘ No good at 7 pa © go wid black ’Melican man.” he man at the stake, who, while listening and- watching, had evinced Considerable interest, now spoke ap. . “The black terrier is right!” hé said, in a voice of command. ‘ That isno animal cry. There is undoubtedly a child in distress, somewhere in this vicinity, aud it is your duty, as men, to go to its rescue, If you are too cowardly, ad grant me the privilege to go in search of it. If I fail to return, you can forever know’Tom Jar- vis isa liar and an ingrate.” Yakie Strauss took his pipe from his mout, long enough to put his thumb sarcastically to his nose, “ Not if der Consditution of der United Statet vas acquained mit \herself, und she rather dine she vas!” be chuckled, knowingly. ‘You vas: purty shmardt rooster, maybe somedimes all dei wile, Misder Jarvis, but you don’d vas can come some foony pizness ven Yakie Strauss vas around. You pelong to der robber gang off Mc- Parland und Co., und ve yoost hold you till der boss comes.” “You will find your mistake when Denver Doll ~ comes,” Jarvis»replied, seeming to be a little — worried at the Dutchman’s flat refusal. ‘‘I am 4 in no way acquainted with MeParland, nor do T serve bim in any r Fig 4 grunt from Yakie was all tho answer this assertion elicited. . Christie had crept out of sight up the gulch,” Satisfied that he could get no assistance among his own comrades, the plucky fellow had made up his mind to go it alone, in a venture to solve the mystery of the wailing cry. ~ He had left his rifleat the camp, but had a trasty revolver drawn, ready for use, and thus ease crept on in the direction of the place whence came the sound, 3 : It was some ten or fifteen minutes ere he oe ei . i aoa ,

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Pm é * box and paper and thrust them into his pocket; _ symmetry and grace, ~ Denver Doll's Device. a heard another cry—but he was all attention at DApEY look, there lurked an expression about the time, and consequently gained a more ac- | the brilliant black eyes, and the marge fore- curate bearing. head, that told of some past trouble, which In half an hour he bad gained a sort of trans- | would not be forgotten. verse ravine, several hundred feet above the Her rich brown hair fell in rippling waves level of their camp, and at some distance from | half-way to her waist. A plumed slouch hat it. of snowy white; an elegant suit of gray, and Here his search ended, in the face of 4 specta- | patent-leather top-boots, with a diamond-stud- cle that caused him to dart back aghast. ded ‘‘ b’iled ” shirt, collar, and a sash about. her Lying upon the rocky earth, her tattered gar- | waist beneath the coat, made up her costume, ments partly whitened by the falling snow-flakes, | and gave her an appearance at once dashing, © was a young woman—one who had recently pos- | and characteristic of the wild roving existence sessed great beauty, but whose face was now | she led. white and pinched, the probable effect of priva- For she was a ‘‘character,” a strange one, tion, too. Where she belonged, no one knew, for she Upon the ground, from a wound in her side, | was here, there, and everywhere; what was her was -a clotted pool of blood—and she was so | early history, no one could say. aoe and still that Walt was satisfied she was It was no secret that she was a detective; it ead, Near her, upon the ground, bundled ina shawl, sat a little Se of about four years of age, sobbing as if her heart would break, her tearful eyes fixed upon the lifeless body of the snurdered woman. The white in Walt’s eyes enlarged very con- siderably, as he took in the scene, but where terror would have taken hold of many of his race, pity seized upon his kind heart, and he step ed forward to do whatever he could. “Yar, honey, jes’ done gone cry no more,” he said, kneeling beside the child, and noting that it was a remarkably pretty one. ‘‘ I'se jes’ gwineto take de best ob care ob you, I is. Is ye cold, honey?” ‘*Me so told—me so hungry!” moaned the lit- tle one. “**‘ Mamma gone fo sleep, an’ I tan’t wake her up!” ‘Tears entered the negro’s eyes, and he seized the cbild in his arms. **Come! we'll jes done gone an’ get warm an’ somethin’ to. eat, honey, and den dis yar chils will come back after yer mammy.” The prospect of warmth and food caused the little one to look up gratefully into Wait’s ebony face, and her tears immediately subsided. Before leaving the scene of the ghastly crime, Walt perceived that one band of the woman clutched a tiny silver box, while the other con- tained a crumpled paper. Realizing the necessity of obtaining all possi- ble clew to the crime, the darky secured both hated by, the ruffian and outlaw element of the mountains and mines; it was no secret that she knew her own business, was a keen, nervy. dis- cerning, but respectable woman of the world. break up the notorious road-agent gang of Jobn McParland, who, in their unknown mountain fastness, had for months biddem defiance to law and order, to say notbing of the scores of bold: robberies they had committed. McParland und bis men had also sworn dire and it seemed only a matter of time when the bitter enemies must triumph, one over the other, So that it was little wonder that the Detec- tive Queen’s eyes lit up with a victorious glitter, when she walked into her camp, and saw one of porasnes right-hand men imprisoned to a stake, . “ Jarvis!® she exclaimed, pausing near him, and leaning upon her rifle. ‘‘I would sooner have expected a visit from McParland, himself. Where'd ye blow him in, Yakie?” answered. ; i : n ‘Vel, I dells yov how id vas!” he said, rising, ‘and swelling with bravado, “T found dat veller sneakin’ mit der outside surrender right avay quick or I plow his prains in—und dat vas all der vas of it. He obey me yoost like a leedle shackass mule.” “*Muchee big lie!” Chug commented. ‘*’Melica and, with the child in his arms, he set out for | Dutch no ketchee man.” the camp. ‘ Denver Doll had arrived in camp, during Walt’s absence, coming from over the river, in a boat. ; To state that, she was a splendid specimen of young womanhood, would be drawing it mild. ‘ew _were they who had met her, who could nof candidly say she was queen among young women. \ Of just a trifle above the medium hight of women, and cast in nature’s happiest mold, ber figure in its neat-fitting suit of male attire would attract admiration in any crowd, for its was led into camp by the ear, by that cursed nigger of yours, He caught me napping, and waltzed me in, wi’ a six-time-slugger under my left_norstril!” “You vasa pig t’ief—you vas liavs!” Yakie cried, enraged that he could not for once steal the thunder of the occasion. “I placks your eyes mit pluing quicker ash dunder.” . He undoubtedly would have wreaked some sort of vengeance upon the young outlaw, had not Denver Doll pushed him back, sternly, jAt this juncture there was a clatter of horse’s 5 sound coming from the depths of the gulch, as it Her face was fair and expressive, with a| ran back into the mountains, = = : pone to change from pleasantry to sternness in an instant, and though usually wearing a : ya! + = . oe ~ el “ eee ot tee! Soa eS eins CBSE BS ES eA EE Re nanan fles and stood on the defens Nor was it a secret_that she bad sworn to — vengeance a ies the brave girl from Denver, ° The Teuton glanced around him before he off der camp around, und dells him he better — “Of course he didn’t!” Jarvis chimed in, “I hoofs on the rocky bottom ef the gulch, the © 3 Doar Doll and her two corapan onl seized — was no secret that she was a terror to, and™ ~

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t 4 - Denver Doll's Device. an attack; but, to their surprise, they beheld only Walt Christie emerge from the gloom, earrying a child in his arms, “Clar de track dar, chil’ren!’? he cried; ‘“hyar we’se a-comin’to de golding weddin’. Bring out de ’freshments an’ de nussin’ bottle, for dar’s a new citizeng added tew de populating ob Shinin’ Bar, fo’ suah!” : Later, a search was made for the body of the murdered woman; but, although the pool of blood was discovered, the body was not to be found! . It was one night’s mystery! CHAPTER II, SHINING BAR UNDER A NEW: LIGHT. A YEAR later we will look down on Shining Bar-—not now the same lonely camp wherein we opened our story, but the same location trans- formed into a prosperous mining-camp, Tho bar or neck of land that projected. into the river was thickly built up with shanties and tents, but they were irregular as far as streets were concerned, there being but one street hay- ing any pretensions thereto, and on this was located the few business places of which Shining Bar boasted, ‘ One general store supplied the wants of the camp so far as edibles aud cloth were concerned, in addjtion to being the post-office. Then, there were the saloons where a pilgrim could fill his being with ‘‘ coffin-nail,” get robbed either by pickpockets or gamblers, Also a the- ater, playing the acknowledged reigning suc- cesses of the season; a smithy, and a mammoth ore-mill, which did the crushing and smelting for several mining districts besides Shining Bar —so that the Bar bowed gracefully to the fact that she was a placeof ec nsiderableimportance, Her population, both floating and permanent, was a heterogeneous mixture, in which the rough element prevailed to a large extent. A Vigilance Committee had been organized, however, and under Harry Burke’s efficient captaincy had ina measure established order, although the laws were all home-made, In such a state we find Shining Bar, on looking dowi upon it a year from the opening night of our stery—a far pleasanter night, however, with less chill, and no snow, A crowd had collected outside the post-office, to await the coming of the evening stage from Glander’s Guleh, which was unaccountably late, baing overdue by three hours at the least. - In the East, such a fact would scarcely have elicited an inquiry; but the fact that John Mc- Parlend still made things lively for mountain stages and travelers, gave cause for uneasiness in Shining Bar, : For the daring desperado had been more than ever bold of late, since Denver Doll was no more - seen in the mining-towns, and the report had ‘gone forth that she had met her death, “Tell ye ther thing looks squally fer ther stage, boys!” observed Markward, one of the Bar’s rising young citizens, ‘I'd hardly take _ chances bettin’ that McParland hasn’t stopped the hearse to-night,” : ean : es san’ alligators, no—nuther would Mount, strokin; 3 ee white beard. ‘ By ther eye-tooth uv old Jupi ter, b’yees, et’ seems miter cur’ous as how we can’t hev some one among us as ain’t afeard ter sail in an’ clean out thet outlaw gang, root an’ braneb. Ef [ war as young a boyee as I uster be—great horned ace uy Taos—I’d undertake the hull job myself!” 5 , “What's this! what’s this!” a dapper individ- ual demanded, pushing forward with a note- book and pencil in hand; ‘is there an accident? —has anything happened?—was any one hurt, and how many! Do tell me! I’m a reporter, gentlemen—yes, sirs, a newspaper correspondent. [represent the Cavortin’ Cyclone, published in Cheyenne, and ’pon ’onor, if I do say it, I’m counted one o? the finest! Jones is my name— Chawles P. Jcnes. P stands fer Pygmalion, in- stead of Pat or Peter, as some vulgarly suppose. Ahem!” The advent of Mr, Pygmalion Jones, while it did not create any decided sensation, served to momentarily check the conversation of the crowd, 2 He was a new arrival at the Bar, and new arrivals were invariably regarded with sus- picion, As this was the first time Jones had made known his business, a laugh followed his intro- ductory, Old Pap Mount being the only sober- -visaged individual in the crowd. Pilgrim!” he said, with solemnity becoming a full-fledged monk, “‘ d’yefeelaverse tew chaw- in’ down a leetle piece uy advice, tendered by an old nugget from Pike’s Peak?” e ‘‘ Advice? Aha! *tis a great blessing to re- ceive it from the aged, and to profit by it. Pro- ceed, venerable father; I listen with eagerness!” Jones responded dramatically. “Injins an’ alligators! Thort ye’d not go back on an old landmark like yer uncle!” Pap grunted. ‘Dye see the knoll up ther gulch thar, an’ that slab stickin’ up?” “T see it, sir—the memento of some past and. gone enterprise, I take it.” “ Jes’ so, pilgrim :-— “ A feller came a paper to start, At ther shanty on ther knoll, He claimed he was most orful smarb; Most wond’rous news he tole; ‘But he hadn’t fairly got a start, *Fore we chucked *im in a hole, ~ A thunderin’ lie one day he told, About old Slaughter Steve. ‘Who w’ars his pisto s in his boots, An’s bad, ye may believe:— He said as how old Slaughter hid : . Five aces up his sleeve. Y “Six bullets did ther job fer him; His Herald failed to bloom: ats We burnt ther shanty over thar. — . An’ it’s served him fer a tomb; So ef you don’t git up an’ dust, : Fer you thar’s graveyard room!’* A grim. silence reigned as Pap concluded: a host of ominous visages were turned toward the reporter of the Cavortin’ Cyclone, with looks that were not calculated to inspire him with So with a deep sigh, | feclings of. animation over his prospects as a

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Denver Doll's Device. “s none Be a A While Old Pap winked, knowingly. ‘“Here’s to us, young fellers!” he said, as he took a vip from his private flask, ‘Thet feller should know thet thar’s no hereafter fer re- porters in Shinin’ Bar.” “We were talkin’ about some one who could sail in and capture McParland, the road-agent,” said Markward, grimly. ‘t You het thar’s not ther man livin’ as can capture a feather out of that’ galoot’s cap. Even Burkey is afeard ter leave camp. Maybea reward would turn up some chapas has got more luck than sense,” “That might easy be!” a voice exclaimed, and a strauger was for the first, seen standing near, ‘‘Supposing vou nominate some first- class sort of a reward, and see how quick V’ll gbble on to it!” “Who are you?” demanded Mr, Verner, one of the solid men of the town—a speculator, rich and influential. But even though he asked the question, a close observer might have sur- mised he only asked it to conceal the agita- tion that seized upon him, at sight of the stranger, A strange smile came upon the face of the hew-comer, as he gazed for a moment at Ver- ner, ; ‘“T fancy you have no need to ask that ques- , tion?” he ‘replied, ina tone that expressed “ng little admiration for the man he addressed. “But, for the information of all concerned, f am usually called Yankee, which answers all the purposes of a name!” Yankee! : There were men in Shining Bar, who had heard of the. name before. A name it was, peculiar to the mining regions of California; it belonged to an individual who never worked, wore than to indulge in an occasional fight, or to wiu a fortune by the turnmg of a card, and then very foolishly—as the worldly men of the mines viewed it—turn around and donate it to some charity, a ‘nervy,’ practiced, well-educated, thoronghly experienced man - of - the - world, though he bad not long left bis teens behind. — _. Straight as an arrow, of a little over medium hight, and well proportioned; possessed of re- markable muscular development, hard flesh,and great agility of motion, little wonder that be had the notoriety of being a formidable antago- nist as well as a friend to “tie to.” : In face he was handsome, with clearly cut, reguiar features, a firm but pleasant mouth, and dark liquid eyes that had a power of mag- netic intensity in their gaze; bair of a dark- brown bue, and worn in tight short curls over his shapely bead, and a handsome mustache up- on bis lip. His garments were of coarse but serviceable material, the pants being thrust into a pair of top-boots, and the jacket open at the throat, exposing to view a marble-like neck. A slouch prairie hat rested upon bis head, weapons of fine finish were in his belt, and a repeating rifle in his hand, completed an ensemble at once striking and dashing. The announcement of his name caused the crowd to stare, but had no more visible effect : moon Veryer, han had the first sight of him. ite 4 OS ut I'm Yankee, and Vd like no better job | Here, th | holy Parland, the road-agent, I assure you, Propose a fat reward and I’m your man aoe “The people of Shining Bar will undoubtedly use‘discretion in regard to whom they pay re wards,” sneered Verner, as ke turned away, “ Tf you mean that as an insinuation, Valen- tine Verner, permit me to remark that I do not deem it of the slightest. importance what you think,” Yankee retorted, as he sent a stern rlance after the speculator. ‘I did not come ere to have trouble with you, but if you pre- fer, I can undoubtedly accommodate you!” Verner walked away in silence, and the stage came hooming down into the town just them loaded with Raa re inside and out, an with Mickey Pryor, the boss Jehu of the road,” preety his long-lashed whip over the eight-in- and. i -- But it was a sorry-looking crowd the stage’ brought in that night, for the looks of the pas- sengers told the old, old story, as well as words could have done—the stage had met McParland and his merry men. i Even Pryor was sullen, and set his horses back upon their haunches, before the Post-office, with a will, and allowed the passengers to get — off without a word, = 5 : ‘Gone to thunder!” was his simple announce- ment, when Wells-Fargo’s agent came forward, ~ ‘OTwasn’t no use to be mulish;- they were ten ter one ag’in’ us, an’ bit us in a new place!” A howl of anger went up from the crowd, for many miners and some speculators had moneys or valuable property coming to them on that stage, as well as letters and papers. So that for the remainder of that evening — Shining Bar was in a turmoil of commotion — over thé robbery, andthe streets were never for - once deserted of an excited crowd, : Among the passengers who alighted from the stage, Yankee noticed the figure of a woman, clad in deepest eee S with her face so well — concealed as to be invisible to outward gaxe, : Shining Bar boasted of a commodious board-~ ing-house, which was conducted in a quieb — orderly manner, to the exclusion of all the rougt element, and thither the vailed woman wende her way, as if fannliar witb the town. Sa: Yankee wagched her untilshe had-disappeared with an interested gaze, and even then he s¢ sauntered about the Bar as to keep the board. — ing-bouse under surveillance. ‘ “ Strikes me I have seen that woman befere, under other circumstances,” he murmured, “but [cannot place ber now. It is the grace-_ ful, agile motion of her figure that recalls her.” — ‘Half an hour Jater Denver Doll left the board- ing-house—for Denver Doll thé vailed woman was—and advanced toward the Post-office, — Then a light of understanding entered the — Sport’s eyes. : ‘Ah, I have it now!, I thought Iwas not mistaken, The Queen of Detectives, eh? I know her, but she does not know me, T wonder what brings her here? Probably after the devil, McParland, Ha! ha! ha!” it Ses He watched her go into the Post-cffice, and come out again, when she betook her way to the long frame shanty called the ‘* Monaco,” — = nigitt and da Ti and tested, and

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‘ . Bo. eee ner we o s + Me ® wae 6 Denver Doll’s Device. nearly as fast asin the European resort from | thoughtfully. ‘It strikes me I havc heard (ie which the den took its name, “Vil get acigar,” Yankee decided, “‘ and then I'll see what success the pretty spotter has at gambling—if so be that is why she goes there,” ? Down the street he spied a cigar-sign above the door of a cosey little shanty, and sauntered that way. The sign read: “CRYSTAL CARROL, “DEALER IN CIGARS AND TOBACCO,” Entering the pigeon-hole store, the Sport saw no one, os he pushed open the slat door and en- fered the adjoining room, which proved to be a costly fitted-up little bar-room, : A young woman stood behind the counter. And \ ankee uttered a cry of astonishment as ‘4is gage rested upon her. CHAPTER III. THE DUEL, Ta girl behind the bar seemed less surprised than the man, and judging by her expression, , she had never met the Sport before, while he appeared to believe that in her he had met some former acquaiutance; and the more he gazed the stronger seemed to be his conviction that he knew her, \ ** Dora!” he said, at length. : ' There was deep feeling in his tone—there was love in his glance—his face expressed the emo- tion of one greatly moved, But the young lady stared at him in blank surprise, 2 ** You are evidently mistaken, sir,” she spoke, quietly; ‘“‘I have never borne the name of Dora.” } “You are—” ‘* Crystal Carrol.” “T am Yankee—otherwise Charlie Hisler, I was greatly impressed, at first sight, that I had met you before under different surroundings, and Iam not entirely convinced yet but what I am right. Dora?’ — He called the name again. His every expres- sion of voica told of a deep, undying love for Dora, whogver she might be. ~ Miss Cargo} did not seem highly pleased at his yearning stare and pleading words. “Tam sorry to sayethat you are greatly mis- taken,” she said, with a soberness that did not _ belie her words. “I am not Dora, although I » may chance to look aver so much like her.” “ You do look like her; and if [ am mistaken T trust you will excuse my—my—well, my im- pulénce,” he said. ‘A choice cigar, please.” She evidently was not offended, for, instead - of setting forth the ‘‘custom” box, she drew~ from beneath the shelf a box of real Havanas, “IT trust you will smoke at the expense of the resamblanee,” she said, pushing his money back, witha little laugh, ‘‘Such things do not hap- penevery day, you know.” “JY will smoke; and looking through the clouds thatarise from my cigar, I will not, rest assured, forget the giver—nor the past.” She watched her eccentric customer light his cigar and depart, and sent a lingering glance after him, as if sorry to part with him, ‘ es Yankee, otherwise Charlie Hisler,” she said, name before, although I cannot tell where.” She gazed out of the door, even after be was gone, a thoughtful expression upou her face and ~ n her eyes, She was trying to recall to memory something of the past, and yet that something refused to be recalled. A fair maiden of less than nineteen summers, was Crystal Carrol, with features of exquisite symmetry, eyes blue and soulful, and hair that few of her sex could rival, while in figure she was petite and sprightly, : But even though so rater delicate and , inoffensive, she was master of a firm expression of mouth and eye, that told better than words- that she had a spirit of her own, which could not be trampled on. For. some time after Yankee’s departure, she was buried in reverie, until a footstep sounded in the doorway and she looked up to behold the man of reportorial proclivities, who had intro- duced himself to the men of Shining Bar as Charles P, Jones, of the Cavortin’ Cyclone, of Cheyenne, The very appearance of the fellow was suffi- cient to provoke a smile from Crystal, “Ah! good-evening, my pretty miss, if it is not too late, nor too eariy,” was the initial of the Cyclone man, ‘‘ Have you any. very, very choice cigars, say two for a dollar?” “ Cert!” Crystal replied, without offering to produce them. ‘I have some, two for ten dol- lars, -I dare to presume they would fit you.” “ Well, aw—you see—that is, my resources are not so very inexhaustible, just at present,” he stammered. “Well, perhaps cigars at a dollar each would suit you!” Crystal said. “ Ah! in the good old times”—and Charles Pygmalion dived reflectively down into his pockets—‘‘in the good old times when 4 man could sit in his easy-chair and write a half- column paragraph at fitty cents a line—tben was when the representatives of the press could smoke the best of cigars. But on the ’umble pittance of ten a week, a man must nowadays curtail his expenses. Tell you what I'll do, pretty miss, I’m reportin’ for the Cavortin’ Cyclone, of Cheyenne. If you will trust me for ten of the one-ers, Pll take’em, an’ ye can charge it to the firm!” Crystal shook her head. ‘* Cash talks here,” she said, briefly. * And smoke too!” Jones added, with a laugh, and he seized the box from her hand, which she was about to restore to the Shelf, and slid very quickly out of the door. sf Crystal made no attempt to follow him, but there was a confident little twinkle in her starry es, “Tl remember that customer a few days,” she remarked, with a nod of her pretty head. Leaving the store of Crystal Carrol, Yankee ~made bis way to the gaming saloon where he had shortly before seen’Denver Doll enter, Tt was one of the typical dens of the Western mining-town, with its heterogeneous collection of habitues—therefore why describe it? After wandering about the large sapecemens : for some- time, Yankee finally espied Denver

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b Denver Dell’s Device. Doll engaged at a game of cards with Mr, Ver- ner. Sauntering around, the Sport finally suceeed- ed in gaining a position immediately in the rear of the speculaior, in order that that person- age might not be aware of his presence, The game was poker, and Doll won, and as the: pot was for a hundred dollars a side; Verner naturally felt not a little chagrined. **¥ou are very lucky, young woman,” he de- clared, sourly. ‘‘If you have sufficient assur- ance, we will make it five hundred for one game —just one game, you know—no calling for re- venge!” “That is satisfactory to me,” Doll replied, ealmly, and with the declaration she produced a roll of bills, and counted out the sum named, _ Verner did the same, although he had the smaller roll of bills of the two, The game was then played, and the winner was the Detective’ Queen, who pocketed the stakes with a sang froid that was inimitable. Verner took this loss more quietly than he bad the first, ‘but there was an ugly glitter in_his eyes that became as wicked as that of a corrfled rattlesnake when he beheld the quiet smile of the Sport, who stood just behind his chair. “* Very good; you have won, and won honest- ly!” he said. ‘‘ Your success, however, was abetted by the signals of the individual behind me, Charles Hisler, you are a sneak and a spy, and I challenge you here before all, to meet me in mortal combat—a battle of life or death be- tween us.” _ Yankee was somewhat surprised, for he had fancied that his presence in the rear of the speculator was not known to him, “Tf you really challenge, 1 accept,” the Sport answered, calmly. “‘What weapons do you nominate, Lord Vanity?” “The choice, I believe, according to the code of honor, should be left to you,” Verner replied, with intense bitterness of tone. “Then I will take advantage of that right,” Yankee said, grimly. ‘‘Hach man shall strip to the waist, and the weapons shall be salt and pepper, at three yards, propelled from suitable shot-guns. One gun shall be loaded with pow- der, in addition to the salt and pepper, but the other shall not be. We will draw sticks to see who has the shot with the salted gun. No mat- ter who wins, he must stand up and level his weapon in duelistic_fashion, and accept of the general results. Is this agreeable to you?” Verner could not very well say no. He had proposed the due! himself, and that by the code gave Yankee the chvice of arms; so he stiffiv inclined bis head in acquiescence. ‘Will some kindly disposed person lend us a : couple of shot-guns?” Yankee asked, looking over the crowd. A handsome pair of muzzle-loading fowling- pieces were tendered, and after being examined, ‘were eee by the Sport, ‘“* Now the next thing we want is an honest and reliable man to load one of these weapons, as di- rected.” / = “Pray allow me the honor of acting for tbis _ duel!” cried Jones, rushing up: “I have fought and won more than uels myself, and being -with a sharp ring. the favorite reporter for the Oavortin’ Cyclone, 1 ” * can do honor to the occagion. Jones is my name —Chawles Pygmalion Jones, of the Cavortin' Cyclone.” ‘Guess not, Jonesy. Ireckon I'll act in this matter, if ther old court is aware of herself,” Denver Doll cried, arising from the table, “ I'll see that the mill is conducted in square shape! Load it with salt and pepper, did you say, pard?” and she took the guns, ““Yes; give the one weapon a goud dose, and — now, while you're at it, we will retire to the out- side and arrange things.” ‘Pll fix the weapon all rigMt, never fear,” Denver Doll said, as Yankee led the way, and. the crowd followed him out of the room. Procuritg the necessaries from the bartender she retired to one corner of the room, where she eer to load one of the shot-guns as she ad been directed, leaving the other leaning against the wall until she should be ready to take them both from the salcon. : As soon as she had it loaded she left the sa- oon. f Out in the main street of the town the motley crowd was congregated beneath the rays of the moon, which lit up the secene with mellow radi- © ance. The distance had already been measured cff, and the 5 fea hago were ready and in position. Denver Doll’ paused midway between them, and looked from one to tha other, at the same time holding up a coin between the thumb and forefinger of her right hand. “Mr. Verner,” she said, “‘ you have the choice of choosing lots in this affair, Whch shall it be—heads or tails?’ ‘Heads up!” Verner cried, The girl tossed the coin into the air, and it fell upon the hard-pan bottom of the street Yankee advanced and peered “Tails up!” Doll cried. ‘ Yankee, the salt and pepper gun is yours. Take your position; all ready, you spectators on the sides, for this hyar’s got to be a squar’ thing!” ‘ Verner received his weapon with an oath— the oath, more particularly, when he gazed around him and perceived that there was no hope for him to avoid the ordeal, ankee received his weapon, an expression of triumph upon his face. “ Get to your places!” Doll cried. ‘*‘ Mr. Ver- ner, your gun is loaded\with a blank dose of wader, so that can do your antagonist no harm, Verner and down at it. ou must fire, nevertheless, at the given signal, — Are you ready, gents?” ** Ay!” spoke up Yankee, raising bis gun. - relishing the dose in store for him, St “Correct!” the Detective Queen declared. ! ‘All ready! Verner growled, evidently not ~~ “Fire at the word three. One! Two! Three! — Fire! They did fire, each volley being discharged - almost simultaneously. The result caused a murmur of astonishment among the line of spectators, a. Verner was-dancing about frantically, rnb-— bing his chest and face, and howliog with agony—for if none of-you readers have ever “been thar,” leb me remark that a volley of salt *

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vain’ attempted to arise, Denver Doll’s Device. and pepper is not the most delightful thing in the world to encounter, And Yankee! Instead of standing triumphantly to witness the antics of his adversary he had thrown up his hands with a cry and fallen to the ground. Leaving Verner to himself, the crowd, headed by Denver Doll rushed forward to ascertain the cause. Blood was tricklivg from a tiny hole in his left side, which had been made by a bullet, and although he yet retained his senses, he was evi- dently bard hit. “ Great Heaven! you are shot!” Denver Doll cried, kneeling beside him, “You should know. You had charge of the weapons!” Yankee cried, sternly. Denver Doll looked pained and anxious. “True, but as God is my judge I did not put shot in either weapon, nor was I aware that either was thus loaded! “The gal is right!” Old Pap Mount cried. *€ Cavortin’ crockydiles! how could ye hev got a single rifle-bullep wound out_o’ a shot-gun? Some one else has fired at ye, Yankee Doodle— great war-hoss of Taos, yes!” . “Perhaps!” the Sport said, dryly, as he in ‘Will some one as- sist me to some place where I can have my wound dressed?” : “Ob! bring the gentleman to my store—I ~~ havea couch he can he upon until he can find better accommodations!” cried a feminine voice, and Miss Crystal Carrol stepped forward. Few of theminers cared about having a sick man in their house, and therefore the kind offer was accepted; the Sport was borne tn the little store, and laid upon a couch in thesaloon apart- ment, A doctor was then sent for. CHAPTER IV. ~ DENVER DOLL’S DISCOVERY—THE ROAD-AGENTS AT HOME. Denver DoLu may or may not have ap- proved of taking the Sport to Crystal Carrol’s; at any rate, she did not join the little proces- sion that bore him there. Instead, she gave the two weapons a close ex- amination, after which she set out for the | boarding-house, where she had previously put up. : Going up one flight of stairs, sho followed a long hall to the rear of the building, and tinally Asa Queen entered, however, ai entered an apartment of considerable size, where three men were seated around a table mapped in a social game of eucher. hey paused and looked up, as the Detective by the reflection of the candle-light upon their faces we recog- nize three former acquaintances in the persons roa ee eral years, forward a vacant chair, with his foot. ‘faces, as they beheld the Yakie Strauss. There was a look of expectancy upon their youre woman, in ad been for sev- of Walt Christie, Chug, the Chinaman, and whose faithful service they 1 ib ylosely: night, not far from this camp. He had twenty or more men.” 5 ‘“Shimminy sbumpers! you don’d vas say so! Did he make much of a haul?” saat : ‘* Yes; cleaned out the crowd and the treasure- box, and took off the mail-bags. We must once more lay our traps for him, but you have got te lay shady, in disguise. It don’t matter so much about me, as I can look out for number one,. you bet! There’s another lay-out, too, that i hardly expected to find,” ‘** Not—der shild?” ‘*No! but the murderer of the child’s mother, Walt, let me see that locket once more?” ‘‘ Lor? yes, honey, but don’t you gone for to lose it, for I wouldn't take de worl’ fo’ dat locket, w’at I foun’ roun’ dat infant’s neck.” Walt took from ‘around his neck a slender gold chain with a magnificent locket attached to it, which was almost literally inerusted with diamonds, : This chain had been found around the neck of - the child whom Walt bad rescued on the moun- tain-side, a year befere—and since which time littls Grace, as they bad named her, bad been mysteriously abducted from their keeping. Opening the locket in two sections, three pic- tures were revealed, Ths middle one was a correct likeness of little Grace, the left side contained a lifelike picture of the murdered woman Walt had seen in the mountains, as she bad appeared. in life, while the right-hand likeness was of a dashing young - man, singularly like the wounded sport, who had given his name as Yankee, ‘* Yes, yes—there can be no disputing that fact,” Denver Doll murmured. ‘‘ Yankee aad this man are one and the same, and he sbould know of the child, and the crime on that wild snowy night, one year ago. By the way, when Icome to think of it, that woman who keeps the cigar store is the living image of this woman in the picture, although she appears much younger. -Humph! there’s a mystery about this case that needs solving, and the more you tackle it the deeper it grows, Yet, I’ve faith I can un- rayel it. Walt, let me inspect that box once more,” : The box was apparently solid, yet its light weight proclaimed that it had a cavity within— but the question was how to reach it without spoiling the box, for there was_no lid, or visible way of opening it. = “T still believe that this box contains somo important secret in regard to this matter of the ebild,” Doll said, thou;htfully, ‘and it looks ty me as if it was our duty to open it, and find ou. what we can.” | . : : “Yaw, dot vas how vas der matter. Smash der box—but maype der yas dynamite in it,” Yakie suggested, . : “Let her go, den, fo’ suah—but put de box under dat yar rat-wrastler!” said Walt, to whom Chug was an eye-sore, ‘Melican no muchee smartee,” Chug said, — with a contemptuous shrug, ‘‘ Let Chineeman hab box—mebhe open ?im.” : “T dare say,” Doll remarked she handed him the box, — SS vei -Chug turned it over and over and examined for several minutes—then, taking a ro , sarcastically; as

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Denver Doll’s Device. ~ knife from his belt, he scraped away at the edges of the box, industriously.{ }There was evi- dently more silver than alloy in the composition for the metal scaled off quite readily, until sud- denly there was a sharp click, and the lid of the box flew open. The plating had been done around the edges after eee was closed, thereby making it ap- pexr solid. * Well done!” exclaimed Doll. ‘‘ You’re more sute than I gave you credit for being, Chug. Let me see the box.’ She received it, and took therefrom a closely folded document, covered with writing in a sligbtly cramped hand, Spreading it out on the table, she read the contents aloud, but in a low tone, just audible to her companions, It was as follows: “ SacRaMENTO, Cau., July 10, 1878. “To Wham It May Concern :— “1, Gabriel Porter, being of declining health but sound in mind and realizing that Iam nearing the end of my earthly career do hereby make my last will and testament, for the disposal of all my pone: both real and personal, with and subject to the following explanations: “My earthly kin at the following date, so far as_ concern the laws of inheritance, are as follows: I have one dauchter living, who is married to a young man by the name of Charles Eisler, my daughter’s maiden name having been Dora Porter. Frcem their pees has sprung a child, whose name is Ethel Eis- er, ‘ “Tn addition to the above, I have living a brother- in-law, named Valentine Verner, and a niece, his: child by union with my sister, since deceased, whose name is Isabel. “Not having favored the childish union of my child with Eisler, I cannot conscientiously make her my heir direct. ‘ ‘But, agreeable to the stipulations hereinafier meutioned, [do make my daughter’s daughter, Ethel Eisler my sole and only heir to all my wealth, real and personal, without exception—the stipulation be- ing chat said Ethel Kisler shall be living and enjoy- ing good health, andin the custody and charge of one or more of her parents, on the 20th day ot No- vember, A. D. 1880, at whieh period the executors and administrators hereinafter epponies by me, shall have all my property converted into money— and put out on interest, secured by bond and mort< gage the interest payable to the natural guardian of the child for her support, and after her majority, to be placed at her command, - 3 ‘But, providing said Ethel Eisler be not living, on th day and date above mentioned, or shall die upon that. ate, by any cause, all my bequest as above mentioned, shall revert to Isabel Verner, without exception. : _ * IN WITNESS WHEREOF I hereunto do set my hand and seal, on the day and date first above written. “GapRieL PorTER.”” Then followed the names of the gentlemen named as executor and administrator, which need not be mentioned here, _ Denver Doll folded the document and returned it to the box, “That settles that,” she said. ‘*We are on the trail at last, and a part of the mystery is solved in the beginning, But there will be more to be encountered before we get through. It is plain now why Yankee and Verner are enemies. And it is also quite interesting to know where the child is, and who murdered her mother. This man Eisler may bea consummate rascal too, | Jarvis and ‘ing from the windows of the shanties of Shining ~ ‘stools, and a long table used for distributing — ‘dressed in gray beneath his cloak, with top-boots: 9 Then who was it shot him? Humph! there’sa- — number of points left in the com yet, ere eae so get your thinkers together. And you, Walt, — take this box and paper, and see that you do ~~ not. lose it, under penalty of your life, for the aur may never have been probated, as the law calls it. . When the wee sma’ hours of*that night were ssing, and there were but few lights gleam- Bar, a man, enveloped in a dark cloak, witha — slouch ‘hat pulled down over his eyes, ap- ~~ proached Sullinder’s grocery from the rear and tapped upon the back door. : | After a short pause he imitated the chirp of a cricket, then the door was opened and he en- — ~ tered, closing it after him, : ae - At first all was as dark as the shadesofEgypt within the room, but gradually the light of a — bull’s-eye lantern was turned on at one side of the room, and revealed all objectis with sharp © distinctness. : pai The apartment was used for postal purposes, -— and was really a part of the grocery store, the ~ pigeon-holed partition across the room only run- ning half-way up to the ceiling. ° Between the postal-boxes and the rear wall was a large space, however, furnished with uTposes, y pon the stools around this table were seated — half a dozen men, exclusive of the one who had — turned on the ‘ glim.” 2 They all wore cloaks similar to that of the new-comer, and also black vails over their faces. There were bottles and glasses upon the table, and also a number of letters, as yet unopened. The new-comer was a man of fine figure, upon™his feet, a well-equipped weapon-telt— round his waist, and when his slouch bat was raised, a full, attractive face, with sweeping mustache, black eyes and hair to match, was revealed, ee “The captain!” broke in low tones from sev~ eral; and this was introductory of the famous road-rider, McParland. * 4 ‘Sh! Is all well?? he demanded, in a cool, business-like tone, P oe “« All’s welll? one of the men replied. ‘*The— shutters is up, and eurtains down, hours ago. | But I’m risking all by allowing the mocctigaeg 3 S ia here!” <a McParland laughed. ; ‘ “ One can afford to risk much, when he gets a finger in fortune bauls, every few ‘nights — Where's the secretary?” : ha “He hasn’t turned up. Heard he wassick.” _ “Bah! 1 don’t believe it, Still we can get — along without him, How_has the insee aud reconnoissance turned out, that I ordered?” “Bxeellent, captain, Wells-Fargo’s office: has upward of three thonsand on the next stage trip.” 4 a “Good. But it must be secured from the» office here. There's a military company repor' ao moving through the hills, in this direction—so — it will be advisable to let the trail cool off for awhile.. Kelly, I appoint you and Sullinder, — Morris. to make the tap at Bargo's. é

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10 Denver Doll’s Device. —— You have all things ready I believe. I will get back to the hills, and there will be another meeting here to-morrow night, after the Post- office closes.” : CHAPTER V. THE BLACK-BEARDED MAN, THE next morning Shining Bar’s agent for Wells-Fargo Company awoke to the most un- welcome fact that the office had been entered during the night, the safe unlocked, and all of its valuable contents taken. When the news got abroad, the camp vas once more thrown into a great state of cora- motion, and citizen Markward,(who by the way was a heavy loser by the robbery) together with Burke, the chief of the Vigilantes, and several other influential men of Shining Bar, by agree- ment called upon Denver Doll, at the Occi- dental boarding-house. y They were shown into the parlor, where they were shortly joined by the young Detective Queen, who was looking remarkably fresh and pretty after a night’s rest. Se had met Burke before, and by him was introduced to the other members of the party, os ter which she was informed of the safe-rob- ery. ‘And now we have come,” said Markward, ‘to sea if we cannot enlist you to put an end to this series of depredations, and bring this McParland and his band to justice. We have heard that you are by profession a detective, literally a ¢ agent chief.” “Perhaps I am, but I may have private reasons for this. One is not apt to spend much valuable time, unrewarde, in hunting down a dasperado, unless he or she has some private object in view. I am sorry to hvar of these depredations, as it places this section*of the ' country in a feverish state of excitement, and keeps many good people away. Perhaps a re- ward would tempt some daring spirit to hunt this road-agent to his lair.” . “There are several rewards offered by pri- vate parties, already.” “Yes, and still, without meaning offense, these same parties, or at least some of them, may be greatly assured in offering the re- wards,” The significance in her tone conveyed the meaning pretty plainly, even if the words did not. ‘““You mean tosay that if they had to pay these offered rewards, they would not eventu= ally be anything out of pocket?” “Well, yes—that is, ’ve dreamed that such Hoy might easily ‘be worked, in cases like ais. “T myself have sometimes cherished an idea that McParland bas associates in this town,” , “Thave no doubt of it, and possibly might, _ after a study, suspicion some one, were a quiet thousand dollars to back the event of my cap- ture of one of the ringleaders!” “ That can be arranged right here among us,” Markward announced. ‘‘ We are ‘all men of responsibility, and will pledge you the amount for the capture of one of the ringleaders. After that we will bargain wit you further,” } - etective on the track of the road-. ‘‘ Very well; it’s a bargain. Iwill go to work quietly, and you must all do the same, so far as furnishing me any needed assistance. If I cannot Se anything by the 20th of No- vember, I will give it up as a bad job.” ‘“‘ Ah! what peculiarity has that day?” ” “Tt may have several, you know—it may have none! But, so-long!” and bowing, she walked away, leaving the gentlemen to depart with a feeling that women are always the ‘weaker sex,” ; Yankee, after being removed to Crystal Car- rol’s after the duel, had his wound dressed, and felt a little better, though by no means what could be called frisky. 5 The bullet bad passed not far from a vital spot, and on being extracted proved to be one of such.as are used in 88-caliber sporting rifles, Crystal bustled about and waited on him with alacrity, prepared him some stimulant, and then a piece of toast, all the time chatting in her own artless manner, until he finally nearly forgot his wound, and dropped asleep, He did not awaken until late the next morn- ing, when, on opening his eyes, he beheld his hostess behind the counter, engaged in waiting upon a customer—a burly, black-haired and be- whiskered chap. ““Ahl you have had quite a sleep for a sick man,” Crystal said, smiling over at him. ** How are you feeling?” “ Pretty well, thanks to the efforts of my ad- mirable nurse!” Yankee replied. ‘'{ reckon I can navigate once more,” “Don’t try to exert yourself, please. I will get you some breakfast in a_moment.” wee ‘You seem mighty anxious to retain your atient,” the man at the bar growled, in a low, oarse tone, but as low as were the words, Yan- kee overheard them, : “What's this?” flashed through his mind. “The gent of black aspect speaks rather famil- iarly, it seems to me, for a customer.” Crystal did not look toward the Sport, but giving the black-beard a scowling look, went behind the counter into the cigar room in front, we customer following her example via the slat oor, Then, for several minutes, Yankee heard a low and at times sullen murmur of voices, but could not distinguish what was said, though he concluded the interview was not exactly har- monious, “T wonder if that is the lover of my fair hostess?’ he mused. ‘If so, she has a very poor choice, barring that be is not in disguise, which I should not be surprised if he was, Humph! strange things in this life, Aithough now satisfied that I am wrong, I cannot shake off the likeness of this woman to my lost Dora. I could almost love her for the resemblance, But, no; I’ve no time to love now, except for my lost ones, and to pursue the bitter trail of vengeance!” ? His reverie was brought to a close for a time by the entrance of Crystal, the black-bearded gent having taken his departure. ~ ‘Oh! have I kept you waiting long?” she apol- ogized; ‘‘ these rough customers are such bores, ‘ 5 Ay Big

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) ily Denver Doll’s Device. sometimes, you™know. [ will have you some- thing to eat soon.” “Tam so aware from encounters with several of the species!” Yankee replied. He then arose, and with an effort found that he could walk slowly about the room. ‘Oh! Pll be all right, soon!” he declared, ‘‘Have you no idea who could have shot you, sir?’ Crystal asked. ‘* Not in the least, as I had noticed every face present within bullet range of the dueling- round, before the circus began. I wonder how a erner the Valiant is feeling? Rather spicy, I dare say.” The breakfast of venison, toast and coffee was soon ready, and Yankee partook of it heartily, after which he slipped a twenty-dollar gold-piece into Crystal’s hand, and took his hat. ‘«There’s a partial recompense for your ser- vices to me!” he said, ‘‘ together with my heart- felt thanks, and if I can ever be of any service to you, pray do not besitate to command me.” “Oh, sir! I could not_ think of accepting pay for so slight a favor. Please take your money back!” ; “By no means, Keep it. Some time I might be your enemy, but never as long as you keep that!” he said, with strange intensity. ‘‘How do you mean?” she asked, looking up at him, with a faint blusb upon her cheeks, ‘Oh! it’s a story of a lost love and a wrecked life, which I would not like to relate, as noth- ing but pain and regret can accompany “the narration, You are the living image of one who is lost to me, I suppose, forever. But, good-day!. I will stir about, and hunt me up a boarding-place.” hash He then took his departure, but by the time he had reached the ‘‘ Monaco” he was obliged to go in, and sit down awhile, ust as he was about to leave, Denver Doll entered, and saw and approached him, ‘ “T am glad tosee you around so quick, but am afraid you area little too hasty,” she said. “T trast you believe { was not instrumental in causing your wound,.Mr. Hisler?” . “JT must believe you are not, as I doubt if a thirty-two caliber bullet imbedded in a shot- un wad, could hardly have hit so correctly, as erner’s weapon was leveled at my heart.” “Tam of the opinion that some enemy took the chance to get in his work on you, when there was so good an opportunity.” “Bnemies, eh? I shall first have to look around and see if J have any!” ‘“T can assure you that you have one at least and cannot one hire others?” **- You refer to Verner?” oe Ves rt 4 _4* How—that is; what do voy know of his en- mity toward me?” ‘““As much as yourself, perhaps.” * But how—what?” “Ob! well, if it will satisfy you, I might re- mark that it is getting close enough to the 20th of November to cause Mr, Verner some bright anticipations—or rather his daughter.” Yankee started, violently. ‘Where did you get hold of this thing?” ‘Oh! accidentally, of course. Detectives are supp sed to know all things.” ; seas eP } Yankee did not reply, but sat staring at the floor, an unnatural light in his eyes. Denver Doll noticed it, and remarked: “Perhaps I should not tell you, under the present circumstances, but I will. She was foand that cold November night about one year ago!” CHAPTER VI. YANKEE ON THE WAR-PATH, ; YANKEE started more Violently than before at this. “ She! shel—whom do you mean? For God’s sake speak!” “Your wife, where you left her cold and stiff in death—murdered, mind you—with her little child freezing beside her.” “What! You tell me this with the insinuation that I did the job!” be cried, fiercely. ‘t Have a care how you accuse me!” “Well, the crime has. to be shouldered by some one, and.we do not at present know any one else to suspect!” “ But the child! the child!” “Was brought to my camp and I adopted it. It was afterward kidnapped from me, since eet have never been able to find any trace of it. “Oh! God! This news is worse than the sus- nse I have been bearing, for I have been try- ig to believe them both dead, God knows I - could never have done them any harm whom I loved so! Did you bury my wife?” “No. She was discovered by cone of my men. The child and what clews could be found, were first brought to this:very camp, then, our camp. . When we returned for the body, no trace of it: could be found.” ‘Yankee’s face was buried in his hands, and tremor shook his figure, Deepest grief seemed his, which, for the time being forbade speech. Finally, however, he said: a “Tt is a blow I have undergone, which would : kill any ordinary man, Still, 1 must brace up and take comfort in the thought of ae 4 CH For revenge I will have on the one who broke up my home, if it is the last act of my life. Do you know who that man was? Here! I will ae you”—and he spoke the name in a low one. c= “is - Denver Doll looked her surprise, “Will you tell me the circumstances of the case?” she asked. - * /*No! not now. Iam not sufficiently nerved to bear tip under the rehearsal] at present. Some other time will do, Verners will triumph. Have you Gabriel Por- ter’s will?” » ‘ At my command.” ; Sis “Tt is well, for there is no verbatim copy of it, and it is not recorded—that is, 1 do not think itis, IiLowever,the Verners know the purport of the will. Now, you “ars in possession of so “many facts of the case, I want you te Lelp me through with it, and you can command your price.” : A Denver Doll gazed at him a moment? reflec- tively, as if reading his. nature, his secrets, hi very being, before giving her answer. > ‘““T take but precious little stock inmen!” she vf bee = y I must recover my — child before the 20th of the month, or the | te ! oh

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iz Denver Doll’s Device. ey said, finally, and her tone was proof that she meant what she said. “Still, for the sake of the dear little child, to whom I became greatly attached—for her sake, I will endeavor to do all “in my power for you. You must look out sharp for yourself. If you don’t the first you know you won’t know nothing. You have seen Miss Crystal Carrol?” “Yes. She bears a most striking resemblance to my lost wife,” * * Might she not be Dora?” ~*No, I fear not, lively, and all I said to her in regard to my trouble did not seem to affect her.” **Ob! well, resemblances are often encoun- tered. You keep quiet now and get well, and I will see what I can do for you.” Valentine Verner had not escaped the volley of salt and pepper. His breast, neck and face were full of it, and for hours he was in most acute agony. The evening following Denver Doll’s inter- view with Yankee, the Verners sat in their eomfortable parlor, Mr. Verner being engaged in writiog at the desk .in one corner, Miss Isabel, a stately brunette of four-and-twenty, satin a luxurious rocker, in front of the fire- place, her slippered feet upon the fender, and * the fire-light shining upon her face. It was not exactly a handsome face, but what might be termed a coldly pretty face. The eyes and hair were jetty black, the first possessed of a power warm up wondrously when anything pleased er. She was evidently a woman who could love intensely, or hate rancorously. She was engaged*in kuitting some piece of fancy work, and ever and anon glanced toward her wounded parent. ; At last he laid aside his pen. ‘All the papers are made out,” he said, speaking more to himself than to her, ‘To- morrow [ will sell and receive the cash for all my real estate here, ready to go back to Sacra- ‘mento, The twentieth is growing nearer and nearer.” **And no tidings of Dora nor the child?” Isabel said, inquiringly. ** None, since She left Hisler, and fled to parts |. unknown. Wisler is here, and for a purpose, _ A eertain enemy of his is also in the vicinity. I _ fancy he suspects that this enemy has the child in bis possession,” **“You mean McParland?” s ‘ Hxactly.” ier ‘ “Pshaw! I do not believe it:” “What cause have you to form any opinion on the subject whatever, pray?” ‘ae ves none, perhaps!” Isabel replied, lan- guidly.. ~- 3 ; : ‘But, on the contrary, perhaps you have!” Verner retorted, sharply, ‘Ss here. Tesbel, you know better thun to try to deceive me. “For soma time past you have Kadacaller, I — avencver before interested myself enough to ask who, trusting you were capable of Icokirg out for yourself. But. a few nights since I saw "a suspicious character in a mask and cloak leavo the house, as I was approaching it, Could you accommodate me with his name?” She is more vivacious and. Fire leaped into the daughter's black eyes, “T dare say I could if I chose,” she answered, ‘“*T don’t, however, consider it necessary for a parent to be too i ean where his bosom friends are concerned!” : Verner, with an effort, smothered an oath, ‘‘ What in Heaven’s name do you- mean?” he demanded, leaping to his feet. ‘J mean,” Isabel said, “‘ that I have a lover, or, rather, have been quietly receiving the at- tentions of a man, who professes toadore me. This man is-an intimate pal of yours, Is it necessary that I should mention any names?” - “No! nol not at all! not at all!” the parent protested hastily. ‘But this thing must be stopped.” F ‘Hal ha!” Isabel laughed. ‘I am not pav- ticular. Since Yankee has come here, I am easily appeased.” **Mention not that ruffian to me, in connec- oe with yourself, J’lldisown you if you notice im! ‘Oh! well, if the subject is too sprey for you, drop it!” was the stinging retort. . Just then there came a rap at the door, “A caller on business; you may retire,” Ver- ner said, motioning her to a rear room. “Tt is hay necessary!” she replied, signi- ficantly ; ‘* still I will obey.” ‘ And she vanished. if ‘Verner then opened the door, and admitted the visitor, who was the same black-haired and bewhiskered, individual who had earlier in the ae! been at Crystal Carroll’s store, BS, e nodded familiarly and took a seat. Verner also became seated. = Well?” he said, interrogatively, > “Well!” the other replied, ‘why were you, not around to see me?” eyo “J was sick,” the speculator growled. ‘ Look at me!” ¥ The man grinned: ‘* You are a pet for beauty now,” he said. ‘‘ Why didu’t you finish the job for your antagonist?” © “Tt was not I that fired the shot—that is why. What is your errand here to-night?” : “Teame on two errands, or more’ properly -one, as both are connected, Are you prepared _ to be surprised?” Oh! likely IT can stand the shock.” *You ought to,” the other returned. ‘To my own knowledge you are hardened enough to withstand a cannon-ball, .Well, to be out with it—I am in love!” Verner A hacer but did not reply, “Yes, IT am in love!” the caller went on, “tho? it may appear strange, The object of my adoration— “Ts locked in the next room, of her ewn choice, to save enduring te agony of a meeting: with you,” the Spcculator interrupted, mati- ciously. x : \ The man.of the black beard winced, then seemed to grow furious. 3 “Valentine Verner!” he cried, sternly. 7“ John MeParland!” the other returned, coolly, é 5 The road-agent fairly trembled when his ‘name was uttered, c ‘Sbl curse you,” he gritted, : “Do you not know that walls sometimes have ears? a snug

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re. Denver Doill’s Device. of this nonsense, Let it be no secret that I love your daughter, and have decided to make her my wife, You, as a matter of course, will con- sent, and that will settle the whole business, without any parley,” ; ‘‘ Asa matter of course you are a confirmed idiot to think of such a thing. My daughter marry you—you, an outlaw, a road-agent and rascal. Ha! ba! ha!” a ‘Ha! hal if youlike. True, Iam an outlaw in the eyes of the public—a man given to the delectable peace of stopping stages and re- lieving plethoric purses; but, you are no better than I, for you are one of the chisels of which I am the mallet. Your daughter I adore, and have sworn to have her.” ‘And I swear you shall not. She is already engaged to the man of her choice—the same in ividual who salivated me with salt and pep- ret The scheming speculator watched closely for some visible effect of this speech, but saw none, : McParland was not nibbling at such baif, so to speak. He calmly lit a cigar, and then said: ‘“You speak hastily, without considering the man you are addressing, nor your own interests, My reputation ought to assure you that Iam the wrong customer to trifle with. Besides, the 20th of November is but a few days off.” Verner leaped to his feet with a cry. ‘* A's I suspected. You haye the child.” McParland tipped back in his chair witha grim smile, ‘Well, you’re about right,” he responded. ‘And you purpose to use this child as a means of foreing a@ marriage with my daugh- ter?” “t Perhaps.” ! ‘ What if I refuse?” ‘That ‘matters not, She is her own master.” ** But she will refuse,” z ‘Let her. The child is salable.” “Curse you! What do you want?” : “Tl tell you: First of all, I want all your wealth, and your daughter as my wife. The child will then never come to light. When your daughter comes into her fortune, she will take e of you, and all will go as merry as a marriage bell.” = ““Wouldn’t that be nice, though? But I am not in the game, Parents poor, who depend on rich daughters, never cultivate the gout.” - McParland arose, and’ carefully readjusted his disguise. : “Well, I'll give you a chance to consider,” he remarked. ‘‘ It’s plain to me whom I shall sell the kid to, if I can’t earn a wife out of the bar- in, - And with these words he abruptly left tho house. # soon as he had gone Verner arose, and suddenly opened the door of the adjoining room, to find, as he had expected, Isabel just rising from a crouching position, where she had been listening. : “So you neve been playing eavesdropper, eh?” .. bg nieséd, savagely. “Tam sure I might listen to the voice of my lover!” she retorted. ~ ai: “aroused |” | waxed out to a point. the shelf. “Curse your lover!" he roared, ‘‘ You think = zoe > eter ae. by coming to his terms you can win. We shall see, I am vous parent—your friend. If you leave me, I'll put you in the way for a coffin, be- fore you see a cent of the Porter inheritance!” And foaming with rage, he turned and quit- — ted the house, slamming the door after him, Isabel stood in the center of the room, her figure drawn to its fullest hight, her face white, her eyes warmed up with an unnatural fire, “Tam to he the chooser, eh? came from be- tween her teeth, in a sibilant whisper—‘‘ it’s father or busband, eb? Well! I will consider, but. L rather think the coffin is not made that will bold me, If I have to play for the game, ~ why should I play to lose?” ““« Ther crockydile he swallered a ham, He swallered a ham; He swallered a ham; Then got sucked in by a Natchez clam, One cold stormy morning.” “Owl omelets an’ fricasseed frogs, thet’s no sarcumstance, pee Reporter did ye say? Lor’ bless ye—] kin squat down on ther bulge — eend uv a ballwhip, an’ tell ye ernuff in a min- nit, ter confuse ye fer a year! Pap ismy name — —Old Mount. I’m a snorter,t am—a reg’lar © amalgamated double-action, steel-hardened, fine-tooth terror from Taos.” : “But, my dear sir, allow me te get in a — single word. Iam Jones—Chawles Pygmallion — Jones of the Cavortin’ Cyclone o’ Cheyenne. 1 come in quest of items—items, slr—not vernac- ular phrases, Do you know of any sensational tid-bits, as it war—has any man’s wife broke his nose or vice versa? have any three-legged — calves been born in the neighborhood? hasany — one talked about his neighbor, «r committed — suicide by swallerin’ left-handed shot-guns, three-legged dictionaries, or the like? Sir, in — thename of the Cavortin’ Cyclone, leommanhd ~ you to impart to me the news, or I shall muti-* Jate you.» lama bad man-when my mercury is” Pretty well lubricated with whisky, better — known in Shining Bar as “ life-preserver,” and “sweet by-and-by,” those two characteristicem- , blems of indigenous humanity, Jones and Mennt, ~ had entered the Monaco, arm inarm, and waltz- ed toward the bar, bebind which the roseate — poison-compounder, Emily, presided with aus- — tere grace, his infantile apology of a mustache ~ “ Ahem! gud mornin’! Pap saic, stroking bis - beard, and glancing at the array of bottles ae ‘Ahem! that is—Mr. Barkeeper, Pll make ye — %quaint? wi’ ther reporter o’ ther Cavortin’ Cy- — clone,.o’ Shian, and we are werry dry—that is, cussed dry. Heer’s to us young fellers! so set forth ther bottle o’ ‘ by-an’-by,’ and we wine dulge in a little expression uo? good kumor,”* 34 The darling dispenser gazed at his two wou be customers with stupendous hauteur, and rap-— ped upon the counter with his knuckles, as much — as to say, ‘‘ Come down!” ; : Pap felt in his pockets, 1 sighed, " Jones felt i

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1 34 Denver Dall’s Device. ; i Outside Pap took an empty flask from his pocket and filled 1t with water. ' *Now-I’m jest goin’ ter play magic, like when by er doubl:-j’inted incantation I transformed ther mouth uv a Chinaman inter an eight-day canal, -When I git ther galoot terchase me yeou slip behind ther bar an’ grab all ye kin ‘carry an’ run, We'll divvy outside.” Into the Monaco went the festive pair, and up to the bar. z » Pap held up his enpty hands and made sev- eral queer motions, when like a flash a bottle, apparently filled with liquor, appeared in his asp, Believing it one of his own flasks, and- seeing Pap turn and run, the barkeeper uttered a howl of rage, leaped over the bar and gave chase. As he leaped over in one direction, Charles Pygmalion Jones leaped over inthe opposite, and instead of landing wpon the floor went through an open trap door rub-a-dub-dub-dub down a pair of stairs into the cellar, Fearing to go above again, he looked about for some place of concealment. E3pying what he supposed was an empty bar- rel, he leaped into it and—went down, down, down into utter darkness—iown into the dis- fer of a mine, far into the depths of the ear on out and weak by the time night arrived, Yankee had retired early to his room in the bgarding-house, ; It was'a rather small apartment, at the rear end of the building, and furnished with a nar- row bed, a stand and a chair. ' _ One window, without a curtain, shutters or fastenings, looked out into the rear yard, from which any one could easily ascend*to and raise the sash, _. “Nota very savory berth for a man whodon’t _ know when he is liable to get popped over,” he _ muttered, looking out of the window. ‘If Iam not Brently mistaken, I shall have visitors to- ~ night—at le that effect. Sol will take care not to be caught os zs - Together with his coat and some other clothes he manufactured a dummy and covered it over in bed so as to represent a man sleeping there; then he crept under the bed, where he could not be seen, and, armad with his revolvers, waited. 4g _ It was a long wait, but his patience was not _ easily tired. A clock in another part of the ' house struck one, and all seemed quiet in the vicinity. -_ Still another hour passed, and then he heard Tyststen3in the hall outside, followed by a cau- _ tious tap on tie door, Aftera moment tis same cautious tap, tap was repeated; then followed a silence of nearly half an hour, ; _ *Taat was only.a ruse to see if I was awake,’ a concluied, ‘I can reasonably look out fora visit from the window now.” -. From where he lay*under the bed he had au unobstructed view of the window without being fo danger of being seen himself. Ny é ast Lhave a kind of foreboding to. - He was right about the attack in that direc~! from covert, revolvers in hand, tion. It was not long ere he heard a noise on the outside of the house, as: if a ladder were being placed against it,” and a moment later, the head and shoulders of a person was discern- itle outside the window, It was a man whose face was masked, and whose Lead wore a broad- brim hat. Cautiously he raised the window, and then silently crept into the room, Yankee perceived that he clutched a murder- ous-looking knife in his hand. ‘* Humph! if he murders the dummy wichout discovering the joke, Pll follow him, see where he goes to, and who he is,” he muttered. With bated breath the would-be murderer approached the bedside—then came three quick, heavy blows, and the assassin retreated toward the window. ‘*Ha! ha! he’ll never interfere with any of my plans again, I'll warrant!” the Sport heard him say as he clambered down the Iadder. __ From under the bed then came the Sport, and he was out and.down the ladder but a few minutes after the assassin, who was making leisurely off for the outskirts of the camp, up the gulch, Like a sleuth-hound Yankee followed him, Eat care to keep as much out of sight as pos- sible. For perhaps ten minutes this flight and pur- suit continued, when the Sport saw the assassin enter a clump of chaparral. ; Cautiously approaching it, ho heard human voices, and soon saw two figures standing in a little opening into which the moonlight streamed. One was the masked man—the other was none ‘other than the cigar store beauty, Crystal Carrol! ‘* Well, are you here at last?” the masked man demanded, .ia a tone that was anything but ptems ” Crystal replied, spirited! S$ you see, rys' replied, spiritedly. ‘Pray where have you been?” ‘t Looking after you.” ‘* Well, you will know where to find me after this. There shall be no more clandestine meet- ings. I have about come to the conclusion, Ralph, that*you had better pay your attentions to some one else, as [ do not think I care par- ticularly for you.” “You don’t, eh?” His tone was savage. “You've changed your national choice to a Yankee, have you?” . ** Possibly. He is at least a gentleman.” ‘Undonbtedly, I hear from Miss Verner that he once had a wife, who was the image of you, whom he beat, and who was otherwise abused by him, until, to save the life of herself and her child, she fled. This is the roue you would: for- sake me for, is it—me, a titled nobleman?” “T hardly believe you are what you claim, Ralph. Besides, I have great faith that és Yankee is all a woman could desire,” “ Weii, then know. Miss Crystal Carrol, that Yankee, as you call hits, has een murdered in his bed. I just heard so as I cams from the town!” a5 Sy “¢ You lie!” , {t was Yankee: who said this, as he sprung ma ~

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Denver Doll’s Device. 15 CHAPTER VII. THE CONSPIRACY—DENVER DOLL ON TRAIL— THE REPORTER IN A BAD BOX. Hap a thunderbolt fallen at the feet of Crys- tal aud her lover, neither could have been more surprised than at the sudden appearance of Yankee, the Sport, who made his introductory bow upon that dramatic scene, coatless, hatless, and bootiless. ‘You lie!” Yankee cried again, leveling his revolvers upon the masked man. ‘“* You did not murder me, my fine fellow, as you supposed; but, instead, you stabbed a dummy I had pre- pared for you in bed!” : Crystal screamed. ‘““Did this man try to murder you?” she de- manded, shrinking toward Yankee. “As you have heard. He entered my room, but got his work in on my coat and some bed- clothes, while I was under the bed. Who are he my noble desperado? What is your name, say? ~ The man stood in grim silence. He wouldnot answer, but was evidently looking for a chance to escape. Yankee comprehended his motive, and nodded his head with a grim smile. z ** Just you try it!” he said. into a perforated plaster if you do. rol, who is this man?” “Oh, please do not barn? him!” ‘That is not answering my question.” ‘* No—but—but please do not hurt bim, His uname is Sir Ralph Raphael, a gentleman from Europe.” ‘*Bah! Sir Ralph fiddle-sticks! Has he been stuffing your head up with this? I can tell you who he is, without seeing his face. He is John McParland, the road-agent!” Crystal gasped. , Her lover gave vent to a fearful oath. ‘Tis false!” he gritted, trying to sneak his hand toward his belt. ‘Tis truc!”. Yankee cried, ‘‘ Remember my caution. I have met you at last, and before we part we shall have a_settlement. Where is my wife and child, John McParland? Speak before I murder you!” ~ Fiercely spoke the handsome Sport, and it was evident that he meant, with intense earnest- ness, every word he said. McParland evidently saw that there was no use for him to resist—just at present, anyhow— ; for he removed his mask with a growl, and his darkly-handsome face was exposed to view in the moonlight. Y ‘“‘ How should I know about your wife?” he growled, twisting his nustache. ‘I am not a stock-jobber in other men’s wives.” “You know where you murdered her, you accursed hound! Tell me, then, where she is buried?” ‘‘T know not where you will find her, if so be it that she is dead. I did not kill her.” Click! One of Yankee’s weapons came to full cock in an instant. “*Chaw back that lie! One—two—” ‘Let up!” McParland interrupted. ‘' Rather than get split on a bullet [ll acknowledge any- ing. I did not kill your wife, but know the , ‘Pll fix you over iss Car- Se ee ee man that struck the blow, She was wander- ing, balf-demented, through the miountains. I knew this person was on her trail, and I set out to baffle his purpose. I failed. 1 cama? upon her body, but the child was gone, I bore the body toa cavern, and then laid it away, where no wild beasts could get at it. Some time after- ward I recovered the child, and have it still in my possession, I ama bad man, Yankee Hisler, but I never killed the woman you won from me for your wife—nor any other woman. I am not a@ woman-slayer.” The Sport listened with unvarying expres- sion of countenance. “Tf you did not kill her, who did?’ he de- manded, cee “Valentine Verner!” McParland replied, with a strange chuckle. ‘*But did you capture thechild from Verner?” “Certainly; and he has since offered to give — me his daughter in exchange for the child.” ““You are a chronie liar!” Yankee retorted, savagely. ; e ** Whoever secured the child, secured it from the camp of Denver Dol! and her detectives. That shows conclusively that Verner did not have her, which he likely would, if he bad mur- dered my wife. So, fiirther denial of the crime is utterly useless. You swore to break up my happy home, and you succeeded, You swore Cg would be revenged upon me through those held dearest, and you did so. John McPar- - land, I have made up my mind to kill you. So say your prayers, if you desire, as you shall have but five minutes’ respite!” : McParland laughed recklessly. if “* Any harm that comes to-me effectually settles the fate of Ethel Hisler!” he chuckled, villainously. ‘* When I die, those who bold the child in their power have pledged themselves to kijl the child! ‘ “Say what you like. I have sworn to have revenge, and I will not be balked. You have two more minutes. On your knees and pray, you dog. One!” McParlanti stood immovable, defiance ex- pressed upon his face, and in his gleaming Die Near to Yankee stood Crystal Carrol, white with terror, and trembling at what seemed im- pending death to the mountain road-rider, “Two !” Yankee said, sternly. There was no pity in his tone-he was as relentless:as ever fate could be. Still with bulldog defiance stood the road- agent, not a tremor of fear seeming to affect him, although death stared him in the face, Yankee’s keen eye noticed this, and a feeling of admiration struggled into bis heart. - The Sport’s pistol-hand raised a trifle higher, and his lips were about to move tospeak the — fatal ‘‘'three,” Eat With a cry Crystal Carrol sprung forward and\threw her arms about Yankee, thus knock- ing aside his aim. . j ‘Oh! don’t hurt him, Yankee Eisler—for my sake don’t fire—-for the sake of me, who loves you! Ob! pray don’t shoot!” she screamed, frantically, and she clung to him so persistently — that he could not use his pistol-arm. McParland was not the man to stand on cere- — mony, when he saw an advantage to improve, t

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ig and seeing that Yankee was momentarily pow- -erless to act, he turned and ran like a deer. Before Wisler could disengage herself, the King of the Road was ata safe distance from sight or hearing. ankee finally put Miss Carroll off, and Stood with a baffled expression gazing in the direction the outlaw had gone, oe he turned his gleaming eyes upon Crys- ta. **You have succeeded well in freeing the man whose life itis my aim to take, Perhaps your lover can thank you for it—I cannot!” he said, bitterly. “T am not so fortunate as to have~a lover, ani what I did was simply tosave you from doing murder!” she replied, calmly. ‘‘Come! go back to Shining Bar, and thank me that your hand is not stained with human blood.” Ho uttered a sort of hollow, unearthly laugh at her earnestness. ‘Maybe you aro right,” hesaid. ‘‘We will --go back before we.are discovered. I feel some- what exhausted!” ; She took his arm, and as they walked leisurely back toward the town she found that be had spoken the truth. He was really weaker than he would admit, and it was only his nerve- paver that kept him up until he reached the - boarding-house, where, after bidding Crystal good-by, he slowly ascended the ladder to bis room. And he had no sooner gained his bed than his senses took leave of him. ‘Twere necessary that a couple of days of comparative quiet should ensue, in Shining Bar, in order to give the excitable inhabitants thereof time to wear off the effects of the seV- eral stirring events that had occurred. The miners settled down to work, the gam- blers phed their vocation with -less profit and . the main street presented a scene of less bustle '. than before, Denver Doll was occasionally seen about town, but her actions were not such as to arouse suspicion that she was in any way trying her _- hand at her business, Yankee had got out again, and Valentine Verner was seen on the street and about the -mines, which he now only controlled as man- ager, having sold out his interests, But even when in lack of a stirring sensation, Shining Bar was destined to haye something to attract attention and comment, This something was embodied in the person of a Mile. Zoe, who had arrived on the stage, bag- gage and all, and had hired a marquee put up Ob & vacant space near the Monaco, and then “bung out a banner, bearing the following: . MLLE. ZOE, FORTUNE-TELLER, AND SECOND-SIGHT SEER. The Past, Present and Future Revealed, or Money Refunded, aS Hera was a novelty that Shining Bar had never had cause to wonder at before, and natur- = pep Fipple of curiosity was aroused. hat the mademoiselle looked Jike no one knew, because she dressed in deepest black, and her face was ever hidden back of a heavy vail. Denver Dell’s Device. She was seldom seen on the street, except go- ing to and from her boarding-house to the mar: quee, A couple of miners had ventured their half eagle for an interview, and came out telling of the wonderful things Mlle. Zoe had done, in the way of imparting information of the past, present and future. Yankee stood upon the steps of the Monaco, the third evening after McParland’s escape, gazing at the marquee, “Tye half ‘a notion to call on Mile, Zoe,’ he muttered to himself, ‘just to see what sbe is like. Guess I will,” He walked slowly over toward the marquee, and pulling aside the curtain, entered, half angry at himself for doing so, Within was but little that was attractive. A sort of raised platform or dais had been ar- ranged, and covered by a carpet, Its only fur- niture was a chair, upon which sat the black- clad figure of a woman, whose face was deeply vailed, and hands gloved. She bowed as Yankee entered and approached er. “What will ze gentleman bave—his fortune told, or ze past, present and ze future reveuled to him?” she asked, in a clear, winning tone. “TE you'll drop off the French and talk U. S. A., Pl have ae attempt to 5 oe my affairs,” Yankee replied, in a bluff but good-natured way. a “Tecan talk pure American,” Mile, Zoo said, sweetly, ‘I think I can tell you much that will surprise you. You wish to know of the past?’ - * * Yes—you might as well grind out the whole © erie, since it costs the same!” the Sport replied dryly. ** Well, you are a Californian?” ‘**-You could have easily learned that.” **T do not depend except on myself for infor- mation. You have for some years led a wild life, gambling being one of your passions, You loved one girl—were beloved by two, but wedded the one of your choice, who also had another lover, to whom she was not entirely indifferent. Well, after marriage, you failed to break from your old habit of gambling, and in consequence you and your wife failed toagree and you grew jealous because she chatted now and then with her old lover, your.rival, Tbings went along. until, in a fit of jealousy, you left home. When you returned, repentant, it was too late. Your wife had also gone, taking ber child with her!” ‘* By Heaven, you are right!” Yankee cried, excitedly. ‘‘ It was I who was to blame for all. But, woman, who are you who know so much of my history? Speak, for T will know!” And he took a step forward, authoritatively, _ But a revolver gleaming in her hand caused him to pause. ‘Tam Zoe, the fortune-teller; you came here to pay me for information, and [ trust, act like a gentleman,” she said, quietly. ceed ‘*Go ahead,” Yankee responded, wincing, “Well, to resume, this wife and child wan- dered into the mountains, and were pursued, and the wife was murdered by Mi arland, the ade EEE * Shall I pro:

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Pad Dezver Doll’s Device. The child was rescued, but after- is now in MeParland’s rival lover. ward retaken, and camp.” ce Von are anexpert at your business,” Yankee said, with sarcasm. ‘‘You are well versed in the case, but I already have learned all that your revelation discloses. Can’t you give me something new?” ‘+T bave not dume, yet,” Zoe replied, unrufiled at his taunt, ‘‘ Your present is one of great importance—more than was the past. A fortune is pending on your child. You want her—so do otners, and each is ready to pay for her, and your enemy has the advantage by being on in- timate terms with the child’s capter. fo that, although you may employ detectives, it is likely the 20th of, November will without your seeing anything of your cbild—then, nor there- after—uniess you go at the matter in a different way. There is but one person who can get pos- session of Ethel Eisler, on short notice, and that person is myself!” Yankee whistled. “T thougbt you were workin something of the kind!” he said. ‘ banks are all frauds.” ‘* Nevertheless, [ will wager all my money that I can produce the child within a certain number of hours. My price is your hand in marriage. You are handsome, and I am by no means a fright. We would make an excellent worldly team, I fancy.” ‘‘Undoubtedly! But, child or no child, for- tune or no fortune, I am not in the matrimonial market.” j ‘Oh! Well, you have not had time te con- sider yet. After-thought may bring a change. Possibly I shall possess the child, and if I can do nothing better, can sell it to Verner. He is, I understand, very anxious to possess her, so that he can put it out of the way. My pro- fessional charges are five dollars.” ‘Dirt cheap!” Yankee said, as he tossed her a gold piece, and strode from the tent, - “ Another schemer who has spotted the case, and is trying to make a stake!” he muétered going toward the Post-office, ‘Td give a deal to know who she is.” 5 In passing Crystal Carrol’s be dropped jn but a mulatto boy was tending !o business, an the pretty proprietress was nowbere to be seen, around to ou mounte- When the stage came rolling down into the town, it carried, for a wonder, but one passen- _ ger—a weazened, Fal 2g little specimen of humanity, some fifty years of age, whose nose was of a ripe cherry color, and whose head was as bald as a full moon. The hooked cherry nose graced his visage, just above a large tobacco- stained mouth; his beard was of a week’s _ growth, and the most striking sign of intelli- wily cunning, that belonged to one o z peal about him was a pair of little peering lack eyes, sunken under a pair of shaggy over- hanging eyebrows, In them was expressed a his na- ture, . This individual, who on the journey had voluntarily introduced bimself to Mickey Pryor as Monroe Miller, was greeted as soon as he left the stage, by Verner, with a hearty haud-shake, in bim, i present,” ‘ i% and the two walked away together toward the Monaco, ; t The eyes of Denver Doll, who was at the Post- office at the time, took in the matter, and a faint smile curved her pretty mouth. “There is tobe a meeting, to-night, and that man with a tinted nose will participate,” she mued, ‘If I don’t learn what this meeting is about, I hope I may never see daylight.” She watched Verner and his chum enter the Monaco; then she ig briskly across the gulch to the boarding-house, and made her way to her room. In fifteen minutes she emerged from the room transformed into a rough-shod miner—and one of the hardest-looking snecimens of the miner's fraternity that one would be likely to meet ina long time. : Leaving a note under the door of the room occupied by her three comrades, she -left the boarding-house,s and made for the Monaco, where she Epueented herself at the bar, and or- dered whisky. ‘*Where’s yer rhino?” the astute Emily de- manded, eying ber sharply. ‘* Put her on ther slate!” was the reply. “I’m Glycerine George, from Poverty Claim, dead bu’sted; by thunder!” “Then go make a raise!” was the advice. ** Plenty o’ suckers layin’ ’round loose.” : Glycerine George turned away with a sigh. Near by stood Old Pap, looking nearly as for- lorn as the delogate from Poverty Claim. . “See hyar, pilgrim, don’t despair,” he -said, mournfully, ‘Don’t despair, fer thar’s a silver linin’ ter every cloud they say. I haven’t smiled fer a month—think o’ that. My pard he tried to make a raise, but ther last I see’d o’ him war his heels vanishin’ over that air dis- pensin’ counter. ‘* * Et’s hard ter be broke, an £0 wi’out ile, But oe o’ change, when we rope in our pile. Whether this logic affected the party from Poverty Claim, or not, is hard to say, but he vigzagged his.way into a corner, immediately in the rear of where Verner and Miller were seated, and fell in a heap, as if ‘tall seas over!” ‘* Who is the galoot?’ Miller cried, in an un- dertone. ‘‘Babl. Some drunken tough, dead drunk and dead broke, I reckon,” Verner said, care- lessly. ‘‘ You say we can depend on half of the men at the camp, certain?” “Yes, I have given the matter a careful canyas, and there’s fully that many ready for mutiny. skeered.” “ Whar of?’ < ‘‘ Well, there’s a heap of Uncle Sam’s men in the vicinity, which makes the situation look unpromising, in itself’ Then, Mac has held o about the divy so long that some have an idea he intends turnin’ traitor for sake 0’ savin’ his own skin.” a Foe -*T wouldn’t be one T’ve no confidence But let us adjourn until the midnight meeting, I have notitled al the safe men to be Two months have passed withouta divy being declared, an’ the boys are kind o’ .—

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‘18 Denver Doll’s Device. ; ; “Very well. Describe the place of meeting, and I will be there,” Miller said. ‘* The rear room of the Post-office. Tap three times on the back door and give the chirp ofa cricket.” They then separated, Verner leaving the -sa- loon and Miller moving to another part of if. As soon as she deemed it safe, Denver Doll, in her disguise, arose and staggered out of the place, and was soon in her room at the board- ing-house, where she exchanged disguises, and with paints, clothing and wigs soon transformed herself into a black-haired Spanish-looking per- son, with a sweeping mustache and dusky com- plexion. Once she had been ‘a passenger in a stage that had been attacked by McParland’s men, and among them she had seen a man whom her present make-up almost exactly resembled. A few minutes before twelve sbe.left the building and took a circuitous route to the rear of the Post-office, in which vicinity she secreted herself and waited. i It was* not long ere Valentine Verner put in an appearance, and was admitted to the réar room of the Post-office on giving three taps upon the door and the chirp of a cricket. - He-was unmasked. / Soon another man came and was admitted, and so, one after another, until over a dozen bad been admitted, Last of all came the red-nosed delegate whorn Verner had met at the stage, and was admitted after giving the signal. ‘ “Now for it!” Doll muttered, leaving her place of concealment. ‘‘I’m going into that room if I bu’st a suspender.” Seeing that her weapons were in readiness, she advanced to the door and gave the signal. Without delay the door was opened, and she ced into the room, closing the door behind her, 1 eyés were turned upon her, and Valentine Verner leaped hastily from his chair—for all were seated about the table. ‘“Hello! who the deuce are you?” he cried. “Stop!” Miller interposed, arising; ‘it’s Steward, one of McParland’s men. What brings you here, Steward?” ‘*T was sent by the boys to tell you to go cau- tious, as they’re rather suspicious that the cap- tain smells a rat!” Doll replied. “*Let him suspect! I ordered the boys to spot him if he showed bad signs during my absence, and ’twas not necessary to send you. However, now that you are here, be seated, and we will go on with the meeting.” Denver Doll coul scarcely repress a sigh of ~ relief at the favorabla turn matters had taken. “Well, if I am to address this meeting,” Verner said, ‘I request the undivided attention of all present—especially that of Messrs. Sul- linder, Markward;-Kelly, Arty, Mount, Hayes and Jarvis. Gentlemen, an important project is before us for consideration, which, if adopted, will undeniably put_ money equally in all of our pockets. You all well know that Shining Bar’s mineral resources are not fully developed, and that there are bright’ promises for the future. Moreover, a hundred vigilant, well-trained men could defend this place against the attack of a gmall army, The way*matters stand now a » a : ‘\ few of you are in goodly circumstances, while others are barely making a living. Under a change, every man would share equally in the profits of the mines. Now, in order to work this satisfactorily, it is necessary to rid the town of most of the present inhabitants, and then we have things all our own way, and ad- mit no more residents except by popular vote on the subject.” ‘* But how do you propose to do this?’ I’m not interested in murder!” said Tom Markward, ““No murdér is necessary, There is half of MeParland’s band—all good reliable men—who wish to join the movement, ana more to be heard from. If the present party joins, that will swell our numbers well toward a bundred, which shall be the limit. We will meet, organ- ize, form our rules and regulations, and then IT can arrange the evacuation of Shining Bar, at short notice,” ; “ How?” ‘*Simple as A BC, Send a man in here with posters, stating that a monstrous lead has been struck at some distant place, and thousands of men are wanted, and rich claims are to be sold! What will be the result? There will be a stam- pede that will nearly clear the town in twenty- four hours. Then we will sail in, and take session. Those who take no part in the stampede will be forced to leave, except where we find a reliable party, whom we think best to keep with us. How like you the scheme, gentlemen? It is a gigantic one, but there’s money in it!” There was a grim silence for some minutes; then Verner spoke again. **Come! speak out! tion make manifest by saying I!” Every voice responded in the affirmative. LO ar well. Mr. Miller and I will superin- tend the details of this affair, and we will have a meeting here again, to-morrow night, to per- fect arrangements, For this evening, the meet- ing is dismissed. Go singly, as-you came.” ‘Now for it!” thought Denver Doll, ‘I must get rid of the red-nosed individual, as I do not care to visit McParland’s ranch to-night, in this disguise,” ® Being nearest the door, she arose, and started to take the first leave; but the voice of Miller checked him. : “Hold yp, Steward. ‘Wait till I go. I want to see you a moment.” To disobey would have been to give the whole business away, besides risking a shot in the back, so Doll had nothing else to do but await the trai- tor’s motion. : One by one the men left the room, Miller finally joining in the movement and motioning Doll to follow, which she did, her every sense on the alert. When they were some distance from the Post-~ office, Miller turned upon her, - ‘I am going back to the rendezvous,” he said, “and L wart you to lay shady in this vicinity until I return, I may need you, you see, when T come back.” fe ‘*Very well. TI will be in the neighborhood,” Doll replied, and she was not sorry to get out of the serape so easily, for she had half-expected that he would accuse her of being some one elge than Steward. All in favor of the mo- =

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.. Denver Doll’s Device. cd fo Miller turned away toward the route to the mountain rendezvous, and after waitin till she was convinced that he was, gone, Dol took her way back tothe boarding-house, well satisfied as to the results of her eyening’s ad- venture. Let us devote a few minutes to looking after the man of reportorial proclivities—Charles Pygmalion Jones, whom we left tumbling down the shaft-way of an unworked mine. So rapid was his desceat that he had no time to think of anything, the suction of air nearly taking his breath away. After a fall of some fifty feet he landed, but luckily in a pool of water some three feet deep, which broke the force of bis fall. He spluttered for some seconds, ere he could get bis breath. Groping about, he soon came in contact with the rocky wall. Having a metal box of matches he speedily succeeded in striking one of the cia and, aided by the light, peered around im. From the bottom of the shaft a passage branched off. The bottom was rough and coy- ered with water. Looking above him, poor Jones saw a black, uninviting hole, through which he had fallen. He-could not get out of his dilemma in that di- rection, so nothing remained for him but to ex- plore the passage. Possibly there might be an opening somewhere else, He started off, keeping one of the passage walls for guidance, At the end of an hour he found himsef out of the water, and lit another match to ascertain what was the cause. He discovered that the passage now had the shape of a tunnel, and as- eended gradually in its course. This satisfied him that he was in whatis known in mining arlance as a ‘‘ drift,” and that by following it e would eventually come into the outside world. : ¥s So he hurried on with renewed courage, and it was not long ere he gained the mouth of the » drift. Here his surprise increased. He had expected to find himself stil] in Shin- mee and wasnot. The mouth of the drift was in a tangled thicket, half a mile, nearly, up the gulch, from the outskirts of the town, The drift had been thus made to follow 4 vein of ore, which had given out directly inunder the Monaco, from whence a shaft had been sunk. - Jones was a stranger to the surroundings of Shining Bar, and he was so turned around that for the life of him be could not tell which course he should take to reach the town. After much deliberation, he settled upon his route and started off in an opposite direction ftom Shining Bar, and for a good hour tramped on, and would undoubtedly still have kept go- ing had not two masked men stepped suddenly from the chaparral into his path, a pair of cocked revolvers in band. “Halt!” one of them said sternly. ‘* Who are you, and where are you goin’?” ; “*T am Charles Pygmalion Jones, reporter for the Cavortin’ Cyclone\of Cheyenne, so don’t rob me, for Heayen’s sake, as I haven't a copper, a Ilo I’m going right away to ewe Bar to start a newspaper, and if you will tell me your names I will give you an immense puff—charge you nothing at all.” es ‘‘Waall my name is Pilgarlic Pete, an’ this is Amazon Alf, but ye better come along ter head- quarters, an’ see ther capt’in furst. Come! walk a chalk line now, or I'll put a buzzer in your pate!” “For Heaven’s sake, where are you g take me? Iam Charles Pygmalion Jon “Don’t make no difference. You’se goin’ ter see McParland, the road-agent, now.” CHAPTER VIII. A QUEER WOOING—DENVER DOLLS LITTLY GAME, THE morning following Denver Doll’s visit to the council-room of the conspirators, Yankee felt decidedly more like himself than he had since he had been wounded. and was up and out for a stroll by the time the sun began to gild the tree-tops of the mountain. He wandered out upon the Ban to the point — where the river swept around it, and there en- countered, much to his surprise, Miss Isabel Verner. She was seated upon a rock, gazing out upon the water,.and a large bowlder being behind her, Yankee did not see her until he was almost be ide her. Not seeming surprised, it was evident that she bad seen him ee . ‘*Good-morning, Mr. Hisler,” she said, with a pleasant smile, ‘I am delighted to see you.” “Good-morning,” Yaukee answered -coolly. “T was not aware that any one was here.” “T presume not. The bowlder hid me. How are you feeling?” “Very much improved. shot came near doing for me,” ‘*Tt was such a shocking thing for any one to do. I can’t imagine who could have been mean enough to fire the shot. Papa feels badly over it, too, Lassure you.” “Over the popes and salt bath, more likely,” Yankee respon ed, ayy “Ha! ha! If was‘really amused at his plight, particularly as we haven’t been on very good terms lately. “You see, he wants me to marry a man I despise, and I will never marry any one, unless it is the man of my choice. I Lear that poor Dora is really dead, Charley.” : “ Did you? I was not aware that there is ing to The treacherous -| conclusive prooftof it yet.” f ‘But I understand from papa that she and your child really perished in the n:ountains, You did so wrong in leaving your home—Dc ra was such an admirable little wife. I should think you -would get lonely without a wife, Charley.” i “Without my own wifelam. I would give an arm if it would bring ber back to me.” “But you will marry again?” . : “Possibly, if 1 can find someone just like Dorey?) 5. = “But it would not bea bard matter to find a lovin heart, mavbe, to fill her place.” - ‘You are speaking one word for yourself and two for me, or vice versa—which?”? Yunkee demanded, ‘‘Jsabel, I baye no desire 4 hurt

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26 Weer ps your feelings, so let’s change the subject—or better still, I will bid you a pleasant good-morn- ing!” a Stop!” she cried, arising haughtily, _‘‘ You are entirely too hasty. Thanking ‘you, I bayve not the least desire to make love to you. used to be your friend, but after your cruel treatment of your wife, my cousin, my respect for you ceased. I was just trying you to see how much man your wild career had left in your nature. Iam satisfied. Go!” ‘* Pwill, thank you. Will you impersonate Mile. Zoe to-day?” ; He watched her like a hawk, as he spoke, She turned white—then her face flushed crimson with passion. She could not speak, but stamping her foot, pointed toward the town. With a smile of triumph, Yankee obeyed her silent command and sauntered away. ‘By a hap-hazard shot I fired direct into the right camp!” he mused. ‘‘ She is Mile. Zoe instead of Crystal Carrol, whom .I first suspect- e], Well! well! Here’s fun! The fair Isabel wants to marry me, and proposed to do it by craft, if sbe couldn’t by fair means. Then there’s Crystal Carrol would not mind, I sur- mise, if she got a chance. She also has some reason for desiring the safety of McParland. Isabel, according to her own assertion, is out -with her daddy, and it wouldn’t be surprising if she was in with the road-agent, since, as Mlle. Zoe, she. claimed she could produces the child, which she could not do, except she was in with McParland, Altogether, if I am any judge, things are considerably mixed.” Denver Doll kuew that it was important for her to attend the second meeting of the con- spirators, to learn what new schemes were ‘to be for ned in regard to the plot to seize the Bar. But, to goin the disguise of Steward, would be to thrust her foot in the fire, bog hey be- cause Miller, the renegade, must have found out that Steward had not been out of McPar- Jand’s camp the previous night. “The only way I can see, is to have Miller intercepted and held for awhile, so that I can represent him at the meeting, on the plea that he dare not leave camp for fear of creating an open breach between himself and McParland too soon. I.think I can trust the boys to the work of capturing him. d Accordingly, she gave her eccentric trio in- structions, and sent them forth to capture Mil- ler, when he should approach, the town, after which she arranged herself for the character of the Spaniard, Steward. First of all, let-us follow the steps of Walt, Yakie and Cbug, and note their success. Proceeding to the upper part of the town for consultation, they soqn got into an altercation as to who should take the lead. ‘Hello! What's the matter here? What you rascals quarreling about?” a voice cried, and who should walk in upon the scene but Monroe Miller, who had been attracted to the spot by the sound of excited voices. ‘ Walt recognized him by Denver Doll’s de- scription, and quickly drawing and cocking his revolver, he shoved it in front of the outlaw conspirator’s face, bee! Denver Doll’s Device. E A . ‘ Hands up, Marse Miller!” he cried, emphati- ; cally. ‘* You’se jes’ de berry huckleberry we’se’ arter, deed you is, Hi! Germany, whose got de lead now, hey?” ; “Dot vas mine brisoner! I vas seen bim afore you did, so help me!” Yukie blustered, ‘*Never mind dat, chile. Jest you an rat- eater bind bim, while I cubber him wid de per- suader, fo’ suah! Yah! yah!” “Sea here! what does*this mean?” Miller blus- tered, inarage, ‘I'll have you infernal idiots strung up for this. Lower your pistol, you black nigger.” “Deed 1 won't,”-Walt declared, a wicked glitter in his black eyes, ‘‘ You’se my prisoner, sah, an’ l’se gwine to hold ye right yar, till you’se boun’ fas’ an’ sure. Han’s Up, you rascallion, or I sw’ar to goodness ef I don’t ee ae scalp cl’ar offin youhb head, suah cer- jain, Miller could not doubt but what he was done for, sofar as the present was concerned, and was wise enough not to resist when they at- cepted to bind bim, “ What am I thus insulted for?” he gritted. ‘* Denver Doll ordered us to capture you, boss, eee de ‘stinguished honor of makin’ de ar- rest. “Denver Doll!” Miller exclaimed. ‘Yes, sah, de Ace, Queen an’ Trump of all de detectives, sah! She’s jes’ gwine fo’ yoah road- agonts like a grasshopper after a hayseed, sah! She’s jes’ gwine to abscorchulate an’ extermin- ate de hull consarn, for suah!” ‘““Humph! 1 think I understand,” the con- spirator muttered. “ ‘It was she who played tho part of Steward so cleverly. If I don’t get out of this dilemma, the whole scheme bids fair to be frustrated,” é ; Denver Doll had naméd to her pards an out- of-the-way place, ina transverse ravine, where u they should take the prisoner; so, yeestht a 2 9 ji in he was marched off, and the spot was reach due time, and the outlaw bound to a tree. < A camp-fire was then built, and the three guards squatted around it for a smoke, ‘ After their pipes were out, a vote was taken, to see which of the three should remain on . guard, while two of them took a nap. P. The lot fell to Chug, and Walt and Yakie aeeened themselves out, and were soon fast asleep. Milter’s eyes gleamed. with triumph as soon as he heard the stentorian snore of the Teuton, and the accompaniment of the darky. . “Tf I don’t make a break now, there willbe ~ poor chances of my getting free,” he muttered. I’ve a sweet-scented idea that I can work the. Chinaman for all he is worth.” “Waiting a while longer, so as to be on the safe side, he attracted the attention of Chug witha dismal groan. : “Oh! oh! I have terrible pains in my stom- ach,” he said, to give me, pig-tail?” Chug shook his head. ‘* Got no whiskee!” he declared. ‘* But I have,” Miller said. shall have a swig of it.” “Tf you'll release one of my-hands a minute, I'll get it, and you — ie “Have you gota dropof whisky ‘§ : Now, if Chug had one predominating we: Vc ; 3 pei ees Br a ee ar

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“ 3 ness, if was for fire-water, free of expense. He never was known to spend.a cent for liquor, nor was he ever known to refuse a treat, where it was ‘ton the square,” He now knew that Miller had been deprived of his weapons, and also that Walt and Yakie were sound asleep. “What harm could there be in getting a drink, when it was free, and there was no danger of losing the prisoner? Thus he argued, and in a moment more he was undoing the cords of Miller’s wrists, “*Mindee, no funnee business, or China- man killee, debbil quick, with ’volvee,” he cau- tioned, : *©Oh, I’m square asa dollar,” Miller replied. Chug soon had the outlaw’s hands free, and stood in waiting, a pistol drawn in bis grasp.’ ** Now, for the whisky,” and Miller drew two half-pint flasks from his inside pocket, which were filled with lquor, ‘Here’s one for you and one fof me. Drink bearty.” ‘ Chug took the proffered flask, and eyed ita moment, suspiciously. ‘ Miller’s keen eyes noticed it, and he quickly examined bis own bottle. r ‘**See here!” he exclaimed, excitedly, ‘I have given you the wrong bottle! One bottle con- tains brandy and the otber contains whisky. You have got the brandy. Trade, will you? Whisky is good enough for you.” ‘Not muchee, allee samee! Me like blandy, allee samee like ’Melican man,” and Chug put his finger to his nose as he skurried away to a seat on a log by the camp-fire, quite forgetting xo rebind the captive. ‘‘€hug velly muchee \ikee blandy.” - Well, drink away, you rascal, I'll have to put up with the whisky,” Miller growled, ‘Chug gave a grunt and applied his lips to the muzzle of the bottle; nor did he ‘Jet up” until the last drop of the liquor was in his stomach. “Humph! it’s but a matter of a few minutes fill that fellow’s dead drunk,” Miller mused, And he was right; the pcetent liquor soon had the effect of making Chug extremely drowsy, and in ten minutes he was off in a stupor, Then, with-cat like footsteps, the prisoner glided away from the camp. ; “Now for Shining Bar, and an exposure of the trick this Denver Doll has so neatly played on us!” he gritted. 3 Tn Jess than an hour, by rapid walking, he was at the rear door of the Post-office buiiaing. Here he paused and peered through the key- hole, but au wes dark within. ‘The meeting had not assembled yet,.as it was comparatively early in the evening. “T will keep shady,” he mused. ‘until the crowd is fully together, then I wil] step in and see what cun be done with this detective fairy, Denver Do!l.” > 2 He retired to nearly the same spot where Doll Tot ae caer herself! the previous night, and waited. i 2 It was not long before Verner made his ap- » pearance, and at the understood signal was ad- mitted. ; Thereafter, one by one, the men put in an ap- j 4 ‘the chirp of a cricket, _ pearance and entered after the three taps and Denver Doll’s Device. ~- 21 Steward, alias Denver Doll, came last; She was arrayed the same as the previous night. She approached the door, cautiously looking around her, and was admitted. : “Oh, my sly girl! your game will not work to-night,” Miller muttered, gliding forward to the door, a - He applied bis ear to the key-hole and listened. — Verner was speaking. 7 ‘Ah! you areon hand, eh?” he was saying. “Where is Miller?” ‘Tr will not be safe for him to leave the camp to-night, and so I will serve in his place and act for him,” was the response. ‘‘The matter has got to be worked carefully until we are fully organized.” “Yes. Letmesee, Wou are Steward?” Miller burst into the room then. ‘ Not by any means!” he cried sternly. ‘‘ That is not Steward, but is Denver Doll, the detective. She must never be allowed to leave this room alive! If she does, our plans are ruined.” CHAPTER IX. J TWO PLANS THAT DIDN’T WORK, Miss IsRAEL VERNER had spoken the truth when she told Yankee that she and her father were not on friendly terms, They had not spoken since McParland’s last yisit to the house, as related in another chapter, and Miss Isabel had promptly left ber parental abode, and re- moved .her effects to the boarding-house where she had conceived the idea of impersonating a fortune-teller, in hopes that she might influence Yankee as a victim of her wiles, She bad accordingly left town on one stage as ps Verner, and returned on another as Mile. 0e, What had partially been the results of her masquerade is well known to the 1eader, Oe events a couple of hours from the time Miller, the conspirator, had éxposed Den- ver Doll in the rear room of the Post-« fice, we will follow the movements of Isabel. Leaving the bhoarding-house, without being disguised, she walked over to the cigar store of Crystal Carrol, and found the pretty mistress bebind the counter. : She looked ‘ip, surpriee expressed upon ker countenance, when she saw the speculator’s daughter, ; ‘ Good-evening,” Mi a distance, but I did not know until recently that it was really you, Dora.” rhe, “ Didn't you?” mist have shocked you to have made the dis- covery. Is this some joke that is out, or is it possible that people cannot read the name upon the sign over the door?” ** A good feint, but you know blocd will tell. make a gocd — I always believed you would actress, cousin,” Miss Verner went on, coolly. ‘Well, [ must be growing crazy, or else there are more escaped. Junatics in the country than _ ‘supposed, J, your cousin me’am? Why, you must be out of your mind.” “Not a bit of it, Dora.” Isabel persisted. ‘I never wes more sane. You lucky girl, to be Yankee Hisler’s wife; you should never have left him, Now, 1 bave got him,” 1 Miss Verner said, conde-— “geenfungiy. “TD kave seen you several tines at rystal responded, dryly. ‘It

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** Yankee Hisler? Oh! you have reference to ths handsome poieeas who got shot. Well, I can’t say as I would object to having a hus- band as noble and manly as he seems to be, But you say you bave him, eh?” ‘*Most assuredly. I can get little Ethel for him, and. when I can do that, why, as a matter of course he is ready to marry me. He really referred me before, you knew, but your baby ‘ace prevented.” / Crystal laughed outright, “What an extremely funny person you are,” she remarked, ‘But it will be so niceif Mr, Kisler’s littte girl can be recovered, When will your wedding be?” “That is not definitely settled yet—but it will be in a few days,” Miss Verner answered, flouncing out of the store, secretly in a great rage, ** Pil take chances Gh that!” Crystal decided. ‘Tf you are Mr. Hisler’s choice, I shall be sur- prised, for I do not believe he fancies such ec- centric people as you.” Miss Verner bad called at the cigar store for the express purpose of testing the matter of who Crystal was, and had got so little satisfaction that she was almost ready to ery. Leaving the vicinity of the cigar store, she dodged across the gulch, and finally paused be- fore the mouth of one of the mines that was drifted into the side of the mountain, All was dark and silent, and no-one appeared in the vicinity of the place except Miss Verner, but this fact did not seem to discourage her, for she took a seat upon a rock, and waited patiently. ‘He will not be long, I guess,” she mused. ‘* He eee he would come, and I do aot fancy he will forsake me.” She was right. It was not half an hour ere McParland, undisguised, except by a half mask, made his appearance. “ Ah! you' are here, eh?’ tipping his hat, “How do I find the fair Isabel this even- ing?” ; “Happy, now that you have come,” she replied, making room for him on the rock besidé her. ‘I have been waiting ever so long, ready to answer the question you asked at our last meeting.” ‘ . ‘Ah! yes—let me see—oh! what was it?” and Cpe es king scratched his head as if puz- aled, “Oh! you sly rogues!” and Miss Verner pinched his arm, playfully. ‘‘ Did you not ask me to become your wife?” = **Well—I—I don’t know but I did, Isa —but, then, you see, [ hardly fauey you would be con- tenf{ to be an outlaw’s wife,” ‘What care I, as long as [ love you? Accord- ing to your own proposition, deliver up to me the child, and I will marry you, and so have the fortuns between us.” “Yes, that would be very nice, but you see— well, in fact, [ have made up my mind not to incunaber myself with a wife at present. “There may be some developments soon which will make it necessary for me to look out for myself, And then, too, 1 am getting tired of this wild ‘life, and long for something better, The ‘child is on my hands, and I propose to get rid of her, Denver Doll’s Device. “SRF at all hazards, by selling her to the highest bidder. ‘You have a chance with the rest.’ “John McParland, you are a wretch, an in- grate, and a deceiver!’ ‘““Pshaw! You don’t intend to let me off that easy, do you? Why not express yourself in stronger terms, while you are at it®” ; Tsabel fairly trembled with passion. “You know that there are no words adequate ‘to describe you,” she hissed, ‘ You have tri- fled with my affections, and as good as asked me to marry you, Now, then, if you don’t stick to your word like a man, Vl be revenged upon you.” “Revenge. be it then, fair Isabel, for I can- not marry you, If you wish to putin a bid for the child, between now and the 20th,’a letter sent through the Post-vffice, and addressed to Mr. Jinks, will fix it all right. Adieu, dearest I am sorry to have to tear myself awuv, but such is the case. Hope you may get a husband soon, f And then he walked away, with a wicked laugh, leaving her to make out of the situation what she could, Yankee Hisler had seen Crystalseveral times since McParland’s escape from him, and each time she had spoken pleasantly—so pleasantly, that a strange thrill would go to his heart. ** By heavens, I cannot believe that she is not Dora, despite all her assertions to tbe contrary!” he would mutter. ‘!It does not seem possible to me that there could be two persons in one world so precisely alike, But I may be mis- taken. hen itis proven to me that I am, I will believe it.” About an hour before Denver Doll’s exposure in the room in the rear of the Post-office, he sauntered over to the cigar store, and paused in the first room where the cigars were kept. Then he waited sone moments, but no one came, The sound of footsteps overhead told him that gi was,up-stairs, few cards lay upon the show-case. Takin one of them, the Sport wrote upon it, with pencil: be g > any

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— This was just as Yankee had expected. By climbing on the roof ofthe addition, one could easily enter the reat second story window, of the main building. He was tempted to make an entrance, stealth- ily, into Miss Carrol’s upper rooms, in hopes of being able to discover something among her ef- fects that would identify her as being Dora, his lost wife, ; It was a risky thing to attempt he well knew, but he was willing to risk a great deal to satisfy himself on this one point. He took off his boots, and left them on the ground, and then succeeded in climbing onto the roof. From there he had no difficulty in gaining en- trance to the single unplastered room over the store, A lamp was dimly burning upon a stand, and by its light the burglar-for-love’s-sake was able to command a view of his surroundings, The furniture consisted of a bed, a stand, a ebair and a trunk, which was locked, Some clothing hung upon the wall, but none of it was such as Yankee remembered having belonged to Dora, Nor could he recall to mem- ory any of tbe trinkets upou thé stand. The trunk was locked, and having no way of opening it, nor-any disposition to do so, his search was virtually at an end, “ T've had the troublefor the pains I’ve taken, and nothing more,” he muttered. ‘‘I must get out of here before I am discovered.” In this he was quite successful, and his ven- turesome visit was accomplished without trou- ble, as he later congratulated himself. The words of Monroe -Miller caused an elec- trical effect upon the conspirators, in the rear room of the Post-office. Of one accord they leaped to their feet, and revolvers were drawn on every hand. “What! what is this?” Valentine Verner cried in alarm, . “t's just what I said!” Miller exclaimed, “This person who is personating Steward, is none other than Denver Doll the detective. She has got into our secret, and fearing exposure when I returned to-night, she had her accom- plices waylay and capture me, But I escaped, and here I am to expose her.” - : Denver Dcll stood at bay, a defiant expres- sion upon her face, and gleaming from her eyes, while her hand rested upon the butt of a revol- _ ver in her belt. ‘Ts this true—are you Denver Doll, come here to spy upon us?” Verner demanded, turning fiercely upon her. ‘ “Reckon that’s about the size of it,” was the cool response. ‘Right well J. knew there was some deviltry going on, in which you had a hand; and so I thought I might as well find out, and hinder you all I could.” ‘Curse you! ‘You shall find that won’t work, You've either got to join us, or we'll put you where you'll never blab our secrets.” ' “Reekon I won't join,” Doll retorted, de- fiantly. ‘I ain’t partial to associatin’ with thieves and eut-throats. If you let me go free, Denver Doll’s Device. Til do all I can to help break up your crowd— you can bet on that.” “Then I’m cursed if you get a chanee to in- terfere, until our plans are completed,” the speculator gritted. ‘‘ l’ve a good notion to have you put out of the way, in good earnest and for- ever. “Use your own judgment about that!” Doll suggested, apparently not in the east worried. “Tf Iam not found by my pards, by to-morrow sunrise, they will know that I have been foully dealt with, and report to our backers!” Verner started. The others looked anything but pleased, “What do you_mean?’ Verner demanded. “IT mean that Iam a regularly appointed de- tective, and that when I or my aides call for assistance, Uncle Sam is bound to furnish it. There chances to be a company of cavalry in this vicinity now, and they are my_ backers, when I choose to call upon them, As I said, if a hair of my head is harmed, my comrades will notify the military forces, and they will make Shining Bar far too lively for you. Every ace a of your sneaking league is known to my ° men “A clearly: manufactured lie—but it won't work!” Verner declared. “Surrender and per- mit yourself to be bound, or you will be shot where you stand.” Doll knew not what they intended to do with her, but she was well satisfied that no good - could come to her by attempting resistance, for every man in the room had a weapon drawn, ready for emergency. ‘*T suppose I shall have to accept, as you are too many for me, But you can bet that Il turn a trump yet, before the game’s up.” At Verner’s suggestion cords were procured, and the brave girl’s hands were bound ‘behini her, and’ her weapons taken from her, “*T have a place in view where I can take her and secrete her!”” announced Verner, A consultation was then held in an undertone, after which Denver Doll was gagged and blind- folded, and then seized by either arm, she was led from the cabin, ‘ In ten minutes they had reached the river, where she was forced to enter a boat, and Ver- ner entered after her, and pulled out across the dark, forbidding stream toward the opposite shore, which was lined with gloomy pines. The boat was not long in reaching its destina- tion, when the speculator ordered Denver Doll to disembark. e then took her by the arm, and led her along, for perhaps a mile, when she suddenly felt a rope thrown around her and she was drawn tightly against a tree. Ropes were then wound about her and the tree, at different places, so that it was impos- sible for her to stir. “There!” Verner exclaimed, with triumph. ‘You are in Wolf Gorge now, and safe from ~ troubling our tribunal. When the wolves get bungry, they’ll give you a call. Good-by!” . Dol did not answer, but listening, heard him , walk away. Ss Perhaps her feelings could better be imagined than described. : ; She felt that her doom was sealed,

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Denver Doll’s Device. 24 | CHAPTER X. THE STAMPEDE, AND A BOUNCE FOR THE BRIG AND CHIEF, THe next day was the nineteenth day of No- vember. To several persons considerable interest was attached to the fact, Early in the morning there rode furiously down into thé town a horseman—an old, white- whiskered, shabbily-dressed pilgrim, who, judg- ing by appearances, had rode long and fast, As he dashed along thrdugh the main street, “he blew loud blasts upon a cavalry trumpet, with the evident intention of arousing the town. nee to say he succeeded, would be drawing it mild. In a very few minutes literally the whole pop- ulation of the camp was gathered in front of the Post-office, where the eccentric stranger was engagtd in tacking up a huge poster, which had been written out in pen print or rather with a lettering brush, by some one who was evidently familiar with the art. : With intense eagerness did the folk of Shining Bar devour the contents of the poster, after it was nailed up, and the reading thereon, created @ more instantaneous commotion than had any- thing in the way of a sensation that had struck the town for a long while. Eagerly, over and over, was the bill perused, and this is the information it contained: “EXTRAOQRDINARY NOTICE TO EVERYBODY! “ Greatest Discovery Hver Known! ‘Richest mines just opened at Wildcat City, that the world has ever seen! The earth strewn with nuggets—the quartz assays two thousand dollars to the ton. Claims for sale. Mechanics wanted. Five thousand men, women and children wanted instant- ly. to work, The bearer of this notice will act as guide. Ten dollars, and upward, a day guaranteed every one. ARKS &°Co,, O.oners,” If the reader has ever had a chance to become acquainted with the nature of the average class of inhabitants of western mining-towns, it will not seem strange that such a notice should set the ball of excitement a-rolling. Western history records more than one in- stance where moderate-paying camps have been depopulated in a day, in favor of some new and promising strike, And the effect on Shining Bar of the above notice was but a repetition of what other camps ha‘l experienced, Firsé one man declared - farewell to Shining Bar, and made off to pack up his few worldly effects; then another followed suit, and another, and another, until the movement became a - Stampede, é Conspicuously prominent in urging on the sanguine aspirants for fortune was Verner, and often he slipped a ten-dollar gold-piece into the hand of some rather doubtful pilgrim, say- ing: “Go ahead, patd, and don’t shirk when 2 chance is open for you to make a stake. If you ever get able to pay this back, remember who ~ nroed you on; if you don’t, it will neither make mor break,” : Invariably this would break all resolutions to stay in Shining Bar, and tke pilgrim would be added to the general hegira, : By noon the train was ready to start, and when it moved away up the gulch, not over a score of people were left in Shining Bar, and those were such as Verner had personally or- dered to stay with him, a far his unparalleled plotting had worked well. As soon as the stampeders were safely away from the camp, Verner and Monroe Miller started for the camp of McParland, the outlaw, where, by prearranged orders, all was to. be ready for the capture of McParland and such of his men as would not join in the movement. 4 The journey was accomplished without inci- ent, ‘ The rendezvous of the road brigand was lo- cated ina small mountain-locked valley, many hundred feet above the level of Shining Bar, where a searcher would hardly have expected to find a camp, There was one large strong cabin, and several smaller ones, formed in a circle about the re- treat, tne center being used as a sort of plaza and corral for the horses. When Verner and Miller reached this valley, ae none of the band were visible about it—so they - made their way to the largest cabin and en- tered. There were fifty or more men in the apart- © ment, all gathered about the tables, but there was Bees any notice taken of the entrance of the two conspirators, who had masked them- selves like the rest of the band. McParland himself was seated in one corner, engaged in playing cards with one of his men. Miller and Verner advanced to where Steward _ . the Spaniard was seated alone at a table. “Well! is everything all right?” Miller asked in a low tone. ‘Have you made any pro- gress?” “You bet! Every man in the room, except McParland, has joined the movement,” “Good? Ill close the matter!” He walked over to where the captain was seated, and leveled a revolver at him, ‘“Mac, the jig is up!” he said, grimly. ‘The boys have got tired of you as a commander, and also of this camp, So we’ve gobbled up Shining Bar, as a place of rendezvous, and have elected Val Verner captain, in your place. You are our prisoner.” ; That McParland was somewhat surprised was evident, but he controlled himself with remark- able coolness, “Ts that so?” he’ said. idea for some time that there was mutiny brew- ing, and am more prepared than you imagine, I tender my resignation with all willingness, having made up my mind to retire from the profession for once and all time,” ES “You bet you'll retire)” Verner added, with a chuckle. “‘ We are going to make you a pris- oner and leave you here, under guard, until we can communicate with Uncle Sam’s clue eo who are said to be in the mountains, when, we can get any reasonable reward out of them, we will let ’em have you for hemp-stretching purposes.” | : : ‘“Curse you! Is this the sort of gratitmde “Well, [ve had an ~

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Denver Doll’s Device. you have, after all I have done for you, you wretch?” ** Just about.” You'd have given us up to the military if we hadn’t got too smart for you, so you’ve no ‘cause to growl. Throw up your hands and allow yourself to be bound, for re- sistance is.useless with all the odds against you! 2 No commander ever knew his own men better “than did McParland, Death would be the only way of escaping capture; so he held up his hands, a proud smile upon his face, ** Proceed!” he ordered, “IT think too much of my fine flock to attempt to clean them out. I am your prisoner, through your strategy, and I surrender with the best of grace.” Ata motion from Verner several of the out- laws bound their deposed captain securely, both hand and foot, and then, with the aid of hooks and staples driven into the wall, they fas- tened him thereto, so that he was a prisoner in the fullest sense of the word, “There you are!” Verner cried, triumphant- ly. ‘‘ You make a fine appearance, too, as a prisoner of war, By the way, where is the eee I will take that back with me to Shining ar.” ‘* Will you, though?” McParland sneered. ‘* I rather fancy not. The child is in safe hands, where I deemed it advisable to place her, in an- ticipation of some such an event as this. When yow set your buzzard talons on her it will be when I forget myself.” “* Curse you! If you do not give me that child I will murder you! To-morrow is the 20th day of November.” “Tam fully well aware of that. The child will never come in for a claim upon the inheri- tance! I have sent it away where the search of a lifetime could not discover it. As for mur- dering me, you human wolf, I suppose that is your privilege.” ** And I will improve it, too!” be hissed, snatching a pistol from his belt and cocking it; but Miller hastily knocked it from his hand, : ‘* Fool!” he cried, ‘the man is not for you-to kill, We. want a reward for him. Have a care how you rush things, or I'll put you in irons he- fore you knowit. Come! I fT ed that all hands strike out for Shining . Zinga, you will stay here and guard the prisoner.” The-proposition was received with a grunt of approval by the band, and so Verner had no choice but_to accompany them without secur.| little Ethel is alive and well ing Ethel Eisler or even accomplishing his ven- geance. Zinga, who had been left to guard McPar- land, was a brawny half-breed, with a treach- erous. eye, but he made no effort.to harm the master he had served so long. F On the contrary, he amused himself by sam- pling the stock of liquor behind the bar, and his samples were so liberal that he soon became as happy as 4 lark. : “Zing git debbil drunk!” he said, approach- ‘ing McParland, with a couple of bottles of the al whisky on hand, ‘ Like fire-water, See = en cabin, ‘“Sposing you let me loose, to get a swig, too!” the outlaw suggested, , ‘‘ We'll have a. ge- lorious time, you bet.” aS But Zinga, crafty of instinct, winked his eye knowingly. ; : ‘*No let Mac free!” he replied. ‘‘ Get Mac whisky, dough!” ; z He went back to the bar, and procured a bot« tle of the worst ‘‘p’isen” the ranch afforded, and then approached McParland. “Open mouth, Zinga pour down throat!” he chuckled, villainously. “You go to thunder. I won’t drink!” the ex-chief growled, perceiving that he had gt himself into an unenviable dilemma, for be knew strangulation would attend Zinga’s at- tempt to treat him. “Open mouth—drink—or Zinga scalp!” the half-breed threatened, and he attempted to i the nose of the bottle between McParland’s teeth. That he would eventually have succeeded, is probable, had not an unforeseen accident oc- curred to him. ‘ , Z The sharp “‘ ping!” of a rifle was beard; Zin , dropped the bottle, and staggered back to the floor—dead! The next instant the door opened, and a per- son entered, ¢ McParland started! Of all persons in the world, this was the one he least desired to see, If be had had bopes for his life, before, they all faded away, now. - The person who entered, was none other than Miss Isabel Verner, and there was a decidedly triumphant expression upon her face. “So I have you, have I?” she -bissed, exult- antly, ‘You thought you would never be troubled by me again, didn’t you? but you find out otherwise, Isabel Verner is not the girl to be trifled with, and scorned, I swore I would have revenge on you, and I am here to fulfill my promise!” **So I perceive!” McParland replied, calmly. * You have things all your own way, now. ahead!” Z ae : ies ‘*Not too fast. I am here to be revenged, but i: IT want to look out for my own interests before I look out for yours. First of all, where ‘is the. child?” <3 “* Whose child?” _ E “Do not provoke ‘me with unnecessary ques- tions. You know perfectly well what child I mean—Ethe] Hisler, of course!” “Oh! Isthatso? Well, my beautiful Isabel, — I would respectfully inform you that pretty and will come — — promptly to time as Gabriel Porter's heiress, * Fis By this time, the executor knows that she lives, - and consequently, you and your villainous father are baffled!” . z “Oh! no! never!” Isabel cried, in a frenzy of rage. ‘I will yet have the cbild and the for- tune. I will find ont.what Miss Crystal Carrol knows about the young one!” : _She stood a moment as if in donbt what todo —then, her hand was upraised and with a keen- edged knife she struck McParland flertely in the breast... eae Turning, with a wild laugh, she fled from in, leaving her victim alone in his inisery, oe ath a oi

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Denver Doll’s Device. CHAPTER XI. DENVER AND YANKEE SHAKE HANDS. Lert us return to Denver Doll, whom we last saw a prisoner in Wolf Ravine, beyond the river, where Valentine Verner had left her to the not very tender mercy of the ferovious in- habitants of that wild locality. But, thanks to the fact, it was not yet late enough in the season for wolves and bears to be very bold and ravenous, and this gave the girl » detective a little hope that she might not be troubled by them. But even though she was not molested by wild beasts, she well knew that starvation stared her in ths face unless she was rescued by some one, and the probabilities were not very favorable that she would be; hence, the outlook was any- thing but pleasant. 7 The night dragged slowly away. She heard wolves howl, but none approached her, and at last the welcome rays of early dawn crept into her dark, forbidding place of captivity. This was cheerful, and somehow she felt im- bued with a strong hope ef escape. But the lining of the silver cloud was false. The morning passed away slowly. Not long before noon she heard a heavy, shuffling tread, and soon after a huge cinnamon bear made his appearance, It paused, with a sort of whine, at sight of Doll, as if surprised to see a human being there —then it raised up on its bind legs and lumbered forward, with the evident intention of making a square meal ont of the fair prisoner. * Doll’s face turned deathly white, for the pros- pect of being torn to pieces was horrible, © Nearer! near the brute came, with jaws dis- tended and tongue lolling, when— Suddenly there was the sharp report of a rifle, and Bruin flinched and turned in the direction whence came the shot. A moment later there was another shot, and the bear staggered and fell to the ground. Then, out from the undergrowth, across the ravine, strode no less a personage than Yankee, rifle in hand, Denver Doll gave a glad cry at sight of him. Here was rescue at, last, when a moment:be- - fore death seemed most imminent. 4 “Thank Heaven it is you, Mr, Eisler!” she said, as he approached her and cut her bonds, **T had about given up the ghost for good.” ‘*T have been searching for you ever since I saw Verner return to Shining Bar last night, when I suspected the truth,” Yankee replied, “Since leaving Shining Bar 1 have also made a great discovery.” ** What is it?” . ‘** There has been a stampede of the miners to sone other town, and McParland’s road-agents, under Valentine Verner, have taken possession of the camp as a strongnold. McParland was left a prisoner in thsir former road-agents’ den, and Verner proposes to turn him over to the ed a providing a suitable reward is off- ered, : “* How did you learn this?” | ‘“‘T captured a road-agent a few minutes ago, whom Verner had sent over here to see if y u were yet alive, I frightened the information out of him, and he will, providing we let him i a at reas . dead half-breed, go free, show us to the old rendezvous, where McParland is confined.” : ‘* Then let’s go at once, You have but limit- ed time now to secure your child, and I have a bone to pick with the gent myself.” Vbhey accordingly left the place where Doll had been confined, and a short walk brought them to where the outlaw was tied to a tree. ‘“We have concluded to make terms with you!” Yankee said. ‘Conduct us at once to the spot where McParland is to be seen, and we will allow you to leave the mountains,” ‘“‘Tt’s a bargain!” the prisoner said. ‘* Release me, aud I will take you there by asurer and safer route than by the way of Shining Bar.” ‘See that you do; and remember that if you make any attempt to lead us into a trap, your punishment shall be death. On the other hand, show us to MeParland’s ranch and you shall have your liberty.” : He cut the fellow’s bonds then and they start- ed down the bank of the river, crossing it half amile below Shining Bar and climbing into the mountains, ; By the outlaw’s guidance they reached the little valley in due time, and halted at some distance from the cabins, ‘“ You remain here,” said Roberts, the guide, ‘* while I make a reconnoissance, to learn if it will be safe for you to advance.” ie strode away, and returned shortly, with a ned. “You will find McParland tied up in the large cabin,” he said, ‘‘ I suppose you are done with me?” “Yes, you can go, you to show us the way back to Shinin; so you had better wait till we go, an pay you well.” : Z ut Roberts was too fearful of being givert up, and no words could keep him from taking a hasty departure, 2 , After he was gone the Sport and Denver Doll crossed the valley tothe large cabin and en- tered, The sight that met their eyés caused them to utter simultaneous cries of astonishment. McParland was tied asthe road-agents hal left him, and his clothing below the wound was dyed red with blood, while a pool of the same was gathered at his feet on the floor. He was not dead, but had lost consciousness Nae the weakening effects of his great loss of ood. — : i “* By Heaven! there’s been devilish work here,” Yankee cried, pointing from McParland to tha “Jf the gang did this work there is no hell one can imagine that would be too good for them, This is no time to think of reyenze, Dolly. We must revive this man, or But hold! we may need Bar; I will .the secret of the whereabouts of my child is forever concealed by the barrier of deatb.” ‘* You are right,” the girl replied. ‘‘ Although this man and I are sworn enemies, I will do all in my power to revive him.” They cut the outlaw’s bonds and gently laid him on the floor. From the bar Yankee procured liquur and aniainmeetee it to him, and then dressed his wound, a 2 After an hour of steady application of such

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Denver Doll’s Device. er restoratives as -were to be had, the stricken man finally opened his eyes and was conscious. He seemed surprised at the sigbt of Doll and Yankee, for his gaze royed from the face of one to the other, “ Why did you touch me?” he gasped, faintly. ‘Why did you not let me die?” : “ For the simple reasen that you are too valu- able a man to let die just yet,” Yankee replied. “| have a little account to square up with you, and so has Denver Doll here. “Neither of you will any longer have reason to curse me, for I can make reparation for what wrong I have done,” McParland said. ‘‘ All I want of you is your assistance to get me to seme place where I can die in peace, and I will sur- prise you.” ; “How do you mean?” ‘ ‘*T will tell you as soon as I get a little strong- er. If you will get me a drink—” Denver Doll procured some water, which the wounded man eagerly quaffed: He then rested a few minutes, when he once more spoke, ad- dressing bis words principally to Yankee: “This girl,” he said, indicating Doll, ‘‘ has been my enemy for years, and she has helped to drive me to do many bad ange by her persis- tent dogging, which otherwise I probably would not have done. I am ber balf-brother. There was a bitter feud in our family, some years ago, and my step-mother used every effort to keep me out of property that came to me by my father’s death. And finally she succeeded by. bribing the jury to whom the case was left for decision. I bad no way of redress, and was bounced out upon the world. “ Knowing my temper, and fearing that if I remained around my native town I would seek revenge, she fastened a crime upon me which necessitated my flight. But she reckoned with- out her host. I had my revenge. Of her two fair daughters, I plucked the fairest, and ab- ducted her. A bloody knife was found, and the charge of murdering and making way with her, was laid upon my shoulders, and Doll, my half-sister, set out upon my trail, like a relentless blood-hound, All this happened, Yankee, before I turned up in your vicinity, and we became enemies because we loved one girl. To you, Denver Doll, I have no apology to make, as I haye never harmed you nor your sister Gerty !” “ “What! Do you mean to tell me that my sister still lives?’ Denver Doll cried, excitedly, the light of joyous anticipation gleaming from her eyes, ‘‘T mean to say exactly that. She has been with me, and been one of my warmest friends, since I took to outlawry. She can vouch for herself that 1 have been a most tender captor.” ‘“But where is she?” ‘In a safe place; I will perhaps tell you Jater.” He then asked for more water, which was given him, after which he turned to Yankee, a strange expression in his face. ’ F ‘*'You’ye sworn to kill me, I believe?” he said, interrogatively. fel - © You couldn’t well count me as sinning, if I did kill you¥’ Yankee replied, coolly. ‘* You have done me irreparable injury!” a S my men, B. : s ‘*So you think, But you reck’ without your host. Ilied to you the other night—but stop! I will make a clean breast of it. You and I both loved Dora Porter, and she married you. ° It hurt me to lose her, but I resolved to bear the less, if she was happy. But when Isaw she was unhappy, through your recklessness and inat- tention” to her, the devil prompted me to once a attention to her, “Well, you know how-you ran away and left her. It partly crazed her, and when I tried to prevail upon her to come to my protection, she repulsed me, and shortly after tea away into the mountain districts with her child. A spirit of revenge set upon me, and I followed.. For weeks I failed to find ‘her, and in the n.ean tin 6 I organized my band of road-agents. Finally, one wild November night, [ came, across her and the child, both about half-starved and frozen. I told her then thatif she did not be- ~ come mine, I would kill her, She’ scornfully refused, and I struck her down in my hot anger and fled in horror at my crime. But I did not o far. My accusing conscience turned my ootsteps back; the Almighty commanded me to return and try to save her Swhese life I had ut- tempted, I went back. I found her body and removed it toa mountain cave, In going fcr her body, I had discovered the child in Denver Doll’s camp, and concluded to leave it there temporarily, In the cave [ donned the disguise of Sir Ralph Raphael, and set about the task of bringing the dead tolife. Ido not think man ever worked-harder or prayed barder than I. And at last I was rewarded. She came back to life, but it was a_long while ere sbe was well enous to walk, By my assiducus attention I won her respect and gratitude, if not her admi- ration; so that she finally told me her story, lit- tle suspecting that I was acquainted with it. | She spoke kindly of her truant busband, but de- clared their paths in life, forever hence, Jay apart, Finally I offered to start her in, the lit- tle business in Shining Bar, to which she con- sented, on the conditions that she pay me back dollar for doilar, and that she bas done. Tbe child I recovered and placed in the bands of enver Doll’s sister, who took the best care of it. For Dora my love revived, and I quietly pushed my suit. But it is destined thyt she never shall be anything tome. Yankee Hisler, your wife and child still live in good health, You arenow at liberty to fulfill your cath of vengeance |” Ana the road-agent folded, his arms, au ex: pression of satisfaction upon his face, Yankee gazed at him a moment in medita- ‘ion. “Tf what you say be true,” he said, ‘ I cer- tainly have not much cause to be revenged upon you. But to-morrow is the 20th of November, and I want my child.” . “1t matters not whether you possess the child to-morrow or not, so far as the Porter inherit- ance is concerned, for I have informed the ex- ecutors, some days since, that the child is alive and well, and in your possession, Now that you see I am really not the wretch you picture me, I will propose terms: Since the desertion of spured, I will abandon this wild career, and b; \ have resolved that if my life is

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28 a reputable life atone in some degree for eh past. If you give’ me my freedom, 1 will tell you where to find those who are dear to you; then we will shake hands and part friends, if you, care to allow me to enter into a better life, where by good acts I may be able to partially redeenf myself.” There was a momentary silence, and then Yankee answered: Zs “Wor my part, I have nothing to say. You are free to go, and it shall be ny prayer that yau lead the life in the future ‘of an honest man.’” eK “As my duty as a detective I should arrest you,” Denver Doll said, thoughtfully. ‘‘Butif you swear that Gerty is safe, and will truth- fully tell me where I can find her, I-shall not claim you as a prisoner.” “Tt isa bargain, and [I shall expect you to fulfill your part of it, for all my friends having forsaken me, I am literally homeless. and friend- less. The child Ethel, and the two women Dora and Gerty are, so far as I know, at Crystal Car- rol’s. At least, I sent Gerty there with the child, late last night, before I knew definitely of the mutiny. I would advise you to go there secretly af once, and get them out of the camp, as Satan alone knows what Verner would not do, should they fall into his clutches.” “You areright,” Yankee assented. feel able to ride?” "YT think I could bear up long enough to get me at a safe distance from» this accursed spot.” « ‘Very well. There is one horse remaining in the gulch. We-will help you off.” The horse was procured; and the wounded chief assisted to mount. A stock of edibles and _ liquor was put. ip his saddle-bags, and bidding Yankee and Denver Doll a sorrowful farewell, he fode slowly away out of the gulch, to be for- evermore lost to the world as the terror of the trail under the famous name of McParland, the road-agent. ‘ ‘“T reckon we have acted in the wisest way, after all,” Yankee observed, as they watched him ride away. ‘‘ There’s the making of a man in him yet, and I guess.we were right in giving him a chance, And now, let’s get back to Suining Bar. There may be lots of work for us to do yet, before we get at those we seek.” “Ay! and mark you, we will find the route into the town guarded, so we shall have to go careful.” They were about leaving the gulch when groans attracted their attention to one of the smaller cabins, not far from where they were passing. ee * Let’s _ ‘*Som¢one is in trouble, that’s patent.” ' . They crossed the valley and entered the cabin. “Do you + investigate,” Yankee suggested. The sight that met their gaze was one that~ caused them each a smile of wonderment and amusement. The author of the groans was the Cyclone re- _ porter, Charles Pygmalion Jones. He was tied to the wall, in an immovable oa and was attired in woman’s clothing, having been deprived of his own, aE _A most laughable-looking girl he 2. to the least, and it was svident that ar- Denver Doil’s Devise. ee. Jand had appreciated the fact when he substitu. ted the are nl ** Hello! hearty laug.. ‘‘ What are you doing bere?” ‘Oh! he’s takin’ items for the Cuvortin’ “What a beautiful lookin’ gal he is, anyhow.” ‘*T ain’t,” Jones growled, ‘I was captured by the road-agents, and haye them to thank for this fix. Oh! the experiences I have passed through would fill a large volume of prose, I have already enough matter on hand in mind, to keep the Cyclone a-going for years,” ‘“*T presume you'll take the breath away from the wind with your effusions. But we must be going now, Yankee,” : . “What! what! are you not going to take me along? Free me, oh! free me, or I shall die!” ‘Well, we will; but you’ve got to go back to Shining Bar in the saine togs you've got on,” Yankee announced. “There's no otbers in this camp; and besides, 1 wouldn’t have you spoil your present beauty, so come along, as we’ve no time to lose.” Jones’s bonds were out, and having no choice but to go in the dress be wore, he followed _his deliverers from the gulch, looking and feeling decidedly sheepish, The journey back toward Shining Bar was not attended by any incident worthy of mention, until they were within about a mile of the camp, when they suddenly caine across a party of six soldiers, under the command of a lieutenant, whom Denver Doll remembered of having.met before. The recognition was mutual, and the lieuten- ant said: “You are just the person I most wished to meet. I want to know what sort of a mining- camp that is down the gulch. I went down there with a squad of men this morning, and after losing three was forced to beat a re- treat.” : ‘You were lucky to get off so cheaply,” Doll replied. ‘*McParland’s road-agent gang is in possession of the town, and it will take a-good a to root them out, as they are well forti- Cyclone,” remarked Doll, She went on and related what was known of the mutiny, and the ruse by which the gang had gained possession of the camp, Mah “Things don’t look quite so bright as th yclone,” Yankee saluted, with a - ried that’s true,” Lieutenant Larrowe said, — ** but Pll contrive to break up this sort of busi- ness. I reckon we'll camp here in the,vicivity, while i send one of my men back for the rest of my company. Wiil you two join us?” fae “No; I will goon and reconnoiter, and per- haps may be able to get into their camp and oe those who are dear to me,” Yankee re- plied. a time, and I will try to report what is the con- dition of affairs in the camp.” per ee “Tf you go I’m with you,” Denver Doll said, “ Jouesy, you better stay here and write up es your article for the Cyclone, and maybe you — can make a raise of a suit of clothes among the crowd,” _And Charles P. was of the same opinion, Since learning of the condition of ‘affairs at | Shining Bar. not so particulai m ‘*When your men come remain here for _ ot

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(9 Denver Doll’s. Device. 29 Dogme fo venture there, especially in the raiment of a woman, Denver Doll and Yankee took their departure toward Shining Bar, bent upon the rescue of Dora, Gerty and little Ethel, if they were in the camp. ‘ The walk to the vicinity of the outskirts of the town was accomplished without incident, when they halted, and“ after a short consultation Doll crept cautiously on in advance to recon- nditer, _ ina few minutes sue returned. +‘ There are six men doing guard duty below hte, and the prospects of getting past them are not’ encouraging,” she said, dubiously. ‘‘ The oniy way Ecan suggest to get past them is to overpower one of them and put on his togs, in- cluding the mask, and then allow the other one of us to slide by. The are positioned across the gulch, at intervals of about fifty feet, and by pouncing onto one the nearest to one side or the other of the gulch, I think it is possible we might make a go of it.” “We can but try,” Yankee assented. And with catlike movements they glided for- ward, bent upon capturing one of the guards and making their entree into Shining Bar in spite of the barriers that had been placed to op- pose them. CHAPTER XII. THE, BIG SURROUND. ORYSTAL CARROL, bad taken no part in the stampede. Slie bad half suspected some devil- try back of it all, but having full reliance on herself, had made up her mind to stay and see the whole business through. Besides, Gerty, the sister of Denver Doll, had come to her, during the night preceding the stampede, bringing with her little Ethel, and a note from McParland, which said: “Dora:—I send yu, herewith, your child, and the woman who has taken care of it since it has been in my possessi n; the woman is my half-sister and a sister of Denver Doll. Realizing that there is no longer any use of aspiring to the rightful possession * of yourself, I-am going to forever leave the Westy and try to begin life over again, in some other place, Forgive me for the wrongs I have done you, and go back to him who loves you, and is repentant for the past. J. McP.” And knowing it would not then be safe to ex- pose little Ethel in Shining Bar, was another reason why Crystal, or Dora, as we shall here- after call her, did not join In the stampede. She secreted Gerty and little Ethel in the up- stairs room, and patiently awaited the reappear- ance of-the handsome Sport, Yankee, When Verner returned to the Bar, accom- panied by the road-agents, she comprebended the situation, and became fearful that she had done wrong in not joining in the exodus, But it was now too late to escape, so all she had to do was to be brave and hope for the. st. . It was the middle of the afternoon before she received a call from any one, and then it was - ’rom Valantine Verner, . *' Well! well! so you are here yet, are you?” yrowled, as be entered the store. _ Certainly! Who has a | mind who you are, girl? better right” the J identity,” 3 Hias> Fi plucky woman demanded, ‘I’ve got an eve that’s not in the habit of closing at every thin dodge— hence, I didn’t enthuse at all when the stampede took place,” : “ Humph! perhaps you'll be sorry you didn’t. I don’t believe the gang will allow a petticoater in the town,” “Tt won't try their nerves, I fancy, if I mind - my own business. And besides, I don’t intead to be either wronged or fnsulted, The first. per- son who offers to put me out of the town against my will, I will shoot through the heart, and the same sort of a dose is waiting for his comrades, I've taken my stand here, and I’llfight it out on this line if it takes all winter.” 3 Verner looked surprised, for he knew but lit le about the spirit and plick of the young woman. He had supposed that he would havea soft thing in subduing her, and either melding her to his will, or else forcing her to leave Shining Bar. “Ob! talk is cheap,”-he sneered. ‘1 fancy three-score of men ought to be able to conquer one weak wofnan, so there’s no use for you to be saucy to mo, as your fate rests entirely in my hands, Do you know that I bave made up m You are Dora Hisler.” “Jf you think so,you are welcome to your belief, Several other persons have cherished such a fancy, but have got left. Understand, Mr, Valentine Verner, that I am nota bit afraid of you, and if you make any more of your threats in my place, I'l! just salivate you right where you stand.” And she suddenly shoved a pair of formidable six-shooters over the counter at him, He leaped back with a snarl. “Take care! don’t shoot!” he cried; for, at the muzzle of a pistol, a more arrant coward never lived than Valentine Verner, ‘‘ You are too hasty, my dear young woman.” _“ Well, be that as it may, if you are not hasty in getting out of my house, there will be need of an undertaker here, you bet! One, two, three—get !” The fire im her eye warned him that it was - death to disobey. With a growi of rage, be shook his fist at her, and took his departure, ‘He will be back again, I'll wager. He's a bad man, and I’m afraid that Pve vwndertaken more than I can handle,” Dora muttered, .‘‘ But I will stand game to the last!” $ She went up-stairs and told Gerty of what had happened, and cautioned her to keep little Ethel very quiet, lest their presence in the house should be detected. Then she returned to the store, and waited... The afternoon crept away, and shadows he- gan to hover over the town, but they did not lessen her anxiety. Pas She dreaded the darkness, for with it would ~- } come peril to her and conceal. ; In turning over some cards upon the show- case, she came to one Yankee had written and Jaft there. 5 : With feelings better imagined than described, perused the message, and tears gathered in ar eyes. : easy ‘‘T have done wrong to deceive him gout my ‘sbe vhurmured, ‘ But, Go? de. .2n the ones she wished to in AEP,

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rey 1 rere wee me back my child, and perhaps He will send me my husband. Then I will hope for a new life. Poor Jobn! villain though he has been, he has earned my gratitude, for he brought me back to: life after attempting to kill me, and then gave me up afterall.” ' Deeper and deeper the gloom increased in the gulch, and with its oncoming increased Dora’s foreboding, for se was well satisfied that Val- entine Miller would not long allow matters to remain as they were. At last, when darkness had settled down in earnest, Dora saw a number of the road-agents pause in front of her store, as if waiting for Somebody, or something. 4 The somebody proved to be Verner, for as s90n as he made his appearance, the whole crowd flocked into the store, the speculator in tie lead. Dora stood bebind the counter, wii. a pair of . revolvers drawn and cocked, ready for use, There was a defiant expression upon her face, too, which told that she would stand for her rights to the bitter end. : Weil, you see I’m back!” Verner said with a sneer, ‘‘and I dare say you understand the sig- nificance of my coming.” “*T see that you are afraid of me, and had to ah for reinforcements!” Dora replied, scorn- ally. ; ‘“And I got them,-too, Consequently, there iz nothing for you to do but to come to my verms. Hither you have got to pack your duds, and leave this town, or marry me. lve been looking for a wife for some time, and don’t xoow asI could make a better selection than yourself, These are emphatically my terms!” “That isa matter of very slight importance to me!” Dora answered, calmly, but with in- tense resolution. “I am not afraid to die, and I may as well die defeading myself, as to sub- mit to iusult at your hands. Remember that I have got thé drop, an I'll make some one sick before I get through with you!” Verner hesitated whether to give an order to his followers to charge on her, or not, for he “felt sure that she would fire at him first, and likely kill him. S) that he was literally at bay again. ‘Well, if you won’t surrender in ove way, I can make you in another!” he cried turning on his heel, and leaving the store, followed by his mon. Dora quickly locked the door after them, and Tan up-stairs to peer out of the window, Gerty and littl> Ethel were huddled in one corner, their faces showing that they were alarmed, “Cheer up!” Dora encouraged. ‘If I mis- take not, there is a good chance for us yet. I . have again sent Valentine Verner off, und it is to be hoped he will stay this time!” Fron neither.the front nor the back witdow could sho s3e anything of the enemy, and she, therefore, concluded that they had retired to the Monaco, to consult on the best plan of securing their point, \ So, bidding Gerty to be hopeful, sho once Mivre went down-stairs, remembering that she _ Mad left the back door unlocked. ; « UDR reaching the lower room, ¢o her surprise, i eee i kee, ‘ Ps 3 wo! Fame mgr ee ty Denver Doll’s Device. she beheld Yankee and Denver Doll entering through the neglected door. With a glad cry, the Sport sprung forward and clasped her to his breast, and this time she did not refuse him, but ching to him affection. ‘| ately. ** Thank God! we are at last reunited,” Yan- kee said. ‘Is Ethel safe?” re “Yes, She is with Gertygup-stairs.” “Then we must make our escape from here ab once,” : a ‘* It is too late now!” Denver Doll cried, ‘“‘ for the building is being surrounded!” # Examination proved this to be correct, cy outlaws had assembled, en masse, at both ends of the shanty, and it was buta few minutes ere the crackle of flames was beard! ‘““By Heaven! they have fired the house!” Yankee cried. ‘‘It is now stirrender or perisk by fire!” “Then let us all die together, ratber than have little Ethel fall into Val Verner’s hands to’ be murdered,” was Dora’s resolve, “So say I!” Denver Doll cried. ‘But let us ae despain There may he a chance, after all!” - And her words were prophetic, for suddenly shouts and rifle-sboets were heard from a dis- tance, to which the outlaws responded. ‘* The soldiers! the soldiers!” exclaimed Yan- kee. ‘‘They have come in the nick of time.” It was true. With a determination for victory Uncle Sam’s boys advanced, and the rain of bullets swept away the lives of the desperadoés like chaff be- fore the wind. Some, by skillful dodging, es« caped with their lives, but they were few. When the battle was over—for it was of short eduration—our friends in the shanty had just time to escape from what before had promised to be a fiery tomb, and there was great rejoic- ing in Shining Bar among those who gathered to their protection. : There is littie to add. The soldiers had swooped down on the Bar, uided by Reporter Jones. Among the dead were found Valentine Ver- ner, his daughter Isabel, Monroe Miller, and i Burke, the faithless Vigilante chief. Of the other chardcters we have dealt with, Yankee Hisler with his wife and child is now living happily in Philadelphia, where also is Charles Pygmalion Jones, who is still aspiring to be a newspaper man, Gerty, Denver Doll’s sister, has married Lieu- tenant Roberts of the army. Denver Doll, with her pard Yakie, is still do- ing valuable detective duty in the West. alt Christie has’ gone out of the detective busines, and now handles the razor for a liveli- h McParland has embarked ina paying busi- ness, inan Eastern city, and with a good wife. to aid him in his efforts, is rapidly acquiring a competency, Shining Bar is still a prosperous town, but there is little there of the excitement that ihere was prior to that all-important 20tk day of November, x E ; Q

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SUM) MMA MTT MLLER UTS RR z soe OTe JALOGUES sw SPEAKERS AMECMTLB ELS LEM ACL Ee CUTS TUE Ste TEE Cte SEE SDE Dee PE CE RILUSSM NT LP ACME CMS LCE CULT LE oe me oe PUBLISHED BY DIALOGUES, No.1 to4t. M. J. IVERS & CO., |: SPEAKERS, Nos 1 to 25. JAMES SULLIVAN, Prop’s, HH 379 Pearl Street, New York. THE TRADE SUPPLIED BY The American News Company, AND ITS BRANCHES. ; F MPI eo kk LOR OU LL oe Uo Lea EL ELL eo t ~ E _ ; } ET Ti Th SERA GT RU EU MTT RU CM MITTEN TELE PUTT TES TEA TEESE TEE TE UTE SUE CEC SUE UE te SUE Se ee UTE UE SD 0 EEE — tT

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_ +88 Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand; or, “169 Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake. Pa Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; oo afte and Dove in a Frontier Fort. By Buffalo B: S i, Wit OF ' wh aie ar " 7 y ih. ‘Hb The Doomed Dozen; or, Buffalo iV Chiet of Scouts. By Dr. Frank Powell. 4 Wild Bil, ae Pistol Dead-Shot. A Romance of Buffalo Bill’s Old Pard. By Col. P.angraham, 15 we Biil's Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress, By Col. Prentiss ngraham. 189 Bat Bill’s Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen, Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 43 Phe Pilgrim Sharp; or,The Soldier’s Sweetheart, By Buffalo Bill, Government Scout and Guide. $19 pede the Whirlwina of the West. By Buf- my The League of Three; or, Buffalo Bill’s Pledge, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, _ Wr The Wizard Brothers; or, White Beuver’s Trail, By Buffalo Bill. 1 The One-Armed Pard; or, Red Retribution in Borderland, By Buffalo Bill. W Buffalo Bill’s First Trail; or, Will Cody, the Pony Express Rider, By Ned ‘Buntline. (99 The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards ot the Plains, By Buffalo Bill. (29 Daredeath Dick, ee of the ores or, Buf- falo Bill’s Daring Role, By Leon Le 139 The Gold King; or, Montebello, the Magnificent, By Buffalo Bill, ‘4 Buffalo Bill’s Bonanza; or, The Knights of the ‘Silver Circle. By Col P. Ingraham. #9 Buck Tayior, the Saddle K ng, "By Col. P. “fn graham. 2 Buffalo Bill’s Secret Service Trail; or, The Mys terious foe. By Maj. Dangerfield urr, 391 Buffalo Bill’s Bina Trail; or, Mustang Madge, the Daughter of the Regiment. In 97 pe il’s Buckskin Brotherhood; or, Open- ne Lost Trail. By Col P.I Ingraham, #10 Bone © Bill Baffled ; or, The Deserter Desperado’s Defiance. By Col, Pp. ngraham, 116 Buffa'o Bill’s Scout Shadowers;, or, Emerald Ed /of Devil’s Acre, By Col, P. Ingraham, yee #2 Buffalo Bill on the War-Path, By Col. Ingraham 127 Buffalo Bill’s Body-guard. By Col. P, Ingraham, Re Buffalo Bill’s Beagles, By Col. P. Ingraham. Pee Bill and His Merry Men. By Col. P. ' fo oe] Buikalo Biil’s Blind. Ry Col. P. Ingraham. ‘exas Jack’s Pravos. By Col. P. Ingraham, $50 baffalo Bill’s Big Four. By Col. P. Ingraham. 27 pane Lie 's Double; or, The Desperado Detec- va. ol. Prentiss Ingrabam. “61 Buta 3 l’s Mascot, or, Death Valley Victim No, 13. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. '$5 Buffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk-Ribbcn Sam. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, By Col. Ingraham. ‘477 Buffalé Bill’s Spy-Shadower. By Col. Ingraham 82 Buffalo Bill's Dead Shot. py Gol. Prentig® = ‘BUFFALO mL Novels inthe DIMB LIBRARY 800 Wild Bih, the Dsad-Center Sho, or, Rio Grande Ralph the Cowboy Chief. By Buffalo Bill, 80? Wilt Bill, the Wild West Duelist; gs The Girl Mascot of Moonlight Mine. By Buffalo Bill. 812 Buffalo Bill’s Death-Knell; or, Tne Red Rand Riders of the Rockies By Col. P Ingraham 820 White Beaver’s Still Hunt; or, The Miner Marauder’s Death-Track. By Buffalo Rill. 822 Buffalo ae Best Bower; or, Montebello, the old King. a Col, P. Ingraham. 826 Buffalo Bill’s Sharp-Shooters; or, The Surgeon Scout to the Rescue. = Col, P. Ingraham. 830 Buffalo Bills Boys in Biue; or, The Brimstcne Bind’s Blot-out. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahain. 839 The Ranch King Dead Shot; or, Texas Jack’s Proxy. By Buffalo Bill. 845 Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Ruse; or, Texas Jack’s Death Shot. By Cok Prentiss Ingraham, 851 Buffalo Bill’s Double Dilemma; or, The Greay Scout’s Big Three. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham 857 Buffalo Bili’s Royal Flush; or, he Pony Rider’s Death-Run, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 863 eg ee Biil’s Death-Charm; or, The Man Wiib a Sear. te Prentiss Ingraham 869 Buffalo Bil’s Road-Agent ‘Ronad up;or'The Mys- terious Masked Manin Black. By Ingraham. 874 Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Beaves; or, The Card neen’s Last Game By Gol. P. Ingraham, 882 The Thre< Bilis: Buffalo BiJl, Wild Billand Bana box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth, Ingrabam 890 oe Bill's Life-Stake; or, The Pledged Tnree, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 895 Buffalo -Bill’s Secret Altys or, The Texan” ei Prenriss Ingraham Vs Rough Riders; or, Texas Jack’ -Shooters, By Ccl. P. Ingraham, 904 Buffalo Bill’s Targled Trail; or, Gentleman Jack, the Man of Many Masks, By Ingraham, 909 Buffalo Bill’s League;-or. Red Butterfly. Br . Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 95 B ffalo Bili and the Surgeon Scout;or Go wan: 0, the Redskin Rider. -By Col. P. Ingraham, - 921 se Bills Quandary; or, Velvet Bill's Vou By Col. Prentive Ingraham. 927 poe Bil’s Bruff; or, Dusky Dick, the Sport y Col. P. ingraham, 936 Botralo Bill’s Black Pard; or, The Gold Bo-mer of the Big Horn. By Col. P. Ingraham. 943 puna “i's Block . Game. 950 Buftalo, “Bi at Bay. By’ Colonel Prentiss Ingraha 956 Buffalo’ “Bill's Volunteer Vigilantes." By Col. ‘Prentiss Ingraham. 960 Buffalo Bill’s Blue Belt Brigade. By Colone! Prentiss Ingraham. 964 Buffalo Bill’s Invincibles. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 069 Texas Jack, the Lasso King; or, The Roh- are Rangers of the Rio Grande. By uffale .973 The Dread-Shot Four. By Buffalo Bill. 978. Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail. By Cot. Prentiss Ingraham "84 Buffalo Bill's Life Raffle; or, The Doomed. Three. Ready Sept. \89 Buffalo Bis Mariced pulse By Col. &, Ingraham. Ready» Oct. o4 eee Bill’s Lone Hand. "By Col. gra P. Inc aha 900 Buffalo Bill’s Grim Guard. By Col. P. Ine graham. m. The above Dime Libraries are Wor Sale O¥ ; NEWSDE3*.ERS, ten cents per oat. en . ius ° ent by mail on By Colonet 2, ;

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SMART TOASTS FOR THE SMART SET. Vest Pocket Size. 64 Pages. By Mail, Postpaid, Sewed Book. I2zc. per Copy. Up-to-Date. BEST LINE OF HAND BOOKS PUBLISHED. “YIDDISH” YARNS.—A Collection of HMebrew Jokes, Stories, ete. GENTS’ LETTER WRITER.—A Perfect Guide to all kinds of Correspondence, FAMILY PHYSICIAN.—Family Diseases and Their Treatinent; Rules of Health, ete. BOOK OF DREAMS —Their Romance and Mystery, with a Complete Interpretation Dictionary. HOUSEWIFE’S MANUAL.—How to Keep House; How to Dye, Cleanse, etc. VAUDEVILLE JOKER.—Best Jokes by Eminent Vau- deville Artists. BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—Society, Visits, Introduc- tions, Dress, Balls, etc. FORTUNE TELLER.—Fortune Telling by Cards, Tea or Coffee Grounds, Eggs; Palmistry, ete. BOOK OF 100 GAMES.—One Hundred Games for Social Parties and Home Amusements. COOK BOOK.—Economical, Practical, Excellent. LADIES’ LETTER WRITER.—How to Write; ,;When to Write; What to Write. RECIPE BOOK.—For the Parlor, Nursery, Sick-room, Toilet, Kitehen, Larder, ete. BOOK OF BEAUTY.—Beauty of Form, Color, Head, Hair, Complexion, Skin, ete., with chapters on Perfumes, Cosmetics, ete. BOOK OF VERSES.—Comprising Rhymes, Lines, and Mottoes for Lovers and Friends. THE LOVERS’ CASKET.—A Treatise on and Guide to Friendship, Love, Courtship, and Marriage. “GERMAN” JOKER.—‘ Dutch” Jokes and “Gags” by best ‘‘ Dutch” Teams on the Stage. “ HAYSEED * JOKER.—The Doings of ‘‘Our Country Cousins’ ina Humorous Way. “TRAMP * JOKER.—Good ‘ Handouts” in this Book for Professional and Amateur Enterta:ners. “COON * YARWS.—Best Jokes Relating to Our “ Dark- er-Skinned Brothers.”’ “TRISH” Joker No. 1.—The Wittiness and Whimsicali- ties of “* Pat” at His Best. “VARIETY * JOKER.—Good Things from all the Na- tionalities: ‘* Pat,’’ ‘‘Alphonse,”’ ‘“‘ Hans,” ** Jona- than,” “* Moses,” and ‘* Ebenezer.”” 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’ LIBRARY. PRICE 5 CENTS PER COPY. 1 Dandy Bill’s Doom. By Oll Coomes. 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. ly J. E. Badger. 9 Roving Joe. By A. H. Post. 10 'l'exas Jack. By Ingraham. 11 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By H. B. Stoddard. 12 Brimstone Bill’s Booty. By J. BE. Badger, Jr. 13 Roving Ben, By J. J. Marshall. 14 The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 15 Wide-Awake George. By E. Willett. 16 Wide-Awake Ned. By B. Ringgold. 17 Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn. By Noah Nuff. ‘8 Adrift on tho Prairie. By Oll Coomes. 19 Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post. 20 Giant Pete and his Pards. By Harbaugh. 21 Yellow Hair. By Ingraham. 22 The Snow-Trail. By Harbaugh. 23 Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr Powell. 24 Woods and Waters. By Whittaker. 25 A Rolling Stone. By W. R. Eyster. 26 Red River Rovers. By C. D. Clark. 27 Buckskin Sam's Wild Ride. By Ingraham. 28 The Sword Prince. By F. Whittaker. 29 Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. 30 Pavl De Lacy. By ©. D. Clark. 31 Round tl Camp-Fire. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 82 Fancy Frank’s Drop. By Ingraham. 83 The Boy Crusader. By Capt. F. Whittaker. % Kit Carson. 34 The Chase of the Great White Stag. By C. D. Clark, 35 Old Tar Knuckle. By Ro-er 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 §. Ellis. 42 Walt Ferguson's Cruise. By C. D. Clark, 43 Rifle and Revolver. By F. Whittaker. 44 The Lost Boy Whalers. By T’. C. Harbaugt 45 Bronco Billy. By Ingraham. 46 Dick, the Stowaway. By Charles Morris. 47 The Colorado Boys. By J. E. Badger, Jr, 48 The Pampas Hunters, By T. C. Harbaugh, 49 Nebraska Charlie. By Ingraham. 50 Jack, Harry, and Tom. By F. Whittaker. 51 ‘Tom Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C. D. Clark, 52 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Harbaugh. ° 53 — the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles forris. 54 California Joe. By Ingraham. 55 Tip Tressel, the Flatboat Boy. By Edward Willett, 56 The Snow Hunters. By Harry De Forrest. 57 Harry Somers, the Magician. By S. W. Pearce. 58 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost. By Ingraham. 59 Tim, the Mule Boy of the Mines. By Charles Morris, 60 The Young Trail Hunters. By 'T. C. Harbaugh. 61 The Tiger Hunters. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 62 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. By Ingraham. 63 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker, By Roger Starbuek. 64 Young Dick Talbot, By A. W. Aiken,

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THE Deadwood Dick e Library e LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-GOLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents. buy One and You Will Buy the Rest} €xtracts from the New York Evening Sun. TWO REMARKABLE {In only one sense of the word can it be regarded asa @ovel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera- ture has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps more than one reader will have to think a moment over this remark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit strikes home. But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement that will be news to many when it is added that litera- wre; if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam as a mere child down to the present day, would show t few heroes that in the eyes of boyhood would be ‘en judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest roes 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 ® * * jt is but natural that their * * * should bear way the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left r behind In the race, It ean be easily believed, therefory, that the two Dicks 8o 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 HEROES. above all rivals in the eyes of the public for which they have lived, and for which one of them has died, American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor 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 his everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending solving of impenetrable mysteries, Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when the victims are thoroughly undone, the millions wait hungrlk. for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appear. with the certainty of the Wednesday itself, and a new se, oF es thrills go thrilling 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 in- finite pain, but if once a start were made in that direc tion, it would be cruel to The Hvening Sun's readers to stop, and it is therefore better not to relate one single adventure, Suffice it to say that the stories are clean and well written, \ 3 Deadwood Dick, the Priace of the Road The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or. The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 6 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval $ Death-Face, the Detective ¥ The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 9 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger li sia Brees Jr., the Boy Phenix; eat 318 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood ar Buckhw.n Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 4 Gold Rifle, the Sa a hy Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 6 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo v sacle Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the ulch ., 36 Idyl, the Girl, Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 290 Watch-Rye, the Shadow ; 91 Sy ne Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double Oss r 22 vanada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief %8 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty or, Through to Guleh . Blonde Bill; er, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 8 Basia Sam, the Boy Roed-Agent DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 35 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 36 New York Nell, the Koy-Girl Detective 37 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 39 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 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 Roguee 44 Detecaye 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 ee ae Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anch 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise. 53 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's Fortune ¢ : ; 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz: or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy. 63 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sasse- fras City s 64 See Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Oatéde ings : ‘M. J. IVERS & €O., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 879 Pearl Street, NEW YORK. eT ae ee eer? ene po ee |e

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Copyright 1882-1888, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Ottice, New York, N. Y.. as second class matter, Mar. 15, 1899 T THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. N 0, 538 Cleveland, Ohio Vol. Vv

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Top MaIGHasl < my x Copyright 1882-1883, by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Office, New York, N. ¥., a8 second class matter. Mar. 15, 12 1 nee UU Eel ae | ’ « THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. 4) T V No. 53 Cleveland, Ohio pe V ol. SHEN OUT FROM THE UNDERGROWTH, ACROSS THE RAVIVE, STRODE NO LESS A PERSONAGE THAR . WANKER. RIFLE WN HARD.

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Deadwood Dick: e Library e DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. = 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road % The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures ' 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol § 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 Rufflan re 10 Oaks onl, ane Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick n Dan 11 se ‘Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to 12 Deadwood Dick’s Hagles: or, The Pards of Flood Bar 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 15 Deadwood Dick on eck; or, Cedamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 17 noe Fnied Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the 18 Tayh me Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 otograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 20 Watch-Hye, the S Shado 21 penance Dick’s Davies? or, The Sign of the Double ros | 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief - 88 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 24 Deadwood. Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Wdged 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 Gi 81 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 82 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent ‘85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel “43 The Ventriloquist Detective, A Romance of Rogues LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-COLORED BOERS | 82 Pages. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest! — For Sample Cover Sce Other @ide, # Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bi Strike 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective : 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buekskin Bravo 39 Deadwood Dick's Doom; or, Calamity Jane's ‘Last Adventure se 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream: or, The Rivals of the Road 2 The Arab Detective; or, ‘Snoozer, the Boy Shar, 44 that Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's 45 The Fr rontien Detective; or, Sierra Sam's Scherse 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, Road-Agent 49 Sierra Bane the Detective 3 50 ae “ea Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detec , 51 Sierra 8 Sam’s Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anch 52 The Girl Sport; or Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 4 58 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective aay 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport _ 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick ‘Trapped 4 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's i Fortune F 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Spor rt 60 Dumb Dir.x’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner — 61 Deadworal Dick's Mission 62 § por fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco ; 63 The Devective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sa fra’, City 64 Colgrado Charlie's Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ngs