Deadwood Dick Library (v. 5) (1900 05 09)

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(Ui NELLIZ RAN AND SEIZED THE NOTE. AND HANDED IT TO DICE. & CO., Publishers ullivan, Proprietor,) rl Street. New Yo ts .IVEL Maca z 2B € d We May 9, 1900. 1889, by Beadl Tssv Copyright 188 No. 61,

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EDWARD L. WHEELER’S DEADWOOD DICK, JR, NOVELS IN THE HALF-DIME LIBRARY. Price 5 Cents per Copy. 443 Crescent Sign. 448 453 459 465 A471 476 481 491 496 500 508 515 522 529 53 539 544 549 554 561 567 572 578 584. 590 595 600 606 612 618 624 630 636 642 648 654. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Jick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Continent. lers. g 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., 678 Deadwood Dick Jr.’ 684. Deadwood Dick, Jr. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr.; Jr. i Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. Jr., Jt., Jr., Afloat. IT, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Jr., Day dr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr., Abe Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer, Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the or, The Crimson Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance. 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. s, Diggings. s, Deliverance. ’s, Protege. Jr.’s, Three. s, Danger Ducks. s, Death Hunt. in Texas. the Wild West Vidoeq. on His Mettle. in Gotham. in Philadelphia. in Chicago. in Denver. s, Decree. in Beelzebub’s Basin. at Coney Island. s, Leadville Lay. in Detroit. in Cincinnati. in Nevada. in No Man’s Land. in Buffalo. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smug- s, Insurance Case. Back in the Mines. in Durango. s, Discovery. 5 Dazzle. s, Dollars. at Danger Divide. s, Drop. at Tack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco. 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 734. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deadwood Dick, Jr. 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, a Jr.’ 740 758 764 Deadwood Dick, 770 776 782 787 792 797 802 812 816 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 834 Deadwood Dick, Jr. $40 Deadwood Dick, Jt.’ 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’ 852 Deadwood Dick, hy 858 863 870 876 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 934 Deadwood Dick, sper 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 946 Deadwood Dick,, Jr.’ 951 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr. 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ .’s, Boom. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Deadwood Dick, Jr.. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 891 Deadwood Dick, Jr. s, Still Hunt. | s, Dominoes. , 8, Disguise. Double Deal. ’s, Death-Watch. Doublet. s, Death-Blow. s, Desperate Strait. s, Lone Hand. ’s, Defeat. *s, Resurrection. ’s, Dark Days. Defied. s, Double Device. s, Desperate Venture. ’s, Diamond Dice. s, Royal Flush. s, Head-Off. s, Rival. ’s, Scoop. ’s, Proxy. s, Clutch. s, High Horse. a at Devil's Gulch. ’s, Death-Hole Hustle. s, Bombshell. in Mexico. s, Decoy Duck. in Siiver Pocket. s, Dead-Sure, Game. s, Double Drive. s, Trade-Mark. 7 at Tip-Top. s, Double-Decker. ., at Dollarville. at Flush Flats. 4g, Shake-Up.: s, Double Drop. s, Right Bower. s, Ten-Strike, ’s, Gold Dust. 971 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Oath. 977 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 980 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ ’s, Death-Doom. s, Best Card. 992 Deadwood Dick, dt., a Gold Dust. 998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Big Play. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., 1011 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Branded. s, 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 Street, New York Crry.

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wis sO8* DS ph eAkeeKS Gopyright 1882-1889, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York. N. Y., as second class marter, Mar. 15 184 Pld ARRAN SNES ARS PAD REI DRONA RC HO A Ae 26 NOD Noes IRS a EG BIOS ae PEPE IRE | ; M. J. TVERS & CO., Publishers ee ‘ No. 61. paee icant. (James Sullivan, Proprietor.) Price 5 Cents. Vol. V pages ; 379 Pearl Street, New York, $2.50.a Year. aged TTT \ WE NY

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a on ’ Deadwood Dick's Mission CAVIE, THE KIDNAPPED BOY. BY E. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘! DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘*ROSE- RUD ROB” NOVELS, ETC., ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I, THE WRECK AND COAST VULTURES, Many miles up the rugged Pacific Coast from San Francisco, going north, a little town nestles upon.a sloping beach, whereon huge bowlders form a feature of the rugged landscape. A rude collection of huts and shanties com- poses the town, such as are usually tenanted by fishermen or wreckers, with a couple of saloons, and a few general stores, We will call the place Seaport for want of a better name, as it was only known as Quige’s by those who knew of it, or ever ventured to it, from inland by stage. 4 Its harbor was rough and dangerous in the extreme, and could only be made by fishing sloops of light burden, but it was seldom that Seaport received a call from any vessel what- ever. Occasionally there was a wreck upon*»the coast, which, to the inhabitants of the town, was a fortunate circumstance, and many hard stories were told by experienced sailors of false beacon lights to lure vessels to destruction upon the rocks, Which was not untrue, as the larger part: of He Seaportians were of a hard class to say the east, : ; Some of this class belonged to the permanent residents, while another element hailed from an adjacent inland mining-camp, the worst char- acters of wmivit frequently poured down into Seaport to drink, fight and squander their hard earnings in various ways, : All of which tended to give Seaport the hard- ’ est hame of any town on the coast. 5b. At the time of which we write, there had been little or nothing to arouse the citizens from their’ ‘monotonous life—no fights, no wrecks, nor in- cidents of any sort worth relating. But as the rainy season was setting in, it was reasonable to expect some accident or incident would offer the desired relief, One wild stormy night when a fierce gale drove the great Pacific waves in upon the rug- ged . beach with a thunderous roar, a signal gun of distress was heard off the town. In a few minutes the inhabitants of the town were gathered at the shore, and a hard-looking assemblage it was—a bad crowd, whose mercy would not be less cruel than the winds and waves. The signal gun had not been fired far from shore, as the report was loud and distinct, proy- ing that the vessel, which it was impossible to see from the shore, owing to the dense darkuess, could not be far off the rocks, Z . “She's hein’ driven in this way, I reckon!” lod Jabez Quigg cried—the grim old coast con- As Ais eal leaving old Quigg to act as reception officer. Deadwood Dick’s Mission. % ; dor who had long haunted Seaport, and profited by wrecks innumerable. ‘* Can’t make her out, tho’, account o’ the spray, blarst_my old eyes ef Ican, Guess ther poor vessel will hey to go to pieces, ’ca’se how no rescue boat can ever live in thet-aire surf,” A stranger might have thought the old vul- ture’s whining tone meant that he was grieved because the doom of thé ship seemed sealed, but such was by no means the case; it really de- lighted him to know that he was about to have fall into his ~hands a handsome prey—for it was a ver wreck from which he could not realize richly, “ Louder—louder roared the thunder of the storm and sea, while the wind shrieked among the crags with pircing sbriliness, “Tf 1 mistake not, they’ve lost their masts!” said Jerry Carker, one of old Quigg’s right- hand men, as’ he seemed to penetrate the dark- ness with his hawk-like eyes. ‘Not a sail in sight.” “Tf that’s the case, ten to one she'll go down afore reachin’ the rocks,” whined the old wrecker. Sree With eager eyes did the motley crowd peer out upon the stormy sea, in quest of the ship, but in vain; nothing could be seen of it any- where, “ During the next hour, a uumber of pieces of wood and rigging came ashore, thus proving that the vessel had gone down, before having time to reach and be dashed to pieces upon the rocks. Z The disappointed and disgusted crowd was about to turn away when Carker descried a dark object dashing in toward the shore, and gave vent to a cry of astonishment and joy. It proved to be a ship’s launch, and with startlinggrapidity the little craft was hurled high up on the beach, amid terrified cries from those within it. ; The wreckers gathered around, holding their torches aloft to view the occupants of the boat. These were four in number—three women and a little boy of four years. The oldest of the women was perhaps thirt - eight years of age, stately of figureeand lovely in countenance, her rich attire and general ap- pearance indicating her superior social position. The second lady—a girl of, seveuteen—was evidently the daughter, or else the younger sis- ter of the first, as there was a strong resem- blance between them. The third female was prohably not many years out of her teens, and might also have been voted handsome, although there was a marked difference between her type of beauty aud that of her two companions, to whom she was evi- dently acting ix the capacity of traveling maid. Hers was a dusky countenance, of brilliant, even fascinating expression, with large, bold é * black eyes, a tempting mouth with pearly — teeth, anda head burdened with a wealth of hair that any woman well might have envied, The little boy looked somewhat like the state- ly lady, and doubtless was her son. Jerry Carker, although the first to discover — them, had no sooner taken a good sharp look at them than he quickly shrunk back out of sight, ;

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Deadwood Dick’s Mission. ‘Waal, marm!” the old vulture said, stents forward, and addressing the eldest lady, “‘ opine ye kim nigh gittin’ ducked, didn’t ye?” “ We are thoroughly drench but do not mind that, since we have been $6 fortunate as to escape with our lives!” was the shivering Aye ‘¢'Then ther ship went down, did she? What was her name?” “The Belle, of Portland, Oregon, bound for Sau Francisco. She lost her masts when struck by the gale, and wouid have been dashed ashore on the rocks only she sprung a leak, and sunk, when not over two miles out.” oa And you were the only ones that escaped, q “T think so. When I saw the masts go, we took to one of the boats, preferring to risk our lives thus, than in the larger craft,” ‘* How many were there on board?” ‘Ourselves and the crew. I don’t exactly know how many there was of them—perbaps twenty. Is there a hotel here, where we can go to get dry?” ‘“Yas—thar’s the tavern back yonder, kept by old Jim Howler. ‘Spect ye might find *%eomydations thar, tho’ 1 allow it’s more goes thar ter fr wet than it is ter getdry. Cum along an’ P’ll show ye ther way!” The ladies, by this time cut of the boat, made haste to follow the old land pirate, and the tavern was soon reached, Howler being interviewed, consented to ac- ecommodate the guests with the best parlor and bedroom off, providing they. forked over the cash in advance, * Gne day’s board was paid in advance, ac- cordingly, and the ladies were shown to their rooms, Upon Howler’s unpretentious register their names. were inscribed thus: “Dapy Brarrich CHanpos, London. ‘“Vapy Lona CLARE, by ‘““ CAVANAUGH CHANDOS, , * Muue. Marin, ns “All of Chandos Heath, Londen.” ‘* Waal, neow, cuss my careass, ef we hain’t got a reg’lar nest of aristocrats down among us!” old Quigg growled, as he peered over the register, after the ladies had retired to their rooms, ‘* Luks like ter me thet thar mought be some money in thet party.” Jerry Carker glided sneakisbly into the saloon, just then, and took a’ hasty glance around to see that no one was present belong- ing to the English party, and an expression of relief came over his face when he perceived that there was not. send He somewhat differed in appearance from the general class of Seaport’s citizens, from the fact that, though hawkish looking and sloucbily at- tired, there was less of the genuine ruffian in his conduct and appearance than in many others around bim. “ flung b was one of evident great strength coupled with agility and endurance. He was clad in rough ie a garments, with top boots and a slouch at. He glided up to the office-counter, and peered over old Quigg’s sboulder, at the register, ‘““Humph!” he grunted. ‘If thought I wasn’t mistaken, Lady Chandos, eh? ell, of all surprises!” “Tork ’s though you know’d her?” Jabez observed curiously. “ Reckon I orter,” was Carker’s sententious answer, ‘‘ when she an’ I uster bea good deal more ter each other than we be now. Jest give us yer ear, a bit, an’ V’ll bite a hole in it.” uigg followed Carker to a quiet corner of the room, wbere they sat down, and Carker begen in his rough vernacular: ; ““Now ye see this yere Lady Chandos is a purtickler mash o’ mine, or uster be, an’ I haven’t given her up yet, although she’s bitched to another lord over in London. I am of noble birth myself, but I got inter a deefikelty, an’ hev fell a peg, after gittin’ sent to Van Dieman’s Land. Neverthless Ive bin keepin’ an eye op family matters, an’ allow my time ter play bas jest cum!” * Ye don’t say so!” ; ‘* Bet your chips Ido! I’m goin’ ter hev re- venge now!” “Tn what way?” * Ob, easy enough, now! I propose to steal the child, and keep it hidden away fora time, If I mistake not this will have the effect of separating Lady Chandos from her hushand, as he is insanely jealous of her, believing that she still has a hankering after me, which may be true. Therefore, in case the child is missing, Lord Chandos would no doubt believe bis lady guilty of putting the kid out of the way; a separation would follow; I would restcre the boy to her ladyship in case she would marry me, and have a_ picnic off her annual income forever after. Or, should this little seme, not work like a charm, I could undoubtedly get a large reward from one or the other of them, for the restoration of the child.” ‘‘ Jeminetta! but you’re the arch rascal, ef evyer I see’d one!” Jabez Quigg declared, ‘But what does this consarn you an’ me, col- lectively?” : * Oh! as to that—” Here the villain lowered his tone to a whis- per, and spoke rapidly for some minutes, after which he said, on arising: ‘‘ There! how does that strike you? Do you think I am not using you well enough to seeure all your efforts henceforth iu my behalf?” ‘* Kerect!” Quigg replied, with a_ grin. “Every detail shall be executed according to your directions, so far as lies in my power.” “Then so be it,” Carker said. ‘‘Have m horse awaiting in the rear, ten minutes hence,” - He left the bar-room, and entering a narrow ball ascended a flight of stairs to the next — rr, % At the top of the stairs he met Marie Maros, Lady Chandos’s attendant. _ ee a, The two stopped and gazed at each other a moment,.in mutual recognition—then Marie erself into bis arms with a glad eny aac Na iS Op ee oe =

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Salt Senter tron Mes 2 RT SE EO CHAPTER IL. A VILE SCHEME. CARKER put her away after enduring a mo- mentary hug, and held her off at arm’s length. ** Well, it is really you, is it—and you haven’t forgotten me?” surveying her curiously. ‘‘ Why, TI supposed you married ere this,” * Not while you remain above the grass,” she replied, significantly. ‘‘Have you forgotten our plighted troth?” _ t am not likely to forget it—nor the soon- succeeding circumstances that secured me a free ag to Van Dieman’s Land, as a convict, ’ve had tough luck since then, Marie—cursed tough luck, mark me; but ’m now about on the eve of quitting wild lifein order to drop grace- fully into a little good-fortune,” ‘* {ndeed! And do you intend, then, to make good your solemn promise to me?” ‘Most assuredly, providing you are sufficient- ly interested in me to enter into my scheme and help further if to a success,” “Dearest of men! I assure you nothing could please me better than to work for your success!” was the response uttered in a tone that indi-’ eated the strength of her love for the man. “What is it you wish me to do?” For Carker to relate his plans did not require much time, Marie listened attentively, her face undergo- ing many changes of expression, “Your plan is good,” she said, when he had concluded, “I will help you in whatever way T can, still remaining in her ladyship’s ‘employ, until you are ready to claim me, But you must swear that, when allis achieved, you will then marry me!” ‘By all I hold sacred, I swear that £ will,” Carker cried, dropping dramatically upon one knee. He then arose, kissed her, and said, hur- riedly: “Enough of this now. I must get to work. You say you have the child in your care?” Yes.” “Then in abcut ten minutes get him, land take him down the back stairs. You will find a shed in the back yard. Wait there until you hear me coming—then run up the stairs and give an alarm, by which time I and the kid will be a goodly ways off, and I’ll defy them to find me! Is her ladyship alone in the parlor?” “Yes—or was a few moments ago. lady _ Clare is in the kitchen getting dry.” Carker’s eyes twinkled villainously, as he passed on toward the parlor, while Marie went down-stairs, Opening the parlor door, he boldly entered, and closed it, behind bim. Lady Beatrice: Chandos sat before a fire on the hearth, clad simply in a wrapper, which she had borrowed of the tavern-keeper’s wife, and her damp hair fell carelessly over her shoulders, Carker’s eyes lit up with admiration, and he ' stepped forward with doffed hat, and smiling” face, “My dear Lady Beatrice, at last we meet after so many years!” he cried. «Do you not recognize me, my lady?” “Indeed, sir, I do not, and I consider your presence liere ‘an intrusion!” was the haugh answer, ‘You will be kind enough to leave!” Deadwood Dicx’s Mission. ‘*No! no! not till you know who I am!” Carker_ persisted. ‘¢*I am your betrothed, Sir Ferrol Falconer!” Lady Chandos had arisen haughtily a moment before, but his declaration reeled back into her chair with a gasping ery, her face as white as death, her eves staring wildly, while Carker, as we shall still continue to call him, stood look- ing on, triumphantly. “*'You--you Ferrol Falconer? Oh, God!” her ladyship gasped, as soon as she could find her voice. ‘Well, yes; I was Ferrol Falconer before I got transported, but now ’m plain Jerry Car- ker, one of the roughest roughs on the Ren only about half-civilized since I fell away from your kindly influence. How was Chandos when you left him?” ‘“ Very well, { believe,” was the cold reply. “ But how did you know of him?” “Oh! T’ve kept posted, and I'll admit I was a little surprised that he should marry one who was to have been an outlaw’s wife, but for the intervention of the law the day before our nup- tials were to have been celebrated. Suppose he knew nothing of this?” ‘Of course not, From the moment you brought disgrace upon me as well as yourself, by crime, I ceased to respect even your memory. Sir, the interview is prolonged too far already. Pray go!” “Not yet, Beatrice, The sight of you to-night bas rearoused all my old fierce passion for you. Oh, Beatrice! look at me as I am now, and com- pare me with what I once was. You, and sn you, can redeem me from everlasting hell. 8 are here together in this far-away country. Lord Chandos is in England, at his cards, wine, © and midnight suppers, thinking naught of you until he recovers from the effect of his revelry; and then, seized with a fury of insane jealousy, he curses the very ground vou walk upon, lest while he has been debauching, you, perchance, may have met your old true and faithful lover, Ferrol Falconer,” Lady Chandos sunk back again in her chair, faint and white, an expression of exquisite pain upon her features, » . What did it mean? é Did she know that every word Carker uttered was the truth? ‘True, I am not an attractive man now. Beatrice,” he went on, “because I have allowed myself to go wild like the other wild despera- does in this rough region; but Jet me be encour- aged—then mark the change! A sudden wave of fierceness swept over the face of the pallidlady, She sprung to her feet, her form drawn to its fullest height, her eyes. flashing like diamond fire, “Go! Ferrol Faleoner—go! Remember that every word you are saying is an insult, as Iam a married woman. Go!” ‘**] will go, but before I do go, I tell you that you will be sorry ic more*than one sense for your hasty decision. More—you will you but me, I shall seek revenge, but in the end it will result in uniting two hearts inte one, and in the saving in some degree of one ‘ _ live to Jearn the truth of what I say, that no manloves ~~

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Deadwood Dick’s Mission. 5 man’s soul, Au revoir, Lady Beatrice—au revoir |” He knelt quickly, seized her hand and raised it to his lips, and then was gone almost in an instant, Five minutes later Marie came rushing up the stairs, screaming at the top of her voice; Oo Help! help! murder! thieves! kidnappers! Some robber has snatched Lady Chandos’s son eae ae arms and fled! Help! Help, for God’s sake In her room sat Lady Chandos, still deathly white over her recent shock, She heard the terrible news; then the great strain of the even- ing’s excitement upon her nerves caused ter to fall off into a deep’swoon, from which she did not awaken for hours. CHAPTER IIT, A DOUBLE SURPRISE, THERE was a sensation once more in Seaport free the kidnapping of Lady Chandos’s pretty child, * When it was found that her ladyship had fainted, and consequently no news could be ained from her, Marie was taken in charge by irs. Howler, and made to give an account of the affair, which she proceeded to do ina hys- terical, sobbing way. She stated that she and little’ Cavanaugh had started down the back stairs en route for the kitchen, as they supposed, when along came a big, bad man rushing after them, snatched up the child, and disappeared down the stairs, She could give no description of him, more than that he was a bold, brigandish-looking fel- low. if When Lady Chandos was finally restored to consciousness by the united efforts of Mrs, Howler and Lady Clare,she was very calm, “Oht my lady, I trust you will forgive me, and believe it was not my fault!” Marie whined, ‘Be still, Marie! I know you were not to blame, But you ought to have given chase and not allowed the villain to escape, I know him —he was in my room but a moment or so before I heard your cries, He calls himself Jerry Carker, and is a ruffian of the worst type. He came bere to threaten me, and finding he could not do that successfully, has taken his revenge,” Her ladyship’s declaration that it was Carker who was the bold kidnapper soon spread around the little town, and old Jabez Quigg immedi- ately thereafter had an excuse to pay her lady- shin a call. “Excuse me, marm, ’ca’se I'm so rough, ye see, but I jest heerd about yer losin’ a child, an’ thort I’d drap in ter see ef I couldn’t help ye out of ther defickelty.” ‘Tam sure your kindness will be greatly ap- preciated,” ber ladyship answered, simply, and yet with feeling. ‘Iam sure if you can give me any news of my Jost boy it will be most gratefully received. The loss to me is one of the greatest I could possibly have sustained.” ' “ Waal, I reckon,” Quigg assented, with a shrug, ‘‘ tho’ I war never blessed with any kids of my own. Ye see, I don’t know for cert’ jest - whar ver kid might be jest at present; but allow I do know where Jerry Carker’s hang-out is up in the mountings jest as well as I know my own nose,” * Oh! thank Heaven,” Lady Chandos ex claimed, ‘And you will go to the rescue of my darling?” “That depesiis on sarcumstances, mum. Ef e hev got money fe pay fer my services, erect, I'll go an’ e ye a1OnE ef ye hevn’t durn my boots ef I kin see how I kin get a livin dein’ work for nothin’.” “T could not ask you to do-such a thing, I yet have some money that I saved from the wreck, and will pay you handsomely if you will assist me, to recover my little darling.” “Waal, then it’s a bargain. Et’s too wild out to-night to venture inter the mountains, but ef et clears up by mornin’, we will get an early start. Will you want to return this way incase ye recover yer child?” ‘*Not if we can go overland by stage, so as to reach the railway, [I am tired and sick of roughing it in Western America.” “hen I will provide horses for the entire party, and we'll most likely get off by sun- rise. 2 ; This was a great relief to Lady Chandos, for a moment's delay was positive torture to er. But disappointment came the next morning, as regards their getting an early start, for the rain was pouring down in torrents, making it impossible to travel, so the start had to be post- oned until the rain ceased, which was not until ate in the aftern6éon. During the forenoon several mountain charac- ters rained down into the town, among whom was a little bent oldman, with a painful hump. on his back, and who seerhed barely able to hobble along, even with the aid of the two staffs he carried. Little of his face could be seen, owing to the mass of snow-white hair and beard that covered it. : About as well-fitted for an undertaker’s ser- vices, was he, as any other odd character that had ever landed down in Seaport, and he was surveyed by the habitues of Howler’s saloon with much curiosity. Decrepit as he was, however, he mana to hobble up to the bar and order his whisky, which he downed with great gusto, “See hyer, old goblin!” ejaculated Bill Fargo, the pronounced bully of the town, “you ain’t lost yer lip fer bug-juice yet, I see.” ‘* A very, very leetle, jest ter soften my rheu- matism!” the old crook replied, in a squeaky voice. ‘* Yas, whisk’ is a great limberer!” Fargo as- serted, ‘* I know, ’ca’se I've bin tryin’ it these many years, but I’ve oceasionally got so stiff wi? ther consarned critter that I’ve not bin able to move for a long spell. But TI tell ye, old man, whee ; aire the best thing to limber ye up— this ! And he dealt the old chap a tremendous slap on the hump upon his back, that caused him to utter a howl of pain, é Up went the ruffian’s hand to inflict another — blow, but it vas caught before it descended — | and held in a grasp that was by no means although it belonged to a woman,

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6 Deadwood Dick’s Mission, And the woman was pretty Lady Clare, with pale face and flashing eyes. Passing through the hall on ber way up-stairs, she had seen the assault of the bully. ‘Stop! stop! You cowardly ruffian!” she eriad, ‘Have you no manhond about you, to tous strike a poor defenseless cripple? For shame!” Fargo surveyed his accuser for a moment in mingled astonishment and awe, then, suddenly flaming with anger and mortification at being interrupted by a weak woman, he snatched his wrist from her grasp and dealt her a slap in the ang that knocked her to the floor almost sense- 288, It was a brutal act even for a man of Fargo’s type, and he had cause not to forget it soon, For he heard a wild, ringing yell, and he and the others turned to stare at the crook-back, from whom the cry came. But no hunchback was there now; instead, behold the transformation! Upon the floor lay a white wig, beard and a suit of rags! ; And before the assembled crowd stood a man of striking appearance, with a resolute, hand- “some, beardless face, and a pair of eyes that were piercing and magnetic, His garb was jetty black, now, and a belt. about his waist contained a handsome revolver, in addition to one he held in the grasp of his right hand, Fargo uttered a gasp, at the sudden change, while Dick of Deadwood—for the new-comer was none other than that famous character— pointed sternly to the floor, his eyes flashing with a deadly light... “Brute, behold your cowardly work. For it you shall, pay dearly. Jil learn you a lesson you'll not soon forget. Hold up the hand with which you struck that brave young lady.” Fargo growled and disobeyed. “Waal, I reckon not!” he swore, “IT aau’t sech a ninny as that!” “Op with it,” cried Deadwood Dick, firmly. **Tt’s your only chance to save your life.” With a horrified oath at Deadwood Dick’s de- mand, the bully held up bis hand, and there followed a flash, a'report and a yell. The bullet had pierced the palm of the fellow’s hand, and cut its way clear through, making not only a painful wound, but also a mark that was liable to cling to him all his life, “ There!” Dick cried, sternly, ‘‘ You'll prob- ably know better than toinsuli a young lady again, by slapping her.” He turned, and strode from the saloon, and not a hand was raised to hinder him, albeit, Seaport was counted one of the roughest places for a single man to get into trouble anywhere along - the Slope. Lady Clare also went to her room, a great deal excited at her strange adventure, and won- dering who was her handsome young rescuer. Late that afternoon the rain ceased to fall, and, as Lady Chandos urged that an immediate start be made, the horses wore brought around, and the party mounted, consisting of Lady Chandos, Lady Clare, Marie, and the old land pirate and wrecker, Jabez Quigg. Leaving the coast town, they ascended a nar- row and rugged mountain trail, bordered on one side ‘by beetling cliffs, and on the other by a deep, dark abyss, many feet deep. In the course of an hour, they struck a stretch of highland country which was level for miles, and set out across it, old Quigg in the lead. For several hours they rode on, The sky overhead became clear, and the moon, nearly full, rolled up with beautiful effect from behind the borizon, giving to to the landscape a pictur- esque appearance, bout this juncture old Quigg drew rein, and allowed the others to come up. “hort to make ther trip interestin’, an’ give ther horses a chance ter blow, ye mought not object ter heerin’ a story, w’ich ain’t no darned fiction, but reg lar downright facts,” Quigg averred. ‘ Did ye heer tell on Guarez, the red-handed Mexican bandit?” “Oh! no! no! do tell us!” fly-away Lady Clare cried, : ‘* Be brief,” Lady Beatrice said, with im- patience. “I am more anxious to get to my child than to listen to improbable bandit stories.” _ ‘* Nothin’ improbable about this, I tell ye, neow, Waal, ye see et ain’t werry long, A few years ago, down in Mexico, this Guarez launched out in bizness by killin’ his first man, at the age o’ twenty-five, But, Lor’y! thet warn’t nothin’. I killed mine when I war onl six years old—put arsenic in ther old_ man’s coffee, for sugar. But, as I war sayin’—he killed his man, and then lit out, He was caught, and inwited to a neck-tie party: but, bless you, ha slipped away from ’em like a streak o' greased lightnin’ from the hands of a soap- maker. i “Arter that he us’ter Iay abouts, heer and thar, av’ catch onter rich gals an’ wimmen, an’ et warn’t long ago that he anchored up in this heer kentry. e see, he catches onter anything wot’s got plenty o’ money behind it, and freezes to it till some one comes along and pays over a good sum to get a release. Hope ye ain’t got many spondulics wi’ ye, marm.” ‘““ Why?’ Lady Beatrice said, in alarm, “are we it any danger of being captured by that bad man Quigg nodded his head in a rather grim fashion, ‘*Thar’s no tellin’, I’ve took parties across the kentry a pile 0’ times, an’ given ther cuss the slip; but ag’in, I’ve been caught, an’ my parties made to fork over handsome. But we'll jog along, an’ I’ll keep a weather eye out, and like enough we'll dodge’em, Ef we kin only git to yonder dark line of timber, we’re al hunk, T guess, They then started, the old wrecker in the lead, as usual, and pretending to keep a sharp look- one when in reaiity he was doing nothing of the ind, : The ladies were pretty well frightened, except Marie, who, having nothing of particular value to lose, did not haye so much concern, 3 ‘ Mercy, what should we doif we were to lose our money?” Lady Beatrice said, ina scared tone. ‘“‘We should bave to waitin this wild country Ber ie could hear from England.” fight for mine!” Lady Clare decided, —

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i ; Deadwood Dick's Mission. a **-You had both better turn your money and valuables over into my keeping until we are out of danger. _ If captured, I would very likely not be searched, being a lady’s maid.” Lady Beatrice smiled faintly. “JT don’t think it would do to trust to your exemption from search. The robber might take a fancy to you.” Marie frowned her displeasure at the implied want of confidence in her integrity, but did not reply audibly. ‘Can it bo that she suspects me of complicity in this affair?’ she mused. ‘If I was sure of it Yd choke her!” and her black eyes flashed viciously. : They rode on, anxiously expectant. When they were within half a mile of the wood border, old Quigg once more drew rein, ““What is the matter now?’ Lady Chandos demanded, with a shiver of dread. ‘Nothin’ much, "cept that we're at the end of our journey. Look about you,” They did, and saw, out on the high grass on every side, masked men rising, armed with carbines. ate] ng Nore you comprebend the significance,” Quigg chuckled. ‘* You are surrounded by the brave men of Guarez the bandit, whose verit- able self Jam, and now you will kindly allow me to suggest, is the proper period for you to fork over your cash and jewelry, and save trouble and costs!” CHAPTER IV. DEADWOOD DICK’S DOUBLE QUES'.. Hap a thunderbolt fallen among the little party, it could hardly have more surprised the two English ladies, while as for Marie, sho did not seem very much troubled, **Sir! do you mean to say that you have been so base as to deceive and betray us?’ Lady Chandos cried indignantly, gazing at the old wretch with flashing eyes. ; “Yas, I have been just sur-base!” the villain replied, with attempted facetiousness, ‘I war figgerin’ on a large amount.o’ spondulics out 0” this yere catch, an’ I opine I won’t get left on it, nuther,” ‘* Monster!” “ Oh, call me all the front-parlor pet names ye 1 want, mum; Iruther like’em,I do. But ‘tain’t goin’ ter do ye a bit o’ good, more’n to blow off yer steam. You're prisoners, an’ you’ve got to come to terms, jest like docile ducks, and don’t ye fergit it!” s He gavea wave of his hand then, and the masked men immediately formed in a circle around. , ‘* Bind the captives’ arms to their sides, and then, after blindfolding them, take them to Black Gulch,” was Quigg’s order, and the ladies were obliged to sufter their wrists to be bound and eyes blindfolded. a halt was made, and the ladies were Sess assisted to dismount. The bandages were re- moved from their eyes, but their hands were kept bound behind their backs, It was just daybreak, and they were able to dimly discern their whereabouts. ' They were in a deep gulch, which looked more like a natural dungeon, with blackened walls rising on every hand to a tremendous height. Upon the bottom, where they had halted there were bones of animals, all bleacted and % ghastly, while in one instance a human skull was vissble lying upon the rocks, There were half a dozen rude cabins, and ono of these bore the sign *‘ Saloon”, over its door. It was a den such as wolves and kindred v ild animals usually haunt, and certainly was a fit- ting rendezvous for the human wolves who had captured Lady Chandos and her party. fter they had taken a good look about them Jabez Quigg once more approached and dotted his greasy old hat. “Thar, mums, ye see what sort of a place Guarez, the bandit, Jives in, don’t ye? Thar’s but one possible way to escape from here, and that’s triple guarded, always. Neow. let me read ye ther rules and regulations, an’ then ye’ll know how to act.” He took a greasy piece of paper from his pocket, and began: “** Firstly: Every person on arrival here shall peaceably deliver up all his or her valuables, with- ont hesitation or demur, to the chief, and shall make no attempt.to escape, at peril of forfeiture of life. A ransom will be imposed, which if not satis- factorily settled after first day, one toe will be am- tated, as a reminder that we mean business. ach succeeding delay of one day will call forth another amputation, which will be continued until the whole body is cut up, in default of payment of the ransom.” , “So beware! ‘The rules of Guarez were never known to fail to be carried out to the letter. So deliver up your valuables at once, and you will then not te molested until I fix upon a suitable ransom,” 5 “Oh! sir, pray do not take all we have, but instead, azcept a part, and allow us to go in search of my stolen son!” Lady Beatrice cried, piteously. ‘‘If 1 do not recover him soon, I may never see him again.” uigg laughed loudly. ‘Hit ye evyer set peepers on that kid again, yell hey ter marry Jerry Carker, that’s all,” he declared, ‘‘ fer Jerry tol’ me so hisself. As fer ther spondulics, I want’em all ‘ter one’t, or Dl set ther boys ter s'archin’ fer ’em. Ef ye've goty ’em onconvenient, ye kin jest step into one o’ the cabins, an’ relieve yerself of em.” Lady Chandos gave a despairing sigh, and | motioned her companions to follow her to the cabin nearest at hand, Quigg first having re- leased the handsof Marie, . * In the cabin the ladies removed a part of the money, and secreted it in a place where it was not apt to be noticed, then took the remainder,: — together with some very costly jewels, and gave them to Marie to hand to Quigg, which she did, and be went off, apparently satisfied, a3 the haryest aggregated much more in value ‘than he had really expected. : As the cabin was supplied with some rude furniture, the ladies dec. ded to occupy it during Re Ae Peas ean eee ices e ral oom

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Deadwood Dick's Mission, — such time as they should remain in the bandits’ stronghold. 3 The day passed, without their again being molested by Quigg. At meal hours, a masked outlaw brought them some meat upon a wooden tray, and then departed. During the afternoon, young Lady Clare ventured out into the gulch. She was a brave girl, who at all times was ready to protect and lefend herself. She moved about here and there, independent- ly, followed by admiring glances from the out- laws, none of whom, however, offered to molest or address her. In the further corner of the gulch she present- ly spied some pretty wild-flowers growing up on a poet in the rough wall. etermined to possess them, after some diffi- culty she succeeded in clambering up the rock and plucking them, and was about to clamber back again, when, chancing to glance along the shelf, she beheld a man crouching on the narrow ledge, watching her. She gave a little cry at sight of him, for she saw that he was masked and dressed like the other bandits, ) Immediately upon her outery, he raised his hand, admonishingly. » “Sh!” he said in a tone just audible. ‘I am not an enemy, but a friend, here for the purpose of rescuing you. Return to the cabin, and I will join PE as soon as practicable.” ““Whoare you?” Lady Clare demanded, fancy- ing she had heard the voice before, *T am Deadwood Dick,” was the reply—‘‘ the man who punctured the hand that slapped you, over in Seaport. But tarry not, lest: suspicion be attracted to this spot, which would be disas- trous to our mutual interests.” Foeling decidedly relieved at what she had heard, Lady Clare descended from the ledge, and went back to the cabin, where she commu- nicated the good news to her despondent sister— for such was the relationship between the two ladies. The prospect of escape brightened her up very much, Toward evening an unusual bustle was notice- able in the gulch, The bandits were collecting on horseback, as if with the intention of leaving the rendezvous for a raid, as all were armed to the teeth, = After a deal of consultation, they rode away down the gulch, and soon disappeared from view. Only five men were left in the valley-—old Jabez Quigg being among the number. “T wonder what desperate errand those ruf- _ fians are going on?” Lady Chandos murmured, with a shudder. ‘‘ Ob! where i. Cavanaugh, my boy?” \ “Take courage, sister. Perhaps this coming Been Deadwood Dick, can help to find the child. _‘*God grant we may be able to enlist bis ser- Vices 1n our behalf!” Lady Chandos sighed, “ for what could we do alone? I fear we shall never see my little son again.” ‘Oh, don’t despond, Tf you had half the grit ‘I have, no amount of loss could make you give “up hope,” ; y ae a sss About an hour later, the cabin door was burst rudely open, and Quigg and his four companions filed into the apartment, where the three captives were seated. Seeing that the ruffians were all under the in-. fluence of liquor, and that her sister had turned. deadly pale, Lady Clare leaped to her feet, haughtily. “ Ruffiaps, what means this intrusion?” she cried, angrily. “Sit down, sissy—don’t get excited!” Quigg said, provokingly. ‘‘ Children should be seen, not heard. Lady Chandos, I have fixed your ransom for you and your party, at the moder- ate sum of fifty thousand dollars, and have, moreover, decided to close the matter up at once, So please write me outa draft on yer bank, after which ye will only be detained long enough ter allow me ter git ter Omaha or Den. ver, and have the money drawn.” ‘* Never!” Lady Chandos cried, firmly, as she arose to her feet, ‘‘ You have received from me every penny you shall ever get!” ‘* Not so, fair lady. Iam the last man in ther world ter be trifled with. When I mean bizness, I mean it, Write out the draft, or off comes a finger from your hand, and one also from the hands of each of A) companions. Number Four, bring in the block and hatchet!” The order was obeyed. This block was mounted upon legs, and the top of it was much hacked up, and profusely ge fir blood. ‘ aed ; udging from its present pro; use, it was the fatal block which had been the scene of the brutal amputation of more than a score of fin- gers, on previous occasions, At sight of the terrible object, the three wo- men shuddered and turned pale; but Lady Chandos quickly recovered herself; ner face became flushed with indignation and the fire of a true Briton entered her eye, “Ruffian!” she cried, drawing her figure in proud defiance to its fullest height, “do not suppose for an instant that your most blood- thirsty purpose could make me yield to your re- quest. JI loathe and defy you! There!” and sho placed her fair left band upon the block, “I was a warrior’s daughter. Cut the whole hand off if it will gratify your demon heart!” Lady Clare and Marie, with frightened cries attempted to rush forward, but were hauled back by two of the bandits. Quigg, steeped in villainy as he was, stood for an instant-dum founded by the beautiful woman’s pluck; but soon the old ugly gleam crept back into his eyes, and a malicious grin upon his face, “Very brave, bet yer!” he said, ‘‘ but ye war mighty keerful ter reserve yer fightin’ bund, which is perfectly O. K. D'llfixitfer ye!” | With brutal satisfaction expressed all over his face, he seized the hatchet, and raised it to strike the blow, An instant of suspense, then— Two piercing screams— A rifle report— A heavy fall and a groan. a abez Quigg lay upon the floor, * fatally wound oo i Ey Seas

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Deadwood Dick’s Mission. 9 Another report, and another fall, This time one of the men who had accompanied Quigg to the cabin, With yells of consternation the remaining outlaws turned and fled, pell-mell from the room, following which there was an exchange of shots on the outside. Thenashadow darkened the doorway, and Deadwood Dick stepped into the cabin! A quick glance showed him that neither of the three ladies were harmed, and Lady Clare, uttering a cry of joy, ran forward and put her hands in his. “Ob! sir, you are a noble man, and [ am sure the Lord will forgive you for killing these wretches!” she said, looking up into his face, earnestly. “ Tf he don’t, I-reckon, I’ve had a heap of sat- -isfaction in aan in their checks!” the knight of the West replied. ‘Such brutes as those are worse curses on the face of the earth than any known pests, exci Texas mosquitoes. Iam glad my arrival and its result was so opportune.” All the ladies were deeply impressed with the appearance of the dashing man of the moun- tains, who, without his usual mustache and im- perial, looked somewhat boyish, ‘ “T am very thankful to you for risking so much in our behalf!” Lady Chandos said, ‘* and must also thank you for a former service to my sister, here. I hope it has put you to no incon- venience, in coming to our rescue?” ‘By no means, and even if it bad, I should have made the same attempt to free you from what I feared atthe start was a trap; hence I rollowed. Your mission and mine, is, in one respect, identical. You want to see the rascal Jerry Carker, andso dol, I want his scalp— you want your child,. With your approval, I will endeavor to get both, and give you your ehoice of the trophies.” The ladies shivered a little at his liberality, while he went on: ‘*My handle is Deadwood Dick, and you ma: have heard of me, for I’ve been rather a toug cuss, Pl admit. Buta few months ago, [ and my wife, Calamity Jane, settled down for good, up country, on a little ranch of our own, Our next neighbors war fine people, but unfor- tunately rich, an’ a target for ruffians to aim at. The old gentleman, in particular, was a man to the backbone, and he an’ I were in- separable friends, He had a fair daughter, and what does this rough, Carker do, but come along one night, set an evil eye on her, and offer her insult. When the old gent heard of it, he had Carker flogged, and driven off. Yon see that?’— and he held upa bit of buman scalp, the locks of hair upon which were long and white as snow. ‘‘ They found the old gent afew nights after, wi’ this beside him, and the letter ‘C’ cut in bis forehead. The family were ralyzed with grief, but the horror and in- ignation I felt surpassed theirs, and when I bid ’em and Calamity good-by, told ’em I shouldn’t be back until 1 was sure Jerry Carter was where there is no chance for him to do any mot scalping jobs, First your child—then his , S : CHAPTER V. NELLIE THE WAIF. “To trap this man, Carker, will require shrewd planning and _ indomitable perseverance!” Dick went on, ‘It will require money, too—bu perbaps we can find a-plenty in this brigan den. I will make a thorough search, at any rate, before leaving the valley.” Old Quigg and the other ruffian had expired almost instantly, and were now stiffening corpses, But this fact did not seem to appall the avenger, for he went through their clothing with a celerify that must bave astonished a professional pickpocket, and succeeded in bring- ing to light a sum of money nearly double the amount that the ladies had surrendered to the outlaw. Delivering up their part, Dick appropriated the balance, after which he went out into the valley to make a reconnoissance, Discovering no signs of the enemy, he re- turned to the cabin, and bade the ladies prepare to start as soon as possible, “‘The first place we'll strike for will be the San Jacin Mines, to the eastward, which will in all probability be the first place Carker will strike on his route. He is a cunning rascal, and I think he suspects that I am already on his trail. Therefore be will naturally work east- ward, where he thinks to puzzle me, But he will get left if he conceives that I will give up the chase; I'll follow him to the ends of the earth but what I will have him, I see there are enough horses in the gulch to mount us; so while you get ready, I’ll secure them.” ’ As night was fairly settling over the earth, they were all mounted, and Deadwood Dick led the way out of the mountain stronghold through @ narrow gap, and then all rode’ away through a mountain gorge, which ran eastwardly, walled in on right and left with mighty towering cliffs, The ride continued during the night through some of the roughest country the ladies had ever seen, but it was no novelty to Dick, who es literally grown up among rocks and bowl- ers, Once, about the middle of the night, Lady Clare, who was in the rear, gave vent to a. scream, which caused an instant balt. ‘Hello! whet is the matter?” Dick cried, wheeling his horse around, while the others echoed his cry, teay Clare’s deathly-white face was visible, even through the darkness, “Oh! ob!” she gasped—‘'I saw him! I saw him! He was walking right alongside my horse,. just a moment ago! Oh! ob!” ‘“ Who?” demanded Deadwood Dick. “Who?” cried van stot ae anxiously, ‘The man who slapped me,” earper: iy Clare. ‘‘ He walked beside my horse for an in- stant, and nearly made me faint by the terrible expression of hatred upon his face.” ‘You were dreaming,” Dick suggested, ‘* half asleep on your horse.” ‘ ‘* No, sir, I was never more awake in my life: Tam no coward, nor am I prone to frights, I saw the man, and am willing to swear to it,” “Tf that ruffian is really following us, he has’ an object in it, and it may be that he is acting “s ; Z % Ly, tie

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20 as a rear guard for our genial friend Carker, Tl keep an eye out for him.” They continued their ride, and made the best time possible, until the next noon, when they arrived at San Jacin, a little Spanish-American town, whose principal industry was placer mining. Tts inhabitants were of the usual lawless kind, and the street scenes were identical with those in many other towns, the dance-houses, saloons, ‘ and gaming dens doing the best traffic, by far. Conducting the ladies to the only respectable tavern in the place, Deadwood Dick set out on a tour of reconnoissance about town, wondering if in this strange place he would meet any one who knew him. The first thing he did was to visit a pawn- broker’s shop, one of which profitable luxuries exists in nearly every mining-town, Always among the stock in trade are to be found various styles of disguises. Many Western characters are compelled by a force of circumstances to resort to disguises to save being lynched, while others use them to further some particular private scheme, Not knowing what minute he might need to conceal his identity, Dick selected a variety of wigs, beards and other apparatus, and conceal- ed his purchases about his person. He then betook himself to the post-office, and spent an hour in watching and studying the differing characters who came in and inquired for mail. When the window was vacant for a few minutes, he approached. “Has any one called here recently for letters for Jerry Carker?” he inquired of the clerk. Yas, this mornin’! was the short reply; but it satisfied Dick that for the present, at least, he was on the right trail. Bat where was Carker? Had he already flown, or was he stil] lurking around the town. Cautious inquirjes, on Dick’s part failed to elicit any news during the afternoon, so he re- turnei to the tavern and made known what he had discovered, to the ladies, who seemed pleased—ali except Marie. Whenever mention was made of Carker’s robable capture, a steel-like glitter would c. ee * into her eyes, and a sort of grayish pallor suf- fuse her face. Dick’s* sharp eyes noticed this on several oc- casions, and he jotted the matter down in his memory. “That woman evidently is not very particu- lar whether Carker is caught or not,” he mused, {and I'll wager a detective’s guess that she is not overburdened with scruples. I must keep an eye on her; she'll bear watching.” When it came dark again, he set forth and made a tour of the saloons, gaming-houses and dance-houses, Tha first-named were, as a rule, filled with half-drunken miners, who were awakening the echoes wifb Bacchanalian song. Ths geming room: were more quiet and orderly, and held a better class of people—at least as far as personal appearance was con- cerned, __In neither of these places did Dick see any- ‘thing of Carker; so_he sought out the principal Deadwood Dick’s Mission. ie —s dance-house, where music and Terpischorean revelry had a decidedly spirited airing. Among those upon the floor Dick spied a young, trimly built girl of seventeen, with an intelligent, pretty face, She was struggling in the grasp of a disgusting looking ruffian, who was, apparently, endeavoring to force her to dance. The others were paying no particular atten- tion to the struggle, which probably was noth~ a) uausual in the place. There was an expression of disgust and loath- ing upon the face of the girl that alone was suf- ficient evidence of her purity. Dick watched the scene fora moment, esti- mating whether it was best or not to interfere; but when he perceived that the rough was “half seas over” with bad bug-juice, he did not stop to consider longer but stepped briskly forward, “ Release your hold upon that girl!” he cried, in tones that instantly attracted the attention of every one in the room, The ruffian, bushy-bearded and sinister, glar- a at Dick with a stupid expression upon his ace, f “Wat yer say?” he growled, ‘I’m Bulldog Ben, I am!” ‘‘Oh! sir, please make him release me!” the girl cried, appealingly. ‘‘ He is crushing my arm, ‘ Release that girl!” Dick thundered, taking a step nearer, his fists doubled and a dangerous light in his eyes. “T won't!” Bulldog Ben declared doggedly. The words had hardly left his lips, when there was heard a resounding whack, as Dead- nose Dick’s fist struck the forehead of the ruf- an. Bulldog Ben released his hold upon the girl, clutched wildly at the air, and then went down upon the floor. A dozen roughs instantly sprung toward him, and a pitched fight ensued, in which Dead- wood Dick came out victorious, by knocking one after another down, until the whole number lay stretched out on the floor, “There! is there another batch ready?” he cried, looking round, ‘If there is, send ’em along, and I'll Hustle ’em off while I’m at it!” A dead silence for the moment reigned with- in the saloon, until the rescued girl pullédat Dick’s coat-sleeve and said: “Come. Go with me. This isa hard den, and the sooner you get out of it now, the better, Besides, I want to talk with you.” Dick gazed at her a moment, and then turned to the rough audience. “Please say for me, after these loafers wake up, that if they want more, I shall be in town oe days yet, and can likely accommodate em, He then turned and followed the girl from the dance-house, She led the way to an out-of-the- way spot, and turned and faced him, “T perceive that you are a man of steel, as they express it here in the West, and Ill bet you're every inch a gentleman, too, so I just want toask youa questiva--or two of them, First, what is your name” Dick laugh, ;

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- ’ ever, for further acquaintance proved ber. to be Deadwood Dick’s Mission, *¢ Why do you ask?” he queried. “Simply out of curiosity to know who you are that was so brave?” “Well, ’'m called Deadwood Dick, sometimes —a pretty tough name in the West, correspond~ ing with the man that bears it.” ‘Ts it possible! I’ve heard of you. Well, my name is Nellie Dean. I belong in New York, What I wanted to ask is this: Do you know of any way a penniless but respectable girl can get from here there? I’m willing to work at anything, as long as it is honest and respectable, so I can get back to my friends!” ; “You say you belong in New York, Nellie? How is it, then, that you are out in, this country?” ‘*Since you ask, I will tell you,” and tears sprung into her eyes, ‘‘I am an orphan, my parents both having been lost at sea when I was a child. [I then went to live with a widowed aunt, Two years ago we came West, I was only fifteen then, and knew but little of the world, but I awoke to my ignorant innocence when we arrived in Utah, where my aunt told me every man had from one to ten wives, We were not there long ere my aunt married a Mormon elder, who was many years younger, and had three wives already. It was not long before they wanted me to marry an old gray- haired man, and you can betI said no, They shut me up, then, and tried to force me to, but T escaped them and from Utah, Since then I’ve been tramping here and there, trying to get a living, but not much luck have [ had, while I’ve not at any one time had enough money to take me Hast,’ oe looked the girl over keenly and then said: “Tam going Hast on a detective trip. If you desire, I will take you along, you to assist me in any little spying jobs that I may elect.” “Good! It’s a bargain! When shall I report for duty?” “To-morrow, sunrise. I want to hunt up a man named Carker.” “You do? ee saw him leave town early in the day. He had a fight in the street and was fo to leave.” A CHAPTER VI. MARIN SHOWS HER HAND. Tre next morning they all left San Jacin for Gander’s Gulch, another mining-town to the eastward, which Dick concluded Jerry Carker would be liable to strike, as it was on his route. Dick could see that Ladies Clare and Chandos , did not exactly fancy the idea of Nellie Dean’s being added to the party, but he didnot care, as ne resolved to see the girl back to her eastern home, at all hazards, and might also much neei her services. Lady Clare, more particu: jarly, appeared to be a little piqued, for without appearing to do so, she had been endeavoring to win the special attentions of the dashing Prince | of the Road, but Dick's heart was far away, in the keeping of Calamity, and he was not eager to even attract the notice of the gentler sex, as he only too well knew that flirtation worked trouble at the best. _ ¢ “He took considerablé interest in Nellie, how- Rae eS et ‘ ire, ey. 7 . » on ae tes et rar iz a most charming girl, full of the wit and spar- kle of innocent womanhood, that could but win her friends anywhere. Two days and one night of steady travel proug them to Gander Gulch, which wasa fair-sized mining-town, with considerable life and bustle about it. Securing rooms for the ladies at the hotel as in the last town, Dick went forth on a tour o: reconnoissance, aud had not gone far when he spied a man whom he knew, It was the bully of Seaport, Fargo! He was strolling along watching the miners at work, his maimed hand done up in a bundle of rags. Quickening his steps, he overtook the ruffian, and slapped bim on the shoulder, ‘‘Hold up!" Dick cried, authoritatively. ‘« Seems to me I’ve seen you’re purty phiz some wheres,” Fargo wheeled, and then uttered an oath. ‘‘Seems to me so, too,” he repeated, lookin ruefully at his injured hand. ‘* W’at, the devi d’ye want o’ me anyhow, cuss ye?” ‘““T want to know what brings you so far away from Seaport?” Dick demanded, sternly, The bully emitted a growl, “Dunno what’s it yer bizness long’s I ain’t disturbin’ you.” ‘* Tt makes a deal of difference!” Dick retort- ed. ‘You ain’t so far from your home for nothing. I am aware just what you _are up to, my larky, aud you can bet on it. You're dog- ging me, watching out for a chance to trap me —that, too, at the instance of the villain Jerry Carker!” The declaration only brought a bulldog sort Sar aia into the ruffian’s face. ‘ T ain’t teched you ye can’tcomplain, I am sure,” ‘But, mark you this!” Dick cried, ‘TU let you off now, but just as sure as I catch you dog- ping me hereafter, just so sure will lsenda bullet through your brain. Where is your asso- ciate, Carker?” “Gut of your reach. He left this morning for Frenchville.” Dick knew this was a lie. Frenchvi'le lay fifty miles to the north, off the main line of travel, and very few ever went there. He knew that the ruffian would not be likely to stop in the mining country of the West at least, , Giving ie a parting warning, Dick re-— turned to the hotel, and consulted his pocket map while he smoked in the parlor. ; From Gander Gulch three stake trails di- verged in northeastern, southeastern and east- ern directions, all leading to towns beyond the divide, or water-sbed. Y Which one to take be was a litfle at loss at first, ge knowing which one the kidnapper had pursued. Nellie Dean came tripping into the room, look- ing like a modern fairy in a pretty traveling dress which Dick had given her the means to — purchase, : “Well, ’m ready to resume the journey you see,” she said, with a merry laugh. ell, what of it?” he gritted. ‘As long as— He was still puzzling over the matter when — “T don't — know how to thank you enough for your _kind- i x! WANE eee ge va us Wes ss ue

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12 Deadwood Diok’s Mission. ness to me, Mr. Dick, And, ob! what do you think that nasty Frenchwoman said? Ske had the impudence to ask me where I made a raise of the money to get this dress with! I just don’t like her a bit, But, Mr. Dick, I have got some news for you that you will value.” “Have you, indeed? Well, let’s hear it,” “This is it. I was down in the hall a bit ago when the man who keeps the post-office came in ae asked the landlady if she had a guest named iss Toodles, I overheard the inquiry, and at once stepped forward and laid claim to the letter, as it popped into my head that maybe it might be of service to you.” ick whistled, “Well, yow’re cute!” he said. ‘So you cal- culated ae Toodles might turn out to be Marie, eh?” * ‘* Yes; just that and nothing else.” P ** Well, let’s see, Perhaps youareright. If 80, you shall be enlisted on. the regular detective force whén we get to New York.’ He opened the letter and perused its contents. Tt read as follows: “ TooptEs—I leave by southeastern route, with a view of striking into the Leadville country. You be sure to take the northeastern trail, and then there will be no danger. Kart “Tt isevident that you are right. Marie and Carker are in correspondence, with a view of php ican me. Does it not look that way to ‘ou Nellie looked the letter over and nodded, “Certainly. K stands for kidnapper, in place of Carker,” she said. ‘‘ The woman Marie must not receive this, eh?” “No, Dll just keep mum, and not let her sus- pect that we know of her treachery. When the proper time comes T’ll open upon her. I sus- ey all along that she, in some way, hada and in this kidnapping business, Now I know. it. ‘Tt has just occurred to me that possibly this is a blind to put us off the track,” Nellie sug- ‘ested, ‘‘May it not be that the enemy be- ieves we are suspicious, and therefore takes this method of putting us off the track?” “Your wuaeest on is not without weight, but ‘Iam inclined to believe that Carker has struck ~ for the Leadville country, whence, if pursued, he can easily get to the Hast. We will run the chances, anyhow, and go to Leadville.” Marie entered just then, but on seeing that Nellie was present, soon retired. . Tae following day the party set out on their long journey for Leadville, which we will pass over until the day before they were due in the mountain city, when an incident occurred wor- thy of narration. © ook’s Curve, an outlying town, had been reached about sunset, but tha party had intend- ed to push on... This, however, was e im- haa as Lady Chandos was taken violently ll, shortly after reaching the settlement, with _ vomiting and internal pains.- She was given a room in the only hotel the town afforded, and a doctor sent for, who, upon appearance, turned - out, for a wonder, to be a man of both refinement and education, - After studying the case for a while, he called ~ Dick aside, and said, iv a low tone; ‘She will doubtless be all right in a few min- utes, but I’d advise you to see that she eats or drinks notbing except what you know is pure,” “Oh, then you mistrust—” **Foul play, of course! There is every reason to believe that she has swallowed poison—prob- ably by eating.” ‘*T will see to the matter,” Dick assured him; and after receiving his pay the doctor took his: departure. Dick at once sought Nellie, whom he made his confidante in’most everything, and informed her of what the doctor had said, first, however, warning Lady Clare to maintain a rigid watch over her sister, Nellie listened to the news, with surprise beaming from her pretty eyes. ‘* And this, too, is Marie’s work,” she queried, “Undoubtedly. She is rushing matters rather faster than I supposed she would, but I can’t see into her little game, If she isin the employ of Carker, I cannot see why she should want to: poison Lady Chandos; for I believe it is Carker’s design, in abducting the boy, to ultimately force her ladyship to marry him, Why then this at-. tempted poisoning?” } ‘*T cannot see myself, unless the wily French- woman has some private scheme she is trying to: push, hat'will you do?” “T cannot tell, until I reflect, Where is Marie?” ‘*In her room, She has been there ever since our arrival, complaining that she felt too sick to attend to her ladyship. Don’t that show guilt?” ** You are right; yes, she is the leper, in our party, at present!” Dick said, absently, as he drummed upon the table. ‘* Yes, and I have something else to tell you,” Nellie° went on. ‘Soon after our arrival, [ heard her ask of the landlady; ‘if there was a telegraph office in the town?” ‘She did? Well, Nellie, you’re a jewel of a detective. I had no idea you would be so good at the business,” “Tam pleased, if anything I can do pleases you, Mr, Dick,” she said, very earnestly, as she laid one of ber white hands upon his shoulder, Dick took the second glance at her, “Don’t get too serious in your efforts to please, little one,” he said, kindly, ‘* remember- ing it is your duty to steel your heart against any particular friendliness with married men,” " Married!” she echoed—" you married?” “Why yes—to one of the dearest little women in the world.” The waif was evidently a little staggered at this, but kept ber self-possession well. “ T didn’t know that,” she said, ‘‘ but we ara all liable to be mistaken in a person.” Just then a note was shoved under the door of the room, and the ‘‘shover” was heard to boat a hasty retreat. ore! ran and seized it, and handed it to ick, ; ‘*T wonder what news this brings?” and Dick hastily tore it open. : CHAPTER VII. DICK’S BIG DROP. Tux contents were by no means less strange thar Deadwood Dick anticipated, for he expected te be surprised, and was not deceived, bee

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Deadwood Dick’s Mission: K 13 The note ran as follows: “Sm:—If you want to find Jerry Carker and the . boy, come to the mouth of the Big Blow-out Mine, to night, at moon-up, and an enemy of his will show you whar to lay your hands on him.” That was all—no signature whatever. Nellie also perused the note. _ “ What do you think of it?’ Dick asked, “ Looks as if Carker had offended some one of his tools, and be was taking this method of re- venging himself.” «Don’t look a bit like that to me!” Nellie de- clared, ‘“ It’s only a bait to get you where they ean get rid of you.” ‘ ‘‘ Maybe you are right. I’ve known stranger things to happen. But, at any rate, I’ve made up my mind to test-the matter, T'll go to the Big Blow-out Mine; but, mind you, on the alert, and not unprepared to defend myself.” “Oh! I wouldn’t go, nor Payee attention to it, if I were you, Mr. Dick, You might be sur- rised and Killed, when you were least expect- ng danger.” “ Never fear. I’ve had death stare mein the face a hundred times, and in many shapes, but have so far lived to tell of it. I will be back all right—perhaps bringing young Chandos—and if all’s well we will push on to Leadville to-mor- row. Keep mum about our little discoveries, and I faney it will not take long to work the case to a climax.” When near moon-rise thatevening Dick armed himself thoroughly, and madea few quiet in- uiries as to the location of the Bi low-out Hine, to learn that it was a shaft, about half a mile beyond the limits of the town, which, though moderately profitable, had been deserted because of a rumor that it was haunted. sree the camp, in the course directed, Dick was not long in gaining a position in what he judged to be the neighborhood of the mine. ere he paused and listened, but could hear nothing except the wind sighing through the s2rub-oaksand pines, which grew in little patches here and there. Made bold by this, he advanced, little by little, until he was within a few rods of the Big Blow- out shaft, the location of which was distinguish- able by the great windlass over its mouth. From his position the moonlight afforded Dick a good view of the place, yet he could see noth- “ing of human presence in the neighborhood, “ Possibly there is an ambush waiting for me!” he muttered; ‘ but I won’t stumble into it just yet, Pll wait and see what turns up!” He had not Jong to wait, only a few minutes;)| y " then the sound of foot steps were heard approach; ing from in the direction of the Curve, and soon a female figure, wrapped in a black cloak, and wearing a thick vail over both face and hat, ap- peared, and came to a halt in the vicinity of the windlass. “That must be my correspondent, I should judge!” was Dick’s conclusion at sight of ber, “Tf Iam not greatly mistaken, too, it is Marie. PL go and see what she wants.” He thrust his hands into the side pockets of his coat, and they came in contact with a pair of revolvers that nestled there. : Advancing from bis place of concealment, a Yelaimed, with a triumphant leer, Dick approached the vailed woman, who was evidently awaiting his coming. “ Good-evening, madam!” he said, looking at Bet pepe: “Were you waiting for some one : “Yes—for you. You are Deadwood Dick, are you not? she asked, in a voice which did not sound familiar to him. ‘“T am Deadwood Dick, at your service, and you, I presume, are the party who sent me an unsigned communication some hours ago.” “Yes, IT am the person. You wavt a man named Jerry Carker?” : “T do.” “Well, you can’t bayve Him!” a voice cried. from in the rear, and at the same instant Dick was seized by several pairs of hands, “Although he had been alert, the approach behind him had been made so cautiously ~ that he had no suspicion of such an attack until it_ came, } With all his afreniga did he try to jerk and twist’ himself free, but all to no purpose, for — they held him as in a vise of iron, while Marie. throwing back her vail, stepped forward, and with cords secured his hands and feet, so that he was @ prisoner, in all truth. He was allowed to stand, however, while his pe cafhe around to get a front view of — im, - They were Jerry Carker, Fargo, and another ruffian with a scar up and down his cheek—a trio of as villainous-looking men as you would often meet even in the Wild West. ‘Ho! ho! so we have you, eh?” Carker ex- “ Didn't count on our bein’ so cute, did you?” _ “T presumed there was a trap set, but being in the habit of attacking my enemies in the ~ front instead of the back, which is the coward’s method, I was hardly wary enough!” Dick re- torted, D> “You call me a coward, do you?” Carker — cried fiercely, j si ‘Yes, though I don’t know but the average - coward would then feel insulted at the com- parison. You are a murderer, a thief, a con-— temptible sneak, and the devil, your master, — any. knows what else.” ‘arker drew a revolver, and cocked it, signifi- — cantly, his face livid with rage, But, before ~ he could use it, Marie knocked it out of his grasp. £ Stop!” she cried, authoritatively. ‘‘What — did you promise? Don’t attempt any murder, or Til withdraw from the game and denounce + ou. F % Carker uttered a sullen growl. i “Well?” be said, interrogatively. be Marie turned to Deadwood Dick. Sioa ‘*My sharp friend, you see I have just saved — your Jife!” she remarked, with evident sarcasm, — ‘This in reward for your efforts in behalf of — her ladyship. Finding it difficult to elude your — vigilance, we have concluded to dispose of you untll Mr, Carker has time to get away where you cannot find him. To this effect, we have concluded to lower you into this haunted mine, — where you can have the pleasure of sojourning, — until some kindly-disposed spook comes along and sets you free,” jhe Fae We | es an

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pi ms : . a TT have that alread y arranged. a4 (Dead wood Dick’s Missien, Dick did not reply. It was a less terrible fate than he had expected, and he resolved to take it with good grace, having hopes of being uble to escape, sooner or later. He had a small-sized idea that pretty Nellie Dean would never leave the mining-camp, with- out making a diligent search for bim, The great iron bucket was hauled up out of the shaft, by Fargo and the other rough. Ordinarily this hoisting process was done by horse-power, but a crank had also been provided by which a man could either raise or lower the bucket at will. Dick was then placed in it, to which be made no demur, and the bucket was once more low- ered into the mine, where the darkness of Stygia reigned supreme, a grim silence pre- vailing among the authors of the work. Down! down went Dick, and still down, until it seemed to him that he must be really en route for China via a new line of travel. Suddenly the rope parted, tar above him, and his downward flight was continued with light- ning velocity. . Then, he was conscious of a tremendous jar— and remembered nv more, for a long time, When he did recover consciousness, the scene was materially changed. He was still lying upon the ground in the mine, but a miner’s lamp was burning in a crevice in the rock near at hand, and Nellie Dean was bending over him, holding camphor to his nostrils, and sapplying it to his forehead. When she saw his eyes open she gave vent to an exclamation of joy. “Oh! I was so afraid you were dead when I found you tying. so still and wh‘te. Are you hurt much, Mr. Dick?” ** Don’t ‘know about that, till I find out!” Dick replied, staring around, to recollect what had happened. ‘‘ Guess there’s no bones broken, thoug t got an unmerciful thump. Ugh! I feel kind of sore like,” but with an effort he re- gained his feet, Nellie having cut the bonds. “Oh! I ain’t so bad hurt, after all, How'd you - coms down? Hope you didn’t take the Lightning Express that I did.” } Nellie laughed, ** No; I took an accommodation, You see, about as soon as you left the hotel I hired a couple of rough but honest fellows to come with me, and set out to look after your welfare! We ‘arrived just in time to see you lowered into the well, and the men began an attack on your : lta who, however, succeeded in escaping. When we arrived at the windlass we found that the rope had been cut, the perpetrators of the deed undoubtedly thinking the fall would kill you. One of the men at once returned to cainp, and procured a long rope, and lowered me down here, where I have been, since, work- Z ing to restore you to your senses.” * You are a noble girl,” Dick said, taking her hand, aud pressing it warmly. ‘ No kindness 1 ean ever do to you will be sufficient to express my atitude. But, how are we to get out of this den is the next question to be considered.” ‘Yonder lies _ the bucket, and I have fastened the rope to it hy which.I was lowered. The other end ig secured to the vindlass, so that we shall have no difficul- in being drawa up. By the way, the woman rie was with your captors?” “ Yes.” ‘* What do you propose to do with her?” “T am not decided. I hardly think she will trouble our party again. If she does, I may not make any mention of this night’s work, in topes of using her as the trap through which to catch Carker. That rascal is po doubt on his way to Leadville ere this, Come—let us go.” They entered the bucket, gave a jerk on the Tope, and were slowly drawn upward. In a few minutes they were once more above. ground, and safe from the effects of the adven- ture. Paying the two miners liberally for their ser- vices, Dick went back to the botel, accompanjed by Nellie, who at once retired to her room while Dick sat down in the parlor, to smoke and reflect, first having inquired and learned that Lady Chandos was feeling much better, and would no doubt be well enough for the morrow’s JouEney He had not been seated long, when Marie entered the parlor, and nodded pleasantly, as though nothing had happened. “*T was just ge to see if I lost a glove here,” she said, apologetically, ‘‘Have you been out?” There was no trace of guilt—not even a flush —upon her attractive face, as she turned to- ward the Prince of the Road. “ Yes—I just got out, about half an hour ago!” Dick replied, dryly, at the same time wondering why this woman did not adopt the stage, so skilled an actress she was. ss Why, were you in jail?” Marie queried, raising her eyebrows in surprise, and at the same time looking him straight in the eye. “Ves, in the jail you helped to place me in. Don’t play off your assumed innocence on me, woman—it won’t work, You are guilty, and your fate is sealed.” She turned pale, and trembled, at this; then, to Dick’s astonishment and disgust, she dropped on her knees at his feet, and burst into a violent fit of weeping, CHAPTER VIII. DICK ‘* TUMBLES TO” A LIVE LORD, ** Ou! Mr. Deadwood Dick!” she cried, pit- ~ eously. ‘‘ Do not be merciless with me, but for- give me for ny sinning and give me a chance to repent and atone. You alone know of my deed, and why ruin my future prospects by allowing the matter to travel further, when you can save me from going utterly te the bad.” Dick surveyed her with little expression of merey upon his face, and a feeliug of repug- nance tugging at his heart, to see her kneeling there in abject humiliation before him. > ‘Realizing that you have been discovered, and that, too, at the risk of your situation, you have concluded to make’a clean breast of it, and thus get time and opportunity for making sure of your job next time, eb?” ig ‘No, no! I realize -what sin I have been guilty of, and all { want.is a chance to do bet- Ye ter, and to prove that my intention is good.” “T suppose your intentions were commend-

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Deadwood: Dick’s Mission. able when you poisoned Lady Chandos, and tried to break my neck?” ered turned still whiter, and her sobs sub- sided, “You know that ?” she gasped. “ About the poisoning—yes! You thought younvele cunning and sherp, but you are a pungler at the best. Rise to your feet, woman, ! shall watch for any more of your charming little acts, and curb your playfulness, if I see Poe of the devil cropping out of you. 6 (@) ” By the next morning Marie had quite re- covered from her grief, and looked as saucy and piquant as ever, dy Chandos,.bowever, was feeling worse again, and so Dick announced his intention of galloping on to Leadville, leaving them tofollow ~in the stage, as soon as her ladyship felt able. So leaving her to the careful charge of Lady Clare and Nellie Dean, the ex-Prince of the Road mounted his horse and set forth, The route between the Curve and Leadville was one of the wildest sort, the trail alternately ascending and descending, and being for much of the way lined on either side by forests. Although well mounted and well armed, Dick anticipated trouble before reaching the mountain metropolis, where in the early days of the town he had associated his name with rob- bery, reckless daring and sport; so he kept a sharp lookout, and put his horse, to a spirited gallop. Hehad half-completed the journey, and was crossing a treeless plateau, when he heard the peculiar whirring sound of the lasso. Quickly slipping to the side of his horse, In- dian fasbion, he just escaped the noose which had been sent with precision; at the same time he gave a yell that sent his horse flying across the plateau. : Lucky for him that he remained at the side cf his horse, for soon after another lasso drop- ped across the animal’s back, then disappeared again, as the horse flew on, ft Taking a squint in the direction from whence had come the attack, he saw the heads of men popping up above the tops of rocks. Quickly reseating himself on the flying horse, Deadwood Dick’s vengeful repeating rifle almost immediately spoke, and for each shot came back a wild yell, which proved the deadly aim of the ever-ready man, Into the forest again the faithful horse bore’ him at break-neck speed; but now satisfied that the danger was over, Vick reined in the animal, and rode on, glad to have escaped so Juckily. ‘*T don’t doubt that I owe this little serenade to his Honor, Jeremiah Carker,” he muttered, as he rode along, nearing Leadville, ‘“‘Oh! my great and noble rascal, sooner or later Tl show you that retribution is bound to overtake you; sooner or later I’ll teach you that ?to murder a white-haired old man is one of the greatest of unpardonable offenses, and you shall suffer for your crime!” He reached Leadville about the middle of the afternoon, thoroughly disguised in a brown wig and full beard and mustache, together with an entire change of clothing. % Stabling bis horse, and putting up at a good yourself exceedingly 15 . hotel, he ordered dinner, after which he started out for a stroll. Although the place had grown much since he was there before, he still knew where there were several resorts of the sort Carker usually fre- quented, and accordingly he paid them a visit. But no Carker was to be found. If in the city, it looked very probable that he was lying in hiding until he should find a good opportunity to escape; so Dick went back to the hotel, and on entering his room found that a note had been shoved under the door during his absence: 5 . With some curiosity he picked it up and read: “Deapwoop Dick:—This is to inform you that I will never be taken alive, no matter where you fol- low. The scheme I had afoot for the boy is bu’sted, for I got tired of the brat, and knocked his brains out this morning. As for you, you’ll do well to stop just where you are, for if you don’t Pll show you ow it will not pay, Fb to bother with a bulldog. 1. shall stay bere till l get a chance te wipe you out, and then move on. J. CARKER,”’ “Allright, Mr. Carker; if you will only be so accommodating as to remain here in Lead- ville I will be much obliged, as it will save me the trouble of searching. That lie about the boy, though, however much it might strike other folks, does not affect me in the east, as I know you think too much of your prize to yield it up that way. Ill watch out for you like a hawk.” P E He went down-stairs, then into the gaming- room that was attached to the hotel proper, and run under 6he management, The place was pretty well filled, and drinking was still going on merrily. \ One man seemed to be somewhat ‘ elevated.” He was elegantly dressed and yet vulgarly loud, wore plenty of expensive jewelry, and was over- bearing and obtrusive. He wore a luxuriant full beard, and his hair was parted in the middle, as was revealed by his hat being cocked back _ upon bis head. : At Dick’s entrance, he rose from the table where he was sitting, and slapped the ex-Prince of the Road familiarly upon the shoulder, ; Dick surveyed him, coolly, for a moment. — “ Well, sir! what do you want?” : The man gave vent to a drunken snicker, and endeayored to take Richard’s hands, but failed, as Dick refused to ‘‘ shake,” . ‘“‘Is that the way you address a nobleman?? the “genteel” ruffian demanded, evidently ripe for a row. 2 “That's the way I address every one who _ gets too fresh, no matter who or what he is!” — Dick responded, with a grim smile. Nei “Maybe you don’t know whol am since you ~ are so impudent?” 3 Rh: “T don’t care’who you are, no more than if you were the most insignificant thing on the face of the earth!” was the retert. ‘‘ You made fresh, and I asked you © 4 baa! what you wanted!” “Well, I want you to know that I’m a gentle- — man and a lord—the son and heir of an earl— — and if I choose to slap a man on the shoulder, it’s condescending in me todo so. I feel highly insulted at your rudeness, and I—” “ae “Spit it out if you want to fight, and don’ 4 Ss ons ties)

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16 Deadwood Dick’s Mission. bea coward!” Dick cried. ‘‘That’s what you want, evidently.” “ You're a liar!” his lordship fired back, ‘‘and —” but he suddenly stopped talking, for out went the right iron-fist of Deadwood Dick, and the Englishman went down like a stricken ox. The sympathizing barkeeper came forward, then, dashed water into the Briton’s face, and dragged him into the side room, there leaving him to recover at leisure, while Dick walked leisurely away to another part of the room, to smoke and meditate. This individual was an English lord, he said, but, judging by appearances, he was a sorry representative of the aristocracy. ady Chandos’s husband was a lord, too, and as Dick had from time to time learned from Lady Clare, was, as she expressed it, ‘‘ an over- bearing man whom no one vould bear—wild, reckless, and intensely jealous of his wife.” Might not this same individual be the same noble Briton, following her in her travels? An amused smile came over the sport’s dis- guised face at the thought of the thing. “One thing is certain. Her ladyship and husband do not particularly admire each other, nor do they live happily together. I have often noticed a pained, disheartened expression upon her face when speaking of her husband, Lord Chandos. If this is the styla of a man she has ‘ot, I don't wonder she feels bad sometimes, f the fellow comes around like a gentieman, Pll work him up and see what there is in bim,” It was not long ere the Briton recovered; then he arose and arranged his soiled costume as best be could, and inquired for the ‘‘ insolent puppy who had knocked him down.” adwood Dick was pointed out, and hé ap- proached the sport, looking somewhat the worse for wear, but full of fight or bluster. ’ _ Walaing up to Deadwood Dick, he glared down at him a moment over his nose, which was swollen three times its ordinary size, then spat direct into the sport’s face. “There!” he cried, savagely, ‘‘ That is an insult, and if you want satisfaction, as gentle- “men get it, come outside!” Dick arose and wiped his face, apparently very calm; but any one acquainted with him could have told by the gleam in his eyes that all the tiger in his nature was aroused. ~ A crowd had almost instantly gathered with -- eager interest. + It wasa moment before Dick could compose himself enough to speak—then he said: “TY shall be happy to meet the British baboon at once. Weapons, revolvers, Lead ahead! I'll try and make a gorilla of him before ’'m through ‘with him.” : ' * You'll have to take to the outskirts of the town, gents, as ther day of street scrimmages is over, here, on account of ther perlice. Here’s _ Skin Sullivan—he'll show yea right peart spot - to die,” the barkeeper said, sententiously, ‘‘ He’s a good slugger, too, is Sully, an’a first-class 4 second in any skewrup.” ee _- “ My, Sullivan will act for me!” the lord said. “And Pll act for the gamey chap, I will,” a ae ee gruff voice exclaimed, belonging to a man clad in a suit of overalls, stogy boots, and greasy MEL focs > ee - sombrero, He wore bushy - : hair, and an immense beard and mustache to match, and wag about as brigandish-looking a human as one would care to meet of a dark night, with his belt full of weapuns as they were now, Dick surveyed him, and nodded. It could not matter much to him who was his second, ‘All right. Lead ahead! he said. ‘‘ Let’s get down to business as quick as possible!” They left the saloon, and struck fur the city limits, followed by one of the biggest crowds that ever witnessed a fight in Leadville. The sun was near to setting when the dueling ground was reached, and no time was lost in marking off the space, which the Englishman insisted should be fifty paces. ; ‘He evidently wishes to make the distance long enough so that he will not be ae, oc wounded!” was Dick’s thought, “* but [reckon Tve got the beauty that will tickle him!” ” He took a case from his coat pocket, and there- from extracted a weapon—a field revolver, There was a unanimous exclamation of admi- ration from the crowd at sight of the deadly tube, and they involuntarily rushed forward to get a closer view of the weapon, the equal of which, for beauty, they had never seen. © : CHAPTER IX. A DESPERATE WOMAN’S DESPERATE GAME. On leaving the Curve, it had been Dick’s last request to Nellie not to mention anything to Lady Chandos about the poisoning, and very likely she would have acted according to his wishes but for the woman Marie, who, on every occasion took pleasure in casting some slur at Nellie, which she believed might annoy her, Several words passed between them, until finally Marie expressed an insinuation that fired all the temper the pretty orphan girl possessed, and under the impulse of the moment she went to the ladies’ room and revealed to Lady Chan- dos and Lady Clare all that was known relative to the poisoning. To say that both were astounded would be ex- pressing it, mildly, for their astonishment knew no bounds, “‘T am loth to believe this criminal charge against Marie,’ Lady Chandos said, soberly; 3 ae J have never quite put implicit confidence in her. She then ordered Lady Clare to go and fetch the Frenehwoman. Marie soon made’ her appearance, her face somewhat pale, and her manner nervous, ** Marie,” Lady Chandos said, ‘‘ do you think ¥en aes find your way back to your home in vre = “1 fear not, lady. Iam very little traveled, youknow. Why do you ask, my lady?” ‘“* Because if becomes my duty to discharge you. We need not necessarily dwell upon the whys and wherefores, but suffice it to say that you know full well the cause why you are dis- charged, and will, I hope, feel grateful toward me for allowing you to escape merited punish- mentsoeasily. Say nothing, but go, You were paid ay York full salary yesterday.” : Whiter than before was the treacherous wo- — man now, and she turned upon Nellie with a gasp, one of her hands partly con

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“Do I owe this to you?” she hissed, her eyes burning with an unnatural fire, : ‘Tf you mean the telling of the truth, yes, I was ordered by Deadwood Dick to make no disclosures until he perfected plans for the capture of Carker, But when you insulted me by assailing the only gift I have left that I value most—honor—forbearance ceased to be a virtue! Take care! Isee you have a stilettoready to do murderous work with, but I consider this much easier, quicker, and more effective!” And the ee girl produced a little revolver and cock- i °* Curse you! curse you all! You have not outwitted or done forme yet. I will have re- venge, mark you, and it shall be such a revenge |, fee you will prefer the torments of hell to it!’ Then she was gone, leaving the two English ladies in anything but an enviable frame of mind, while Nellie was but little concerned at the threat, ‘Marie will go to Leadville, no doubt,” she said, ‘‘to have a conference with Carker, and 1 am going like a sleuth-hound on her track, I may in the same trip capture both, before Deadwood Dick can, ou will not be afraid to come on in the stage to-morrow?” “ Not afraid, dear, but I am afraid to have you make such a rash venture,” Lady Chandos said, anxiously. “Never fear forme! I have had just enough hard experiences in the West to make me wide a eeer Nellie said, earnestly. ‘+I know, before a) Xs soon as she could complete the necessa arrangements, she ordered one of their best sad- dle horses and mounted, She had learned that Marie had left some minutes before, so she set off ata good gallop eae open track or road which led to Lead- ville. Her one desire seemed to be near the hand- some knight of the West—Deadwood Dick—her mind was ever on him; some irresistible spell of numan magnetism seemed to draw her toward him, She knew it was wrong that she should allow herself to let the feeling grow upon her, but she—she could not help it, was her consoling thought, when she allowed herself to consider, But as she rode on, and her mind’s eye was gazing at the handsome face and fignre of Dead- . wood Dick, her reverie was rudely interrupted by a harsh grating voice exclaiming: ‘Halt, girl. Advance another yard and I'll make you feel the vengeance Marie promised ou! < Nellie Dean looked up from her reverie to be- hold the wily Frenchwoman sitting upon her horse, a few yards ahead, a light sporting rifle held leveled for instant use, “What do you mean?” Nellie demanded, « quietly. j * Didn't I tell ite I should have revenge, you hussy?” she cried, ‘‘l’m going to have it, too, Something told me you would follow me, so I waited here for the sole purpose of waylay- ng you. Now that I’ve got you right where I want you, J’ll show you that it were better to betray the devil than a fierce-tempered French- Deadwood Dick’s Mission. did so, uttered a gasp of delight as she SAW & 17 woman. Do you know whatIam going to do with you?” ¢ “J haven't the slightest idea, I am sure,” Nellie i emct with apparent composure, * Weill” Marie said, significantly, ‘I am going to rob you of your beauty. That is worse than death,'to one with any claim to good looks, I shall cut off your hair, disfigure a tag ape ae 1 queen of your pardon, my royal queen o viciousness, you will do nothing of the kind!” a deep, thrilling voice exclaimed, and an elderly gentleman stepped from a thicket near to where the women were halted, followed by a younger man, : “You have laid a most villainous plot, which ide ean hardly expect to carry out. you ad better go!” : Marie uttered a scream at sight of the speaker, and turned very white, ** You!” she gasped—“‘ my God! you ?” ** As you see,” the man replied, calmly. “One would infer that you had seen a ghost,” Marie did not reply, but wheeling her horse yee spurs to him and dashed away toward eadville as fast as she could go, The elder man then turned to Nellie. He was, in truth, noble looking, with a kindly-ex- pressioned, full-bearded face, and a form of manly beauty, while his dress and his habitual - bearing bespoke & person of more than ordinary culture, y -The younger man was almost a fac-simile of the elder, for the resemblance between them was very striking, though the younger man ‘wore no beard, except a mustache, “My dear young lady, it was opportune that we were near, or that vixen might have done you harm,” the elder gentleman said. oh am very glad, sir, you were near,” Nellie said, simply, ‘ and bas sworn to kill me, me, as I wish to follow her. Is it far to Lead- ville?” “Yes, a good half a day’s ride. You cannot reach it until after dark, and I would advise you not to attempt to go without an escort.” “Oh, I’m not afraid. Vl be more careful, during the remainder of the jourrey.” And bidding them good-by, she galloped away in pursuit of Marie, determined not to ive up until she had trailed the French tigress : own into the hands of Deadwood Dick, at least. Pye lost my heart, uncle!” the younger man said to his companion when the girl was Falconer, et Fudger the elder retorted. ‘Tl eut you off without a penny if you ever mention it again.” It was in the early morning when Mario finally arrived in Leadville. She Anpenret very much exhausted, but stabled her horse; then made a tour of the better class of hotels and examined their registers, evidently looking for some one, and a disappointed look came over her face at every failure to find the name she sought. i fing Ses Finally she entered the Clarendon, and as she ¥ [res for she is a very bad woman, ~ But you must excuse ~ one, < “Tn that girl you've seen the future Lady ecil | ~A

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# is Deadwood Dick’s Mission. man ascending the stairs, She quickly followed him, and entered his room immediately behind im, ‘‘Marie!” he exclaimed, at sight of her, her sudden pape rane giving himastart, — “Yes, Marie!” she cried, seizing his jeweled hand and covering it with passionate kisses, “vour faithful Marie—the only woman who has ever proven true to you.” “Then you have the evidence to confirm my convictions, eh?? he demanded, his eyes fairly blazing. “Mon dieu, Lord Chandos, I sincerely wish I . 20uld say no; but [ have not that welcome news ‘to-bear you, spy upon Lady Chandos by you, I could have | When f left England, employed to svorn to her purity and love for ycur noble self. But it has, alas! proved as you feared, Her trip to America was but to escape the vigi- Janice of your watchful eye, that she might bask in the smiles of her first love!” Lord Chandos paced the flocr more after the frenzied style of amadman than like a sane erson, “You tell me all this!” he hissed. ‘‘ Oh, God! why cannot I get my hand at her throat! Ugh! Lam going mad, I believe.” He was violent fora few minutes, then quieted down suddenly, and said; “You have seen them together?” ‘‘- Yes, on more than one occasion, I met Sir ‘Falconer last night, en route to see her.” “ Does she receive him with evident pleas- ure?” “ Judging by somo of their romantic Shakes- perian scenes, I should suppose that she con- siders him every inch her Romeo, The fact is, she is no longer a Wife to you, and I have heard her declare, with an oath, when under the in- finence of liquor, that she would never live with you again!” “ Nor shall she. T’li eud the disgrace, while here in thi3 lawless country, by killing them both, and then go back to London a wiser “man,” “But you must first fulfill your promise to me, please to remember, Lord Chandos,” What do you mean, woman?” “ Bah! do not be so innocent! Y¥ou promised me thatif I would spy on Lady Chandos, and prove her unfaithful to you, you would fill her place with moe.” ~ ‘* Bosh! Nonsense! Do you take me for an idiot? Ths idea—marry a menial! Ha! ha! the ’ ideal” Marie’s eyes flashed, “You'll find out you can’t put me off. If you don’t marry me at once, when you go back to London, I go too, and Pll make things lively for you, you may rest assured. I know too ‘much for your. peace of mind, so make the best of a ‘trying situation.” His lordship winced. e “Deuce take you!” he growled. “If you want money say so, and don’t take such a roundabout way getting at the matter.” x “ Pooh! [don’t want money! I want a home, anda husband. I want you, because you can ut me where I can shine above those who look wh on me, now.” The other laughed, wickedly. | “Tf you den’t clear out, Pll put you where you'll shine for eternity,” he said. ‘ll never marry you, so settle on that, If you wanta thousand pounds to clear out to France and keep your mouth shut, you can have it—other- wise not,” **T will choose the not!” she retorted, say- agely, ‘‘ I willshow ycu that it is not profit- able to tamper with a woman’s affections. [ did not mention to you that your son, Cava- naugh, has been stolen from Lady Chandos, and T alone hold the knowledge of his whereabouts. Good-day, sir,” and she left the room, CHAPTER X. ““AN OLD OFFENDER” ANNOUNCED. BrAUTIFUL revolvers had often flashed in Leadville’s sunlight, and killed their man, but nothing half so magnificent as that held by Deadwood Dick bad ever been seen by any of the admirers of manly sports, The steel was plated with gold, the handle was of pearl and a dozen diamonds of medium size were set in its sides, to say nothing of the pee superb solitaire which gleamed in the utt. “Take care, gents! It’s danger to get too near a costly weapon like this!’ Dick warned, . dryly. ie Order!” cried Dick’s black-bearded second, ‘* This hyar pic-nic must proceed, as both gents are anxious to get into one another. My name is Bolivar, I teil yer, and I'll see this thing ker- ried on on the square.” ‘* So’ll I,” announced shed as he was called among his associates, ‘‘ Git all ready, gents, When I say three, blaze away at each other fer all you’re good for. I'll hev a pine box fixed up long ernuff so yer knees wont get humped when we chuck ye in,” The antagonists took their positions, facing each other, and deliberately cocked their weapons. It was easily to be seen that neither paused to consider the result that were liable to follow, “ Are you ready, Sir Cur?” his lordship cried, impatiently. * Ready, Sir Baboon,” was Dick’s taunting answer, “Then get ready!” the “slugger” cried, loud- ly. ‘‘One! two! three!” * Bang! bang! bang! \ ; There were three pistol reports, instead of wo. The Englishman fell to the ground, wounded very slightly in the left side, Deadwood Dick stood unhurt, although he had heard two weapons speak besides bis own, and had heard two bullets whiz unpleasantly close to his head. Looking quickly around he caught sight of his second ruvning toward a convenient shed, with all his might and main, t It was ho, then, who had fired the third shot! Tf so, it needed no more to inform Dick that he had been withia arm’s reach of the man he wanted—Jerry Carker! b : Again had the villain attempted the Sport's life and escaped—for he was _ now too far off to easily pick off with a revolver, as Dick per-. ‘| eeived; but with a fierce exclamation*he sprung —

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Deadwood Dick’s Mission. 19 away in hot pursuit, leaving the crowd to at- tend to the wants of the lord, who really had purposely fallen, on being wounded, to avoid further punishment, A fleet, runner was Deadwood Dick, but the desperado had the advantage in getting behind the shed, so that no bullet could hit him, In this way he succeeded in gaining some place of safety by the time Dick had reached the shed, and the Sport was baffled for the time being. ‘‘PIl have him, if he is in this town, how- ever!” he gritted. ‘It was a bold move on his part, coming forward to play my second, and more’s the wonder he didn’t salivate me for good,” : He went back to the dueling-ground, and _ found that the Englishman had gone back to the hotel, After some little trouble Dick succeeded in enlisting half a dozen men in his service, whom he posted about the city with the purpose of keeping a close watch for the villain Carker. It seemed only a matter of time ere the cap- ture must be made. Nellie Dean arrived in town during the fore- noon, and found Dick,/to. whom she communi- cated what is already known to the reader. © Dick listened, but did not chide her, as she was afraid he would, - “ Well,” he said, ‘*we shall have to look to her movements here, and may in that way see Carker, That he is lying low, somewhere about town, I am certain, but.so far 1 am not able to locate him, nor are my men,” Dick then related his experience with the Englishman, whom he believed to be Lord Chandos; after which he conducted her to a - hotel several blocks from the Clarendon, and she retired to her room to get a few hours’ rest. Lady Chandos and Lady Clare arrived that afternoon, and were taken to the same hotel, where Dick took care to register them under assumed names, and warn them to keep within doors, as be did not want them to know of Lord Chandos’s presence, nor he of theirs. Her ladyship was feeling greatly improved from her late illness, but talked and worried constantly about her boy, who she was fearful would be harmed, That evening o papor had in it this item; * An Onp OrrenDER IN Town.—It is learned, at this offices, through an anonymous letter, that the notori- ous outlaw and road-agent. Deadwood Dick, who some time ago made himself many enemies here- abouts, owing to his defiance of the law, and his desperate deeds, is once more in town, in disguise. The informant neglects to give further information, more than to say ‘watch out for him,’—not even a description of his disguise. As there are still several rewards standing for him, the letter, with his former description has been referred to the police, and we. are sanguine that it will not be long ere the festive Richard Janguishes in our local “jug.” That he is here planning out some new campaign of deviltry, is evident, and the sooner his actions are nipped in the bud, the better—or rather the worse for the * business of our local undertakers.” And, as fate would have it, the ‘festive Richard ” was among the first to purchase a copy of the paper, and read the interesting notice (ey concerning himself-—interesting because it was ! the parents, and it of vital importance to him, when he remem- bered that Leadville was no longer the utterly lawless mining-town of the past. CHAPTER XI. DICK’S WARNING AND CARKER’S BLUFF GAME. DxcK was not surprised. He had rather expected that his reappearance in Leadville would endanger his liberty, but for the papers to be first to open on him, was rather unexpected, Who had given the information—Carker, or “Marie? He hardly knew which, as either certainly “was possessed of the necessary cunning, _ Having read the paper, he went at once to the . hotel, and donned an entirely new disguise, consisting of a luxuriant pair of side-whiskers of jetty black, with bgt aa mustache and hair to match, and a fll Mexican costume, such as is wofn by a general. With a prepara~ tion, he also expertly dyed his face and hands to adarker hue, and when his arrangements - were all complete, he was an ideal picture of a high-toned ‘‘ Greaser.” ; The next thing was to test the disguise, and complete some otber little arrangements. ‘Taking his bundle of baggage, he mado his exit from the hotel by a rear stairs unseen, and went to another hotel and poh es as General Guyamirez, of the City of Mexico, Having acquired considerable of the broken Mexican lingo, it helped him in furthering his attempted deception. Half an hour afterward ho went back to the Clarendon, and registered under a different name than he had adopted at the other hotel, After sauntering around a while he dropped into a chair near where Lord Chandos and an- other man were engaged in conversation, and in- to which the detective soon was drawn. After a while the third man left, leaving the pseudo-general and Lord Chandos alone, Fully an hour passed in exchange of con- fidences, after which, having acquired many points to satisfy him that Chandos was a heart- less wretch, and Lady Chandos a sinned-against woman, Dick teok his departure, assured that his disguise had not been penetrated so far, although he saw persons pass him whomrn he re- membered from his previous Leadville experi- ence, ‘ Going to his lodgings, he wrote a note to Lady Chandos not to be alarmed at his non-ap- pearance, as he was working up tle case in an- _ other disguise. 3 He also wrote to Nellie to the same effect, _ After pendine these to the hotel where they were stopping, be wrote out a_poster to fasten upon the door of the assailant newspaper office when it should become quiet enough, ‘PROCLAMATION ! ‘“ Whereas, a certain sheet of Leadville having an-— nounced the presence of an old offender in this city, that individual takes this method of informing the people that he és in the city on. business, and pro- poses to remain here until he sees fit to absent him- — self, The person who gave the paper notice was _ one of two Fepgest he concerned in a shameful abdue- tion of a child with a view of extorfing money from it is for the purpose of cap

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20 these sharks that Deadwood Dick again visits Lead. |° ville. Those concerned will please take note of this —my old challenge is still applicable, Let me alone and I'll let you; crowd on me, and you are welcome to the benefit of what you will get in return, “Yours as ever, Drapwoop Dick.” Dick did not write this as a bluff to invite notoriety, but as a warning that ha was still too much of the past-and-gone dare-devil to tolerate insult, Jerry Carker was no fool. Indeed he was an unusually shrewd and sen- sible man did he put his gifts to their right use, Lady Chandos and sister had not been located at their hotel two hours before the wily Carker, in his. disguise of a red-bearded bullwhacker, had found them out, and the number of their room. paper about the hotel for awhile, until he saw Lady Clare and Nellie go out for an even- ing walk, the villain watcbed his chance to sneak up-stairs, and made his way to the door of Lady Chandos’s room, Softly trying the knob, he found, to his satis- faction, that the door was unlocked, To open it, quickly enter, and then close and lock it behind him was but the work of a mo- ment, when he wheeled around, facing her with a revolver in his hand, She would. have screamed only that she was too terrified to give utterance. ‘Sh! he cautioned. ‘It is useless to raise a fuss. I am Carker, and I mean _ business, have come toarrange terms—or kill you; one of the two things!” CHAPTER XII. A BRUTAL MISTAKE AND A STRANGE RESCUE, Marie had struck deeply when she had in- formed Lord Chandos that his wife was untrue to him. There was little in the man’s nature that was good or pure; he was envious, selfish, mean and treacherous, and was intensely jealous of hand- some Lady Beatrice, despite the fact that he really cared no more for her than he did for - any pretty woman. Consumed with all the torments of his burn- ing passion, he went once more to his room, after his conversation with the disguised Dead- wood Dick, “PU kill’em! Ul kill’em both!” he raved, *‘Pll learn her that in this country she cannot shake her lord and master off without a decree of divorce!” He procured bis revolvers, loaded all their chambers, and then set forth upon the streets as ees pti yy - ; / ‘Something s me I shall meet her to- night,” he muttered, “and if Ido, curses be on me if I don’t remove one disgraceful blot from the fair name of Chandes. Pll shoot her and her paramour, too,” _ For some time he paced up and down the principal street, attracting considerable atten- tion, partly from. the fact that he had made himself a reputation as a bad duelist, and partly because so much fury was now expressed in bis | countenance, Deadwood Dick’s Mission. . ee It was perhaps an hour after coming upon the street that his lordship saw a man pause upon a corner, as if waiting for somebody. His suspicion at once aroused, Chandos paused not far away, despite the fact that it was beginning to rain a little, and his fine cos- tume was in danger of getting wet. He had uot long to wait. In the course of twenty minutes, a woman came tripping across the street, joined the man, and the two wert off together. Chandos followed. So great was his rage, that he could scarcely refrain from yelling out for them to halt, The woman was invested in a long oil-skin ulster, with hood attached, and very little of her face could be seen, The man was well dressed, and wore a luxuri- ant brown beard. ‘This is their trysting-place, is it?” his lord- ship hissed, ‘‘ Pll break in on their duetina rere will surprise them.” e pair were evidently lovers, for they walked slow, and seemed evidently wrapt up in each other's society. Directing their course from the main street into one of the more quiet thoroughfares, they cohtinued on, with their unsuspected enemy lurking behind them, Finally Chandos’s jealous spirit could bear no more. He saw the gallant Romeo stoop and kiss the Juliet of his promenade, ‘Curses on you both!” Chandos gritted. “Down to per ition you shall both go, and I will be free!’ Leveling his revolvers, he fired repeatedly, until every chamber was emptied. A realization of his terrible crime partly dawned over him, and with a gasp of terror, he turned to run from the spot. But flight was impossible, for on turning, he was scized by half-a-dozen officers, and hand- cuffed before he could give utterance to pro- test. “Tet me go! let me go!” he cried. ‘ You have no right to arrest me for shooting my own wife and her paramour!” : “You have not killed your wife, my fine bird!” the chief of police said, ‘but instead, have killed two of our most esteemed citizens, Mr, and Mrs, B——, who have but recently been married. If we can keep you from the mob that will come to lynch you, you may be exceed- ingly thankful. Come!” is lordship went, trembling in every limb, and cursed himseff with every breath, at the fearful mistake. That death would be his reward for the crime, he had but little doubt, and then all his estates would go to his wife, to be enjoyed by her and her old lover, while his bones wer~ moldering in a felon’s grave. With the ferocity of a madman he tried to get away, but it wasno use, The officers were too strong for him, and he was soon securely locked up in jail. Tbere was no mistaking the tone in which the villain, Carker, spoke—he had come fora. is purpose, and he meant business, Poor Lady Chandos was pale and weak with Fe nay asa di as

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Deadwood Dick's Mission. affright, but she managed to speak finally, though it was with an effort. ‘“‘Sir, I pray that you will not torture me with your presence,” she said, in a piteous tone, “YY am not feeling well, not having fully re- covered from the effect of the poison adminis- tered to me by your partner in crime, so I trust you will be humane enough not to worry me until 1 am stronger.” “Dear Beatrice, accept my assurance that I did not come here for any such a purpose as that. But, I don’t understand about the poisoning, Surely, I had no knowledge of think; nor anything to do with it. Did Marie do it “ She did, and got her discharge.” ‘Too bad, She will prove a worse enemy to ‘et than ever I could. But, Lady Chandos, I ave come to talk business, now. ou tell me, seg have no longer any affection for me, as of old, “Certainly not, Indeed, I can see little of the former Sir Ferrol Falconer about you.” ‘Well, such being the case, I presume it would be useless to press my suit?” “Quite absurd, sir; alike dishonorable and impossible,” ; Well, I’ve about come to that conclusion myself, and consequently do not feel so badly as I otherwise might. Therefore, we will pass that matter by, by considering terms for the boy. You see, it is beginning to become quite apparent that there are healthier parts of the country for me than the West, and [ve a desire to find out where they are, without delay. I have several reasous for wanting to slope, The kid, although there is money in him by hold- ing him back, is a nuisance to drag around the country. Therefore, I am going to dispose of him to the highest bidder.” ‘*Monster! why do you keep my child away from me?” Lady Chandos cried, in anguish. “Simply because you have a fat bank ac- count, and I desire to taste of it!” Carker chuckled. - ‘Then go, you inhuman wretch, for you shall never handle a penny of it!” her ladyship cried, firmly, ‘Oh! well, I'll try Lord Chandos then, and succeed, By the way, I daresay you have not heard the latest; sensation.” “T am ignorant of what you refer to, sir.” “Why, you knew that Lord Chandos sus- pected you of coming to this wild country to meet me, and followed you hither?” ’ **T knew nothing of the kind!” ‘ “Well, he did come, and found out that you * came here to meet me, and have met me re- peatedly. He has even learned, beyond doubt, that our meetings have created a deal of talk, and is naturally enraged. To-night a few mo- ments’ before I came here, he was arrested and lodged in jail, for murdering a man and woman, whom he believed to be me and you!” Lady Chandos turned deathly white, but did not answer—so Carker went on: “The murder was a clear case, and Chandos. will meet the penalty of the law, unless he is .taken out and lynched—something not in¥prob- - able—or is rescued. happen to be the only * _ 9ne who can rescue him, as | have the power to. a2 do it. If he will pay handsomely for the child he can have his liberty and the child, too, If you will see him and go him one better, the child is yours. And, now, which shall it be— you or he—who gets the child?” “T will not give youa cent. Deadwood Dick will recover my boy for me, and he shall get the reward—not you!” “ Curse poe stubbornness! I'll see about that! Ill kill the kid, otitright, before that dare-deyil will ever get hold of it. As for money, you have it right in your pocket, or about your person, and Pll have it before I leave this room, or Tl have your life!” He sprung toward her with a savage resolve expresed in his villainous face, that ed her ladyship no food. ; he quickly left her chair, and uttered a piercing shriek, as he seized hold of her. “Shut up, curse you! Give me your money!” he hissed, savagely. 2 ‘* Never!” she returned, bravely, at the same time shrieking for help again, The next instant footsteps were heard run- ning along the hall, and the door was burst open with a crash. With a yell of defiance, Carker made a break for life, and dashed through a rear window, carrying sash and glass with him; but not yntil he was seen and recognized by the two men who burst the door in, and came to Lady Chandos’s rescue, who were, strangely enough, the same parties who had rescued Nellie Dean from the vengeance of Marie. An expression of mutual recognition and as- tonishment came upon the faces of Lady Bea- trice and the elder gentleman, who sprung for- ward with outstretched hands. ‘‘Beatrice!—Lady Chandos! Is it possible that this is you?” he cried, gazing at her, rap- turously, as he seized her bands in his. “Ob! Sir Ferrol, lam so glad! I have been so terribly shocked and deceived!” ‘*Deceived? In what way, pray,” and he led her to a seat on the sofa, while young Cecil, his nephew, also became seated, after acknowl- edging an introduction, and explaining the cause of the screams to the landlord, who made his appearance. : In trembling tones her ladyship went on to explain how Jerry Carker had represented him- self to be the lost Sir Ferro] Falconer, and the other troubles that had beset her since leaving the boat at Seaport. / Sir Ferrol heard her through—then he said: “This man Carker I know only too well, and am now after him. In Anstralia, he was my valet and confidant, and Se hold of all my secrets‘and past history. He then stole con- siderable money from me, and left the country.” “ But of yourself, Sir Ferrol—you have not — : told me of yourself, yet.” “You shall hear, Beatrice. how, years ago, and just previous to what was to have been our_wedding day, I was arrested for forgery in London, Circumstantial evi- dence was used against me so strong, and the enormity of the offense was so great, that I was pac years, ra You remember ed off to Van Dieman’s Land for fen °

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22 Deadwood Dick's Mission. F “Tt wasn’t more than two years later that I escaped, and under disguise and an assumed name, went up into the Australian fields, with the intention of secretly communicating with you. But, after learning of your marriage through an English paper, I gave up all hope in that direction, and resolved to remain where I was. While there I amassed an immense for- tune, which I now carry about my person in the form of thousands of diamonds, “4 year ago Carker left me, carrying off a small fortune, A few months ago my nephew here, came and found me, bringing with him evidence of my innocence, my freedom papers and honorable exculpation, and a highly com- plimentary letter from the Queen’s counsel; so that [am now, en route to assume my former rights. But, lam sorry you are in the midst of ‘so much trouble, Lady Chandos, I trust your life is, but for these temporary troubles, exceed- ingly happy?” *T wish I could tell you yes, Sir Ferrol,” she replied with sadness, “ but I cannot truthfully say so. In fact, I do not ‘believe amore un- happy woman lives.” In a low tone, she then told of what Lord Chandos’s jealousy had brought him to, and many other little things that had served to make her married life with him a thing of so much misery that she had fled to the west coast ead to get as far away from him as pos- sible, Sir Ferrol listened with a en eye brow. “T always privately imagined that Lord Chandos would make a disagreeable husband, but am most sorry it has turned out so. Will you go to sea him at the jail?” - ‘Yes, to-morrow, though I am satisfied that he will be vindictive enough to kill me, if he gets free.” “Tf he has committed murder, as you say, I much doubt if he ever gets free. Border justice does not stand long on technicalities. I will, however, go out and learn what I can for you, in regard to the matter, and if there is any pos- sible way I can be of service to you, you are aware, I trust, that you are at liberty to com- mand me.” “Considering you my friend, I shall not hesi- tate to address yon when I believe I need four assistance,” Lady Chandos replied, with a w, and a grateful glance, Sir Falconer and young Cecil then took their departure, and went forth into the street, Here an intense excitement prevailed, over the double murder that had been done—for both of the victims bad died almost immediately af- ter being shot, . The vicinity of the jail was black with people, and the tone of the conversation showed that there were strong indications of a forthcoming ‘ qynok picnic, in which Lord Chandos was to be the central figure. The police, however, were vigilant in their efforts to prevent a reign of mob law, or it is ‘doubtful if Chandos would have been suffered to crouch within the protection pf his dungeon ten minutes, That the Englishman was a coward now need- ed no further verification than by a peep into ~ ean 2 LEER SEE A AMET fe eter? ee mate fk his prison, where he was huddled up in one cor- ner, white and shaking, as if in an ague-fit, In the mean time, while the threatening crowd surrounded the jail, Deadwood Dick had ‘‘ drep- ped” upon his man, in the Carbonate Saloon, CHAPTER XIII. HOW DICK DIDN’T WIN. THE Carbonate was, and yet is, we presume, one of the EOUsHERE holes to be found in Lead- ville. Loafers, bummers, blacklegs and rascals of various types commingled there, and the papers denounced the establishment as a place not safe for an honest man to, enter after dark, Noticing the rough crowd on that side of the street, late in the evening, Dick concluded to ‘drop in” and make observations, as it was about the style of a place he imagined Carker would frequent, He was stillin his disguise of a Mexican Gen- eral, andhad no fear of detection, even by Carker’s sharp eyes, should he perchance en- counter him, After purchasing a cigar at the bar, he saun- tered about the room, and finally saw a red- whiskered. dirt-besplashed, rudely - dressed miner, sitting at a table, handling a pack of cards, as if he were anxious to try his luck with some one. : The beard and hair looked so much like one of Dick’s former disguises, that it at once attracted his attention; so sauntering over to the table, he sat down opposite the apparent bullwhacker, and said: “*T see you are idle, stranger; what say you to a social game of poker?” “*T hain’t no *jections as I know on,” the man replied, in a voice which, if feigned, was clever- ly senior ‘My handle is Sam Jones; what’s yourn ‘General Guyamirez, of Mexico,” was Dick’s “Quite an excitement about the mur- ‘“Yas, They orter lynch that cuss, an’ will, I opine,” Jones said, at the same time laying a, cocked revolver at his right hand on the table, “ What's that for?” Dick asked, in pretended surprise. ‘Oh! that’s simply a matter 6’ form. TI allers does that when I don’t know who ’m playin, ; with, ye see, jest ter settle disputes with, “J don’t know but what it’s a purty good idea,” Dick said, drawing one of his self-cockers and laying it at his right. . They played that game and. two others, quiet- ly, Dick allowing the bullwhacker to win, Finally, he gave a yawn and picked up his re- volver with the apparent intention, of restoring it to his pocket, Instead of doing that, how- ever, he turned it suddenly upon the man of the red whiskers! “Carker, you’re mine! Move a musele and — Til blow your brains out!” he said, in a low, quick tone, the positiveness of which there was no mistaking, Carker growled out a terrible oath, but — obeyed orders. “You're off yer base!” be gritted. ‘I’m Sam Jones, and you'll find et out ef ye don’t put. up yer tool,” = ; “Pil run my chances of your getting danger- : =~ esate Ha = a ET ? 7 9 ’

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Deadwood Dick’s Mission. \ ous. Ihave got you down fine, and my eye is right on you, so that if you don’t come precisely to time I will salivate you. ** On account of the kid, you dassent,” Carker declared, cunningly. ‘‘ When I die, the secret of the whereabouts of the boy will also die,” Dick had thought of this, but did not hesitate. *T reckon that won’t work. I guess when it comes right down to one minute before death, you’d squeal. Iam after the boy, but that is not my main object. Jerry Carker, do you re- member that poor old man you brutally mur- dered up in Big Valley?” The man chuckled, an expression of some- thing like pride coming over his face, ° ‘Vas, I reckon I got in my revenge on that old rooster in the most approved fashion,” he suid, ‘* Won’t never wallop another man, that’s certain.” ‘Nor you won’t ever murder another man Carker. When I saw your brutal work, 1 registered an oath to take your scalp back to that valley asa trophy toshow how much I loved the good old man you murdered, I then set out on the death-trail to fulfill my oath. Your scalp now lies within my grasp, but I will not take it. I'ma fair man, and a square man, and here is what I have to propose: You take me to where Lady Chandos’s boy is conceal- ed and deliver him up to me. We will then come back here, and I'll give you twenty-four hours start ahead of me, inarace for yourlife. If you are the smarter, long life and liberty lie before you. If not, death! If you do not accept these terms, t will pay nomore atten- tion to the Chandos case, but avenge my own case, by dropping you dead where you sit. You have heard Deadwood Dick. Consider his only terms for five minutes, after which, if you do not accept, you'll need a coffin!” R “T have considered. I am not ready to pass in my checks, You shall have the boy,” Car- ker said, Carker’s acceptance in a measure surprised Deadwood Dick, who had imagined he would have more trouble with the fellow; but he was by no means taken off his guard by the ready acceptance of the other. ‘¢ Well, if you mean business, get up and lead ahead,” he said, ‘remembering that I am _watching you like a hawk ell the time, and ready to drop you at the slightest provoca- tion.” en ‘“Ye needn’t trouble yerself about me!” Car- ker growled, ‘‘ When I say square, I mean square, Come erlong, till I go ter my room in ther hotel to git ther key.” “The key to what?” Dick demanded. ‘To ther place whar ther boy’s shut up,” was he reply. They left the saloon, Carker leading, and went down the street toa large shanty hotel, which corresponded favorably with the saloon they had just quitted. Carker went up-stairs to a front room, and Dick*promptly followed, resolved not to give his prize any chance whatever to esca’ After searching about for awhile, the rascal produced an old rusty key, and signified his Yeadiness to depart. “ Before you go, I opine you’d best leave your St weapons all here on the table, where you can get them on your return,” Dick advised. “TI won’t have to watch you quite so close on the a fo where the boy 1s concealed, if you do this, ** Anything to accommodsate you!” Carker gritted, with bad grace, as he complied with the request. ‘ All I wantisa squar’ deal in this matter, an’ P’l] be squar’ myself. “* Correct. that you are, and you will stand a chance to win,” Dick said, grimly. They then left the place, and walked away to- ward thewestern outskirts of the town, in which direction Carker stated they would have to go for the boy. It did not take long ere the gleaming lights of Leadville were left behind, and they were | . struggling along the gloomy stage road tbat led to some of the surrounding shanty towns, “Reckon Lord Chandos will get his neck stretched!” Carker remarked, as they pro- ceeded. “So he meses Dick averred, hesrtiys at am positive that her ladyship would hardly mourn her life away over his demise, Nor will his death help along your case to any great ex- tent, if I know myself, ‘You'll have to adjourn your nuptials.” “That remains to be seen,” was the sullen answer; after which silerce reigned between them for somé time, The urizzle of rain which had fallen earlier in the e¥ening was now changing into a heavy fall; but the two enemies strode on. Soon they turned off the main trail and be- gan to clamber up the forest-covered mountain, the branches of the trees somewhat sheltering them from the storm, Beneath this cover it was so dark that it was hardly possible for Dick to see his man, but he kept close beside him, resolved not to let him escape if it were in his power to prevent it. But a surprise was sprung upon bim when he was least of all expecting anything of the kind. They gained a sort of table-land on the moun- tain plateau, and were tramping along through the leaves and darkness, when Dick suddenly found himself go crashing downward through leaves and sticks, and knew that he had been led directly onto a dead-fall, such as is usually pe ee to catch grizzlies in, : While from above Carker uttered a wild, re- vengeful laugh—the laugh of a demon, Down! down! went Deadwood Dick, full twenty feet, when he succeeded in landing upon his feet in the bottom of the pit. ‘Hello! How do you like it down there?” cried the triumphant voice of Carker, from above. ‘Got the boy didn’t you? Purty — smart man, you are, Dickey, but I kin see ye an’ go ye one better, alleo samee! Was goin’ to juggle me right off into the next world, wasn’t’ you? but you got handsomely left o that. ve got you, now, just where I can use. you to suit my own convenience. Curse you, it will be good-by for you now. I’m gol gather a lot of stones and mash you into a jelly!” With these words Dick heard the ruffian walk away. s oa % What should be done? He had no doubt that ng to — =i be : a o eh a Be ee 5-3 leoee ee

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24 Carker was brute enough to do all be had prom- ised; so something must be done at once, Tt would be useless to think of climbing out of the pit. ; Gaping about he soon found a shallow hole that had been dugin the side, at a level with the bottom. Drawing his knife he soon had a primitive cavern excavated of sufficient dimensions to ad- mit of bis stowing himself snugly away in it. Lucky it was, too, for he was barely fixed, when he heard Carker above. “Well, hello!” he cried. ‘‘How d’ye feel down thar? Ready ter shuffle off yer coil?” ** Hire away!” Dick cried, fiercely. And the next minute a heavy stone was hurled down into tho pit, at which Dick gave vent toa terrible groan, after which he kept mum, and allowed Carker to fire the stones down into the pit to suit his convenience. Fully ten minutes were occupied in this inter- esting ceremony; then the rocks ceased to de- scend. ‘Deadwood Dick has had the dead wood come on him this time, for sure,” Dick heard the villain mutter as he leaned over and glared down into the hole. “I'll git the boy, now, I reckon, and take him back nearer to town, where he'll be handier, when I want to use bim.” Soon after Dick heard the ruffian tramp away. Nothing was left for the man-hunter but to remain where he was, until daylight shOuld en- able him to determine the best way to get out of his predicament, : It was not long until morning, and Dick was not sorry, for daylight brought to him a discovery which he did not hesitate to improve. = single strong grape-vine dangled down into the pib. Trying this, Dick found that it would hold his rela t, and made haste to climb up out of the ole. * “Now for Leadville!” he gritted. ‘Ill go back there; and if I don’t make it warm for that rascal Carker, my name is not Deadwood Dick. I almost fancy that it will take me but a few days to close my interest.in this case— then [ll away to rejoin my bonny Calamity in our valley home, never again, [ trust, to go upon the trail!” CHAPTER XIV. PLAYING HER CARDS. BrLyEvine he had summarily disposed ‘of his greatest enemy, Carker wasin the best of spirits. when he appeared upon the streets of Leadville the next morning, To him there wag not the shadow of a doubt that Deadwood Dick was numbered among the dead; consequently, hav- ing no particular fear of any one else, he laid te his disguise, and appeared as his natural self. Tho excitement over the murder had materi- ally diminished; still the vicinity of the jail was yet thronged, and lynching formed a theme of general conversation, The authorities, therefore, considering the existing state of feeling, had determined to put off any hearing of the case until matters had Deadwood Dick's Mission. Ne re eda down, which was a great relief to Chan- os when he heard of it, although he still feared that the people might uprise and lynch him, in spite of the law. During the day awe his arrest, Marie was brought to the grated door of his cell, and the warden called through; ‘Prisoner, is this your wife, as she states to ¢ Chandos took the cue, as a drowning man might clutch at a straw, ‘Yes, she’s my wife,” he answered, gruffly. The warden then unlocked the door, and ad- mitted Marie, after which he'closed it, saying: ** Rernember—only ten minutes; so make the most of it.” He then marched away. Marie went over and sat down on the iron bed beside Chandos. ‘¢ Well, you’ve cut a fine caper for a noble- man, haven’t you?” she said, with sarcasm, “Pm not aware that you are concerned in the matter, madam!” he retorted, with a frown. “Oh! you needn’t be so independent,” Marie retorted, ‘because I’m the only one you have to look to for help now. If you come to terms, it won’t take long to get; you free. If you stay here another night, you'll be seen dangling to a tree, before morning. If you could hear the sentiments expressed on the outside you’d trem- ble in your boots,” “What do you think they will do with me anyhow?” he asked, doubtfully, “ Hang pou of course,” Marie said, decidedly. “Tf the law don’t do it, the enraged people will. I understand that Lady Beatrice and Kir Ferrol, who are more constantly together than before, are using their utmost efforts—quietly of course—to have you taken from jail and lynched,” Chandos, of course, grew furious at this, *t Curses be on them!” he said, ‘* Would that I had made no mistake in the matter. What do you want, Marie?” “*E want you /” she replied emphatically, ‘ I love you—always have loved you—always shall. There is now no reason why we should not marry since your wife has proved false. Marry me and I will release you restore to you the little boy, and we will go at once to Castle Chandos.” “You haven’t got the boy,” the murderer protested warily. ‘‘I’m satisfied on that.” T know Ihaven’t got him, but 1 can easily get him. Carker has got him, and it will be an ~ easy matter for me to get him from him,” ‘“T don’t know about that. He is a low vil- lain and not under your control at all.” — ‘‘T am not mistaken, I am playing my cards carefully. If I cannot win in one direction I willin another, While T am working you up, Carker is doing the same with Lady Chandos. The long and short of it is, the one who pays ee ca gets the boy, providing you want your iborty. Lord Chandos was silent some minutes. He was considering the case as it Sk ca to him. On one hand was the law of the Western coun- try which he knew to be less merciful than the East, On the other hand, the idea of marrying Marie was decidedly repugnant; but could it he al

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~ apaying,, his. bill, Deadwood Dick’s Mission. any more disgusting to marry her than it would be terrible to be hung? Marie finally grew impatient at his delay in answering, ‘‘Come!” she said sharply. ‘I have only five minutes more, Decide at once, or never.” “You are in a hurry to tread the halls of Castle Chandos, eh?” he replied. ‘* Well, Dll tell you what py do, and it is all I will do, I swear. Go you and put Lady Chandos and Falconer out of the way, first of all, so that in marrying you Ican do so legally. Next, get poe of the boy, and then procure my re- ease from this jail and my escape to a place of safety. On these conditions only will I wed you, and give you a marriage present of ten Yhousand pounds.’ pesca little French eyes sparkled venom- ously. “Tvs a bargain?” she cried resolutely. ‘I will set to work at once, and have you out dur- ing the coming night, without fai]. Mind! there’s to be no trifling about this matter.” “* My word is good!” he replied. ‘*Very well, Here comes the keeper. You be very quiet and all will be well.” Marie went from the jail with triumph gleam- ing in her eyes, hortly after she had gone Lord Chandos called the warden, and said: ‘* Tf my other wife should make application to see me, positively refuse to admit her, as I do not care to see her at all.” ‘What! have you two wives?” ‘Yes, Please remember what I say. not want to receive Number Two,” ‘* Well! well!” the warden muttered, as he strode away. : Later in the day Lady Chandos approached the jail, where tho warden was standing upon the steps, “Tf you please, sir, I would like to see my husband, Lord Chandos, who has been arrested for murder,” she said, . “ Sorry, ma’am; but I cannot gratify your wish,” the official replied. ‘‘ His lordship’s first wife has been to see him, and he requested me not to admit any other that came.” “What, sir? My husband has no wife but me!” Lady Chandos cried, in great astonish- ment. **Can’t help it, mum, if he ain’t got any. Them’s his orders, and they’re bound to be obeyed.” ‘Then you will not admit me” “ Nixy.” ‘* But, lll appeal to the authorities!” ‘* Appeal to the divil, for all I cares. Iruns this hyar place, I does, an’ I won’t allow no second-wives, to bother his lordship. So, bounce!” Shocked beyond expression, Lady Beatrice wended her way slowly back to the hotel, She. was beginning te seo through it all. CHAPTER XV. ~ A RED REVELATION. On his return to Leadville, Deadwood Dick made his way by an unfrequented route to the hotel where be had left his disguises, and after »r Ido: took his package, and once more made his way out of town to a clump of timber which lay on the stage trail to Oro City. Here be made a careful and complete change of disguise, the result making him a typical swell of the genuine nabob pattern, After inspecting himself in a pocket mirror, he was satisfied that he would pass muster, and aceordingly secreted his bundle and returned to town. Almost tbe first person he met was Nellie Dean, who was coming out of a dry goods store, and upon whose face was an expression 0 anxiety. “ Was she anxious about him? Dick wondered. Something prompted him to test the girl, for in his present disguise he looked really ‘* too ut: ter for anything,” so tq speak, with his luxuriant blonde side-whiskers, mustache and curly hair, to say nothing about a suit of ‘‘ darling ” clothes _ that fitted him most elegantly, and a chapeau tbat was the latest rage; and his eyes, too, were shaded by nobby glasses, Doffing his chapeau as he met Miss Dean, be paused and said: . ‘* Awl excuse me, my pretty miss. but could you direct a bewildered stranger to the Claren- — don?” : “Indeed sir, I am a stranger myself, ard © could not inform you,” Nellie replied, civilly, but by no means sane sete : **Aw! how fortunate I have met one a stran- ger like myself, They say misery likes com-. anionship. Might I have the pleasure of your rther acquaintance, divine creature? It would be one great pleasure to form social aequaint- ance with some congenial spirit.” fs “TE you area gentleman, allow me to pass, sir!” Nellie retorted, coldly. ‘‘ Ifyou want ac- quaintances, go where they are plenty for the asking.” She endeavored to pass him then, but he blocked the way. ‘* Nellie!” he said, in his usual voice. She gave a quick start, and a look of glad surprise came over her face, : F “Ts it you, Mister Dick? Iwas never more surprised. I have been greatly worried about you, and I had a terrible dream last night — which I cannot shake off, and Iam sure some- rey terrible is about to happen to Lady Chan- los. She then related how Carker had attempted to rob the lady, and how the real Sir Ferrol bad P turned up in the nick of time; also concerning her ladyship’s failure to see Lord Chandos. _ “IT want you to devote your whole attention to watching over Lady Chandos so that no harm comes to her.” “*T, too, have-a premonition that some. peril is overhanging her, and of course it can come from but one of two directions. While you watch her I will make another attempt to close this case in a satisfactory way.” : BS They then separated, Dick sauntering about — town, wide awake to everything that was going 5 ae on, - fae * He saw one thing that was not unexpected to — him—that the real feeling over the murder was ~ growing no less, Most of the advocates of lynch Jaw, too, were : “nerying up ” with whisky, It consequen idee 5 5 es} ri fy hd ‘ 738 Sele =

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26 looked as if Chandos would not pass the night undisturbed, For several hours the disguised Dick strolled about town on the watch. Once he caught a limpse of Carker, in a crowd across the street, Bas did not care to disturb him just then. Later he saw Marie in an ice-cream saloon. She had finished eating, and was figuring. or writing upon a piece of paper. “T wonder if she is up to some new scheme?” was Dick’s thought, as he went ont. ‘I want Carker first—I can attend to her later.” She was indeed planning out her campaign. ‘*T must spy out the boy’s whereabouts. Then, to-night, Lord Chandos must be released. Prior to that, however, comes the disagreeable at- tempt to in some manner dispose of Lady Chandos, and also of Carker, whom I so strange- Jy mistook for the real Sir Ferro]. Humph, it’s been mixed up all around, in a very provoking and exciting manner. Who of us two years ago conld have conceived of all this tragedy and comedy?” and the designing woman smiled sardonically. The vision of the splendors of Castle Chandos, over which she was to reign, was too powerful a magnet to allow her to hesitate. as to means to be adopted to secure that end, so she decided to act resolutely and promptly. During the afternoon she saw Carker in the street, and was successful in corraling him— more than Dick had been able todo. The im- postor was evidently surprised to see her, **Come!” she said, ‘I’ve great business on hand, and no time for parley. "Come where we can talk in private, if you want to make money.” : “ Like to d&now what you’re up to?” the ras- cal growled, “If you want the kid, I’ll tell ye no! That's my spec?!” “ But it must also be equeliy mine. Give me the custody of the boy, Carker, and I'll make you rich!” “Bah! I ain’t so badly heeled as it is, and when I make a raise from her ladyship, I'll be ready to start into business with a full hand.” “But I say you can make more by sticking by me, I have everything arranged whereby. I alone will soon be Lady Chandos, Then when Lord Chandos dies, you stand a good chance of being his successor, even if you are not Sir Fer- rol Falconer,” . “It won't wash! I consolidate with nobody. Ihave done fer my enemy, Deadwood Dick, and oow shall have everything my own way. So you'll have to go it alone if you enter the race.” / “ You'll regret not joining me!” Marie warned, turning away with gall in her heart toward the scamp. | -__ ~ Carker evidently proposed to lay his own game yet awhile, and risk the results, whatever they might be. __ Not long after Marie’s conversation with him, he sent a letter to Lady Chandos, who, after reading it, handed it to Sir Ferrol, Tt was as follows: “T see it is not worth while to fool with you,.as I mean business. I’m going to* leave here’ to-mor- Fow, and you can bet I’m not goin’ to tote the boy j \ pay this scoundrel the money. _ Deadwood Dick’s Mission. along with me. If I don’t see two thousand dollars in hand in good United States cash by sunset, you'll know that by that time your kid has gone to be an angel. Iam bizness; so ef you want to negotiate, send answer by the boy who brings this message, and I'll wait on you forthe cash, after which the boy is yoursto command, . “Lovingly your JE RY CARKER,” Sir Ferrol read the message with a scowl. ‘* Where are you to take the word to?” he de- manded of the boy who had brought the note, “T won’t_ give it away,” was the prompt re- sponse. ‘‘I promised not to tell.” Falconer turned to Lady Chandos, on whose face was an expression of anxiety painful to witness, ‘*T would accept these terms,” he said. ‘ You will never miss the money; besides, I know the rascal’s nature. He will do just as he promises, for spite, as he bas no care for life, so far as taking it is concerned.” ‘*But what surety have I that I will ever see the child after giving him the money?” ‘* No money must be given him until he pro- drges (eue child, I guess we can arrange it all right. J He seized a piece of paper and wrote upon it: “All right, Come at once.” This he gave to the boy. ‘* Take it to the man who sent you,” he said, The boy nodded and departed. Night had fallen over the city when Carker appeared, “Well, you concluded to come to terms, eh?” he said, as he entered Lady Chandos’s room. ‘“* Yes, conditionally,” Sir Ferrol responded. Carker started violently at sight of him, but Sir Ferrol gave no sign or expression that he bad ever seen the rascal before. “What do you mean?’ Carker growled. ‘* Needn’t think ye kin come any skin games on me, fer it won’t work.” i “No games will be tried. But, before the money is paid into your hands, we must set eyes on the boy, to be satisfied that everything is Square on your part.” “Nixy! That won’t work fer a cent,” Carker declared. ‘‘Money in my fist first—then all you've got ter do is foller.” Sir Ferrol looked at Lady Chandos, ‘*T suppose we’ll have to do it,” he said. “Put on your wraps, and when you are ready, If he attempts to play any games on us then, I'll drop him, He knows I never fire wild.” Carker gave a grunt, which was as much as to say that he was aware of Falconer’s marks- mansbip, Lady Beatrice procured her wraps, and don- ned them, then banded a roll of greenbacks to Carker, Frias ‘* There, sir, is the money. Now see that you take me to my child!” \ ‘“* Yes; and that you attempt no funny busi- ness,”” \ Z “I’m square, Come along.” They left the hotel and went down a side street to the very edge of the town, where they came toa weather-beaten shayty of consider- able size, ; : ; 3 “This is the place,” Carker announced, try- i

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r ing the door, ‘“Reckon Fargo’s got full, an’ gone to sleep.” He produced a key and unlocked the door, and they entered. A candle on the stand lit up the room, Be- fore them was a sight which made them recoil, Stretched upon the floor was Carker’s ruffian- _ly associate, Fargo, stone dead. Stuck in his belt was a piece of paper, with words upon it, rudely scrawled in human blood, It read: “Marie came to get the boy, but found this man dead and the boy gone.” What did it signify? Carker uttered a terrible curse. “That she-devil has been here, hey?’ he roared, He sprung away up the stairs. _ “Quick! Follow him, or he will escape with the money!” Lady Chandos gasped, and Sir Ferrol darted in hot pursuit. But when he gained the landing above, he heard Carker leap through an open window to the ground, and then run for his life. After ascertaining that there was no child in the loft, Sir Ferrol rejoined Lady Beatrice. ** Foiled after all,” he said. ‘‘Do you think the boy has ever been here, Sir Ferrol?” é ; “Yes, I believe Carker’s intentions were sincere; but‘finding that some one had stolen a march on him, he resolyed torun rather than give up the money.” a int do you make out of the message?” Sir Ferrol took another look at the paper be- fore answering. ‘ ; : - * One of two things seems to me sure, Either Marie came and killed the man and stole the child, and left this to turn off suspicion, or your friend Deadwood Dick did the deed, secured the boy, and put this notice here to involve Marie in the tragedy.” ** God grant that it may be the latter way!” Lady Chandos ejaculated fervently. ‘* What is to be done?” : ; “T fail to see what more we can do to-night than return to the hotel and await a report from this Deadwood Dick you have told me about. He may throw some light upon the matter in the morning.”* They left the shanty and made their way back to town both disappointed and disheartened at the ill-suceess of their evening adventure, CHAPTER XVI. A SHE-DEVIL’S DEEDS. In her first move toward accomplishing her purpose Marie had signally failed. By some means she had discovered the house where the boy was concealed. : Fargo keeping watch and ward below, she was compelled to climb up fo the rear window, and thus gain an entrance, which she did with wonderful agility. The loft was only one room, but bad a large closet, which was locked with new padlocks, ; Listening at the door she heard the stifled sobs of a child, and knew that little Cavanaugh was there, At the same instant she heard Fargo singing, below, a Bacchanalian song, and moving about, Deadwood Dick's Missfun. a? Well she knew she could not pry off the hasps without noise, nor secure the boy until the guard was silenced. “PH fix bim!” she muttered, a demoniac gan in her baleful eyes. ‘‘ Dead men tell no tales, She glided déwn the stairs to take the half- drunk wretch unawares. His back was toward her and approaching noiselessly, she struck a terrible blow with unfaltering nerve, and he dropped heavily to the floor, dead when he touched it, With face flushed and breath coming in ex- cited gasps, she bounded back up the stairs. A cry of rage escaped her lips then. The closet had been unlocked, and the door stood open, but there was no one inside! Some one had entered, and secured her prize, For a moment she was fairly blinded with rage, but controlling her passion, she finally ere her way from the shanty, back into the wn, : Here she went to her room, in a second-class” hotel, and sat down to cogitate. ‘Deadwood Dick is not dead, for all Carker thinks so,” she said, ‘‘It must have been bim that followed me and secured the boy, for no one else could have done it so quietly. But now it is more important than ever for me to act promptly, Lord Chandos must be got out of that jail to-night, and Lady Chandos and Sir Ferrol must be silenced. I think Pve prepared retty well for their case. Lady Chandos, Pll ~ id youa Jong adieg ? : She took from her valise a small package, which when opened proved to be candy wine- ‘Ops. : “Ah! Jong life to French chemists for their shrewd ways of dealing out poison,” and the arch-schemer smiled. ‘‘ Each one of these con- tains deadly, tasteless poison enough to kill the most robust person.” x She then procured a box of similar candies from a shelf. / “These are American goods, I will remove the first layer, and substitute my imported drops in their place. Then the undertaker will have work to do to-morrow.” She suited the action to the word, then tied the box up neatly, and wrote upon it in a mas culine hand, with pencil: ** Respects of D. D. Boy All Right.’ Cunning triumph gleamed in the woman’s ~ eyes, as she finished her work. t ‘“That will settle that matter beyond perad- venture,” she mused. ‘And now, as for the prisoner, I see but one hope, and that, lies through me. There will no doubt be an at- tempt to lynch Chandos to-night; and I can sea but one chance for him to escape. I must visit — him and remain in his place, while he escapes. in my clothing. It’s a risky job, but it must be tried. If they find it’s only me, after be es- capes, they can do nothing more than release — me, because I am guilty of no murder—at least — so far’as they know.” It was a desperate remedy, but she resolved to try it. - at rs } “ 7 ce: . E . F 2 =

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AA 28 ! Leaving the hotel, she found a boy and gave him a dollar to take the candies to Lady Chau- dos, and say to her that Dick sent them. She then produced from the closet in’ her room a number of articles of disguise anda ring of keys to fit handcuffs—when or where obtained it would be difficult to’say. The warden sat on the steps of the jail as she approached, ‘‘Can I bid my husband good-by?” she asked, “T am going to leave on the early morning stage.” She slipped’a twenty-dollar gold-piece into his hand, and without a word he admitted her to the jail, and to Lord Chandos's cell, “Dil be back for you presently,” he called out as he strode away. ‘Give me all the time you can,” Marie re- plied, with an extemporized sob, then turned. to Chandos, “Sh! “When you leave this jail it must be as me. Do you see? Not a word now, while I prepare you.” With lightning rapidity she clipped off his beard with a pair of scissors. Then she dis- robed herself and he did the same, and they ex- changed garments, In five minutes Lord Chandos looked so nearly like Marie that not one in a hundred would have noticed the difference in the darkness, the vail being pulled down over his face, Marie, by the aid of false beard, and donning the Englishman’s suit, had also made herself resemble bis lordship very closely. When the warden came the pair were sob- bing very hysterically in each other’s arms, Come! come! you'll have to let up on this!” he cried. “Tragedy won't draw big houses hyar. They like fun—ther pure cream o’ com- edy, such as a lynchin’-bee fer instance. Come, ma’am, you'll have to go out now.” Lord Chandos rose mechanically, but secretly trembling that he should make a blunder, and followed the warden from the jail, the latter letting him out at the rear so that he might not have to encounter the rabble that was again collecting in front of the jail.. Once outside the jail, Chandos chuckled vil- lainously: “Fare thee well, Marie, dear!” he said, ** Your loss is my gain!” CHAPTER XVII, CONCLUSION, Tae package of candies that Marie had sent to Lady Chandos was received without delay when the party at the hotel were together in the arlor—Sit Ferro] and Mr. Cecil, Lady Chandos, Lady Clare and Nellie, who had worked her- oh, by her simplicity, into the friendship of aly. “Why, this is from Deadwood Dick!” Lady Chandos announced in surprise. ‘‘ He is such a nice man. Thank God! listen to this, Here is written in pencil: “** Respects of D. D. Boy all right.’ : Oh! he has got possession of dear little Cavie!” A. glad expression beamed upon every face Dut that of Nellie Dean, Her face was as white as death, ; Deadwood Dick’s Mission. She rose from her chair and staggered across the room like one intoxicated, while all gazed upon her in astonishment. She reached the side of Lady Chandos and gazed down at the writing with a strange tremor in her frame. “Don’t dare—that’s Marie’s wri—” gasped, then fell upon the floor in a swoon. Great consternation ensued, Sir Ferrol seized the box from Lady Chandos and placed it upon the mantel, while the others raised Neli's and applied restoratives. ndoing the box, Sir Ferrol examined the contents. : “By Heaven, I believe we've had a narrow escape from a horrible death!” be cried, ‘‘ all through the timely warning of this noble girl. I would not touch one of those candies for all in this wide world.” “Why, do you think there is poison in them?” exit Chandos asked in astonishment. ‘* Tf my suspicions are not all wrong, there is some devil’s dose here, and Miss Nellie, I think, will agree with me when she recovers,” In a few minutes Neliie was able to sit up and collect her scattered senses. “The candy?” was the first thing she faintly articulated. “Ts all put-away to await an Lr rag as of your affright,” Sir Ferrol sald, while Mr, Cecil seemed very much devoted in his self-appointed hed of fanning Nellie back to life, e girl breathed easier when ske heard Sir Ferrol’s words. “T never was more frightened,” she said. “It struck me instantly what was in the box, and that the wicked woman, Marie, had sent them fov a murderous purposs. I knew it when you read what was written on the box, Lady Cban- dos, and a sensation of sickening horror came over me lest you should eat one of the candies ere I could reach you.” “itis a fortunate thing you were here,” Sir Ferrol said, while the ladies embraced Nellie, for otherwise I dare say we would all now be suffering untold agonies, You shall have reward for your great service this evening.” **'You bet she shall!” cried Cecil, so impetu- ously that all eyes but Nellie’s were turned curiously upon him, , “The candies have not been proven poisoned yet, and this may really be much ado about nothing!” Lady Clare suggested, and she left the room as if Cecil’s proximity to, and evident in- terest in, pretty Nellie Dean was of less moment to her than something in her own room. The box was left severely alone on the man- tel, and soon all parties retired to their differ- ent apartments, she our It had been a night of incidents, but it was elected that there should be one more, of a thrilling character, ere night's somber mantle lifted from mother earth, Though early in the evening, a considerable rabble bad gathered in the vicinity of the jail; but the crowd gradually dispersed, and eel. quiet reigned over the bustling city of ville. But it was the strange quiet that usually betokens the outburst of a storm. 3 B Tho town seemed deeply wrapped in slumber’

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Deadwood Dick's Mission. vat some people were abroad, for one by one dusky fizures began to gather once more in the vicinity of the jail, and the hushed murmur of mauy voices was ere long heard as the crowd thickened. Marie, in her prison cell, heard the dull Babel of sound, and her face blanched white with terror, Were they coming to lynch her? Would they lynch her when they found out she was not Lord Chandos? Suppose they should out of re- venge on her fcr her connivance in his escape? The thought was torture to her wicked, sin- Stained soul, and her face blanched to a death- pallor there in the darkness. Outside the crowd still grew, but as if if were a prearranged plan to meet after the law-abid- ing people were in bed, there were no loud or boisterous demonstrations, Evidently all were waiting for some one or something, Soon, however, a man pushed his way through the crowd to the steps of the jail, near the door of which stood a capital tree for lynching pur- poses, as if it had grown there to meet the re- quirement, ; The man who mounted the steps was a brother to the murdered woman, and held a hue key in his hand. “Get a noosed rope ready!” he ordered. “ Half a dozen strong men follow me.” Marie began to sbiver with terror as she heard the door of the jail thrown open, and to shriek as the avenger approached and entered her cell; but ber frantic protestations were dis- regarded, and she was dragged from her cell to the steps of the jail, more dead than alive. Here she was beld in a vise-like grasp, while her neck was noosed, : “Mercy! mercy!” she screamed, in piteous accents. ‘*T am not Lord Chandos—I am a wo- man! “It matters not!” the brother of the mur dered lady cried, ‘‘ You released the murderer of my sister, and you shall hang in his stead!” Lady Chandos knew nothing of the tragedy, until the next morning. She had the body of Marie secured and given a decent burial at her own expense, Vigilant scouts had been sent in search of Chandos, but as yet no trace of his whereabouts had been discovered. ; In the afternoon Dick genie at the hotel, bringing with him little avengers Chandos, whom he had reséued from the shanty where Garker had him imprisoned. He was in disguise, but the réteption he re- ceived satisfied him that he was recognized among those whom he had served, in a way that wonld never be erased from memory. Nellie was not present, but the others made much of him, and Lady Chandos and Sir Ferrol each tendered him large sums of money, which, howev r, he promptly but respectfully refused. “T did not undertake to restore your child to you for any pecuniary consideration, Lady Chandos,” he said, ‘‘ for it was but an act of bu- manity, and Iam glad it bas turned out so well. I must now bid you all farewell, as I have an o Z, other mission to perform ere IT return to my wife at home,” ** Before you go I will insist upon pressing on you a present to remember us all by,” Sir Fer- rol said, taking a listle case from his pocket and handing it to Dick, ‘* And if you ever come to England, visit Castle Chandos, and I trust seme of the present party who owé so much to you, will be there to welcome you.” Dick opened the case, and his gaze fell upon the largest and handsomest diamond it had ever been his fortune to see. 2 “This I will accept as a token of remem- brance,” he said, in a choked voice, ‘‘and Pll never forget the pleasant acquaintance our mutual adventures have been the means of estab- lishing. Wishing you a safe journey across the ocean, I will bid you all farewell!” He shook hands with them all then, and left the room. In the hall outside, he came suddenly upon Nellie Dean, who had evidently been listening. ‘* Nellie!” he exclaimed. “Oh! Dick, are you going dd Shall I never see you in?’ she articulated, in a husky voice, and then she threw her arms about his neck and -vepe. ‘Sh! my child!” he said, chidingly, but tenderly. ‘his is all wrong. You must not be thus affected.” “ But—but what is to become of me? Oh! let. me go with you to be your—your sister, Please do not say no!” : ‘No, no, Nellie! I cannot do that. You must control yourself and forget. Here are a thou- sand dollars, which came to me unexpectedly, ‘Take it as a gift of one who has the greatest re- spect for you. Go with Lady Chandos, She will gladly take you, and do well by you,” He kissed ber, tenderly, and gently put her off; then glided down the stairs, with these words ringing in his ears: “Come back, Dick! oh! come back!” He could not go back—no! for his mind went back to Calamity and their peaceful valley home, where he yearned to be once more, in the anticipation of a little Deadwood Dick, to brighten their after lives. ¥ Although the detectives of Leadville sought for Deadwood Dick, they were never destined — | to see him again, and though they sought for Lord Chandos, they were not destined to find him, in life, During the evening following Chanidos’s es- cape from jail he hung aboutthe rear of the ‘hotel where the Chandos Falconer Paty woe stopping, and late at night made an attempt te enter a second story room through the window —for what purpose only himself could say. It chanced to be the proprietor’s room, an the proprietor chanced to be at heme. There was a pistol-shot, a groan, a dull thud and—silence. ‘| pe ae After breakfast, the following morning, the proprietor observed that he had shot a burglar, about bed-time, and presumed likely it would be wise to send for an undertaker. F ey Search was made, and Lord Chandos’s body found and recognized, ee.

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80 Rt was the natural end of a rough and profit- floss lita, Lady Chandos ordered the remains interred in the Leadville cemetery and shed no tear over . that closing scene, It was the passing away * from her lips of the bitter cup. A week later, after hard dodging and frail- ing on their respective parts, Carker and Dead- wood Dick confronted each other in a wild mountain pass, Tae Seaport ruffian and impostor was lying on Gae ground, partly paralyzed fron: a fall, and was near to death, Trua to his manly instincts, Dick set assidu- ously to work to give the sufferer all possible aid, and succeeded in getting him quieted down into a subdued and repentant spirit. Before he died, Dick talked so kindly to him that the wretch cried like a baby, and offered up a sincere and. feeling pee to the Almighty to not judge him too harshly for his sins and transgressions. After he died Dick laid him away ina mountain cave, and with a feeling of sadnéss and joy commingled turned westward, ew route for his'bhome, where Calamity shone as the bright particular star! The Chandos party returned -to England in , safety, never to forget their wild American ex- perience, While it is probable that Sir Ferrol and Lady Chandos will’soon marry, it is also not improb- able that Mr. Cecil will lead pretty Nellie to the altar for she had been adopted by the lddy as her companion, and proved her worthiness of all the love showered upon her, Lady Clare reigns as a belle of London society, a bright, gay, spirited girl, who will make a brilliant match, and reign as society queen in a very aristocratic circle, THE END, " BEADLE AND ADAMS’ Dime Hand-Books. Young ‘People’s Series. Ladies’ Letter-Writer, Book of Games, Gents’ Letter-Writer Fortune-Teller, __ Book of Etiquette. 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Serio-Comie Speaker, %. Standard Speaker, 20, Select Speaker. 8. Stump Speaker. 21. Funny Speaker. 9, Juvenile Speaker. 22. Jolly Speaker. 10. Spread-Eagle Speaker | 23. Diniook Mpenker. 11. Dime Debater. 24, Recitations and Read: . Exhibition Speaker. i ings. . School Speaker, | 25. Burlesque Speaker . Tmudicrous Speaker. These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, etc. 75 to 100 Declamations and Recitations in each book, Dialogues. The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em: brace thirty-six books, viz.: Dialogues No. One, Dialogues No. Nineteen. Dialogues No, Two. Dialogues No. Twenty. Dialogues No. Three. [Dialogues No, Twenty-one. Dialogues No. Four, Dialogues No. Twenty#two. Dialogues No. Five. Dialogues No, Twenty-three, Dialogues No. Six. Dialogues No. Twenty-four. — Dialogues No. Seven. (Dialogues No Twenty-five, Dialogues No, Hight. Dialogues No. Twenty-six. 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Edited by Prof. A. M. Ruszel, © Song Books. \ Beapie’s Dime Sone Boors, Nos. 1 to 84, contain the only popiilar collection of copyright songs. ° r The above publications are for sale by all newé> dealers or will be sent, post-paid, om recelpt ‘(68 The above books are sold by Dewsdeaie. price, ten cents each. } {BEADLE AND ADAMS, PusiisHERs, ' A 98 WittraM Srruar, N. Voi aj

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. ry Our Caure, DIME SPEAKERS. Qe Oe ( Each Speaker, 100 pages 12mo0., vontaining from 59 to 75 pieeas, ay a Dime American Young America, Birthday of Washington, Plea for the Maine Law, Not on the Battlefield, The Italign Struggle, Independence, Our Country, The Sree 8 of Man, Character of the Revo’n, The Fruits of the War, The Sewing-Machine, True Manhood, °— The Mystery of Life, ‘he Ups and Downs, gis eae timed ARS e arly Retiring and Ris’g, A, Ward's Oration, Time Nationality, Our Natal Day, Solferino, Intelligence the Basis of The War, (Liberty, Charge of Light Brigade, after the Battle, The Glass Railroad | fase of Mr. Macbeth, Prof. on Phrenology, Annabel Lee, Washington’s Name, The Sailor Boy's Syren, Dime National Union and its Results, Our Country’s Future, The Statesman’s Labors, True Immortality, Let the Childless Weep, - Our Country’s Glory, Union a Household, Andependence Bell, The Scholar’s Dignity, The Cycles of Progress, Washing ton, Our Great Inheritance, Eulogy on Henry | Jay, Dise Patriotic America to the Work, | Love of Country, ht ef Self-Preserva- ee ttion, Seat Bs ania Arde See oS a Ge ee Seb ee Speaker, No. 1. J. Jeboom’s Oration, A Dutch Cure, The Weather, eae losophy An Old Air a Penny Wise, Pound Fool- Satay SEES joy at’d’y Night's Enjoy’ts, “Ina Just Cause," v No Peace with Oppres- sion, A Tale of a Mouse, A Thanksgiving Sermon, The Cost of Riches, Great Lives Imperishable The Prophecy forthe Y’r Unfinished Problems, - Honor to the Dead, Immortality of Patriots, Webster's Polit’l System, A Vision in the Forum, The Press, Woman's Rights, Right of the Governed, My der, oman, Alone, The Rebellion of 1861, Disunion. Speaker, No. 2. Ohio, Oliver Hazard Perry, Our Domain. Systems of Belic?, Tue Indian Chief, d The Independent Farmer Mrs. Grammar’s Ball, How the Money Comes, Future of the Fashions, Loyalty to Liberty, Our Country First, Last, ane Always, British Influence, Defense of Jefferson, National Hatreds, Murder Wili Out, Strive for the Best, Early Rising, Deeds of Kindness, Gates of Sleep, The Bugle, A Hoodish Gem, Purity of the Struggle, Old Age, yg Beautiful and True, The Worm of che Still, Man and the Infinite, Language of the Eagle, Washington, The Deluge. Speaie. No. 8: A Kentnekian’s aupeels Kentucky Steadfas' Timidity is Treason, «© e Alarum, ~ : —— or. April 15, 1861, Last Speech of Stephet e Spirit of *6i, A. Datura, ie The Precious Heri Great Bell Roland, The Irish Element, The New Year and thg in’s S) King Cotton, {Union, Christy's Spe: Battle Anthem, Let Me Alone, The Ends of Feace, Brigand-ier-General, Freedom the Watchwort* See we cats See of a ere ie ion Square e uty 0 vistian one Gann *s Call, 1 tos Orati ur Country’s ‘urkey Dan‘s Oratio: 7 The opened Oak Tree, | A Hearices Plea, + i * L-e-g On ae The Onus of Slavery, { History of Flag A Foreigner’s Tribute, T. F. Meagher’s A dress, The Little Zouave, i ‘We Owe to the Union, Catholic Cathed: . Lincoln’s Message, The “ Speculators. Dime Comic Speaker, No. a Klebe: ea on the War, ' A Song of Woe, WG Me Age Bluntly Considered, | Ward’s Trip to Richm’a, _ Early Rising, Parody, The Wasp and the Bee, The Mountebank, Comic Grammar, No. 1, | Conypound Interest, I’m Not a Single Man, A Sermon on the Feet, A. Ward's Advice, \ Old Dog Jock,” Buzfuz on Pickwick. ' The Fishes’ Toilet, Romeo ai < Juliet, Brian O Linn, ‘i Happiness, Crockett to Office-seekes , ogs, Who Is My Opponent? oe Political stunt Speech, A Texan Eulogium, Comic Grammar, No, 2, How to be a Fireman, Farewell to the Bottle, The United States, The Cork . Puff’s Ace’t of Himself, {'The Smack in School, Practical Phrenology, Slick’s Definition of Wifa . Beautiful, Tale of a Hat, ' Cabbage, The Dehating Club, Disagreeable Peop] A Dutch Sermon, , What is a Bachelor Lik e? | Lecture on Locomotion, Funny Folks, «© Mrs. Caudle on Umbr'lla, Bime Elecutionist, No. 5. | SEC, I. Prcipiis oF T'rve Envncration., Fault ute in Enunciation; How to Avoid Them. Special Rules. and Observations, i SEC. I. Tue Arr or Oratory. Sheridan's List of ” ~ the Passions: Tranquillity, Cheerfulness, Mirth, _ Raillery, Buffoonery, Joy, Delight, Gravity, In« uiry, Attention, Modesty, Perplexity, Pity, Grief, elancholy, Despair, ear, Shame, MOrse, Courage, Boasting, Pride, Obstinacy, Authority, Commanding, Forbidding, Affirming, De - Difference, Agreeing, Exhortisg, Judging, Approvy ing, Acquitting, Condemning. Poaching. Pardon ing, Arguing, Bismissin . Refusing, Gra “ing, De. ~ pendence, Veneration, ope, Desire, *.,.ve, Re - spect, Giving, Wonder, Admiration, Gratitude, Cu riosity, Persuasion, Tempting, Promising. Affect~ — tion, Sloth, Intoxication, Anger, etc, $ " SEC. TM. Tre Component ELEMENTS on an ORA TION.—Rules of Composition as apyliedto Words and Phrases, viz:: irity, Propriety, Precision, As applied_to Sentences, viz.; Tength of Sentence, learness, Unity, Stren res of Speech; the ; eth. Rieu ordinm, the Narration, the Proposition, ion, the Refutation, the Peroration. nisin it *

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BEST AUTHORS. A CHOICE COLLECTION OF Beautiful Compositions Carefully Compiled for SCHOOL, LYCKUM, PARLOR, AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENTS, FRANCES P. SULLIVAN. issued Quarterly, June, 1886. Subscription, 50 Cents per Year. M. J. IVERS & CO, PUBLISHERS, 3 Entered at the Post Office, Y. N., as second class matter. Brats /§ pata AR asta sea Lae SS eae ae se a : ated

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SwART TOASTS FOR THE SMART SET. Vest Pocket Size. 64 Pages. Sewed Book. Up-to-Date. By Mail, Postpaid, l2c. per Copy. BEST LINE OF HAND BOOKS PUBLISHED. “YIDDISH” YARNS.—A Collection of Hebrew Jokes, Stories, etc. GENTS’ LETTER WRITER.—A Perfect Guide to all kinds of Correspondence, FAMILY PHYSICIAN.—Family Diseases and Their Treatment; Rules of Health, ete. BOOK OF DREAMS —Their Romance and Mystery, with a Complete Interpretation Dictionary. _ HOUSEWIFE’S MANUAL.—How to Keep House; How to Dye, Cleanse, ete. VAUDEVILLE JOKER.—Best Jokes by Eminent Vau- deville Artists. BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—Society, Visits, Introduc- tions, Dress, Balls, ete, FORTUNE TELLER.—Fortune Telling by Cards, Tea or Coffee Grounds, Eggs; Palmistry, ete. BOOK OF 100 GAMES.—One Hundred Games for Social Parties and Home Amusements. COOK BOOK.—Economical, Practical, Excellent. LADIES’ LETTER WRITER.—How to Write; ,;When to Write; What to Write. RECIPE BOOK.—For the Parlor, Nursery, Sick-room, Toiiet, Kitchen, Larder, ete. BOOK OF BEAUTY.—Beauty of Form, Color, Head, Hair, Complexion, Skin, ete., with chapters on Perfumes, Cosmetics, etc. BOOK OF VERSES.—Comprising Rhymes, Lines, and Mottoes for Lovers and Friends. THE LOVERS’ CASKET.—A Treatise on and Guide to Friendship, Love, Courtship, and Marriage. “GERMAN ” JOKER.—‘ Dutch” Jokes and * Gags” by best ** Dutch” ‘Teams on the Stage. “HAYSEED * JOKER.—The Doings of ‘Our Country Cousins * in a Humorous Way. “TRAMP” J@KER.—Good ‘* Handouts” in this Book for Professional and Amateur Entertainers. “COON” YARNS.—Best Jokes Relating to Our * Dark- er-Skinned Brothers.” “TRISH” Joker No. 1.—The Wittiness and Whimsicali- ties of “ Pat’ at His Best. . “VARIETY ” JOKER.—Good Things from all the Na tionalities: ‘* Pat,’ ‘‘Alphonse,” ‘‘ Hans,” ‘t Jona than,” ** Moses,” and ‘‘ Ebenezer.” The above books are bound in handsomely illustrated lithographed covers. Price by mail, postpaid, 12 cents pér copy. M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, 379 Pearl Street, New York City. BEADLE’S BOYS’ PRICE 5 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. E. Badger, Jr. 13 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 14 The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 35 Wide-Awake George. By E. Willett. 16 Wide-Awake Ned. By B. Ringgold. 17 Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn. By Noah Nuff. ‘8 Adrift on the Prairie. By Oll Coomes. 19 Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post. 20 Giant Pete and his Pards. By Harbaugh. 21 Yellow Hair, By Ingraham. 22 The Snow-Trail. By Harbaugh. 23 Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr Powell. 24 Woods and Waters. By Whittaker. 25 A Rolling Stone. By W.R. Evyster. 26 Red River Rovers. By C. D. Clark. 27 Buckskin Sam’s Wild Ride. By Ingraham. 283 The Sword Prince. By F. Whittaker. 29 Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. 30 Paul De Lacy. By ©. 1). Clark. 81 Round n® Camp-Fire. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 82 Fancy Frank's Drop. By Ingraham. 83 The Boy Crusader. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 3 Kit Carson. LIBRARY. CENTS PER COPY. 34 The Chase of the Great White Stag. By C. D. Clark, 35 Old Tar Knuckle. By Rover Starbuck. 836 The Dashing Dragoon. By F. Whittaker. 37 Night-Hawk George. By Ingraham. 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 ‘I’. C. Harbaugy.. 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 tt the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles orris. 54 California Joe. By Ingraham. 55 Tip Tressel, the Flatboat Boy. By Edward Willett, 56 The Spow Hunters. By Harry De Forrest. 57 Harry Somers, the Magician. By 8. W. Pearce. 58 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost. By Ingraham. 59 Tim, the Mule Bov of the Mines. By Charles Morris, 60 The Young Trail Hunters. By T. C. Harbaugh. 61 The Tiger Hunters. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 62 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. By Ingraham, 63 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker, By Roger Starbuck. 64 Young Dick Talbot. By A. W. Aiken.

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THE Deadwood Dick | @ Library @ LATES? 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 HEROES. in only one sense of the word can it be regarded ae a sovel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera- jure 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 vtrikes home, 5 r But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement saat will be news to many when it is added that litera- ware; if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam as & mere child down to the present day, would show | few heroes that in the eyes of boyhood would be ‘en judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest known to American literature, or, to ey re- veal thom, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr. * * * The modern heroes of fiction for young Amerie: whe are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and o yhom the ‘eadwood Dicks are much the most important * * it .. but natural that their * * * should bear ‘ay the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left behind in the race. ean be easily believed, thereforw, that the two Dicks so firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature boys and young men, that their position is assured * * and that they stand to-day head and shoulders above all rivals.in the eyes of the public for which they have lived, and for which one of them has died. American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor in the land, now knows Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good beal 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 hungrit, for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appeat. with the Pentel of the Wednesday Itself, and a new sey Ge oN Jan thrills go thrilling away from Maine to Call- ‘ornia, There are the volumes each se crowded with thrills and heart-tugs that it were madness to hope to do justiee 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 direo 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. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. Pre Donte Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval $ Old Avalanche, the. Great Annihilator; or, Wild Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick Deat: 5 M@ Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane Gulch 3 Watch-Hye, the Shadow or, The Sign of the Double for Liberty $ Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve $ Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks BT wood Dick’s Deadwood Boy Road-Agent 33 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 Parsy 386 New York Nell, the Koy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo ; 89 Deadwood Dick's Doom; or, Calamity Jane's Last. Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 48 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Roguer “4 Pear 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 Colorade 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claina . 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 Sierra seed Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anc 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 58 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll's Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 68 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boyt Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Spore 60 Dumb Dick's Fard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco: 63 T He Dencure Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sasse. ras Cit: ah de ae a 64 Cee Charlie's. Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ngs . fw) wood Dick, the Priace of the Road The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 6 Death-Face, the Detective 7 Tre Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza Edna, the Girl Brigand 2 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian z in Danger & Jim uae, Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to Bar Buckhe.n Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team - é Gold Rifle, the wip oe aed Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the |) Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance Deadwood Dick's Device; Cross #@ vanada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief *8 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke Deadwood Dick as Detective ; Gilt-Edge Dick cis ip. the Girl Sport Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune Dead bie; or, The Ghost of Gorges ul ee +} Blonde sills er, Dick’s Home Base Sotid Sam, the M. J. TVERS > & CO., Publishers (James Sullivan. Prieta) 379 Pearl Street, NEW YORK.

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Copyright 1882-1889, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899.| . THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. No. 61 Cleveland, Ohio Vol. V

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5, 18¢ Vv ‘Vol. YY Z ass matter. Mar. 1 » Ohio NOTE, AND HANDED IT TO DICK, — Cleveland THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. . NELLIE RAN AND SUIZEL THE 2 32-1889, 1889, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second cl RE onyright 15!

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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 . 5 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 6 Death-Face, the Detective ? The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian _ 10 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger — 11 Jim Sh oe Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to Dea 12 Deeerood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood ar 18 Buekhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter | 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane | 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo Taek mao Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Gule {8 Idy], the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’ 's Reappearance 20 Watch-Hye, the Shadow 21 Pasay cod Dick's Device; or, The Sign of the Double ross 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 23 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-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 80 rage Tot Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s ule! 31 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 82 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent LATEST AND BEST HANDSOME TRI-COLORED aOEnS 82 Pages. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest! Fer Sample Cover See Other Side. 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob's Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 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 Rogues 44 ek 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-Agi rent 49 Sierra Shan, the Detective 50 jst Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Deter 51 sierra, i ag Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough 52 The Git ee or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 58 Denver Doll’s Device; or, ‘he Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective’ 65 Denver Doll's Partner; or, Big Ruckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped j 58 Boe tiga Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's ‘ortune - 69 Deadwood Dick’s page 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 Deco ‘ 63 T as oper Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sasga- 64 Cohen Cle arile’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle Kings