Five Cent Wide Awake Library (vol. 1) (1890 02 01)
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“. Wr ___ THEFIVE CENT & Butered at tha Post Office at New Tors, N. ¥.. as Second Class Matter. —— ; FRANK TOUSEY FoxrnissEn, 3: « 36 NontH Moons Stzxst. N. Y. PRICE No, 935, : H COMPLETE. Nuw Yonk, February 1, 1890: lesumD Kveny WEDNESDAY. 3 CENTS. * Vol. , i Butera according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890, oy FRANK TOUSBY, on the office of the Liorarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. ‘ink Reade, dt, in the For Wests _, ithe Search for a Lost Gold Mine. lee By “NONAME.”
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FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. es The Subscription Price of Taz Wipe AwAKE Liprary py the year is $2,50: $1,25 per six months, post paid. Address FRANK TOUSH, PusuisHeER, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, NewYork. Box 2730, — FRANK READE, JR IN THE FAR > od The Search for a Lost Gold: Mine. By the Author of all the Frank Reade Series. Jx., and I wish to find my way back to my Uncle Abner Stanton’s ranch, which I left this morning. Perhaps you can direct me aright.” ; 25 “T reckon I kin, But you are full thirty miles Tum day was closing, and the somber shadows|away from Stanton’s ranch; and that’s too far for wore falling on the plains of Montana one day inlyour tired horse to trayel to-night, so you come the month of September, asa young man mounxted/along to my lodge. I’m Yank Beekbridge, Indian upon a fine, powerful-looking horse, drew rein in/scout and prospector, and any one in Montana will the midst of a wide expanse of table land. tell ye that ye are safe in my company, I reckon.” All sround, as far as the sight could reach, the} Frank’s face brightened at once.as he heard the seemingly unending plains stretched away until|scout mention his name, for heremembered that they blended afar with the glowing sky-line. his uncle had more than once spoken very favor- There was no evidence of the presence of manlably of “Yank” Beckbridge, saying that the old or beast to be discovered by the searching glances/scout and prospectoy was a brave, true-hearted which the solitary horseman cast abouthim. ~ __|man, who was beloved by all the honest settlers of * Alone and lost!’ he exclaimed in earnest and|Montana, but who was feared and hated by the troubled tones, ; white outlaws and the hostile redskins. CHAPTER I. TREATING OF THE LOST MINE. In a moment he and Frank were riding furiously in the direction of the timber. They reached the cover in a quarter of an hour, Meantime the sounds of conflict had ceased, ani when the two horsemen rode into the timber, all: was silence there, R , on But Yank Beckbridge discovered two Indians trails, showing where two large bands of Indians. ~ wearing moceusins of different make, had entered the timber,’ : ‘ vaphh “ Ginger! I reckon 1 understand what has been agoin’ on. The Sioux and the Blackfeer non at war. War parties of the two nations hey’ met near here, and they hev’ had a powerful fight,” sania tho scout, after examining the two trails, : {3 His views were presently confirmed by further — ® woods, The speaker was Frank Reade, Jr., the celebrated] Yank Beckbridge thrust forth his hand as he scientist and inventor, whose fame had long sincéjlast spoke, and oni Reade grasped it witha ‘spread all over the world, and whose name was ajfriendly pressure. ree isa synonym of wonderful inventive genius. i “Tam very glad I have met you, and I will joy- Frank Reade was visiting at the ranch of an un-|fully accept your hospitality for the night,” said cle, who was a prosperous Montana cattleman,|¥rank, heartily. , : and that morning the inventor had left his uncle’s} “ That’s proper. Come, let’s be movin’, fer we ranch well mounted, bent on a gallop over the/hey’ got some distance to go. Yesee that patch on rairie, and intoxicated by the bracing air, thelthe prairie over to the west. Looks like a cloud, Bains erfumes of the flowers, and the sight of)but it’s a timber ‘island,’ and that’s where you'll game, ho had given chase, and far away had thelfind the domocile 0’ Yankton Beckbridge.”-. ; swift footed deer led him, : : Thus speaking, the plainsman began to urge. his For sotie timé the-tonviction had*béén stealing/horse forward and Frank followed his lead. upon Frank that he could not find his way back to] “ Did I understan’ ye to (Say, stranger, that yer his uncle’s ranch without a guide, but he had rid-|name was Frank Reade, Jr.?” presently inquired old den on and on for hours, hoping/against hope, that|/Yank. 14 he might yet discern some landmark which might| ‘Certainly, sir; that’s my name, serve to set him right, “You don’t mean to tell me you are Frank At last rank gave up the hope of finding the}Reade, the celebrated chap what gits up all sorts ranch that day.’ The prospect of passing the night/o’ strange inventions ter run by steam aw’ ‘lectric- alone upon the prairies caused him to constantlylity an’ who has gone travelin’ all over creation glance wistfully around upon the vastsolitude, andland part of New Jersey as I’ve hern tell?” almost as he uttered aloud the conviction that he| “I plead guilty. Tam the genuine original Frank was hopelessly astray, a human form suddenly|Rende, Jr.” started into sight. _ “Wall, dog my cats, pard, it does me proud ter Frank beheld at no great distance a man clad in|meet ye. It does, by mighty.” the buckskin garb of the hunters and trappers of] “The pleasure is mutual.” the far west. ; : Glad on it, I swow. But, say, JT reckon yo The stranger, for such he tvasto Frank, had evi-lhain’t got none 0” yer steam or ‘lectrie fixin’s out dently been concealed in one of these ubrupt de-lhere with ye, hev ye? pressions of the plains which frequently occur on} ‘No; but I have just completed a new electric the Montana table lands, : tally-ho, and the invention is a triumph in its way The man in buckskin was mounted upon ajI think. Itis atmy home in Readestown.” sturdy looking mustang, and he rode straight to-|' ‘Ginger! I’ve ‘lowed more than once ter lay off ward Frank Reade. \ " an’ take a trip to Readestown ter see some o” yer As he approached the young inventor had an op-|wonders an’ hey a talk with ye personally.” portunity to observe that the stranger was a} ‘I should be glad to see you at any time.” grizzly old fellow, with a face tanned and harden-| “Thank ye. I—hold on, there’s a skrimmage} ed by exposure, and evidently one who had spentlagoin’ on somewhere near here, Listen ter ther; the greater part of his years in the wild West. ™ /faint crack of weepings an’ Injun yells.” { But the faco of the old plainsman impressed| Frank almost instantly caught the sounds which: Frank as being an honest one, and he was very/tho old trapper had first heard. glad of his coming. “Hello, stranger! Day t servinl’ your wanderin’ course ever since ye camé| were riding. ' within the rango o’ sight,” called out the old plains- an Doone " jl 9 this salutation Frank rejoined : “Right. Iam a stranger fi these parts, and I/to harm fer all the gold in Montana!” cried th acknowledge that I am lost. I am Frank Reade,'scout. HY) J (geny i (Beckbridge. jof ancient date and rusted w Ho fancied that a fierce battle, in which a band number of old Spanish mij ye. ‘*Pears like yelof Indians were taking part, must be in progress in vessels. The traders gave G was a, bit turned about, I reckon, oz I hev’ been ob-|the timber for which he and his new companion|name o’ the Gold Mine Injuns “Come on! We hey got to ride like the wind) Just then there ca now. I’m desprit afeard thet the reds are at myjof suffering emanated fro lodge, an’ there’s one there I wouldn’t hey come|by, and Frank and thes e\their animals, and then _\prompted by motives of humanity to CACO EY en anarS reat a glade an th rank and his companion saw that they ha = ed the scene of an Endian battle, - a coal The grass and shrubbery was trodden under foot, the branches of trees were shattered as by rifle balls, and there were a score of dea: Savages lying upon the ensanguined earth, wii “Traps an’’ Trappers!” suddenly exclaimed Beckbridge. “If the Sioux hayen’t massacred every single one of old Getchowan’s band of braves, Getchewan is an old Blackfoot chiof—the oldest Indian in all ther northwest, it’s said, and his chosen band was théslast of the original race of Montana cians, though there are plenty of other branches of the Blackfoot tribe.” : ‘Do you mean to state that the band of Indians who have been massacred here are the so-called. ‘Gold Mine Indians of Montana?” asked Frank with asudden RUN of interest, “Yes,” assented the scout. f “‘ My uncle has told me of thése Indians. Ho has assured me that for years the white settlers of Montana have believed in the existence of a lost gold mine in this) territory, which was originally discovered, and worked by .Spanish adventurers from Colorado, who were here a hundred » ; py as ancienticoings of Spain, with the datay ee intact, which have been unearthed in the tery ory goes to prove. The Spaniards have loth Tacs Of) Pot ae in tego their occupancy of the counties : r frank,” n early da} nomenclature of the territorial towns,” ee ** T reckon like enough yer uncle told ye too that, recently, the opinion hez gained ground thet ther band o’ old Chief Getchowan has discovered the lost|/ gold mine o’ the ancient Spaniards?” asked Yank “Yes,” assented Frank, 1 “Yer see, ther fact is, for some time old Getchewan and his men havo been bringin’ gol ore of mighty pure quality inter the tradin’ posts an’ they have also traded off a few Spanish coin: ith age, as well as nin’ implements an Stehewan’s band thé. ” replied Frank, { mea deep groan, The soun m & clump of bushes neg cout dismounted, secur advanced into the thicke # render a; 1 { +m ty Dorn **So I have heard,’ Teas
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FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. sistance to any wounded human creature whom théy might there discover. - In the thicket, where he had crawled away to ‘seerete himself from his merciless foemen, the in- ventor and his scout comrade found an aged In- dian. The snow of many winters whitened his hair, and the chief’s head-dress upon his white locks roclaimed he was a head chief of the Blackfeet of ontana. “Getchewan!” exclaimed old Yank, the scout, as he saw the face of the aged Indian. ‘Dead Shot is right. He sees Getchewan, and the chief is dying. Every one of my braves have been slain by the Sioux dogs who outnumbered us five to one,” said the old chief, faintly, as he pant- ed ioe breath and made a long pause between eavh word, *‘ Dead Shot and Getchewan were always friends, and the white hunter’s heart is sad,” replied Yank, and he’drew fortha pocket flask and ‘held it to the chief’s lips. The latter drank and then murmured: “The Sioux sought the secret of Getchewan. They meant to steal away the discovery he made a ear ago, and which he meant should yet make é im and his tribe as rich as the white man’s richest ‘men, But Getehewan has his secret safe yet, and now, Since allhis men are dead, Getchewan is the ‘only man in all the world, save one white man, n the mine and cannot leave it, who knows the lost mine of the white men of the south, Wi \6oigted beards, is.”* Hetéhewan meant that the secret of the lost F pla mine should die with him, but now that he 164% the voice of the great Manito calling him, and € ws that he must soon go to the happy hunt- rounds, the chief’s mind is changed. Dead © eOthas always beén a friend to the chief, and it is bettir that he should have the secret of the lost gold min) than that it should die with Getchewan.” - Tie dying chief paused for a mnioment and then | wert on, while his voice rapidly became fainter Pai inaudible. ; it Yank and Frank Reade knelt ‘close beside ‘All right, I want to make a journey with my new tally-ho in the West, and I am not averse to combining profit with pleasure.” ‘Then it’s a bargain ’atween us?” “Yes.” «Then Pl tell ye right now it’s notso much ther love 0? gold that sets. me fon ther trail o’ ther lost mine as it are friendship. But hello! Here’s my leetle Sunshine an’so mum are the word afore her, Tll’splain my meanin’ later, pard.” Just then, among the trees, a little golden-haired girl of perhaps eight years, came into view, and with a joyfal exclamation the fairy-like little creat- ure ran forward, and sprang into the rough old trapper’s arms. ; It was a pleasant sight to see thé rough, weather- beaten face of the old plainsman soften as he ca- ressed the golden head that was pillowed upon his breast, while he said gently. **So yer all safe an’sound yet, Sunshine, eh? The reds didn’t find out our little lodge in the hol- low though they were so near, I take it?” “No, Papa Yank, but the Indians made me afraid, I could hear them so plainly. Oh, Iam so glad you have come, for I know the Indians dare not come where you are.” “Ha! ha! ha! You’vd got great faith in old ‘Pop Yank,’ hain’t ye now, leetle Sunshine? I s’pose yer think all [hey ter do are to wink ter scatter a hull army o’ ther pizen reds,” T am sure of it, Papa Yank,” replied the little one with complete assurance, opening her big blue eyes very wide, “Ha! hal! hal” laughed Yank, heartily. But, Papa Yank, have you brought me any news of my own papa?” asked the child, eagerly. *‘Allers that question,” murmured Yank, aside. “No, not yet, leetle Sunshine. But I'll bring yer news 0’? me old pard, Owen Strathmore, yer papa, one 0’ these days, or ye won't see old Yank’s gray head no more,” replied the scout, aloud. “Don’t say that, Papa Yank. I should die if 1 didn’t have you.” Yank felt the kiss of the child on his bronzed brow, and a memory of the past was evoked that , 'thacliff, and heard him as he said: '=4In the buckskin bag of gold about my neck is panindian sign-writing, or tracing, which is like thémaps of the white men to the red man. It will guile you, if you can read it aright, and you shall fin{ the lost mine,” _ ‘he strength of the dying chief failed utcerly for the instant, and Frank and Yank Beckbridge that that his end had come. { presently he drew a faint preath, and mur- mired : ayantor, where the mighty hills are, where foot of yhite man never pressed the earth—yonder is thegold mine!” “ _4 he spoke, with one last effo1t the chief point- ed}o the northwest, then he sank back heavily an; the old scout to whom he had bequeathed are secret as an inheritance, knew that he was eid. ~ Vith reverent hands they gently removed a -buikskin bag from about his neck, and opened it. Th) bag contained several nuggets of virgin gold, ani a folded piece of white buckskin. his Yank unfolded, and he and Frank scanned it/with eager interest. The singular map was _dnwn in the strange hieroglyphics of the Indian Sig-language., ; ~* *T think I kin study it all over kerrect, but it wiltake time, and maybe it won’t do us no good no how, fer in the far northiyest, where/we must go to fi1d the lost mine, the bloodthirsty Sioux guards ewry trail and pass, and no white man has ever re returned from ther kentry alive,” said Beck- dge.. ; 4. ‘ Indeed,” said Frank. “ees. Bui hold on a bit. You told me ye had justyfnished one o’ yer inventions ter travel with by eect which I take it are suthin’ fast.” ‘ mee f-ave, as I said, a new electric tally-ho all rect for a journey,” replied Frank, CHAPTER II, FRANK READE, JR., AND THE OLD SCOUT FORM A PARTNERSHIP, ‘* [ RECKON with yer ’lectric vehicle you could go most anywhere, now couldn’t ye? Injuns an’ White outlaws an’ sich wouldn’t trouble ye I con- sate, = I right?” said Yank Beckridge, after a “pause. “You /are. Under ordinary circumstances I should have no fear to venture with my new elec- tric tally-ho wherever the vehicle can be run.” “Werry good, I’ve got an idee. Suppose youan’ me jine hands as pardners. You furnish ther tally- ho aw’ Pll put in the map Getchewan gave me, an’ ve"ll make a search fer the lost mine an’ share an’ share alike if we find it. What do ye say?” F ma Thus the Indians #esignated the early Spanish set- brought tears to his eyes. But he turned his head for a moment, and his emotion had passed when he said: aay ' ‘This ’ere is my new pard, Sunshine, Now we'll go to the lodge.” Yank went forward, after the little one had ac- knowledged her introduction to Frank Reade, in a childish way, : The trppber led the little one by the hand. Frank Reade followed them, with the bridle- reins of the horses over his arm. In a hollow, not far distant, embowered by the surrounding trees, which concealed it, was a rude Indian lodge, This was Yank’s summer home. Having cared for their animals and partaken of food, when little Sun- shine had fallen asleep Yank resumed the thread of his conversation which the eo peeranee of the little gl on the Indian battle-field had inter- tupted, ; aT said it wan’t so much the love of gold as it was friendship thet set me on the trailo’ ther lost gold mino. Now, I'll tell ye what I meant,” the scout said: “T am interested to understand your precise meaning.” “Well, ther fact are this, The father 0’ little Sunshine was my old pard. His name I’ve men- tioned to ye, It are Owen Strathmore. Oven longed fer gold. Gold was his great failin’, and he sot out, secret like when I was away, ter track up old Getchewan, hopin’, I s’pose, to find the loss tet that away. Owen never camé back, to this ay. “Ah, I begin to anticipate your explanation.” “Like enough, pard. Ye heard Getchewan say there was ‘a white man in ther lost gold mine who could not leave it?” ““Yes,”? “Can. ye guess, then, who J suspect ther white man in ther lost gold mine is?” “Your pard, little Sunshine’s father—Oweh Strathmore,” ‘ i : “Kerrect! TI reckon the gold mine Injuns dis- covered Owen on the trail o? old Getchewan, and that they captured the poor feller an’ shut him up in the lost gold mine,” “Such a conclusion seems to me to be very probable,” assented the young inventor. “So ye see, ifI kin find the. lost mine, tain’t ‘old alone I ’spect ter find, but me old pard, as I have pledged me word ter little Sunshine I would yet bring him back ter her, if he was in the land 0’ ther livin’,” : You are a true heart, and such a friend as I am au to have.” | “vo always tried to he while. But now that I’ve’splained the pints of affairs to ye, 12’s arrange our plans,” “Very well. I propose that I return to Reades- town, and immediately ship my electric tally-ho to Helena, Montana, by rail—that you join me there, and that we start on our search for the lost re from that point, and without needless de- ay. “Kerrect! That’s bigness, an’ it jist suits my idees. Ill leave little Sunshine in the care 0’ a kind family I know in Helena while I am off on the search,” “Very well. We will consider it all arranged.” “Yes. But there’s one thing more, I reckon I ought ter tell ye, though it’s a sorto’ a secret ’atween Owen an’ me, Ther fret is, ther was a mighty powerful reason why Owen wanted gold so desprit like. He never explained it all out quite plain an’ clear, but he did tell me that ther fate o’ leetle Sunshine, her future happiness, an’ it might be her very life depended on his gettin’ to- gether a large sum 0’ money within one year’s time from last spring.” « “Then there is some mystery about your old pard and his child,” said Frank. : “Yes,” assented Yank. ‘* I questioned Owen but he put me off, saying he would tell me all some day.” it was late in the night when Frank and old Yank Beckbridge the scout ceased talking. But finalty the conversation was broughtto a close and they slept. When morning dawned, taking little Sunshine on the saddle before him, Yank set out to guide Frank Reade to his uncle’s ranch. ~ = In due time they arrived at their destination, and Frank wa> warmly welcomed. The very next day Yank Beckbridge set out for |Helena taking Little Sunshine with him, and Frank. Reade rode to the nearest station of the stage line running between his uncle’s ranch and Virginia City and secured passage eastward. : At the posting station while awaiting the stage Frank was considerably surprised to hear that there were rumors that one Indian Raiph, a reck- less road-agent chief, who, with his band, had long been the terror of the Southern Montana trails, had come north, and had Neén seen near the road to Virginia City. : i! Upon the arrival of the eastern-bound stage the driver was informed of the news, but he scoffed at it as did his passengers. ; Frank boarded the stage very mrfch reassured, although he was not a bit of a coward, for he had a large sum of money on his person which he was conveying east for his uncle. A thrilling adventure was in store for Frank, About twelve miles south of Virginia City in a hilly pass the stage coach was suddenly halted by a score of road agents at whose head rode a white man in full Indian war dress, save that instead of paint a black mask concealed his face, “Indian Ralph and his men!” yelled the terrified jehu, recognizing the dreaded road-agent whom 6 had seen before. ; Frank Reade had his revolver out in a moment, and he shonted to the frightened passengers : “Wire on the rascals, There are a dozen of us. We can beat off the robbers if we will? = As Yrank thus shouted he discharged his re- volver through the window of the coach at Indian Ralph. F ay : The bullet shattered the road-agent’s right ear and sent him reeling in his saddle back among his men, while he uttered cries of rage and pain. But the succeeding moment the road-agents charged upon'the coach in a body, discharging a fusillade of bullets from their weapons. It seemed that the coach-load of passengers who had dared to offer resistance to the robbers would be slaughtered without mercy. But ali at once there came the clatter of horses’ hoofs down the trail, and with a ringing cheer acompany of United Paes cavalry dashed up around a bend in the rail. “ Burrah for Frank Reade who winged the road- agent chief and encouraged us to show fight!” cried an enthusiastic passenger, as the road-rob- bers fled before the cavalrymen. “So Frank Reade is the name of the man that has marked me for life! Isaw his face when he fired and I'll know him again, and T’ll have my vengeance some day !” yelled the road agent chief flercely as he dashed away. The soldiers pursued the robbers and the stage went on. ats Frank made the remainder of his journey back to his native place without meeting with further oftheroadagentchief. The very day of his arrival in Readestown Frank received a call from his old friend Dr. Vaneyke. The old traveler and explorer was looking hale and hearty, and he did not seem to havyg aged much since he made his last great journéy with Frank through Central Asia. 2 ' Presently the doctor asked: “Haye you decided yet where you will go with your new electric tally-ho?” “Yes,” replied Frank, ‘You know my wife ob- jects to continuing my travels as they keep me adventure, and he thought but little of the threat sane
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4 FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. away from home so much, but she has consented to my taking a journey provided I don’t go out of the United States.” ‘Well, what part of our country do you propose to visit?” «The far west.” “Good! If you want a companion I can find you ono without looking far.” , “ Bravo, doctor! You mean you will go your- self?” “ Certainly, Frank, my boy.” “Once a man has tasted the fascination of travel you can’t keep him at home long, eh, doctor?” “No; at least that is my caso.” “ Woll, doctor, I think our western journey is likely to be a great trip, for [have a motive in view in making it that is really quite remarkable, I am going to tell you the whole story.” “Tam all attention.” he doctor then listened with wrapf interest while Frank went on to relate the story of the lost gold mine and how he had come to agree to go in search of it. While Frank was talking, Mrs. Frank, Jr., and Frank’s father came into the drawing-room, and then Frank went over the whole story of the lost gold mine again, _“ What did you say the name of the partner of Backbridge, whom you suspect to be a prisoner in tho lost mine, is?” asked Mr. Reade, Sr., who was now a trifle hard of hearing. * * Owen Strathmore,” replied Frank. “Ah, I thought so. I knew Owen Strathmore and his wife years ago. Owen was a poor young man, but honest and true, and he loved rich Squire Baldwin's only daughter, Bessie, The squire re- fused his consent, and Owen and Bessie eloped, and then the old squire vowed he would disown his daughter. Owon and his bride went west, and IT never heard of them again. Owen was my friend, and I hope, Frank, you will do all you can to save him, and find the lost mine,” said. Mr. Reade, “T eortainly shall,” assented Frank. Thore was some further conversation, and then the doctor said: a «I think I will go out to your work-shopinthe rear of the grounds, Frank, and have another look at the tally-hg. I haven’t seen it since you put the last finishing touches on it.” P “ Vory well, I will join you at the work-shop ina few moments, as soon as I find some washers I have somewhere in this desk. You will find Bar- noy and Pomp at the work-shop nov,” said Frank, turning to a desk as he spoke. ‘he doctor passed out of the house, and Frank’s wife said to her husband: “Oh, by the way, Frank, I should have told you that [took pity on a poor unfortunate man who wwas Soldier in the late war, and allowed him to sloap in the work-shop last evening. I believe ho has not gone away yet.” f ' “Very well. You aro always kind to the poor, my'dear, and I am glad to have you so,” Frank re- plied pleasantly. - Meanwhile the doctor proceeded to the work- shop. Tho great double doors, through which any of the Reades’ wonderful steam or electric inventions could pass, stood wide open, for the day was quite warm. ; Thore, within the shop, the doctor saw the new electric tally-ho, and a beauty it was, as well as a triumph of the inventor’s skill. The tally-ho was provided with the usual double seat forward and two others further back. The -yehicle was/modeled after the celebrated English - ho, which.has so long been a favorite vehicle fly in the land of Queen “ Vic.” *itae Nogplns 6r expense had been spared in making x’ ‘tho exterior beautiful. The entire vehicle had been Yartistically painted in bright harmonious colors, _and yarnished until it shone like glass when the "sunbeams fell upon it. ‘he wheels, asin al the Reades’ electrical and . steam yehicles, were provided with broad tires, so they could not easily sink in soft soil. In the main body of the coach, under the floor between the front and rear wheels, was the storage locker for all the supplies necessary for a long journey. Just above the rear axle was a water tank, lined with porcelain, which would hold a large quantity of water. ' In the roof of the tally-ho was a sliding panel, and by pulling a lever this panel could be shot aside ina gecond, thus opening a way of retreat into ths interior of the coach of which the travelers could avail themselves at any time. | The entire surface of the tally-ho was plated over with sheets of tempered steel, which were imporvious to any rifle ball. : jav me overalls whin I wint til me breakfust; ond CHAPTER III. “4 BIT AV A RUCTION ”—FIRE!—ON THE WESTERN PLAINS, ‘Tr is indeed a thing of beauty and wonderful utility,” said the good doctor to himself, as he ob- seryed the last of Frank Reade, Jr.’s splendid in- ventions. The windows of the tally-ho were provided with metallic blinds, which could be closed at all times, and there were small adjustable openings on all sides for loop-holes, through which the in- now, it’s the loikes av yez as kin tell where it’s gone to.” “Look yere, Barney. eos up trouble. I’se a colored gemman, I is, an’ dopa, ‘low no Irish trash to ’sult my honah, sah.” i “Fat’s that the nagur says? Sure an’ it’s a paceful mon Oi am, but begob, it’s not an Irishmon as will lave a nagur stand foreninst him an’ ax fora foight in vain. Bedad, an’ it’s breakin’ the _ head av the nagur Oi’ll be afther doin’,” | “ Go way frommet Go way from me, Irish! 8 Isee you done want ter mates of the vehicle could discharge their weap- ° ns. These loop-holes also served as ventilating open- ings, allowing air to circulate readily through the tally-ho when it was all closed up. By means of intricate mechanism connecting the powerful double electric batteries which supplied the motive power with the four splendid metallic steeds that were attached to the tally-ho by means of a steel and wire harness, the driver could con-) trol and guide the iron horses as well from the inside of the vehicle as when perched onthe ele- vated driver’s seat. As in a previous invention, the electric batteries were stored in a special compartment under the driver’s sent, in the inside of a vehicle, and they wero out of sight, but the opening of a small door in the “ battery room” would enable the engineer to reach the wonderful motors, Above the battery-room was a mahogany board, from which protruded a number of brass keys, eavh numbered or lettered. This was the 6ngineer’s post when inside. By applying pressure to the brass keys on the board he could, at will, start, stop, back, or turn the electric team. Wires, running from these keys to a correspond- ing set of knobs in «a rack on the top of the ve- hicle, were to be used when the engineer or driver was outside. There wero two electric lamps on the front of lent light. 4 An vlectric gong of silver, with a clear resonant tone, was suspended in a frame behind the front seat, ‘ t The horses were wonders of mechanism. They were perfect equines modeled in metal as by the skill of a sculptor. All the joints were mado to correspond with those of living horses, and thein- tricate machinery with whick the limbs of the horses were united was stored in their hollow bodies. Wires connected the internal machinery ofthe horses directly with the batteries. The hoofs of the iron steeds were shod with claws that gave them a firm hoid on the earth and pre- vented their slipping. ; There were electric lights in the hollow heads of the leaders, and fron the glass eyes the bright elec- tric fame from the lamps within would be bril- liantly reflected by night. I'he reins were ribbons of fine steel—the harness the tally-ho, which, by night, afforded an excel- ry T’se a bad man w I done got staried. Doan’ yer play with me, Irish!’ Pomp began to duck his head about as though he meditated trying his favorite tactics, and butt- ing Barney out of time. f “Arrah, it?s a ruction yez want! Sure an’ the same Oi’ll be afther givin’ yez. ll bate the head av yez. Shade’ o’ Donnybrook! It’s not a nagur as kin stand before an Irish gintloman, Long life til the loikes ay me!” roared Barney. Tt had been more than a week since Barney and Pomp had engaged in a row, and the rollicking Irishman was just spoiling for a ruction. Barney threw off his coat and began to dance around Pomp, ‘ ; ‘The grimy face of the tramp meanwhile open- ed in a wide grin that partod his physionnomy in the middle, from ear to ear, and he rubbed his capacious stomach with an expression of ineffable, . \ Dr’ satisfaction. Tie _ Barney thought ho/ss ¢ Bis . A moment and chance. 5 . ‘Whoop! Show me the man as dare treal ob oe an av me coat!” he cried, and rushed at lomp U 5 But Pomp leaped aside, Then, before Barney could evade him, the arky ducked his head and shot forward, and the kish- man went down, \ Pomp walked back into the work-shop wth a swaggering gait and with his hat tilted overtone . eye. ~ ! Barne picked himself up and scratched his head. Then for a wonder he stood perfectly qriat for several moments; at last, however, he nit “ Begob, it’s cogitatin’ I’ye been. Now sure an’ peen be kapin him away from thedinner, It’s al- electric tally-ho. But slyly he pen a welga see if I kin cotch the nagur, bad scran til the eist- was the same—and everything was complete, as though the iron horses were living animals. Haying completed his admiring survey of: the electric tally-ho the doctor turned away. He was about to retrace his steps to the house, as Frank Reade’s appearance was delayed. But the doctor had not taken many steps when he heard the voices of Barney O’Shea and Pomp tho faithful darky. The two old servants of the Reades, who had been| all over the world with Frank Jr. and his father, came to the door of the work-shop, and atthe same time a miserable, ragged, tramp-like personage issued out ot the building and seated himself lazily in the bright sunlight. The individual was the man who had been al- lowed to sleepin the workshop. Certainly his ap- pearance seemed to indicate thathe might have imposed upon Mrs, Reade, and that the story he had told her might be false, Barney and Pomp were the same jolly, reckless characters as of old, always playing jokes on each other and fighting between themselves, and yot at heart the best of friends, and each was ready at any time to risk his life in defense of the other, ‘he doctorspoke to Barney and Pomp cheerfully, and then, with a suspicious glance at the tramp, he passed on to the house. * Be dad, Pomp, will yez have the illigant polite- ness to hand me over me flask, I dunno?” said Barney, as the doctor passed out of hearing. “Gollie, I neber seed sich a foller as you am, Barney. I done tole yer datI hain’t seed nuffin’ of yer flask,” replied Pomp, ** Be the tailay Widdy Nolan’s goat that rached antil ould Ireland an’ rung ‘St. Patrick’s bell it’s not meseif, Barney O’Shea, as kin be daceived by a naygur.” “Look yere, Irish. You done call me a liar, doan’ yer?” . “Sure an’ Oi didn’tsay yez wasa loyer. But be- gob, yez are a loyer.. Me flask was in the pocket tered : Pomp’s wife is agoing to give a big dinner ila company of nagur friends from the town the (ayy I know thenagur haz been countin’ on getth’a ¢ square male, an’ begob Oi’'ll get aven wid the sjal- > most noon now sure, so Oi'll begin me tactics.” With this Barney walked into the shop, — x Pomp was now at work at a bench in the nar, and Barney began to polish the brasswork onthe i of steel into the fastening of one of the side dors | of the tally-ho, and also secured the panel on the top of the vehicle. { “Now, thin, me trap is ready, begob. , Let me iron head ay him,” said Barney, mentally, ind-~ then he called out: . ee ‘Come here forninst the tally-ho for a minite, Pomp.” , : Pomp came promptly. “What yer want, Irish?” he asked. . ‘* Will yez have the illegant politeness to go n- side ay the tally-ho wance an’ look an’ see whalis. wrong with the springs av the door wance whist I open and shut the same, Sure an’ I can’t mde out why it won’t work at all at all.” meas Barney spoke ina very pleasant and conciliit- ing tone, and Pomp promptly stepped inside te + tally-ho. Then Barney closed the door and slippid another wedge, which he held in his hand, in tie | fastener, thus securing it and-making poor-Ponp ._ a prisoner. : Nene mates “Hal Hal Hal ‘I guess you'll bo alther imps in’ yer dinner this day, be gob, me fai buek, an’ that’s what te git fur yor hatheny foightin’ wid yer head, ’stead av standin’ yaa, ae wid yer fists, be gob,” cried Barnoy, exult= *’ antly. Than Pom tally-ho. < ‘ Tuff me out, Irish! Luff me out! Dar’s roast goose an’ biled possum waitin’ fur me, an’ I can’t done stay yere an’ miss dem game-birds!” __ ‘* Be gob, an’ yez’ull not get out until yez tell ma .+ what yez haye done wid me flask !” replied Barney, ¢ ‘Then Pomp was mad, and straightway a tertiblan’ racket began inside the tally-ho, ‘ _ ithe “Kiok away, naygur, batter yer cannon-ba eee bust yer biler, you’re there to stay!” erie arney. nl But just then Mr. Reade, Sr., appeared in tha door of the work-house, and he took in the situa- — tion at a glance. putea s ; “What do you mean, you rascal, by shutting Pomp up inthe tally-ho? Release him at once!” said Mr, Reade, Sr., sternly, : , p found out he was locked up in the <j Vory reluctantly Barney obeyed.
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The instant the door of the tally-ho was opened Pomp sprang out upon Barney and a rough and “tumble fight began between them. Over and over they rolled. Now Pomp was on top and then | Barney. - | While Barney chanced to be uppermost, Mrs. |. Pomp, who had come to call her husband to din- | ier, appeared upon the scene. At once the wench | fell upon Barney tooth and nail. Tt seamed everything was arranged for a general | riot through the combination of circumstances, for while Mrs. Pomp was belaboring Barney, Mrs. | Barney came to the rear door of the Reade man- Sion, and Witnessed the difficulty. ‘Sure, an’ the nagurs are afther murderin’ poor Barney! Arrah, but I'll break the head of the ») wench, so I will!” screamed the irate Irishwoman, ‘and she madearush for the battle-field and fell ‘upon Mrs, Pomp furiously. / Old Mr. Reade vainly ordered the Be peskent an “ couples to desist.. They did not heed him, probably he was not heard. '~ *Quld Ireland forever! Sure, an’ it’s reinforce- /ments. 1 have! We'll clane out the nagurs! Bate || the head ay the winch, Biddy!” roared Barney. ‘ But before the fight resulted seriously, Frank Reade, Jr. and Dr., Vaneyke came hastening from | the house, and the young inventor quickly pulled : The gontestants apart. No m ue i roared as he went backward with a sudden jump ‘that landed him against the tramp, who had now changed his position. -) There was a laugh at Barney’s mishap. But the | jucceeding instant all were very much astounded *to seé Barney deal the tramp a blow on tho ear # that sent him reeling. ; ~ “Ts mesel’ as knows who stole me flask now. I smell the breath av the scare-crow !” roared Bar- ney. “Golly! luff me butt him jiss once!” shouted omp,’ Barney and the darky were rushing at the tramp in aninstant. His escape was cut off, and, as a / }ast resort, the tattered vagrant sprang inside the _ tally-ho, fj It seemed it would fare hardly with the tramp now, for Barney and Pomp meant to drag nim out oe the electric vehicle at once and soundly pummel is mi é ; But Frank, Jr., interposed before Barney and Pomp reached the coach, _~ * Be-off to/your dinner, all of you. to the tramp,” he said, very réluctantly Barney and Pomp withdrew with their wives, and now that the mystery of the missing flask was cleared up, and Pomp was ex- culpated, all four were soon on the best of terms again. eran waited until Barney and Pomp were out of sight, and’then he was about to order the tramp to come out’ of the tally-ho, when all at once the electric vehicle made a forward start. Through the open door it came as Frank and his companions leaped aside, and on, as though drawn by four living horses, continued the wonderful yehicle. d 4 _ It will be remembered that the batteries were all charged, and that the vehicle was ready to start at an instant’s notice. In this invention Frank had _ simplified séme of the machinery, so that the tally- * could be started by simply pu)'‘ng one lever. ’ uk woderstood that the trump must have, py chaxce, While meddling with the interior ar- i pgastienis of the eonen, pulled the starting lever. , 8: rom the course it was taking the tally-ho would I willattend “FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. This was too much. Frank caught him by the collar and ran him to the road gate, and there he gave him a kick to help him on his way. The vagrant slunk away, but he muttered in an ugly tone: “You can’t kick Tough Jack fer nothin’, young feller, an’ you'll find it out afore long, cuss ye.” But Frank returned to the tally-ho, and ran it back into the work-shop. ‘Of course you understand, Frank,” said Mr. Reade, Sr., “when we allowed the tramp to sleep in Zie work-shop he did not have access to the tally-ho. He slept in the entry, and the door lead- ing to the main room and the tally-ho was care- fully secured, Trust me to see that no stranger wus given an opportunity to meddle with your great invention.” There was some conversation about the merits of the tally-ho, and then Pomp and Barney came back from dinner, and Frank told them about his proposed trip to the far West. The Irishman and the darky were delighted, and Barney said: . «Shure it’s a happy mon I am in the thought that Oi may soon be afther havin’ a bit av a rue- tion wid the red nagurs on the plains.” Frank and Dr. Vaneyke returned to the house accompanied by Mr. Reade presently, and, having discussed their plans further, they finally separated for the night, and Frank, Jr., retired early. Soon the whole,Reade household slept, Butsud- denly Frank, Jr., was’ awakened by the thrilling ery: “Wire! Fire! Fire!” Tho inventor hurried on a few garments, and, rushing to the window of his sleeping-room, which commarded a view of the work-shop, he saw that the building was in flames. The alarm had been given by a belated wayfarer who chanced to pass the Reade mansion on his way to the town. Frank realized at once that there was not an in- stant to be lost or his new invention would be de- stroyed. He dashed from the house and rushed to the shop. At the same time Pomp and Barney came running from their dwellings.» Frank managed to force open the door of the work-shop ina moment. Buta torrent of black suffocating smoke rolled forth and hurled him back for aninstant. Then, thinking only of saving the tally-ho and heedless of the great: danger, Frank plunged into the smoky cavern and vanished. “Sure, an’\'the poor laddy is gone to the death av him!” cried Barney, as he and Pomp recoiled at the work-shop door, driven back by the smoke and flames, Mrs. Frank, Jr., and old Mr. Reade had hastened from the house after Frank, and they now came up. ‘They had seen the brave one they loved yan- ish amid the smoke and flames, and Mrs. Reade now cried frantically: * “Oh, Barney—-Pomp, save my husband--save him, L beg of you!” There was a moment of awful suspense as Pomp and Barney, brave as they were, hesitated about venturing into the abyss of flame and smoke, But all .at once Barney uttered a yell. He had caught the sound of wheels, The succeeding instant out of the burning work- shop came the electric tally-hoand team. Then the door of the vehicle opened as the tally-ho came toa standstill at a safe distance, and out of the vehicle leaped Frank Reade, Jr., safe and un- armed. There was a shout of delight, and Mrs. Reade, almost fainting with joy, sank into Frank’s arms, The work-shop was doomed, ‘The fire company from Readestown presently arrived, but they came too late. Meanwhile, Frank assured himself that the tally-ho had sustained no injury. As to the origin of the fire all were inclined to think it was the work of the revengeful tramp. Next day the tally-ho and the metallic steeds were were taken apart and carefully packed in cases made for the purpose. The day afterall the casés were epee by rail for Helena, Montana. Frank, Dr, Vaneyke, Barney and Pomp followed ‘prairie island,” a settler’s cabin in flames, and about it were a score of yelling savages. “Forward to the rescue!” cried Frank Reade in ringing tones, as he turned on the full force of the electric battery and sent the tallv-ho toward the burning cabin very NUDE All hanés took their places inside the vehicle, and with their rifles thrust through the loopholes, were in readiness to discharge a volley. But suddenly out of the timber beside the cabin dashed full half a hundred mounted Sioux, and on they came atthe tally-ho yelling like demons and flogging their ponies at full speed. Ina moment the Sioux were circling around the tally-ho and closing in. It was evident as yet they took the ve- hicle for an ordinary coach and felt sure ofits cap- . ture, eal CHAPTER LY. ASTONISHED REDSKINS., Tur sudden appearance of the half hundred Sioux warriors who came dashing out of the tim- ber near the lone settler’s cabin was a surprise to Frank Reade and his companions, of course. When the young inyentor startod the electric taily-ho forward in a charge to the rescue of the im pores occupants of the’ cabin, he supposed he had to encounter but the score of redskins who wére engaged in the attack on the cabin. } But the sight of the additional force which so suddenly revealed its presence did not materially alter Frank’s plans. Still he was inten the settler’s family. . Above the saturnalia of the Indians there reach- ed aclear female voice ringing out a despairing ery of: : Help! Help! Help!” Thus it was known that within that burning cabin, enyironed by flerce and merciless enemies, a helpless woman was menaced. ° A moment fraught with supreme excitement for all within the electri¢ tally-ho elapsed while nearer | and nearer circled the howling Sioux at the full speed of their wild mustangs. They were only to be likened to a human mael- strom, whirling nearer and nearer, like the dead- ly whirpool, toward the center which was Frank Reade’s electric tally-ho. Suddenly the voice of the woman in the burning cabin rang out again. ; “Save my child! Oh, save! my little one!” she utiered. ; Diy ey bss It was a frantic, despairing Bppeal wrung from a mother’s heart by awful dread, t upon rendering assistanee to Frank’s sympathy was awakened, and all his euyaueue impulses were up in arms upon the in- stan! . it He thought of his own wife and a little son whom Heaven had sent to gladden his heart. “We must reach the cabin! We must and will save the poor woman and her innocent child!” uttered Frank, with intense intoration. “Right, by powder! You kin skulp old Yank Beckbridge an’ feed him out for wolf bait, ter pizen ther critrers, ef he ain’t with ye on this leetle fam- bly picnic excursion clean up to ter the gills!” ex- claimed the old trapper characteristically. ° : “Whoop! Erin-go-Bragh, an’ the Seventeenth ay Ould Ireland! It’s a ruction the red nagurs are after, bad scran til the loikes ay thim, an’ sure its mesel’ as will bate the heads of the murderin’ blackguards!” Burney roared. very belligerently. “Put her dar, , You done bet your) life, Barney, dar am a heap 0’ iron in dis child’s blood. Iron am what gibs the colored folks de fine brunette com- plexion. ’Cordin’ ter Dr.’ Balls, de ison in de blood makes de fightin’ man, an’ I’s gwine fo’ to waste some ob dat iron on demlow down red nig- gers!” cried Pomp, grasping Barney’s hand en- thusiastically. ‘ “Tuisten tilthe nonsense ay the nagur. Faith, an’ it’s not iron in the blood that makes a nagur,”. said Barney, jeeringly. Y “You’se might smart—in yer mind. Spec’s den in 2 moment or so come in collision witha large|by the first passenger train, The journey tojyou kin tole what do make de color of de/African a tee it seemed, and knowing that if this accident|Helena was accomplished in safety, and when the|gentleman? seurred, great damage would be done, Frank leaped in pursuit of the tally-ho. He reached the boot at the rear, and quickly swung himself upon the top of the vehicle, gained the driver's seat, » and seized the lever thére, and reversed it, thus \ bringing the vehiele to a quick stop before it reached tne tree, : 2 Frank alighted, and the tramp, who was now j\alf-intoxicated by the stolen liquor he had drank, “aggered out of the tally-ho, party arrived there Frank tound old Yank Beck- bridge, the scout and prospector, awaiting him. The plainsman had preges a@ pleasant home for Little Sunshine in the family of a friend as he had designed. ! As soon as possible after the arrival of the tally- ho, it was put together and laden with necessary supplies, ammunition, arms and swientific appli- ances, Which had been shipped from Readestown. One moonlight night the party boarded the tally-ho 29 “Begob, an’ I kin do that same, sure.” **Den s’pose yer turn on yer wisdom onct.” “Be the powers, an’ it’s dirt, an’ dirty dirt at that. be me soul, that maks a nagur’s color,” “Barney, 1 done hate ter disagree wid yer or hurt yer feelin’s, but I must mention dat youam de biggest liar on two legs,” ; ; be pa manes foight ivory toime in Paddy’s 1an “Tse got de buttin’ cramp comin’ inter me “Be off with you, you rascal, and never show and unknown to the general public began the greatjneck, I done spec’s V’se got ter butt some one - your face around here again,” said Frank to the ) tramp sternly, for he was now well satisfied that ‘ he was unworthy of charity. _ “Maybe you think you kin drive me, young fel- ler? I’m tough, I be, an’ I mought hit yer onct on the smeller, if ye gimme any back talk,” said the tramp, blustering up to Frank. ve search for Pe anak gold mine, The second day of the journey was drawing to a close when the party on the tally-ho observed a red reflection on the sky ahead. Then passing over a ridge on the vast plains which they were now traversing, they beheld at no great distance, near a small clump of timber o1 ‘or cure ’em.” “Sure an’ it’s mesel’ is the docthur to cure the loikes av yez. It’s manners I’ll be afther baten intil yez. Come on, yezimage yez!” roar- ad Barney. | , Despite the great danger from the Indians whom they were soon to be called upon to contend with
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6. FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. for their lives, the two ridiculous fellows seemed determined on what Barney would affectionately term ‘a bit av a shindy.” hieanwhile the electric tally-ho had sped on- ward toward the settler’s cabin. “Crack, crack, crack!” came the sharp report of the Sioux’ discharged guns as they surged about the swiftly moving coach. r he din of the fusillade had for the moraent oc- cupied allof Frank Reade’s attention. But now Dr. Vaneyke touched the young inventor on the arm. Frank turned quickly, and asked: “What is it, doctor?” “Barney and Pomp are at it ugain!” replied the good doetor, indicating the absurd pair of chronic quarrelers, —— j Burney had got his coat off, and he had discard- 6a his gun for his favorite shillalah, and he was * brandishing the stick as if about to attack Pomp, That sable,gentloman had his head lowered, and he was evidertly all ready to meet Barney’s threat- ened attack half way. “Hold there, or Ill fling you both out of the nea you rascals!” cried Frank, stamping his oot. At that moment there was the sound of a heavy fall on the roof of the tally-ho. Yank Beckbridge, who was looking out of one of the loop-holes, sprang back with an ejaculation. “Tnjun on the coach, by mighty!” §*Thin, begcb, he’s my meat!” roared Barnvy, and us quick as thought he touched the electric spring which held the sliding doorin the top of the tally-ho in place. _ Like a flash the door slid back, and ‘‘thump!” down into the vehicle a huge Sioux warrior was precipitated. Barney and Pomp fell upon the astounded red- skin. He had gained the side of the tally-ho, mounted on his mustang, and one bound from the back of his pony, had enabled the agile fellow to reach the top of the vehicle. “Bind him securely, Barney,” said Frank Reade, as the Irishman and the darky held the Sioux motionless. Frank was promptly obeyed. g Then all hands sprang to the loopholes and sent a volley of bullets among the Indians, Meanwhile the cunning redskins had sought to : stop the coach by shooting down the metal horses. ~- Volley after volley of bullets had been discharg- _ ed at the team of the tally-ho in rapid succession. The Indians saw the bullets strike the horses, and they heard the sharp “‘ping” of metallic contaet. - But although they discharged bullets enough with which to stay a dozen such teams as that at- tached to the tally-ho, had they been real living horses, Frank Reade’s equine wonders continued on, of course, as though the hostile bullets of the Indians were so many snowflakes. 3 The superstitious Indians were amazed and alarmed. ‘To them the strange vehicle and its four steeds assumed supernatual attributes. The oldest warriors drew off and shook their heads as they muttered: “Great medicine! Great medicine!” In a moment more the burning cabin would be reached. Frank saw the necessity of immediately dispers- ing the enemy. : ; 7 He accordingly gave Pomp some instructions, and the darky. made haste to get out some hand- grenades. The door in the top of the tally-ho was then opened again and a shower of the explosive gren- ades were hurled among the enemy. This strange volley completed the rout and consternation of the redskins. The party from the woods wheeled their ponies and galloped madly away. “Great Medicine, pballs !”” they. yelled. Now the seore of Indiahs on foot about the burning cabin were preparing to rush against it shoot thunder and lightning with a log. They meant to use the log ds a bat-|went up from Frank Reade and the rest of Bar-|men, tering-ram, and beat down the door. ButFiank Reade’s tally-ho came charging up just in time to. defeat the purpose of the savages. _|lesson before we let him go.” of his rescuers and shook them warmly. black sky. safety. He questioned the settler, and the latter assured Frank that there was a settlement twenty miles further West which he desired to reach. So the inyentor took the settler and his wife and child on board the electric tally-ho and prom- ised Lo convey them to the settlement they desired to reach. : “What is to be done with the redskin we have captured. I don’t want to burden the coach with him, and yet I don’t like tohayve him shot. Sup- pose we turn him loose,” said Frank, as the party was getting ready to resumé the journey, “One less 0’ the pizen whelps every time a red are wiped out,” said Yank Beckbridge. « But it isn’t Christian to slay even an Indian save in self defense.” f **J ain’t gone into the missionary business yet Hatt ra growled the old trapper, a trifle sul- enly. “Tuff me git jiss one shot at dat cigar store sign, an’ den you’se welcome to him for missionary purposes,” said Pomp, “Y spees he’d need a missionary powerful bad about den if dar was any funeral fur de red,” the darky added showing his ivories ina grin, , “Be the shamrock so green, I’il tell yez what to do with the murderin’ spalpeen,” cried Barney. - «Well, what is your adyice, Barney?” replied Frank. x “Lave the red nagur loose an’ let the loikes av me have a bit ay’ a ruction wid him. Sure an’ I'll the white folks again, be dad.” Frank Jaughed, and the doctor said: “Tt is evident we must get rid of the Indian, and we do not want his blood on our hands, it would be as well to allow Barne “Right ye are. Shure an’jit’s a foine wise man yez are, docthur!” exclaimed Barney. : - vt Leu you’re about right, doctor,” assented rank. : ; “You may release the Indian and have your ruction with him if you like,” added Frank. “Whoop! Paddy forever! Bogs an’ turf! Shades o’ Donnybrook ! er yer two eyes on me, Pomp, til yez see how nate I'll he afther batin’ the head av the heathen blackguard!” cried Barney. Then he and Pomp dragged the big Indian out of the coach, cisarmed him and then set him free. The Indian leaped to his feet with a defiant yeh, and he would have taken to his heels and ran for it but he was hemmed in by. Frank’s party. Barney was dancing about before the Indian in a moment, “Ugh. White man want fight, eh?” grunted the huge Indian. “That’s the music this band is playin’, begob! Come on, Reddy, ould boy, till I pate yez one good ould Irish belt on the smeller!” roared Barney. “Ugh! Injun whip white man heap has Ly uttered the huge savage flercely, and with clinched fists he made a rush at Barney. “Tet her go, Gallagher!” roared the Irishman, who was now in his glory. The succeeding moment Barney and the Indian were at it tooth and nail. They were pretty well matched, too. Suddenly they clinched, and as both went to the ground the Indian was seen to reach out into the prairie grass and pick up a long, keen-bladed Sioux sealping- knife, which one of the warriors who had fled must have dropped, Almost the yery n struggle which ensued between him and Barney, the fadinn came on top, and a cry of horror then ext succeeding moment in the ney’s friends. They saw the treacherous Indian raise the scalp- ing knife which he had secured, and they knew A shower of rifle-balls and hand-grenades did|that the misereant meant to murder poor Barney fearful execution among the howling sayages,jon the spot. ! ane in a brief space the survivors fled for their ves, smoke rushed 4 man and a woman. In her arms the woman clasped a little child. CHAPTER Y. ROAD AGENTS. Then out of the cabin amid a torrent oljiike a flash. He meant fle leaped to his shoulder to shatter the knife hand of the Indian before his deadly blow could fall upon Barney. pata But asthe trapper raised his weapon Pomp, with a bellow of rage, ducked his head, and shot forward at the Indian who threatened Barney’s life like a human missile from a powerful catapult. Pomp’s head struck the savage below the belt The old trapper’s ri “HEAVEN must have sent you to our rescue.|before hecould deal the murderous stab he medi- ‘We owe our lives to’ you,” said the settler’s wife, as}tated, . £ she sank down at the feet of Frank, Reade, whohad} The Indian went back on the ground with aloud alighted from the coach which he stopped a mo-|thud, a ment previously. _ The poor woman’s h ¢ ’ of usband could scarcely speak!) nd he remained motionless. " Pomp’s ferrific blow had knocked all the breath ut of his body. ; so great was his emotion; but he grasped the hands parney regained his feet and seized Pomp by the The cabin was doomed, and the roof fell with a crash sending up a shower of sparks against the|Begob, ye are a foine gossoon as iver stood in shoe bate the spalpeen until he’ll never want to foight Perhaps h y to teach him a and. “*Forgive me allI sver done agin yez, Pomp! leather, if yez area nagur! Begob, I’ll bate the Frank felt that duty demanded that he shouldjhead ay the man as dare say a word agin yez,” ho see those whom he had rescued to a place ofjsaid. ¢ “Dat’s all right, Barney. I reckon I wasn’t er gwine ter see dat red nigger pull his razor on yer an’ not took a han’ in de game,” replied Pomp. Then Barney pulled out his flask and treated Pomp, and the old trapper said: if ; ‘Them two are the dratedest fools I ever run agin. Now they are a-havin’a love feast, an’ the next moment they may be fightin’ like a pair of wildcats.” “Come. Let’s be off. We will leave the redskin to reflect upon the error of his ways. I trust... ~ Bone method may accomplish his conversion,” “2 said Frank Reade, i Then the party boarded the electric tally-ho, and the wonderful conveyance was got in motion with-. out delay, : : mS Ten miles further on the electric vehicle struck the Chippeway road, The stage line from Ghippe- way to Little Boseman mine traversed the Chippe-° way road, and so it was kept in pretty good repair by the stage company. ; ; Frank ran the tally-ho along the stage road to- ward Chippeway, for that was the settlement the rescued settler wanted to’ go to. s Good time was made or the road tally-ho was in among the hills. Suddenly from ahead came the report arms, the clatter of wheels and affrigh ie ““Hollo! What's that?” exclaimed the doct®®: “Ther Chippaway stage are in trouble sures. shootin’. Shouldn’t wonder if that there infernal > 4 , and soon, the “Let’s put on all ther speed we hey got an‘ downon the road agents if so be they are atfl the coach,” said Yank. j _Frank depressed the main lever, and there of thé conch was increased.” A bend in theroad== had concealed the scene ahead, but this beniwas ¥ quickly turned vy the electric tally-ho. : ry ; Then under the moonlight the party inthcally- ho beheld a thrilling sight. Wistang ee at df The stage from Chippaway drawn by fou fine black hosses, and evidently full of passengeriwas drawn up on the trail. : The driver had dropped the reins and saivith both hands held above his head, staring wth 4 look of terror at a revolver, which was leved ab——~ his head by a man attired in full Indian gartand whose face was hidden by a black mask. - _ “Indian Ralph, to a dead certainty,” saii Ola Yank, as he and Frank Reade looked throug the | front window of the electric tally-ho. ean ‘ The road agent who) covered the frightned ‘*jehu” was mounted on a splendid steed, an\ he hada dozen men with him, who were also we mounted. i These latter had surrounded the Chippayay coach, and, with leveled revolvers, Were ordéring the passengers to hand over their valuables, “We'll spoil this night’s work for Mr, Injian Ralph!” said Frank, ; Bey The next moment Frank gave the word t6 his friends, and they discharged a volley at the road © robbers as they came thundering down upor them — in the great tally-ho. ~ ah Tete f i i i j f J OHAPTER VI. . A PRAIRIE FIRE. InpIAN! Raten’s band was not composed heroes, and the chief of the road agants w nit : self a coward. Ho could hold up a coach ty] of timid passengers well enough, when backed by xx, but he never contested with anything like di equal force, Resmi cnmas te Tho appearance of the electric tally-ho was cal- cwated to strike a feeling of awe and terror to the _. heart of any one who did not know what its secret was. ; ee, : Now on through the night, under the moonlight, came the wonderful vehicle at full speed. The electric lights on the sides of the tally-ho ro- flected brilliantly, and the blazing Heat of the elee- tric fire in the horses’ eyes flashed forth rays that seemed like unearthly flame. % No driver was visible on the tally-ho. All abo it was to the road agents mysterious, terrible, a inspiring. i a 4 Suddenly the electric bell began to ring, and that sound and the detonation of the shots fired — from the interior of the vehicle completed the con-d" sternation of the road-agents, ort tare bea _ They fled, nor stood not on the order of their go-d ing ier pears an BD ts B=
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FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. ace eee aah Peli-mell, as though each man wished to be first] There was not one of them standing when hear-|guide the team, while I try to repair the injury to in the race, the road-agents dashed away at theirjing Frank Reade shout *‘allaboard,” Barney and|the battery.” | best speed. Pomp rushed out of the inn. *‘ All right, Frank. Make haste for your life, | Then the stage driver, whom it turned out origin-;. Frank was all ready for a start, and assoon as|We must gain more speed, or the flames will run | ally came from Readestown, yelled in delight: Pomp and Barney got aboard the tally-ho started.|us down,” replied the doctor, as be placed himself “rank Reade has come! Hurrah, the boss in-| Swiftly it sped away, and Pomp and Barney|at the guiding levers. ~ yentor forever!” : laughed as they heard the ugly yells which were} Frank at once got out the needed jars and ap- | And Indian Ralph, hearing the name of the man|presently uttered by the roughs they had left be-|pliances to repair the battery, and Barney and who had marked him for life, shouted as he turned|hind, ank Beckbridge, the old trapper, assisted him. - in the saddle: Frank Reade was aware that Barney and Pom *Begob,” said Barney, glancing through the “for the second time you hold the winning|had engaged in a fight at the inn, and he took/front window, ‘‘ Pomp, the nagur, is doin’ av the | hand, Frank Reade! Beware of our third meet-|theni to task for it, bareback act in foine style. Faith, an’ it’s better ing 1’? iia But when Barney related how the English bully|thin a cireus to.see him batin’ toime on the hum ty Frank’s only answer was a defiant laugh, andjhad first insulted him, Frank said he didn’t blamelav the big buffalo. Bedad, it’s a bad fix he is in!” the road agent chief thundered on and disap-|Barney and Pomp at all, “True, since he cannot jump off of the buffalo peared among tha hills. OChippaway village was reached in safety, without endangering his life,” assented Frank. Then, of course the passengers could not say| There the rescued settler found friends, ‘‘No, be me soul Pomp can’t be afther makin’ a enough pleasant things to Frank. But the young} After a day’s rest, during which time Frank and|jump, for the buffalo weet in among the herd, an’ inyentordid not pause long to listen to the thanks/the old trapper devoted themselves to the study of|if Pomp was to lep; it’s thrampled intil the sod he’d of the party. the old Indian map, upon which they depended|be in the whisk ay a skeeter’s ear,” "] Soon the tally-ho was in motion, continuing to-|to find the lost gold mine, a new start was made, ‘An’ ther old bull the coon is ridin’ ain’t likely ward Clippeway, while the stage coach was driyen| The electric tally-ho was soon far out on the|to separate from the herd. But if I git half a brisk] E toward its destination. prairies again. chance ter drop the sights o’ old ‘ Kill Sure’ on the Nothiig more was seen of Indian Ralph and his} The dry heat of a September day without rain|bison, I might drop him. Jist let the old buffler band thén. { had parched the prairie grass until it was a mass|lag behind for a minute, an’ I'll try a shot,” said The electric tally-ho kept on without further ad-|of yellow hay, save where the ground retained|thé trapper, ; venture until it arrived at a primitive wayside inn|some moisture along the water courses. ‘* That’s an excellent idea, Beckbridge. Ican do ten milés from Chippeway. Toward the close of a beautifal day old Yankjvery well now with Barney’s assistance, and so if There our party stopped for refreshments, Beckbridge, thu trapper, called Frank Reade’s at-|you will go on top with your rifle, you may gain - Of Sourse the tally-ho came in for a great deal of|tention toan ominous dark cloud on the horizon|a chance for a shot at Pomp’s strange steed,” said Admiration, and great was the wonder of thelbehind them, Frank. ‘ap_tuiners about the inn when Frank Reade| ‘Do you know what that is?” asked the trapper,| “ Good! Here goes,” assented the trapper. © plained for their diversion how the tally-ho was|pointing. Then, rifle in hand, he ascended to the top of Wi vked, 2) Ss ‘ “T do not, unless itis a prairie fire,” the vehicle, eh sney scented whisky, and while the rest of his}. ‘‘Right. The wind blows from the east, and as} Just then Pomp’s voice was heard. wt was outside about the coach the Irishman|sure as you live that fire is gaining on us.” | “ Fore de good Lawd, honies, stop dis yero four- el y , ' went into the dingy bar-room to get his flask] As he spoke, in the dark on-coming cloud Frankjlegged bullgine, er I’se a gonersuah! I’se a hoss- filled, saw the flash of the red devouring flames which|man, I is, clean from me butes up, but I done Almost immediately after Barney entered a six-jwere licking up the prairie grass at race horse|Graw de line at buffler bulls. *Deed I does!” miner strode into the bar-room. speed, “Hang on, nigger, er there ’ull be one less “Hi ham Hinglish, donteher know, an’ me} ‘And asTlive a big herd of buffler are beingjmonument ’er the fifteenth amendment mighty ‘andle is ’Henglish Hicks. Hiham ther boss fire|ehased by the fire, an’ the mighty army o’ bisonare|suddent. Buffler hoofs are mighty depressin’ ter drinker-o’-the-Rockies, Hi ham ther terror o’|comin’ this way too!” ther system !” called out the old tapper facotiously. Chippaway, han Hi kin lick henny bloomin’| ‘Then we. are menaced by a double peril. Wel. “Dat’s all right. Hangin’ on am jiss de only job blawsted galloot of a white man in Montana, tersay|/may be run down by the buffalo and be overtaken|I’se aged in ’bout now, an’ I’se doin’ two men’s hothink hof Irish,niggers er Chinamen,” bellowed|by the fire.” , work at it. Couldn’t done hire dis chile ter do the English bully. \ - | “Yes. Put on every grain 0’ ’lectriclty ye hey|nuffin’ else at de present moment., Oh, gollie!” He was fighting drunk, and he had at ono glancejgot in ther bilers, an’ let the old hosses go for all| Pomp gaye a yell of fright, as at that moment oe discovered Barney’s nationality, as he could searce-|ther are in ’em!” cried the old trapper. F the frightened bull made an extra high bound. ly have failed to have done, since the map of lre-} Frank Reade Bron Deby followed this advico, The darky bounded clear off the animal’s back, . and was written on Barney’s face, “Do you think we can outrun the flames and the|but fortunately he came down astride of the huge. ~-English Hicks was known as a bad man,|buffalo?” asked the doctor, anxiously. _ hairy hump again witha bump. . Everybody about the inn was also aware that he| ‘ Perhaps,” rejoined Frank. Pomp’s wool stood right up straight. He was particularly hated Irishmen. But as he spoke there came a strange sound from)|frightened almost out of his wits, for he had come All thought Hicks would unmercifully beat the|the battery. Frank opened the door of/the battery-|very near falling, ( ‘ Trish “tenderfoot,” unless he ran for it. room, and saw that four of the generating jars] Despite the extreme peril of Pomp’s situation he Tho landlord slyly whispered to Barney. had exploded. The speed of the team was de-|made sucha ludicrous appearance that his friends “You better git out, stranger, or English Hicks|creased. . were compelled to smile. . will just eat ye up, All the six roughs who just| The buffalo and the chasing flames gained onour| Beckbridge, with his rifle held ready for a shot, came in with Hicks are his followers, an’ they willjfriends. i had crouched down on the top of the tally-ho, and ‘stand by him.” Presently the buffalo herd was all about thejhe was waiting for an PUAN to drop the buf- . “Begob, I’m an Irishman, long loife til the|coach. ; . |falo ridden by Pomp, if the animal dropped out of _ lotkes ay me. An’sure an’ it’s not the likesava bafe] Barney and Pomp were on top of the vehiele.|the herd. , ; ‘ : _ atin’ Englishman as kin scare the loikes av me.jJAll at once the wheels of the tally-ho struck a| Frank worked as swiftly as possible, striving to Begoh, I'll bate the head ay the brayin’ bully.|rock. get the battery in shape again. i Sue there niver was an Englishman yet hatched] ‘he shock made Pomp lose his balance. And meanwhile the air grewswarmer as the pur- #8 could stand forninst Barney O’Shea—whoop!” | Down he went amid the compact mass of moy-|suing conflagration steadi M approached, Thus cried Barney, and he threw off his coatling buffalo beside the tally-ho, ; ‘*Hasten with your task, Prank,” admonished and spiton hishands, y “Poor Pomp are a goner, begob!”” cried Barney,|Dr. Vaneyke anxiously. They didn’t know Barney there, and all pitied|thinking the darky would be trampled to death} Frank needed not to be thus urged, andin a him. They thought he had about as good as|under the hoofs of the rash buffalo herd. shorter space of time than he would haye deemed. ordered his owncoffin, Hi But not so. By a singular chance Pomp alight-|possible, urged by stress of circumstances, hoe had But they were a-going to get acquainted with|ed apon the neck of a huge buffalo bull, There|the battery in order. \ Barney pretty soon, Steak Pom P clung for dear life while the frightened ani-|_ Immediately then there was an increase of spaced ‘The big English bully. was destined to make his}mal dashed on at increased speed, due to the augumented electrical supply, and acquaintands at once. fhe The buffalo herd swerved southward in their|Barney uttered a delighted “ whoop” as the tally- “Irish! Hi ham ha goin’ ter cuff ye all round|course, and while all experienced great fear forjho forged ahead again at its old speed, ther room, Gitdown hon yer marrer bones han’|Pomp’s safety, the electric tally-ho’s course was| The presence of the yelling darky among the ax me parding, or Hi start the circus,” roared the|changed, and it was started to follow Pomp on his|buffalo not only served to frighten the animal he: English.rough. involuntary buffalo ride, ; rode, but also alarmed the rest of the herd. eee on Barney as he spoke, The other animals strove to draw away from “Somebody Wide me. Begob an’ Johnny Bull Pomp’s bull, and presently, as the tally-ho gained ed the see ay facet Stee BAAN, BBG then CHAPTER VII. we rapi ly, sa ot aaa Ny. zomp stumbled into a wittt® sudden leap he dea 6 huge bully a heavy}: ; rairie dog’s hole, and the other anim . ene e anne: fist right betwoon is een POMP’S RIDE—THE ELECTRIC CANE. areaae BS. euala forged that made him see stars and dropped him like al Ir was.a very exciting time for Frank Reade and] As the huge bull went down Pomp. gave a back- log. : ; his friends, as they raced on in the electric tally-ho|ward leap, and landed all in a heap on the prairie, “Come on, ye murderin’ blackguards! Whoop Ilin spat of the buffalo bull, upon the back ofjin the rear of the fallen buffalo, Donnybrook lads forever, Ould Ireland’s shamrock|which Pomp clung for dear life, : At the same time, very nearly, the old trapper’s -is on top!” yelled Barney. The flames of the conflagration behind them were|rifle cracked, and a shot struck the buffalo, But He was right in his element now, and in for ajsteadily gaining upon the tally-ho, and a densolit was not a dead shot, and the animal gained its free fight with the Fnplish bully’s gang. black cloud of smoke hung above the heads of the|feet and staggered on, ; The six roughs who were the Englishman’s|fugitives. : But Pomp was saved, The delighted darky comrades now rushed at Barney. The danger was imminent, for the explosion of the|sprang up none the worse for his involuntary ride, The odds were so largely against the brave Irish-|four generating jars whieh formed a part of the|jand in the exuberance of his joy turned a flip-flop man that it might have fared hardly with him then, electric battery retarded the speed of the wonderful|that would haye dore credit to a professional but all at once a jolly voice shouted: vehicle. ; ae 3 acrobat, eae E “ Olarde track fo’ de black cyclone! Dar’s a bliz-| Frank Reade recognized at once the urgent neces-| The tally-ho was soon brought to a standstill be- zard from de old Kentucky shore right on deck!” Hy for repairing the battery. Ne [side Eom, and the darky was taken aboard. The same moment Pomp shot into the bar-room,| He carried, carefully packed in the supply locker,| ‘‘Bedad,” exclaimed Barneys as he shook hands. and ducking his head, began to butt Barney’s|an extra outfit of galvanic jars, and the necessary|with Pomp warmly, ‘* it’s the champion buffler assailants, while the Irishman’s fists did him good|chemicals wherewith to charge them, so as to gen-|rider yez are, an’ bufller ridin’ bates the jantin’- service also, atten s ' jerate galvanic electricity very rapidly. ear for jouncin’ clane out.” x In just about ten seconds the Englishmen’s| ‘‘Doctor,” said Frank, a moment alter the bnffa-} “I done wonder if.I am allhere. *Spees I done crowd was tho sickest\band of roughs and bullies|lo herd had swerved to the southward and thun- orap pee pate ob myself on de prairer |” said Pomp, eyer seen in Montana, dered by, “please take my place at the levers, and!feeling himself ruefully, : is , ; 7 wae
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8 FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. i 4 “T reckon I done need medicine mighty bad.| Ofcourse Frark was invited to stay,and ina! The mad bull plunged forward and fell on the *Spose dat you han’ me a dose, Barney,” he addedjfew moments all his party wera made to feelatiplain. Pomp’s bullet had passed through his with a comical wink. home, heart, “Faith an’ I will that. Shure an’ there’s the} The tally-ho was drawn upin front of theranch-| But on wént' the bucking\mustang toward a medicine yez are afther nadin’,” replied Barney. jhouse, und when it had been duly inspected and|clump of timber near by. Barney still clung to His flask was forthcoming at once, and Pompjadmired by the wondering ranchman and _hisjhis back. : \ took his “ medicine” like a man. cowboys, it was left in charge of the old trapper,| As the mustang approached the timber a mount- But now the fugitive buffalo herd was observed|to whom the incidents of ranch life were an oldjed man dashed out of it, He. was hatless and his toact strangely. The animalsstumbled and strug-jstory, while the others went out to watch the cow-|face wore an expression of terror. His horse was gled forall the world as though they had all run}boys. ; evidently well-nigh exhausted with hard riding, ; into a swamp. Wd “We haye plenty of horses; suppose you all} Barney had almost lost his wits, and he oral: as! “JT know what’s up!” called out Beckbridge.|mount and take a handin the sport?” invited the|he beheld the stranger: 4 ears st } “The herd has struck a dog village, Ther course|/ranchman, addressing Frank and his friends. *Stop'me horse! Stop the long-eared jack rab- 0’ the tally-ho must be changed, or we'll gitcaught} But Frank looked askance at the vicious looking|bit, if yez are a Christian 1” \ in the holes.” mustangs and shook his head, as did the doctor. ‘The new-comer was a splendid rider, and he gskill- Frank had now resumed his place at the guid-| “ Many thanks, but I’ve seen these mustangsifully brought his horse up. alongside o Barney’s ing-lever, and he promptly changed the course ofjbuck berore to-day, and I had rather be excused,”|mustang, and caught the animal by the hits, sie the vehicle. ; tl said Frank, smiling. : Barney jumped to the ground the irstant the The prairie dog town was thus skirted, and pres-| Theranchman laughed. _ mustang stopped, and making a sudden leap, the ently a green bottom land, along a water-course,| Just then, however, the voices of Pomp and Bar-janimal tore away from the stranger’s hold, _ Was reached. ney were heard, and, as usual, they were wrang-|. “I must on; the men who are pursuiny me-are Night had now come, but there was a moon, andjling. They had gone up toa lot of mustangs,|close behind!” exclaimed the stranger,” aid now ~ the electric lights further illuminated the plains. |which those of the cowboys not yet out among the|Barney had time to see that he was & yoihg man, Frank ran tho tally-ho straight for the green bot-|cattle had led from a corral. adelante ofa fine handsome face, and jyith an tom land, and the speed which the electric vehicle] “‘ Begob, an’ it’s mesel’ as will bet Sherpas price ay|honest look about him altogether that quite wen was now enabled to attain was sufficient to dis-|a gallon ay the ould stuff I kin!” cried Barney. |Barney. rorks ¢ | - tance the conflagration in the rear. : “Gollie! I done took dat bet, Irish,” asserted). ‘‘Sure an? who is afther yez?” he asked. ‘ The tally-ho reached the bottom land, and there,|Pomp. : ely be Montana vi ilantes. The hounds mean to close by a stream, it was halted. “ Begob, an’ I’ll not back down from me worrud.”|hunt me down'and hang me, though I am an inno- The flames came on, but they stopped at the} “Then youse done bet youse kin ride any objcent man,” came the surprising answer, edge of the green grass, and struck southward. It/dem yere mustangs. Am dat de size ob de wager, CY tae on was pretty hot where the Coach was, and the air|sah?” ‘ OH APTER Seer was fullof smoke and cinders, but soon the fire] ‘* Bedad, nagur, an’ ye hey it right.” ER ot ' ‘had passed, and our friends were unharmed. “Dat’s all right. Den luff me see yer takel dat WORKING TO SAVE A ZiFE. "ie According to Beckbridge’s: understanding of the|yellow mustang what's got his ears laid back like] “Br the harp ay Tara, it’#@ good tirimyert hive old Indian map, the course of the tally-ho should/dey was ironed down agin his head.” ~ |done the loikes av me by stoppin’ ay the jackads.) b now be due northwest. “Bah, what yer thinkin’ av? Faith, an’ I'll ridelan’ sure an’ it’s not an Irishman Iam at allat all Accordingly, alter some little time had elapsed, |the critter an’ not half thry. Why didn’t yez picklit I don’t play the part av a friend foreninst yez!* * the tally-ho struek north. It was not necessary tOjout a wild looking wan?” said generous, Pabktead old Barney. eross the stream which at this point curved almost} The cowboys who were standing by grinned,and| «Thanks for your kind intention. But full two due west. looked at each other knowingly. score men, whose eyil passions are aroused, mean. As the journey was resumed the doctor observed] Frank and the others came up, and they all saw|to execute an unjust vengeance upon me, and flight a strange-looking cane in a rack inside the tally-|there was sport ahead. lig my ‘only resource.” : errs ho, At a first glance it looked like an ordinary! “ts an Irishman I am, begob, an’ I’ll neyer| “But begob, yezean’t go far. Sure, yez horse cane, but there was something about it whichitake a dare from anagur. So Lere goes to mountlis blown, an’, be the powers, it’s fallin’ under yez * caused the doctor to suspect otherwise. the yeller jackass,” cried Barney. ' the animalwull be if ye kape on. You look like So he said to Frank: Then he threw off his coat and hat, and ran upjan honest man. Faith, an’ I’m thinkin’ I’ll take “Is that cane some new electrical device Ofito the yellow mustang, A cowboy who held thelye till me masther, Frank Reade, Jr.” yours?” 53 reins surrendered them. Barney grabbed the reins] ‘Then lead’on. If Tecan only hide somewhere,” Yes,” replied the inventor, “The cane is hol-jand made an attempt to mount. 5 and throw the bloodhounds’ off my track, I may low. In the large metal handle is an electric coil|’ Then the way that mustang squatted until his|yet be saved. Ihave heard of Frank Reade, Jr, —a miniature battery, in fact. Passing the whole|pelly almost touched the ground was a sight toland I know he is a wonderful man, Would to length of the canois a metal rod, which terminates|se¢; . : : ' |Heaven I could enlist his sympathy.” in the ferrule of the cane at the bottom, The rod is) Barney was innocent of what was coming, and} “Sure, an’ yez may,” said Barney. \ be insulated by means of a layer of non-conductor.|ne said: Then the stranger urged his horse forward, and Thus it is perfectly harmless to the person carry-| * Begob, an’ it’s well trained the jackass is to|Barney ran beside him. On they went at fullspeed, ing it by the handle, but one has only to touch a)knale foreninst the rider to let him mount.” © and they soor reached the place where Frank man with the bottom end to give him # severe} Then with perfect assurance the jolly Irishman|Reade and the others were standing, p shock. I made the cane merely for amusement,||eaped upon the back of the mustang, and up went} * Begob, here’s a poor feller that the vigilantes ~ ' but it may come handy to startle the natives with|the back of the “ bucker” as though his back waSjare afther huntin’ like he was a wild beast!” cried yet,” replied Frank. t a hickory bow, and up also went Barney. ~ Barney. . _Early the following morning the tally-ho came in) “ Murther! Worra! Worra! It’s the divil’s own) But at that moment the ranchmanand the new sight of a great cattle ranch, jackass I’ve sthrueck!” he yelled, as he came downjarrival uttered exclamations of recognition upon’ BAY FEI ' lon-the beck of the “bucker,” and got a terrible|beholding eacn other. at j shaking UD; : Pay , “Why, Tom Hampton! Where in the world did CHAPTER VIII. zs The cowboys shouted with laughter. you come from? I thought you were far away at THE BUCKING MUSTANG—A HUNTED MAN. . |, Pomp rolled over in the grass and “haw-hawed ”/your Eastern home said the ranchman, * roached| Up he went the next moment, as the Sipe been in Northern Montana for some time. _Yester- the ranch-house, that there was a scene of activity|bucked again, and then away the animal dashe rounded by’a veranda. “Whoa! Whoa! Stop, yespalpeen! Stop, yellantes were on his trail. He denounced me to All about it: were large, well-built cattle-pens, |murtherin’ crature, yez!_ Stop, or bedad TI’ll bate|them when he was overtaken, swore T was a road pad vast herds of cattle dotted the surrounding|the head ay ye!” roared Barney. robber, and had tried to‘hold him up.’ The’ fact plains. A A number of cowboys, well mounted and riding|cattle which were with the gracefui, reckless abandon characteristic of|/pen, : ea) they are Beskin the horsemen of the wild west, were engaged in| All at once there was an alarming shout from Hampton, and t } ‘rounding up ” the herds, . the men at the branding-pen. not fee] that he was telling the truth, driven in and counted. The yearlings, two-year-|branding-pen. Ms protect him?” olds and‘* mavericks,” or those that have as yet es-| “Get out of the way, stranger, or tlie mad bull] There was a shout of caped branding, are separated from the others, and|wil! charge ye!” yelled a cowboy at Barney. Frank Reade then said: Frank modestly disclaimed any celebrity, and|shot halted, his weapon sprang to his shoulder, laugh on me when I was humpin’ on dat buffler. qt ‘ 5 f
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FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. 9 ————___———.. { an’ did yez think {didn’t enjoy the ride? Be melvehicle began to advance. his wind, There’s nothing like making an example faith, in ould Ireland it’s not a ridin’ horse yez| All Frank’s party ran for it with Hampton. of such fellows once we get hold of them.” ‘ean find that isn’t trained to make the same) Frank came last, having paused to say a parting] The speaker and most of the vigilantes had now ‘playful leps as the yeller divil was up to. Taith,)word to Benedict, the ranchman. dismounted. ; ‘ ‘jt was all nuts for me. I never enjoyed a ride] But now the vigilantes came charging back again.| As the words last above recorded passed the lips since I left the ould sod so well before. But it’sjand as Frank Reade ran for the tally-ho one of the|of the bearded rascal, who sought by means of false ‘not a nagur I’m afther allowin’ to guy me, all thejvigilantes skillfully cast a lasso at him. evidence to condemn Frank Reade to death, the game,” said Barney, and he pulled off his coatand} The succeeding moment Frank was jerked back-|young inventor made a sudden forward bound. | rolled up his sleeves. ward and surrounded by the enraged vigilantes. the lasso which encircled his neck Frank at the | “Hole on, dar! I done feel de blcod gittin’ hot —_— same moment cast aside, and before any one pres- | inside ob my head. Hole on, Irish, fo’ I butts. CHAPTER X, ant anticipated his purpose, or could lift a hand to Pat am de only way dat dis coon kin cool off his : prevent it, he reached his lying accuser. ‘system, vhen fb onee done got his fightin’ heat A VILLAIN UNMASKED, The succeeding moment Frank clutched the villain on!” warned Pomp. Dr. VANEYKE, Uampton, Barney and Pomp|by his bushy beard, and then a startling surprise A fight was imminent, but a diversion occurred/reached the electric coach. Ina moment they gained|transpired. ; 4 : “just then, the interior of the tally-ho, and then, glancing] The bushy beard the fellow wore came off in Fully forty mounted men dashed out of thejback, they saw what had befallen the young inven-|Frank’s. grasp, and with it the bandage about his sover whence the fugitive had come, and with|tor. aa, A head. init, shots of trinmph they advanced toward the ranch.| |All realized that Frank was in great danger. The} A dark, evil face, beardless save for a brigandish ‘The.ranchman blew a whistle, and his 2owboys,|vigilantes were, enraged and anxious to vent their}/mustache, was revealed, and it was also seen that . bumbering nearly a score, came riding in. vengeance upon some one. ; ; | Frank Reade believed that a conflict between the} It was clear that the vigilantes concludedjon his head, © Felkicd | eowboys dnd vigilantes was imminent. He ran Frank was-a friend of Hampton. None of the} frank had recognized him as he rodeup. . . : back to the electric tally-ho, gave Beckbridge some|lynchers knew who Frank was, and they took the) Now,as the unmasked villain sprang backward - instructions, and then returned carrying his elee- tally-ho, which had now come to a stand still, forjand uttered a yell.of rage as he sought to draw a . trie cane in his hand.. Heyy an ordinary vehicle. weapon, Frank shouted: oeealage _ “The: vigilantes ‘outnumber us two to one.) The suspicions of the vigilantes were aroused} ‘‘ Behold Indian Ralph the road agent! The We must try diplomacy, and ‘avoid a fight if welagainst Frank, not only because he was evidently|man of a hundred crimes stands before you!” _ ‘ean,’’ said the ranchman, j a friend to Hampton,*vut also by reason of the fact] There were men present who had seen the face “Yes,” assented Dr. Vaneyke. : that he was a stranger. of Indian Ralph when it was not concealed by the™ “sy O4 @eex9 the vigilantes until they were quite near.|. “I reckon this chap and the other fellers who|mask he always wore when he was in Indian garb‘ ‘Pen’ Benether ran his horse forward and shouted:|ran for the coach with Hampton are his gang./at the head of his robber band. x Malt! You areon my land. Advance no fur-|We’ve lost a good many head o’ stock, an’ more] ‘‘ Heis Indian Ralph!” cried several voices, ther until you state your business !” than one up-country man has been wiped out Then a rush was made forthe road-robber. __ The vigilantes drew rein. : ahd _ |by the robbers. - Let us make an example of this} But he sprang away, and;ho might have escaped Then Frank whispered to the fugitive and thejone if we can’t get Hampton. Though I reckor wejhad not Barney and Pomp, at a word from Frank, belligerent couple, kin run down his coach outfit sooner or Jater, if we|darted forward and seized the villain. . ride widout a nagur givin’ ay him the guy. Shure,|Beckbridge set the tally-ho in motion, and the] ‘‘Ofcourse he'll deny it. Isay, men, let’s stop” but the stump of the fellow’s right ear remained - ° ~» ‘Come, we will gain the electric tally-ho. . In it|set out fer it,” said the leader of the vigilantes, He received a double electric shock that pros- * Wwe.can distance your foes. Come, Pomp and Bar-| Just then Benedict rode up and addressed thejtrated him. : ‘ ney,” said Frank. lynchers sternly. P The vigilantes were now convinced that they had. Then they started to retreat, accompanied by the] ‘‘ Men,” said he. “Theman Hampton I know|been duped. i; doctor, But the vigilantes caught sight of Hamp-|to be an honest man, and the gentleman you haye| Frank was applauded, and, haying bound the ton, and they seemed to comprehend the purpose|/made a captive is Frank Reade, Jr., the great|/road agent hand and foot upon the back of his. he:had in mind. American inventor, who has just arrived in this|horse, the lynchers set out with him for the tim- Instantly the vigilantes dashed forward, circled|part of the country.” ber. MGS Ago 4) ‘ i bythe group of cowboys, and ranged themselves| Tho name of Frank Reade made.an impression,| ‘We'll hang him as a warning to all his kind. between Frank Reade und his companions and the|and the leader of. the vigilantes asked of the young|Nobody need fear of meetin’ Injun Ralph on the _ electrie tally-ho, thus catting.off their retreat. inventor, as he regarded him with new interest:|stage roads of Dakota arter to-day,” said the . oo Jate! We have delayed this move too} ‘Are you really Frank Reade, Jr.?” |leader of the party... 9: « baat long!” cried Dr. Yaneyke. , Frank was about to reply in the affirmative when| But the: road, agents’ chief, was strangely cool “We should have acted more promptly. But I|the man who had accused Hampton and who hadjand calm in the face of his peril. es ‘ desired to be sure I was right first;’ assented|fallen behind the vigilantes, rode up. “You’re sure of your. prey, you deyils, but Frank, nf ‘ j : The fellow heard Benedict pronounce Frank’sithere’s many a slip between the cup and the lip, At the same time he and his comrades ranged/name. T’ll stake you an even hundred in Uncle Sam’s themselves beside Hampton. The ranchman and| Theeye of the inventor was upon him, and he/good gold coin I don’t hang to-day!” he said, his cowboys also rode up to their support. saw the’ accuser give a sudden and violent start|sneeringly. g : j “Wo want that fellow, and we mean ter hang himjas their glances met. ; “You're game;, but your brayado won’t do ye fer hoss-stealin’ an’ murder. Surrender the crit-| A thrill traversed Frank’s frame, But he con-\no good. Better say yer prayers instead of mak- ter er thar’ll be trouble,” cried out the leader of cenled ‘his excitement, and let his eyes drop from|in’ bets,” replied the leader of the vigilantes. i the vigilantes. the face of the last arrival. Frank Reade and his friends watched the vig- “No, sir, We know he’s an’ honest man. You| The latter was bearded to the eyes, and he look-|ilantes ride ayway until they entered the timber. hays been fooled.. He bought the horse he’ rides,jed like a rough miner, just down from the moun-|with their prisoner. 3 and the fellow whoset you on his trail is the man|tain mines. When they had vanished Frank said to Bene- who is guilty,” retorted Benedict. “Hal? he exclaimed in a voice vibrating with|dict: j ‘Whoop! It’s aruction we'll have soon. A shin-|fierce exultation, as he shifted a red handkerchief| ‘I think I shall now continue my journey.” dy wid a big 8, begob, orit’s mightily disappointed| which he had tied about his head as a bandage. Vil be! cried Barney. “‘T see ye have caught one 0’ the pals o’ the hoss-|if you are bent on going on I will not attempt to Frank Reade quietly slipped his wonderful elee-|thief an’ murderer. I saw this chap with the fel-jdetain you. However, let me congratulate you on trical cane into Hampton’s hand and whisperedjlow we are hunting a few days ago in Red Bend.|the noble work you haye accomplished during some instructions in his ear, They were pals, you bet.” your short stay.” ji “Helio! Here comes the feller who accused] ‘You lie and you know it!” thundered Frank} ‘Don’t mention it,” said Frank, modestly. Hampton, His hoss stumbled and he fell behind,”|indignantly. “But I must. Such deeds are not to be passed said one of the vigilantes. : Meanwhile Frank’s friends in the coach had de-|over lightly. Why, man, you have saved a precious Just then asolitary horseman was seen coming cided how they would assist him. Suddenly, aj/human life, and unmasked one of the greatest ras- from the timber. moment or so later, Barney and Pomp leaped outjcals unhung,” replied Benedict. But a climax was now reached in the thrillingjof the tally-ho. vf t . “ Betther say greatest rascal Jing, for, begob, the scene, ‘ Frank saw them approaching as he gave the manjladdybuck is no doubt takin’ a swing in mid-air _ “Forward, men! Charge altogether, and we’ll|who denounced him the lie. be this toime,” put in Barney. ; ; snatch Harapton away from this gang!” cried the| He saw that both his devoted servitors wore their} It was not now necessary that Hampton should “cioilantes’ leader, and they made a rush. fine chain armor over their clothing, The burn-|continue his flight, for his innocence was pro- Soe mn wasthe onset that the men about ished steel flashed in the brilliant sunlight, and|claimed. So Frank and his friends said good-bye Hampton \aredriven back. They hesitated about Pomp.and Barney looked like gallant knights of bloodshed, tind in a moment the fugitive was alone the days of chivalry, ‘ the tally-ho moved away with all the inventor’s on his horse among his deadly foes. His lefthand| Frank understood, of course, that the devoted |party. - clutened the reins; in his right he brandished|couple meant to make an attempt toextricate him} The cowboys gave our friends a loud, rousing Frank Reade’s wonderful electrical cane. from his situation of peril. cheer, and away they went waving their hats and Then suddenly the horses of the vigilantes began| But the inventor hoped to accomplish his own|sending back an answering shout. : to rear and plunge, and snort and wheel and dashjrescue without assistance. Suddenly he caught away, despite all the efforts of their riders, It Barney’s eye, and gave him a covert signal. seemed as though the horses of the vigilantes had] The Irishman understood the sign and he ~ gone mad. Screaming, snorting, they tore away|whispered to Pomp: in every direction over the plains. “Sure masther Frank wants us to wait a bit. The vigilantes were amazed, a superstitious ter-|/Begob we must halt, but it’s mesel’ as is achin’ to RISE ror seized them, j bate the heads av’ the rascals.” ; Pes But Frark Reade understood it all. Both stopped, and Pomp replied: THE tally-ho made good time for some hours, Obeying the instructions the young inventor had| ‘“Goliie, I’se gwine ter make dem white trash|The route led along a coach road leading north. given him, Hampton had dashed hither and yon|dance the old Virginny breakdown when I gits/That night, however, a halt was made on the open CHAPTER XI. among the vigilantes, touching their horses with|jamong’em. Lor’, but de ole doctor done charge our|prairie, and the road had been left behind for some the electric cane as he followed his erratic course.|armor chuek full of ’lectricity, an’ I specs will make|hours. Bach horse received a shock as the cane came in|dem trash think dat we un’s am two fuss-class| Frank directed Pomp and Barney to build a fire” contact with it, and this was the secret of the|thunder and lightnin’ storms sot on legs; yes,|and get supper, , strange conduct of the animals. No wonder they|sah.” Then he and Yank Beckbridge, the- da trapper, were wild with terror, — : But when Frank gave the fellow who brought|took their guns and sauntered away toward a Novy for the tally-ho!” shouted the young in-|the false accusation against him the lie the latter|prairio island, or clump of timber, standing isolated ventor, and he blew a shrill whistle. “Instantly retorted: upon the clear plain. Teas oe to the man they had saved and the ranchman, and “J wish you could longer remain my guest. But - A MESSAGE FROM AN UNKNOWN—AN INDIAN SUR-_
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10 ' FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. pene = ————. --— But not far had Frank and his comrade gone} A chorus of loud, fierce yells—the blood-curdling} ‘Sure, and it’s more than a lead storm it would when they beheld a riderless horse come dashing}war-whoops ofthe Sioux Indians—rang out overjtake to clane a nagur white.” into sight and advance toward them. the plains. “Do yer mean to cast ’sinuations, sah?” ‘* Frank gave a “horse whistle ”—such asis usu-} The appalling sound emanated from the direc-| ‘‘ Don’t ye swear at me, nagur!” ally employed to call horses—and the coming horsejtion of the timber. : “Golly, I didn’t swear.” heeded the sound, thus showing he was familiar] Turning, Frank and Beckbridge beheld a thrill-| “Yes, yer did! Begob, fer two pins I’d bate the with it. 2 ing sight under the fading light of day. head av yez!” Gradually then the animal slackened his speed} A band of Sioux, mounted upon their hardymus-| “Am datso? I'll gib yer three.” until he halted near Frank and the old trapper.jtangs,-had suddenly emerged from the cover of the} ‘‘ Worra! Oh! the divil fly away wid the nagur?! Allanimals confided in Frank, seeming to know!prairie island. He’s broke the big toe av me.” instinctively that he was their friend. He had no difficulty in approaching the trem- bling, panting runaway, aud soon the young in- ventor had grasped the horse by the bit. Then he saw that the horse, which was snqw- white and a remarkably fine animal, was. capari- They numbered two score hideously painte Pomp had given hi a : braves, who were on the war-path, and bent upon|own eame Barney's end on the Irishineive toes, exterminating the whites, or drivingthem from “Bedad, it’s addin’ insult til injury the nagur is ue pee Reontids of Montana, _|doin’, Ill bate the head ay him! Pm a paceful course these were not the Indians Frank mon, but, begob, whin a nagur murthers the loikes Reade and his party had encountered at the burn-lay me it’s time to kick!” roared Barney. » soned with a lady’s saddle, and as he examined|ing cabin of the settler, as previously recorded. i further, his glance fell upon a folded bit of paper] The sudden outburst of vals iter hick the In- pen Se ea Spr Pomp, tantalizing) secured in the buckle of the stirrup-straps. dians signalized their rush from the timber, fright-| « Hock, hae Is, yo P, te b ines y: Frank hastened to remove the paper, and un-l/ened the white horse Frank was leading. ver | Quick ! ‘Gaick| ma Ot eho bout be ae 7 aca folding it he found it was merelya fragment torn] The animal gave a tremendous leap, and Frank hae late to save Frank Reade and the aids oe if) from a daily aAneceo ell was compelled to relinquish his hol upon the!ner!” cried the abatGe ee But it contained a thrilling message for all that.|bridle rein. “Begob, that’s so. Sure, an’ V’ll settle wid ye Upon the blank margin of the newspaper was the following lines of writing inscribed in a delicate female hand with a pencil, and undoubtedly in great haste: Frank-read the writing on the fragment of news- paper aloud to Beckbridge, thus: “J send Snowflake, my horse, away, with the hope Then away through the gloaming dashed the/another time, nagur,” said Barney. | white horse, and Frank and the old trapper broke} ‘“‘I’se right at home, sah, all de time. Ybu won’t into a run. 3 haye to get no search warrant ter found dis chile, {t was now with them a race for life. I done tole yer,” replied Pomp. / They knew they must reach the tally-ho ahead of] Then in a moment or so they opened the box the savages. But the speed of the mounted men|marked W. R. B,, and took out four sections of that he may bring help to save my ——”’ two whites on foot. ‘ were quickly set up on each-side of tlie coach Tho writing ended abruptly, as though the writer aa Sioux gained on Frank and Beckbridge very|where there were rows of loopholes. jot PS ee had been interrupted. ? rere y: Now then,” cried the doctor when eal of thi iaPaouaaltihet Adaxtaro7 Mother Rive arein dar eing they were to be run down, Beckbridge/tubes projected through a looper hall s89° ger, an’ I sort o’ reckon there’s some red deviltry a-goin’ on in this emijit neighborhood. T'here’s a sort o’ loadstun in my natur that draws me ter In- jun diffikilties, an’ I guess I’ll make a scout inter “This way, Frank. There’s small buffler waller|cess,” Ygene ante See gts inter it an’ try to hold! As he spoke the doctor attached a couple of x ires to a series of strange-looking clock-work 4 They changed their course, and a moment sub- Mf the timber,” said the old trapper. h 4 sequently they were in a depression where a water- Pe Dist isa tho ends ofthe quest et Soar eae Pee adeiood think ai ohsen ¢ hole, now dry, had been wallowed by a bison, Something entirely new. Winchester rifles of six- Be Oar Ue a aa te euthoeot this nobel Sere had Frank and his comrade gained thelteen shot repetition, each to work on the Gatlin ing the int Tee ra At ae tts Seo,” replied| alow when the Sioux began to circle about them,/gun plan improved. Tho discharging power a 1 am with you to the ‘end, Beckbridge,” replied! mating a pandemonium upon the plain with thelr/Glectricity. ‘this hopper fall of bullets is, the self- 7 xultant yells. feed of the rifles. When the electricity is appliedia “Good. But this here are one o ther kind 0'/°%. ‘j speculations about which ye want to go easy. We're Treed, by powder! My Injun load-stun tells|tusillade can be kept up for as long a time as_bul- right in the heart o’ the worst Sioux country. Old Sitting Bull’s village ain’t fur off, I reckon, an’ the chances are that there’s more than ba apt 0’ eyes in the head o’ a redskin a-pipin’ us off frum the cover of yonder timber at this blessed moment,” “Do you really think concealed savages are near?” said Frank, starting. “T do, sartin, an’ I’ll prove it to ye. This hoss ain’t run far. Well, jist step around on this side 0’ our scalps or we give ’em the slip, which I doan’t at! qoctor. 4 jae spoakin’ see no Jikely way o’doin’,” said Beck-| « Begob, it’s like a coffee-mill!” exejaimed ridge. ; ‘« My friends will not desert us, The tally-ho is Berney: ‘. a fort on wheels, and just the thing for an Indian battle on the plains,” said Frank eds Then, with their repeating rifles, Frank and the make,” assented Pomp. satel . RAS ete oe ton ae sotuany. been con- old trapper opened fire on the Sioux, while show-|Sumed in getting out tho battery and arranging it. Z 9 ers of bullets and arrows flew over their heads and|_,. Now allisready. We will open fire on the red- ther critter. There, that ll do. all around them, tearing up the dirt and dashing it skins, and make @ charge on them with some hope “Heavens, you are right. A Sioux arrow isiin their faces so they could scarcely see to take of success,” said Dr, Vaneyke, . buried in the pad of the saddle!” exclaimed Frank,},; 7) But now the Indians, growing bolder and bolder, as he saw what the keen observant man of the : came riding right up to the tally-ho. plains had noted as the horse camo dashing up. There were a couple of metal hand-rails around “Yas, an’ two or three cuts where Injun bullets ‘CHAPTER XII. - the top of the vehicles. have grazed the citter’s back,” said Beckbridge. y These rails the doctor had already charged ful} He indicated some slight wounds on the flank of HEMMED IN BY THE INDIANS. of electricity. the horse as he spoke, and then placing the finger Tne Indians attempted to board the coach, and of his right hand on the palm of his left, and mak-| Tus charge of the Indians from the timber had|as the hand-rails afforded the only hold for them ing the pantomime of checking off each statement/been witnessed by Dr. Vaneyke, Barney and|they seized them. in a way which was peculiar to himself, Beckbridge|pomp. But they didn’t hold on. went on, We cannot depict their excitement and anxiety.| Every Indian who touched the hand-rails re- “What's the conundrum? ‘Ter me it’s plain ter| With nerves tense with suspense and alarm, and|ceived a shock, and in some instances it was so. cipher. Fust, there was a hoss an’ a gal—tfust pint, |intense solicitude written on their faces, Barnoy|severe that the Sioux leaped clean off his pony. A Second, there was Injuns—second pint. Third,|and Pomp breathlessly watched the thrilling race/more surprised set of redmen were never seen. _ there was a hoss without the gal, an’Injun withjfor life in which Frank Reade and Beckbridge| The way they scudded off howling, as fast as the gal. There’s ther hull thing ’cordin’ to the rule|were engaged. : they touched the electric rods, made Pomp and 0’ three, an’ it’s just as plain as the back end ©’ the} The doctor meanwhile hastily started the tally-|Barney fairly yell with delight. spellin’ book, where all the pages are torn out.” jho. He meant to run the vehicle forward, so that] But suddenly the tally-ho began to move again. “Yos, and we must rescue the captive.” Frank Reade and the old trapper might reach it. Then a rattling detonation, like the discharge of “Gorrect. Thar ye hev’ the final answer o’ the} But we have seen that the savages came on tooja volley of musketry, was heard. | sample. But if we go on I ‘ now, you'll stop an Injun bullet an’ so will I. My|purpose. and smoke, and the bullets felli petondin: LOW: Injun load-stone are a pulling me fer that timber} Soon a small army of the red demons were be-| Frank Reade’s new electric battery as | ; mighty hard now, so ‘4 know there’s redskins a/tween the buffalo-wallow in which Frank andjand it was, indeed, asuccess, Nisa Jurkin’ on the edgo of it.” : “You have a singular way of expressing your- self, friond Beckbridge, but I understand you.” While a part of the Sioux band surrounded the/ho was guided. “Tm powerful glad to hear it,” replied the trap-|termined attack upon the electric tally-ho, over the plains the savages fled in consternation meanyiys bie Be gob p DT ere Nes Son BDEOUERS peers i fot oheceiee at a “ , , e coach to a stand-still in the midst of the howl- e discharge of the electric battery was de- Reade Tesh are ee fern ae oa hat’s ther ing Sioux. “ Fat’s tho matther wid the loikes ay|structive and many of the Indians’ ponies dashed “Right,” Frank veetntat : 5 yee Sure an’ why don’t ye charge on wid the tal-|riderless away from the scene of conflict. . - «Well now I'll tell ye. We hey got to lay low -ho tilthe rescue av Masther Frank?” On, on, like a cyclone, resistless swept the tally- until it gets dark, and that ain’t agoin’ ter be long. “Tmean to open the way and deal these say-jho, now that the rain of death it belched forth Thon, while we leave the others to look out for the|28°s # blow they will not forget. I see that a de-|cleared the wiyy of the foe. tally-ho, which the reds may try ter capture, you cisive battle is impending,” replied the doctor. Through the cloud of powder smoke and the an’ T'll go out ter circumvent whatsomever diyil-|_Thon he directed Pomp and Barney to get out algathering shadows Dr. Vaneyke and Pomp peered try ther reds are up to.” certain box marked ‘‘W. R. B,” which was amonglahead through the window of the coach. 47 seeithelwia out of your plan,” assented the supplies and scientific appliances inthe locker.| They were anxiously trying to catch a glimpse Frank 3 z aes a gtnramand the oer ee to fobey ob ce ene Beare Beet ae Craggeaanl : 5 _\the doctor, and meanwhile the bullets of the ey saw the howling Sioux circling aroun he Sartin'you do, Now let’s go back to tho tally-i7, Gians pattered against the motallie plating of the buffal-wallow. They heard the cape of many ¢ tally-ho like hail. rifle shots. They turned and were retracing their steps, ‘“Whoop!” cried Barney, lifting on his end of] A dread fear took possession of the minds of the Frank leading the beautiful white horse, who had|the box marked “W. R.B.” “But it’s rainin’ young inyentor’s friends. brought its mistress’ message, when all at onceljead outside!” They thought that Frank and Breckbridge must _ the peaceful eects of the vast solitude at even- tide was rude f “Yah! dat’s so. You better done gone out and|have exhausted their supply of ammunition. In he broken in upon, took a baff, Irish!” said Pomp. Pax that case the very worst was to be anticipated, of the Sioux band of course exceeded that of the|what looked like rifle barrels setina frame. These SR ter that. timber right|swiftly for the accomplishment of the doctor’s| The electric tally-ho seemed to belch forth fire _ Beckhridge had sought refuge and the tally-ho. Straight for the buffalo . its buffalo-wallow, the remainder inaugurated a de-| And as the wonderful vehicle ame @n and-on i cried: if Frank Reade’s new scientifz”appliance isa sud- moe ther reds will be drawed to us until they raisoljets ara poured into the hopper,” continued the “Dat’s so, an’ mighty strong ‘coffee it done i
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FRANK READE, JR., IN { | If they were left without the means of defense] Just then he saw Pomp had the Indian by the H their capture was sure. A cold sweatstarted upon|throat, and was holding a pistol at his head. ‘the doctor’s brow. In a moment Pomp began to march the Indian || Barney groaned and Pomp evinced his despair|back toward the electric tally-ho. ‘py muttering : Ther the doctor examined Barney’s foot, and *« Po’ Mars Frank am a goner dis time, I ’spec.”|found that he had received a cut on the instep. { All the electricity was already turned on to the|But the wound was a mere scratch, and the Irish- | machinery of the vehicle, and its speed could not!man was really more frightened than hurt. be further augmented. ‘© Ye see, doctor, the red nagur just rached out Suddenly the Indians about the buffalo-wallowjand gave me a dig wid his knife as I passed him,” were seen riding away uttering wild, exultant yellsjexplained Barney. ‘ that indicated a victory. Pomp came up with the Indian as the doctor ap- And on shot the tally-ho. F plied a plaster to Barney’s wound, anc then it was The buffalo-wallow was reached, and then thejseen that a rifle ball had creased the head of the inmates of the electric vehicle saw that the de-|Indianand knocked him senseless. His comrades THE FAR WEST. ee pression in the plain was empty. _mains were not there. Thetrut doctor’s mind. Indians !” cried the doctor. OHAPTER XIII. A DETERMINED REDSEKIN, ried away into captivity by the Indians. | The young inventor and the old trapper heroically défended t Mallow. ee oF eats 468s theirre maenoitaintil th eir ammunition failed. yielded to despair. and dragged away, Their captors hastily mounted them on ponies, and they were hurried swiftly away. bridge captives were entering the timber at a con- siderable distance. gould not pursue the Indians into the woods with ) the tally-ho, made, and so they did not follow the red marauders further. ; : i The scene of the desperate fight at the buffalo wallow was an evidence of the heroic and deter- Mined resistance which the young inventor and Beckbridge had made. ’ All around the buffalo wallow the ground was Strewn.with the bodies of the redskins who had fallen under the bullets of the two white heroes, “‘Worra! worra! Sure, an’ it was as fine a bit ay a ruction as a mon could wish for that Masther Frank had here. Faith, an’ it’s sorry. I am that ‘missed it,” said Barney, regretfully, as he sur- veyed the scene of recent conflict. : “You’se de biggest fool I ebber seed. You’se allers done spilin’ fer a fight. *Spec’s you oughter be glad dat you’se got de scalp on de top ob yer head ’bout now,” said Pomp. | Barney and the darky had got out of the tally- | ho, and they were walking about among the dead Indians, ; Just as Pomp spoke last Barney uttered a whoop, | and made a jump straight up into the air. “Worral Worra! I’m stabbed!” roared Bar- Mey, dancing about like mad. i * Gollie, Irish hab done gone crazy!” exclaimed ‘omp. "*<So it really seems. What is the matter, Bar- _ Hey?" the doctor asked, a _ (©The red Hagur cut me foot. Sure an’ he ain’t aehd- at all,-at alll, answered Barney, and he / hopfied about en one foot as he pointed at the re- ; cumbent form of an-Indian. | Pomp made a dash at the savage. Then a surprising occurrence took place. ‘The seemingly dead Sioux sprang to his feet and jestarted to run. Pomp leaped after him, shouting: ‘Hole on dar, Mr. Redskin! I’se gota mighty big bone ter pick wid youse!” “Catch the blackguard, Pomp! Catch the red heathen what cut me foot, an’ begob, I’ll be yer’ friend for loife, so I will!” shouted Barney. Pomp was a good runner, and he gave the In- dian a fine chase, All at once both vanished, just as though they had stumbled into a pitfall on the plains. Barney uttered a cry of alarm, and the doctor evinced his surprise and solicitude by exclaiming: “What can have happened now?” “Bogob, and they only stumbled intil another buffalo wallow! cried Barney, as the succeeding moment hoe again saw Pomp and the Indian: “Whoop! Give me black nagurs agin’ red ivery day in the week, an’ twice on Sunday, begob. aith, an’ Pomp has surrounded the redskin black- Buard!” added Barney, delightedly. { } pty They had expected to find the dead bodies of Frank Reade, and the old PADRES but their re-jan’ 1’ll bate the ugly mug av him. dawned upon thejtache him not to cut an Irish gentleman in the “Frank Reade and his old com-|foot!” cried Barney. ¥ rade have been carried away into captivity by the Tux doctor stated the actual truth when he said that Frank Reade and his comrade had been car-|dian may be of great service to us,” said the doctor. had| ‘‘Gollie, Irish, dat am so, We’s got to save Mas-|p ir position in the buffalo hyd outing rifles they held their red foe- t | ‘Phen; When they had fired their last shot, they _~» The red demons swooped down upon them, and,/Injun is a-gwine to help us.” , “After a hand to hand fight they were overpowered The doctor and his companions knew that they They saw that immediate pursuit could not be had left him for dead beside the buffalo wallow. Faith, an’ Pl) He would have fallen upon the redskin tooth and nail, but the doctor interposed. ‘Hold, Barney !” he cried. “Fat! begob, an’ will yez be afther tellin’ me tojthe ankle of the Indian, shake hands wid the red nagur, I dunno?” said Barney indignantly. “No. But do you not understand that this In- ter Frank, an’ I done spec dat de docthinks he’ll make de red nigger help us,” cried Pomp. “You have the idea exactly, Pomp,” assented he doctor. “Then, begob, the Injun is saved !” said Barney, * Dat’s right. Now we’se got to find out how the “T will explain my idea. Itis this: Since the Indians haye captured Frank Reade and the trap- per, in accordance with the custom of the Sioux, they will, no doubt, hurry our friends away to When the electric tally-ho arrived at the buffalo|some village.” wallow the Sioux who had made Frank and Beck- “ Dat’s a fac.” ' “And it may be difficult to find the Indian vil- age.” ““Widout a guide, begob,” said Barney. “So it’s my idea to make the Indian Pomp has captured act as our guide,” “Faith an’ yez have a head on doctor,” said Barney admiringly. The doctorfsmiled as he rejoined seriously : “he lives of our friends and comrades are in deadly peril, and it rests with us alone to rescue thém, ‘The task is one not to be undertaken lighte ly. Lhe powerful Siouxtribe will be pitted against us, and we must place our greatest reliance on the wonderful electric tally-ho, and the. scientific appliances we have brought with us.” “Thrue fer ye, docthur. But let’s, be afther questioning the red hathen thief o’ the worruld,” your shoulders, Iisaid Barney. « Yes, I propose to do so,” Pomp had bound the hands of the Indian hehind his back, and pat a noosed rope around his neck, He now led his captive before the doctor. “Do you understand English?” the doctor asked, “Ugh! Santah know heaps white man’s talk,” replied the Indian, with evident pride. ters.” “Ugh! Santah heap brave. No Help white man,” “Ah, you have overheard our conversation, eh? Well, if you have made up your mind not to assist us We shall kaye to find means to make you change your determination.” “‘White man much talk, say little,” replied the savage, contemptuously. «We shall see,” “Be gob, an’ it’s mesel’ as.’ull make the red na- “Gollie! I’se de one to took charge ob dat. T done cotch the red nigger an’ he am my meat,” said Pomp. “Wait, [ will try the Indian further,” replied the doctor, Then he again addressed the Indian: “Where will the Sioux take their captives?” “To the village of Sitting Bull.” «‘ Where is that?” ‘‘ Where the white man will never find it.” “You shall lead us to the village of Sitting \gur serve us!” eried Barney. ‘Never. White man may kill Santah, him no guide them.” “We shail:see. Barney get out the hand-bat- tery,” replied the doctor, CHAPTER XIV. THE POWER OF ELECTRICITY—AN UNEXPECTED AT- TACK, ‘* Br the shamrock so green, doctur, yez never Tet me put a head on the blackguard. Sure Good, Your knowledge will facilitate mat-\5 11 will loosen the tongue avy the red nagur,” said Barney. Then he hastened to the electric tally-ho, and presently returned with a small battery, such as are ordinarily used in public exhibitions to’ give ‘‘shoeks.” But the doctor did not propose to liberate the hands of the murderous redskin inorder to enable him to grasp the handles of the battery. He was far too wily for that. : Instead, he directed Barney and Pomp te wind a wire, which ke attached to each handle of the battery, around each of the Indian’s ankles. This the two jolly comrades hastened to attempt very willingly. The devoted fellows were entirely ready to undertake anything looking to the rescue of their beloved master, But Mr. Sioux objected. them by tying box to kim feet,” he remonstrated. “« Begob, an’ yez will find this the funniest bit av a box yez iver tackled, Mr. Injun,” remarked Barney, as he attempted to secure the wire about “Ugh!” grunted the savage, contem and then he gave Barney a sudden doubled him up like a jack-knife, “Yah, yah, yah!” roared Pomp. But the next moment his mirth was changed to rief, as the Indian dealt"him a kick similar toxthe one he had just administered to Barney. Pomp went sprawling, and though his arms were still securely bound behind his back, the Indian started to run. The doctor, however, promptly leveled. his rifle at the Indian, and shouted: Bh “ Halt, or Vil drop you in your tracks!” The Indian knew that it was death to go on, and so he reluctantly abandoned his foolhardy attempt at escape and obeyed the doctor’s command, Barney and Pomp were on their feet in the twinkling of an eye, a3 one may ay and the way in which the irate pair weit for that belligerent redskin was a sight worth seeing. Wise In a moment they had him on the ground, and despite his stubborn efforts at resistance, he was now unable to foil his captors’ purpose, Very soon the wires attached to the handles of the electric battery were secured about the indian’s ankles, as the doctor desired. ; The good old man, in the great humanity of his kindly nature, certainly had no desire to inflict un- necessary punishment or torture upon the treach- erous Indian, But he was fully resolved that he should be subjugated. ° } The necessity that the Indian should be com- pelled to aid in the deliverance of Frank Reade and the old’ trapper, was sufficient to make the good doctor regard any means for the attainment of the desired end as justifiable and right. As soon as the wires were attached around the ankles of the Indian, the doctor turned on the electricity, and then ensued a ludicrous scene. The Indian began to execute a dance such as prenaply was never witnessed before. The way 6 jumped about and yelled and howled was some- thing surprising to behoid, And for Barney and Pomp, the redskin’s exhibi- tion was great fun. They langhed in delight, and omp began to pat his hands as though he was keeping time fora breakdown. “How yer done like dat? Go in fo’ de cake. Heel an’ toe, hoe it down, Indjun! Yah! yah!’ cried Pomp. “Ugh! ugh! Santah take all white men’s scaip! outs at stake, Make run gantlet!’ yelled: the ndian, peal, kick that axed the loikesuv me to do anything that was mare plazin’ til mesel’, Sure, an’ it’s the battery But the electricity was running through his limbs at lightning speed, and at last he fell down. “Tell nie where Sitting Bull’s village is and promise to conduct us there!” said the doctor. “Ugh! Injun dothat, Let the lightning-box be ken off,”? panted the exhausted savage, The doctor answered sternly: aes “The white mau will release the Indian, but if he speaks with a crooked tongue he will turn the lightning snakes, which he carries in the coach yonder, loose upon him, and they are a thousand times worse than the ‘ medicine box.’ ” : ‘“‘Santah will speak with a straight tongue,” re- plied the Indian, i Release him,” said the doctor, and Barney and Pomp made haste to remove the wires from about i the ankles of the Indian. ; “Now, where is Sitting Bull’s village?” the doc- tor demanded. Santah pointed away to the south-west beyond the growth of timber, in which the Sioux had dis- appeared with Frank and Beckbridge, and'ne said : - “The yillage of the great chief, Sitting Bull, is onder among the mountains, where the white man as never gone.” ‘ fe And you will guide us there and make no at<- tempt to.betray us to your people?” \ * Yes, Santah so promises.” ta “ White men heap fools. No make Santah serve -
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2 FRANK READE, IR., IN THE FAR WEST. yaa “Think you the white captives will be taken to the village of Sitting Bull?” ‘Yes, they are sure to go there. The great chief has spoken, and said that the white men who are taken prisoners shall be brought to him.” The doctor was not confiding enough to think fora moment that the Indian would keep faith with him ifa favorable opportunity for treachery presented itself. Buthe meant to watch the Indian #0 closely as to render it impossible for him to be- tray his trust. , “Very good. You will guide us on the trail of your people and the white prisoners, and if we gave them you shall be'sét free unharmed. But if we do not find the village of Sitting Bullyou will never see the lodges of tae Sioux again,” said the docter. i é But as these words emanated from the lips of the-excellent old scientist there occurred a most startling incident. While the episode just recorded was transpiring a great danger unseen and unsuspected was in- sidiously approaching our friends. four Sioux scouts had been crawling back oward the buffalo wallow from a depression inthe prairie not far from the timber, and they had now almost reached the electric tally-ho, The stealthy red trailers had discovered that Suntah had ‘been left alive upon the scene of re= cent conflict and that he had fallen into the hands of the whites. i They came now like serpents, so silent and still, bent upon a surprise.. They hoped to. slay the Wes, rescue Santah and capture the wonderful eoueh. ; : ate Btit suddenly, when the four warriors were yery noir, Barney chanced to catch a glimpse of a feath- ered head as it appeared for an instant above the tall grass. c es : Like a flash Barney snatched up his rifle, which he had brought from the coach, and blazed away ee plage where the head of the Indian had van- ec n hen the warwhoop of the Indians rang out shrill and terrible, and the four warriors made a dash at the whites, ‘ _, They discharged their rifles as they came. 4 Quick ag thought itself theidoctor grasped Santah aud held him before him as a shield. Barney and Pomp returned the fire of the Sioux and dropped down in the grass. . Sy One of the Indians fell under Pomp’s deadly aim and the other three dashed at the hiding place of Pomp and Barney. | , Ct : _ As if to intensify the thrilling scene, at this su- preme moment Santah, with. a desperate effort, succeeded in’ freding his hands. An instant and the sinewy hands of the redskin were fastened upon the throat of the old doctor, and the murder- ous' savage was strangling the good old man. CHAPTER XY. “MEN OF FIRE.” - Bur Barney and Pomp witnessed Santah’s sud- den attack upon the doctor, and as may well be presumed, they did not leave the aged seientist at the mercy of the revengeful Indian long. “ Bang, bang!” came the sharp, whip-like crack of Pomp and Barney’s rifles, as they discharged them almost simultaneously, The two foremost of the Sioux fell, and the one surviving member of the party which had come to take the whites by surprise, turned and fled pre- eipitately. Thon Barney and Pomp bounded at the treach- erous Santah, They were only restrained from executing a summary and fatal punishment upon him by the consideration that his life had become of value, 48 an essential to the trailing of Frank Reade’s captors, ( Probably Santah thought that the moment of his final doom had arrived when he saw Pomp and Barney Wounding at him, But the instinet of self-preservation remained dominant, und promptedthesavage. He flung the half{-strangled doctor from him, and as the latter Pomp impatiently, as he proceeded to secure the fallen Santah. Pomp saw that Barney’s blow had only deprived the Sioux of his senses transiently, and he did not mean that he should repeat his act of liberation and attack. : “Shut up, nagur!” cried Barney, and he poured a small quantity of whisky down the doctor’s throat, The result was admirable. In a very short space of time the doctor revived, and assured his companions that he was all right again, Santah came to his senses, and then he wa placed in the tally-ho, and the others boarded it The doctor, in the absence of Frank Reade, as sumed the position of chief engineer, and con gratulating themselves on their escape, and hope ful that they might accomplish the rescue of the celebrated inventor and his comrade in captivity the party proceeded on: The doctor guided the -tally-ho so that they skirted the “‘ motte” or island of timber on the prairie, and soon the swift tally-ho was beyond the cover. — . } ‘ The blue ethereal vault above was devoid’ of clouds, and the moon reflected its pale light with- out a single obstacle to shut it off from the sleep- ing world, below. ; : ; : Afar the prairie was alight, and upon its level surface objects were réadily discernible with sur- prising distinctness, eyen at a great distance, timber, and already obtained a good start on their supposed journey to the village of Sitting Bull, or are they yet concealed in the prairie island?” said the doctor. “itis me own idea, begob, that the red nagurs have fled long ago,” said Barney. The docter made no immediate reply, but he produced a fleid-glass especially designed for moonlight observations, and which he had himself constructed. With this powerful night-glass at his eye the doc- torsweptthe wide expanse of the vast solitude’ in all directions. The doctor’s scrutiny was rewarded bya discoy- ery. and the question he had just propounded was satisfactorily answered, ; . Away to the southwest, almost at the line where earth and sky blended, he saw a line of minute moving objects. i ; Quickly, then, the scientist, aided by the mayni+ fying power of his wonderful nocturnal telescope, discerned that the objects he had discovered were a large band of mounted Indians. “The doctor made known his discovery, and ver: soon the tally-ho reached the plainly defined trail of the Indians, which led in the direction of the band he had sighted. is i The tally-Ho made good speed on the trail, but some hours later the Indians disappeared, and presently in the shadowy distance a range of hills with mountains beyond them were developed to the sight of the inmates of the tally-ho. “Sure, an’ we don’t want the red nagurs to know we aro afther them,” said Barney. ; ‘No, and so I haye kept the tally-ho far enough behind the Indians thus far to be out of range with the naked eye, ‘They cannot have discovered us,” the doctor answered. vie Soon the electric vehicle approached the hills in which the Sioux had disappeared. | Then the doc- tor turned off the electricity from the driving ma- chinery and stopped the tally-ho. ** Golly! I done reckon dat me an’ Barney better gone on ahead an’ make a scout ’bout now,” sug- gested Pomp. “Yos, L approve of that idea. We must not al- low the tally-ho to be drawn into an ambush if we can prevent it,” said the doctor. “Less fix tp ter scare de wits out of dem red niggers if we done find ’em,” said Pomp to Barney. ‘Bo the powers, yez are roight. We'll put on our suits-of-mail and rub thim all over wid phos- phorus, so that we'll look like men made of fire in the night.” ‘ Dat’s jess de cheese.” In a few brief moments Barney and Pomp had sank upon the prairie the desperate Sioux snatched ‘up the rifle which the aged scientist had dropped. He meant to turn the weapon upon Barney and Pomp. But as he was in the very act of leveling it Barney brought his own rifle, which he had elubbed, down upon his head with great force. “Whoop! Begob an’ the battle is ours, Pomp, me jewel!” cried Barney, and he sprang to the doctor’s side as Santah, the Sioux, fell and re- mained motionless. ; ““Worra! Worra!l But don’t be afther tellin’ me yez are gone dead intirely, doctor?” cried the kind-hearted Irishman with real solicitude, ob- jeenyDe that the old scientist had lost conscious- ness. Oy ‘ “You’sd got no sense in dat big head of yours, Barney. Deed does yer spec’ dat de doctor am ‘agwino ter speak up an’ tell yer he am dead?” saldiselves in a rocky pass, They advanced with cau- their rescue, r) \ put their fine steel armor on over their clothes again, and then they rubbed each other all over with phosphorus. Startling indeed was the result. In the shadows they seemed like a pair of blazing specters, like demons of flame, unearthly, weird, infernal, if you will. “Excellent; you will trighten the redskins out of their wits if they see you now,” said the doc- tor, clapping his hands in delight, f Barney and Pomp each: carried a brace of re- yolvers in their belts, and their rifles were slung upon their backs by means of straps. They shook hands with the doctor, and glided away silently into the shadowy hills when all “Have the savage captors of our triends left the) . tion fora mile or more. Then they emerged into | a valley among the hills. Here there wereclumps of stunted trees and bushes and open glades through which a mountain stream wandered. ait **Begob,” Barney whispered to Pomp, as they halted in the shadow of a clump of trees, ** it?s me-__ self as is afther thinkin’ this is alikely bit avaspot ~ foran Injun camping place. Let’s go along like We was a-walkin’ on eggs, for be the powers we may come ontil the nagurs before we know it.” Pomp assented, and creeping forward cautiously they suddenly made the discovery of camp-fires ahead, They advanced furtherand beheld a thril- ling sight. They saw Frank. Reade’s captors in camp. And more, they discovered the young in- yentor and Beckbridge bound to stakes, and saw ~ the Sioux heaping dry wood about them. Jt was evident the savages intended to burn their victims ° at the stake. : A moment and the red fiames leaped up about » Frank Reade and the old trapper. Then suddenly two unearthly yells rang out upon - the night, and into the Indian camp rushed two terrible blazing specters. The Indians yelled to each other: | «The evil spirits! The evil spirits |” There was intense excitement and alarm in the Indian camp. CHAPTER XYI. AT THE TORTURE-STAKE. (6~4 t. Frank READE and Yank Baclcbridge, tisy.oti trapper, had not finelly abandoned allehepe of . escape until they were bound to the torture-stake in the Indian camp. Then, however, their hearts — must have failed them. The two brave and chivalrous spirits were not - only despairing on their own account, but because . they felt that other imperiled whites must now re- main in captivity among the Sioux. Inthe prairie . island, guarded by half a dozen Indians, whom Trank Reade’s captors joined, the young inventor and his: companion found a young and beautiful white maiden of sixteen, and hee mother, The female captives were the wife and daughter of asettler, who had been making a journey in their company with an emigrant train, hat Tho train had been surprised and captured, but only the mother and daughter we have-mentioned survived the slaughter of the battle. : The fair captives felt that they were destined for a fate worse than death, and Frank had found an opportunity. to converse with them, and thus ac- quire some knowledge of them, nN Their name was Hldridge, and’ the young girl was called Eve. She it was who had written the. note wiffch rank had found secured tothe saddle ~ of the white horse. a fie The beautiful snowy steed was the maiden’s own saddle horse, andthe girl had taught the intelli- gent creature to obey all her commands. She informed Frank that she had been detected . making “‘ the talking paper,” as the savages desig- nated it, and had barely time ‘to thrust it incom- leve into the saddle-backle, and send her trained” orse away at full speed, when the Indian guard came rushing atyher. — Frank assured the fair captive and her mother that he had hoped to render them assistance, and he told how he had been captured, i Beekbridge, the trapper, said little, All his thoughts seemed centered upon escape, and’ a look of intense anxiety was discernible on his features. “The fact ure, me pard,’ said Beckbridge to Frank in a whisper, ‘I’m desperate afeard the map of the lost gold mine trail will now fail inter ther hands o’ the pizeu Sioux varmints.” —, ‘‘Have you then the map now on your pers son?” asked Frank. c by ee “Yas; it’s in a little buckskin bag hung around myneck. I’m pretty considerable worrited, pard- ner. If the pizen Sioux onct sot eyes on ter that old Injun tracin’, they could read the sign-writ- in’ a mighty sight easier than you or I kin,” z ‘‘That’s true. And with the secret of the loca- tion of the lost gold mine once in the possession of the Sioux, we mig tas well abandon all hope of ever reaching it.” ; ; * “Perzactly. By powder, I’m clean on pins and needles *bout ther map. I s’pose, though, we might. better be worritin’ our heads about what kivers em, Scalps are right in the line of ther var- mints, an’ my Injun loadstun seems ter. be a- drawin’ my har right fer the steel of a Sioux scal- pin’-knife at the present time.” : seumices conyersation was at this point interrupt- ed. : The captors of Frank Reade and his eccentric old comrade hurried them away out of the timber in company with the female captives. , ’ The inventor and his friend knew the devotion of I their preparations had been made, Presently the two brave fellows found them- the comrades they had left behind them in the electric tally-ho would be proven by an attempt at }
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: | FRANK READS,’ JR., IN THE FAR WEST. guard aginst surprise or stratagem, that Frank and Bechridgescareely dared hope that their res- cue coultbe accomplished, even by a resort to the polentiicappilance contained in the wonderful tally-ho,/ The mp of the route to the lost gold mine had not yet ben discovered on the person of the old trapper then the Indians went into camp among the hillsind bound them to the stake. As theband reached the hills they were met by Sitting. Bull, the head chief of the great Sioux nation, h person.» The bloodthirsty old chief de- cided thit the white men should be burnt to death at the stike on the spot instead of being marched on to hil village. A few moments before Frank and Beekbridge were satired to the torture stake, as they reclined upon th} ground, bound securely hand and foot, Eve Eldtidge, the beautiful girl captive, who, with her mother, were left unbound, came to them with & drink of- clear, cool water from the adjacent Stream, At this time the Indians were watching Frank and Beckbridge, and it was recognized as utterly futile to attempt to have the white women try to cut their bonds or make a rush to escape. The Indians did not offer to prevent the white Women’s kindly service, Uhey were allowed to ve the white men all the drink they needed. Eldridge carelessly stood, for a’ time, so ¢ r, who held a cup of cold water ipSefthe old trapper, was, for a idden fromthe » sight of the watch- } | But thaioux were so numerous, so well able to nblef'éprico of timea lofof by-play > Was going on between Beckbridge and Eve El- dridge which none of the Indians, and not even Frank Reade himself, suspected: Presently, having spoken words. of comfort and Sympathy, the two ladies withdrew from the side of Frank and the trapper. Not many moments subsequently the tio eap- tives were seized, and stripped to the waist and bound to the torture-stakes, Frank Reade was thunderstruck when he saw Beekbridge’s hunting shirt and rude garment “rudely torn from his back, and yet saw no trace|- of the buckskin-bag which the trapper wore sus- pended about his neck, und which contained the map of the lost gold mine. But now, standing in the shadow of doom, gold had losttits value for Frank Reade, He regarded it as naught, and for his life he would have sur- rendered ull the wealth of the world. Frank’s mind was. occupied’) with serious ' thoughts, and he gave the mysterious disappear- ance of the map of the lost gold mine little con- sideration, . The fate which the young inventor was now con- fronted with was probably the most terrible which Savage cruelty could desire. F The ordeal of fire was about to begin, and al- ready, as mentionad, the red flames began to lick up the dry brush which had been heaped about the ~ captives when Frank Reade heard the strange un- earthly shouts with which Pomp and Barney heralded their approach. fs > aes young inventor recognized the voices of his fee ful-followers, and his heart gave a leap of sud- en- hope. The coming of Pomp and Barney was to Frank Reade and Breckridge like the arrival of two an- gels of deliverance. ; a When Barnéy and the darky came in sight wrapped in seemingly unearthly flames, Prank - was delighted. ‘No wonder the Indians shouted: “The evil spirit! The evil spirit!” ~~ Phe Sioux rushed about in confusion for a mo- ent, but Sitting Bull called upon several of his ster Upton the ‘fire flends,” ar insillade of bullets! were discharged at Pomp and Barney, but their armor'turned tne leaden “storm, and they were not harmed. At first the savages thought the strange looking men Were supernatural. Now they were sure of it. ‘*Getchemanito, the mighty!” cried a chief, using the Sioux term for the Indian deity, ‘send away the fire demons whom the bullets of thy red sons cannot harm !”” 4 Barney and Pomp continued to advance. Sud- denly two balls of fire sped from their hands and exploded among the Sioux. pets Re CHAPTER XVII. BECKBRIDGE IN DISGUISE. BARNEY and Pomp had brought with them a supply of explosive fire-balls, and they had now _ hurled two of them among the Sioux. Then, while they showered the fire-balls among the Indians and uttered the most terrible yells they were capable of, the two brave fellows made a sud- _ den forward rush, _ They well knew that they must not allow the my Ps, ; Sioux to recover from their fright, and that the rescue must be accomplished at once if at all. Ina moment the “‘fire-men” reached the two captives at the tortvre-stake. They hurled away the blazing brush, and with quick, powerful blows of their hunting knives severed the cords that bound the captives, The Sioux had gathered about the two white women, and Frank understood that another oppor- tunity must be sought for their rescue, The succeeding moment the young inventor, with eee oEd ee and the two rescuers, were in full flight. f Then, and not until then, Sitting Bull and his warriors understood that the white man’s strange arts had been employed to blind them to the truth, and that their captives were being spirited away before their very eyes. ; Then such a howl of rage ag went up from those murderous hostiles was seldom heard be- fore. They were enraged at their own folly in standing by and allowing the captives to leave the camp. Sitting Bull led the pursuit of our friends, whieh was inaugurated as soon as the Indians, to a degree, recovered from their surprise, - But a guard was left to prevent the escape of the two ladies, ‘ 2 The slight delay made by the Sioux in starting the chase was of great value to the fugitives. They thus were enabled to gain a start which they meant should prove their salvation. { All four were excellent runners. Despite his years, the hale and robust old trapper kept pace with the foremost. And so on they went in a swift race for life until the valley among the hills was left far behind, aad the rocky pass leading to the same was reached. The Sioux came bounding on the trail close be- hind, Beckbridge suddenly halted and faced the enemy. He had snatched up his rifie when he fled from his foes, and now he was ready to fire. The detonation of his weapon was the succeeding moment blended with the reports of two other rifles. Barney and Pomp also fired on the Sioux, The pursuit was checked for an instant, As the fugitives ran Barney had told Frank where he had left the tally-ho. ; ‘The idea occurred to the inventor that the tally- ho might traverse the rocky pass. He put nis fin- gers to his lips and blew a shrill whistle. This was a signal long before agreed upon be- tween him and the doctor, and Frank knew that hearing it, if possible, his old friend would run the tally-ho toward him, - On and on continued Frank and his comrades, From tims to time, as the pursuing Sioux came within range, they wheeled and discharged a yol- ley at the redskins, But suddenly, when they were almost clear of the rocky pass, the rattle of wheels was heard, and then they beheld the welcome sight of the tally-ho. / With the bell ringing, the electric lights blazing on each side of the coach, and flashing from the glass eyes of the leaders, the tally-ho was a remarkable and impressive sight, The Sioux thought so. They had a wholesale dread of the tally-ho and the electric repeating- battery, which had proven so destructive to them aoe they made their: attack on the voach previ- ously, ‘ As the tally-ho came on the Sioux halted. Then Frank Reade and his comrade gained the electric vehicle, and entered tt. The old doctor weleomed them with tears of joy in his eyes. But Santah, whose presence was explained to Frank and Beck- bridge, sat bolt upright upon the bench in the coach to which he was bound and grunted in ‘gut- tural tones: ( “Some day great chief Sitting Bull kill ali white men,’ X Lhe tally-ho quickly retreated from the rocky pass and Frank remarked: “The captive ladies must not be desérted.” Beckbridze brought the stock of his rifle down emphat' cally as he said: “Right ye are. Not another mile kin we go in search of the lost gold mine unti] we have rescued the white gal,” t “ You are a true heart. Your resolve to save the ladies does you credit,” said Frank. An? I want ter save ther map of ther treasure mine.” . “I thought you must have lost it.’ “Notso. Igave it to Eve Eldridge to keep for me. She took it off my neck in. the buckskin bag when she brought me a drink of water. The gal has the map of the lost gold mine, and we must save her, and git back the map before we can hope to find the mine.” ‘That’s so. But anyhow, I was resolved to try once more to rescue the young girl and her moth- er,” replied Frank. The tally-ho was now running on the open plains again, rs é : f ; ‘Let us consider our future plans,” said Frank, presently. ‘ “Yas. We hev’ got ter make out what we’re agoin’ fer ter do in.the way 0’ rescuin’ the gals. Jist at. the present speakin’ ther Injun loadstun in my natur are a drawin’ powerful towards the pizen varmints, an’ I reckon [ can’t fight agin ther mag- netic ‘traction long. Ther fac’ is I want ter git ar- ter the varmints right off, and start a quiet little re- tail business inthe way o’ hair liftin’? Old Beckbridge shifted an enormous quid of to- bacco from one side of his jaw to the other, _ glanced solemnly at vacaney and expectorated a deluge of nicotine out of vhe window of the tally- ho, just missing Pomp’s head by the sixteenth of an inch, to be accurate in measurement, < “Golly, [spees itam lueky dat dis yere coon wan't born ter be drown, Mister Trapper. I'd gib yér fer ter know dat I can’t swim,” said Pomp, as he dodged, f a “Oolored man, heed ther advice o’ one as knows whereof he exhorts. Larn ter swim, fer sometimes ther smartest on us can’t paddle his ~ Own canoe, an’ are obleeged ter take ter ther water,” ; “There is wisdom in that remark, friend Beck- bridge. But what is your advice now as to how we shall undertake to save the captive ladies?” said Frank. - “‘T consait we shill have ter work some dodge, an’ l’ye got an idee a-workin’ inside.o’? my brain- box. Iam drawed powerful toward the red nig- ger setlin’ starin’ at us like a graven image. «1 reckon IJ’ll hey to send Santah arter ther gals. That are'ter say, send the outer Santah with ther inner man a white trapper, ther fust letters of whose name are Yank Beckbridge.” “Abt: You mean to personate Santah among the redskins?” said Frank. . | ** Perzactly !” laconically replied the trapper. A discussion of plans and contingencies upon which we need not dwell ensued, ~ © f Then Yank Beckbridge, fully disguised as Santah, left the tally-ho and struck into the woods. : The tally-ho was drawn up in the shadow of @ small clump of timber, and there the return of the daring old trapper from his mission of rescue was anxiously awaited by his comrades, i i The first faintlight ofa new day was glowing along the far eastern horizon, when Barney, who stood watch on the top of the coach, shouted: “* Horsemen, an’ white men at that, in sight om the plains, begob, an’ they are follerin’ our trail 1” CHAPTER XVIII. THE ENEMIES OF LITTLE SUNSHINE AND BECK- BRIDGE, FRANK RBADE, and the others with him in the tally-ho, were yery much surprised when Barney shouted the announcement of his discovery of the gepeoeen of a mounted party of white men. ut the thought that the new-comers might aid them in the rescue of the white captives in the event of Yank Beckbridge’s failure, was the first. reflection in their minds, \ The white horsemen continued to approach rap- idly. They rodestraight toward the hills, follow~ ing the trail the tally-ho had made in entering the rocky pass. “Let us take an observation of the strangers through my glass,” said Dr, Vaneyke. j “Do so by all means, doctor, for you know one cannot always be sure of the character of white men here on these far western plains,” replied Frank, ; The doctor placed his tield-glass to his eyes, and through it he looked steadily for the space of sey- eral moments, ‘ ; The doctor's face, however, betrayed emotion. He'seéemed to be somewhat startled by what he saw, and his brow ciouded. ‘““What have you discovered?” asked Frank Reade, with some anxiety evinced in his tone, *¥ donot like the looks of the men who are ap- proaching, They seem to me to be a rough, dan~ gerous party whom we would do well to ayoid,” “ Bedad, an’ the min will go intil the pass On our trail. Sure, an’ Pomp an’ meself kin git back there in the whisk aya nagur’s heel foreninst thim,” said Barney. “Dat’s so. But what fo’ we Pomp. i i «Faith, an’ the head ay a nagur is no use to him i at all. Don’t ye see, ye thick head yez, that the likes av us might hide in the rocks beside the pass and hear fat the blackguards was sayin’ whin they wint foreninst us.” 4 4 “Golliel Wedo dat, But doan yer make no *marks agin dis chile’s head. I tell yer, honey, a nigger’s head am What he’pends om, Yah! yah! — yah! Deed, yer oughter know dat by dis time,’*as- | sented Pomp. ° , Frank Reade and the doctor approved of Bar- go dar?” questioned ney’s plan, and having made some preparations, the-two.old comrades left tho tally-ho and crept 4 7
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| I made a discovery, 14 FRANK READE, JR., IN. THE FAR WEST. swiftly away to the mouth of the rocky pass. There they concealed themselves, They hud not long to wait before the mounted white men rode into the pass. The party numkered more than a score. They were a wild, reckless-looking band, Their faces would have testifled against them in a court of jus- tice, and at the first glance Barney whispered to Pomp: “Tt’s an ugly lot they are, sure.” “ Right yer am, I’se mos’ sure,” assented Pomp. “Listen now, nagur, till we are afther hearin’ fat the blackguards are saying.” ¢ ‘ Pomp did not make any answer to this admoni- tion. «Tho trail is getting fresher, men. We shall overtake our man presently,” said a man who rode at the head of the band, and who was evidently a half-breed. “Yes, and when we do overtake him, what then, Brant Forges?” said another of the party. “Death! Death for him when the secret is ours,” responded the half-breed chief. “Yank Beckbridge will die hard,” said the other. “Yes, but dio he must. They say he loves Little Sunshine as though she was his own child. While he lives, Adam Marvan, your plot against the little one cannot sueceed. Yank Beckbridge is the man to baffle you.” “Perhaps. But now you have a personal inter- est in the capture of Beckbridge. First I engaged youand your lawless band to help find Beckbridge and the child, Owen Strathmore’s little daughter, and who is known as Little Sunshine. You had, at the outset, no interest in the undertaking save to earn my gold.” “rue,” replied the half-breed. ‘* But since then I traced the possession of a secret I have long vowed yet to make mine to Yank Bockbridge, the old trapper.” “Yes.” “Tf was a rare piece of good fortune. Coming upon the scene of a battle between ol Gotch- ewan’s band and Sioux enemies I found the old chief of ‘the gold mine Indians’ of Montana - dead. It seemed that all the old chief’s band had perished. I had been on old Getchewan’s trail for many days, forit was the secret of the lost gold mine, which the old Indian held, that I had vowed to have. I searched the dead chief, hoping to dis- cover a clew, but I found nothing, and then I was ready to conclude that I was doomed to failure. But aliat once a half-breed—my foster brother— who had acted as my advance scout, appeared, dropping froma tree at my feet. It was now eve- ning. My brother made haste to tell me that the night before, when he found himself dying, Getch- ewan had revealed the secret of the lost gold mine to Yank Beckbridge, the trapper, and given him an old Indian map which would enable him to find it. My brother had arrived at the scene as the old chief gave the trapper the mine map. The white trapper and his comrade did not discover my brother. He kept well concealed. Since the news [have related came to me I have had a two- fold interest in finding Beckbridge. I mean to - wrest from him the map of the lost mine and earn and in despair. your gold. I have trailed the old trapper well, and but for the fact that he had linked his fortunes with the great inventor, Frank Reade, Jr., we should have run the trapper down before this. The infernal electric tally-ho’s speed has enabled Beckbridge to keep out of our way thus far, though I do not believe he even suspects we are trailing him,” “Tividently not. Now Brant Forges, you have confided in me. I will tell you why I want Beck- bridge out of the way and precisely what interest T have in securing the chilé Little Sunshine, The ehild believes herself to be the daughter of Owen Strathmore. Such is the real truth. Strathmore’s wife, now deceased, was the only daughter of old Squire Baldwin of Ohio, a man of great wealth. hen his daughter married Strathmore against his will the old squire vowed he would disinherit his daughter who was his only child. But the old man ain not do so. When he died, some time since, he lett a will which gave his fortune to his daughter, Strathmore’s wife, or in case of her death the for- tune was to go to her children, if any. But ifshe died without leaving children, then the fortune was to go to a nephew by the name of Adam Mar- van, myself. ** Now Owen Strathmore does not know of the fleath of his wife’s father, nor of this will. I met him in Sioux City last spring. I had set out to flud him and make sure that the heirs who stood in my way were removed. Strathmore was broke, I was in'disguise, and he did not know me. I assumed to befriend him, and learn- of money to develop a gold claim he had great faith in, I offered to loan him the money for one year. A singular compact was made between us, and put in the form of a legal contract by a law- yer. 2 loaned Strathmore five thousand dollars for one year. If at the expiration of that year, which will be next spring, he failed to repay me my five thousand dollars he bound himself to sur- render his daughter, Little Sunshine, to me, as a parent legally may when the other party agrees to adopt the child, as I did agree.” «A singular contract, certainly.” “Yes. But Owen Strathmore was so very con- fident that he would find millions of dollars’ worth of gola in his claim that he laughed when he signed the contract, and said that in less than a month’s time he would repay my loan.” “But he did not?” ; “No. His claim proved worthless. Then re- cently I heard he had been eaptured by the In- dians and killed. So I resolved to seize the child, Little Sunshine, at once, as itis clear Strathmore can never make good his part of our contract. I am warned that Beckbridge would be likely to send a bullet through the heart of any one who at- tempted to take Little Sunshine away from him against his will,and so I hired you with your band to help me find the old trapper, and secure the child who stands betweon me and a fortune.” As tho villain thus spoke, Barney and Pomp were renee by the ringing of the electric bell on the ally-ho, . Instantly they began a covered retreat among the rocks, and soon came out on the plains. Then a scene which thrilled them with awful fear for the tally-ho and their friends burst upon their sight. CHAPTER XIX. ‘THE TRAPPER HEARS OF SECRET FOES, THE sight which Pomp and Barney beheld, when they emerged from the concealment of the rocky pass where they had overheard the nefarious plot which revealed the secret of Yank Beckbridge’s old pard—Owen Strathmore—and explained why the one supreme purpose of his life had become the acquirement of gold, was in truth most startling. To the southward, directing their course straight for the electric tally-ho, Barney and his colored comrade saw two parties, composed respectively of whites and redskins. t h The foremost were Yank Beckbridge and Eve Eldridge and her mother. The Sioux were in pur- suit, and every member of Sitting Bull’s band had joined in the chase, But it was not the sight of the large band of In- dians who were advancing toward the electric tally- ho which of itself occasioned the consternation now experienced by Frank Reade’s devoted servitors. There was yet another reason for their apprehen- sion that a calamity to the great mechanical triumph of the inventor’s skill was presaged. A red flag was waving from the top of the elec- tric tally-ho. ; This was a danger signal which had long previ- ously been agreed upon between Frank Reade and his comrades. Now as plainly as though the information had been conveyed to them in so many words, Barney and Pomp at once understood that an accident of sdme sort had happened during their absence which endangered the electric tally-ho, They were perplexed to comprehend how an ac- cident could have occurred to the ane while it was standing still, for they observed that the posi- tion of the remarkable vehicle had not heen changed since they left it. And yet they were assured that Frank Reade would certainly not have displayed the danger sig- nal saye he was confident that the threatened peril was of the gravest character. At one sweeping glance, which took in all the wild prairie landscape and the living beings upon it, Barney and Pomp saw that Beckbridge, the old trapper, and the rescued white women were en- gaged ina thrilling race forlife. They heard Beckbridge shout in ringing tones that vibrated with anxiety: “Come on with yer ’lectric_wagin, pard, fer ther gals are about done out, an’ I’m desprit consarned *bout ’em,” : Alarmed, entreating cries burst from the lips of the mother and daughter, and yet dospite these moving appeals the electric tally-ho did not move, Barney shook his head, and Pomp’s comical black face assumed an expression of blank sur- prise. oe But he and his comrade did not for a second de- lay-about proceeding. They ran for the electric tally-ho as if for dear life. that the sound of the bell on the elecic tally-ho must have been heard by the halfbreew band and they doubted not that the wretches yould pre- sently seek the origip of the sound wich was so strange to those remote solitudes. \ ; They momentarily expected to see ad hear the outlaws in pursuit of them. Puttingforth their best speed, however, Barney and Pom, made ex-~ cellent time, } The electric tally-ho was at comparately but a short distance from the place where hey made ae entree upon the prairie as they Cam from the ills. ‘ Breathless with hard running, Barneyind Pomp arrived at the eiectric tally-ho, Frank Reade and Dr. Vaneyke wee inside the vehicle. | i But the former met Barney and Ponp at the } oor. } “¥Fat’s up, Master Frank?” cried Barley, pant- ng. } The treacherous redskin Santah— But not an instant must be given to explanation Now, Hasten to check the adyance of the Indians, or Beckbridge and the ladies will be run down!” replied, Frank Reade, f Almost exhausted as they were with the race al- ready run, Barney and Pomp made anothar effort. The inspiration of their chivalrous purpose gave them new strength. They met Beckbridge, and while the ladies were continuing their flight toward the electrig tally-ho i prairie grass and momentarily heb check, foe neegh a The rifles of the three bray fellows belched forth in a destructive fusillade, Sitting Bull’s war- riors recoiled. Then up and on for the electric conyeyanes, still Soyene the retreat of the ladies, went the three eroes. : Mrs. Eldridge and her daughter Eye gained the electric tally-ho, but the supreme effort was: ac- sea dante only at the expenditure of all their strength. They were assisted into the vehicle by Dr. Van- eyke, for Frank Reade was busy with wrench and hammer, at work in the forward part of the oon veyance. Santah, the Sioux, lay in the bottom of the tally- ho like one dead, and there was a.bleod-stain on his face, As soon as they saw that the ladies had entered the electric tally-ho, Beckbridge, Barney and Pomp gave the redskins one farewell volley and then ran as swiftly as possible for the vebicle themselves. The Sioux came to a halt at a safe distance from the tally-ho, which had inspired them with such great dread. ¢ At this juncture Brant Forges and Adam Marvan rode out of the adjacent hills. .The half-breed and the secret enemy of Little Sunshine and her lost father rode side by side, and their outlaw com- rades came in the rear. 3 d : Beckbridge, the trapper, from within the tally- ho antl sight of the white outlaws as they ap- peared. “By powder!” exclaimed the eccentric scout, “now we are in for more trouble, Yonder comes the wust renegade outlaw gang in the Nor’west. Brant Forges are half Sioux himself, an’ he’s hand- and-glove with ther reds!” “Those fellows are whitemen, They will seek no doubt to take sides against us, for all that, if, as you say, they are outlaws bent on plunder and friendly to the Indians,” said the doctor, ; * And yet we cannot retreat or take to flight for halfan hour yet. Santah, the Indian, managed to sever his bonds by rubbing them against the metal guards ot the seat to which he was bound. Idis- his escape was foiled, the Indian selzed vender sledge, and before I could anticipate or preyent it he dealt the connecting rod of the main lever a tremendous blow, which drove it down against the. cylinder of the clock-work appliance under the lever board, and it is impossible to stir the tally-ho until the damage is repaired. Iam at work at the bent rod now, and will haye no difficulty in repair- ing itif I em only granted time,” said Frank Reade. 3 Sess “Traps an? trappers! | The Injun load-stone in my natur’ are a-drawin’ my huntin’-knife toward the pizen varmint on the floor. But I consait he’s petered out already?” said Beckbridge, “No, I knocked him senseless as an act of self- defense,” replied Frank. «her yarmint ain’t no use to us now, an’ if you say so 1’ll turn him loose. The sooner We're rid o’ him the better.” — y “Allright. Put him out of the coach,” assented ed that his wife was dead, and that he had one| Behind them, in the rocky pass, they could hear|Frank, while he continued to work away at repair- child called Little Sunshine, who lived with him at a lone prairie lodge, in company with an old trap- Bers Beckbridge by name, who was his pard. trathmore site in despezate need of a certain sum the voices of Brant Forges—the halfbreed outlaw and Adam Marvan, ‘ Little Sunshine’s’ secret and vindictive foe. Barney and Pomp were, of course, fully aware ing the injured driving-rod. “Tnjun stock takes a tumble, It nigh a’most breaks me heart ter let the pizen critter go with his hair on his cocoa-nut. ButTI s’pose ’tain’t *zact- eee | | the trapper, Barney and Pomp croug}{y.yim the, whbepe Oy in re-g*" 2 covered him just as he sprang up, and seeing that
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» shootin’, ei ; ? pon thetruth, 3 FRANK RHADE, JR. IN THE FAR WEST 1 \ 15 ly etterkiter do any hair-liftin’ afore ther ladies,” remarke( Beckbridge, regretfully. A see } pitched Santah out of the tally-ho head ret, } > e Much $ the surprise of all the redskin bounded up and thde off on a run instantly. “ Possm was his game, by powder! Gewhew! Ther pizn eritter hez run off with me buckskin trousersjhat I put onter him when I turned Injun ter resea the gals. Wouldn’t hev’ lost them buck- skins feta farm in Texas. A keep-sake them was, as I sot ome’at store by, An’ ter think o’ a pizen red runiin? around in Yank Beckbridge’s buck- skins, ‘his world are a vale o’ tears an’ sorrer. I tell ye it domes home ter a feller when he loses his only pair 0’ trousers.” . The ol trapper glanced ruefully at the Indian leggingshe wore and consoled himself wit ha fresh chew oftobaceo. A streim of liquid nicotine was ejected skillfully from bétween his teeth and Pomp had another harrow éseape from the flood. ‘Look year, Mister Trapper, jes’ you done gib dis eolored gent a word 0’ warnin’ nex’ time youse wine ter open der dam. You better keep dammed up ter flood dem yere white trash what’s arter ye’ an’ means ter steal a gal named Little Sunshine OHAPTER XX. AN EXPLOSION ON THE PRAIRIE, “Bu the powers ay turf, I’ll tell yez all about it! Sure, an’ it’s ablackguard’s scheme that Pomp an’ meself overheard be chance,” said Barney. Then he went on and narrated the conversation which heand Pomp had overheard between the half-breed outlaw, Brant Forges, and Adam Marvan. Beckbridge grasped the entire subject at once. He saw the power of gold impelled Marvan to get Kittle Sunshine in his possession, as she alone Stood between him and the inheritance left by the ehild’s grandfather, “Squire ” Baldwin, The trapper nnderstood now that the most pow- erful ineentive had actuated his partner, Owen Strathmore, in his quest for wealth. He knew that the father of Little Sunshine had been working to save his child from the consequences of his own Short-sighted bargain, A clear realization of the fact that a new and much to be regretted obstacle had arisen to hamper and impede the search for the lost gold mine came to the trapper. He understood that henceforth he was a marked man, and that he would be trailed and hunted by the half-breed outlaw, who sought to steal away his map of the route to the lost gold mine. ; “We hev’ got new trouble on our hands sure as The two white fiends, Forges and Mar- van, are more ter be dreaded than all the redskins. L foresas we hey’ got to have a long an’ desprit struggle fer ther lost mines,” said Beckbridge, seri- ously, when a moment’s silence had succeeded the conclusion of Barney’s narrative, “Gollie! I done say fo’suah dat trouble am comin’ mighty soon!” said Pomp. «The nagur is right, See ther blackguard spal- peens ay Satan are shakin’ hands wid the red: na- gurs an’ they are all good friends. The half an’ half are pintin’ at us, an’ begorra, it’s mesel’ as will era pintay the ould stuff he’s axin’ the red inter 2omo omateus,” said Barney. Che indiéations were that the Irishman had hit ee emaery that we should intimidate those ted scoundrels and the white outlaws anew. be- ore the latter can explain away the superstitions the former have formed regarding the tally-ho,” Said Frank, | “Bagob, I’m the mon fer the job!” cried Barney. “You’se always done jump yahself up ter de fust of ebberyt’ing, I’se de pusson fer de job my- Self!” put in Pomp. ‘*‘Begorra, sorry’s the day a nagur trys to take the place av an Irish gintleman, It’s breakin’ the mug av yez I'll be afther doin’ !” i “Keep way from me, white man. I done spiton a han’s, an’ when J done do dat I’se bad,” warned ‘omp. : _ “Take back the insult yez gave me, or begob, it’s moppin’ up av the flure wid anagur. is the act nixt on the programme, begob!” Barney made a pass at Pomp, but the nimble darky dodged, and the Irishman bruised his fist’ against the metal side of the tally-ho. “ Worra!l worral 4 me!” roared Barney. “Shut up! You are served right. What I want is this; a blasting cartrid Now, then, ge package Must be carried out to the white and red scoun- ram) 8 The nagur haz murthered drels, and suddenly and mysteriously exploded. I count upon the result to strike them with con- sternation so deeply that they will not attempt to attack the tally-ho before we are under way again,” said Frank Reade, sternly. — “Whoop! Butit’s the illegant foine brain yez have, Masther Frank. Shure an’ Barney O’Shea is the boy to give the spalpeens beyant the bit av a Fourth av Saly celebration, just as you say.” “Then make haste. Get out the keg of cart- ridges, und take one end of that coil of a thousand yards of fine malleable wire, crawl away to the en- emy under cover of the tall prairie grass, carrying the keg and the end of the wire, which will un- wind as you go. When you are among the vil- lains place the keg, attach your end of the wire to it and crawl back. As soon as you are at asafe distance I’ll do my part. You must tell me when allis ready by giving three sharp jerks on the wire,” said Frank. “Begob, I understand. Yez mane to sind a charge of electricity through the wire from the bathery in the tally-ho, and explode the whole keg ay cartridges among the murtherin’ blackguards.”’ Lid Yes.” Three moments subsequently Barney was crawl- ing away from thetally-ho with a small keg under one arm and a wire in his hand, which played out from a revolving standard in the tally-ho as he advanced. : The doctor watched the unwinding wire and looked to it that it did not become entangled, while Frank Reade worked away as rapidly as possible at the task of repairing the injury wrought by the vandal hand of the vindictive Santah. Mrs. Eldridge and Hye were able to converse by this tinte, and the latter placed the buck- skin bag containing the map of the lost gold mine in Beckbridge’s hand saying: “Here is the article with which you intrusted me. We owe our lives toyou. Iamvery happy to think I may have been of some slight service to you.” : “Don’t mention it, gal. Don’t mention it. Ther Beckbridges as a fambly allers was clannish. Me mother was a baister an’ me*father was a paster. Mother worked in a tailor shop, father pasted bills fer a poster of ’em. Between ther two they stuck together. Your name’s Eye, You’re like enough a distant relation o’ ther Beckbridges. Had a great grandmother several thousand years ago name 0’ ive. Sho took up a claim in a garding “long of a feller named Adam. All went fuss class with ’em ‘til one day an Injun come along an’ give Live a pizened apple an’ she give Adam a bite, an’ then the duce an’ all was to pay. Some claim ’twas a sarpent gi’n my great grandmother Eve ther ap- ple, but I know ’twas a Injun ’cxuse unbeknownst to Adam an’ Eve, there was an old trapper, a friend o’ mine, hid in the garden and he seed the Injun,” said Beckbridge gravely, while his merry eyes twinkled. The ladies smiled. “You are a strange humorist. Under such cir- cumstanves as the present, Sir Trapper, I should apprehend that your mood would not be suited to levity,” said Mrs, Eldridge, “* Never cry till yer hurt, area motter 0’ the Beck- bridge fambly, handed down in the Beckbridge fambly ever since one 0’ my great uncles acted as a guide for a party of emigrants thet was crossin’ ther Red Sea ter git away from a big Injun name o’ Pharo,” 4 “Tam afraid your version of the events to which you refer are scarcely orthodox,” said the doctor, laughing, Pomp at that instant made a sudden jump and tumbled Over the stand of wire which was now rapidly unwinding, as arey advanced toward the enemy under cover of tho tall grass. A stream of tobacco juice passed the spot Pomp had vacated so suddenly and went through the open window, ‘ At the same moment a chorus of exultant shouts wus uttered by Brant Forges, the half-breed, and his men, _, The doctor picked up his fleld-glass, and through it saw Santah evidently making some communica- tion to the white outlaws whom he had now reached. The doctor mentioned what he saw. The Injun haz up an’ told therrenegades that I am here al ther news. But they haven’t wiped out old Yank or got the treasure map or Little Sunshine yit!” said Beckbridge, Some suspenseful moments now elapsed. The occupants of the tally-ho watched the united bands of white and red foes narrowly. Presently Frank Reade turned from his task and aid : “Tve almost repaired the damage done to the machinery by the redskins. It’s time Barney reached the enemy and gave the signal to fire the cartridge cask.” Yes,” assented the doctor, ‘‘We shall hear from Barney soon, I think, un- less the Indians and their white allies detect him, and I can as yet see no sign to indicate such a thing,” he added, still peering through his glass. A moment or so more went by. Then suddenly there came three sharp twitches on the wire, «The signal!” exclaimed Frank, and witha pair of pincers he severed the wire and attached the end to the battery. An instant and a tremendous report—the deto- nation of an explosion was heard. A great red flame flashed for an instant among the enemy, and then a dense black smoke swept upward amid flying missiles. CHAPTER XXI. NO COLORED FOLKS WANTED. ‘* BUSTED, by powder!” exclaimed Beckbridge. Yes, and in a literal sense,” assented Frank Reade, as the electric current transmitted alon; the wire from the battery in the tally-ho occasione the explosion of the cartridge cask, “Gollie! ‘Dat Irisher done bully! I specs dat he hab got away from-de wercinity ob dat yar ’splosion, er he wouldn’t hab up an’ pulled de wire,” said Pomp, clapping his hands in delight. The mysterious explosion, for such it was to the Indians and the white outlaws, occasioned them the greatest consternation and threw the united bands into confusion, This was certainly the only result that eduld have ensued, for the explosion sent a shower of de- Structive missiles among the murderous savages and the white renegades. , Wild yells, howls of mingled rage and terror made a direful pandemonium, and the comparative quietude was converted into a saturnalia of con- fased sounds, The savages ran hither and yon, and the white renegades scattered away from the vicinity of the ~ explosion as swiftly as possible. si And, amid all the confusion and tumult, the two men who were the wolves upon the trail of old Yank Beckbridge and those he loved rode un- scathed—lived, perhaps to hunt the noble old trap- per and innocent Little Sunshine to their doom. Those inside the tally-ho watched the scene upon the prairie in silence for atime, But «all be- came anxious as the moments passed and Barney did not return, But presently, to the satisfaction of all concern- ed, Frank Reade said, as lie-drew a deep breath of relief and put aside his implements for repairing the machinery : “T have fixed the bent bar all right, Now let us see if the machinery will work?” a Frank made the requisite test, applying the mo- tive power from the battery to the delicate ma- chinery gradually, so as to avoid anything like a shock or a jar. Immediately the tally-ho began to move. “Allright, We can leave our enemies behind very easily now, [ think,” said Frank, right, an’ they are a-yelling fer joy at ‘But dis yere colored pusson ain’t a-gwine fer ter desert ole Barney. No; sah! I’se gwine ter find dat Irisher,” cried Pomp earnestly. “Certainly we shall not run away and leave Bar- ney,” said Frank, ; “T done thought dat you couldn’t done gone leave Barney behind ter be skulped by dem red niggers,” replied Pomp, ‘ As he spoke the door of the tally-ho opened, and Barney, who had crept up unseen, leaped inside all safe and sound. ‘ Barney had caught the last part of Pomp’s re- mark. He heard Pomp say “leave Barney behind ter ba skulped by dem red niggers,” and he did not hear the preceding words. ‘‘3e the turf an’ the bogs! Worra, me soul, but it’s the loikes ay me, Barney O’Shea, as wull make the murtherin’ spalpeen ay a nagur ate the words av him, begob! It’s lavin’ an Irish gin- tleman behind wid the red nagurs ye’d be afther dein’, is it? Faith an’ it’s a nagur that wull be left beyan’ us!” roared Barney, ‘* Barney—I golly, [——” “Shut up, ye nagur! Shut up wid yez, an’ foight loike a mon. Shure, an’ it’s an illegant ginteel bit av a shindy I’ll be afther givin’ yez, an’ I'll bate the head ay yezina whisk! Orrah! it’s lavin’ av the loikes ay me yez would be afther doin’! Whoop!” Barney came at Pomp like a mad bull. “Hold! Ther ey of ther ladies are agin ‘Tain’t ettekit. Put it off. Yer kin chaw each other up nice an’ fine some other time,” said Beckbridge, throwing himself b4fween the irate Irishman and Pomp. Barney was nothing if not gallant. yer. He halted, and turned to Mrs. Eldridge and Eva with a low bow. a « Excuse me, ladies, Faith an’ savin’ yer ence Lvould be afther massacrein’ the nagur. ‘Trish, you’se de——” hegan Pomp, when Beck- - pris- ?
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“16 _ bridge discharged a nicotine overflow which shut Pomp off by compelling him to dodge. sped quickly away Frank interposed his authority and the trouble between Pomp and Barney was for the time at least averted, The enemy was soon left behind and out of sight. Then Mrs. Eldridgé and Eve were questioned at The tally-ho was now set in motion, and as it , FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. Briggs, as he advanced toward the tally-ho at the head of his yelling mob of constituents. nov on the top of the vehicle. Pomp and the doctor, at a word from Frank, had retired inside the tally-ho as the miners rushed out of the grogshop. Frank Reade occupied the driver’s seat, and to some length, and when Frank Reade learned that|him Banty Briggs addressed his order to stop the they had friends at Wind river, he decided to take them to that settlement. The journey to Wind river was made in safety, and haying seen the ladies welcomed by their _ friends, Frank Reade set the heads of his team north-west again and went forward on what Beck- bridge claimed was the proper course to pursue to ultimately reach the locality of the lost gold mine. For some days nothing of sufficient interest transpired to require special mention, . But one evening the tally-ho reached a mining camp called ‘One Horse’ Bend.” The camp was one of the roughest and most lawless places in the West. But forall that Frank and his comrades de- cided to pass the night there. As the tally-ho was advancing into the mining camp, Frank Reade’s attention was attracted to a sign nailed to a tree which read thus: : Novice, , Warning are hereby duly given ter all Chinamen an¢ niggers, not ter set foot in ther city 0’ One Hoss Bend, *Cordin’ ter ordernance by ther city council made an’ approved, any Chinamaner nigger caught in this berg . will be strung up, as a warnin? ter fature arrivals o’ ther Same sort. : , (Signed) BANTY BRIGGS, Mayor. Frank Reade read this aloud. Poor Pomp listened, and he looked rather ' troubled as he said: - *Tspecs dat done mean Pomp. I can’t help it if Lis brack, Mars Frank, an’ I reekon I’se got a white heart. -But ] doan’ want ter get friends in- ter trouble on my account, nohow. So I'll jist slip ‘out.an’ hide in de woods til youse git ready ter leave dis place,” ‘©No, begob! Faith, an’ yez will do nothin’ av - the sort. are an’ouns! Be the powers, an’ it’s - ashamed ay yez I am! Shure an’ it’s yersel’ an’ the loikes av me haz fought blackguards all over ‘ the worruld, an’ yez don’t mane to back away ~ from ashindy at this toime of loife? ‘Shure, an’ it’s ould Barney as wull shtand by yez, Pomp, an’ if the spalpeens hangs wan, they have got to hang ; Lake an’ that won’t be no picnic for thim, be- ob? * g As Barney spoke a miner ‘rho stood before a sa- loon a few feet distant, caught ‘sight of Pomp’s black face. » “Anigger! A nigger!’ he yelled, and ascore of ~ roughs poured out of the rum-hole and surged to- - ward the tally-ho, shouting: ‘Hang the nigger! ‘Hang che nigger!” CHAPTER XXII. THE BARRICADE IN THE PASS, FRANK READE and his comrades understood that Pomp was in réal danger... The rough and lawless eloment of ‘One Horse Bend” was clearly in the ‘ascendancy. The crowd of men who issued from the grog-shop and raised the dread shout of Judge Lynch advocates, were evidently in dead earnest. , No idle menace, no simple threat, unsustained ' by. direful purpose, was ever uttered in such tones as theirs. Rey Assuredly Pomp could scarcely anticipate, or hope for the least modicum of mercy if he was once in the power of those howling ruffians of the mines. ° No plea for lenieney, no ery for clemency, no ~ prayer for forbearance would avail, Frank and his comrades were conyineed. The evil of the nature of the rnffians was ren- - dared more dangerous than, perhaps, otherwise » might have been the cuse by reasons of potations long and deep. Inflamed as now by rum, the roughs of ‘*One Horse -Bend” were veritable wolves. As was usually the case when strangers saw the - electric tally-ho, the remarksble vehicle was now regarded as an ordinary stage coach, somewhat out of the common in design, ‘The roughs of One Horse Bend as yet had no idea of the real character of the conveyance, or that the noblé steeds by which it was drawn were other‘than horses of flesh and blood. One of the first men who. came out of the rum- ' shop in answer to the yell of the miner who had ‘first discovered Pomp, was a thick set, undersized ruffian whose ignoble features indicated a nature of the lowest deseription.. — _ Whis:individual was Banty Briggs—so called— the mayor of One Horse Bend, who had been elect- ~ ed by the toughs, who were in the majority. | (‘Hold on there with yer hearse, er I shill be ~) enmpelled Iter salivate ye, pilgrim!” shouted Te j } tally-ho. : The inventor now wore his suit of mail under his ordinary garments, having donned the same during the absence of Barney and Pomp, when the savage appeared in pursuit of Beckridge and the captives he had rescued. : Barney had not as yet discarded his armor which he had worn when he appeared with Pomp among Sitting Bull’s band as ‘‘ a man of fire.” “T think,” said Frank to Beckbridge, ‘‘that in this instance the easiest way out of a difficulty is thé best one, We will nothalt here, but continue right on.” One Horse Bend was located ina pass of the Montana mountains. If Yank Beckbridge’s interpretation of the. old Indian map, or tracing, was to be relied upon, the route of the hunters in quest of the lost gold mine ran through the pass, soit was necessary to go through the mining camp, which was built in a straggling line of rude shanties for a quarter of a mile along the defile. ~ : Frank Reade did not heed the command of Banty Briggs to. halt. } On the contrary, the young inyentor depressed the main lever of the battery and increased the speed of the wonderful iron team, The roughs uttered fresh yells of rage, and a volley of pistol shots were discharged from their midst. - ’ Yank Beckbridge dropped down flat on the top of the coach, and the bullets did not hit him, Frank and Barney were both: struck, but not in- jured, thanks to their chain armor, which once again proved wholly impervious to bullets. The roughs rushed pell-mell at the heads of the iron steeds and at the coach. Several of the toughs were struck down and trampled, and the others sprang away. They had made the discovery that the horses were mechani- cal, , seit ‘Bears an’ beavers! Horses made o’ iron! Let somebody sing a hymn. I reckon ther world are a-comin’ ter an end an’ we’re sent fer, an’ have got to go!” bawled out a tattered, trampish look- ing rascal who was one of those who had received a blow from the iron-clad hoofs. . But the roughs who had come at the tally-ho had their own troubles. Banty Briggs had grabbed hold of one of the metal guards into which Frank had just sent a charge of electricity. Several others imitated the example of their leader, und in about a second a heap of roughs were piled up in a struggling, kicking, swearing mass, and every one of them was ready to make oath that he had been struck by lightning. The tally-ho kept on. Thus far Frank, who did not wish to have any- thing done or said to provoke hostilities, had man- aged to keep Barney quiet. : But now the Irishman yelled in delight: “Whoop! It’s takin’ av a tumble yez are, ye dirthy blackguards, Faith, an’ wan good mon loike mese!’ could stand foreninst yez all wid a sprig ay a sthick an’ bate the heads ay ye!" : “Surrender the nigger!” roared Banty Briggs, picking himself up and leading his gang in pursuit of the tally-ho, f “ Put that little runt ava blackguard on ice an’ kape him fur me til I come back. Sure, he’s the missin’ link,.an’ me friend P. T. B. is lookin’ for him,” retorted Barney. The speed of the tally-ho was now excellent, It bowled along through the mining camp right merrily. / Doors flew openand people rushed out to see the strange vehicle. The yelling mob behind added to the excitement, and soon all the camp was aroused and there was a scene of great confusion. Frank smiled with satisfaction, saying » “ We shall soon leave this delightful place, which is a land to Chinamen and negroes tabooed, far behind,” i Ina few moments more than two-thirds of the distance through the straggling mining camp was traversed by the tally-ho, Then soon the last shanty in the suburbs of “One Horse Bend” was left behind, and the rotighs of the eamp who were still in the pursuit Frank Reade, Barney and Yank Beckbridge were rowest part of the pass and then, all tonce, Frank Reade uttered a startled exclamationand quickly threw back the main lever, and thus jsconnected the electrie current with the machiery and so caused the team to stop. hos aye Before him, completely closing the jarrow pass and rendering it wholly out of the quétion to run the electric tally-ho further in that diection, was a rude but formidable barricade, { a The obstruction was constructed entiely of large rocks and bowlders. These were plaed so-as to form a wall ten feet high. | a Frank, as well as Barney and Beck\ridge, was very much surprised at the first sightot the bar- rier, : ; j : But a second glance served to occasi ! them ad- ditional astonishment, for, protrudiny through loop-holes rudely made in the high walli, they Saw a row Offeight rifle barrels. ‘ There were men behind. the rude fortification. Their voices were heard by Frank and his friends as the tally-ho was halted, and the succeeding mo- ment an apparition appeared on the wall, — Frank Reade beheld a young girl of surpassing beauty, clad in a buckskin tanie and Indian leg- gings, and carrying a light repeating rifle, “ Friends or enemies, whichlare you?” demanded the wild mountain maid, laconieally. 1 *‘Priends, certainly. _ Who Beaty profess enmity to one so; beautiful, fair maid! We are strangers on our way west, ‘One of our party chances to be a colored man, and the roughs of Me are in pursuit of us vowing. to hang : ing man of color. Is there io way oY "it ry we can pass your fortress, aad why is it ii re?” said Frank, in a breath, ; ' ’ “The roughs of One Horse Bend have tried to e unoffeng. richest lead in the gulch, and Banty Briggs has set, up2 fraudulent claim to it. We have barricaded the pass here, as it 18 the only route to my father’s claim,” said the girl. At this moment the yells of the men of One Horse Bend were heard close behind. ‘* Begob, it’s a ruction we'll have now, for sure!” cried Barney. _ OHAPTER XXIII. BARNEY AND POMP IN A GREAT ‘‘RUCTION.” “Youne lady, is there no way in which we can pass your barricade?” asked Frank, “None—unless the rocks are removed for 4 space,” “You have men with you?” “ Certainly. Ten brave fellows who are employ- ed by my father.” «Then I propose that they at once set to work to open a passage for the tally-ho.” _ ei x “And so allow the men who are my father’s foes and mine to capture us and our claim, No, no, self-preservation is the first law of nature. It can- _ not be, stranger,” f ‘“ But I guarrantee that if you will have an open- ing made for our passage the men of One Bend shall not profit by it,” replied Frank. His quick brain had grasped an idea and he was ready to curry it out at once, with The maiden smiled incr dulously. “JT am Frank Reade, Jr., the inventor, and never promise more than I can perform,” the young man added, _ ; ; . ‘. my Frank Reade, Jr., of whom I haye read so often?” ‘Yes, miss. But quick, your answer, Will you open the way for the passage of my last great in- vention and trust to my solemn word that no harm shall come to you by reason of your so doing.” - ‘The girl hesitated. ‘ Oorse But atthat moment an aged, benevolent-lwoking”” 2 miner appeared beside the mountain. bexaty on the rugged wall of the barricade. Horse Bend wrest my father’s claim from him because it is the © “J answer for my daughter. We will ‘open the” barricade. Iknow Frank Reade’s word can be depended on!” the old man cried. ‘ Then he leaped down out of sight again, and ~ Frank and his comrades heard him shout: “To work, men! Down with the rocky wall and open a passage for Frank Reade, the great inventor |” pKa: “Now, Barney, come with me?” cried Frank, leaping off the tally-ho. «_ “Sure, an’ I’m wid ye, as the flea said till the poodle dog!” replied Barney, iN Barmey alighted beside Frank in a trice.and the lattersaid, in a low tone: © “ We haye got to work a ruse,” Then to Beckbridge Frank gaye some instruc- of the tally-ho did not gain on it. ‘At some distance beyond the mining camp the pass narrowed until it became only a cleft in thelat the head of his band each|around the curve. steep-walled mountains which towered on side that was scarcely wide enough for a single wagon trail. . ED A The electric tally-ho rounded a bend in the nar- tions, and he’and Barney ran back to the bend in the pass. - ay (i lee They had barely reached it when Banty Briggs of roughs came) tearing “Now!” cried Prank. ; «Whoop! yelled Barney, Mt aes With sudden leaps the inventor and his brave i \ ry ryt
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} ’ FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. 17; SS TFT TFT TTT TT T—T TT Trish cmrade darted upon Banty Briggs, and Frank éalt him a stunning blow which would - have fekd the stuntsd raseal to the earth had not Barby, in accordance with Frank’s instruc- tions, caght Briggs up bodily and bounded away with hit to the tally-ho. Frankfollowed closely. Beckkidge meanwhile had run out a wire from the elecrie battery to the side of the pass not more than twnty feet from the bend on the side of the trail tovard the tally-ho. Befortthe roughs behind Banty Briggs fully un- derstoo{ that their leader had been so to say snatchel out of their midst and carried away, Bar- ney hadhim safe in the tally-ho. Fran} Reade leaped on the top of the tally-ho and thddoctor, Pomp and Barney instantly joined him thére, and in a second’s time four rifles in the hands f the defenders of the great electric inven- : ee wée leveled at the roughs of One Horse *Bend. “Gib de mean trash fits, Barney. I’se done butted mo’ dan a dozen out ob tune, Guess da’ll let somebody else take de contract ter hang dis coon off dar han’s |” cried Pomp. But just then: “Ding! ding! ding?’ sounded the electric bell, and turning, Barney and Pomp saw that the way for the electric tally-ho was opened through the barricade. CHAPTER XXIY. THE WAGON TRAIL—INDIAN ‘‘ SIGN.” Pomp and Barney ran at once, straight for the tally-ho. Barney tried to dart by Pomp and, whether accidentally or otherwise, Pomp tripped the Irishman up, Down went Barney sprawling. But he regained his feet with alacrity, and ran on after Pomp. But Barney was mad. - “Sure, and that’s all a gintieman gits for helpin’ as when we came?” asked Frank of the honest miners. “Tt is! it is!” was the quick, unanimous re- sponse. : “Very good, then, I have made good my prom- | ise, and now we will say good-bye.” T hope we shall meet again, Mr. Reade,” said the old miner’s beautiful daughter as she gave Frank her hand, while her eyes betokened the more than passing interest the inventor had ayak- ened in her heart. “T fear not; fair girl, unless you can some time find time to visit my wife in Readestown,” reptied Frank. : The girl’s face flushed and. then paledy , **We shall never meet again. It is better so,” she said quietly, and then turned away. _ Less than an hour later the tallys-ho was beyond the range, and again traversing the prairie. : The trail of a wagon train was struck some twenty miles further on, and Beckbridge, who was They halted, and a moment later Beckbridge was|av a nagur, Faith,an’ Ill bate the head av the|gazing intently ahead, all at once laid his hand on seen tO dart across the trail between the miners’|black rascal whin we git out av this shindy !” cried) Frank Reade’s shoulder, and said: _ nob and the tall hind him, He had. given the wire a turn around a rock on the side of the pass- whence he came, Now, in a y-ho, trailing a copper wire be- moment more it was drawn taut about a foot from ' the vehicle. : ; “ Gollie, dat’s 80] Youse no ’count white trash “am all howlin’ ter git at one poor colored man, Dar am more dan forty ob yer, but yer all settin’ atone, sea nigger, but 1 hain’t no coward iike you uns, an’ if dar am any two ob Jer gang what will give me a fair fight I’m dar meat. Yer hear my musie-box, an’ dat’s de tune I’se turned on, fo’ suah!”? cried Pomp. 2 “Down with Pha niger! Hang the nig!” yelled _ the last speaker among the mob, : Then on they came in a mad rush for the electric tally-ho. “Whoop! Is itdramin’I am, or hez Donny- 10k broke loose right forninst me. Whoop, it's icant roction. at last we'll have! y, now in his element, and brandishing ‘the reckless fellow leaped off the top a = if “Po! Et f . 8 away from the mob peacefully. But now his in- dignation carried him away. With a bellow like a mad bull he followed the foolhardy Barney. : But the suecceding moment the on-rushing roughs from the mining camp came in contact with the wire stretched across the pass, which they did not expect to. encounter. rye Shen such yells of consternation as emanated from their lips were seldom heard before. 5 They received terrible electric shocks, and_trip- ping over tho wire the foremost ones fell head first. Those immediately in the rear of the front ranks of the roughs tumbled over their fallen comrades, and they all presented a most ludicrous appear- ance... - : ; Some began to scramb rushed at them. 7 Burney danced about whacking away at a head wherever he saw one, and Pomp butted right and * Jeft, knocking down man after man in quick suc- - cession. , ‘ f ty ap -__. # Whoop! whoop! ‘Take that, ye spalpeen, an’ “that, ye blackguard! Shure, it’s crackin’ the heads “ay ye. I’m aither doin’!” shouted Barney. ~*~ fot \e s long suffering, and inclined to get le up as Barney and Pomp Barney. He had bruised his knee and he limped a trifle, but for all that he boarded the tally-ho ina mo- ment. Pémp was already inside the vehicle. Frank Reade worked the electric levers. The machinery began to move, and presently the tally- ho glided onward through the opening in the rocky barricade, which was now complete. The howling, deeply incensed ruffians of the mines, recovering somewhat from their discomfit- ure, uttered loud, exultant yells as they saw the tricade was open. “Now we'll run old Walters out of his claim! Come on, boys! The biggest pay-streak in ‘ther guleh are a-waitin’ fer us!”-shouted one of the roughs, ‘An’ I reckon it'll wait fer along time!” retorted Beckbridge the trapper. i Meanwhile the doctor, so instructed to do by Frank, had got the repeating Winchester battery in pl tention of the roughs to make a second rush to free Briggs while he was being secured to the rock. But Barney shouted : : E “Come on agin, ye blackguards, an’ the nixt toime the battery goes off, be dad an’ it’s depressed it will be, and it will blow the likes av yez intil smithereens!” “Yes, and if yer make a move to rush through thé openin’ in the barricade, I reckon old Killsure ull go off an’ pop Mister Banty Briggs plumb cen- ter, by powder!” cried Beckbridge. “To wwork, all hands! Repair the barricades !” cried Frank to a dozen honvest-looking miners, who, with old man Walters, the owner of the dis- putéd cluim, were standing by the barricade, __ “The cowardly curs who want to rob a fellow creature of his life simply because his skin is black, won’t sacrifice their villainous leader, They un- derstand that Banty Briggs will be shot down in his tracks if they attempt to come through the opening in the barricade,” added Frank. A cheer for Frank Reade went up from the hon- est miners, and the beautiful mountain maid re- garded the young inventor with such admiring glances as any one of the miners would haye givén all they possessed to have won from her. Frank had devised his whole plan on the spur of the moment. Ably seconded as he had been it had thus far sueceeded. __ The miners under old man Walters, as they fam- iliarly designated the claim owner, set to work with a will to repair the breach in the barricade. Banty Briggs had regained his senses, and his evil face was as pale as death. He called out to his comrades * “Stand back, fellers, I don’t want ter go under on account er a nigger or a disputed claim. These fellers mean biz, an’ I know it.” ; Reluctantly the roughs withdrew further. ‘The. work of repairing the barricade was, completed. Then, when it was accomp Beckbridge was called in. hes i “Now, my friends, is your barricade as secure e uickly ished, «““There’s trouble ahead, fer the emigrart train that hezjust passed this way. Ther tracks are aboutan hour old, I jedge. There’s redskins a- trailin%the train. I feel ther Injun load-stun in my natur’ a-workin’, an’ I know reds are plannin’ for ter attack ther wagon train. Look yere. Just stop ther team a bit.” : ; Frank halted the electric steeds. Beckbridge leaped out and inspected the wagon trail. Presently he came back with @ white hand- kerchief in his hand which he had picked up in the grass, ; “Half a hundred Injuns mounted on ponies hey struck ther trail of ther emigrants near here, an’ arenow a follerin’ it. I read ther signs like a book, Here’s a wipe one o’ ther whites must have dropped,” said the trapper, and he placed the handkerchief in Frank’s hand, : The*young man’s eyes instantly discovered a name in one corner of the lost handkerchief. «Byron Porter! Heayéns, my old school friend om Ohio is with that train! ‘Some months since _ CHAPTER XXV. | THE TRAPPER’S SORROWS. *©T RECKON ther Irishman must heyshot himself, by powder!” exclaimed Beckbridge, the trapper, ‘as Barney, from inside the coach, was heard to shout as we have stated. dedt { “Murther! It’s kilt I am intirely !” j . Beckbridge opened the door in the top of the ve- hicle, and he saw Barney hopping about on one Hess while he held a smoking revolyer in his and, y “ What’s ther matter, Barney? I consait ye hey been makin’ a target of yer underpinnin,” said the itrapper. 3 i “Yah, yah, yah! IfI done had sich mighty big gunboats that I couldn’t shot a shoot widout hit- tin’ ’em I’d done sold ’em for mud-scows!” cried Pomp. j “Close that hatchway o’ yez face, nagur, or be- _ gob, V’ll be afther jumpin’ down the throat av yea! Sure, yez know me gun wint. off be accident an’ barked the big toe av me.” Roca ‘©Vah, yab, yah!” laughed Pomp. rota “ Paith, an? if the nagur will hav’ the illegant po- liteness to hold the intrance of the mammoth cave closed-till we are on equal footin’, sure, an’ it’s me- self will bate the head av him. Thé nagur tripped me a bit ago, an’ I hey the samé in fur him yit, so T hev.” ; "Come, come, no i tc ve shall have fighting presently in plenty without getting up a row babweon ourselves J think,” said Dr. Vaneyes. Again the distant yells of Indians were heard, and the indistinct report of fireartos succeeded the outery fromafar. ~ i ' : *«Right ye are, by powder,” assented the trap- per, and Barney forgot the pain of his slightly wounded toe in the anticipation of a “ ruction:?’ — “Sure it's a regiment ay the red nagurs thet mesei’ an’ me black-diamond pard kin’ get away wid. &h;Pomp, me jewel?” hecried. 9
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18 FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. } Pomp assented to Barney’s gasconade, and asj’ud do betler in connection with ther widder an’/preservation they were battling, thi emigrants there was a prospect of a row with outsiders, the|ther handle o’ ther sweepin’ implerment afore)made a grand fight. two ridiculous rascals became very friendly forth-|mentioned,” said Beckbridge. The savages who were engaged itthe attack with, and Pomp pulled off Barney’s boot and bound] “1 stand corrected,” assented the doctor, while/upon the wagon train had not previouly encoun- up his toe. Frank laughed, and Pomp and Barney fairly|tered the electric tally-ho, and sighting presently All hands were presently on top of the tally-hojroared. they uttered delighted yells and ‘ore down and looking ahead anxiously. From the moment} ‘“‘Youse de funniest man I ever seed,” saidjupon it. when the discovery of the name on the handker-|Pomp. For the nonce the wagon train was let in peace, ehief which Beckbridge had picked up, gave Frank] “Funny! Sho! you oughter knowed my uncle,|while, feeling sure of the capture of theapproach- the assurance; that ;his quandom friend, Byron|Luther Beckbridge. Ive knowed folks ter laughjing coach, the Indians gave it all their ittention. - Porter, was in danger, he had caused the tally-ho|themselves ter death at that feller. He was fun-| When the occupants of the coach hade their - speed of his remarkable electric-vehicle to overtake] ‘ By the way,” said Frank. ‘You have not as/direction. to maintain a high rate of speed. nier than a funeral—a heap; but there was ajhasty preparations for a battle upon kbaring the The air of the northern prairies is peculiarly rare,|guide book went “long with my Uncle Luther’s|sounds of conflict ahead among other hings that and sounds could be heard at a greater distance|jokes, so’s any one could find out where ther laugh|were attended to a small cannon was gG out, put than elsewhere. 4 came in.” together, and set on the top of thetall}-ho, The Although the emigrant train and the Indians} “A wise provision. Other humorists might/small cannon was provided with a revdying car- were not yet in sight, the inventor relied upon thejtakea hint from your uncle,” laughed the doctor. |riage so that it could be aimed in ay desired them before it was to» late to render the whites as-|yet explained how you rescued Eve Eldridgeand| The cannon had been duly loaded wih an ex- sistance. her mother from the Sioux so speedily.” plosive shell, and now, while all the other mem- At some distance ahead, in the direction whence} ‘That was luck an’ a heap on it, I consait. Yer|bers of the tally-ho force retired inside the yehi- the sounds of strife emanated, a ridge of the plains,|see ther gals had managed ter give ther reds ther|cle, Pomp and Barney yet clad in their suits of such as occurs at intervals on the rolling prairie,|slip, an’ were a-runnin’ fer dear life when I chanced|mail, stationed themselves at the canon which could be seen. ter meet ’em in ther hills. Then all we had to do|they had volunteered to man, Frank surmised that when the ridge was reached,|was ter make for ther tally-ho. We did that an’ I} From inside the vehicle Frank still acted as en- the emigrant train and its red enemies would comejreckon ’tain’t necessary fer me to gin you a his- gineer, and controlled the movements of the tally- in sight. ¥ tory o’ ther rest.” ho. Preparations were hastily made for a battle as} ‘Certainly not, since I witnessed what en-| The electric conveyance continued to advance in the tally-ho bowled swiftly along, and Beckbridge/sued.” . the direction of the imperiled wagon-train and the remarked: “There’s a heap o’ trouble on ther old man’s|charging Indians. i | “TJ reckon that’tain’t no use ter hope thet San-|mind takin’ one thingan’ another. What withther| The latter may have been somewhjaisurprised at tah, the pizen Sioux, are with the varmints thet are|widder, ther lost gold mine, and ther worryment|this, andé so a mgmentary hesitation yn their part arter ther wagon train, fer ’tain’t possible. An’|I’ve got about leetle Sunshine, I reckon old Yank/seemed to indicate. No doubt the Indians expects yitI’d gin half a season’s trappin’ ter git holt o’/has got sommat o’ a load.” _ jed the supposed stage-coach to bea Sh ther critter on account er them buckskin breeches} “ ‘True, true,” Frank affirmed. treat. : oe o’ mine what the red ran off in. Them was a} “The pizen scoundrel, Adam Maryan, may dis-; Reckbridge had not as yet disearded his Indian keepsake—er token, them was, an’ I sot store by|kiver thet leetle Sunshine are in Helena, and seize disguise whigh houd secured from the treacher- — ema heap. Ther Widder Kerridge down ter Fort|her while old Yank ain’t on hand to pertect her.jous Santah, and he now looked precisely like ¢ »* Smith made fer me them buckskins.” What a pizen fool my old pard Strathmore was to|Sioux warrior, paint, feathers and all.. The merry eyes of the eccentric old trapper|pledge his leetle gal as security fer the loan he got| The trapper and Dr. Vaneyke had their rifles ’ twinkled, and he heaved a deep sigh and ejected alfrom Maryan.” leveled through the port-holes of the tally-ho, and — ' with a sudden whack, and he added: stream of tobacco juice that caused Pomp to dodge} <“‘ Yes, but Strathmore was sure of the value of|while Frank Reade grasped the main electric lever as it flew by his ear. his claim.” with one hand the other held a rexolver which “‘ Mistah Trapper, I reckon dat you done got de] “That’s just what I blame him fer. A fellerjrested in a port-hole, : idee inside ob yer cranijum dat dis yere colored|hain’t got no right to be sure o’ anything ’cept| Everything was inreadiness give the Indians gemman am er cuspidor. Dat ama big mistake,|trouble an’ death in this vale o’ tears. But I’ve got|4 warm reception. ‘ sah, an’ doan yer disremember it,” said ie a presenterment that ther pizen varmint, Brant] All at once Barney depressed the cannon and “Ts absent-mindedness, nigger,” replied Beck-|Forges the half-breed outlaw, will make us more|took aim at a compact body of the mounted say- bridge, deftly throwing a huge quid of tobaccoltrouble yet He won’t give up the idee o’ findin’|ages, who, although not as yet within rifle range, through the window, and causing Pomp to dodge|the lost gold mine easy, an’ he’ll track me fer ter|the Irishman judged to be within reach of the can= again. get the old Injun map like a starved wolf tracks a/non. } q “Was yer ever in love? I consait yer was. Wall,|\vounded buftler.” Suddenly thena booming detonation was heard. when a feminine gits inter a feller’s head, sense] “Do not borrow trouble, Friend Beckbridgo.|The tally-ho shook severely as the cannon recoiled gits out, an’ ther critcer ain’t ’sponsible. ‘Ther |Surely we have left Brant Forges and Marvan well|from the impetus of the discharge. Thesholl went widder are in old Yank’s head, an’ there’s sorrer/behind. Ihope’we shall see no more of them,” hissing through the air, rising at first and then inter the inside o’ his heart,on account o’ ther loss|said Frank cheerfully. falling and exploding among the red raiders, o’ them buckskin breeches.” “Sartin I hope so to, pard. But suthin’ seems} Consternation ensued among the Indians and on The trapper sighed again dismally, and stowedlter say ’tain’t so to be.” charged the tally-ho, Ina moment it was among away something less than a quarter ofa pound of| ‘ Well, here we are at the ridge!” cried the doc-|the savages rushing on in resistless might. _ fine-cut in the side of his face by way of consola-|tor at that juncture. But, as a volley from the rifies inside the vehicle tion. tes “Yes, an’ begob, there’s the red nagurs an’ the|Was discharged, the coach gave a sudden lurch, “Yas,” he resumed in ludicrously melan-|wagon train. It’s a foine ruction we hev struck,} One wheel had sunk in a prairie dog hole and the - choly tones, “sich are the fae; Old Yank hez gotlas me brother Mike said whin he ran intil the freajabrupt jolt pitched Pomp off the tally-ho right ther trouble o’ ther heart caused by a darter|foight at Donnybrook,” said BeInoy, among the Indians. 6’ Mother Eve, and he’s got it bad. ‘Wear ’ém,| A thrilling picture was presented on the plains| Tne darky was stunned by his fall. Barney ut- - Yank,’ said the widder, ‘an’ when ye wear ’em|beyond. tered a yell, and pulling a reyolver from his belt think o’ me.’” arate msi Ane with ae hand, he blazed away at the savages Beckbridge brou e stock of his rifle down around Pomp. : £ s z CHAPTER XXYVI. e ut witty a loud, Caren yell, a huge warrior, “‘ An’ ter think that a pizen red nagur are now a GREATEST PE who certainly must have possessed hereulean runnin’ around in the widder’s breeches—I mean Mette Ete ‘ set Sey strength, bent down from the back of his pony my breeches. By powder, it’s enough ter break} Hau¥ a mile or more distant from the ridgejand clutching Pomp by the wool, lifted him upon . ther old man’s heart.” which the electric tally-ho had now arrived at/his animal and dashed away. “hoe case is sad indeed,” said Frank, laughing|Frank Reade and his comrades now saw a wagon| ‘“‘Help! Sabe me, Barney! Luff me go, Mister heartily as did the others. ; train composed of a score of covered wagons, or|Injun! I ain’t a white man, ’deed I ain’t!” yelled “But Ll git them buckskin breeches back agin|‘ prairie schooners,” as the canvas covered yehi-|Pomp. ; if it takes all summer. That ere I makes affy-|cles fayored by emigrants are designated on the; But the Indian kepton and did not relax his hold davit to. ‘Why, ’spose I should come back ter ther/plains. : upon Pomp. widder without them buckskin breeches on—with-| ‘The train had evidently taken the alarm in time} “I done tole yer dat I ain’t no white man. I’so out her token of ’fection—I kin reckon on what|to make some preparations for the Indian attack. a Injun—a brack Injun, dat’s what FAs,” roared. would happen then. I’d lose ther widder, an’ The wagons had been drawn up ina cirele with|Pomp, in desperation, I ie a that long-legged, double-jinted, web-footed crit- the poles locked in the rear axles so as to form a| ‘‘Wah! Sioux fake scalp!” was the far from re- ter, Sam Sedges, ther post parson, would cut mejbarricade within which the emigrants and theirjassuring rejoinder of Pomp’s captor. elean out.” , herses were sheltered. Beckbridge had drawn the sights of his rifle on “A melancholy prospect, surely. Certainly you] The Sioux had already been engaged in an at-|the big Indian, but he feared to: fire so great was must recover the buckskins,” said Frank. tack upon the train for about half an hour, al-|the danger of hitting Pomp. oe “Sartin. Youkin put it down thet Santah sheds|though the time of the battle seemed much longer| ‘‘ Pomp must be saved! But how?” cried Frank them ‘ere buckskin breeches,-and that Yank Beck-|to the imperiled emigrants. , Reade, in solicitous excitement, as he beheld Pomp bridge gits inside o’ them agin afore he goes back} At the moment when the electric tally-ho arrived|being carried swiftly away. ter the widder. There’s color in her hair—she|within sight of the wagon train the Indians to the] ‘I’ve got the idee. I ul try a bit of a ruse which says it’s auburn—an’ you kin consait she’s got ujnumber of forty-odd were circling about the wagon|1 consait may do good!” cried Beckbridge. . temper o’ her own. S’pose she should hear thet albarricade at the full speed of their ponies, lying} Then to the surprise of all he Sprang out of the ; eel as red was a-wearin’ her—I mean my breeches.|along the further side of their animals and dis-|coach and started to run toward the Sioux who roomsticks would be at a premium when I|charging their weapons over their shaggy necks. |was making off with Eom. showed up at ther fort, I consait.” But there weré several riderless ponies, telling} Frank Reade understood Beckbridge’s purpose, “Undoubtedly, friend Beckbridge, yours is a Sadjthat more than one of the murderous Sioux hadjand he wheeled the electric vehicle and pursued and romantic case. Quite a romance indeed, sinve|fallen under the fire of the defenders of the|Beckbridge. : the favor of your fair one depends upon the recov-|train. i ee “Save me! I am Wahlata, a great chief of the ery of a pair of buckskin breeches worn by a mur-| The latter were making a brave, intrepid defense, |Southern Sioux. The white men took me eaptive derous Sioux,” said Frank solemnly. _ jafd the rattle of their discharged rifles made anjseveral days ago!” shouted Beckbridge, in the “ And how pathetic are the ‘attendant circum-|almost continuous fusillade. ___|sioux dialect. , stances and future possibilities! Thecombination| The redskins had already made one flerce united] The big chief was deceived, for neyer did a dis- ofred hair and widow, broom-sticks and buck-jonset, but the charge was heroically repelled by guised white man more nearly resemble an In- skin breeches suggest a touching fate for you,|the whites. dian. friend trapper,” said the doctor. Sustained and inspired by the presence of loved] Pomp’s captor pulled up his horso, Beekbridge “ Touchin’! Touchin’ ain’t the word, Strikin’ ones, wives, children, and swee earts, for whosejreached his side, The other Indians, terrified y cg : } : f ; : ° \
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| FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. 19 sy eee SSS 00 | « *‘thethundr gun,” as they called the cannon, were in full fligt. Like a ash a pistol appeared in the trapper’s hand, Thee was a flash and a report. The Indian fell from jis pony. Pomp remained on the ani- mal’s bacland clutched the reins. The othr Indians, seeing the huge savage who was, it chnced, their chief, fall, wheeled and came charging jack, intent on vengeance, Beekbrige bounded upon the back of the pony, and the seceeding moment the doubly laden ani- mal was jeing urged at fullspeed toward the tally- ho, whilebehind it came the entire savage band, howling |ke mad. Tho taly-ho was approaching’at the same time. | GHAPTER XXVIL. | * THE MEXICAN HERDSMEN. Te tély-ho and the pony, ridden by Pomp and Bookuriaas the trapper, met in a moment or so, and the tedskins in pursuit of the latter were yeta number of yards behind. Pomp and Beckbridge threw themselves from the back of the pony and gained the interior of the vehicle the instant Frank stopped for them, as he immediately did. Then B With @nother shoil, sent it hurling among the ene- my, ad ing sever; emo) thedleld) 10 would somarder giad rob 10 ore white settlors, 5 tr Meme y en aes 6 Oiseau omenis more the tallyho reac! “ann hots ae his old-titie. friend, Porter, and the’ tWwOUWETS Wenga.ca al (61 Ps ing. 1. RNR far, but the The Indians were seen hovering a wagon-train was in no further danger while theif Frank Reade ere, with them, 5 The emigrants felt that the young inventor had thoroughly intimidated the hostile Sioux, and of course they understood that they were indebted to him, for their ammunition had been nearly used up when the tallo-ho appeared, and they could not have held out long against the determined foo, _ Frank’s party listened with ] party and the electric tally-ho w and then a consultation was held. Frank agreed to guard the train for a day or so, — the hostiles and reached a mining town a day’s march or so distant, where they could purchase a new supply of ammunition, © This was done, and there was no further adven- ture worthy of record for the time. The Indians did not make another attack, and, having left the train in safety, the search for the lost gold mino was continued. y Frank and his friends were glad that so many opportunities had come in their way to relieve im- Para white people and espouse the cause of right, 3 “Ah |” said the good doctor when the party was talking of their recent adventures, “it’s a blessed thing to be able to help unfortunate fellow-creat- ures. What divine possibilities are crowded into this little span of sorrowing and cares we calla human life.” . J The evening of the day we are writing of the tally-ho arrived at a herder’s camp. In the summer ranchmen frequently sond herds of cattle, under guard of some cowboys, to a long’ distance from the home ranch to find good pastur- age. the fally-ho reached was composed of m this service. A large herd Our friends were not very favorably impressed /wvith the appearance of the Wexioans, but they in- vited them to share their camp, and feeling well able to protect themselves in case of trouble, Frank and his comrades accepted the invitation. Buta short time after the arrival of Frank Reade and his party at the eamp of the Mexicars, thera waa another arrival, or rather two arrivals, for a gray-haired old miner, evidently originally from one of the New England States, and a little girl of twelve, the old miner’s daughter, rode up to the camp. ; . leasure to the ex=|¢ pressions of gratitude which the emigrants made,|tr until they had gotten out of the neighborhood of/I'r further assurance of this. “T’m old Jabe Peters from Placer Pocket, up in ther big sandy mountings, an’ I’ve been ter the post ter sell my dust, an’ now I’m goin’ back ter ther mines with my leetle gal Jule, an’ I reckon ter buy the best claim in ther range, fer I’ve got ther rocks that talk when ye buy land !’’announced the miner injudiciously, and he slapped his breeches pocket, causing a bag of coin to jingle musically, Frank was watching the Mexicans, and he saw them exchange glances, But they made the old miner welcome, and seemed at least to be the most hospitable people in the world, Frank knew they had an ulterior design. He felt that those wild, lawless Mexican cowboys meant to transfer the miner’s gold from his pocket to their own before they were through with him. The young inventor’s sympathies were with the indisereet old minev, and he pitied his little daugh- ter who seemed to fully realize the condition of see father, and to grieve because of her knowl- edge. The Mexicans presently succeeded in inveigling the old miner into a game of cards, despite the fact that Frank tried as best he could without ac- tually setting himself up openly to defeat the Mexicans, to prevent his playing. Soon the half intoxicated old man was rapidly losing his hard earned gold. His little daughter watched him in silence. Her face was pale, there were tears in her eyes, and é,|Soveral times she plucked the old man by the arm nijand whispered timidly: You promised mother you wouldn’t play cards. You said you would bring all the money ome toher. You know how badly she needs it. , pupa, do come away!” Frank heard the child’s words and so did Beck- ridge, The two good hearts exchanged glances, and they understood each other. An Ale miner pushed his child away and went on’ vith his reckless play, staking his gold wildly. rank and Beckbridge both understood the game pi se being played. They were sure that the y was being shamefully cheated, All at ‘rank saw one of the Mexicans draw a gard out of his sleeve and substitute it which, rightfully belonged to his hand. sting upon the impulse of honest indignation, ank sprang forward and dashed half a dozen is from the Mexican’s sleeve as he shouted: ‘Scoundrel, you are robbing this old man!” 1 & Second the dozen Mexicans were on their feet and Frank was surrounded. * Kill the meddling Americano!” they shouted. ‘a for one | in} Ws 0 APTER XXVIII. . 'WILDAINS ONMASKED, FRANK ReAve’s impulsive exposure of the cheat- ing Mexican gamblers was apparently destined to involve him and his friends in a desperate struggle, The Mexican cowboys, who surrounded the young inyentor, the moment the ecards fell from the sleeve of their comrade, were deeply incensed. They resented the interference which bade fair to deprive them of the golden spoil the reckless old miner had brought to their net, At heart, moreover, the national antipathy and hatred which the Mexicans have always entertain- ed for Americans, caused the swarthy men from the land of the ancient Aztecs, to welcome an occasion which might excuse any hostile demonstration against the detested re resentatives of a nation which had once so completely conquered them. ~ The assumption of hospitality and friendliness which distinguished the demeanor of the Mexicans upon the arrival of Frank Reade and his electric lully-ho at their camp, was not a sincere demon- stration. — The ¥xicans would now gladly slaughter Frank Reade and his comrades with as little show of! mercy as their vindictive ancestors massacred brave old Davy Crocket and his heroic adherents at that dreadf “She Alimo.” ‘The wild, swarthy cowboys from beyond the Rio Grande were descendants of the lower order of Mexicans, and the blood of the fierce brigands of Mexico who have been outlaws and insurgents ever flowed in their veins. Frank saw at the first glance that the old miner buckskin in which the miner carried his gold se- was somewhat intoxicated. His first words was ajcured in his broad leather belt. But the purpose of the Mexican was frustrated in a manner quite unexpected and surprising. The little daughter of the old miner was close be- side her father when the cowardly Mexican struck him down. She saw the robber’s hand flash out to seize the gold she had sought to save for “mother,” and, with a little gasping cry, the small heroine threw herself across the body of her father, upon the bag of gold, and the Mexican could not reach it. Two-thirds of the original contents of the treas- ure bag yet remained intact. The baffled Mexican would have torn the child from off the body of her father, but something occurred just then, and the Mexican went down all in a heap and did not stir. When the Mexicans first leaped up and encir- clei Frank Reade uttering deadly threats, he was completely environed by his foes and separated from his friends. Recognizing Frank Reade as the leader of the American party, the Mexicans were intent upon making him their first victim. ; But to this the young inventor seriously ob- jected. Life was very sweet to Frank Reade and he had never valued his existence higher than at that moment of supreme peril. Many thoughts traversed his brain with swift flight, but the dominant idea was to turn the tide of peril—to act with promptitude which might en- able him to singly defeat the murderous purpose of his assailants. Frank was seldom ata loss how to act under any eniereeucy and now he struck ont straight from the shoulder with clenched fists right and left and his well delivered blows dropped two of the onrushing Mexicans. Then out camé his derringers and two deadly tubes stared the Mexicans in the face as they rushed at him. It was at that instant that the swarthy cowboy who sought to rob the old miner dropped all in a henp. { ‘ Bran friends upon the instant made a rush, Pomp reached the would-be robber first, and the cause of that enterprising gentleman’s downfall was a butt in the stomach which knocked all the breath out of his body. ; Barney and Beckbridge came close behind ul scene of heroes’ doom, called) Pomp. $y Whoop! Shades avy Donnybrook! crack the heads av the yellow nagurs! Sure an’ it’s a happy mon J am wid a nate little ruction on hand!” shouted the fight-loving son of Mrin’s green isle. Barney had clubbed his gun, and ho used it as a “sprig ay a shillalah.” “Whoop! ake that for a kape-sake, an’ that fer alovetap! Whoop!” cried ayaa ; And right and left his gun crashed down upon the heads of the Mexicans, while Pomp butted, in his usual manner, and knocked out several of the swarthy villains in short order, Beckbridge used his gun as a club too, and in much less time than is required to record the epi- sode, the dozen Mexicans were ‘‘ downed,” as Bar- ney expresses if, “Gollie! Idone bet free spring chickens, wid all the ’riginal springs in ’em, dat dem yer yeller niggers done spose dat a cyclone struck ’em |” eried Romp, : ptorraiG “ Arrah! an’it’s a Cloneyclinty lad it takes to be afther layin’ out the Greasers!” said Barney, and then the ludicrous rascal flapped his arms like a rooster’s wings and crowed lustily. But unless they wished to engage ina further fight it was evident that our friends had best with- draw from the scene, _ Frank Reade recognized this fact and he said: “Qome. Now we will get aboard the tally-ho and be off. Bring the old miner along, there’s not an instant to spare. Beckbridge, you and Pomp keep the yellow rascals covered, and shoot the first one of them who attempts to arise,” said frank. The trapper and Pomp leyeled their weapons at the prostrate Mexicans. Then the old miner stag- gered to his feet, and Frank hurried him and his little daughter into the tally-ho, The others then got aboard, Beckbridge and Pomp being the last to enter the vehicle. Ina mo- ment the tally-ho was under way. Someof the Mexicans had already come to, but they did not get up at once for fear of a shot from the Americanos. The speed attained very quickly by the tally-ho Now they, caught eagerly at a possibility which|soon carried our friends out of sight of the camp of promised plunder without punishment. They|the Mexican cowboys. 4 : thought to estimate their ideas by their deeds—that| ‘What next, I wonder. Assuredly it seems to they might massacre the entire American party on}mo we are destined to meet a constant Succession that remote prairie, and that the dark secret mightjof adventures,” said Frank. : never be revealed. | “True,” assented the doctor, “ But are you sure, As the Mexicans leaped to their feet ono of their/Frank, that Beckbridge has read the old Indian number—a tall, saturnine fellow, with eyes that|map aright, and that we are really on the right trail gleamed with savage light—struck down the oldjto find the lost gold mine?” f miner with a blow from the butt of his pistol, and|- ‘ What’s thet. Hey’ I read the Injun writin’ cor- © made a sudden attempt to snatch away a pouch of rect? Well, doctor, I consait I hey. But ther
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mals, and mountains and plains. But one line, © trapper believed the lost gold mine to be situated, "his course along the line marked with the thickly PA FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WES‘. TA SRS Oe SAT. = - n ean eC Beckbridge fambly are a modest breed, an’ they Still Ill say now never brags none to speak on. thet if any two-legged critter, white er red, kin make out ther old Injun sign writin’ that animile are Yank Beckbridge,” said the trapper, overhear- ing the doctor’s remark. : The good old man smiled. : ‘‘Have you taken into consideration the fact, friend Beckbridge, that the old Indian map of the loeation of the lost gold mine was made netrly-a hundred years ago, and that the landmarks may haye changed since then.” patiga seen r “JT allow, doctor, thet you can’t ehange the mountings an’ ther plains, ‘less you go to’ work an’ make the world over, which ther same-a heap 0’ scientific chaps weuld like to do; thinkin’ they could beat the Creator’s hand-work, holler.” “But my friend, scientific research has estab- lished the fact beyond the shadow of a doubt, that volcanic action has taken place’ among the moun- tain ranges of Montana within Jess than a hundred years. We find the original red sand stone, the feldspar and the genin as well as the shale and granite formations displaced out of their order, as established by the law of geology, which is the sci- ence of creation.” roe ‘**T consait thet yer out o’ my line when ye strike in on.yer scientific jargon. Choctaw, Kioway, er Comanche palaver, I kin digest. But I draw ther line onter ther ‘oligies, They killed a brother 0’ mine. That feller went through’eny all ter college, an’ he worked fer a broker at éight dollars a week, an’ found himself—when it didn’t take a policeman ter doit fer him—on ’count 0’ booze—arter he gradu- ' ated. Eddication wuz a great thing fer me brother, but, as I said, he petered out.” Old Yank’s merry eyes twinkled, but he heaved a deep sigh, and wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his 4ndian hunting-shirt. Then squirt went a miniature Niagara of liquid tobacco from between his teeth, and Pomp ex- claimed: : “ Gollie! I see I’se got ter learn ter swim!” as he dodged. j finally broke down under it, and CHAPTER XXIX. A DISCUSSION—AN ELECTRIC MUSIC BOX. “ SmRIOUSLY, I believe that topographical fea- tures of the mountain ranges’of Montana have un- dergone great changes since the old Indian map was made,” continued the doctor. “Wall, it’s possible. But I reckon thet if ther changes ye consait hey gone on are sich as ter bother us, we'll find it out in due time, an’ tain’t no use to borrer trouble.” «True, Then you are confident that thus far the course we have followed is correct.” “Sartin, But we'll hev a look at the map.” The trapper drew the buckskin bag, in which he carried the precious map, from the cover, and spread it out. A The bleached buckskin was discolored with age, but the unique drawing was legible still. Strange figures there were, men and horses and wild ani- doubly marked with arrows at regular distances, extended from one corner of the map diagonally to the other corner where the mountains were drawn. : ; Along this line there were rivers, plateaus, hills and valleys, and in Indian sign writing each prin- cipal land-mark was especially indicated, Where the trail ended, and where therefore the there was a land-mark, which if in existence at this date could scarcely escape discovery. This land-mark was @ tall mountain whieh lifted its head high above all the rival peaks of the sur- rounding range. Fe And the form of the mountain was. distinctive, peculiar and remarkable for a natural formation. Tho towering peak was almost a fac-simile of the pyramids of Egypt,and it was surrounded by a great rounded knob which suggested the idea ofa}: gigantic head. 5 Beckbridgée with one bony finger traced 7 Yank strewn arrows. * Ye seo it’s plain ter a blind man, who can’t see when he’s on beggin’ duty, thet this are our trail. Ye see here’s the gulch which we passed where them fine nigger-hatin’ hounds o’‘ One Hoss Bend’ made us a leetle diffikilty. An’ here’s ther pass where the barricade thet stopped us are. You recognize em?” said Yank. ; “ Yes,” assented Dr. Vaneyke. ‘ You are quit right. We are cortainly on the right course,” — gold mine Indians have perished.” ‘“ Who could'there be?” o’ the redskins,” - “Certainly.” é guard.” : “Why, what do you mean?” “T hey been cipherin” on that pint.” understand how you founded your problem. ‘Jist as easy as fallin’ off a log, doctor. didn’t hey no squaws, did ye?” « Why, no!” assented the doctor, starting, while tion, “Good. Was any 0’ killed?” ae No.” “Then where are they?” ‘Gollie! dat’s a conundrum,” said Pomp. ther gold mine Injuns chanee, afore I bate the head ay ye,” cried Barney. “Silence!” admonished Frank Reade. i ** Beckbridge, I comprehend your drift. are an acute reasoner, far-sighted and keen. “You I juns,” said the doctor. His tavern is a handy place: ~ that have never been seen or.heard of: 2 i sides the i old woman, Barker’s wife. *Tain’t no way;likely a © couple o’ cripples and an’ old woman kin git away — with sich healthy pilgrims as allers travels this — ~ it’s meso? en nndersy (
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. : ' had only sipped a few swallows of it. FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. 21 Dr. Vaneyke ind Beckbridge assented to Frank’s proposition, ani so the tally-ho was stopped when the front of thelog cabin was reached. “So far, so jood. Now we'll test the larder of this Hotel de Irairie,” said Frank, lightly. As the tally-lo stopped, a thick-set, broad shoul- dered old mai, who was bent nearly double and who hobbled yith a cane, came out of the prairie tavern. He yas followed by a powerfully built young fellow,one of whose legs was doubled up us though hehad a stiff knee and who walked With a crutch) An, aged, hag-like old woman up- peared in th{ door, and so the travelers saw the whole faniily of the lone tavern at once. “We wantlo got supper. Can you accommodate us?” called dat Prank, “Yes,” seleeched the old woman. ‘ Fine ante- lope, steak, cirn-bread, and good coffee is ther sort 0’ grnb as Mpther: Barker sets afore ther pilgrims.” “Good eltough too, We will partake,” said Frank. and then old man Barker and hisson, whom he ealled “Hank,” expressed their surprise and admiration ht the electric conveyance. Old Barker’ seemed very intelligent and he cunningly flattered Frank, andseemed so curious and interested that with pardohable pride the young inventor took plapsune inexplaining everything about the tally- 0.to him. | ; ‘ The old wllow asked dozens of questions, and when at last supper was, announced old Barker ‘understood the whole theory of the great invention and all about how to work it. Pes For one@frank had been a trifle indisereet. with S-oafizanee, it seemed possible, for there was a cunning gleam of satisfaction in old Barker’s eyes when he went into the inn to supper with Frank, Meanwhile the lame young man called Hank had -gone into the bar with the others of Frank’s party, and Barney and Pomp had ‘“‘cut the dust out of their throats,” as Pomp expressed it, several times, The party was soon seated around the supper table doing ample justice to the excellont antelope steak and corn bread. The coffee was voted par- ticularly good and all drank it. But suddenly Frank experienced a strange sen- sation of numbness about the brain, and he fell heavily upon the floor, sliding like an inert body from his chair insensible. bp Within three minutes Barney and Pomp had al- so fallen insensible from their chairs. ‘he doctor and Beckbridge knew what was taking place, but their brains were benumbed, and they could not stir. Tho doctor managed to gasp, however: «What can this mean?” f «We're drugged !” answered Beckbridge, as the doctor was Overcome and slid to the floor. The trapper realized that he and his comrades were ina death-trap, and he fought against the influence of the, drug. with all the power of his strong will. ~ But he, too, slid to the floor. Still he did not entirely lose consciousness. He saw a sudden transformation take place in the appearance of the old man Barker and his son. ‘ho former straightened up. The latter threw away his crutches. “Now to plunder the tally-ho and run it over the ledge into Cheyenne canyon,” hissed old Barker. g f CHAPTER XXXI. YANK BECKPRIDGE TO THH FORE, YANK BEcKBRIDGE’sS career had often led him into peril. As a border man, 4 plainsman, trap- -per and Indian scout, at different periods of his ife he had been compelled to face great dangers, _ and, so to say, look death in the face, ‘p BRE never; inwall the conrse of his varied and __ thrilling experiences, had the krave man found Hi Soles. situation which equaled the pres- ht cirewmstaness, in point of absolute, material, PHOLTOL, eae oe ae, “To. meet peril’ when in possession of one’s strength and with the senses in a normal con- ' dition, may be sufficiently 9 thefpower confront deadly danger enthralled by thegpower of a sub- tle agent, which steals*away the strength and holds all the attributes of onp’s nature, which are most essential to the preservation of life, is terri- ble past the power of UE ne an And such was now the condition of the trapper, Yunk Beckbridge knew all that transpired, and yet he was powerless. Everynerve and muscle of his stalwart frame was enthralled. Fortunately the trapper had drunk less of the drugged beverage than any one of his comrades. He was the last one served with the zoffee, and he To this circumstance Beckbridge was undoubt- edly indebted for his partial immunity fromthe in- ~ fluence of the drug. That he was apparently under the spell was a cireumstance to which he now owed hislife. Had cognizance of all they did and said, and that he had penetrated the subterfuge of their assumed in- firmity the assassins would have hastened to put him to death. 4 This Beckbridge fully realized, and he almost closed his eyes while he watched and waited as he fought his fierce will-battle against the insidious power of the drug which now permeated his system. Mentally Beckbridge vowed he would conquer the mysterious power that was striving to drag him down to unconsciousness. Hesavw his friends and comrades at the mercy of the treacherous ene- my, and he understood that they and the great in- yention upon which. he depended to find the lost gold mine was in awful danger, Yank Beckbridge felt that he was the one obsta- ele which might yet, by divine mercy, be permitted to interpose betiveen his friends and the cruel fate, inthe persons of their treacherous hosts, which menaced them so nearly. Old Barker and his son Hank stood with the hag- like woman of the tavern glaring at the recumbent forms of their victims in hideous satisfaction. “Tt’s our game, Hanky, meson. We hev’ trapped the hull outfit santin sure,” said the old woman, exultantly, : ‘An’ how neat an’ slick an’ simple I got all ther infertuation L wanted out of that cute Yankee in- ventor. Ireckon old Jerry Barker kin run that outlandish ’lectric hearse all right, an’ onct it are dashed to. pieces, at the bottom o’ Cheyenne canyon, then who’ll know what became on it?” said the old man. Y Correct, father. We'll plunder the codch, an’ then dispose of it as yon’ve said. These here pil- grims carry good money on them, to say nothing of gold watches and the like. When we hey run ther coach inter ther canyon we'll go through,’em, and drop them in the usual place,” assented the son. “ Make haste with ye, then, Don’t yer recollect nothin’? Hev ye forgot suthin’? Didn’t ye ‘ell me ye met Red Wolf up the range ter-day, an’ that he said he and his band 0’ Sioux would be here arter their supply 0’ flre-water this sundown?” said the old woman. j ‘ “Mhat’s so. Come along, Hanky. The reds must not know about our haul, or they will de- mand ashare of the plunder. Let’s get this job oyer with before the Injuns come,” assented the old man, “Right you are, dad. Coma along. Mother, you run the ranch while we are gone. If Red Wolf eomes before we return let him have his grog, and don’t: be stingy with it nuther,” said Hank, “Trust yer old mother fer anything, Hanky, me drug. He knew he could not revive them then, and that he must instant!y direct his efforts tosave the tally-ho. The trapper silently opened the window nearest him, removed the fastening of the shutter, and pushed it aside. Then he noiselessly leaped out, In his hand Beckbridge carried his rifle, and his belt-weapons were in their place. “Now fer ther tally-ho an’ ter give them rascals a surprise. By powder, they are wuss nor ther pizen redskins,” muttered Beckbridge. He glided to the corner of the house, for he had made his exit in the rear of it and peered around it. He saw the tally-ho yet standing where it had been left, The rascals had not yet got it started, but Yank could hear them inside of it. : He glided forward. But at that very moment the tally-ho started and the old woman came to the front door. Beckbridge knew that if be rushed for the tally-ho then, the old woman would shout an alarm and his purpose would be defeated, He asked himself what was to be done, and he glanced along a plain trail which the tally-ho was being guided along. y At some distance was a clump of timber through which the trail passed. Yank took a sudden reso- _ lution. He glided along back of the house where the grass was tall, and under cover of it he sped to the timber. pi gnats : He arrived in the cover ahead of the tally-ho. Presently it came along.. Yank allowed it to pass. Then he crept out and managed to gain the top of the vehicle by climbing up over the ‘‘boot” in the rear, Old Barker and his son were inside, Silently. r Beckbridge pushed aside the sliding door and leveled his brace of revolvers. The weapons covered the raseally father and son whose backs were turned, — ; . As yet they had not the slightest anything might occur .to foil their dread purpose.’ hs enggenly Beckbridge’s yoice rang out as stern as fate: “Hands up, ye pizen white Injuns!” ordered the trapper. ‘ CHAPTER XXXII. THE SIOUX AT THE PRAIRIE TAVERN, THe consternation and surprise of the old tayern- Beebe and his hopefulson may be imagined when, as they turned like a flash, upon hearing the voice of the Srapneh they beheld a pair of derringers leveled full at their hearts. j Their faces paled and they did not hesitate for an instant about obeying the command Beckbridge son,” piped the hag shrilly. 2 Then the old man and Hank hurried out of the ouse,. } But a moment later Hank returned. “ Well, sonny, what’s up now?” demanded the mother. : a “Nothing, only dad says you better lock up the dining-room and fasten the window blinds so that) if the reds do come ’fore we get back they can’t by any chance stumble onter our guests,” “Good idee, Hanky. There’s suthin’ in yer old dad’s head ’side live critters,” piped the old creat- ure. ‘Ill do just as paw says.” Hank hurried out again, and the old woman peecesued to execute the will of old Barker, her usband, without delay. i She first closed the heavy, solid, wooden blinds over the two windows of the dining-room and fastened them on the inside with a hook. Then she passed out of the kitehen-door and fastened it behind her. : that led to the bar from the dining-room, and the sounds of bolt and lock told him she had quickly secured it. f ; All this time Beckbridge had felt a gradual im- provement in his symptoms. Msgr fe There was a hope in his heart now. He tried his strength as soon as the old woman departed. 3 Much to his joy the trapper regained his feet and staggered to a sideboard on which there stood a bot- tle of whisky of which he had seen the old woman drink. He concluded the liquor was all right, and so he drank deeply. The whisky certainly acted as an excellent anti- dote for the drug which Beckbridge had taken. The trapper felt like himself once more in a few moments, : He had listened anxiously ever since the old landlord and his son left the tavern, for the sound of wheels, but-he had heard nothing to indicate that they had started the tally-ho. Beckbridge hoped that, after all, the old tavern- keeper might not be able to get the electric vehicle under way. ‘ Tho trapper knew that every moment was price- the treacherous, pretended cripples of the prairie _ tavern once suspected that the'trapper was taking less. He saw that Frank Reade and the others were yet held by the mysterious thraldom of the Beckbridge heard her go along a hall to a door). had uttered, Up went the hands of the two rascals at once, «Bow an’ easy, virmints, slow an’ easy. You hey had your innings an’ nov it’s ther time fer our « - side. Old Judas, jist you stop ther caravan right ere afore I drop ye in yer tracks, Quick,” said Barcpridgs sternly, Old Barker turned quickly to the main lever, the use of which Frank Reade had unsuspectedly ac- quainted him with, and immediately stopped the vehicie. ; He knew that any attempt to draw a weapon would seal his own doom and so hé made no such effort. ’ When the tally-ho stopped the trapper dropped down into it. Then Hank Barker sprang at him, The trapper’s right hand derringer exploded, but the bullet sped over Hank’s shoulder and struck the o]d,man, who uttered a yell and fell heayily. Hank Barker was a powerful fellow, and he now strove to overcome the old trapper. A desperate hand to hand struggle ensued be- tween them in the tally-ho. They surged this way and that, pulling, pushing, striving flercely for the mastery until Beckbridge, jwwho had been compelled to drop his weapons, ~ found himself within reach of the lever board where the several levers controlling the elegtricity were placed. \ Suddenly Beckbridge pe forth all his great strength and swung Hank Barker against a steel guard-rail, and at the same moment precisely he depressed a small lever and sent a terrific current of electricity to the steel rod. 5 The shock which Hank Barker received was yery severe. He uttered an awful yell and fell senseless, It.was as though he had suddenly been stricken by a thunderbolt, : Beckbridge drew a deep breath. \ f “So far, so good. Now, ter bind these two yarmints and leaye ’em where they won’t bother me none while I’m a-gettin’ Frank Reade and the others out o’ diffikilty. I s’pose I qughter skulp ther pizen reptiles, but I reckon I won’t,” he mut- tered. ° : : The trapper secured the hands and feet of the murderous landlord and his son, and then he ‘suspicion ‘that —
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1D «Beckbridge seized the whisky 22 FRANK READE, JK., IN THE FAR WEST. * dragged them both out of the tally-ho and left/the stairs, Frank and the others went to the out- them in a thicket beside the trail, side door, but at that momenta chorus of flerce This accomplished Beckbridge entered the tally-|Sioux war-whoops rang out. ho again, and, having turned the vehicle, he ap- plied the electricity and sent it on its way baek to the prairie tavern. A The trapper halted the tally-ho in front of the prairie inn as soon as he arrived there. Scarcely had the vehicle stopped when out came Mother Barker. Beckbridge was inside the tally-ho and the old woman was unable to see him. The trapper had a plan in mind to get the old woman out of the way for the time, and he had run a wire from the battery to the handle of the door of the tally-ho, on the gide of the vehicle toward the). tavern, As the old woman came rushing out of the inn Beckbridge called out, imitating old Barker’s wheezy voice, “Come yere, old woman!” ‘““ What brung ye back?” demanded the old crea- ture, as she hastened to the tally-ho and grasped the handle to open the door, Then Beckbridge turned on the electricity. It sped along the wire and the old woman tum- bled over backward, uttering a scream of pain and anger. eckbridge leaped out, knotted a,rope about the old creature so as to secure her and threw her under the porch of the cabin-like structure which served as the inn, “Traps and trappers, I reckon the tables are turned, and I consait I shill git Frank Reade an’ ther rest outer*this diffikilty arter all,” said Beck- bridge exultantly. Then he ran into the house, and opening the’ door of the dining-room, he saw all his friends. But they were not as he had left them, Frank Reade was sitting up staring about him blankly, Barney had also partially recovered. Pomp was still insensible. R i ‘The doctor also exhibited no signs of recovery. ottle from the sideboard and gaye Frank Reade a drink. Then he passed the flask to Barney. Both Frank and the Irishman drank eagerly. The liquor had the same desirable effect on them as it previously had on the trapper. Ina moment or so they regained . all their faculties and were on their feet. In a fey words Beckbridge explained all that had transpired, and Frank Reade shuddered as he understood how close he had come to the hour of doom, Hven Barney was impressed, But his rage burst out presently. ~ ‘Bo gorra, an’ Ill bate the heads ay the two murtherin’ min. It’s not cripples they were at all at all, do yesay? Well, begob, it’s cripples they’ll ‘be whin the likes av melaves them. Where are they? Show me the blackguards?” cried Barney. «Ther pizen varmints are layed out. They won't chs us no more trouble, I reckon. I consait we had better git out o’ here quick though, fer ther pizen critters expect their redskin friends, ther Sioux, ter come here this night, as I heard ’7em say when they thought they had put mie to sleep.’ ‘ “Right yez are, begob. Shure an’ yez are a mon after me own heart, It’s a petty yez ain’t an Irishman. What an illegant bit av a ruetion yez had wid the blackguard. But give me tha flask till I fetch Pomp to; the docthor is gettin’ waked up,” said Barney. f Just then the doctor groaned and struggled up to a sitting position. : Some few moments later, both the doctor and Pomp were fully revived. ‘Now, to get away from here before the arrival of the expected Indians,” said Frank Reade. He started for the door, and the others were about to follow him, when suddenly the young inventor paused, and exclaimed : “Hark! what was that? I thought I heard the sound of a human voice under my feet.” ~ Silence fell upon the’ party at once, and all list- éned intently. is Bre Then a@ faint voice, which seemed to emanate from under the floor, was heard by all. For God’s sake, save me!” murmured the voice. F ‘As I live, there is a prisoner in the cellar ofthis den of horrors!” exclaimed Frank Reade. «“Mhin, begob, Barney O’Shea is the man to res- cue him, An Irishman niver yet dezerted a fellow creature in distress, an’so here goes for the cel- lar,” cried Barney. WA “T’so wid yer, Irish,” said aM, *Oertainly, we must pause to liberate the cap- tive, if such there is,” said Frank Reade. “ While a and Pomp descend to the cel lar, we three will remain to look to the safoty of the tally-ho, lest the expected Indians should sud- any arrive,” he added to Beckbridge and the octor, Then the Irishman and the darky ran out into a passage, found the! cellar door and started down I] CHAPTER XXXIII. BARNEY AND POMP LEAP FOR LIFB— STRANGE RIDERS ON THE TRAIL, SrrattHiny the Indians had approached the lonely prairie tavern. The crafty red warriors had sighted the tally-ho from afar, and they had concluded that it was a stage-coach, and that it would be right in their regular line of business to rob it and murder the travelers with the vehicle. The Sioux band was that of Red Woif, one of the most dreaded sub-chiefs of the great Indian nation to which he belonged. These were the Indians whose arrival had been anticipated. There was a secret treaty between the Indians and old Barker, else the lonely prairie tavern could never have existed, The landlord had pe reed to sell the savages whisky at a rate much lower than that charged them by the regular whisky traders, and in return for this benefaction the Indians were friendly to Barker, Red Wolf’s band numbered forty odd warriors. They were all well mounted on sturdy mustangs and all carried fire-arms. A formidable force, indeed, was this band of red marauders, and at the sight of them Frank Reade and his comrades felt that a battle was inevitable. When the travelers reached the outer.door of the prairie inn and discovered the Indians, they were very close and dashing for the tally-ho at the full speed of their ponies, «‘Woe must reach the tally-ho ahead of the In- dians!” cried Frank, and he shouted; “Barney | Pomp! The Indians are upon us. Hasten! Hasten!? Then he and the trapper and Dr, Vaneyke ran for the tally-ho. j They reached it ahead of the Indians, but only had a moment to spare. Then the Indians ‘were within range. The pa yesos adopted their usual method of at- tack which has often been described, and began rid- ing in a circle around the tally-ho, discharging here weapons at the vehicle in a volley as they went, . A veritable maejstrom of savage beings whirled and eddied around the tally-ho. The moment Frank Reade and his comrades gained the interior of the vehicle, they seized their weapons and discharged a volley through the port- holes at the Sioux, he “If Barney and Pomp were only with us,” said the doctor, in tones of deep rears “Yes, in that caso I could start on and the speed of the tally-ho would soon enable us to leave our red enemies behind,” replied Frank, “But we cannot desert our friend,” continued the good doctor. “No, That is not to be thought of.” ; “Tf ther pizen varmints diskiver that ther Irish- man an’ ther nigger are in the tavern, they are registered fer skulpin’. They are, I consait, by powder,” said Beckbridge. At that instant the voice of the hag-like old wo- man of the inn was heard, She yelled to the redskins, “ Come, Red Wolf, helpme! Git me out from under the porch. Help! Help!” Ry In some surprise, as his looks told, the Sioux chief rushed his pony up to the porch, threw hitn- self off his animal and pulled the old woman out from under the porch, “Ugh! White squaw heap tied. Who do?” said the Sioux, drawing his sealping-knifo and cut- ting the cords that bound the beldame. «her oritters 0’ ther coach o’ iron, 4n sthere’s two on ’em inside the tavern now a-waitin’ to hey their hair lifted !” cried the old woman. A dozen savages heard this, and with loud, flerce, exultant yells, they bounded for the door of the tavern, dashed it open, and leaped inside like a pack of wolves on the trail of blood. Frank Reade shuddered, the doctor uttered an exclamation indicative of his fears for Pomp and Barney. But a moment or so elapsed, and then through a door in the roof of the log tavern appeared the head and shoulders of Barney. A The Irishman gaye Frank and his friends a pan- tomimic signal, which was understood. The young inventor begin to work the levers governing the electricity, while the others discharged shot after shot-at the indians, who began to discover that they had attacked no ordinary stage-coach. Frank Reade’s manipulation of the electric levers sent the motive power from the battery to the ma- chinery of his invention. The vehicle was turned and headed so as to run close by the side of the solitary tavern, Then through the door in the roof leaped Bar- $$$ $ eee ney, and Pomp followed. The two ed along the ridge-pole to the end which the tély-ho would pass, The tavern was only one storihigh with a low attic, The top of the tally-ho wuld be but a few feet below the roof presently. ‘Tle purpose of Barney and Pomp was understood b} Frank and his comrades, ‘That the two brave felows meant to leap from the roof of the tavern upin the top of the tally-ho when the vehicle passed fas plain. The Indians’ attention being turnedto the tally- } ho they failed to discover Pomp and Jarney when they first appeared on the roof, + But just as they were about to leap fa the tally- ho which was now slowly passing the ord of the cabin, the savages saw the brave pair. | They setup a loud yell, and a score of Weapons were leveled at the escaping men. But Barney and Pomp leaped as the savages fired atthem, and they escaped the shower of bullets that whistled over the roof. \ The two jolly comrades alighted safsly on the top of the tally-ho, and then it sped away. Barney and Pomp dropped into the interior of the vehicle through the door in the roof. | ‘‘ Where is the captive?” asked Frank.’ “Dead, sure, Faith, and we founda white man chainéd in the cellar, but he was alnost dead ~ of starvation, and the excitement of pronised res- cue made the likes av him faint, an’ the farst thing we knew he was dead, and so we leit hin,” replie Barney. ; j An hour later the Indians had been Tetijbehind for more than half that time, ‘They hat Ju the tally-ho in vain. 1 ee pe But there was more trouble | id.” Allat once as the tally-ho was entering J = Ze which a narrow way had been cut, a stern voice rang out ahead, shouting: : “ Halt 1? ‘ The succesding moment a file of strange, weird riders all mounted on jet black horses, rode out of the Bee and ranged themselves across the nar- row trail, —_—— CHAPTER XXXIV, A STRANGE PROPOSITION FROM A STRANGE SOURCE. For some length of time previously to the date _ of this record the officers in command of United j States regulars, quartered at the several forts in Montana on garrison service, had been annoyed beyond all precedent by desertion. The gold fever had smitten the men who had hired themselves out to stand up and be shot at for the munificent stipend of thirteen and a half dollars a month. Imost daily deserters had fled from the forts and set out for the mountains, where new discov- eries had recently been made in the way of gola “finds” of surpassing richness. ia Fort Shaw, at the base of the Northern’ Montana. range, as the government post nearest the scene of the new mining operations, had suffered most by reason of desertion. : For some time rumors had been received that the deserters, who were diligently hunted and ar- rested, and returned to the fort when found, had established a camp in the mountains composed ex- Clusively of runaway soldiers, i Emigrants told startling stories of a band of Strange weird riders, clothed in soldiers’ uniform, whose bodies were surmounted bythe heads of wolves, who had stoppedand robbed them on the way to the mines. ~ These reports had been confirmed by prospectors and Indian traders, and Frank Reade and his friends had heard the reports of the doings of ‘*the wolf soldiers of the mountains,” as the de- serters’ band was called, SP As soon, therefore, as the occupants of the-elec- trie tally-ho beheld the file of strange looking riders who suddenly appeared before them on the narrow trail leading through the belt of timber, they believed they had encountered the deserters, for every rider was clad in the United States blue, and wore the skin of a wolf’s head asa mask. — Strange, grotesque and startling was the appear- ance of the singularly attired party, and at sight of them Barney exclaimed : “Worra! me soul! But look at the wolves wid the bodies av min. Faith, an’ it’s a party av divils we hey struck now, I am afther thinkin’ !” “hey are vatmints who mean to give us trou- ble, but they are only the runaway soldiers wa hey heard on, I reckon,” Beckbridge enunciated. “ Gollie, dar am ’hout twenty of dem, I specs,” put in Pomp. , : The leader of the strange band, who had ordered the electric tally-ho to halt, repeated his command as the vehicle came on, and no attention was paid to his order. ‘« Those rascals shall find out they are not sim- — ply ‘holding up’ a stage coach,” said Frank Reade, sternly. r ‘“*T reckon I better, jist by the way of a bit of a a tim- — bered bottom land, near a water course, through ae : '
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FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WESYI. 23 hint, put a small yentilator in one of their skulls,” |stead av a quid av tobacco that ought to be chockin’|the two scoundrels, during which they perfected a suggested Beckbndgs, raising his rifle. “No, it is not nacessary. We canspeed through their ranks, and |f they flrea volley, their bullets the Joikes av the cruture!” cried Barney. “Gollie! D’se——” Pomp cut short his speech, a8 he was compelled cannot penetratethe metal plating of the tally-ho,”|to dodge out of the way as Yank expectorated a objected Frank, | . “Just as you|say. But I’d just like fer to gin um one good volley ter wake ’em up,” replied Beckbridge. } But it seemed that the motive of the deserters was not yet rightly comprehended by the party of the electric tally-ho; for, seeing that no attention was paid to hig second command to halt, the leader of the deserters ordered his men aside. They fell back, and then the leader called out: “T know you! Frank Reade, the great inyen- tor, and a party of comrades are inside the electric » tally-ho. We would be friendly, and I have acom- munication of the greatest importance to make to Frank Reade.) If you will stop I will advance alone and reveal a great secret.” ‘© What do you. think, doctor? It seems to me We might as well hear what the fellow has to say,” Frank remarkéd, “Yes, it cam certainly do no harm,” assented the old scientist. N Then Frank at ; sary levers ue gradually dimt Hoe reee ee anuta tte’ leader of the deserta Prien! ank to the leader of the deserters: : Now a anes alone and I will hear what you aveto say.” £7) | ; Pie Giwisnadressed rode forward to the door of the tall, Prank opened it and the deserter saw TH sienna bei “J will make my business known in as few words as possible,” said tho latter. ‘‘ Me an’ me pardners have lately been on the trail of a couple of handsome Injun squaws who came to a trading post a few days ago to sell some gold.” Frank Reade started as the fellow mentioned * the handsome Indian women and gold, But the deserter. seemed not to observe the emotion of the inventor and he went on: h «We meant to find out where them squaws got their gold and I reckon we have.” Again Frank Reade gave a violent start. The possibility that the deserters had forestalled him, and discovered the lost gold mine and seized the ‘same, seemed likely to be the next revelation he was to hear, y g Little wonder was it that Frank and his com- rades as Well were suspensefully interested. “Yes,” the deserter went on, ‘we have tracked ». them two squatys to ther entrance of a cave in the Bmountings that warn’t never made by natur. Ther Afact are we have run the Injun squaws to the en- ~ trance of an old mine, I’ll stake my life.” ‘* Well?” proriounced Frank interrogatively. ‘But at ther mouth of the mine er cave er what aot we are stopped. Ther squaws are Blackfeet Injuns, but they hey got a small army of Sioux warriors on guard atthe mouth of the mine, if such itare. It’s a mighty queer thing fer Sioux and pianktoet to jino hands, but in this case it has been one,”’ ‘To what does all this tend?” asked Frank, as the deserter paused. ‘* We want you to goin pardners with us. With your machine on wheels and all your electric fix- ' ings you can scare or drive off the reds and help us seize‘the mine, We'll give you ong-fifth share of all the gold we find.” “Thanks. But we must decline your Offer, as we have reason to believe the mine you speak of is the property of one of ourcomrades, and instead of one-fifth we shall pels ae take all the gold in thie’ » mine,” replied Frank. ‘The deserter uttered a howl of rage. Het yer life you won’t take that gold. You are ssed and reversed the neces- 7 " i 80 inferfial -Yailkeo, graspin’ ter rob. yer betters, "cuss ye, You area shark, a pirate, a gold hyena, a sneak ter get at my secret and then set down on me this away,” fairly bellowed the irate deserter, tobacco flood in alarming proximity to his head. “Floatthenagur. Sind him adrift on a terbacker tide. Sure, an’ we have no use fer the likes ay ‘im!” cried Barney, enraged because Pomp had stepped on his favorite corn. Meanwhile Frank Reade had set the tally-ho in motion again, and before the discomfited deserter gould’ order his band to interpose, the vehicle had passed his band and was proceeding swiftly on its way. ; The deserters pursued for a short distance, but they soon abandoned the chase as futile. daring plan for the abduction of Little Sunshine. Finally the great Sioux chief, Sitting Bull, was ealled into the council. «“ We need a keen, superior trailer, one who can be relied upon to trail the white men who have fled in their ‘bad medicine’ wagon, Oan Sitting Bull furnish us with such a brave? We will pay well for his services,” said Adam Marvan. The red chief assented, and he called a young and agile warrior to his side, and indicated that the trailer the whites desired was at their service, “Black Arrow is the greatest trailer of all my tribe, and he is as swift of foot as the antelope,” said Sitting Bull. Then the whites conversed with the young In- dian. It was arranged that he should trail the So, so. I think we shall find your conjectures|electric coach, go where it might, and that he was as to what might transpire true. The squaws Of|to leave certain markings along the trail to guide the dead gold mine Indians seem to have already rallied the Sioux to their support,” said Frank to Beckbridge. “ Yas, and we Shall have to do some tall fighting to git possession of the mine, I consait.” “I have been troubled by a reflection which you gentlemen may ‘not have considered,” said Dr. Vaneyke, ‘‘There is a question of right and jus- the speed of the tally-ho was|tice involved in this mine business. Had old|/followed nished, and the vehicle was finally |Getchewan a right to give away the lost gold|the letter. mine, and have we the right to wrest it from the hands of the Indian women who are now in pos- session?” ** As to that, I think we may conclude that the Indian must have acquired possession by injus- tice. No doubt they murdered or drove away the Spaniards to whom the mine belonged by right of discovery,” replied Frank, CHAPTER XXXY. THE TRAIL OF THE LOST GOLD MINE CANNOT BE FOUND, Wer are now compelled to return to the united bands of white outlaws and Sioux Indians whom Frank Reade ‘and his friends had eluded. to rob Beckbridge of the secret of the lost gold mine, and Adam Maryan, the arch plotter, who sought toremove the obstacle in the way of his possessing the Baldwin fortune by causing the death of Owen Strathmore’s Little Sunshine, questioned Santah, the Sioux who had been set free by the inventor’s pany, closely when the cap- tive reached their band. Santah was an acute listener, and he possessed a retentive memory, and so he remembered all that had passed between the white men of Frank Reade’s party. - Now it chanced that the cunning Sioux had over- heard some remarks which caused him to under- stand that one who was called “ Little Sunshine” had been left in Helena by Yank Beckbridge the trapper. When, as they soon did after his arrival, the two white outlaws questioned Santah as to whether there was a little white girl in the tally-ho, the In- dian saidno. But headded the information Adam Marvan most desired to obtain. g Straightway Santah told that awhite girl whom the old trapper called Little Sunshine had been by him leftin Helena. | C Until that moment Adam Maryan had supposed that little Sunshine was with her foster-father, the old trapper, Yank Beckbridge. “Hal ha! At last the child whose life stands between me and a golden inheritance shall be found. Once I hold the proofs of her death I can return to the east and claim old Squire Baldwin's gold as the only living heir,” said Marvan exult- antly as soon as Santah had revealed the secret of little Sunshine’s whereabouts. But Brant’Forges grasped his companion’s arm and hissed sternly : But I say you must not harm the child, little “Hold on, there, you hey called names enough,” said Beckbridge sternly, as he raised his rifle, The deserter dodged so suddenly that his woll’s head disguise fell off, and the red and bloated face of a villainous looking rascal was revealed. “You old Injun eater, what yer mean by liftin’ yer gun on me?” cried the deserter, addressing _ Yank Beekbridge. ‘ You’re a—a--—” . The fellow’s words were suddenly choked off in & most novel and ridiculous way. Yank suddenly popped a huge quid of tobacco from between his own jaws aad with a skillful toss threw the quarter of a pound of ‘‘cud” down the throat of the insulting bully as he opened wide his ' capacious mouth. The rascal tried to order his men to charge on the electric coach, but he sputtered and strangled ; So that he could not utter a word, Barney and Pomp roared, ; _. * Begob, an’ it’s a nate way to stop the jaw ay a - dlackguard, so it is. Ak faith, an’ it’s a rope in- Sunshine. Atleast not for the present!” ‘© And why not, pray?” demanded the other, ina tone of anger and surprise, “ Because the child must first serve me.” ‘How do you mean?” “Why. do you not discern my drift? You are aware that the child little Sunshine is as dear to the ae trappor as if she was his own daughter,” rue.” s “Very well. To save her life Itake it he would Es surrender the secret of the lost gold mine to ‘Ah, I comprehend.” Certainly, My project must be plain—I mean to use the child little Sunshine to secure the gold secret, and then you can do with her as you like.” ‘‘T agree. We are partners, and we must work n unison.” “Yes,and the interest of one must become the interest of the other,” said Brant Forges, : After this a long consultation ensued between Brant Forges, the half-breed chief who meant those who proposed to eventually follow. Very soon the Indian took the trail of the elec- tric tally-ho and from that time he never lost the trail for a moment. Of course he was far behind the electric vehicle most of the time, for no man could compete with the tally-ho in point of speed. The Tndian was faithful to his master, and he the instructions of the white schemers to At regular intervals he marked the trail in the manner agreed upon, so that when Adam Marvan and Brant Forges came to traverse the same route, they would have no doubt as to their course. All this presaged stirring adventures and start- ling developments, of which Frank Reade and his comrades had no idea. But to return to the inventor and his friends. The tally-ho entered the mountains the day after the encounter with the deserter. Beckbridge knew many of the passes and old Indian trails, but soon the explorers passed beyond the range of the trap- per’s stamping grounds and he could no longer guide them. Thereafter they were obliged to depend upon the old Indian map, Often it was consulted, but at length even the map seemed at fault, for the Jandmarks indicated ay guide-posts upon it could ‘not be found, What to do in this dilemma was a question of Serious importance. It was finally decided, after some three weexs . had been spent in vainly exploring the mountains in quest of the lost trail, that, as winter was coming on, and already there were indications that the close of the October days would no doubt witness the advent of snow storms and unfavorable weath- er, it would be advisable to seek some sheltered place and éstablish a winter camp, or else set out on the returntjourney and defer further explora- tions until the following spring. The tally-ho was not provisioned for a winter sojourn in the mountains, and prudence suggested . that the search for the lost gold mine must for the present season be abandoned, It was with extreme reluctancy that the several members of the party admitted this fact, but there was no gainsaying it,and therefore, with many re- grets, Frank Reade finally turned the heads of his électric team in the direction of home one day as the month of October was drawing to a close. Already the weather was culd, for in that high altitude the chill of winter follows closely in the footsteps of balmy fall. Beckbridge shook his head and advised haste, saying: : “Tkin feel the snowin the air, and the Lord help us all if a blizzard should catch us up here in the mountains. * Since we hey got to go back, let’s make tracks as fast as possible.” ( ¢ But no great speed could be attained in the de- vious passes and winding mountain trails which lay between the tally-ho and the open prairie, The tally-ho had rounded a bend in the mount- ain trail two days later, when all heard cries of distress from the wayside. There had been a high wind the preceding night, and now the ex- plorers saw a tree had been blown down near by. The cries of distress they heard were uttered by some one under the tree, it seemed. Irank.Reade stopped the tally-ho, and he and Beckbridge | alighted. The trapper stalked ahead of Frank, and in a moment discovered an Indian under the fallen tree, where he lay pinned to the earth unable to move. ey : ) ‘he trapper, aided by all the rest, who were called upon for assistance by Frank, managed to move the fallen tree and extricate the Indian. The Indian became insensible before the tree was removed. *The doctor, however, soon revived him, and then it was found 'that his left, arm was crushed and his shoulder severely injured. A ~ small blood-vessel in the arm had been ruptured, and the Indian had fainted from loss of blood, The doctor and the old eeanye set the Indian’s arm, and kindly cared for im,: Then he was cs S r e.
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“24 FRANK READE, JR, IN THE FAR WEST. placed in the tally-ho, and the homeward journey was resumed. CHAPTER XXXVI. LITTLE SUNSHINE IN CAPTIYITY, Or course the failure of Frank Reade’s party to find the landmarks in the mountains set down in the old Indian map of the route was attributed to the theory advanced by Dr, Vaneyke. All were ready to admit thatin all likelihood vol- eanie eruptions or other changes in nature of a similar character had been at work in the Montana mountains since the map of the Indians had been made. “ Now.the prospect of success the next spring be- eame doubtiul.; Beckbridge was ready to despair, He was in lis own mind well convinced that the white captive of the lost gold mine, regarding whom the old chief Getchewan had spoken, must be his partner, the father of Little Sunshine, as we know. ‘It was on this account that the old trap- per’s regret was so deep. When the journey was resumed after the wound- ed Indian was found the trapper remarked: av yez widout afoight; but, begob, I’ll run no fur- der, an’ I’ll take no more av yer dares,” roared Barney, and he made a quick jump and hit Pomp on the ear. *S was — not in accordance with the plans of the whit¢ but--- law chief. : ‘ ' Frank Reade had turned off the electricity and, halted the tally-ho, when Yank Beeckbridge im- -- pulsively leaped from the vehicle at discovering Santah, the wearer of his beloved. buckskin - breeches. : ! ed “Now suddenly the inventor revolved the reflec. tors of the electric lights so that they would radiate in the rear, and in a moment the ~wondertully bril- |liant light of the magneésium coils, in combustion, was shooting back through. the falling snow in ~ blinding rays, making the defile like an enchanted realm, asithe snow flakes Gnught the gleam, ~ ‘Advance at your ‘peril!, We have our electrie battery in reaciness, Dare to enter the passage we occupy and the deadly battery shall beleh forth its: leaden hail upon you!” cried Frank Reade to the enemy. f is “We don’t mean to charge you now. We have another plan to secure what we want, I have suthin’ to say to Yank Beckbridge,” said Brant Forges. } “They have got Little Sunshine in their power, Teonsait, Old Yank would lay down his life for the little one, and he’s got ter listen to the pizen’ varmints,” breathsd the trapper in an undertone, © Then aloud he cried: ? “Speak out, ye ‘farnal renegade |” **You see the child here in our power, so you understand we hold a trump ¢ard in the little game we are playin’, Very good, Now to the p'int. £ know you have the map of the trail leading to the lost gold mine of the first Spanish treasure-seek- ers, That map Iwant, I make you an offer, Sur- render the map, and the child, Little Sunshine, shall be delivered to you unharmed. Refuse, and she shall meet her death before your eyes,” spoke Brant Forges®™ : “Varmint,” replied the trapper, with difficulty controlling his emotions, ‘If ye harm one hair of that leetle one’s head, Yank Beckbridge will hey’ yor life, as sure as ther world stan’s, He will, by powder!” vs “Braggadodial Speak to the point, old'trapper. What do yousay in reply to my proposal?” “T’ve got ter think. Gimme time. Say hour for consideration.” “ «That I willdo. Then if you conclude to come | to my terms, you will come or send some one with the’map to the entrance of the passage in which you now are. At the expiration of the half hour I will be there with the child, I shall be prepared | for treachery, so take care.’ “ Supposin’ I agree ter give up.the map fer Little — Sunshine, how will the exchange be made when we ~ meet. it I sha’n’t trust sich a pizen critter half ana T consai as you be fur.” : ' Wi “You must trust my word. I’ll meet you alone at the spot I have mertioned, and if you give me the map I'll give you the child. We shall be man ~ to man, Are you afraid to meet me alone?” said — Forges. ~ No, by powder.” ; At that moment Little Sunshine, who had thus far remained speechless, said: oN ° “Oh, papa Yank, take me away from these bad men! Pleasedo! Iam afraid of them. Oh, so — very, very much afraid |’ { f “p The childish yoice was full of pathetic appeal, the little one’s arms were involuntarily stretched’ — t al
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{ i ¢ Jout toward the oll trapper, who had been to her a 7} kine and loving bster-parent. Tears of anger ind pity werein Yank’s eyes. His )ifle sprang to hij shoulder, and for an instant the deadly sights cofered the arch-yillain who held Little Sunshine a captive, But the outlaw pushed the child before him as a Shield and called out tauntingly: * Now fire, if you dare!” The old epee lowered his rifle, His broad {chest rose and fdl swiftly. His great hands clench- *|/ed themselves fbreely as though he could have torn Brant Forges limb from limb. | “Yank Beckbridge never yit scalped a white man? but by poivder, he’ll do 1t some day if he an’ Brant Forges both live!” the trapper sibilated. * Beckbridge, you are placed in a trying position #jand you have jour sympathy. Now Jet me offer 4jyou some advice,” said the good doctor, placing _}s hand upon the trapper’s shoulder. ') Beckbridge bowed his head and the doctor con- tinued ; -| “In less than halfan hour I can make an exact ')c0py of the original map. I have with me chemi- '{cals by the application of which L can obliterate | 80me of the landmarks on the map in such a way f that thé villain cannot tell it has been tampered With. Do you grasp my meaning?” a> “Yes, ? jJ° "Then you can surrender the original map to { ial) Gatley in exchange for the child, and the map (Will not benefit tlie scoundrel or aid bim to find thee. t.cold mine.” : _ * Deictor, you are a friend ter tie too, by powder. Bix ther map. I'll balk ther pizen critter yet and ve Little Sudishine, too, by powder,” cried the apper in a low voice, ‘Your idea is an excellent one,” assented Frank Reade: ‘But I suspect treachery.” The movements of the crew of the electric tally- ho were entirely concealed from the enemy when they retired inside the vehicle. ‘ The old trapper produced the old Indian map of } the route to the lost gold mine, and Dr, Vaneyke set to work to copy it. © This task was accomplished, and then the scien- |. tist produced the needed chemieals, and the work! of obliterating the essential landmarks on the Original map Was carefully attended to. 7 When all was done Yank Beckbridge appeared on the top of the tally-ho and informed the outlaw that he was reaagy to make the proposed ex- Change. Then Brant Forges advanced to the entrance of ie narrow pass, leading little Sunshine by the / hand, : Beckbridge went to mest him. Z | At the entrance of the pass was a great project- ng rock. Beside this Porges paused, The rock ex- landed ten feet in the direction of the tally-ho. Forges said. > | * ~ Place the ee ') tire ten paces. if it’s all right T’'ll send the child forward,” CHAPTER XXXYVIII. THE BLIZZARD—IN THE CAVE, | MmanwHitx, the snow-storm had been almost fs MOntinuously increasing in violence, and the trap- thy knew that a dread western blizzard or winter )* lone. of show and wind was assuredly at hand, hy As he left the tally-ho to go to meet Brant Forges, 8 trapper was almost hurled from his feet by a rrific gust of wind which swept through the nar- dw pass furiously. The air was full of snow, »Sntle flakes, but on the contrary it was now pul- -8rized, like frozen sand, cutting, suffocating. The . *efhcdealing, blinding character of the snow in ==» Areadful blizzards of the West was now the fea- ture of the storm. y The wind moaned, shrieked and howled! ‘The night had fallen, and but for the rare brilliancy of the electric light Yank could not have discerned his way a foot. But the light was reflected beyond the entrance of the pass, + on the end of the ledge and re- willcome and get the map, and But it no longer fell in FRANK READE, JR. IN THE FAR WEST. forward. Four Indians crouched beside the ledgelshut up here in the mountain'fdr: in the rear of the place Forges had occupied. He gave them a signal as he advanced. One of them threw his blanket over the head of Little Sunshine and carried her backward, while she was unable to utter a cry. ; The other three Sioux warriors crept forward in the footsteps of Brant Forges. He reached the end of the ledge, groped about upon it for a mo- ment, and then clutched the buckskin parchment ely: had left there and thrust it into his osom. “Come on!” he cried. ‘*NowI send the child to meet you. Brant Forges keeps his word !” The arch-traitor glided backward, leaving the three Indians who had now gained the end of the The trapper heard the voice of the outlaw and also that of Little Sunshine, He caught, as he drew hear them, the faint outlines of their fur muffled _ forms through the shifting curtain of driving snow. “Little Sunshine!” Beckbridge shouted, as he heard the last words we have recorded as spoken * by the outlaw. vas “Tam here papa I Quick !” the child responded, And Yank plunged forward through the storm, He placéd the Indian map on the end of the ledge as’ Brant Forges had directed, and secured it » there by placing @ heavy stone on one corner of the buekskin parchment. : Sa retreating ten paces, Beckbridge called ut: “Ther map is on ther ledge.” - a Yank, Oh, come and get me ledge crouching beside it. The outlaw had planned his trap well. The three Indians were to fall upon the trapper and slay uit without mercy when he came within their reach. 25. he teh winter,” said Beckbridge. Spt eh “Do you really think so? But there is no need to ask that. A moment’s reflection tells me you are right. But how are we.to live? We have pro- visions on hand which may last a month. After that, what?” said Frank Reade, ° nea All were silent, “The doctor shook his head. Beckbridge seemed at loss to reply. ’ 5 “The prospect is disheartening. But we, may consider that our enemies will perish in the storm, I think,” finally said Dr. Vaneyke, “No,” said “The Sioux with the white oatlaws know where to find other cayes and they will enter them,” “Well, we may as well make the best of the sit- uation and setup an electric barricade at the en- trance of the eave to prevent a surprise when the blizzard subsides,” Frank advised. ‘Then wires were gotten out of the supply locker and they were laced across the entrance of *the Beckbridge advanced the instant Forges called out for him to doso, He reached the end of the ledge. hen, like a trio of fierce demons of the dreadful storm, the three Indians leaped upon the brave old trapper. “A trap, by powder!” gritted Beckbridge through his set teeth as he battled for his life, But when he left the tally-ho Barney said: Be me soul, Masther Frank, and it’s Pomp an’ mesel’ as will be afther follyin’ the ould mon, as a rare guard. ' The red nagurs an’ the white black- guards will be afther thryin’?on some root game wid the loikes ay him, an’ sure yez won’t rob Pomp an’ mesel’ ay a chance fur an illegant bit ay a ruc-| . tion when we kin save the ould man at the same time, plaze the fates av it.” a Gollie, Irish, Dat’s de idee what Hab jiss done hatched out inside ob my cranicum.” “ Excellent, Barney. Go by all means,” assented Frank, who was not without misgivings. pomD and Barney quickly left the tally-ho. They crept close to the wall of the narrow,passage, an the shadows hid'them, «0620 2 a When the threa ‘Indians, whom the white out- Saws had left to fall Bpen Beckbridge made their attack, Barney and Pomp rushed to their old friend’s support. : “Whack !” came the fighting Irishman’s’shillalah down on the head of one of the redskins, «Thud!” went Pomp’s head in the stomach of another of the murderous trio as he butted the red- a The old. trappe derri loded he ola trapper’s, derringer exploded, and the third Tndian fell 3 pcg Ye cate rs Then the three whites fell back. Beckbridge knew Forges did nof mean to surrender Little Sunshine. iiifahe ‘The brave trio regained the shelter of the tally-ho. Old Yank was well-nigh wild with alarm for the fate of Little Stinshine now. > Fetish But nothing moré could be done looking to t er preservation then, and the tally-ho went on |through the storm, Soon the mouth of a cavern was reached, ; “Go on,” said the injured Indian, Black Arrow. “Under the mountains are the great cayes whore the medicine fires of the mountains that used to smoke will keep us all warm.” g Into the caye, whose entrance was spacious, Frank Reade euided the tally-ho, ; Then, S0on a Scene of wonders was revealed. LA series of connecting caverns were revealed, The walls were composed of raré. formations. There were great crystals of many’ colors and here and there hung pendant glittering formations which were like grand chandeliers suspended from the rock-ribbed ceiling. And as the tally-ho advanced, the air became warmer all the time, The explorers were filled with wonder, They knew they were approsching|at once decide that it was the the source of heat. They asked themselves what|/cano. i Wie #nd the’explanation was given by Dr. Van- eyke, rie" hoa Hons “ Undoubtedly we are approaching the crater of an unknown voleano, whose outer opening has become closed, and which is not sufficiently active to make eruptions.” : ‘ Thus said the old scientist, + ss The heat finally became so intense that Frank, although curious to explore further, was compell- ed to retreat, He ran the tally-ho back to a point where the temperature was more comfort- ble. Then Black Arrow said that he had long known of the existence of the cuves of “ the medicine- fires ’—.as he designated them. He ‘affirmed, too, that there were many cayes in the neighborhood, The situation of Frank Reade and his friends was now most alarming, although immediate dan-|_ ger might be guarded against. e The blizzard, which raged furiously outside the cave, would fill the trails and mountain passes with drifts of snow the tally-ho could “never pass until ‘Brant Forges did not answer, save for a guttural|the spring thaw came, ) ory expressive of his satisfaction, But he darted & “ee Iv’s a hard thing ter say, but it’s plain we are cave so as to form an impassable barrier, Then one end of this wire labyrinth was connect- ed with'the electric battrey and the whole wire‘bar- ricades was charged with electricity. This done, Beckbridge was leftin charge of the tally-ho with the wounded Indian, and the others went forward to explore the eave further. Yank Beckbridge was bowed down with grief, He said: “Now the murderous outlaws will kill Little Sunshine, Ther pixen yarmints will not spare her, since they have the map.” : CHAPTER XXXIX. -‘SNOW-BOUND IN THE MOUNTAINS. ‘*BLrack ARRrow_hears the white man’s words, The trailer is his friend because he saved his life when the tree held him fast. Black Arrow speaks ‘|with.a straight tongue, and he tells the syhite trapper that the little white squaw will not be slain whilé she is among these mountains,” said the wounded Sioux, cs ! i . * What’s that, Injun! Don’t trifle with old Yank, er ye'll find him powerful dangersome, I consait,” cried Beckbridge, incredulously, “Black Arrow’s tongue travels a straight trail, These mountains of the medicine fires are by all the Sioux held sacred to the great Manito, and in no case will the red men allow blood to be shed among them save in hand to hand fight. The traditions of the medicine mén say the life of a captive must not be taken among these mountains, or the’ anger of the great Manito will be aroused against the tribe.” =) “Thank ye fer them! words, redxkin |” exclaimed Beckbridge. “Ye monn ; let the white outlaws pat‘Little Sunshine ter death if tne want to do so; [ tuke it.” “The white trapper has heard aright, and’ now Black Arrow will tell Him thathe means to prove his gratitude. Listen,” mes “ Fis ca The voice of the wounded Indian became a whis- per, and he spoke long and earnestly, © When he had concluded, Yank Beckbridge’s weather-beaten features were all alight witha new hope. Evidently what communication Black Ar- row had made, had banished to a great degree , ad. previously suffered on account of Little Sunshine’s the despairing feelings which the old trapper peril. “But let us follow Frank Reade and the other members of his party. gained. Pinaily, as they drew near the heart of the moun-. |tain and the heat became almost unbearable, they discovered a pit of fire ahead, Its getieral formation enabled the old scientist to f > crater of an old yol- “ Begorrah, fat’s that!” suddenly yelled Barney, in-tones of alarm as the party was retreating from the brink of the crater. , All turned and Pomp gave a yell, while the wool seemed to stand straight upon the top of his head, so great was his fright. _Frank Reade and his friends beheld a strange sight, and one certainly calculated to inspire ‘ter- ror, ( Sol ics : ; eda great winged serpent, which resembled a cay- men or South Américan crocodile, and also one of those remarkable sea monsters which haye from time to time been discovered in the ocean. r * Tho terrible monster of the volcano reared until ten feet of his huge length stood’ erect. His great jaws gaped, and a hissing roar came forth. ‘ « Worra! worral It’s the divil’s own knake|” yelled Barney, and he took to his heels. “Branx and the doctor had brought their rifles with them, and they leveled their weapons at the monster. But beforethey could press the trigger” the remarkable creature yanished, seemingly going _ down into the flery pit of the volcano, 2 lack Arrow, the wounded Indian . ter say ther Sioux won’t - They went on and on, Frank carried an electric torch and thus light was. Up from the brink. of the crater all at once crawl- —
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. the enemy had not appeared, 26 FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. “This surpasses all my experience, and all the/made to force its way through the miles and miles knowledge of natural history I possess does not|of immense drifts that obstructed all the mountain give me the least idea as to what that wonderful|trails and passes, and even the prairie beyond. monster is,” said the doctor, as he and Frank fol- lowed their comrade. Just then Pomp’s voice was heard, Hecried: “Wo, sah, Irish. scared no more dan youse did.” But Frank Reade and his comrades were by no means inclined to sit down and apathetically await their doom. *Deod I didn’t run like I was| Although their explorations thus far had con- vinced them that there was no exit from the cave “Ye did, thin. Its mesel’ as was only runnin’ tillsaye by the route they had traversed to enter it get a hand grenade to explode at the crocodile.|they were now impelled to renew their explora- Faith, an it’s not an alleygater that kin scare anjtions, Trishmon.” “Yah, yah! ebber seed, Irish,” The possibility of discovering some passage You’se de wus case 0’ blow dat Ijthrough the mountain which might lead them out { where it has gone, let us seek ‘o follow the trail. whence it came. Perhaps the mmarkable animal has just returned from a quest fir food.” { “Forward! The doctor is alvays right!” cried i Frank, enthusiastically. ; The monster had left a plain tmil. The party at — once followed it in the directionindicated by the | doctor. But presently the soli side wall of the | cavern stopped them. i Here was a dilemma, But Bedbridge solved it — by discovering an opening thmugh which the monster had evidently crawled. It wassosmall a / hole that it had not before been sen. Theelectric | where the snow drifts were less lofty, or where thay torch now revealed it indistinctly on accountof the — “Be the powersav gin, nagur, do yez realizejmight secure some of tho wild animals of thejshadow of an overhanging ledge. who yez are making them remarks til?” “Oh, go soak yer head,” ‘‘ What's the disagreement now?” asked Frank, coming up. mountains for food, urged the snow-bound gold hunters on. The cravings of hunger intense and not to be subdued save by food, which was not to be found -The opening which admitted of the passage of the monster of the crater was of course large enough for a man or two to crawl through at once. ) Frank and Beckbridge erept through the open- » “Tt’s the nagur. Sure, Masther Frank, woe heviin the cave, droye the party to make investigations|ing, and the others followed them, no use for v nagur. Begob, an’ it’s throwin’ him|which they nad previously declared to be entirely til the allygater we hed best be doin’,” saidjhopeless, Barney. At this dark period even Barney and Pomp seem- Doan’ yer git too funny, Irish, fo’ I butt somejed deprived of their usual spirits. Silent and per- ob dat nonsense out ob yer!” turbed, they went about, no longer joking or quar- “Does me ears decave moe, er did T hear thejréeling, but anxious and thoughtful. nagur threaten the likes ay mesel’? Be the powers “ We hey got to flud game somewhere or we are av turf I kin accommydate yez if yez are bound to)done fer,” sald Beckbridge, solemnly, as the day be u, gas on wid yez, and I’ll bate the head ay yez, ob, I’li not r’ason wid yez, an’ thry to quite the ick afoight. Sure an’ I’m a paceful mon, but,itheir food was exhausted the arty set out to make a new exploration in the further depths of y timper ay the Joikes av yez longer. So, begob,|the cave, The trapper voiced the conviction of all, and The wurrum will turn at last, begob!” roared|Frank responded: Barney. But the next moment he sat down very hard. “The probability of obtaining food is small in- deed, but while there is life there is hope, Let us * Well, here we are in another cave!” exclaimed { Frank, glancing about. oan | The cave which the party had now reached was on extensive one, and it was seen that the trail of © the monster, still well marked, led onward. RAR With feelings of expectancy and suspense as th wondered to what the trail would finally lead tl. the party pressed on. ahtina ais Suddenly Beckbridge paused. He | were in the lead, and as the old trapper halted } raspoed the inventor’s arm im) aay, erying: | “Light ahead! By powder, there is away out 2 the cave yonder!” To Ne faint light of daj>pus discern- and Fran #" Pomp’s head had come in contact with his|not despair until the very last.” Into the depths of the mysterious mountain thejleading to the outer world, stomach, It was a striking demonstration. Barney seemed duly impressed. For the present Barney was ready to subside. “Worra, but the head ay the nagur is/harder|the heat became intensified, they thought of thejwhat they say. The scene beyond the open party journeyed, and as they approached the It wasso, The sd), able in the distance, All sprang forward, The | trail of the monster led Straight to the opening | crater of the ancient and now torpid volcano, andjand then all paused in profound amazeme: than me stomach. Sure, an’ T’ll get even wid him|strange monster they had seen there, yet, though. Wait until he tries dat buttin’ busi- They 30 were not without apprehension that tho/seemingly out of the natural order of things, that BU 7s te ye tT In a moment or so the opening » was ie which gave access to the surface was so strange ness, an’ 1'll give dat nagur a surprise dat will last|creature might attack them, and Barney and Pomp,|for the norce all were inclined to think they had the coon all winter,” muttered Barney, as he picked|whose superstitious fears were at work, fell in? the!stu himself up. Further explorations were made inthe cave, It} But the doctor’s logical brain was busy with ajabo rear, mbled upon an enchanted realm, The exit from the cave opened into a valley — ut a quarter of a mile broad, and perhaps half was ascertained that there was no outlet save the|problem, which was suggested as his thoughts re-ja milelong., This valley was sheltered by tower- one through which the tally-ho had come, That night, when Frank and his comrades re- verted to the monster of the crater, Presently the old scientist yoiced a theory which ing mountains on every side, whose snow-elad summits werein the misty distance, _ But wonder turned to the tally-ho, Beckbridge reported that|a simple and natural course of reasoning had en-jof wonders, the valley was devoid of snow, and It was concluded|abled him to evolve, , |more, it was green and fertile. The grass was that they had sought shelter in some other of the} “It is evident,” said he, ‘that the strange|luxuriant, flowers bloomed, and birds sang in the - eaves of which Black Arrow had toid. creature we saw at the crater must find food some-|bushes. At some distance a flock of wild mount. . The storm raged for three days furiously. At|where. It belongs to an order of the Salurians,jain sheep were feeding, and further on was @ the end of that time, whenit had somewhat sub-|which perish easily when exposed to cold, and|drove of antelope, Prairie-rabbitsand other small — sided, Beckbridge removed a section of the barri-|which exist only ina warm. climate, or where, as|game there was in abundance, cade and crept out of the cave. But he did not golin this instance, there is plenty of artificial heat. more than a few paces. _ The pass was filled with snow, high Beckbridgo came back inside the cave and said: 4 «We are caught sure enough. The snow are|doubtedly keep us alive. Granting this we establish the fact thet the monster cannot venture outside of the cave where the The great white wall was at least a hundred feet|temperature is freezing in pursuit of food, thus we prove that the creature must find food in the cave, The food that sustains the creature would un- We must find the mon- The air was balmy, and the temperature was + some degrees warmer than summer usually is in that altitude. 5 cs Words cannot adequately convey an impression ~ of the emotion which moved the hearts of the snow- bound explorers us they beheld the scene of sum= mer plenty and beauty in the midst of winter, drifted clear to the ledges on the top of the moun-|ster of the crater and track him to the source of his| + Yet it seemed like a dream, a fantasy, an hallu- tain walls above the defile, Here wo have got to stay.” : ; i The company fully understood the situation. Starvation seemed destined to be their ultimate . fate. But they were brave and calm, and Frank ex- amined their store of provisions. He estimated that by husbanding every morsel as carefully as possible the food might be made to last for two months instead of one as he had first thought. All were willing to be put on half rations and this was done, The days passed monotonously. Beckbridge thought it possible to reach the ledge above tho defile at the mouth of the cave, and he constructed a rope-ladder, to one end of which he fastened a stout cord, Then having tied a stone to the free end of the cord he threw it up among the projecting rocks. After making several casts the cord caught over the end of a great rock, and the weight of the stone caused it to fall at the trapper’s feet, leaving the cord drawn taut around the rock. Then Beckbridge, by means of the cord, drew up ’ the ladder and succeeded in firmly catching its top- ——4 most round over the great rock, After that he climbed the ladder and reached the top of the edge, : The trapper hoped to find game but he returned with the disheartening intelligence that he could not discover a single track of a living creature. After this the time went wearily by until finally the last morsel of food was consumed, and the dark specter of famine entered the cave, OHAPTER XL. THE WONDERFUL VALLEY. * THE supreme hour seemed to haye arrived when Frank Reade and his comrades had consumed the last more of tood, and yet there was no pos- sibility of escape from the cave beside the voleand, ‘Eyen the electric team, wonder though it was, supplies.” ‘ “ Bravo! Science and knowledge is power!” ox- claimed Frank, ; “Tong life til the docthur, Sure an’ he has the Brea head av his own!” cried Barney, and Pomp added: “Gollie! I’ve got a great big idee ob my own,” ‘‘ What is it, nagur?” queried Barney, “Tf we can’t find where dat alleygater gits him grub, maybe wa.kin kill him an’ cut him up inter steaks to eat.” | Pat: “Worra, an’ it’s not an Irishman as would be afthor eatin’ a snake!” cried Barney in disgust. ‘We may be compelled to take Pomp’s sugges- tion seriously,” Frank stated. ‘Your idea is an ingenious one, doctor. Let us by all means try to track the monster of the cra- ter,” he added. “Yes,” Beckbridge assented. ‘And to do that we hev got to sight the critter. Now I propose that we go on to the crater an’ hide an’ watch for the monster.” i All approved of this plan, and so the party ad- cination which must soon pass away. - « Are we awake or dreaming? Howinthe name . ofall things wonderful can this be?” cried Frank, as soon as his amazement permitted him to speak. “Tt. is all a glorious reality,” replied the doctor, “and the remarkable phenomenon is easily ex- plained on scientific principles. This yalley is over the flery furnace of the voleano which extends from the crater in this direction. The layer of rock formation under this soil, and Netween it and the fire of the volcano, is comparatively thin, Thus. the earth is constantly in the condition imparted by the heat of summer, The evaporation is Bee by the vapor constantly condensed and falling by night upon the valley from the mountains, so the ground is kept moist, The smoke arising et ins tervals through the crevices in the rocks of es mountain-wall all along the valley tela whore the warm air comes from,” cee aT “J understand it all, and J. feel like thanking. God for his infinite merey in guiding us here,” said Frank. : 5 Beckbridge reverently uncovered his head, and ence until they were in sight of the underground crater. Then they all concealed themselves behind pro- tecting rocks, Fortunately they had not iong to wait there in the heat. Possibly ten minutes elapsed, and then a peculiar hissing noise was heard and fhe monster for which the concéaled men were watching.appeared,. ’ But this time it did not come out of the side of the crater. On the contrary, the monster emerged from a Roe at the side of the cavern almost op- posite the place where Frank Reade and his com- panions were hidden. Slowly the frightful creature trailed its Seay length along urtil it disappeared at the very brin of the pit of flame, as it seemed tc the watchers. Then the doctor said: , “Instead of following the creature, since it is im- the others followed his example,/ OHAPTER XUI. ' THE CAVERN OF DEATH. ae THE explorers saw that the discovery of the beau- tiful sammer valley had completely banished all their fears of starvation. Food and water there was in abundance, Hx- | cellent springs were visible in the mountain-sides, where, pris to volcanic heat, they were protected from congealation. _ ; ia All comprehended that the snow-fall of the terri- ble blizzard, which had oecurred two months pre- — viously, had soon melted in the warm valley, and they saw channels by which the water had un- doubtedly escaped through subterranean routes as and possessing remarkable attributes, could not be possible for man to venture amid the intense heatithe heat liquified the snow. ¥
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a ‘winter right here. FRANK READE, JR, IN THE FAR WEST. ’ But hunger urged the explorers to pursue the game which abounded in the beautiful valley. Barney and Pomp went in pursuit of an ante- lope, and they soon returned with some juicy steaks, which were quickly broiled over a camp- re. : All partook of the food with the keenest relish, and Barney and Pomp told that the ahimals of the valley were so tame that it seemed they had not learned to fear man. Ah,” said Dr. Vaneyke, “it must be that this hidden valley has never before been visited by man, Here we may live in peace and quictude un- til spring comes, and the snow melts out of the mountain passes,” , “And enjoy 4 winter inthe midst of the warmth of the tropics. There is everything needed to sup- ply our wants here,” replied Frank. 2 ‘But fer the anxiety thet I feel fer Little Sun- shine I consait I should be content ter put in ther But I shill long fer spring ter yer one Indian with a white heart, brave, if yer hide is red,” said the trapper with feeling. He grasped the Indian’s hand. « Black Arrow will find the little white squaw and bring her back fo the great white hunter. The white men who haye the little squaw a captive will not suspect the trailer who has served them,” responded the Indian. “JT reckon you’re right, Injun. Leastways I hope so, by powder,” the trapper rejoined. Then Black Arrow hastened away. It seemed that his knowledge of the mountains was of service to him now, and that he knew of some eave in which he preeumed it likely that the white out- laws and the Sioux had sought shelter, But if the outlaws and the Indians with them had not fled from the mountains in time, it was to be conjectured that they must have starved, un- less they had found another summer valley like the one discovered by Frank Reade’s party, and that was scarcely probable. come, an’ know no rest till I git on the trail o’ ther pizen varmints thet hey carried away Little Sun- shine,” said Beckbridge, i Black Arrow, the Indian, was Dow about recoy- ered from his injuries, ‘and, as be had been left be- hind at the tally~ho, Beckbridge volunteered to re- ‘turn for him. The others wenit back with the trapper, and the tally-ho was ran/forward to the smal opening in the rocks whieh’ comm mubiepted with the adjacent eave that led to the summer valley. ‘The passage) was not sufficiently large to allow ‘the onttance of the electric conveyance, and so the —_— cn SSE. of the électric conveyance, RE sev to work to enlarge it. n ‘explosion or two of powder did the work, blasting away the rocks untilthe way was enlarged, and the tally-ho was guided through it and on to “the summer valley. Black Arrow had shown his gratitude to the whites in So many ways since he became one of a party with Frank Reade, that they trusted him fully. He was questioned about the summer valley, and he assured the party that the wonderful place was not known to the Indians. The amazement which the Indian evinced at the sight of the valley was a confirmation of the truth of his words; ‘ The explorers now felt perfectly secure. They believed that they had no reason to antici- ate the coming of the enemy, and that it was im- possible for them to be surprised, Mhe yalley was, carefully explored, however. Search was made for an outlet by which men could enter or leave the valley, but none was discovered. The explorers decided that’ no one could pene- trate to the valley save by the route they had them- selves traversed, We need not dwell upon the peaceful months which elapsed. The explorers were undisturbed. Plenty and quietude was their lot througiitthe winter, Spring ‘came at last. As soon as the weather indicated that the snow must have melted out of the trails preparations were made for departure. : It was decided that Beckbridge should make a scout and note the condition of the outer world be- Black Arrow sped on and on,funtil he came to the mouth of the cave, ‘This underground retreat he boldly entered. : At once he discovered certain indications of the party he was in search of. : “ Ugh!” grunted the Indian, gutturally. ‘I shall find dead men. Wah, the white outlaws and my brethren must have starved in here.” He wentron, reflecting aloud: «And the little white squaw must have perished. Ugh! Black Arrow feared this. But he would not tell the trapper. Be the little squaw dead or alive the trailer will keep his word and ‘carry her back to the great white hunter,” The Indian advanced until he was in the depths ofthe caye. Then he made a terrible discovery. He came upon the remains of a large party of men —whites and Indians, He had procured a torch within the cave and lighted it. The light thus afforded reveuled the terrible scene. Black Arrow soon convinced himself that he had discovered the band he was in quest of. He found the dead bodies of Brant Forges and Marvan, but among all the dead in that underground sepulcher fore the tally-ho left the valley. Beckbridgs was about to start, when Black Arrow, the Sioux trailer, whose life we know the trapper had saved, came to his side. “The trailer will go with the great white hunt- er,” said the Indian. . * As ye like, Injun,” replied Beckbridgo, “Black Arrow knows the mountains well,” the Indian continued. “7 think we can trust tho trailer,” said Frank, _ “Tam sure on it, by powder. Human nature a Dom T’ve-studied some. I consait an Injun natur are my stronghold. I reckon Black Arrow means fair. So come along, trailer,” responded the trapper. . \ ; “Ugh! Black Arrow friend. White man save him life; Injun no forget.” “Good, you have the right spirit. All Indians are not ungrateful, it seems,” spoke Frank. **But they are mighty fey, and far between, *cordin’ ter my *sperience,” muttered the trapper. Then he shouldered his rifie and left the valley, followed by Black Arrow, The two caves Were traversed by the Indianand the trapper. They reached the wire barricado at the mouth of the cavern, which the tally-ho had first entered, and passed into the trail beyond. The snow had well nigh melted. What re- mained would not seriously impede the progress the trapper thought, and he was well pleased, “Now Black Arrow go to keep his promise about the little white squaw the great white hunt- - er seeks,” said the Indian. Go, an’ may ther good God guide ye. I reckon } he could not find Littie Sunshine, % CHAPTER XLII. : THE WHITE HERMIT. © BLAcK Arrow was amazed, He could not understand why it was that he did not find the remains of Little Sunshine where all her captors had perished. An examination of the bodies gave the Indian the assurance that the white outlaws and their Sioux allies had died of starvation. : Mystifled most completely, Black Arrow seated himself to think. He strove to divine what. the explanation of the absence of Little Sunshine’s re- mains could signify. A thought came to his mind ee made him shudder. But he put it away from m. if He asked himself if some solitary member of the arty could have escaped with Little Sunshine, and A returned a negative answer to his own ques- on, Finally Black Arrow arose dejectedly and care- fully explored the entire cave. But still the mys- tery remained as impenetrable as ever. Still there was nothing discovered to reveal the fate of the white captive. Finally the Indian decided that the only course left for him was to return to the summer valley and tell Beckbridge, the trapper, all, The Indian was walking dejectedly toward the entrance of the cave, when all at once a dark shadow fell across his pathway where it was iliu- minated by the torch in his hand. Black Arrow recoiled like a flash and grasped a weapon in his boheld a startling apparition. An aged white man, clad in the 27 trail. Come, and Black Arrow will lead you to the . old white hunter.” ‘‘ Lead on, I will follow,” answered the strange man, ; , o Black Arrow started forward at once. The caye was left behind, and the Indian guided the aged white man to the entrance of the caye where ho had left Beckbridge. The old trapper stood before the wire barricade eagerly watching and waiting for the return of Black Arrow. r Beckbridge was much surprised when at lengt! he discovered the Indian approaching, followed by the aged white man. They soon came up. ‘« Trapper,” said the stranger, ‘ this Indian tells me he is a friend of yours, and that he is looking for a little white girl that he seeks to restore to you. Does he speak truly?” ¢ ‘He does, I consait. Ther child was carried off by a band o’ white an’ red varmints. Her name are Little Sunshine, and she is very dear to the heart of old Yank Beckbridge, by powder!” replied the trapper, earnestly. “Good! I ama recluse. My name is Ward- well, but because I have fled from the haunts of men and live entirely alone in the mountains of Montana for years I believe the trappers and In- dians call mo the white hermit,” said the stranger. ‘‘T have heard of you, I consait, stranger,” re- plied the trapper, truthfully. ‘But can you tell me anything about the varmints who carried off my leetle gal?” “Trapper, we will first let the Indlan speak,” - the hermit replied. Black Arrow bent a pitying glance upon the old trapper, and then he said: “The trailer sought the men who stole the great; white hunter’s little squaw and he found them——” “Found them! Do yer say yer found them? Ah! And is Little Sunshine yet alive?” cried the trapper. ‘ ** Black Arrow found the white outlaws and the Sioux ina cave where he mot this aged white man, But all the band of Brant Forges were dead. The brave saw all their dead bodies that were like skele- tons for lack of food, but he could not find the body of the little white squaw,” said the Indian, Beckbridge uttered a. terrible ery, and he turned upon the mountain hermit flercely, “Speak, man, if ye know anything avout my lit- tle gal!” he cried. § ‘Boe calm, my friend. Iam come to bring you tidings of joy. Your little girl lives, and is at this moment in a place of safety.” Beckbridge seized the hermit’s hand, * God will reward ye. But tell me ail and let us hasten to the leetle gal,” the trapper uttered, in tones of great joy. ‘J will lead you to the child, and as we go I will clearly explain how it became my privilege to save your little girl.” Thus speaking, the hermit strode away and Beckbridge walked by his side, while Black Arrow followed in his footsteps. : “Say on,” said Beckbridge, eagerly. ‘For years I have made my home in one of the numerous caves of these mountains, Whyfore I chose this mode of life concerns no one but myself, and we will not touch upon that point. The cave which I dwell in chanced to be the very one in which the white outlaws and the Siouxs, who had your little child a captive, sought shelter from the blizzard last winter. Now, leading from that cave to a smuller one is a secret passage, to which Thad contrived a stone door. In tbe interior or second cave I made my home. Every summer I there’ store away sufficient dried meat and such other food as I need for an entire winter, for often, as during the winter that is just passed, I am snow- bound for months. I was in my secret cave when girdle,as the succeeding moment ke|the band I am speaking of came into the outer cave. Of course I knew that it would not do to re- skins of the|veal my presence. ‘Then when I learned that the mountain sheep, with his snow-white hair falling|terribie storm had filled the mountain passes, and upon his shoulders, and whose beard reached to|that the strangers were snow-bound for months at his girdle, stood before the Indian. least, I took every precaution to conceal my pres- henes comest thou, red man?” demanded thelence. I knew that if my retreat was found, the men hermit-like personage, in a stern, deep voice “From the mountains, ‘red man $6 those who are gone to t! ” replied Black & to the happy hunting grounds, Arrow, , The red man seeks a/my provisions ina few days white child—a little girl—a squaw, who was with ish tvith them of oatvAttonl who had entered the outer caye would eat up all and then I should per- ‘But I resolved to save the little girl captive.” ointing in the direction of the|The hermit paused, and the trapper breathlessly dead bodies of the white outlaws and their Indian|waited to hear the rest. allies, “You are a Sionx. What would you do with the white captive?” demanded the old white man. ~ Black Arrow’s life was saved by a great white hunter called Beckbridge among his people. The brave has promised the back the little white squ by the men who are dead.” 5 “Do you speak straight, Indian?” exclaimed the aged white man. “Come with me and ou shall learn the truth of What the brave says. is tongue is on the straight 1 CHAPTER. XUITI. 4 JOYFUL REUNION, white hunter to bring him) Tue hermit drew a deep breath or two as ho aw who was stolen away|paused, and then continued, Spopking rapidly and with great earnestness, : “Yes, Lresolyed to save the child. Her help-) lessness, innozence and beauty appealed to my — sympathy. irresistibly. I watched my opportuni- ty, and one night, while the band slept, Papenied ; i ‘
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28 FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. the stone door of my interior cavern and glided forth bent on the rescue. * ¥ortune favored my purpose, neither the white outlaws or the cunning Sioux awakened, and I crept to the child. «Then came the greatest danger of the undertak- ing. I feared the chiid would awake and ery out in alarm upon discovering me. Whatshould I do? How insure her silence?, I must proceed precisely as though I meant to carry her off against her will without the knowledge of her captors, I thought. Upon that idea I acted at once. ** My blanket was upon my shoulder, I stooped beside the sleeping child, lifted her in my arms, and then sped away with her, having first muffled her head in the blanket and pressed one hand over her mouth to prevent her uttering a ery. “There was not asound, and with the utmost celerity I gained my secret retreat and released the little one and made known that I was her friend. I soon allayed her fears, and from that moment Little Sunshine regarded me as her friend. ‘We shall find her safe and well in my secret re- treat, whither I am now leading you.” Thus coneluded the white hermit. Then Beckbridge grasped bis hand and pressed it warmly as he said: ‘You kin callon old Yank for anything in his power to grant ye. There’s rhy paw onter it, by powder. I consait yer ther right stuff, friend, though ye be on the ‘hideout’ yere in the moun- tings.” ‘‘T trust I am an honest man,” replied the her- mit, but his tone was sad. * Got aseeret hez that feller, by powder,” thought Beckbridge, but he did not formulate this opin- ion. The distance to the eave of death was traversed in a short space of tims. Through the outer cav- ern the hermit led the way. The secret door was opened, and a moment subsequently Little Sun- shine bounded into the old trapper’s arms with a glad ery. The happiness, the great joy of the old trapper at that moment can scarcely be described. After their long severance the reunion of Little Sun- shine and the old trapper was a supreme epoch of joy it their lives which was ever to be remembered y them, . ! ‘ Yank and Little Sunshine conversed for a long time, and then saying good-bye to the hermit, at least for the time, they set out for the wonderful summer valley where the tally-ho and Beckbridge’s comrades were, : Passing through the outer cave, Beckbridge sud- denly paused and Brasped the arm of Black Arrow, who strode silently at his heels.” “By powder, Injun, I nigh about furgot all about ther widder an’ my backskin breeches, I consait Santah was among ther band that starved ter death. Eh?” he said. “The white hunter speaks straight,” rejoined the Indian. 1 “Now, tell me was ther skin breeches yit?” ; “Ugh> yes. Santah wore the great hunter’s beaded buckskins,” ‘* Hurrah for our side! Traps and trappers; ther Widder shill yit be mine! Injun, lead me ter the varmint ez has been a runnin’ around in ther wid- der’s brec shes so long.” ** Come,” laconically rejoined Black Arrow. Then he led Beckbridge to.the body of Santah, pizen critter in my buck- During his recent absence he had been at work in the thicket, and made a large semicircular plate of sheet iron, padded heavily with cotton on the inner surface, and covered with canvas. This Barney had now secured about his person under his clothes so as to serve as a stomach plate, ** Begob,” said Barney, to himself, as he came from the thicket with his iron stumach plate on, “Faith an’ I’ll give the nagur a chance to butt the brains ay him out this toime, so I will.” Beckbridge and the Indian had been gone some time when Barney came swagging up to where Pomp, who sat near the doctor and the young in- ventor beside the tally-ho, was rattling a pair of bones in real end-man style. Barney meant to pick a quarrel, and so he said: **Do yez cali that music, nagur? Sure an’ Ll not have the heathen racket forninst the loikes ay me,” Pomp only grinned and went on rattling the bones. “Shut up wid yez!” roared Barney, and he sud- denly kicked the bones out of Pomp’s hands, *Gollie! Iser gwine ter go fer yer Irish. eolored gemman wid de war paint on now, you heah me warble. Look out bulljine am « comin’!” cried Pomp, . . He ducked his head and rushed at Barney pell- mell. The Irishman didn’t try to dodge. On the contrary, he braced himself and stood still to re- ceive the shock. Then bang came Pomp’s head against Barney’s iron “‘stomach-protector,” and the darky reeled back half stunned, while Barney stood firm and fairly yelled with delight. ‘© Begob, an’ it takes an Irishman to get the best ay a nagur everytime. Comeonagain. Come an’ butt the brains out of yez. Sure an it’s waitin’ for Ise a iiss *bout rish, de pueiy, had appeared at the time of the great bliz- zard. All the party then entered the vehicle. “ Now that we are clear of the caves, the aues- tion once more arises in which direction shall we direct our course, whither seek for the lost gold mine,” said Frank Reade. “Since I have decided that the land-marks of the old Indian map are no longer to be relied upon, it seems to me we have nothing to guide us, and that we are to all intents no better off than we would be had we no map,” said the doctor. “That is true. It seems to me our chances of discovering the lost mine are becoming very small. It seems now we can only hope to find it by acci- dent,” assented Frank, Beckbridge thoughtfully expectorated, and the stream shot by Pomp’s head so closely that he had to dodge very swiftly to escape it. “TI consait, ’cordin’ ter ther indications of ther Injun load-stun in my natur’ thet there are some 0’ ther pizen varmints around. Jist run ther tally- ho up ther aeae trail a bit an’ we'll take a squint around,” said the trapper, The young inventor worked the guiding levers of his remarkable electric yehicie, properly, and the: coach began to ascend a steep trnil which Beck- bridge had indicated. ~ pan Then ascene of grandeur was revealed when the tally-ho reached a consideraljle elevation. The rugged range was spread ont below. There were towering peaks, broken ridges, yawning i F chasms and defiles, with hanging ledges. Thaer7— tire scene was one of chaos and sugeistl é of up- heayal of earthquake or volcanic action. The doctor felt that his theory to account for the absence of the landmarks of the old Indian map or sign writing was verified by the appearance of the range as far as the eye could reach, and he said: yez Iam!” shouted Barney. “Not dis eve. Some udder eye, Good eye,” re- torted Pomp, and he retired in good order, CHAPTER Xily. THE INDIANS ON THE MARCH. WHILE the doctor and the inyentor were laugh- ing at the incident just related Beckbridge and Little Sunshine appeared upon the scene, followed by Black Arrow. : Tho party was warmly welcomed by Frank Reade and the others; and the old trapper in a few words related what the reader has already learned regard- ing the fate of the white outlaws and their red allies, as well how Little Sunshiné had peen saved, and finally restored to him. All congratulated the trapper, and he said, dryly: ‘Ye do me proud. Iconsait I am the-happisst man in Montana, bar none, at this identical time. I’ve got back my leetle gal and the widder’s buck- skin breeches, an’ onct more ole Yank are hisself all over.” “ What is the condition of the mountains beyond this valley?” Frank Reade- asked, after some fur- ther conversation had ensued. “Ther snow has about melted outen’ ther trails.” “Good!” exclaimed the doctor. not have brought us more welcome news, now I suppose we can continue our journey.” **T reckon so.” : “You consider the trails passable for the tally- ho then?” said Frank Reade. “Yas, and we kin -be moyin’ as soon as ye like, I reckon.” "You could And and the old trapper repossessed himself of his pre- cious buckskin breeches, the rather unique token of ‘‘the widder’s ” love, , “Onct agin the old man are happy. Them breeches I'll wear back to the widder, an’ she shill surrender, by powder!:I consait, redskin, yer were never in love. No. Well, it’s worse nor the small- pox, an’ there’s only one cure, marry the gal.” _ ‘Ugh, white hunter heap talk,” said the Indian in contempt. “Very good. We have but few preparations to make, We have cured a quantity of meat and put in asupply of succulent roots which the doctor discovered in the valley. Thus the tally-ho is pro- visioned anew,” replied Frank. “Then let us not delay. J consait’we can’t be far from the lost gold mine. ‘Ther idea are power- ful strong inter my mind that it’s located some- where in this ere cave country. But what gits me are the fact that we can’t see nothin’ o’ the mount- “Tam more than ever convinced that this range has been entirely upheaved and convulsed by the action of voleanoes since our map of the route to the lost mine was drawn.” “Look yender. I see a file of moving objects away to the nor’west, but they are so fur off I can’t say positive what they are, though ther Injin load- stun in my natur’ are a drawing that away power- ful,” said the trapper suddenly. ' “T’ll get out my telescope, and then we can see the distant objects plainly,” cried the doctor. In ‘a moment or s0 he was looking through the pleas al the objects the trapper had diseoyered, and e said: “You are right, friend Beekbridge. . I see a file of mounted Indians—Sioux warriors, and also a band of squaws, who wear the blankets of the Blackfoot tribe.. The entire party seems to be act- ing as escort for a train of ponies, laden with what I cake to be buckskin sacks.” Fora moment the treasure hunters looked at each other in silence, Then Beckbridge voiced the opinion of all, saying: : “T’ll stake my skulp we see the squaws-o’ ther gold mine Injuns and their Sioux allies makin’ off with the treasure of the lost mine.” Ne were yery much excited, and Frank Reade said: : ‘Tt seems to me it would be useless to pursue the Indians, and I would not attempt to rob them of the treasure they are carrying away in those buckskin sacks unless I was very sure I had a better right to it than they have.” “Then I reckon we mought as well give up all idea 0’ makin’ a fortune an’ findin’ the gold mine and start fer hum,” said Beckbridge, in a tone of disgust. ‘Why so, friend trapper. Itis evident that the ~ Blackfoot Amazons and their Sioux allies have deserted the lost mine for good. They cannot re= move the mine, though. We haye observed the direction whence they came. Let us Sy l0yer% course. Once we strike the trail of the party” have found by taking the back traek I think y shall find the lost mine,” said Frank. “ That’s er failin’ 0’ ther Beckbridge fambly. Butling shaped like a pyramid with a huge head on the come on, we’ve got ter go ter summer yalley.” top on it, which we take it marks the sight o’ the Beckbridge, hand in hand with Little Sunshine,|lost mine,” said Beckbridge. and still followed by Black Arrow, strode from the The old trapper scratched his head and looked cave, carrying with him the buckskin breeches,|rather puzzled. which he had recovered at, Jast. ‘*T have decided, as I have intimated, that con- - Straight toward the wonderful mountain-walled|vulsions of # voleanie nature which have taken valley the trio proceeded. * * ek * * Meanwhile the others awaited their return. * place in these mountains during the years that have elapsed since the old Indian map was made have thrown down the pyramid and the odd ‘“‘ Well said. There is a chance to find the lost nine now which is much better than I dared hope for,” said the doctor. : A moment later the Indians and the pack train — disappeared in the distance. CHAPTER XLY. AT THE LOST GOLD MINE—CONCLUSION. “Tvp got an idee them gold mine squaws There was nothing to employ the time of the/shaped rock by which it was previously crowned,”|wouldnu’t run off an’ desart the mine if there was _ Snowbound ones itseemed, and yet recently Barney|the doctor hastened to say. i had been mysteriously absent from the others for| \‘* I reckon yer on ther right trail o’ the explana-jthe mine out an’ carried off all the gold. How- hours at a time, and if he had been closely watched, |tion,” assented the trapper. he might haye been seen to slyly convey some Then all the belongings of the party were packed tools and a large plate of sheet iron, and certainjaway in the tally-ho. Frank Reade carefully ex- * Other articles to a dense thicket at some distance|amined all the intricate machinery of the wonder-|was soon traversing the devious mountain trails from the camp in the valléy.. : The truth was Barney..was secretly preparin ‘something to surprise Pomp. Ever since thejure. darky had butted him out of time the last time, they] The tally-ho was carefully and slowly run backlroute was traversed, and the tally-ho arrived at a through the cavern until it at length camo ont ridge along which the trail of the mounted band through the opening upon the pass where the was readily discernible. ; : had a row, the Irishman had been planning to get even for uae oy d ye \ any more gold there, somedever we'll go ahead an’ see what we kin find out,” said Beckbridge. Fravk Reade started the electric vehicle, and it ‘ful vehicle and oiled every part of it. This donejon the way to the place where the Indians on the gjhé announced that all was in readiness for depart-|march had cise Dp aaron from sight, fa couple of hours the tortuous — In the course 3 tat Ss I consait they have worked °
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4 ri iy 4, t | | The tally-ho was guided along this trail in a re- ) }trograde course in order that it might reach the /place from which the mounted Indians had started on their march, | There was no difficulty in following the trail for isome miles. It led into the very heart of the mountain range, The course was an erratie and } most devious one, but finally all trace of the hither- { i 7) to plain trail was lost. ; if A mountain torrent which found its way south- ward through a deep channel was before the ex- )plorers. A short distance up the stream was a splendid waterfall. The disappearance of the trail at the brink of the mountain torrent was a mystery. It was too broad and swift, and its /) banks were too high to render it possible that the Indians could have forded it at this point. ** Beckbridge, can you suggest an explanation?” "*" asked Frank, as he reversed the levers and stopped Je < BSS, L a HOW TO BOX.—Tho art of self-defense made easy. Containing over. thirty illustrations of guards, blows and the different positions of a — Rs, boy should obtain one of these useful and in- structive books, as it will teach you how to box without an instructor. bral newsdealets, or sent, post paid, on re- publisher, 34 and 36 North | the electric conveyance on the edge of the moun- tain stream. “Perhaps I kin, an’ maybe I can’t,” was Beck- bridge’s rather unsatisfactory reply. ‘« Anyhow I'll make a scout. Come on, redskin,” the trapper added. Then he and Blae 1 k Arrow sprang out of the elec- tric tally-ho and went toward the waterfall. "Presently Beckbridge discovered a narrow eauseway, and upon it, where it led down to the (| falls, the trapper discovered the well-nigh invisible | imprints of hoofs. “Ah, ha! the reds muffled the hoofs of their mis, an’ they left no tracks on the hard soil above Where tiie trail disappeared. I consait Isee - the hull game. There’s a passage under the falls,” said Beckbridge. He crept down to the water's edge, accompanied by the Indian, under the curtain of the water mak- ing the falls. Keeping close to obstructions which caused the falls, the two crossed the stream, and then, at the opposite side of the falls, where the sheet of falling water concoaled its entrance, they beheld a cayern. j Into this spacious opening the trail of Indian ponies led, and the softer soil retained the im- print of moccasins; moreover, the rock was worn in a pathway leading into the cavern, thus indicat- ing it had long been frequently traversed by many persons. Into the cavern advanced Beckbridge and the Indian. A number of resinous torches were dis- covered near the entrance of the underground place, and one of these Beckbridgo ignited, thus obtaining light for his further explorations, The trapper and the Indian soon saw that they were surrounded by the evidence of man’s handi- work. The cave was not the work of nature, Beckbridge decided at once that at last the lost gold mine was found, As he continued to advance he found mining im- - plements such as were in useamong the Spaniards in Mexico hundreds of years ago, And ho also discovered copper vessels, such as at a remote period were employed as melting pans in the mines of Mexico. - © We hev found the lost gold mine, by powder. But where’s the gold, and whero is my old pard, Owen Strathmore, the father of Little Sunshine, FRANK READE, JR., IN THE FAR WEST. great copper door, Yank Beckbridge believed he had heard the voice of Little Sunshine’s father. close to the door. “ Owen Strathmore!” was the expecced answer returned. back: ye out all right. Keep cool and wait a bit.” their way to the tally-ho. hey made known their eare of the tally-ho. The old trapper carried a lot of blasting car- tridges and fuses with him now. He had secured them from the supply locker in the vehicle, copper door in the hidden mine was soon reached, and by means of the cartridges it was blown open, father’s arms, Then an explanation immediately ensued. Strath- more told how he had set out to trail the gold mine Indians, that he had been discovered by them and made captive, and, carried tothe mines. How then he had since been kept a close prisonerthere. His first question was if the rescue party had met the Indians. Baebes) made answer, and then Strathmore said: out by the Spaniards who discovered it years ago. But they had stored up a large quantity of gold out claim and take the precious ore with them, ee they were discovered and massacred by the ndians. the mine from generation to generation. Finally old Getchewan took to selling the gold the Span- iards had left behind. : *« Now the SUAS ofthe gold mine Indians have carried off all/the gold that remained, and they are accompanied by a band of young northern Sioux braves who are to become their husbands. ‘Not an ounce of gold has been left behind, an has been entirely exhausted. ‘You see, therefore, that the discovery of the mine has not brought us fortune,” Our friends were somewhat disappointed, we May well believe. But Strathmore appeared to be the most troubled. j “Thad counted on gotting gold hereand I am bitterly disappointed. So much depends on my success, If in less than one month’s time I do not pay a certain man five thousand dollars, ke will have the right to take my darling Little Sunshine from me. Where now shall I procure that money?” said Strathmore, in despairing tones, as he clasped his little daughter to his heart. whom I haye all along suspected was held a 'cap- tive here,” said Beckbridge at length. “Cheer up, old pard, Ther man you the five thousand dollars from is dead an never claim Little Sunshine as the forfeit of your Tho Indian had advanced ahead of the trapper,/failure ter pay his debt. He won’t, by powder,” and his voice now reached the hearing of tho lat-|said 4 ter. «White hunter, coms on!” cried Black Arrow. Beckbridge promptly advanced, and he found|former had borrowed the money from, for whic Beckbridge. , Then in reply to Strathmore’s surprised ques- tions, the trapper told his pard that the man the the Indian at a great copper door, whick com-|he had pledged Little Sunshine, was really his pletely closed the mine passage, **Doorfast; no go furder! * grunted the Indian. As he spoke anather voice Was heard. It was a faintvand muffled utterance, and Beckbridge ught the words. ish.” s wife’s nephew, Adam Marvan, and all about his ploe to get possession of Little Sunshine and put|?° er out of the way, : This was the first intimation Strathmore had re- ceived of the fact that his little daughter was the * For God’s sake do not leave me here to per-|heiress of ber grandfather’s fortune, and his satis- faction may be imagined, 29 A thrill shot through the old trapper’s nerves.| The party, after vainly searching the mine for Thé voice emanated from the passage beyorid thela my trace of gold, set out on their return journey. They had found the lost gold mine, but no wealth, and yet since they had saved a precious “Who are ye?” the trapper shouted, comirg}/human live by rescuing Owen Strathmore, all felt that the expedition had not been in vain. But they were destined to have a golden reward after all. Their way led them back by the caves of The voice was more distinct now, and as Beck-|the volcano. Allat once they heard an agonized bridge heard it he fairly leaped for joy, and calledjery from beside the trail. The tally-ho was stopped, and the party found the old hermit of the “T’m Old Yank Beckbridge, yer pard, T'll giticave lying on his back among the rocks, He had accidentally fallen from a high ledge above, and he The trapper and the Indian then swiftly retraced|was now dying. He signaled Frank Reade to come close, and the great discovery and quickly returned to the mine,/young inventor knelt beside the hermit and heard accompanied by all save Pomp, who was left in|him reveal the secret of a rich gold claim which he had discovered near by. In conclusion the old man murmyred: “Dying, I bequeath my claim to you and your The} party.” These were his last words. The explorer buried the strange recluse, the mys- and Owen Strathmore and the trapper were to-jtery of whose life died with him, and then they gether once more, and Little Sunshine was in herjsought his gold claim, according to directions he had given, It proved to be a very valuable find. * * * * * * Having secured a number of specimens of the eeu from the claim the hermit had given them, rank and his party began their homeward jour- ny without further delay. ne dark night, as the tally-ho was advancing through a mountain pass, just before the vehicle, as it turned a sharp corneramong the rocks, Frank “T have learned that this old mine was worked|4022° With untold horror beheld a' yawning chasm, It was too late to stop the vehicle. «Jump for your lives all!” shouted Frank as he quartz in a recess, intending to desert the worked|™#d@ 4 leap from the box on the top of the tally- ho. His friends heard his shout and instantly obeyed. All leaped from the coach,and the suc- ceeding moment the electric tally-ho crashed over “The ore was of no value to the Indians then. But ee pete of ae gulch and went down, down into the traditions of the tribe handed down the secret of|the depths below. Fortunately none of Frank’s party were injured, and when this was ascertained the doctor. pro- duced a pocket-lantern, and after some explora- tion a way of descent to the bottom of the gulch was found, and Frank and the doctor went down, They found the electric tally-ho a complete wreck. Frank saw at once that it could never be repaired - aj@gain, much as he regretted the fact. The purty the great * pocket? which was originally found here camped beside the ehasm. The following morn- ing Frank, assisted by the others, went down to the tally-ho and removed such valuables as ho desired to save, and then they all took farewell of the shattered coach which had served them so well, and went forward on foot. That evening they arrived at a mining camp, and horses were procured and the homeward journey was continued in company with a large band of returning miners, In due time all Frank Reade’s party reached home safely. Some months later, all who had accompanied the ‘young inventor on his search for the lost gold borrowed) Mine were assembled at Frank’s beautiful home d he wil||im Readestown. They had met fora business pur- pose, and on that oceasion the gold claim left them by the old hermit was sold to a company of speculators and the money equally divided. There is little to add in conclusion. Little Sunshine’s inheritance was secured for her h|by her father, and the future was a happy one for both parent and child. { Beckbridge married ‘the widder” and settled down at Fort Smith. Frank Reade and the doctor took a long rest at home, but we understand they are considering a new journey, but as yet no one has found out where they intend going. ‘ [THE END.] ood boxer. Eye Only 10 cents, For sale ceipt of price. Address ‘Frank Tousey, Moore street, New York. P, 0. Box 2730, ow TO HUNT AND FISH.—Tho most co ui } dogs, traps, GW gaine ee Ttign: trapping, and fishing, Deiae 10 cents. of price. Frank Tousey, publishe: r, 34 New York. Box 2730. coipt street. presents you with those who asp noted and wealthy men in t! our country. The bookis edited by one of the most successful men of the present age, whoseown example is in itself guide enough for sa to fame and money. secret. Price 10 cents. For sale by newsmen and booksellers, or Wsetul and Instructive Booli:s HOW TO BECOME RICH.—This wonderful book, ‘ How to Become Rich,” thé example and life experience of some of the most fe world, including the self-made men of The book will give you the , send price to Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New ; mplete hunting and fishing de ever published. 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Acai THE FIVE CENT WIDE AWA KE LCIBRARY---Continued. 323 Adventures of a Philadelphia Detective $24 Richard Savage $25 The Mystery of a Misspent Life 326 Bouble-Six 327 The Dominoes of Death 828 Gipsy Bess 329 The Queen of the Highway 830 Rodolf, the Traitor 331 The Boy Cavaliers 832 Young Captain Kidd 383 The Secret of Wizard Lake 334 The Prairie Witch 335 The Hunters of the Silver Trail 336 Traveling With Barnum 337 Three Dashing Hussars 338 Pat O’Corker; or, Always to the Front 339 The Diamond Eye 340 Jack ef the Navai Brigade 341 The Zulu’s Daughter 342 The Haunted House at Deadman’s Corner 848 Sir Quy’s Secret #44 The Fortunes of an Acrobat $45 For the Green Flag, of Old Ireland 846 Kathleen O’Shaughnessy $47 Tom the Midshipman 248 Out With Captain Cook 849 Every Inch a Sailor 350 Ralph, the Light Dragoon $51 The Brothers in Arms 852 Jack of Cheapside 853 The Green Banner of Islam 854 The Colonel’s Daughter 855 Walter’s Secret 856 The Outlaws of Berkeley Forest $857 Redspear the Outlaw 868 The House of a Hundred Terrors 369 Oswald, the Unknown 860 Adyentures of a Free Lance 861 The Treacherous Knight _ $62 Young Jack Harkaway and His Boy siete ~ B63 ‘Tinker’s Man Bogey ™ 364" Young Harkaway in Spain $65 Young Harkaway in Turkey $66 Mole Among the Mussulmans 867 Young Harkaway and the Arabs 368 Young Harkaway and the Counterfeiters 369 The Secret of the Traitor’s Gate $70 The Waif of the Tower 871 Ralph Wildbawk - ‘872 The Brigand Chief 373 Marco Bravo Hy Zara, the Gipsy 875 The Servian Spy 876 Sword and Oimeter aa Adam Bell $78 The Archers of Inglewood _ 819 The Knight of the Red Orogs Bas $80 Jack-o?-the-Cudgel 881 Croquard, the Free Lance $52 The Fair Maid of Kent 883 Dick the Brewer $84 The Oxford and Cambridge Eight $55 The Wild Huntsman 8&5 Tom Mansfield, the Smuggler $87 The Sunken Treasure 888 The Slave’s Revenge 889 Cris Carrol; the Scout 390 Phil Rayleigh, a Londen Arab 891 The Knight of the Iron Hand ‘ 892 Tom Lester 298 Bicycle Bob 894 Mark Darrell . _ 895 Oscar soles oh or, the Forger’s Victim - 396 Tom Oakland ' $97 The Mad ‘Alchemist; or, eae S Unfolded., By Dr. H. M. Jordan 398 Worm, the Pittsburg Detective.By An Old Retective 899. Rob Racket, the Scourge of the Cowbeys 400 Gipsy Dick; or. Born a Detective.........+++- By Seth Huntington 401 The Red River Pilot .....,.....By Paul Braddon 402 Oatana, the Robner’s Daughter, By Seth Huntingdon 403 Detective Sketches....By A New York Detective 404 The Boy Scouts of the Sierras.By Seth Huntingdon 405 ‘Phe Heir of Longworth 406 A Ghost in the Mirror, and other stortes,....... By Allyn” Draper “407 Strange Stories of Maniacs............... By Dr. R. Jackson and Orrin Goble 408 The Skeleton’s Legacy; or, The MS BLEEY of the SlANG, .....e.ceneseeeese bY CO]. J. L. Trueman 409 The Pirate’s Son,............-.By J. T. Brougham 410 The Young Revenue Detective; or, Among the Moonshiners............ By’ ‘a Retired Detective 411 Little Hall, the Loy Engineer. By Cent, Will Dayton 412 Captain Hurricane; or, The Waif of the Wreck By Allan Arnold 413 Towpath Ted. A True Story oe Life on a Canal..... -By J. M. Bradon 414 The Ghost of Paul Priestly; or, “het Mystery of Haggard Hollow... 2000 y James Greenwocd 415 The Cruise of the Beauty..By Captain Will Dayton 416 Joe Jordan, the Young Inventor 417 Ebenezer Grow—comic 418 Charley Charlton, the Young ar eaten Peka se By Col. J. M. Travers 419 Gorilla George; or, A New York Sia in Africa By J. L. Freeman 420° eee Mose; or, The Old Scont of the Rev- PIER ae z By General J. L. Johnston 421 rH ‘Kinedon in the Sea........By J. G. Bradley 422 Lighthouse Lem; or, The eat, of Dead- x man’s Reef.........-....By an Old Sea Captain 423 The Search for the ‘‘ Midas”; or, Treasures From the Deep. KPa tude samy, Gerald Fleming 424 The Young Explorers......By Capt. Will Dayton 425 Little Nugget, the Pride of Leadville.......... ; at Major J. Anderson 462 Locomotive Bill, the Giant’ tte essSsGs 426 The Young Aeronaut..........By Professor Wise 427 The Boy Trapezist..... .By a Former Professional 428 Prairie Phil; or, The Panther of the Platte... By Harry Rockwood 429 The Green Caps..............By a U.S. Detective 480 Hollow Roost; or, The Traitor Guide......... By Morris Redwing 431 The Grimsdale Ghost, and other stories........ By a Physician 482 Lost in Africa; or The Adventures of Two Young’ Castaways errs By. Samuel T. Johnston 433 Denver Dan and His Mystic Band.,By **Noname”’ 434 Shorty in Search of His Vad—comic.By Peter Pad 435 The Blasted Pine; or, Three Boy Scouts. :. By Capt. Will Dayton 436 Denver Dan and the Read Agents. By ““ Noname’”? 437 The Freebooter’s Secret........By J.T. Brougham 438 Sawdust Charlie, the Pet of the Ring......... By an Old Ringmaster 439 Denver Dan and the Counterfeiters.By ‘‘Noname”’ 440 Cavalry Jack at Corinth.....By Ce’. Ralph Fenton 441 Ned Owen; or, The eel AD a Missing Ship. By Capt. Will Payton 442 Denver Dan Outwitted; or, The Outlaw’s Tn- um .+..-By ““Noname”? or, The Gounterfeiter’s Danghi sseeeeees By Morris Redwing 444 The Treasure Cave; or, Run to Earth.By a Traveler 445 Denver Dan, the Sheriff..... seoee-- By “Noname” 446 Long Paw, the Mysterious Hunter..By Kit Clyde 447 A Yankee Boy in Africa......By Percy B. St. John 448 Black and Blue; or, Nick eta onthe War- Pathe. . woe os -+.-----By Harry Rockwood 449 Ivan and Ismail; or, “Scouts of Pleyna........ By Don Jenardo 450 Denver Dan’s Peril; or, The EEE 8 Ruse.. By “Noname ?? 451 Sir Rufus the Rover; or, the Pirates’ Island.. By Richard R. Montgomery 452 The Russian Spy..........-..-By a U.S. Detective 453 The Creole Brothers....By Colonel J. M. Travers 454 The Moe ENED or, The White King of the Atlantic. ......0.....sse200-+---BY Don Jenardo 455 Denver Dan to the Rescue; or, The Mountain- eer’s Stratagem.. ...............By ‘“‘Noname?”? 456 Condemned; or, Number 709..........- By Richard R, Montgomery 457 The Wolf of the Wayes. A Tale of the Pi- rates of Old........,..By Alexander Armstrong 458 Billy Bangs’ Schooldays...By Captata Will Dayton 459 The Mad Doctor.... ............By Paul Braddon 460 Zola, the Old Trapper’s Daughter.By R. T. Emmet 461 The ‘Shortys’ Trip Around the World—comic By Peter Pad y Samuel Keene 468 Buffalo Bill’s Chum......By Color! Ralph Fenton 464 Denver Dan and His Chums.......By‘*‘Noname ? 465 The Old Magicien.....By Corporal Morgan Rattler 466 The Unknown Scout..... se+ereees-By ZeKe Baxter 467 The Brother's Crime.........By Percy B. St. John 468 Molly Bland, the Detective; or. The Hunt for the Murderers........1.20005 -By J. T. Brougham 469 The League of Blue.................By Paul Spry 470 Tumbling Tim; or, traveling With a Diréna Teveated -.++..By Peter Pad 471 Mat at the Mountain; ‘or, The Struggle ot Des- perate Me) SE eee By Allyn Draper 472 The Picador of Chapultepec......By Don Jenardo 473 The Hom Island; or, The Cruise of the ‘* Caro- ine’’. seteeeeeeee-By Colonel J. M. Travers 474 hr LNs or, "The House of Many Doors...... By Philip Murdock 475 The neh ku Brothers; or, The Chase of a Sea- BOD) sc <giuss Sabsid-sacecestavecstes by Kil Clyde 476 Stuttering Sam—comic .............By Peter Pad 477 Ane. eae Py er, The Myelery of the Bea- ARP By Captain Will Dayton ‘or, the Red Cross of the Cheyennervsitere os deeeeeese- BY Don Jenarao 479 Young Lynx, the Amateur pena roy ik ERIC y Philip Murdock 480 Buck Bidwell, the pare Slayer of: the Pawnees, By Lieutenant B. H. Kellogg 481 Toby, the Spy; or, The Russian Conspirators of aris. VeMPORISCL TOBY, a Parisian Detective 482 The Phantom of the Waves...... B By ‘Alexander Armstrong 483 Denver Dan in New York.......-- By ‘*Noname’ 484 Tommy Bounce, Jr.; or, A Chip of the Old BlOCK—COMIC. 2.00... see eee +... By Peter Pad 485 Washed Ashore; or, Adventures in a Strange Land........ ...-.-By Harry Rockwood 486 Charlie Chubbs at College. By Captain Will Dayton 487 The Irish Clarde Duval.By Corporal Morgan Rattler 488 The Twin Boy Sconts........ By Perey B. St. John 489 pete) Jack; or, Life in the Aretic Re- Bvpeetesaae seeds .-.+-.-By Albert J. Booth 490 aren Aide..By Capt. Geo. Granville (U.S. A.) 491 Old Fox; or, The Mystery as the Trunk....... oon Parisian. Detective 492 The Old Thirteen; or, The Union League of » Charleston...............-..By Morris Redwing 493 Silvershot, the Sport from: Sacramento. By Kit Clyde 494 The sient Slayer; or, The Terror of the Chip- PEWASs licntacatpisesees eet e ...-By J. G. Bradley 49° The Trish Glande Duval as & Rebels... By Corporal Morgan Rattler 496 Astray in the Olouds..... .By a Retired Aeronaut 497 The Shortys Married and Settled Down—a . sequel to all the Shorty stories—comic..... By Peter Pad 498 The Tree of Death..............By an Old Trapper 499 The Twin Detectives; or, True to eect Other. By Ralph Royal 500 William Tell, ie Dead Shot of the West....... By Harry Enton 501 Trapper Duke; or, The Female Avenger...... By James D. Montague - 502 ee a Outlaw; or, The Avenger of the Death eseeeee-+ss By James D, Montague 503 Tomnty Bounce, Jr., in College—comic....., ’ By Peter Pad 504 Around the World; or, pilot TONWinlenswasche By Harrigan & Hart 605 Out With the ‘‘Jeannette;’’ or, Two Years Among Icebergs......... By a Herald Reporter 606 Captain Tom Drake; or, The Young Nad By H.C. Emniet { 507 Fred Ford; or, Life at Boarding-School....... By Captain Will Dayton 508 Billy Bakkus, the Boy With the Big Mouth— COMIC sd eereauee .By Commodore Ah-Look 509 Bow and Arrow Tack, ‘the Indian Nemesis. ... By Kit Clyde . 510 Arctic Phil, the Bear-Slayer of the Northiern Seas seseeseeees By Alex, Armstrong © 611 Fred Basten the Wild Horse Tamer..... By J. M, Travers 512 The Brookfield Bank Robbers....By D. W. Stevens 613 The Border Bandits,.......By James D. Montague 514 The Young Sharpshooters ¢ of we Rebellion.... By Col, Ralph Fenton 515 Fighting Joe; or, The Game Man rs e Plains _ By Kit Clyde §16 Invincible Bill. A Wonderfil story” Of Neva- da, California and Utah of 12-years Ago... By Alexander Aro oes =e 517 Skeleton Gulch; or, Captain Texas and His © Band of Vultures:........s;.0--+1-BY J. Re pivot 518 The Irish Claude Duval as a Privatee...... By Corporal sorgan itsttior ig 519: The Wolverine; or, The ours Treapheiy. y a Parisian | 420 Ben Bolt; or, the Young Bingteith. boKEECD y By James D. Montague wi 521 From Drammer Boy to General..............+ ? By Richard R. Montgomery 522 Bob Rollick; or, What Was He Born For— COMIC. ...5 0.00 «ceseee- BY Peter Pad 423 Northwoods' Tom, ‘the Athlete Hunter, By Kit Clyde 624 Only a Cabin- -Boy; or, Saved by Grit... ...... By Harry Rockwood 625 Astrayin Africa................By Walter Fenton §26 Tiger Ted.......... ‘By Alexander Armstrong 527 Barnum’s Boy Ben......By Commodore Ah-Look 528 The Black Mask; or, The Vow of Silence...... By T. W. Hanshew 529 Son’-west Fred.. eesssveeeessby Kit Clyde 630 Bob Rollick, the Yankee Notion Drummer; a aan! to ‘* Bob Rollick; or, What Was He Born For?!)—comic.....+s..+++ ...By Peter Pad 631 The Drummer Boy Spy; or, the Slaughter of the Wilderness................By Ralph Morton 582 The Black. Hercules......By Colonel J.M. Travera 633 Fireman Dick; or, The Pride of Number 9. By J ames D. Montague 534 The Shortys Out For Fan—comic....By Peter Pad 535 Red River Bill, the Prince of Scouts. By J. R. Scott 636 PL Express Ned, the Prince of Boy En- gine sss++-e- By Horace Appleton 587 The Shortys? “Ohristmas and New Years at Home—comic..............+..-+++,by Peter Pad 588 Owlface, the River Scourge; or, The Guerril- la’s Captive. A Romance of the War ia the South-West.............by Captain oa Jordon 539 The Spies of the Delaware.......... Kit Clyde 540 Denver Dan, Jr., and His Band of Deadshats, . By »Nename’? 541 The Steam Man of the Piains; or, The Terror of the West........... y “ Noname’? 542 On Deck; or, The Boy Pilot of Take erie Prods By Howard De Vere 543 From Pole to Pole; or, The Sailor Boy Avenger By Horace Appleton 544 Dick Wright and Bis Band of eta pear. 60 645 ne ita? Captain; or, The Search for a disci Will. wseseeeeeesBy Alexander Armstrong 546 Pickle and Tickle; or, Mishaps and Mischiefs— .By Peter Pad 547 Fort E Hayek? or, Black Eagle, “the Avengerseeev Pr haat By Don Jenar. Shae 548 Noiseless Nat; or, Always Just Where He's _ : Wanted. se.cseeccenseseBYd ames a eRe ay 649 The Secrets Under the Sea............ 550 Lazy Jake, the Boy Spy of the Reveiionee By Col. Ralph Fon 551 Sam Sharpe at School....By Captain Will Duan 552 Privateer. Tom—a sequel to ‘Captain Tom Drake 0.02... ....By H. 0. Emmet $53 Frank Reade and His ‘Steam Horse. By “Noname ” ) 554 Billy the Bootblack; or, The Trump Card Last By ent & Hart 555 The Rival Scouts....... tective Ne A y J. R. Scott 656 The Coral Cave; or, Paul Philip's rae St By Horace Appleton 557 The Army Scout; or, The Mysteries ae me nae t clyde 558 Missouri Jack and His Band of ‘7 WP Sees By James D. Montague - 559 Lasso Luke; or, The Three Prairie Pards.... | * By Kit Clyde ° 560 Shady Dell Schoo1; or, Haps and Mishaps of Schoolboy Life..........By Captain Will Bayton — 561 The ten of Gold; or, tinder, the Shadow o Crim 'y Horace eter §62 The Mag “Man of the North ahr or, The ‘ Mazeppa of the Arctic Seas.......,By Kit Olyde 563 Extree Nick,the New York Newsboy.........< By Commodore Ah-Look © 664 Oath-bound: er, The Jack of Spades.By J. R. Scott 665 Custer’s Last Shot; or, The Boy Trailer ofthe | Little HIN. ves csseeessBY Colonel J. M. Travers : id at
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HE FIVE: CENT | 566 Gassy Hyde; or, The Fire-Boy Fiend of Phila- de! TpDia... 2s. cacoee BY Corporal Morgan Rattler 667 Fred Hazard, the Star of the Circus.......... By Horace Appleton f “568 Goonskin Kit, the Dashing Government Scout By Kit Clyde ' 669 Denver Dan, Jr., and the Renegade. By ‘‘ Noname’? 670 Billy Badger; or, The Mysterious Unknown of the Bank Robbers’ Band.By James D. Montague | 571 The Brand. ofthe Desert........ By Walter Fenton 672 Mail-Car Ned; or, Falsely Acctised............ By Alexander Armstrong j Nee The Maniac Pirate............By Horace Appleton | 674 Smokestack Bob, the Hero of the Rail.By J. R. Scott | 675 Nimble Nip; or,The Imp of the School—comic By Tom Teaser | 676 King Morgan, the Terror of the Seas.........+ ‘By Alexander Armstrong sr The Convict’s Oath; or, The Prisoner of Van Dieman’s. Land,.....4...By James D. ionwions 578 The Serpent Queen; or, The Mysterious Night- Riders of Georgia: By Kit Clyde } 579 The Fortune Hunters; Boys in Australia, The Fatal S Bi ‘The Bootblack’s Flot; Night..... a 4 Huron Harry; oO By Alexander Armstrong By Horace BISteR ne Mystery of a «By d. R. Scott mes D. Montague of Boston,... By James D, Montague The Mystery of Hawkes- wood Grange... )..By Horace Appleton ory of the Romany seedeosaceseeby Kit Clyde 685 The Gypsies’ Den. \ Life of the School. meee 6) By Captain Will Dayton ' 687 The Phan: yeLger; or, pick Darling in.. Montana........ Alexander Armstrong | 688 Hugo, the Texan; or; The Demous of the Alamo By J. R. Scott ey 689 Lost on the Desert; or, the auioae Treachery By James D. Montague 690 The Avengers’ League.............By ‘‘Noname” | 691 The “Sea Wave's’? Last Cruise; or, The Pi- Tates’ Oave..... cs. By Kit Clyde 592 Cromwell’s Boy SDY$ or, The Roundheads and the Cavalierg.......+-.+. 05 By Horace Appleton 698 fe Hermit; or, The Waif’s Legacy. . 3 Doomed; or, The Secrét Leg 584 The Maniae Rider; or. eeseee By Alexander ‘Armstrong _ $94 Dick the Shadow} or, The RES, Trails of the Backwood....-.........-2+5.-bBY J, R. Scott $95 Fighting the Redskins; or, Beaver Bill's Last wee ee bad y James D. Montague 696. The Black Domino; or, “The Jailer of the Tow- 9 er. sssecseecasseby Kit Clyde s97 Krank Reade ‘and His Steam Team.By ‘* Noname”? I p98 Gheeky and Chipper; or, Through Thick and Thin—comic.......... Ry. Commodore Ah-Look 699 Dead Man’s Pond; or, The Black Demon of the Sterras ...... Be Ties ee By Horace Appleton ! 690 ne Tiger of the Seas; or, Forced to be a Pirate By Alexander Armstrong ‘gol Harry O'Malley, the Young Irish Invincible. . ? Bil’ thes By Sergeant oDonnell Arkansaw Bill, the Indian Spy......By J. R. Sco | Goa ghe King of the Deep... coe By Kit Clyde “608 Little Death Shot; or, he Gola- hunter’ 's Ghost By James D. Montague } 605 The Magic Mirror................By Don Jeneray | 606 Old Rube, the Ranger. . «By J. R. Scott ie Frank Reade and His Steam’ Tally-Ho. lees a By *“‘Noname” “$03 Out with Barnum...By Lieutenant E. H. Kellogg 609 Storm King Dick; or, The Bey pebiosate py . ‘aptain Will Dayton 610 Frank Durham, the King of othe Cowboys. 4M y Kit Clyde 611 Hildebrand, Fitzgum; or, My Quiet Lithe ‘apes 8 sobsecersececerbiccscea ¥ aser 612 Si Swift, the Prince SET Ee oes by Jameés D. Montague 613 The Hyena Hunters; or, In the pres of Africa Harry Rockwood 614 The Phantom Pirate; or, The Rants By Alexander Armstron 615 The Young Fenian Chief <2 8 616 Among, the Crocodiles; or, Adventures in India By Harry Rockwood e-and Lasso; or, The Young MHataTiere he Plains.... By Marline Manly Olly y Sergeant Oo: "Donnell ir . pases 5 seat ofthe Nine; or, Aiwaysa Leader.. | Harry Rockwood | By ass: Sam: or, A Bootblack’s Voya é Around ase World—comic..... -By Commodore Ah-Look Young Putnam; or, Always to the Front,, : \ By Harrigai Hart ugget Ned; or, The Mountain Queen’s Venge- BANCO siaswiace tase shesne sere elec bY MOLTiS Redwing ank Reade, Jr., and His Steam Wonder.. By “Noname? Spy of “176”; or, The Green Mountain OYSuieees sss. By Kit Clyde 27 Frank Reade, In, “and Ais “Blectric Boat. . Newer By ‘‘ Noname?? 628 Ghouls ef Gil: Edge..........By Harry Rockwood 629 Frank Reade, Jr., an pieutuhes With His Latest Invention. By ‘‘Noname” 630 The Shortys Ont Guanin, ..By Peter Pad 631 Frank Reac.:, Jr, and bh 5 Air Ship.By ““Noname” 682 The Yung Boy Chief; or, Adventures in the $ Far WeSt.....-00++ ++ BY Captain Will Dayton 633 Frank Reade, Jr.'s Marvéi. By‘: Noname ”’ (ee4 fhe Lighthouse on the Rock . By Kit Clyde 635 Sassy Sam Sumner—a sequel to Sassy Sam— COMIC. ........00eee-.--By Commodore Ah-Look 636 The House of Horrors..... By James D. Montague 687 The ken of the Northwest.By Alexander Armstrong 638 The OCaptain’s Secret; or, The Wreck of the PED AIS YweedecisescvavetescovsaeceabyyMinclvae 639 Among the Arabs..........s0..e...By Don Jenardo 640 Garry Galore; or, The Adventures of a Wild Irish Boy at Home and Abroad..../....... By gexucra} Morgan Rattler 641 Cast Up by the Waves.........By Alex. Armstrong 642 The Shortys Farmng—comic.........By Peter pad 643 Under the Ground; or, The Wild Man of the Cavern, The Strangest Stery Ever Told. . By Harry Rockwood 644 Yankee Pete, the Man of Grit....:......-.. By James D. Montague 645 Hotspur Harry; or, The Texan Trailers ...... By Alex. Armstrong 646 Buckskin Burke; or, The Cache of Gold....... By Kit Clyde 647 ee and Regulars; or, The Cost of Inde- pendence..................by Col. Ralph Fenton 648 The Mystery of Dead Man’s Castle............. y James D. Montague 649 Mad Pete; or, a Fearful Retribution. By Leon Leroy 650 Olfon a Man‘of-War.... .. By Major Walter Wilmot 651 Frank Reade, Jr., in the Clouds....By ‘‘ Noname?? 654 The Boy Pedestyians; or, From California to Maine. ..by Jas. D. Montague 653 Trapper or, ae on the nase eereeereree 655 Tom Baasweod, the Sw: fe 656 A Sailor’s Diary by. Col. Leon Lenoir 658 Tales of the War......... -..-By J. D. Ballard 659 Wrecked on the Coast Florida, y Zach Brewste 660 The Boy Mechanic..........By Jas. D. Montague 661 Among the Danites; or, The Prive ofa Life.... By Rit Clyde 662 New York Noll, the Hazbor Police Boy. By Horace “Appleton 663 Young Marion, the Patriot Spy of the Revolu- tion.. seseeees-- BY Ralph Morton 664 Young America in Egypt; or, The Drummer Boy’s’ Bravery....... By Alexander Armstrong 665 The Shortys' Country Store—comic. -»By Peter Pad 666 Gunboat Harry; or, The Navy's Best Man...... By Col. Ralplt Fenton 667 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Great Fleetric Tricycle, and What He Did for Charity.........By ‘““Noname’? 668 Dick Wheel, the Young Roller Skater.......... By Percy B. St. John 669 The Ghostly Bell Ringer......By Horace Appleton 670 Man-of-War Dick; or, Fighting fer the Stars And Bars........eeseseee sees DY Ralph Morton 671 The Shark Fighters; or, At War with the De- mon Fis plisieioer oe By Harry Rockwood 672 Sam, Saddle the Wild Horse Tamer............ By Morris Redwing 673 The Young Arctic Explorers; or, In Search of _ the North Pole.............By Harry Rockwood 674 Old One Eye, the Trapper Guide of the North- th eeedeevee bY -' NOName ?? ter eeeeeeenes west. . ¢ 675 A Yankee Boy in Mexico: ss.eeeeeeBY Don Jenardo | 676 Cast Up or, Adventures on the pray Deep. ~ By J. T. Brougham 677 Steam-boat Steve. the Boy Pilot of the Missis- sippi......... ascecceeeseeee- SY Hal Standish 678 The Yankee Boy Whaler......By Albert J. Booth 679 Little Mike Malloy, the Pride of the Irish Coast. By Corp. Morgan Ratuer 680 Dick Twilight’s School Peak Rite cette By Captain Will ‘Dayton 681 Dick, the Engineer...... seeee++BY Albert J, Booth 682 The Spy of the Northwest.....By Jas. D. Montague 683 The Pacific Specter....By Alexander Armstrong 684 The Lost Whaler; or, Adventures of the ls th- OL NCASavee ce uny By ©, Little 685 Panama, Pete; or, the Outlaws ‘of the Isthmus By Hal Standish 686 Sightless Saul, theMysterious ue of Montana. 4 By ‘‘ Noname” 687 Joseph Jump and His Old Blind Nag—comic By Peter Pad. 688 A ee for Fame; or, Fonte Against ‘ate. y H. K. Shackleford pee ee nee wees ewer r eet 690 Black: qawoae Bill; or, The Hero of the Coal Mine: weeeeeees BY Ralph Royal 691 A Boy With ‘Grit, and How He Made His For- INC. ..eeeeceveceeces sss by Captain Will Dayton 692 Jack Stowaway: or, Bound to be aTar...... By Howard 693 The Sunken City. A Tale of Or eet ne Ne Royal Dick; or, Standing b, His Chums. . Meanie par Boy By Hal Standish 695 Wing and Wing; or, The Young et A of the Flyaway:.... Risticcem Dyk Ue: 696 Dick Davit, the ‘American Bo} Middy, By ©. Little 697 Frank Reade, Jr., With His Air-Ship in Africa v **Noname 7? 698 Trusty Joe, the Braye Old Scout. By ‘“Noname ”? 699 Found at Sea; or, The Secret of a Boy’s Lite. By Hal Standish 700 Little Ned, the Leader of the. School... 2222 By Captain Will Dayton 01 wa ‘0? the Wisp; or, The Wild Man of the ORS iwaweaelic sesecevecuseve-Dy Kit Clyde 702 Gene Ned, the Prince ‘ot the Air.....by ©. Little 703 Jack, the Wrecker’ $ Son; or, Adventures on the Coast... 0... .......-.eby J. Te Brougham 704 The Fire Bugs of Chicagd....by Jas. D. Montague 705 Lighthouse No. 6; ‘or, The Ghost of the Sea.... j ’ by Allyn Draper 689 Janke Hawser’s Tavern—comic.....By Peter Pad | WIDE AWAKE LIBYARY---Continued 706 The Wolf-Fighters; or, The Adventures of Two New York Boys in Minnesota.....s. sss... by Howard De Vere © 707 Railroad Larry; or, Always in on Time...... by Aibert J. Booth 708 Bound Together; or, The Young fire Laddies of Springdale.’..........0+0e«by Robert Lennox 709 Two Weeks om a Wreck; or, Abandoned in id Ocean......... Aan oe by; Hal Standis» 710 The Jolly Travelers; or, Around the World for Fun—comic.........+. secessewovee Dy Peter Pad 711 The Haunted Pioneer; or, Fighting for Texas by *‘Noname? 712 Leaves From 2 Diary; or, A Young Clerk’s Downflall...........6 oR SEEDY! H.K. Shackleford ~ 713 Boone and the Renega: Life in Ken- THOKVeveesmetescsese saeesDV Kit Clyde 714 Before the Mast; or, A Sail y’s Travels in - Seas Veer ee by Jas. D. Montague * -by Hal Standish 716 Frem Page to Senator; or, Working his Way Up +--.by H. K. Shackleford 17 JI dee Cleary’s ‘Country ete aouiee SRO SAO ‘by Tom Teaser 718 Old rouge and Ready; or, The Heroine of M Pewee seeeeeeeDy ‘ Noname?? 719 Fire Bell Dick; or, “The Rival Hook and Ladders by Robert Lennox 720 Kidnapped; or, Forced on a Man 0’ War.... by J. G. Bradley 721 Jack 0’ the Plains; or, The Headless Mazeppa by Paul Braddon 722 The Prisoners of the Castle; or, A Blow for Freedom......<...s.s0+-..-by Jas, D. Montague 723 Muldoon, the Sport—comic........by Tom Teaser 724 A Newsboy’s Trip Around the World......... by H. K. Shackleford 725 In Dixie; or, A War Oorrespondent’s Thrilling ~.* ‘Adventures. we eeeesaceese DY. Col. Ralph Fenton 726 The Skeleton Sentinel....by Lieut. E. H. Kellogg 727 Muidoon’s Vacation—comic......by Tom Teaser 728 The Valleydale Social Club; or Ruined by Wine by H. K. Shackleford 729 Davy Crockett’s Vow; or, His Last Shot for Vengeance. .....5... sevebeeae DY Kit Clyde 730 Keeping His Word; or, c Lucky » Landy’s P1UGKSoawic sere ay wesseeseby Jas, D. Montague 181 Young Tom Drake; or, Bound to bea Captain By the Author of ‘Privateer Tom,’ etc., ete. 732 The ayeis Maiden; or, Through Deadly Dan-- ger eeseseesseeeeeDY Corp. Morgan Rattler 783 The Exiled Prince; or, Two Boy xplorers in Alaska 5 sssens,.-by J. G. Bradley 734 Pilot Boat No,. 7 ‘and Its American Boy ty Rie ; Kit Clyde 735 In the Wild West; or, On The Plains With Buffalo Bill............+62..by Robert Maynard 136 A Sailor Boy’s Kingdom; or, Young America In the South Sea Islands. sby H. K. Shackleford 737 The Forest Mystery..........by Jas. D. Montague 738 easyer Ben; or, Three Voyagers in the Yellow- meas cecscnecceeseveeeDY Kit Clyde 739 A Wait from the ‘Sea; or, Hung from the Foam by Thomas P. Murray 740 The Book Agent’s Luck—comic..........by “Hd 741 Dandy Rock, the Man from Dero eee by D. W. Stevena 742 Near the Gallows; or, A Young Man’s Peril ~ by R. T. Enimet 748 Dick Daunt the Diver; or, Down eet the Sponge-Cutters.................by J. G. Bradley 744 Across the Continent on Wings; or, Frank © Reade, Jr.’s Greatest Flight......by ‘‘Noname? 745 Lost In an Unknown Sea; or, Adventures Un- der the Warth,..s.........+.by Jas. D. Montague 746 The Shorty Kids; or, Three Chips of Three Old. BIOCKS—COMIC...04.sseeeecuee ++» +. by Peter Pad 747 Dick Walton Among the ‘Gannibals.... Menor by W. I. James, or. 748 The Six Swordsmen; or, The Boy Cavalier.... by Richard R, Montgomery 749 sei peace or, Dick Walton in the South Viscoecteccvccoscese vee DYaWa ds J&Mes, JT, 750 Franke “Reade In, Exploring Mexico in His New Air-Shiz by ‘‘ Noname 9? avi , The Cavaliers of Mys- tery... ee by Richard R. Pon emery 152 Five Dollars; Or, “Kk Cheap Revenge.......... by Percy B. St. “John 753 Mike McGuinness; or, Traveling for Pleas- . «+.es++ by Tom Teaser he Castle on tke ake. «by ‘‘ Noname » 755 Young ‘Sam Patch, “the ‘Champion "Boy Jumper by H. K. Shacklefora 756 Little Jack and His Twenty Boy Firemen...... by Robert Lennox 757 Dick Spray; or, A Stowaway’s a to China... by J. G. Bradley 758 Barnum’s Hunters; or, Trapping WildAni- mals for the Greatest Show on Harth...... By Richard R. Montgomery 759 The Seven Masks; or, The Quaker City League By Percy B. St. Jom: 760 Muldoon’s Night Schooltcomic.... by Tom Teagey 761 The Unlucky Miner; or,(The Rivals for Dead Man’s Claim. seseeeeeees DY Paul Braddon te Cal, me Cowboy; or, oung King of Las- — goer streeeveeseesnees DY D. W. Stevens 768 His First Drink; or A Gountry Boy's Fife in Ne w York...............+.by H. K. Shackleford 764 The Czar’s Boy Mail- Cartier: or, Young Amer- ica IN RUSSIA 6.0.6... cc ecee ce veces by Cy Little 765 aoe and Trailers; or, Battles With the ~ Red ON. sesesesesvecsdeseeesee by © Noname 13 766 On the Queen’s Service...........by J. G. Bradley . 767 Tick Tack, the Messenger Boy; or, Sharp / Work for a Million. essen cess DY, Robert Lennox
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om LATEST ISSUES OE ~The Great 5 Cent Wide Awake oe | $21 Up.ahd Down; or, The Life of poy Elevator Boy [822 Digi: 768 Sam Spry the New York’ pranners or, Busi- ness Before Pleasure—comic.......by Peter Pa 769 A Lost Boy; or Homely Jack’s Luck........., by R. T., Emmet V0. The Black Bider, A Story of ot Reyolution. 5 ; 7 By Ralph Morton 711 A Week Above the Clouds; or, Gast Adriftin .+.-by Hal Standish n American Boy 5 Ireland. q73 Dasting Del, the ac Father.. Mani + by Paul Braddon 274 Little Matt, the Pi Perils of the « ke. Py. ©, Little 115 The Irish Boy aoeets Crist 5 by O rp, M gan Rattler V6 A ser Among Pirates; or, The Blue-beards O SOB a. coves vccececeseeesss DY Kit Clyde TIT The Litto Joker—comic...........by Sam Smiley 778 The Two Runaways; or, The Hardships of a Circus Litfe Seu h ot eos 20. aan settsby, Hal Standish 779 The Sehool-boys’ League; or, Working His Way Against Odds.ii.2./.0.. "by Robert Lennox 780 ree Tal, the Newsboy; or, Climbing the Ladder of Fame...s.......2....0.08 «by C. Little (81 Lost in the Land of Snow; or, Two American Boys In thé’ Arotic......... .....by R. T. Emmet 7°% Coal Mine Kit; or, The Mule pe: of Diamond Sha ei asec cc ces Percy B, St. John 783 The Band of: 12; or, The Knighte, of the Trail... by Paul Braddon 784 Muldoon the Fireman—comio. ....by Tom Teaser 185 Diving for Gold....../........-..+-.-.by Kit Clyde 186 The 12 Owls; or, The Secret Band of Chicago by Paul Braddon _ 187 he Fire King; or, The Yankee Boy Explorer y.R, T. Emmet 788 The Boy Bank Messenger; or, Brave Bob Brad- shaw’s Secret Foe. ..............2...by CO. Little 789 His Last Cent; or, How Joe ee ek Made His SS EROTtANe sii sici vk oVsovecen a y H..K. Shackleford 790 Born to be a Sailor; or, Bob. Dares Life on the Water. ...0++0s.+++eeseeseess +. -bY Kit Clyde 791 The Electric Man; or, Frank: Reade, Jr., in * UBT Reds So dae este +. by Noname WY 792 Satan; or, The Mystery ‘of Tew Years. ...0 0 . by Howard De Vere 793 Those Quiet. Twins—comic..:..:. «.. by Peter Pad 794 The oe rene or, The Burning) of Mos See dalos «by R. T, Emmet 195 A Soldier : at 165 or, Hignting for the Union ... » by C. Little 196 Teddy of the Toll Gate; or, The Man With the « Green Shiades:.........By Corp, Morgan Rattler 797 The Mayflower Boys; ‘or, cite in'a Yatkee School...........01.5......by Percy B. St. John 798 The Youn Snow Tratiers; att Big Track. the Giant Moose Hunter........ 1..by Paul Braddon 799 Denny the Clown, A Story of Circus Life in Treland....2.......: by Corporal Morgan Rattler 800 On the Baits or, Perils in the Life cf a Young - Engineer.. seeceesss Dy Albert J. Booth 801 3, 000 Miles ona Bieycle; or, A Race Across the! *Continent.:.... Te Bisvy rice cehy, Oe Little 802 Fearless Phil; or, The ‘Hero of Rugged Rift..... by Paul Braddon 803 The Shortys’ Christmas Rackets—comic,. Seen by Peter Pad 604 Claim 4; or, The Hunchback of zJacet Pocket **Noname ”? 805 The Miser’s Son; or, In Search pas Hidden Gold.. by HH K Shackleford 806 The Waits ot New Yorks . ne a ; 890 Two in a Box; or, Tie Lone and runes i it—comic. SE AEEER wes 1 Epa oan e Tom Teg 891 The Soldier’s Son; or, The Secret of the House of Hight Pines, "A Story of New ome: 3 892 Satin Sam the Young Western ypaies > me ta 893 The Funny Four--comic...... nb -by Pete 894 The White Queen of the Azteca; or, Two Yau kee Boys in MeXiC0...sceseeeeb¥ R. T. E} 895 The nee | 8 Son; or, The Imp of the via wake thectevnssae ‘OTT 896 The Bey Slave of the | Galley; pt) The. Mystery of the Treasure Ship.......by Perey B. Ste Je 6 807 A Bad Egg; or, Hard to Orack—comic, ... cone y Tom Tease:. 898 Two Years With a Pirate; or, The. Phantom ; Ship of the Gold) CORSE. «ieee ee ss y J. G. hea tC Se ee Muldoon’s Boarding House-comio,by Tom ! on ‘ he Boy Diamond King; or, The Young ee ‘Monte Christo of New York.........by 0. 901 Ikey; or, He Never Got Left-comic. by Homfeaacr 902 The. Armoret’s Son; or, The Mystery of ge Tower Of LONAON.. -.iseeeeeeeeeD y Allyn 903 re Grimes; or Sharp, sie Sass pean i vetes «ons DY TOM 904 Dick Getaway; or, Fighting for a Fortune. .-.. yy Corporal Morgan 905 Tom Quick, the Avenger of thé, Hike ie 906 Sam Switch the Boy Rina hisere or, Penn the Bot! Ae Se aU A y Alber AY. 909 Velyet Van; or, Deadly Grip ae His 38 )] HAN saa aneveseehcecwstp enact cy bint tan 910 A Smart New York Boy; or, ps Poverty to Wealth.........s00s-.eee-+..e- DY John Sher 911 Foretop Tom; or, A Yankee Sailor Boy Among the Malay: Pirates......by J. G. 912 Bulger Boom, the Inventor~- comic., by Pete 913 Outin the Streets. A Story of High and 1. Y US UN Ear Oueasnaacarkaiig cebeue y N. S. Wood (The Young American ier, 914 The Sis Demon; or, Lost For Two ‘b: 915 Denver Dan, Jr., the Stage Driver ot qd Mystery of Golden Gulch... ek 916 Muldoon’s Brother Dan—comic..<¥y 917 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Broncho Bre Youngest Hero on the Platts: by 918 A Sailor at Fifteen; or, From 0: we ORDtAM s 203 esse ) 919 Henpecked—comic 920 Homeless Hal; or, Great Vity.. +. by Captain Will art a b 921 Wild Bill’s Boy. Partner; or, The Redskins’ Gold Secret........-.-.-+--+..- by, Paul Brad ‘ 922 Mulddon’s Christmas—comic.....by TomTe, 923 Captain Jack, the Pirate’s Foe; or. The Devil- fish of the Indies............by ene Seog tone Te fe ; 926 Lineman Joe, the Boy Telegraph ol Aneta 927 shipped to China; or, ThefLife of a unaw® s Acbeheratereneo fe 'y ‘ne te ER r Bas) fe te