Five Cent Wide Awake Library vol. 2 1895 03 15
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THEFIVE CENT ee S Sores Mi ee rid a es Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Secopd Class Matter. ha FRANK TOUSEY, PusmisHeERr, 34 & 36 NokvH Moors. St., N. Y. PRICE \ ° No. 12 21. 1 coM PLETE} Nrw York, March 15, 1895. 5 IssUED WEEK LY. 5 CENTS. f Vol. ii. = d ¢ é aN N An “3 4X yds,
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NORTH WOODS TOM. 2 é for Tue Wipe Awake Liprary for the year 18. will be $2.50 per year; $1.25 ond o une post paid, Address OX h The subscription price y 2 FRANK TOUSEY, Pusrisuer, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New York. > NORTH WOODS TOM. By KIT CLYDE, Author of ‘ Silvershot,” ‘‘Bow-and-Arrow Jack,” “ Fighting Joe; or, The Game Man of the Plains,” ete., etc. - CHAPTER, I. RIFLE AGAINST RIFLE. Tae North Woods in autumn. ‘A more beautiful scene could scarcely be found anywhere in ‘the world. The trees—beach, maple, and oak—all erimsoned with garments of glory, painted by the hand of the frost-king, are more than beautiful under the glittering rays of the October sunshine. The dim aisles ‘of the grand north woods are carpeted with the yellow, gold, and scarlet leaves, and even the hunter pauses ofttimes, and gives vent to an expression of delight, at the grand, resplendent beauty that nature pre- sents to his eye. : L Tom Hasty and Dell Jayne, young athletes froma lum- ber settlement near the central part of the Peninsula State, are ardent admirers of nature, as well as excellent shots with the rifle. Together they have come to the north woods of Michigan for a few weeks of sport with rifle, fishing-rod, and trap, and here we find them camped on the bank of a swift-fllowing creek on the morning of an*Oc- tober day, in the year 1880. / i _ The youthful hunters had brought along a small canvas tent, and some necessary articles for use in cooking their ' game, &e. They had hired a horse and wagon at the railroad sta- tion ten miles from their present ‘camping-ground, and the night before we meet them in the woods, the horse and wagon had departed for the station, driven by Indian Pete, a tall half-breed, who lived near the station. \ Well,’ said Tom, as he sat in front of the tent, in the mellow light of that October morning, ‘‘I suppose we are pretty near the heart of the hunting grounds of the North + Woods, eh, Dell?” ( Oh, no, far from it,” cried Dell quickly, as he looked up from an inspection of his Winchester sporting rifle. ‘Many Hunters goa hundred miles north of here, but Nick Doane told me this was a good point for bears. I would rather gapture afew of the black brutes than all the deer in the North Woods. ““How about the fur?” ae 3 ‘Plenty of mink, some rats and marten,” said Dell. ‘¢ Well, I guess we'll get along well enough.” Of course we will. I’ve been pretty nigh this place ' before.” “ You have?” 5 j “Yes,” said Dell. ‘‘I’ve been all through the northern part of Newaygo county hunting, and we can’t be many miles from the line, I’m thinking. This creek empties into the Pere Marquette, I’haven’t a doubt.” “You spoke of Nick Doane; who is he?’ “Haven't you ever heard of Nick Doane,\ Tom?” “J don’t remember the name.” “Well, that’s strange. Nick is in Michigan, or at least he used to be.” + - Se eS ee s «Used to be?” “Yes. He don’t hunt much now, I take it, He’s gone into the lumber trade, and is making money like dirt, I ain toldisn Wa ‘* Whereabouts is he ?” «Somewhere up north ; I don’t know exactly.” ‘¢ Well, I don’t suppose we will run across him in our tramps,” said Tom. ‘‘Shall we put out our traps this, morning, or take a scout through the woods and see how the land lays? You understand the business better than I do, Dell.” _ ‘We may as well set our traps along the creek first.” As the speaker rose to his feet the crackling of dry twigs reached the ears of both hunters. ian ‘¢ What was that, Dell?” _ “A man. See, yonder he comes now.” Both hunters had raised their rifles, but they: lowered them as they saw a white man approaching from down the creek, carrying a rifle in the hollow of his arm. As he ap- proached, the young hunters noted the fact that he was tall and slightly stoop-shouldered, though far from being anold man. His face was dark, bronzed by sun and storm, and his eyes, keen black ones, glittered like points of steel from under a low, heavy brow. ; ‘Who is it?” whispered Tom. “¢Ton’t know,” from Dell. : The stranger was not-dressed in hunter’s garb, wearing a suit of sheep’s gray, such as farmers often clothe, them- selves with. “ A belt was about the man’s waist, from which depended. a knife and revolver. ‘‘ Hello !” cried Dell Jayne, as the man came up. ‘¢ Hello, yourself, young man.” ‘¢ Aint you lost, mister?” queried Tom, with a good- natured laugh. “ Not as anybody knows of,” continued the stranger in an undertone that did not impress the youths favorably. , “You've got a pretty nice-looking gun,” said Dell. “How would you trade with me?” / t The stranger did not deign to look at the speaker’s Winchester, but, with a sneer, said: ‘¢T wouldn’t give a picayune for all the new-fangled rifles out. My old muzzleloader here is better than anything — else for hunting purposes.” ‘‘T don’t agree with you,” said Dell, ‘I consider my- self a pretty good marksman.” /’ ‘ “You don’t want to shoot against me, though,” growled U _the new-comer, as he allowed the breech of his rifle to slip to the ground, and sent a keen glance into the face of Dell eee one of the best hunters |. Jayne. f ““V’d as lief shoot against you as not,” said Dell, with a augh. x sa eae “That's it!” cried Tom, ‘‘I’ll bet my old Hat that Dell. will beat you, stranger.” ; Sh th 2 gc a , ie y (:
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my woods NORTH WOODS TOM. e ‘*No nonsense now,” growled the man. ‘‘If you wish to shoot against me, well and good.” ‘© Of course I do, * said Dell. “I'm always willing to shoot for fun.” **T am not,” said the stranger. “¢ What ! do you refuse the test?” “‘T can’t, shoot for fun. It’s my gun against yours, or no match.” “Oh, that’s your'game, is it? Well, I don’t know——” “Shoot with him, Dell!” cried Tom. ‘Of course his old musket ain’t worth much, but ’twill do to drive stakes.” “No smartness now,” growled the man. | ‘‘If you aren’t afraid to shoot, come on,’ “T never take a dare from anybody,” cried Dell. ‘‘ What’s your distance, young man?” ‘* Anywhere from ten. to eighty rods.” ‘We will call it forty rods, then,” said the stranger. “Very good. Tom, will you pace it off and set up a mark?” Of course Tom, who was spoiling for the sport to begin, complied with alacr ity, and soon the mark, a slip of white paper two inches square, was pinned to the trunk of a beech that stood in fair view on the bank of the creek, forty rods away. | ai "You fire first,” said Dell. ow is it? One shot?” ‘ , AS No. best two in three.” “AN right.” The stranger raised his long rifle and ‘glanced along the barrel. A. second only, then the rifle spoke. Tom, who had withdrawn but a few feet, went to the | The stranger’s bullet had grazed Tom placed his tree and examined it. the mark on the lower left-hand corner. finger there so that the two might see. - * Pretty good for you!” cried Dell. beat, I see.” The str anger began reloading without reply. Dell threw his gun to his face and fired. His bullet cut the mark on the right. being half a bullet better than his opponent. Without a, wora, Dell’s opponent took his place and fired a second time. But this time his bullet fell three inches below the spot. Dell laughed. ““T can easily beat you now, my man,” he said, in his bantering, good-natured way. a this shot Dell Jayne sent a ball to the center of the mar “Hip, hip, hooray!” shouted Tom, throwing up his cap ‘Youre hard to and dancing about the tree, wild with delight at his friend’s victor Your friend acts the fool to perfection,” growled the man. ‘I suppose he calls this thing fair, but ‘T don’t.” ‘You have lost your rifle,” said Dell. ‘IT never yet met aman who could shoot with me.” *“Blowhard,” hissed the stranger. 5 “What is that, sir?” ‘‘T say that you are a miserable braggart,” retorted the man, ‘Perhaps you don’t know who you have been deal- ing with, my young rooster?” “No, T don’t; neither do I care,” said Dell. ‘ Hated 8 no call for you to get mad.” ‘Maybe not. My name is Gabriel Gotti aM havé _heard of me?” — “e No. ” ** Most oat § in these parts have. I own all the wild land in Newaygo and Lake counties, and I have forbidden any one hunting here. That's why I came this morning to sée you. One of my agents reported the fact of your com- ing, to me, last night. He saw you at the station, and In- dian Pete told him that two young boys were coming into d You must not hunt here, boys. I strictly for- bid— _ “What's the old hunchback ‘trying to get through his eet noddle now?” cried Tom, who had come up in time to catch the last words of the pretended land-owner. ‘Blast me if | know,” and Dell burst into an amused langh. CHAPTER II. A MYSTERIOUS SHOT. Tur good nature of Dell Jayne seemed to add fuel to the flame of Gabriel Grout’s anger. He smote the breech of his rifle with his fist, and oculay savagely upon the two young hunters, . “You've lost your old shooter,” said Tom. you clear out 0’ sight, old man.” “You lie, you young reprobate.” ‘Look out, old chap, or I may take a ‘notion to resent your free use ‘of wor ds,” retorted Tom, who though one of the best-natured fellows, in the world, was quick to resent an insult. ‘«T say you'lie, when you tell me that your friend here won the match.” ‘Goodness, man, are you crazy? You can look at the tree yourself.” ‘No good in that,” retorted Grout. ‘‘ You stood at the tree and pointed out the shots. Of conrse you could make it appear that your friend’s bullet went nearer every time. Ah, your little game’s too thin, young man, altogether too thin.” The sneering words of the man hurt Tom’s feelings badly. He clenched his hands, and advanced a step toward the speaker. ‘<T don’t allow anybody to call me a liar,” he said, blunt- “Dell beat ly. ‘If yow repeat those words—nay, if you don’t take — ’em back, I'll flog you within an inch of your life.” Tom Hasty meant what he said, and Gabriel Grout real- ized the fact. “Well, well,” he said, in Kj less severe tone, ‘‘T may be ~ mistaken, but I shan’t give you my rifle. Ihavereason to suspect something wrong anyhow.” *¢Yes, you will. have it. % The two men glared angrily ‘nts one another's eyes. Dell Jayne, who seldom lost. his temper, interfered at this point in the interest of peace. ‘Never mind, Tom,” he said. ‘‘T don’t care a cent for Mr. Grout’s rifle. We had the fun of shooting, which was all I eared for anyhow.” “But,” eried Tom, “if he had come out best he would ihsist on taking your rifle.” i **T cannot judge of that,” ‘*But I can,” persisted Tom. whine when they are beat, and if they chanee to win al- ways demand more than their due,” ‘““That statement is a lie.” Dell won the ae fairly, and he shall — “Such scamps always 7 Tom turned suddenly to find Gabriel Grout, white and ry trembling with rage. “You have called me aliar once too many times,” cried — Tom. ‘Take that, you young whelp.” Grant str uck ‘at Tom with the muzzle of his rifle, but the youth saw the movement in time to avoid the stroke, and in return he dealt the man a blow with his fist that — sent him sprawling to the ground. As the stranger leaped to his feet, foaming with wrath, Tom Hasty dealt him a blow under the ear'that sent his enemy once more to grass. rifle and handed it to Dell. | ‘Here is your rifle, Dell. says anything, I'll break his head.” Dell took the rifle for the time being, reconcile the combatants. Then he picked up the man’s a Take it, and if this fellow ond then tried to “He picked the fuss,” cried Tom, ‘‘and I mean to give Hi him enough of it before I am through with him.” ‘T think this trouble had better end right leit ite coried. Dell. \ ; A) a a - 4 ul " * the , nied
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Tom stood ready to receive Gabriel Grout once more, but the irate land-owner did not make athirdassault. His -. nose was bleeding from the first blow, and his head was in a dizzy whirl from the effects of the second, so that the fel- low had no desire to test Tom Hasty’s abilities further. Wiping the blood from his face with a dirty pocket- handherchief. Grout addressed himself to Dell Jayne, and demanded his rifle. ‘‘ Don’t you give it to him, Dell,” cried Tom. But Dell handed over the gun, unheeding the remon- strance of his friend. ‘You're a plaguey fool, Dell.” ‘‘Don’t tly off the handle, Tom. The gun is of no use to me, and I am perfectly satisfied in returning it.” Gabriel Grout received the gun with a muttered curse. His face was black as a thundercloud, and there was an evil glow emitted from his sinister black eyes. ‘* You'd better dig out now,” said Tom. ‘‘ You're the meanest specimen we have run across since we came north, and ’twon’t be healthy for you to remain in this neighbor- hood.” ‘You hint at murder, I see,” growled the man. “Nonsense,” said Tom. ‘‘ Don’t get on your high horses again, because if you do, I may feel called upon to { give you” another thumping.” ‘Tom, don’t quarrel with the fellow.” ‘‘He’s quarreling with me.’ ¢T’ll do something besides quarrel, z= you don’t leave these woods.” ‘How is that?” queried Tom. “‘T have explained to your friend here. Gabriel Grout.” ‘(A real handsome name.” “You have heard of me?’ “ Well, maybe,” said Tom. ‘Seems to me I’ve heard of the angel Gabriel, but I’m blessed if I believe you are . My name is "even a relative of his, 2 4 4 Ae a BH ‘me a liar once too often. i would have offered to turn over his rifle when he was fairly beaten. ‘* You are pleased to be facetious,” snapped Grout, ‘but you may laugh out on the other side of your "mouth before you are many hours older. You are trespassing here, and I will give you just twelve hours to get out of ~ the country.” ’ <©Vou are awful liberal,” sneered Tom. **T own all of this land, aud I forbid your hunting here. Tam the biggest land-owner north of the Grand Rapids, ig you did but know it.” ‘*T believe you are lying now,” said Tom. “You don’t want to be caught here to-morrow at ibis time, I can tell you that,” retorted Grout, as he shouldered his rifle. ‘Good gracious! I'd like to see you help yourself old Humpy,” cried Tom, with a jeering laugh.- The man strode away without reply, and his tall form was soon lost in the woods, “By thunder !” exclaimed Tom, ‘‘what a grouty old scamp that was to be sure. You don’t imagine he owns any land, do you, Dell ?” _ No. He was only trying to frighten us,” returned Dell. ‘‘He is a hunter like ourselves, and likely enough there’s a good lot of game around here, and he though: if he could drive us away, he’d have the whole field, to himself, don’t you see?” / “That’s a fact,” said Tom. ‘I guess he’ ’s given up the notion of scaring "folks by this time, though.” ‘I guess so, too. You thumped him good, Tom. I really felt sorry for the poor fellow.” - “T couldn’t help thrashing him,” said Tom. . ‘‘ He called He’s a mean scamp, else he Wonder where he holds forth, anyhow?” “Don't know. In some lumber shanty I presume.” _ “ Are there any shanties near here, think you?” #T shouldn't wonder,” returned Dell. ‘‘ We are in the Pere Marquette lumber region now, and there must be _ some shanties and loggers not far off. You know this is NORTH WOODS OM. j the season for cutting and skidding logs, preparatory to drawing on bobs when the snow comes.” ** Exactly,” said Tom. ‘‘ Wonder how near I could come to that mark?” As he spoke the young hunter raised his rifle, and after a second’s aim fired. Almost with the report of Tom’s gun came another, and a bullet grazed the cheek of young Hasty, starting the blood freely. Instantly Tom clapped his hand to his face, where he felt a tingling sensation. He withdrew his hand stained with blood. “By thunder, Tom, you are shot!” exclaimed his com- panion in alarm. “Only a_scratch, said 'Tom Hasty, as he gazed sharply about him. ‘How did it happen?” ‘Well, answer that question your self, ” returned Fray “Somebody shot at me, that’s certain.’ ‘A stray bullet from some hunter’s rifle.” ‘¢Meant for my life nevertheless,” said Tom, grimly. ** Why should you think so?” ‘¢ Look here, Dell, I’m not fool enough to think a stray bullet did this. Where is the hunter? Why don’t he put in an appearance?” "Twas a mighty close call though,” / ‘* He can’t be far off,” said Dell, halloing at the top of: his voice. But no answer was vouchsafed. ‘You see,” said Tom, ‘‘ you were mistaken.” ‘‘Tt’s strange,” muttered Jayne. ‘‘Not/so strange as you may think. quarter did the bullet come?” **T can’t say. Your gun went off about the : same time, and I hardly realized what had happened until I saw blood Now from which , on your face, Tom.” “ “Perhaps we'd better look out, or a second shot may prove more effectual, That shot was meant to put an énd to my earthly career, and old Gabriel fired it—the mur- derer.” _ * By thunder, Tom, it does look that way.” *¢TLet’s hunt him out, Dell.” The two young men set out at once to scour the woods in the vicinity of their camp. Tom found, after a short search, the imprint of a foot upon the yielding soil near the creek, and at once concluded that it must be the footprints of the would-be assassin. He resolved to follow the trail at any rate, and see what he could find. The trail led down the stream to a einai tree which had. fallen across the water. Across this Tom passed, and. found the footprints on the other side. “I’m on the right, track now,” muttered the young hunter, as he peered eagerly ahead. Not dreaming that the trail would lead him far, Tom struck out at a ‘rapid walk in pursuit of his enemy, forgetting Dell for the time, under the impress of this new excitement, CHAPTER Ill. . . AN ADVENTURE—TOM AND VIOLA. Tom forgot the beauties of the forest in his eager pursuit of the man who had fired the shot at himself. There seemed to be no attempt to hide the trail and the young hunter experienced no trouble in following it. For an hour ‘Tom pressed on, then, of a sudden, he came toa halt and dropped the breech of his rifle to the Shelve A sound fell on his ear. ‘He listened intently and soon distinguished the steady ‘strokes of an ax. ‘« Goodness!” ejaculated the youth; ‘can’t be that there are settlers in this out of the way section?” Throwing his gun across his arm, the youth moved for- ward. But a few steps had he gone when he was not a little startled at hearing a loud, piercing scream, which could only come from the throat of a frightened female. Grasping his rifle tightly, Tom pushed his way forward moun a thicket, which alone obstructed his view. t 3 j f wy me tee
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NORTH WOODS TOM. 3 " He emerged into a little glade, and then his keen eye took ina most interesting, as w ell as star tling, tableau. A huge pine had fallen long years before, and lay across the glade, its surface moss-grown with age. Near one end of the fallen tree stood a young girl. At her feat lay a heap of autumn leaves which she had evidently collected from the forest; on the log, at her side, a dark straw hat had fallen, its bright ribbons contrasting strongly with the dingy brown of the old pine. The girl wore a brown dress and pink apron, without other ornaments than a narrow frill of white at the throat and wrists. Her hair, of dark brown, hung in disheveled masses about neck and shoulders, framing as beautiful a face as Tom Hasty had ever looked ‘upon. That face was white as death now, the large blue eyes dilating with abject terror. The cause of the girl’s fright was plainly visible. - A-huge black bear occupied the opposite end of the pine, and evidently was fully as much astonished as was the girl. He had reared upon his hind legs, and stood re- garding the maiden in evident wonder. Tom “Hasty took in the situation at a glance. Without a moment’s reflection he raised his Winchester and fired—once, twice, thrice. With a howl of pain the bear sprang from tlie log, and attempted to reach its new enemy; but in this the brute failed, as a fourth shot from the young hunter’s repeating rifle brought Mr. Bruin down, and, after a few contortions, the brute lay silent in death, Yom advanced and stood beside the dead bear. ‘He is dead fast enough,” he said, then turned his at- tention to the girl, who leaned heavily against the fallen pine, white as death, trembling in every limb, ‘There is no cause for further alarm, Miss,” said Tom. ‘‘T hope you are not harmed.” ‘‘No, only frightened,” said the girl, after recovering a little from her terror. ‘I owe my life to you.” Tom laughed good humoredly. ‘“T don’t believe the bear sacle have harmed you,” he sald, ‘‘ but there isno danger now, at all events.” Tom refilled the magazine of his rifle with cartridges while the girl readjusted her hat. Then she held out her hand with a smile. “You are a brave boy,” she said, as he daunare her hand, ‘‘and I still believe I owe my life to you. You do not belong here. I have never met you before.” “We have met. to-day for the first time, that’s certain,” returned Tom, thrilled by the touch of "the. girl’s hand. ‘My name is ‘Tom Hasty, and I am here for the first time, on a hunting excursion. This is my first game,” and he pointed to the bear. ‘You have not been in this vicinity long?” ‘« Since yesterday only,” he said. “I hear the sound of an ax. You live near here?” The girl blushed under the ardent gaze of Tom. ‘‘ We are to stop here for this winter,” she said. ‘‘ My ancle is cutting logs for Shields & Wells of Ludington. — “Your uncle?” — “Yes. I aman orphan, and have lived with Uncle John and Aunt Sarah Granger since I can remember.” “Your name is Granger, then?” “Oh, no,” with a smile. ‘‘I am only Viola Day. My mother was a Granger.” “Ah, yes, I see,” said Tom. ‘‘I suppose you enjoy yourself immensely 1 in the woods? There’s a chance for it\ anyhow.” ‘A cloud suddenly swept the face of the girl. “JT thought I should enjoy myself better here than at home, but just when I was cei the most comfort he came and, spoilt everything.” Pts He?” “Oh dear, what am I a cried Viola suddenly, . “ asif just remembering that she was making a confidant of astranger. ‘‘ But I don’t care diweanis Ale hate him, and I don’t care who BHR it’? ; Tom laughed. at the girl’s earnestness, “Tm dead mystified,” hesaid. ‘‘ ‘Won’ t you cell me who you refer to?” ‘Who could I mean but Gabriel.” “Gabriel Grout?” “Yes. You know him, then, Mr. Hasty?” “Can't say that I am very well acquainted with the chap,” said Tom; ‘‘seeing as ‘I met him for the first time to-day; but I guess he'll remember Tom Hasty for one while. So Gabriel Grout is the man you hate? wonder at it. He’s about as mean a man as I ever run afoul of. This Mr. Grout is a great land-owner, isn’t he?” - “Gabriel Grout a land-owner?” cried Viola, as if puzzled. “Yes. He told me he owned most of the land in Newaygo and Lake counties.” The girl laughed, then, outright. “Well, that is one of his old tricks,” she said. Grout is nothing but a log-scaler. John’s job this winter. only persecuting me whenever he can.’ ‘‘] knew the scamp was lying,” cried Tom. ‘‘ He made a great spread over his vast tracts of fine land. What do you think, he ordered Dell and me to leave the moges and not trespass on his land.” ‘* He is very impudent.” ‘*T should say so.” Tom made no mention of the shot which came near ter- minating his mortal career, nor of the cause of his presence in this part of the forest. “Tf you will come to the shanty, I am sure Uncle John will be glad to see you, Mr. Hasty. I don’t think I shall dare venture so far from the shanty again.” I had no idea there were bears in the woods.” Tom was deeply interested in the artless young forest girl, and, forgetting for a time his errand of vengeance, he walked along beside Viola, carrying her string of autumn leaves, chatting quite freely meantime with his new “ac. qnaintance. “ Gabriel He will scale on Uncle They had gone but a short distance when they came is an opening in the woods. Here were three log shanties, one used for the men, one for stabling purposes, and the third and smallest as ‘eating and cook shanty, Toward this latter Viola led the way. Several men were in front of the stables, having just come in with their cattle, great oxen used for sk dding the logs. As yet, the hauling teams had not come to the woods. The first snow would bring them. ‘A man, stout and grizzled, came out of the cook’s eBay. just as Tom and his fair friend came up. iP ‘Oh, Uncle John!” exclaimed Viola, rushing forward, throwing her arms about the old logger, giving him- such a hug as to make the watching Tom envious, ‘Well, well, what’s the matter now?” grunted the old He isn’t doing anything just now, I don’t » man, as he disengaged his niece's hands from about his - person and held her off at arm’s length. J “T’ve had such an adventure!” ; “Ah, indeed! Fell into the creek, I s’pose. ” “No; but a great big bear came near eating me up!” “A delicate morsel for a bear,” chuckled the old logger. *‘T s’pese you poraenen and frightened the old fellow away; eh, Viola?’ “Nol” cried the ‘girl, turning quickly toward ‘Tom, ‘This gentleman saved my life!” — Then she gave a hasty account of her adventure, and wound up by introducing young Hasty to her uncle. ! «Well, well, my boy, Iam glad to meet you—terrible glad,” said the old logger, wringing the young hunter cordially by. the hand. ‘‘ Go inside; Sarah's got dinner near ready,” Tom was no way loath to comply, and quickly followed Viola into the house. He found ‘‘ Aunt Sarah” a far less pleasing person than her stout, good-natured spouse. She was tall, very tall, and nee wath a thin face, ‘ong ae ¥ ey + us
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6 NORTH WOODS TOM. a fae pointed nose, and a pair of the sharpest eyes Tom had ever looked upon, ‘« My,” muttered the youth, ‘‘ but I must go slow here, else [’ll catch fits.” : 'The woman merely nodded her thin head without utter- ing a word, when her niece presented Tom Hasty. The young hunter ate dinner with the skidders that day, and lingered about the shanty an hour later, ‘talking with Viola, ere he bethought himself that Dell would wonder at ' his long absence, > _ don’t know the meaning of the term.” ~ _ the gentleman who dined with us this noon. sealer, ‘‘T must go,” he said at length, as he stood with Viola just outside the shanty. ‘TY hope we shall see you again, Mr. Hasty.” ‘‘ Undoubtedly,” said Tom. He pressed her hand, and with a parting word he hasten- ed away. Just as he was entering the edge of the forest, Tom ran suddenly upon Gabriel Grout. : ‘« Hello !”- exclaimed the youth, ‘‘ here you are. again. By thunder, Mr. Gabriel, you’re the scamp who shot at me to-day” ‘* Shot at you?” , The man showed a pair of extremely white teeth. “*Yos, shot at me, youoldscamp. I’ve a notion to thump you again for it.” : CHAPTER IY. A TREACHEROUS SHOT. ‘HAVE a care, young man,” growled Gabriel Grout, with a grit of his teeth, ‘‘I am on my own ground now.” ‘Is that so? You pretended to be on your own land this morning, but you lied then as you are lying now.” ‘¢ Scoundrel!” ~ The scaler aimed a savage blow at 'Tom’s head with his rifle, but the mark irefused to stand, and in consequence the irate man’s gun struck the ground with such force as to shatter the stock, : Tom laughed provokingly loud at the mishap. _ ‘Go home now, and mend your old musket,” said Tom. “Took out !. Don’t you make another pass at me, or down you go.” » With a scowl, the scaler gathered up the remains of his ae and hurried away, showing his teeth as he’ passed om. y ‘Go, you old hermudgeon,” cried Tom, ‘‘Next time yowll know better than to interfere with your betters, I reckon.” i - No answer came from the enraged Grout. He hurried forward and gained the cook’s shanty, while Tom pushed his way once more into the forest. Viola was still standing outside as the scaler come up. ‘“f,ook there, Miss Viola,” and Gabriel Grout held up his shattered rifle for her inspection. ptt “‘ Did you encounter a bear, Mr. Grout ?” _ “No; I met something far worse.” | ‘« A panther perhaps?” “(No, no. You know well enough who it was that ) ruined my gun, Viola.” ‘How should I know?” innocently. “Because the young scamp has been here, and left your - side not twenty minutes ago.” ‘You are most severe on You ought to ‘Indeed!’ exclaimed Viola. big his pardon——” 4 “Gentleman!” sneered Grout, showing his teeth, while a baleful glow filled his evil black eyes. ‘“‘If that sneaking young hunter is a gentleman, or is ‘even posessed of one spark of gentlemanly feeling, then I _ ‘Perhaps you do not!” said Viola. ‘‘ Mr. Hasty saved my life.” Naan, . AN ' Ah, there’s where the shoe pinches,” snarled the “Better look out, Viola. The young scamp has a handsome face, but he’s Satan’s helper, and don’t you for- fr if get it, He attempted to murder me this morning.” “ VA Page ean? ; f SOI Wh ie EA é > ' _ The blue eyes of Viola opened wide in questioning astonishment. ‘¢ Attempted to murder you?” “That's what I said.” ‘¢ Nonsense.” “No, it’s not nonsense by any means,” retorted Gabriel Grout. ‘‘The man you call Hasty fired at me this morn- ing with murderous intent. ‘Perhaps you can see the mark of his bullet on my face now,” and the man exhibited a dark spot under his ear where ‘Tom's clenched hand had fallen early that thorning. “That doesn’t look like the work of a bullet,” said the girl. “Tt is, just the same,” said Grout. ‘TI hada mighty close call for my life. I mean to get even with the young rascal some day.” ‘¢You would hardly dare to utter your threats in the presence of Mr. Hasty.” ‘© Wouldn’t I?” “Qertainly not. You are too much of a coward.” : The sealer’s cheek paled, and his eyes seemed to shoot forth flames of steel as these words fell from the lips of his employer’s niece. His form trembled, and, for the time, Gabriel Grout could not utter a word. ‘’You choose to insult me, I see,” he finally articulated; “‘T thought better of you than this, Viola.” ‘‘You forced me to speak as I did,” returned the girl, “tT had no wish to even exchange a word with you.” __ At this moment the shanty door opened and a sharp face looked out upon the couple. aay ” ‘Ah, it’s you is it, Gabriel? Come in, please, I wish to speak with you. Besides, you haven't had your dinner.” “‘T don’t care for any,” growled Grout, but he compled with the woman’s request all. the same, and entered the shanty, leaving Viola still outside. - ‘¢What a cold-blooded lizard,” said the girl to herself. ‘‘T shudder every time he puts them snaky eyes of his on’ my face. Ugh! I hate that man without knowing why. I know Ungle John would laugh at my fears if I should speak them aloud, but I do believe Gabriel Grout would as lief take a life if he could gain by the act.” ‘‘ What were you saying to Viola?’ questioned Mrs, Granger, the moment the evil-eyed scaler crossed the threshold and closed the door behind him. Grout thrust his broken rifle under one of the benches next the wail, ere he replied: ‘“‘T was trying to enlist her sympathy, that’s all.” ‘*TIn what way?” i ‘‘By showing her how badly I had been misused by Tona Hasty.” ; ‘““The young hunter who just left?” “ce Yes.” ‘¢ You were a noodle then, Gabriel,” asserted the woman, with considerable emphasis, ‘If you continue to make such blunders, I’ll drop your case entirely.” , “Blunders? How have I blundered?” é ‘« By trying to solicit sympathy from Viola in the way you did, Pish! You might know you would only raise this young hunter several notches in her eStimation.” **T hadn’t thought of that.” tet “Of course not. You aren't a bit sharp, Gabriel Grout. Viola is a pretty girl, and this young hunter, who, by the way, killed a bear that she imagined was about to devour | her, has a handsome face, which is liable to remain long in the memory of a susceptible girl like Viola. To sacceed . you must ignore this young hunter altogether.” “‘But he may refuse to beignored. Ifhe has taken a fancy to Viola, he will not be satisfied with his one visit here.” — ae. ‘ Tae sigh “Well, in that case matters may become complicated, but until then it is your duty to push your own claims, and — leave this young hunter alone,” asserted Mrs. Granger. ‘<T suppose so, but Viola won’t listen to me of late,” — groaned the sealer. Pawns
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NORTH WOODS TOM. , Ts; ‘« She’s a girl of spirit, and would be wooed as such.” To this Gabriel made no reply. _ The fact was he knew full well that Viola was a girl of spirit, as he had found to his chagrin on more than one occasion, and he therefore valued Mrs. Granger’s remarks on the subject for what they were worth. ‘Sarah, you are not more than half interested,” he finally said. ‘‘I have listened to your councils long’ enough, and have resolved to work on my own hook here- after.” ‘* Ags you please,” snarled the woman. ‘‘I hate ies young upstart, with her pretty face and sickly blue eyes; I hate her, Gabriel, and thet’s why I would help you secure her for a wife. The little jade has completely ousted me in John’s affections, and the next thing I know she’ll be as- suming the airs of mistress. But if you aon’t care for my help so be it. I’m not particular,” and with a toss of her head, the sharp-faced Mrs. Granger turned and walked to the far end of the shanty, where she had been engaged in washing the dinner-dishes but a few minutes before. Gabriel stoed gazing moodily at the floor for some mo- ments in silence. Finally he walked over to the side of the gaunt woman at the rude sink, and laid his hand on her thin, bony shoulder. “Sarah, forgive me.’ No answer. “Won't you forgive me, Sarah? I meant not half I said. I still need your help, and only with it can I hope to suc- ceed.” There was a pleading whiné in his voice that was quite comical, as coming from this man to a woman like the gaunt Mrs, Granger. She turned suddenly and faced the scaler. ‘J will help you if you will stop your whining here- after, and follow my advice,” she said, with uncommon emphasis. ‘©7'M do it, Sarah.” The two schemers were once more on friendly terms, ready to plot the destruction of Viola Day, and whoever else might step in to assist the fair girl. After that Gabriel set about repairing the stock to his rifle, which occupied the large part of the afternoon. Just before dark Gabriel shouldered the repaired gun and left the shanty, going directly into the forest. . Some of the men had come in from their work, but the log-contractor was still in the woods, and it was of him Gabriel was thinking as he entered the forest. About half a mile from the shanty, Gabriel came to the bank of the creek, which passed near the shanties. Sev- eral skidways had been made here, and there were plenty of brush heaps all about, formed by the tops of the fallen ines. — Close up beside a tree Gabriel paused and peered sharply about, as if expecting to see some one. Although the shadows of night were falling his keen glance was rewarded. 'Theform of aman appeared on the far side of one of the skidways. tle was apparently exam- ining the logs. ~~ After a moment’s scrutiny the scaler seemed satisfied of his man, and raised his rifle. A hush most oppressive rested over the pine woods. The report of a rifle broke the stillness. The moon on the skidway had disappeared. The assas- sin’s rifle had been ang iiost and his bullet nae found a. life. { . CHAPTER Wi A TROUBLED CONSCIENCE. ‘Ir was a half hour after dark. . The men, skidders and choppers, had finished their supper’and left for their own shanty. Viola and her aunt sat in the firelight. The dishes re- - mained untouched as the hungry lodgers had left them. . A troubled look rested on the face.of the young girl. Wy ite I wonder what Aope Unele Ji ohn so poh a ‘Said Viola. * 5 fey ‘There’s enough to keep him,” returned Mrs. Granger. — ‘* He has a heap of things to look after. I don’t wonder at his absence, but I noticed that Gabriel Grout wasn’t with the men. He ate no dinner, and’ now, here ’tis an hour after dark, and he has put in no appearance for supper. I wonder what keeps him.” Viola made no reply. “Viola,” said her aunt, suddenly, ‘Gabriel Grout is a very nice man; don’t you ‘think so?” What put such thoughts into your head, Aunt Sarah?” *‘T was thinking how nice it would be if you and Gabriel would only make a match.” The maiden laughed. “Wellal declare, Aunt sisi you are a born match- maker, but this time you will fail; I almost hate Gabriel Gront. I wouldn’t marry him if he was the last man on earth.” The sharp eyes of Mrs. Granger glittered angrily. ‘‘Your head is full of silly notions, Viola,” she said, tartly. ‘‘I know that you could not do better than to marry Gabriel Grout.” ‘Perhaps not, neither could I do worse. Butthis won’t wash the dishes,” ‘and Viola sprang to her feet and went about cleaning the long table. While thus engaged the door opened, and Gabriel Grout came in. His face was pale, and his eyes roamed about the room restlessly. .Going to one corner of the shanty, he set his gun in the angle, and then shuffled to the fire and began rubbing his hands together nervously. “You are late, Gabriel; we have been waiting supper for you,” said Mrs. Granger. “You are very kind, but I am not over hungry to- night.” ** Are you ill ?—you look white as a ghost.’ “DoT?” forcing a laugh. ‘‘ Well, I haven't been feel- ing very well for a week past, that’s a fact.” “Have you seen Uncle John, Mr. Grout?” It was Viola who» put the ‘question suddenly. She had ceased her work and was leaning her white, rounded arms ‘on the long table, peering over questioningly at the scales, - ““ What?” he cried, turning suddenly, and pearly falling over a bench in his nervousness. + ‘‘ Have you seen Uncle John to-night?” ‘€Ob, yes; I saw him just before dark—that is, about four 0’ clock, I should think.” 5 Where?” “On his way to look after some skidways,’ #4 «But have you seen nothing of him since?” “ Nothing. _Hasn’ t he been in to-night ?” “ce No. ” ‘Over to the men’s shanty, likely,” said Grout, turning RS as back to Viola, and contemplating the coals thought- ally. “‘T will go and see.” Viola started to leave the ~oom, but was prevented by — the sudden opening of the door. With a glad ery Viola bounded forward to throw her arms about the neck of her uncle, who just then crossed the threshold. “Well, well, little girl,” kissing her as he spoke, ‘‘ you: are a veritable bear, you hug a fellow so fiercely. Iam late for supper I see.” ‘* Indeed, you are. self so late, Uncle John?” ‘*Out around, looking after matters,” said the logger. * “Good gracious ! what's the matter with Mr. Grout ?” All eyes were turned toward the scaler, who stood star- ing blankly into,the face of the old logger, his face as white — as death, his tall frame shaking as though in an ague fit. When Gabriel Grout saw that he had drawn the atten. ba tion of all to himself, he swallowed the lump that had gathered in his throat, and with an effort said: “Why are you all looking at me? I ain’t very well to 4 night, but is that ony, reason for this s great fuss Pea Oo es £ i , Where t have you been Soot your- »
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Bake NORTH WOODS TOM. ‘*'You look so white and s¢ared, ” said Mrs. Granger. | mark, but John Granger comes home without a scratch, ‘*Really, Gabriel, you must be sick. send a man to the station for a doctor.” The scaler forced a laugh then. “Don’t trouble yourself, my dear Mrs. Gr anger,” he said. ‘¢’'m not so“bad off as all that comes to.’ T don’t think Mr. Grout has appeared well since Tom Hasty shot him to-day,” said Viola, by way--of _ queried John Granger. -¥ ‘Let young Hasty drop for the present. tantalizing the scaler. ‘‘ What is that?” cried Mrs. Granger, catching quickly at the words of Viola. ‘‘ Did somebody shoot at you, Gabriel ?” ‘*T should not have’ mentioned it, but since your } aiece has seen fit to speak of it, I may as well tell the facts.” “Certainly,” said John Granger, with a very grave face. ‘sT will be ready for supper in a moment, Viola. Go on, Gabriel.” ‘*T was out on a hunt this morning,” said Grant, ‘‘and strayed at least four miles south of here to the banks of a small creek, the one which passes these shanties, I think. On the bank of this creek I ran upon a tent which con- tained two young wen. Greeting them in a friendly way, -Tremained a short time in their company, and then started on my return. ‘‘T hadn’t gone over eighty rods from the camp when I heard the report of a rifle, and a bullet grazed my neck. Whirling quickly, I saw.the young fellow calling himself Tom Hasty running through the woods. “At first, I thought of following and punishing him for his murderous attempt on my life, but second thought con- vinced me that it would be better to return.here at once.’ hat motive could the young: man have, think you?” **T thought Mr. Hasty a frank, open-hearted young fellow, but then one can t yey tell.” ‘His motive was money, I presume.” * Money?” “Yes. You see I was foolish enough to mention the fact of my haying a hundred dollars, on my person. The way I came to speak of it was in bantering the young chaps to shoot with me,” ‘* Ah, yes,” said Granger: ‘‘ This must be isan into. If there are murderers in these woods——” “Uncle John!” Bay's ‘Hh, Viola?” “Do you believe a word of this nonsense?” ‘“* Well, well,” ejaculated the old logger, opening his eyes to their widest extent. ‘‘What has my little girl to say about it?” ‘« But little, uncle. I am sure that Mr. Grout slanders Tom Hasty, when he accuses him of attempting his life.” A smile swept the face of Granger, which was. quickly followed by a very grave look. ‘You have my word as to the facts,” said Gabriel Grout, ‘* Of course your niece knows nothing of the affair, only as young Hasty may have colored it.” ‘¢ Mr. Hasty made no mention of the affair,” cried Viola. .) ‘*He is too much a gentleman to speak disparagingly of any one.” _ “Tndeed,” sneered the sealer. ‘‘ Your niece must have learned much in a very, short space of time. If mistake not, to-day was the first time she ever met this immaculate Mr. Hasty.” ‘Well, well,” quarrel. Sit up, Gabriel, and take a cup of tea with me. It’s not eit we shall see him again.” This ended the controversy for the time. But in spite of his attempts to appear unconcerned, Gabriel Grout was ill at ease, and he withdrew from the cook's shanty at the first favorable opportunity. Alone under the autumual stars, the scaler*communed - with himself in a tone of wondering dissatisfaction. ‘John Granger alive and well,” he muttered. ‘‘J ust Heayen! what can it mean? I am sure I did not miss Bs y 7 | awful thing happened last night, Gabriel. cried honest John Granger, ‘‘let’s not. Perhaps we'd best My soul! who is the man by the skidway, the man I shot?” With something like a groan, Grout staggered eons: the intervening space separating the shanties. He was not in a mood for seeking repose, however, and he paced the ground restlessly for a long hour under the drooping stars that studded the blue vault above. ‘¢Somebody is dead in the woods,” muttered the homi- cide. \ ‘* Who is it—who?” This was the burden of the scaler’s thoughts, and a cold sweat oozed from his flesh and stood in clammy drops all over his person. ‘‘Murder! murder! Yes, that is the fact, and what have Igained? Nothing. Viola hates me worse than ever, and Iam no wise better off than before I fired that shot — to-night. Ugh! how I wish this dread uncertainty was over. I ama veritable coward to tremble at shadows as I have tonight. I was a fool to drop any man without knowing to a certainty who I was aiming at.” With a shudder, Gabriel Grout entered the men’s shanty and sought repose. Long he tossed restlessly on his hard couch, and it was late ere he fell into a troubled slumber. Horrible dreams filled his brain, and he woke at length to find night van- ished, and a heavy hand on his shoulder shaking him lust- ily. ‘‘ Wake up! wake up! Gabriel Grout,” shouted a voice in the scaler’s ear. | ‘¢ What—what’s the matter?” gasped the scaler, starting up at length and rubbing his eyes. ‘You sleep like a log, ” growled a hoarse voice. “An One of the best men in the North Woods was murdered last night. Come and look at the body.” CHAPTER VI. DOANEH’S PRIVATE MARK. GABRIEL GROUT sprang to his feet and) clutched the speaker with both hands, clinging to him as a drowning man might to a floating plank. ‘‘What has happened, Joe?” questioned the scaler in h husky voice. ‘*Murder,” said the tall skidder. “Murder! Who—when?” ‘*Come on, see for your self, Gabe.” * Just outside the men’s shanty, on some planks laid across an old bob-sled; lay the form of the murdered man. A group of startled skidders stood about in a semi-circle as Gabriel Grout and Joe Long came out into the gray of the early October morning. A “white cloth had been laid over the face of the dead. This Joe Long removed, and then turned to Grout. ““TDo you know ’im, Gabe?” The sealer uttered a low cryrand leaned heavily against the rough side of the shanty. His face was deadly white, and he seemed deeply agitated. ‘Tt is Nicholas Doane.” » ‘And a truer man never drew breath,” said old John Granger. ‘‘He was the best friend I had in the North Woods. He and I went to the same school in our young days a and now to think it should turn out this way. Poor Nick!” “How did. it happen ?” questioned Gabriel Grout, huskily. ‘* Look a-here.” Joe Long opened the front of the dead man’s Palit and revealed a ‘Tagged wound near the left side. ‘« He has been shot,” cried Grout. ‘‘A sad accident i in- deed.” “ Accident!” eried Joe Long, “with something like a hiss in his yoice. ‘It was murder plain enough.” ‘Murder !” gasped Gabriel, huskily, his. limbs trembling under him. “ » ‘Tt looks very much like it,” said Sli Granger. “ Poor Nick was found near one ‘of the last skidways an hour ago by Joe and his partner. The body was cold,
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NORTH WOODS TOM. - 9 showing that the mortal wound was given some hours ago, perhaps early last evening.” ‘* But it must have been an accident,” said Grout. ‘‘ Wait. When you know the facts you will know that it was no accident,” pursued the logger. ‘‘ Nick lay on his back beside the skidway, with a bullet-hole through his heart. Now, if poor Nick had come to his death by acci- dent, surely the instrument of death, would be found with the body, Ha ‘*Tt would seem so.” “No rifle was found. Nick Doane was killed, either by accident or design on the part of another party.” Grout was regaining his composure now. ‘T see through it,” he cried, quickly. ‘‘ You were ex- pecting Doane up last week, Mr. Granger, with a package of money from Shields & Wells?” “¢T was.” “Some scoundrel, knowing the man had money, dogged his steps, and murdered him in cold blood for the purpose of robbery.” : “Tt would seem so.’ . You have ee his pockets?” ce No. ” ‘The first thing to do,” said Grout, stepping to the side .of the corpse, and going through the pockets i in.the coolest manner imaginable. An old wallet containing a few papers of no value was all that was found on the dead man’s person, aside from a pocket-knife and a few commonplace articles. ‘¢ Murder and robbery!” said Grout, as he retired from the examination. “It’s queer to me that old Nick didn’t call at the shanty, instead 0’ going into the chopping, ” said Joe. ‘¢ That's easily accounted for,” returned Grout. * ‘‘ Nick came up the creek looking for game. He’s a great hunter, lyou know, and the vile assassin followed and shot him down almost in ‘sight of our shanty.” * But where’ s Nick’s gun?” “The mani who killed him took that too, I suppose.” “This must be looked into,” said Jobn Granger. “If murder has been committed, "the assassin must not escape punishment.” ‘‘T am with you there,’ cried Gabriel Grout, with em- phasis. ‘‘I say let Judge Lynch care for poor Nick’s murderer when he is found.” ‘*t Aye, aye, that’s the talk.” Not one of the crew went to his work that forenoon, and the logging camp presented an animated though hushed appearance. The remains of Nick Doane were consigned to the care of two of the loggers, who were to convey them to the nearest station from whence they could be shipped home. A murder for money was no common thing even in the North Woods, and great excitement pervaded the camp and held sway for many days. Felix Wells, junior member of the firm of Shields & Wells, came to the woods a few days after the murder. Mf. George called him aside at once and questioned him regard- ing Nick Doane. re No, I intrusted no money to Mr. Doane,” said the lum- berman. “The fact is, I thought. the best ‘plan would be to bring it myself.” ‘- When was Doane in Ludington last ?” im “About two weeks ago. e was talking then of going -on a hunting excursion somewhere in this neighborhood. He said he “expected to meet a friend here from further south.” ‘CA friend! What was his name rue ‘‘T think it was Jayne.” The brow of the old logger was contracted, a jiciled _ look coming over his face. ‘You have asked me a good many questions regarding the hunter, Doane,” said Mr. Wells ; ‘‘now suppose you give me an insight’ into the meaning of so many questions.” 7 i, “*T will do so,” said Granger, ‘‘No doubt you think me over curious, but I had'a motive.” “‘ Certainly,” interrupted Wells, laughing. ‘A foul crime has been committed, Mr. Wells. I sup- posed robbery was the object, but-now I am not so sure.” ‘Explain yourself.” ‘* Nick Doane was murdered a week BES to-day.” ‘¢ Murdered !” The lumber-dealer uttered the word in a manner indicat- ing his startled feelings. “Yes, murdered, Mr. Wells,” and thereupon John Gran- . ger related the facts, so far as he was cognizant of them, connected with the death of Nicholas Doane. ‘‘Well, I declare,” exclaimed Wells, ‘this is terrible. Doane must have come up this way on that hunt he spoke to me about, and met his death this way. Poor Nick! He was as good a fellow as ever lived.” “That he was, and his cruel death must not go un- avenged.” “ Have you any suspicions regarding the guilty party?” ‘None in the least.’ “Are you, then, quite. sure that he was murdered? Might not his death have been the result of an accident?” ‘*No; there was no gun with the body. The assassin took that much, at least.” ber This may lead to the murderer’s identification,” said ells. ‘*T don’t know; there are a great many guns of the same pattern,” said Gr: anger. ‘None exactly like old Nick Doane’s, I’m thinking, ” as. serted Wells. ‘‘I know the old rifle well. It was a muz- zle-loader, the stock running the length of the barrel.” “True, there are few guns like that now, yet-there may be two or more in Michigan answering your description.” “‘T haven’t finished yet,” said the lumberman. ‘‘ There was one peculiarity about old Nick Doane’s rifle that, no one once seeing it could mistake. The stock had been cracked once upon a time, and Doane had mended it by riveting ‘a piece of steel ‘to the’ side, setting it into the wood.” } “Hxactly.” ‘On one end of this bit of steel are. the letters X. O. X., rudely cut, though deeply, in the metal.” ‘What do the letters signify? Why did he not put his own name or initials on the stock?” “The very question I’ once asked him,” said Wells, and he laughed significantly, tappirg the stock with his long forefinger. ‘1 don’t mean ter give myself away,’ he said, with a laugh. ‘Now, ef anyone shud steal this gun, and find Nick Doane’ s name onto it, they'd soon spile the looks on’t. Not a man in Michigan but what ud know whose gun ’twas.’ shook his head. ‘ Thet’s my private mark, Felix, an’ don’t ye forgit it,’ was the reply he gave. No one could fail to en the gun, John. You must keep your eye open or it.” “‘T certainly shall, and you must do the same.’ ‘«Trust me for that, John.” : Mr. Wells left for Ludington on the following morning, and work in the woods continued much as it had done be- fore the mysterious taking off of Nicholas Doane. The loggers held nightly consultations over the death of Doane. The old man was-loved by all who knew him, and a deep feeling pervaded the hearts of the rough skidders and choppers, a feeling of intense bitterness toward the man-slayer, whoever he might be. Had the assassin ventured into that camp his chances ‘for escaping alive would hardly be worth the noticing. “There’s no use talkin’,” said Joe Long, striking the pine table with one bony ‘fist, ‘(the man that. shot Nick Doane must be found.” “Exactly, Joe, but how’ll you find the scamp? ain't likely he’s in these parts now.’ “T think he is.” * “What? Do you suspect——” » ; : ‘And return it quickly,’ I said. He —
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10 NORTH! WOODS TOM. — + “‘Nevertmind now. Wait and see how the cat jumps, boys,” returned the tall skidder. With these words Joe went to his work. One evening, an hour before dark, John Granger re- turned from an inspection of the chopping, and was about to enter the cook’s shanty when his eye caught sight of a rifle leaning against the logs. Instinctively he reached out and seized the ; gun and glanced hurriedly at the stock. Tt had been fractured once upon a time, -and a piecc of steel now held the parts in place, with the letters X. O. X. engraved in rude form on the smooth surface. CHAPTER VIi. TOM ACCUSED OF MURDER. Tue old lumberman, could scarcely repress a cry of triumph as the magical letters of old Nick Doane fell under his eye. With a quick movement he opened the shanty door dnd strode across the threshold, expecting to confront the pos- sessor of the rifle. He was disappointed at meeting his wife alone, who was busily engaged preparing the evening meal, The logger turned on his heel and passed quickly outside, 7 still holding the murdéred man’s rifle in his hand. Without thinking as ‘to his course, he walked away to- ward the spring, which flowed from the bank some feet ‘above’ the creek, and about six rods from the house. When he joined the bank overlooking the creek, he saw two forms standing under a clump of “alders that shaded . the spring. He recognized his niece at a glance. He soon confronted them, and then recognized Viola’s companion, with a surprised start. ‘Good evening, Mr. Granger,” raised his cap with a polite bow. ‘“‘You here, Mr. Hasty?” cried the logger, in a tone of pained surprise. ‘‘T am here, Mr. Granger,” said Tom. niece just as she was coming for water. surprising news to tell, and so—” “ Surprising news?” the logger interrupted. “Yes. The murder of Nick Doane.” ‘You knew him?” “No. My chum, Dell, was an old friend of Mr. Doane’s, however. I have "heard him speak of the hunter many times. He will be deeply shocked when he learns of his old friend’s death.” “No doubt of it,” said Granger, who was not a little excited as he brought the long rifle to the front. “Do you ‘know this, Mr. Hasty?” Tis mine. I left, it eae against the shanty as I came away.” “Where did you get: it?” The old logger leaned eagerly Areas and transfixed Tom Hasty with his eyes. “Do you desire the rifle, Mr. Granger?” ‘Where did you get it?” again questioned the logger, in a fierce undertone. “T found it.” (a3 Bxactly. ” The logger straightened up and thrust one bic finger and the young hunter ‘i I met your She had a bit of _ almost in the face of the young hunter. “Tom Hasty, I accuse you of the murder of Nicholas ' Doane !” Viola uttered a cry of horror sind shrank away from the young hunter as though she believed his touch contagion. ‘Tom was cool as an icicle. “You're crazy now, old man,” he said. ‘* Why should T kill anybody ?. Good thunder! it cuts my heart to shoot a deer, let alone a human creature. No, Mr. Granger, you've ‘missed your mark this time by a long ways.” The ‘young hunter’s coolness took the trapper aback. _ He had expected him to start and turn pale, to tremble | with alarm, but the youth refused fo show the least sign of «ame Granger. > “ But this rifle?” ‘*What aboat the rifle?” ‘‘Tt was Nicholas Doane’s property, of which he was robbed on the night of the murder. a week ago.’ “Ts it possible?” cried Tom. ‘4 said a moment ago that the rifle was mine, and that was true inone sense. I found it to-day in the woods about forty rods from one of your skidways. Leaving my own gun, I brought this one one in. Isawrust on the barrel, and judged some one had forgotten where he left it, so I brought it to the shanty, thinking one of the men might be the owner.” ‘¢ A very plausible story,” said Granger. “To you think I am not telling the truth, sir?” ‘«T will not say that,” returned the logger, ‘‘but I am not the only one interested. Law.and justice demands a full investigation. Thisgun was owned by the man who was murdered a few days since, and it is a most important link in the chain of evidence against some one.’ ‘Tt looks that way,” admitted Tom. No one can be more anxious than I am for justice to overtake. the miser- able wretch who shot Nick Doane, I had intended return- ing: to camp to-night, but-——” ; *€ You will not go?” ‘*Not if you wish me to remain.’ ‘¢Tt is my duty to see that this affair is investigated,” said the old logger ‘‘‘ You will oblige me by accompany- ing me to the shanty.” ‘*T will come soon, Mr. Granger.” ‘Well, I can wait.” ‘‘No need of that, sir. I will meet you in thg shanty as soon as the boys come from their work.” - ‘ Bat the logger did not move away as the young hunter wished. He dropped the breech of the old rifle to the ground and looked fixedly into Tom’s face. Viola stood in. an attitude of irresolution, regarding both ~ men. “Viola, why are you here?” ; - John Granger put this question in a ‘harsher tone than was usual with him; the girl seemed surprised and pained at his abrupt harshness of manner. “T came to the spring after water, Uncle John.” ‘¢ Yes? Where is your pail?” Viola blushed rosy red and looked down at her feet. ‘<1 know all about. it,” said her uncle, severely. ‘‘ You encountered this man, Hasty, on your first visit to the spring, and you foolishly granted him an interview. This. is dangerous, Viola. Mr. Hasty is an entire stranger to all of us, and may be a heartless criminal. Ian surprised at your want of self-respect, my girl. You may go to the house now, and perhaps soon be ready to thank your stars that this little romance, begun a week or ten days ag has terminated so happily for yourself.” The girl looked first at her uncle, then at Tom. She saw the little cloud that va s gathering, but at that moment was unable to comprehend its terrible import. ‘‘Are you going to obey me?” said John Granger, sternly. Viola turned from the side of "Tom, and walked away without a word. — / ‘*She has obeyed you,” said Tom. ‘‘ Now, if you will be kind enough to explain your position I shall be everlast- ingly obliged to you. “T assume that you are the murderer of Nicholas Doane,” said the logger, coldly, “and I propose to have theifacts investigated.” “Your presumption is unfounded, Mr. Granger, ” ye- turned Tom, his lip curling a little scornfully. “You are the first man who ever dared impute crime to a Hasty.’ On account of your age I overlook the insult.” _. The old logger’s face flushed perceptibly at this cnt i yemark., pasted never met you until a week ago, young man,” said Best T am gee ta ek my pea have under gone) a 4 “At that time I was favorably impressed, but _
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NORTH WOODS TOM. change. man.” ‘*T shall do no such thing.” ; ‘““What! Dare you attempt escape ?” ‘¢Prom what—from whom, pray?’ swinging his arms about in the air. ‘‘I am free, and my own master, not your prisoner, by any means.” The old man threw the old rifle to his shoulder, the muzzle pointed toward Tom. “You see, I have you foul, young man.” Tom uttered a contemptuous laugh. ‘ **Po you think I fear that old rusty firearm. Bah! But J am ready to confront any accusers you may bring for- ward.” ; ‘Then come with me to the shanty.” ‘‘With pleasure, sir. I was willing to go all the time, only I don’t care to be driven against my will.” Tom walked forward,.and the two soon stood on the bank above the spring just as a man approached from the woods. ‘Hello !” ejaculated Tom; ‘‘here’s my friend with the snake’s eyes and crooked tongue.” It was Gabriel Grout who approached, and the words of Tom Hasty fell on his ear, rousing his angry passions sud- denly. ‘‘You miserable young scamp, I’ll get even with you - yet,” hissed Gabriel. “You want me to thump you again ?” ‘¢There, no quarreling,” cried John Granger. ‘‘ We have a matter of more serious moment on hand for the evening, which unprejudiced minds must be brought to bear upon.” ~ " : “What is that ?” from Grout. ‘« Tt’s about Nick Doane,” Tom put-in. shoot him, Gabriel ?. For money or——” ‘Inferno !” hissed the scaler, trembling with rage, and an inward fear.. ‘‘ What do you mean!” “‘Didn’t you kill old Nick ?” ‘ *“No, no, what put that into your head?” gasped ‘Grout. “His fertile fancy, since he is himself accused,” said Granger, | Of a sudden the scaler seemed to take in the situation. oe exclamation fell from his lips. ‘“You have found the murderer, then?” he said, in a whisper, bending toward his employer. ‘“‘T think so,” was the answer, in an equally low tone. You may consider yourself my prisoner, young ‘Why did you CHAPTER VIII. . AN ANGRY DISCUSSION. / JOHN GRANGER resolved to keep a close watch over Tom, _ whom he considered his prisoner until a higher tribunal skould dispose of his case. Raid The men were crossing from their shanty the three came into view. ** You will sup with me to-night, Mr. Hasty,” said the ogger. ‘* Nothing would please me better,” returned the young hunter. : ie _ Nothing was said during the meal about the suspicions of the logger, nor the circumstance of finding the murder- _edman’s rifle. Granger left this for the proper time. Shortly after dark, while a score of men were gathered in es sleeping shanty, Tom Hasty and John Granger en- tered. , é After a little preliminary talk, the old logger spoke of the late murder, at the same time exhibiting the rifle Tom had brought with him that day. The gun was recognized by at. least six men present as being the one once owned by Nick Doane. ; “Where did you get this gun?” questioned Joe Long. forsupper as Tom Hasty’s shoulder as ke spoke. . here to-night that the matter might be examined into.” _AlJl eyes were fixed on the young hunter. “Yes, Mr. Granger thought I’d better stay and talk the Tom. 3 Ht : he cy 4 ; ies ) ‘He has remained | dogs as you, don’t we, boys?” matter up a little,” said the youth, coolly. ‘‘I am willing to leave the gun here, since it does not belong to me, and may lead to some clew regarding the murderer.” ‘Tt has led to, or, rather, it is a strong clew in itself, I should say,” put in Gabriel Grout, who, as a matter of course, was on hand, and anxious to further his own inter- | ests at the expense of another. ‘* What is your theory?” ‘That this young hunter murdered our friend Doane.” Again Tom was the target for a score of eyes. He was a stranger to all, and the fact of his having the murdered man’s rifle in his possession was strong evidence against him. We ‘Your name is Hasty ?” questioned Joe Long, “That is my name, sir.” ‘‘How did you come by this rifle?” “Found it in the woods.” ‘‘ A pretty story,” sneered Gabriel Grout. “Where?” ‘*Near one of your skidways not far from the bank of the creek.” 3 “* All bosh,”’ sneered Grout. “Young man, did ye know whose gun you’d got holt on when you found this?” ‘J did not. Never‘saw Nick Doane in the world, though I have heard of him through a chum of mine, Dell Jayne by name.” s ‘“Dell Jayne?” cried Long. fy Yes sin” ng ‘Where is he? I know a Dell Jayne.” * ‘ Tleft him at the camp, five milesfrom here. I suppose he is there now. . He won't bother his head about me to- night.” if i ‘( What’s the use of this questioning ?” growled Gabriel Grout. ‘‘ This man is guilty, and it behooves us tu see that he is punished.” ‘Who asked you to speak?” growied Joe Long, turning toward the scaler. ‘I have youngster’s guilt. I have.” age “Have you?” sneered Grout. \ ‘‘ Well, your opinion ain’t worth more than any other man’s. I think most of the boys look upon this adventurer as the man who murdered Nick Doane, and I demand that he be punished for his infamous crime.” Ce “Don't go too fast,” cried John Granger. ‘‘T think circumstances are strongly against this young man, but this is not the proper tribunal to decide the case.” ‘“Where then?” demanded Grout. ‘Tn a court of justice of course.” ‘‘ Boys, how is it?” cried Gabriel Grout, turning toward the circle of rough faces gathered about the accused. ‘Shall we allow the murderer of Nick Doane to go free?” ‘¢Never-—never!” _ ; Deep and stern came the answer to the scaler’s question. ‘See here,” cried Joe Long, “ain’t you rushing things ‘ a little too fast, Mr. Grout, I-——’ , ‘“‘Tt don’t matter what you may think,” snapped the scaler. ‘‘ We don’t mean that this infernal murderer shall escape his just deserts.” . -At this Tom Hasty’s cheeks burned hotly. Turning upon the scaler, he said: “You keep on and I'll give you another thumping. When you speak as you did just now you utter an infamous lie, and——” .““None 0’ this,” growled a burly chopper, pushing his way forward and confronting Tom. ‘‘ You’ve been caught with Nick Doane’s rifle in your hands. You can’t tell how you got it?” a ‘« But I do tell how I got it.” ; 1 “You try to,” sneered the, man, ‘‘but that’s too thin, © “This man brought it here to-day,” laying his hand on | my young rooster. We fellérs know how ter finish sich * wat \ ‘Aye, aye! that we do.” ‘Well, I declare, this is i my doubts about this. becoming interesting,” cried _ ‘*T never for one moment supposed any man in bis . 2 “ ' ? ng (age oy
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12 NORTH WOODS TOM. sober senses would think of accusing me of murder. I think it is a put-up job on the part of the man who tried to kill me something over a week ago.” ‘Stop his clack, boys. Are we to stand here and listen to this murderous insulter!? crid Grout, hotly. ‘‘No, no, we won't stand it,” and a movement was made toward Tom as if ts seize upon him, but Joe Long and Mr. Granger interfered. ~ ‘‘There must be no violence here,” said the logger. “The young man may be a murderer, but of this we are not sure. I will sec that he is detained until an officer can be summoned from Ludington or some other place.” ‘4 nice pjan!” growled the big man who had allied him- self to Gabriel Grout. ‘‘No murderers get punished now- adays. Ef we let this chap goit’s the last we'll see o’ him, now mind what I tell you.” Tom stood with folded arms facing the angry crowd. A smile swept his face as he noted the contention going on in the ranks of the’sturdy loggers. “There’s mo use quarreling,” said Tom. ‘‘I am not afraid to look justice in the face. If you deem circum- stances sufficiently strong against me, why, you can bind me over to court.” ‘Bind you over. Well, that’s,good,” answered Grout. ‘‘T wasn’t talking to you,” cried Tom, fixing his eyes onthe sealer. ‘‘ You are a slimy snake who would strike a man in the back and then dart back into your holle. You hate me because my friend Dell Jayne beat you shoot- ing at a mark,-and soon after that you attempted my life jn a cowardly manner. I know nothing of the murder of this Nick Doane, but if the truth was known I’ve not a doubt Gabriel Grout could tell pretty near who fired the murderous bullet.” There was a lofty scorn in the speaker’s voice when he referred to the scaler, and under it Gabriel Grout writhed and hissed like an impaled serpent. ‘‘ Mighty well spoken, for a man in your position,” growl- ed Grout’s big supporter, whose name was Hod Posy, and one of the most muscular men in Granger’s crew, as well as one of the most evil-minded. ‘¢ Shall we stand here to be insulted by a red-handed as- sassin ?” cried Gabriel Grout. “The less said soonest mended,” said Joe Long: “Give us the young scamp. We’ll soon make him con- fess,’ growled Posy, advancing and reaching out his long arm. ; “No you don’t, old man,” cried Long. ‘‘Fair play’s a jewel, and that we'll have here, an’ don’t you forgit it neither,”’ The situation was not a pleasant one. Tom realized that the least spark might provoke a giant flame. | ‘¢T am sorry I eee the cause of so much trouble,” he said. ‘In order to have you all satisfied, I will agree to remain here until you send for Dell Jayne, who can tes- tify to my good character, and if you like, any one who is a lawful person to administer an oath. I am willing to appear in court, if necessary, but I have no relish for mob- law, such as a few spirits have exhibited to-night.” «We'd best hang him an’ save all trouble,” growled, Posy, who seemed as anxious as his friend Grout, for the removal ’ of the scaler’s rival. -~ 4 nice thing that would be,” sneered Joe Long, who - from the first had befriended young Tom Hasty. ‘‘'The boy says he will stay here until we can send for his friend Dell Jayne. That’s good enough. I know Dell, and he’s one 0’ the best young chaps that ever drew the breath 0’ life. I move that we turn Mr. Hasty over to a committee who shall be responsible for his safety till sich time as we can find out the truth.” ‘That's fair enough,” said Tom. Well, I don’t know as we can object to that,” said ~ Posy, glabcing over at Gabriel Grout. ie _ “Certainly not,” said the sealer. ‘‘I move that Hod - Posy, Bill Brace and Jim Twist act as such committee.” “Second the motion.” nate ? * gat silent, as if listening, for some moments. , Pe Ei ‘ i By 7 3 ‘Well, boys, if that be your minds, make it manifest.” ‘€ Aye, aye!” rang from the throats of all. Joe Long turned to Tom. “I expect we may’s well submit, Tom. .I like you, and will see fa’r play. ‘‘ You can stay here or in t’other ° shanty, whichever you like.” . ‘‘We will fix the place for him to stay,” growled Posy. “‘T reckon I’ve got some’at to say now on the suject.” ‘Well, he must stay in one of the’ shanties,” said Joc. ‘Not necessarily,” growled Posy. ‘‘I guess I know of a safer place. Come, lads, let’s take our prisoner out 0’ this.”’ \ The three men advanced toward Tom, but the latter put out his hand quickly. “Not with you. At any rate, I must know where you are going.” ‘<hat’s none o’ your business,” growled Posy. ‘‘We are yeur your keepers now, my fine young rooster!” CHAPTER IX. WITHIN THE NOOSE. TuE,eyes of Tom Hasty flashed fire. “You are not my keepers,” he said, drawing back quickly. ‘I will fo nowhere with you, unless Mr, Granger says so. If I place myself in the hands of his men, 1 shall look to him for protection.” ; ‘You shall be protected,” said the logger. ‘It is the business of this committee to see that you do not leave camp for the next few hours, further than that they cannot go.” “How can we prevent his leaving camp if we don’t lock him up?” growled Posy. | ‘‘ For my part I’m not going to leave an open hole for this murderer to escape ef I know myself.” , Aftér considerable discussion, it was agreed that Tom should occupy aroom used as a wood-house, Aotalag the cook’s shanty. This room contained only a small amount of wood. It was twelve feet square, with no windows, the only opening being a narrow door near the corner next the cook house." . ‘¢ Just the place,” said Grout, to his friend Posy aside. ‘‘If he at- tempts to escape, you can drop him. Understand?’ “T do, Gabriel.” ‘Good; this thing is turning out better than I dared to hope. Of course there can be no doubt of the young scamp’s guilt.” ' “«Of course not.” ‘ Joe Long and Mr. Granger accompanied the guard to the wood- house, and saw the prisoner safely ensconced therein. “Not a very comfortable place, Mr. Granger,” said Long. ‘No. I am sorry this has become necessary, but justice demands that we take every precaution. I hope the young man is innocent. I will bring out some blankets and see that Mr. Hasty has a comfortable place to sleep.” ~ When the old logger entered the shanty after blankets he was met. by his niece with many questions. «‘We shall take ample precautions to see that he does not escape,” said Granger. ‘‘We have put him in the wood-house.” 2 «What! put Tom Hasty in that cold out-house ?” cried Viola, the indignant blood mantling her cheeks. : ‘Well, that’s the only place we could agree upon.” ‘He must feel the insult keenly.” “Bother!” ejaculated the old man. ‘This Tom Hasty is accused of murder, and he ought to feel thankful that his life is spared, let alone a little inconvenience.” ‘“Bit Tom Hasty is a gentleman. guilty of crime; do you, Uncle John?” “Te looks more like a thief than an honest man, anyhow.” put in “IT haven’t the least doubt of his being a Surely you do not believe him if Mrs. Granger, spitefally. murderer.” ; But the old log¢er refused to talk further on the subject then. Procuring a pair of blankets, he returned to the wood-house. “ Wit for a king to sleep on,” said Tom, as he arranged the blankets in one corner of the room. ‘‘I suppose you will send for my chum early in the*morning, Mr. Granger. I don’t care to stop here longer than necessary.” ; : ‘“‘T shall make all haste in the matter,” returned the logger, as he walked away, accompanied by Joe Long. P The door of the prison was a narrow board affair, not very strong, secured when shut by a small wooden pin. \ : “He could get out of there, easy enough,” said Jim Twist, ‘if *twasn’t for the guard.” “Of course, ’ said Gabriel Grout; thete is no chance for him.” ‘For my part,” said Brace, ‘*I can’t see the use of three men settin’ up all night to watch. One man’s enough, with a good gun.” ‘«True as preachin’!” returned Hod Posy. The door was now closed and fastened upon the prisoner, and the guard stood leaning against the outer wall. 2 aes Si “This way a moment, Hod.” : ; Gabriel Grout plucked Posy by the sleeve, and that worthy quickly followed the scaler aside. Seating themselves on a log, the two men ! “ but with three men on the watch __ ‘ rf J
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‘ NORTH WOODS TOM. 13 “There’s nobody around,” said Posy. ‘If you’ve got anything to say, Spit ’er out, Gabe.” “Well; I haven’t much to say,” returned the scaler, in a low tone. “Of one thing you may rest assured: Tom Hasty is a dangerous char- acter.” “ Dangerous to you, eh?” And the big ‘chopper laughed, under his “breath. “You may have it so, if you wish.” > ‘T knowed it,” grunted Posy. ‘‘You are sweet on the gal, I’ve no- ticed that all along; but this ’ere young rooster hez got the inside track. Ain’t that so?” * Very near the truth.” 4 ‘«And you want this Tom Hasty squelched—that is, put outer the way. Right agin, ain’t 1?” : . See here, Mr. Posy, you don’t seem to take in the situa ion exactly,” said Gabriel Grout. ‘‘ Now I don’t wish to be misinderstood. First, there’s no doubt in my mind—nor in yours, I take it—of the guilt of Tom Hasty.” ‘* None, boss.” ‘He murdered old Nick Doane in cold blood.” “« Bxactly so, boss.” “This being true, Tom Hasty has forfeited his life to the State.” ‘True again.” “Well, it will never do for this Dell Jayne to come ‘round, neither will it do to have Hasty indicted in the courts.” : ‘*Couldn’t be convieted you think?” “J fear not; and then the murderer would escape. I think Judge Lynch ought to settle this case.” s “So do 1.” * And to-night,” : “Give me yer hand, Gabe. You express my sentiments exactly.” ‘‘ Well, then, the way is clear for the consummation of the good work,” returned Gabriel Grout. ; “Yes; but me must settle on petic’lars,” said Posy. ‘‘T hain’t. no grudge agin’ this hunter, but I know’d Nick Doane, an’ his murderer ought ter hang.” “Exactly. I’m glad to see you manifest such a spirit of justice, Mr. Posy. Now to particulars.” “Yes, let’s hev the petic'lars.” 7 ‘‘ A plain case of lynching might answer our turn the best-perhaps,” said the wily scaler, “although we would take more chances in that way.” U Be there enough men to do the job; men of nerve, I mean, Gabe?” “T think so. gladly see him hung. I think we might count on six who yould be willing to have a hand in the work. “That includes Jim and Bill?” “Yes,” returned Grout. “‘At midnight, when all is quiet, a few men might enter the room, seize the prisoner, and either hang him right there, or take him to a tree outside. Ten minutes would finish the job.” i ‘Slick as a clam,” ejaculated “Then there’s another way.” ‘ Let’s have it.” » “You might break the door open and shoot the prisoner, and then represent to the boys that the villain attempted to escape, and in the struggle he met his death.” ‘ For half a minute the burly chopper made no reply to this startling ‘proposition. Finally, however, he brought his open hand down with decided emphasis upon the knee of his companion. ‘ ‘«No, no, Gabe, I couldn’t do that; ‘twould be murder.” z The crafty scaler saw that he had overshot the mark for once, and hastened to make himself solid with his tool. “Only one way of disposing of a vicious outlaw, Hod,” he said; ‘‘yet, at the same time, it doesn’t look hardly right either. Upon the whole, I think my first suggestion the best.” "So do I.” Shei, : ? “«Then that shall be carried out.” “You will go in with us, Gabe?” ; “It's not. necessary,” returned the scaler. remain Outside of the trouble altogether. “T see,” the chopper interrupted. you want to be on the safe side. Your boldness is like a sheep’s after all, Gabe. 3 But then I don’t care. I s’pose if I let you off you won't mind givin’ mea few dollars fur helpin’ dispose of a rival?” “Mytgracions, Hod, would that be right?” ; “Mebbe not. You, are too virtuous, Gabe. Guess we'll let the law take its course arter all.” The chopper rose to his feet, but Gabriel Grout drew him down again very suddenly, ; ” t : “See here, Hod, how much do you want?” . “1 won't squeal ef you'll give me a hundred dollars.” “Tl do it.” i “The court 0° Jedge Lynch will settle Mr. Hasty’s case ‘fore sunrise, an’ don’t you forgit it.” : Posy. ; “T think it best that I You see——” ! “Tf there should be an afterelap, -. The two men then separated. Hod Posy going back to his comrades J ‘1 poor Nick.” ene potatoe Kini to the men’s shanty. The scaler found several men talking: over the events of the eveni: ~ standing in front of the shanty. . ie wand : ae ‘He's guilty’s pison an’ don’t you forgit it.” A ‘Of course he is. We'd’ ought to string him up to 9 tree, the infer- ™ The most of the boys believe Hasty guilty, and would Such were the words that greeted the ear of the scaler as he ap- proached, and a smile of satisfaction swept his dark face as he thought that one obstacle to the success of his plans was soon to be swept effec- tually away. In the meantime Tom Hasty had thrown himself upon his hard conch of blankets, and was soon lost in happy dreamland. How long he had slumbered he knew not. A touch on his shoulder roused him from his slumbers, and a voice whispered in his ear the one word: Keach “Come.” Dark forms stood about the room as the young hunter rose to his feet, and several hands were laid on his arms. ‘« Where?” he questioned. ‘* What do you want?” ; ‘You to go with us,” said a low Voice. Almost on the instant a noose fell over the young hunter’s neck and he felt the rope tighten, as he was pushed toward the open doorway. CHAPTER X. IN THE NICK OF TIME. ““Conrounp it. I'd like to know what keeps Tom: so late,” muttered Dell Jayne, as he sat down in company with Indian Pete, to a supper of stewed venison and boiled potatoes, the latter brought in from the station by Pete that very afternoon. “On track of muckwah, mebbe,” said. the half-breed. “T don’t think it,” returned Jayne. ‘‘ We've killed six bears and a dozen deer during the past week, and he promised to go to the station with you to-morrow, Pete, and stock up our ammunition. You ¢ee we've used piles of cartridges.” : “Me think so too,” grunted the half-breed. It was dark outside now, and innumerable stars dotted the blue firm- ament above. Dell had prepared supper soon after the Indian arrived. On the morrow he was intending to send over several carcasses of ven- ison with Tom and Pete, but as Tom failed to appear, he began to think the morrow’s excursion might fail to come off. Dell stirred the fire, and then walked to the entrance of the tent, and peered out into the icy air of the, October night. ‘By thunder! Pete, I don’t like this.” ; ‘What's that ?” “Tom’s playing off this way. I’m thinking he’s gone over to the logging camp again. He said something about a pretty girl he saw there once, over a week ago. It would be just like him “to run back there after'a pretty face. Tom is a fool in such matters.” ‘*Most men are,” was the comment of Indian Pete. ‘‘ Mebbe, too, he’s heard of Nick Doane’s murder, and——” “ Well, look a-here,” cried Dell, suddenly turning upon his Indian * friend. ‘‘ What do you mean by speaking thus of Nick Doane ?” ** Mebbe you haven’t heard.” “I Have heard nothing about Nick since I come to the woods.” ~ «Then it'll be news to you ter learn that poor old Nick’s gone under.” “No joking now, Pete.” “T ain’t joking, Master Dell. Nick wor killed more’n a week ago, down nigh ole man Granger’s lumber camp.” — > “This is terrible,” cried the young hunter. ‘I should haye heard of this sooner. Poor Nick. How did it happen, Pete ?” “<"Pwas murder they say.” ' For a time young Dell Jayne was quite overcome by this news. Nic Doane had been inthe employ of the elder Jayne long years before, an his genial nature and kindness of heart had endeared him to the boy.’ From that time forward, whenever Doane came to the Jayne home- stead he was a most welcome visitor. It had been some months, almost a year since Dell had met the old hunter, and now the chance of meeting in this world was gone forever. Ate Pete then related the circumstances attending the mysterious taking, off of Nick Doane as he had heard them from a man who came up to the station from the lumber camp. P “My soul!” ejaculated Dell, “this must be looked into. I didn’t know that Nick Doane had an enemy in the world. I can hardly realize that this horrible recital is true, Pete.” ; ‘«-T don’t think there’s any mistake about it,” said the half breed. The minutes waxed into hours, with no Tom Hasty. For a time Dell had forgotten his young friend in his excitement over the news of old Nick Doane’s death, but after.a time he realized that Tom was staying away beyond all account. i ‘* What can detain Tom ?” he finally queried, looking at his watch. “Past nine. Pete, there’s something wrong here,” and Dell sprang to his feet and went once more to the opening in the tent. ‘Don’t know; mebbe so.” “‘T know there is,” cried Dell, remembering what Tom had teld him about his meeting Gabriel’Grout.at the lumber camp. ‘‘ There’s mis- chief afoot as sure’s you’re born.” agg Mos ‘« Mebbe so,” again grunted Indian Pete.” f ; ‘« You know the way to the lumber camp, Pete?” \ \ 86 Yes.” : | ‘« How far from here ?” ** Four mile, mebbe little more.” \ , “ Will you go with me to-night ?” ** What for ?” : ‘‘Tam going to look for Tom.” - The half-breed lay stretched on his blanket in front of the fire, and — seemed loath to leave his comfortable position for the chill of the out- side air. ; , : f : ; Le ee -nalscamp. If it hadn't been for Joe we'd have fixed the murderer of | . ““ Guess Tom all right,” saidythe half-breed, yawning. ‘Him smart i Pua ‘ . ¥ r — boy. “No catch him ’sleep.” { . © Pe te 8 Sc
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=~. . through the woods as not. to the front, closely followed by Indian Pete. 14 ¥KXOGRTH WOODS TOM True,” returned Dell,” but I don’t lie down without knowing some- thing of Tom’s whereabouts. This murder has made me nervous, No, I couldn’t sleep a wink to-night, sol may as well take a little tramp If you prefer to remain here, all right.” At this the half-breed sprang suddenly to his feet. © “Me go, too,” he said, tightening his belt, and seizing his rifle. ° ‘«T knew you wouldn’t go back on me,” said Dell. ‘Think you can find the camp in the night, Pete?” “Dis creek go past camp?” “Tt does,’ “Yes. We follow that if you say. Mecan go straight if you not 'fraid to'trust.” “You are used to these woods,” returned Dell, ‘(and ought to know how to find Granger’s camp, even in the night. I will follow you, and we will go straight, and thus save time, which would be lost following the tortuous course of the creek.” After looking to the horse which was hitched toa tree néar the tent, Dell signified his readiness to proceed. The two men set out at once, Indian Pete in advance. They crossed the creek some rods below camp and and pushed their way as rapidly as the undergrowth would permit, into the forest. Half an hour passed in this manner, when the two men came to a sudden halt. A fierce growl fell on the ears of both. Indian Pete’s rifle went to his shoulder in the twinkling of an an eye. The report of the half-breed’s rifle woke the ecboes of the forest. Then came a fierce howl of rage and pain, and a huge black bear rush- ed forward, with open jaws, upon the two hunters. Indian Pete fell back—his rifle was only one shot—and gave place to Dell, whose Winchester proved too much for bruin, and after the third shot he went down in the agonies of death. é “We won't stop to take off the hide,” said Dell, as the half-breed whipped out his knife. ‘We have a more important duty to perform to night.” “‘Mebbe so.” Indian Pete sheathed his knife, and then quickly reloaded his long _vifle, and, after a delay of twenty minutes, the twain were once more moving through the woods in the direction of John Granger's lumber camp. . The night seemed to grow lighter as they advanced. The forest was becoming more open, and soon their feet struck a logging-road. ‘“We are most there now?” said Dell. ‘Most there,” grunted the half-breed. Suddenly huge piles of logs met the’vision of the two forest wander- ers. They had come to the skidways in close proximity to the shanties. ; 4 ‘Tf Tom is not here,” mused Dell, ‘‘I shall feel vexed at my com- ing.” re Hush !” exclaimed Indian Pete, suddenly laying his hand, on his companion’s arm. { Both men halted and listened intently. The sound of feet on the frozen ground reached their ears plainly. **Some one is coming this way,” cried Dell excitedly. “ Hist ” ; ‘ Soon several dark forms were visible not many rods away. They had halted under a low-branched tree. : “Thar’s no use talkin’,” growled a heavy voice from the group; * you've got to swing, my hearty. This ere’s Jedge Lynch's court, an’ we are goin’ ter execute the law agin’ the dirty seamp as murdered poor ole Nick Doane.” ‘What was the meaning of all this? “Who was the prisoner about to be’summarily dealt with? These questions flashed through the brain of Dell Jayne with lightning rapidity. q - ‘There's no use parleying. Hoist him up, boys.” “Hold on here,” eried a clear, ringing voice that fairly made Dell start. ‘If you hang me you will be guilty of murder. I am innocent of the crime.” i ‘*Shut off his wind, boys.” | ‘‘Gowards!” retorted Tom Hasty. I Gabriel Grout is at the bottom of the whole infamous proceedings.” At this moment the rope tightened around the speaker’s neck, but he was not pulled up just then. ‘Hold, in the name of justice!” A loud voice rang in the ears of the gathered loggers, and paralyzed their movements for the moment. ; > “My God, Dell, is that you?” gasped the nearly-strangled prisoner. “Tt is me, Tom, old, fellow,” cried Dell Jayne, as he pushed his way. “What in nature is the meaning of this?” Before. Tom could utter a word, Hod Posy confronted the new- comers, thrusting his huge fist against Dell’s breast. “No interferin’ here,” he growled. ‘We mean business, we do, an’ ef you don’t want to git hurt you'll stand from under. This young acamp’s a murderer——” “That’s an infernal lie!’ cried Dell, completely beside himself with indignant wrath. ‘This man you have here ismy chum, Tom Hasty, and you must release him at ence, or some of you will need a coroner - to sit on your carcasses in the morning. evening air The star-light was sufficient to reveal forms pretty plain- * { a ~ i pa pha he '- GHAPTER XI. ” A STARTLING ANNOUNCEMENT. Tne words of the young hunter rang? out stern and’ clear on the g € s " ey ; . Rh wily Sey SP ae | \ 9 Ki Si: 1 “This is a put-up job, and ’ | cause of justice a favor by leaving this vicinity for to-night at least.” ly, although features were not to be studied advantageously in the darkness. : re The sturdy loggers of the North Woods are not easily ‘ bluffed,” and on this occasion they at once resented the threat flung in their faees by Tom Hasty’s rash young friend. “We shall) proceed with the execution, youngster,” said Hod Posy, grimly, ‘‘an’ ef you interfere the coroner will hev carcasses ter sit on fur a fact. ,Go on with the show, lads.” At this instant Dell Jayne thrust his rifle forward and drew the hammer, the muzzle peering unexpectedly into the face of the master of ceremonies. ‘Stop! Release my friend or I'll bore you through.” “Thunderation!” ejaculated Posy, recoiling from the dangerous weapon with an oath. ‘‘Jist snatch onto this young'cub, some o’ you boys. We don’t want the hull camp roused by his noise.” Several men advanced toward Dell, but now he ‘was joined by the tall half-breed, who had brought his long rifle on @ level with Dell’s, thus presenting a formidable front to the enemy. The loggers were armed only with clubs, excepting Posy and his two friehds, Jim Twist and Bill Brace, who each carried an old rifle, neither having been uged in over a month, and therefore hardly to be relied on in an emergency. “This ere pup has murdered a man,” said Hod Posy in a conciliatory tone, ‘‘and we are going ter string him up fur it,” ““The man lies,” cried Tom Hasty. “T know that,” put in Dell Jayne. murdering my friend Nick Doane.” i “And we’ve got evidence that proves he did it,” asserted Posy. ‘Tom is not guilty,” asserted Dell, ‘‘ but J will hear the evidence.” “As if you was jedge,” sneered Hod Posy. We hey tried the young scamp and found-him guilty; ‘‘we don’t ask ony of your inte- ference. Boys, don’t mind these fellows. We know the man is guilty, and we will string him up.” ‘We will listen to the evidence,” said Dell, coolly, ignoring Posy for the time. Tom briefly related how he came to be in his present predicament. “You will find my Winchester under a log, near the skidway, where I found Nick Doane’s rifle,” finished Tom. ‘‘Not one of these wretches have looked there for it, or if they have it has not counted in my favor.” “This thing’s gone far enough,” growled Posy. ‘*We know what our duty is. Up with him, boys! | I will tend ter this young blowhard here.” / ¢ “ello! what does this mean?” : A sudden commotion was manifested as several new-comers appearea upon the scene. ; “Lynch law, by thander!” ejaculated "the well-known yoice of Joe Long, as he pushed his way into the crowd. ‘Ha! Tom, they haven’t © murdered you yet, I see.” : “No: but I’ve had a pretty close call.” “T mistrusted this,” returned Joe, ‘‘ and meant to keep my eyes open. I fell asleep, however, and came near being too late. This is the work of that sneaking Gabe Grout, Pll bet.a farm. — ~ E There were two men with Joe, which, added to Dell and the half- breed, made the two parties about even. i Hod Posy began to swear in a terrible manner. He saw that a hun- dred dollars had slipped through his fingers, and he was very mad in consequence. ey : “There’s no use your swearing, Hod Posy,” said Joe, as he drew the’ almost fatal noose from Tom’s neck. ‘Tt won’t do you a durn’d biti of good. This young man shall go free. Ill risk but what he'll ans’er ~ when called for.” “ ay : There was considerable growling among the partisans of Posy, but even they were glad of an excuse to get free from a most disagreeable scrape. { Tom was with his friends now. : The lynehers dispersed suddenly, leaving situation, Mant ] > eg wrung Joe Long by the hand, then introduced him to Indian ete. pad “ You have befriended me all along, Joe,” cried Tom, ‘and you shall not live to regret it, Ican prove my innocence by hunting down the — real criminal, which I mean to do before I seek other game.” “That's you, my boy,” exclaimed the tall logger, ‘I reckin you won’t hev ter look far for the real murderer, nother!” A ««- You have suspicions then?” cried Dell, eagerly. : { “T should say so,” grunted Long. ‘But ‘2 won’t whisper ’em here. Tom knows who I mean.” | f maaan ot “J think 80,” said Tom, “My friend may return with me I suppose,” said Dell, who wished to show deference to the generous :logger’s wishes. ‘« He’s free’s air far’s I’m concerned,” returned Joe. «Yes, he’d better go,” said one of Joe’s companions. ‘‘”Pwouldn’t — be safe for him here after what has happened.” a fas “‘T'm no coward,” asserted Tom, ‘‘ but I think likely lean do the ~ a 4 “You have been accused of - % 5 our friends masters of the “ That's my opinion,” from Joe Long. ‘And mine, too,” said Dell Jayne. eA Aegi At After a little further talk the parties separated, Joe and his friends | going back to.the shanty, while Dell, Tom and the half-breed set out onsthelriretarn tocampy fi 3 1) WAH Sen EN se “Tes mighty lucky I happened to feel uneasy, and turned my steps Ry = saat ee Py dt 4 4 4 ie SY Se } } i ‘ Kee
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3 | NORTH WOODS TOM. 15 a this way, Tom. Those men would have unjointed your neck sure, and in another minute too, if Pete an’ I hadn’t come up as we did.” Tom admitted the truth of his friend’s argument. ‘© And you got yourself into this scrape all on account of a chit of a | wound had been dressed. girl, Thomas Hasty. What do you think of yourself anyway ?” ‘“No nonsense, Dell,” cried the prisoner, ‘‘I 4m grateful for your late assistance, but I cannot allow you to criticise my taste——” ‘‘Oh, ho! so it’s gone so far as that, eh,” cried Dell. ‘‘ Well, there’s no telling what @ chap won’t do when he’s in love. Run his head into * a noose or break his neck in some other way, and then find himself him a short shrift Tom j : Leaping upon the skidway near, he shouted;for help at the top of his | jilted in the end. .That’s the way it always ends, Tom.” ‘“‘ Not always, Dell, though that may be your experience,” returned Tom. After going some distance Tom came to a sudden halt. ““There now,” he cried, ‘* what fools?’ ‘‘ What’s up now, Tom?” “My rifle. I must go back after it.” “Tt’s a mile nearly,” said Dell; ‘‘We ought to have thought of it sooner. Never mind it to-night. You can return for it in the morn- ing.” ; a No, I must have it to-night. Old Gabriel may get his clutches onto it, then good-bye Winchester. You can wait here until I return. I won’t be gone long.” “‘Oan you find it in the night?” , “Of course I can. I know exactly where I put it.” “«Well, you want to look sharp or you may get into trouble, Tom. Some of those loggers wouldn’t like any better fun than to get their hands onto you once more.” “Tm aware of that. 1 shall be careful, so don’t you worry.” “*T will accompany you.” ; “No need of that, Dell. go near the shanties,” “Well, if you must go——” “T must.” Tom was off like a flash. With long strides) he soon compassed the distance, and stood once more near the spot where he had found the rifle of the murdered man. There lay the log under which he had secreted his own goodly weapon. Stooping, he thrust his hand under the log. All along the log he felt, then he started to his feet with a cry of disappointment. The rifle was gone. : «Tom Hasty, your hour has come—die!l” CHAPTER XII. "A MAIDEN'S RUSE—CONCLUSION. Fierce with venomous anger were the words hissed in the face of the young hunter., A tall form had risen before him, one long arm reach- ing forth to grasp him by the throat, but Tom sprang backward in time to avoid the clutch and the savage stroke of the murderous knife. Then-it was that Tom closed with the worlld-be assassin before he had time to raise his knife for a second stroke. _ Back and forth they reeled over the frozen ground. Tom’s lusty frame was stronger than the other, and he soon succeed- ed in crushing his unknown antagonist to the earth. “My God, you have killed me!” Tom sprang from the prostrate form in amazement. i “Yow are Gabriel Grout !” exclaimed the youth in astonishment. “Yes, and you have done for me.” : ’ “T have not harmed you,” returned Tom. ‘You attempted to mur- der me, and in self-defense I hurled you to the ground.” ; s The fallen man was gasping for breath then, and'Tom Hasty became alarmed. Bending over the fallen man he discovered that the villain’s knife had, by some means, become turned against ‘himself, and in fall- ing the blade had penetrated his side. ; “«Oh—oh !” gasped Grout, “I—I’m going to die.” _ And Tom felt so too. : To be found by the loggers over the dead body of Grout would insure new, There’s not the slightest danger, as I shan’t voice. The loud shouts of the young hunter were heard, and in the course of twenty minutes several of the shantymen arrived on the scene, one | of them bearing a Jantern. hy ‘‘Murder!” gasped the fallen man, the moment his comrades came up. ‘What in creation does this mean?” cried Hod Posy, who pushed himself to the front. ‘That yonder hunter has killed me,” cried. Grout, pointing toward |} . Tom, who stood dumb with wonder near at hand. “Seize him, boys, we'll make short work of the cowardly murderer _ this time.” - But Tom Hasty waved the men off. at ry “Tamot guilty, I came here’ to find my rifle and Gabriel Grout assaulted me. He meant to murder me, but I gained the upper hand con ae him to the ground. In falling he inflicted this wound on rimself.” ; ; ( $7 “T's a lie!” groaned the wounded man. This was enough. Tom was seized, and his hands bound with a cord one of the loggers happened to have on his person. Tom might have escaped, but he did not make the attempt. Dazed and wondering, he allowed himself to be led away, once more at the mercy of the men who all along had been thirsting for his blood. — The wounded man was taken in charge by another party, and taken to the cook’s shanty, where the greatest consternation soon prevailed. * 1 goin’ ter take its course, an’ don’t you forget it.” Viola came near fainting at sight of the blood, and John Granger and his wife were horrified beyond measure. . “You asked how it happened,” groaned Gabriel Grout, after his *«T only know that I was assaulted by that hunter and stabbed.” : “Tom Hasty?” ““ Yes.” “Where did it happen?” «In the woods shortly after we released the scamp.” Then wounded man was unable to proceed farther then. In the meantime Tom was condueted to the men’s shanty. The whole crew were roused to a fever pitch of excitement now. The evidence of Tom’s guilt was too strong to admit ofa doubt. Even Joe Long had no power to stay the hands of the enraged shantymen, who had seen the scaler wounded, perhaps dying, with Tom Hasty standing over him. This, in connection with the fact of the hunter's having Nick Doane’s rifle, quite substantiated his guilt in both instances. “Tom, my boy, this looks mighty dark,” said Joe Long, as he pressed the young man’s hand. ‘It seems you were’ taken in the act this time.” ‘*Tt seems so.”? _ “You admit your guilt?” cried Joe. ‘ “No. But there’s no use arguing with the crowd,” said Tom, loftily. “Tf I die, Gabriel Grout will have both murder and perjury to answer for in the next world, if not in this.” “This ere fine talk don’t go down no more,” sneered Hod Posy, who had been fixing @ point overhead for the adjusting ofa rope. ‘ We'll hang yer nicely, my boy. ‘Thar ain’t nothin’ kin save ye this time.” “Don’t insult the poor fellow,” cried Joe. ‘ His situation’s bad enough ’thout tantalizin’ him besides.” “Shut up, Joe Long. You're outer this casenow. Law an’ justice's A rope was adjusted ‘about the victim’s neck, and one end pushed through a hole over a log that formed a portion of the shanty roof. “Now then, hoist ’im up, boys.” hi A wild scream filled the shanty, just as these orders fell from the lips and wild eyes, Viola Day appeared before the lynchers. of Hod Posy, and the next instant white-faced, with streaming@hair is ‘You must not hang him—he is innocent,” cried the maiden, cling- ing to the arm of Joe Long for support, and turning her blue eyes ap- pealingly upon "Posy. . “No, ma’am, we know better——” ' , “But Gabriel Grout says so. Oh, you must stop this horrid work, you must believe me,” gasped Viola wildly. f “ String ’im up, boys. = tay 4 “Hold,” cried Joe Long. ‘ There is something to this. The hunter must not die until we see Gabriel Grout.” ' ‘““Cussed nonsense,” growled Hod. ‘ ‘But, sir,” persisted Viola, who was recovering her strength, “he you, Mr. Posy. Surely yon a believes he is dying, and+he has sent for will not refuse the prayer of a dying man.” ‘¢This ain’t no trick.” ; ; ““No—no, go. in Heaven’s name!” ‘All right,” growled the chopper. utes, an’ then we'll finish the job.” ae While the men were discussing this new phase in ‘the affair, Viola slipped to the side of Tom Hasty, and severed his bands with 4 keen knife she had brought with her for the purpose. “Flee,” she whispered. “My ruse was successful, and your life depends on instant flight.” f < By AE ‘Tt was only a ruse then?” a Se “Yes, yes; go. Ah, Heavens, you are too late.” ‘*He cannot go. Your lie won’t save the murderer,” cried shanty-men, low suit. . Viola shrank back appalled. ° Once more strong hands seized the rope. “Up with him, lads.” j re “Stop,” commanded Joe Long. ‘ Wait till Hod returns.” — “Twas a lie the gal told,” cried Jim Twist. ‘‘ She said so herself.” “Pll come back in a few min- one of the when Hod Posy and Mr. Granger suddenly burst into the room. us ut the youngster go,” cried Hod Posy; ‘‘ he’s aecimee “* Tnnocent ?” ( : ** Aye, innercent. Gabe Grout is dead. -When dying he owned up. -He killed Nick Doane, meanin’ to murder . Granger. He tried ter his sb knife. °Twas all on ’count of the girl, Miss Viola, that this scamp did so much killin’.” ; . : The words of the chopper were confirmed by Mr. Granger, and Tom Hasty was triumphantly liberated, while the old shanty was made to ring with the wild, glad shouts of the loggers, During the excitement eneral joy at Tom’s triumphant acquittal. e i ‘f an dear reader. When We will not linger oyer this scene, Tom Hasty left the North Woods one month later, he bore with him Viola Day’s And thus Tom’s hunt met with promise to one day become his wife. A witl greater reward than he expected when first he set foot in the northern wilderness. beso : thea f 5 ' ¥ ' [THE END.] - A wrangle here ensued, lasting some minutes, when the lynchers, carried the day and Tom Hasty was about to be launched into eternity, ; murder Mr. Tom Hasty, but missed" his Gis, and in the fight fell on rt at * , as he grasped Tom by thearm, a signal for others to fol-_ bb bbe Ay BS i Dell and Indian Pete put in an appearance, and were soon sharing the f + ‘ ‘
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Raymond Adpste ifs Booth by 1146 Adrift re a Haunted Lake; or, The M tery of a Lost War Ship. by Roger Stentnuk 1147 The Arkansas Scout......... by 1148 The Wolf Boys of wate WY Ae Re Jas. D. Montague 1149 The Boy Nihilist; or, Vounk America = Russia... by Captain Geo. Granville, (U. 5. A.) 1150 Daniel Boone’s Best Shot; or, The erils of the Kentucky Pioneers, . by John Sherman 1151 The Parson’s Boy; or, The Innocent Oneof — F the Family—comic............ by Tom ca 1152 The Game Cock of Deadwood. ‘A Story the Wild Northwest......... b Geo. @. Small 1153 yore! Rollins, Rue iS oun reman. ry of Heroic Deeds..... Ys Robert ee 1154 rite Buffalo Specs or, The Boy Scout of the Rio Del Norte.. . by Lieut, EK. H, Kellogg iets by Roger Sterbudie joys in Fare eine Hobie iby Berton Bertrew aul Braddon 1155 pee Lost Island. A Romance es a ie eo m World... . Cc, Little 1156 nse Silent Ba nome 1157 eo renee s Li or, The Rene- OODTS Gad teeas Hein de by Gaston Garne 1158 ee ane Ladder Jack, the Darin ee oung Fireman. lewd WaRIA Bible's! kines rb Lennox y “Noname” 1160 Yellowstone Kelly ........ by Robert ges nard 1161 Captain Jack Tempest, the Eee of the POEL voles’ aoa Ramee a so « phaaINa by in Tey ih aged 1162 o ‘Poor 1 Boy’s Fight; or, re ero of the GOL Baics aig vieddilats Niles iv 1163 Boarding School Serapes; or, The Rac Sets be a oung Ventriloquist. Part THAR CUR ha ener apie by Tom Teaser 1164 Boarding School Scrapes; or, The Rackets ut Sel oe Ventriloquist. Part W— Pee LD Pane the re ee y Tom Teaser 1165 Lost eh a Yacht; or, The Adventures of ‘our American Boy BBs c hrweel by R. T, Emmet 1166 Hob Rudder, the Boy Pilot of ee Missinin: RS RH INP Pa ARR by P..T. Raymond 1167 : a bite FMAM Gi save. cece by Kit Clyde 1168 Muldoon’s Flats—comic Tom ae ‘easer 1169 The Hut i in the ay amp; or, canes yster Hal Percy’s Fate....'......5.. Ns od Deine 1170 Nick and Jed, te. King ARSE om of the pts ae a SE aie aa '. Raymond 1171 Clear the Track Tom; or, e iets rest Engineer on the Road...... by Albert J, Booth 1172 The Demon of the Deep; or, ‘Above. an Beneath the Sea......... y Howard De Vere 1173 Larry the Life Saver; or, A Born Fireman y Robert Lennox 174 Berna of Mystery ; se Adventures 1175 Goldburn, oe Girl Guerrillayt. 1... ek,s by Morris Redwing 1176 poe Mizzen; or, The Cruise-of the ‘Cor- MNS cauas Vanes y Richard R. Montgomery 1177 Vankes Bob, the Y Oiihs Scout of the Rap- pahannock -by Ralph Morton 1178 The Potomac. Detecti by Ralph Morton 1179 Union Dick in the Rebel Pane, satan eKoR 1 ry 1180 Cavalry Jack at, Murfreesboro by Col. Ralph Fenton 1181 Cavalry Jack in the Swamps................ by Col. Ralph Fenton 1182 Reon Charlie; or, The Adventures of a BOY TLOrOs iri cata cs ca van’s by W.I. James, Jr 1183 The abaviee on the Road; or, In the Old Business Just for Fun—comic. .by Peter Pad 1184 The Haunted Cave...... by Jas. D. Montague 1185 Infantry Dave, the Young Scout of the Wilderness..........sesseene by Ralph Morton 1186 Daniel Boone, the Hero of Kentue y seh Braddon i ‘1187 Three Yankee Chums; or, Dr. Dodd’s Wx- loring Expedition. . by He nora iol Ab-Look 188 Burt, the Detective; or, A Sleuth-Hound on the Track by Police Captain Howard 1189 The Mysterious pa Ea en ‘he Secret of the Three Black Stars,..by Hart Barnard 1190 pee Ceyant Middy; or, Captured by Pi- racametee aiake eat y Richard R. ysis de apt 1191 Meta, the Girl Grasoas or, The Secre the Sea by. Gus. Williams 1192 Under the Gallows..... . bya 1193 The Gold Hunters of’ Maree or, Prairie Phantom..........+54 HO. immet 1194 Drifting Harry; or, Hoeing iii aun Row J. G. Bradley 1195 A Trip tothe Center of the Ear} se PR _by. Howard De Vere 1196 pire 's Last Shot; or, ie Boy 1 pees of Little Horn......... M. Travers 1197 shady Dell School; or, in: 8 sand “Mishap: 8 of Sch ao Life... by Capt. Will Dayton 1198 Dick Wright and His Band of “Cannibal ite R, Scott 1199 Sawdust Charlie, the Fee ve the Bs ben’ d by An Old Ringmaster 1200 The Blasted Pine; or, Three Boy Scouts.. 1201 Th y Tr en t.. b: es para ee e Bo apezist..by a Former Profession 1202 Little Nugget, the Pride of Leadville ..... 1203 'The ¥ A t pei ee e Young Aeronaut............ TO) ise 1204: Denver Dan and His Mystic Band) by ©. Little 1205 Denver Dan and the Road Agents. by C. Little 1206 Denver Dan and the aang, 3 ies C) 1207 Denver ‘Dan Outwitted; or, The Outlave’ 'S Trium| 1208 Denver Dah the Sheriff... 1209 Denver Dan to ae Rescu 0 taineer’s Strat. Little he ce 1210 Denver Dan and fis Chums: i es - Little ee Denver Dan in New York......... C, Littl 2 The Twin Boy Scouts....by Pere: ¥ St. Johi of Prairie Phil; or, The Panther ot e Platte Rockwood 1214 Trapper Duke; or, The Female aa ater D. Montague 1215 Goo and Blue; or, Risks ee pe on the PALL kc asete ot gists Harry Rockwood 1216 Little H Hal, the Boy ihaineer eis sigs Vda by ngs gm Will Da; 1217 The Pirate’s Son... --b Js T. foe Se oa 1218 The Search for the ‘ or, Treas from the Deep............. She Gerald Fleming For sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or sent to your address, post-paid, on receipt of the price, 5 cents. . Ad- eu Box 2780, ag FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher 84 & 36 North Moore Street, New aia 4 by Howard De Vere « a ‘by G. Little | U.S. Detective