Frank Reade Library (v.8) (1898 06 24)
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oy is Noname’s ? Iatest and best St6ries are Published in’r f met iF b a8 i * 3 a Wee a bata : 4 fuck tat ie u fintered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. ¥., Post Office, October 5, 1892. F 5 Rives =i FRANK TOUSHY, Puarisive, 29 West 26th Srrmer, New York. ( PRICE RTAT ETT No. i8s. | COMELEER. New York, June 24, 1893, IssukD SEMEMONTHLY. — ls CK Nae. Vol. VIII. Tintered according to the Act of Congress, in the Yeu ” 130) » oY FRANK TOUSEY, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at IWashington, D. C. AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN; YOUNG INVENTOR’S TRIP TO THE FAR WEST. ME.” STREET OEE ER ED RED By “NONA EIR Sratiatrate ieiirnes rae cecers
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- 2 FRANK READE, JR, AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. ‘ a — = aa = r seripti tice of the Frank RaapE LipRARyY by the year is $2.50; $1.25 per six months, post paid. Address FRANK Veep rashes TOUSEY,. PuBLIsHER, 29 West 26th Street, New York. 4, Frank Reade Jr,, and His New Steam Man . © aw THE YOUNG INVENTOR'S TRIP TO THE FAR WEST. By “NONAME,” ; Author of ‘‘ Frank Reade Jr.’s Hlectric Cyclone; cr, Thrilling Adventures in No Man’s Land,” ete. Frank, Jr., was ata loss to exactly understand what his father waa driving at. However, he replied: ‘ Well, I may safely say that itis. Now explain yourself.” “«T will,” replied the senior Reade. ‘I have a matter of great im- portance to give you, Frank, my boy. If your invention is ag good as CHAPTER I. A GREAT WRONG. PRANK READE was noted the world over as a wonderful and oe a guished inventor of marvelous machines in the line of steam an : ( \ electricity. But he had grown old and unable to knock about the | my steam man even, and does not improve upon it, if will yet perform world, as he had been wont once to do. the work which I want it do. i So it happened that his son, Frank Reade, Jr., a handsome and A roe uroke across ee a face. ee 7 talented young man, succeeded his father as a great inventor, even Al?” he cried. See what you are driving at. You have an excelling him in variety and complexity of invention. The son | undertaking for me and my new machine. speedily outstripped his sire, Frank, Sr., looked steadily at Frank, Jr., and replied: . ‘ j H aq? The great machine shops in Readestown were enlarge: by young > You have a the nail upon the head. Frank, and new flying machines, electric wonders, and so forth, were Z What is it? ae brought into being. ‘ Ebeh must tell you a story. Bai the-eldes Brau. wold matntein. that, tuasmach as plectaasty COTE would take me some time to go into the details, so I will not Be ie, wae An Uneven factor, bis. invention of the Steam attempt to do that but. give you a simple statement of facts; in short Min was really the most wonderful of all, : ; | the outline of the story.” ’ ’ “it cannot be improved upon,” he declared, positively. ‘Not if CoM Hen et as faee in” stenin is used as a motive power. 1 idan = : ; ; ie senior Reade cleared his throat and continued: Frank, Jr., laughed ee and Be his father on the: back. “Many years ago when [was traveling in Aastralia I was set upon ‘ ‘ Pale | *" Dad, He-Beid, irl ane sepia bere bantering Ba what, by bushmen and would have been killed but for the sudden arrival Berens cant itt ergata Pe ye er eob le supreyement upon the szene of a countryman of mine, a man of about my own age SreLOn 6 mae itt” declared the senior Reade and as plucky as a lion. avec a Eos i 3 eek “His name was Jim Travers, and I had known him in New York Frank, Jr., said no more, but smiled in a signi ficant manner. One | as the son of a wealthy family. He was of a roving temperament, how- day later, tue doors of the secret draughting-room of design were | ever, and this is what had brougiit him to Australia. tightly locked and young Frank came forth only to his meals. «Well, Travers saved my life. He beat off my assailants, and nurs- For three months this matter of closed doors continued. In the } ine my wounds brought me back to life. 0 machine shop department, where the parts of machinery were secreily } ; “‘T have felt ever since that Towed him a debt which could not be put together, the ring of hammers might have been heard, and a big | fully repaid. At that time 1 could make no return for the service,’ sign was upon the door: ae ; “ Jim and I drifted through the gold fields together. Then I lost o admittance! : : track of him, and until the other day I have not geen or heard from Thus matters were when one evening Frank left his arduous duties | him. z to spend a few hours with his wife and little boy. : “But I now find that itis in my power to give him assistance, in But just as he was passing out of the yard, a darky, short in stature | fact to partly pay the debt I owe him. This brings us to the matter and of genial features, rushed excitedly up to him. in hand. 5 “Oh, Marse Frank,” cried the sable servitor, ‘‘ Jes’ wait one mo- Six months ago it seems that Jim who is now a man of great wealth, ment!” : still a bachelor and for a few years past living at a fashionable hotel ‘‘ Well, Pomp,” said Frank, pleasantly, ‘‘ what can I do for you?” | in New York went to his club. When he returned in the evening he The darky, who was a faithful servant of the Reades, and had ac- ‘ ‘ i u i ‘found a note worded like this: companied both on their tours in foreign lands, ducked his head, with Mr. Reade laid a note upon the table, Frank read it: @ grin, and replied: , : ns Race gute ‘‘DEAR TRAVERS:—I would like to see you to-night upon a very ne fader wants yo’, Marse Frank, jes’ as quick as eber yo" kin important matter. Will you meet me in twenty minutes at the cafe come! ; ; Bs on your corner, I must see you, so be sure and come. ‘« My father,” exclaimed Frank, quickly. ‘* What is it?” ; **] don’ know nuffin’ bout it tall, Marse Frank. He jes’ say fo’ me to tell yo’ he want fo’ to see yo’.” “Where is he?” _ “Tn his library, sah.” ; ‘All right, Pomp. ‘Tell him I will come at once.” The darky darted away. Frank saw that the doors to ‘the secret rooms were locked. This was a wise precaution for hosts of cranks and demented inventors were always hovering about the place and would quickly have stolen’ the designs if they could have got at them. Not ten minutes later Frank entered the library where his father was, The elder Reade was pacing up and down in great excitement. *« Well, my son. you have come at last!” he cried. ‘I have much wanted to see you.” ‘Tam at your service, father,” replied Frank. ‘* What is it?” ‘I want you .o tell me what kind of a machine you have been get- ting up.” ‘“Come now, that’s not fair,” said Frank Jr. with twinkling eyes. _ ‘* Well, if it’s any kind of a machine that can travel over the prairies - tell me go,” cried the elder Reade, excitedly. “A FRIEND.” ‘Of course Jim wondered at the note, but he did not know of an enemy in the world, so he felt perfectly safe in keeping the appoint- ment. He started for the cafe. , f ‘“‘The night was dark and misty, Jim walked along and had got near the cafe when somebody stepped out of a dark hallway and grasped his arm. * ‘«*«Come in here,” 2 sharp voice said, we can talk better here than in the cafe.” A ‘*¢ Before Jim could make any resistance he was pulled into a dark - hallway. Two men had hold of him and something wet was dashed ucross his face and over his hands, then he felt some liquid poured < over his clothes and some object thrust into his pocket.’ ‘Then the door opened again and he was flung out iuto the street. Jim was unharmed, but amazed at such treatment. He-had not been hurt and was at a loss to understand what it all meant. “ The incident had taken but a few moments in its course. At first a thought of foul play had flashed across Jim. Then it occurred to him to look at his hands which were wet with some substance. ‘He gave a great ery of horror as he did so. There was blood upon them, \ A | on EEE SS SSS,
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f oN 3° FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. ‘In fact his hands and face and clothes were almost soaked in red blood. For an instant he was horrified. ‘“What mystery was this? But he quickly changed his opinion and actually laughed. foo ‘Tt occurred to him as a practical joke upon the part of his club friends. Satisfied of chis he resolved to get even with them. «He tried to open the door, through which he had been pulled. It ws locked and would not yield. «Then he decided to go back to his room and wash off the blood. But he had not gone ten steps before he was met in the glare of the lamplight by one of the club men. : ““sThunder! What's the matter with you, Travers?’ asked his friend. s “. ““¢QOh, nothing, only a little practical joke the boys have been play- ing on me,’ replied Jim with a grin. Two or three others come along and Jim explains in like manner. Then he goes to his apartments. «* When he arrives there he is amazed to find the door open and a fearful scene within, The furniture, the light carpet and the walls in places are smeared with blood. Jim now got angry. : ***> This is carrying a joke a little too far! he cried, testily. spoiling fine furniture is too much,’ : ‘But he went to washing the blood from his hands. This was a hard job and took time. Suddenly half a dozen officers came into the room and seized him. «s+ What do you want? cried poor Jim in surprise. ‘*«We want you,’ they replied. see What for?’ «© ¢ Por murder!’ Instead of being horrified, Jim was mad, madder than a March hare, He just got up and swore at the officers. *«T don’t like this sort of thing,” he declared. too far.”, The officers only laughed and slipped manacles upon his wrists. Then they led him away io prison. Not until brought into court did poor Jim know that he had been made the victim of a hellish scheme. Murder had really been committed in that house into which he had been dragged, avd where’ he was smeared with blood. A man un- known, was there found literally carved to pleces with a Knife. Blood had been found upon Jim in his room. A trail led from the house to hisroom. A knife was found in his coat pocket. The evi- dence was all against him and his trial had just come off and he had just been sentenced to death by hanging with only three months of grace.” © Frank Reade, Jr., listened to this thriiling tale with sensations ’ which the pen cannot depict. It was so horrible, so strange, so ghastly that hé could hardly believe it true. He arose and walked once across the floor. * This “TVs carrying a joke CHAPTER Il. THE NEW STEAM MAN. THEN the young inventor paused before his father, and in a deeply jmpressed manner said: : ‘*Then an innocent man stands convicted of murder?” “ Yes.” ‘Tn that case it is the duty of every philanthropic man to try and gave the innocent.” CO rs CPN ‘*We must do it.” t ‘‘T am glad to hear you say that.” “But the question now arises as to how we shall be able to do it. Is there no clew to the real assassins?” ‘*No definita clew.” ‘ ‘‘That is very strange. Of course there must have been a motive. That motive would seem to be to get Travers out of the way.” as Yes.” *« And he has no enemies?” m “* Noue that he knew of.” ‘Ah, but what would any one gain by putting him out of the way——” Frank Reade, Jr., paused. He gazed steadily at his father. Much passed between them in that glance. ‘*His fortune is a large one,” put in the senior Reade, “ the right to inherit would furnish the best motive. There is but one heir, and he is a nephew, Artemas Cliff, who is a stockman, somewhere in the Far West. 1% could not be him.” “Could not?” Frank Reade, Jr., sat down and dropped intoa brown study. After a time he aroused. “JT am interested in this case,” he declared. ‘‘ And my Steam Man is at the disposal of justice at any time. But you spoke of the prairies. Is there a clew in the West?” 4 ‘*The only clew possible to obtain at present,” declared Mr. Reade, Sr. ‘You see detectives tracked two suspicious men to Kansas. There they lost track of them. Everybody believes that they were the assassins,” “ Well, I believe it,” cried Frank Reade, Jr., withimpulse. ‘I can see but one logical explanation of this matter. Either Artemas Cliff has ‘employed two ruffians to do this awful deed for the sake of Travers’ money, or—the case is one not possible to solve with ease.” Frank Reade, Sr., did not dislay surprise at this statement of his son. ‘* Now you have the whole thing in a nutshell, my boy,” he said, ~“ Of course, you can do as you please, but if you wish to take any _Kind of a journey with your new invention, here is a chance, and a a noble object in view. That object should be to track drown the mur- derers, and clear Jim Travers. It may be that the nephew, Artemas Ciiff. is the really guilty one, but in any case, I believe that it is in the West you will find the solution of the mystery.” That is my belief,” agreed Frank Reade, Jr., ‘‘ but now that this matter is settled let me show you the plans of my steam man.” Frank Reade Jr., drew a roll of papers from his pocket and spread them upon the table. Upon them were the blue print plans and drawings of the mechan- ism of the Steam Man. Frank Reade, Senior, examined them carefully and critically. From one piece to another he went and after some time drew a deep breath saying: “Well, young blood is the best after all. 1 must say, Frank, that I am beat. There is no doubt but that you baye improved upon my Steam Man. I[ congratulate you.” “hank you,” said Frank Reade, Jr. with gratification. “ But I am anxious to see this marvel at work.” “You shall,” replied the young inventor. ‘ To-morrow the Steam Man will go out of the shop upon bis trial trip.” ‘ A few minutes later Frank Reade, Jr., was on the way to his own ouse. He was in a particularly happy frame of mind. He had achieved great results in his new invention, and here, as by design, was a chance afforded him to” use the Steam Man to a philanthropic and heroic purpose. : The idea of traveling through the wilds of the West was a thrilling one. Frank could already picture the effect of ‘the Steam Man upon the nae bec of the plainsand the outlaws of Western Kansas and Colorado. Also the level floor-like prairie of that region Would afford excellent traveling for the new invention. Frank Reade, Jr., was a lover of adventure. It was an inborn love. The prospect before him fired his very soul. It was just what he desired. That evening he unfolded all his plans to his wife. Of course Mrs. Reade was averse to herhusband undertaking such a dangerous trip. But after a time she overcame her scruples and re- conciled herself to it. The next morning at an early hour, Frank was at the engine house of the steel,works. The wide doors were thrown open and a wonder- ful sight revealed. : There stood the Steam Man. Frank Reade, Sr., and a great number of friends were present. Pomp, the negro, was also there, as well as a queer-looking little Irish- man with a genuine Hibernian mug and twinkling eyes, which bespoke a nature brinming over with fun. This was Barney O’Shea. Barrey and Pomp had long been faithful servants of the Reades. In all of their travels with their inventions they had accompanied them. Of these two characters we will say no more, but permit the reader to become acquainted with them in the course of the story. The senior Reade examined the mechanism of the new Steam Mau with deepest interest. “Upon my word, Frank,” he cried, ‘‘ you have beaten me out and out. I can hardly believe my eyes.” Frank Reade, Jr., laughed good humoredly. Then he went about showing a party of friends the mechanisn of the new Stean: Man. The man himself was a structure of iron plates joined in sections with rivets, hinges or bars as the needs required. In oe and form the machire was a good imitation of a man done in steel. In no wise id he look was fully nine feet. The man stood erect holding the shafts of a wagon at his hips. The wagon itself was light but roomy with four wheels and a top covering of fine steel net work. This was impervious to a bullet while anyone inside could see quite well all about them. ‘There were loop-holes in this netting to put the rifle barrels through - in case of a fight. A part of the wagon was used as a coal bunker. Other small com- partments held a limited amount of stores, ammunitions and weapons, Upon the fender in front was a brake to regulate the wagon on a steep grade, and a slit in the net work here allowed of the passage of the reins, two long lines connecting with the throttle and - whistle valves. A word as to the mechanism of the man. Here was really the ffne work of the invention. Steam was the motive power, The hollow legs and arms of the man made the reservoir or boilers. In the broad chest was the furnace. Fully two hundred pounds of coal could here be placed, keeping up a fire sufficient to gererate steam for a long time. The steam chest was upon the man’s back, and here were a number of valves. The tall hat worn by the man formed the smoke stack. The driving rods, in sections, extended down the man’s legs, and coulé be set in motion so skillfully that-a tremendous siride was at- tained, and a speed far beyond belief. 2 This was the new steam man. The improvements were many and manifest. : All the mechanism was more nicely balanced, the parts more — strongly joined, and the steel of finer quality. Greater speed was the — certainty. ponderous or unwieldly, though his stature
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_ a big bluff yez are playin’. FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. Fire was burning in the furnace, steam was hissing from the retort, and smoke was pouring from the funnel hat of the man. Frank Reade, Jr., suddenly sprung in the wagon. - He closed the screen door behind him. Pomp was engaged in some work in the coal bunker. Frank took up the reins and pulled them. The throttle was opened and also the whistle vaive. Three sharp shrieks the new Steam Man gave and then he was away on the trial trip. Out of the yard he went and out upon the highway. Everybody rushed to the gates and a great cheer went up. the highway went the Steam Man at a terrific gate, His strides were long and powerful. So rapidly were they made that a tremendous amount of surface was covered. It was a good smooth road. Just ahead was a man riding a horse. who was noted us a fast rider. Both had heard that the Steam Man would make his trial run that morning. Bets had been made by both that they could beat the Man. Frank guessed the truth at once. ‘Ki dar, Marse Frauk,” cried Pomp, with a chuckle and a shake of his woolly head. ‘Dem two chaps am got a pile ob gall, Jes’ yo’ show dem dat dey ain’t in it. Won't yo’?” Pomp had more taan one reason for beating the. horse and BReHcle: He had made a small bet of his own on the résult. It was evident that the parties ahead were ready for the fun. eae Reade, Jr., smiled grimly, and opened tte throttle a little wider, The next moment the Steam Man, the bicycle rider and the trotter were all flying neck and neck down the road. Heavens! what a race that was! Down the road theysflew like a whirlwind. them in a cloud. Bat the Steam Man just trotted by his competitors with seemingly no exertion at all. Frank turned with a laugh to see how easily they were distanced. After a good trial, the new Stearn Man returned to the foundry yard. Down Near him was a bicycler The dust flew up behind As Frank stepped down out of the wagon, his father came up and | grasped his hand in an ecstasy of delight. ‘« Bravo, my son!” he cried. ‘‘ You have eclipsed my invention. I wish Jou luek, and I know that you will succeed in clearing Jim Tra- | vers.” “T shall take only Barney and Pomp with me,” said Frank Reade, Jr. ‘There will not be room in the wagon for more.” ‘Well, they will be useful companions,” said the Senior Reade. “My son; may God be with you in your enterprise, ” Frank Reade, Jr., at once proceeded to make reddeations for his western trip. He visited Travers in prison and talked with him. “To tell the truth, I am distrastful of my nephew, Artemas Cliff. He is an avaricious villain, and a number of times has tried to swindle me out of money. I know that he has led the life of an outlaw out there on the border.” ‘*But if he aspired to gain your wealti, why did he not BrLempt your life in some direct manner?” asked Frank Ke “TJ presume be mny. have feared detection,” replied Travers. “ ott I am hung for the murder of this unknown man, the mystery will be sealed forever, They real murderer will never be known.” “T believe you are right,” agreed Frank Reade, Jr.‘ Well, I will find this Artemas Olilf, ‘and do the best 1 can towards clearing up the mystery and setting you right.” «Thank you!” sand Travers with emotion. succeed.” ‘*T feel that you will CHAPTER ILL. ON THE PLAINS. THE scene of our story now undergoes a great change. We will transfer the reader from Readestown to the plains of the Far West. Fully five hundred miles from civilization, and right in the heart of the region of the hostile Sionx. Frank Reade, Jr., had transported the Steam Man as far as possible by rail, oP pel tence he had journeyed the rest of the ways overland. Nothing of thrilling sort had as yet marked their journey. But they were upon the verge ‘of the most exciting adventures as the reader will hereafter azree, possible to be experienced by man, - With the broad expanse of rolling plain upon every hand, one morn- ing in June the Steam Man might have been seen making its* way along at a moderate guit. Frank Reade, Jr., with Barney and Pomp were in the wagon. Frank held the reins and his keen gaze swept the prairie in every direction. As far as the eye could reach there remained the same broad ex- panse. There was little to break the monotony. Barney avd Pomp had taken advantage of a lull in their duties to play a social game of poker in the rear of the wagon, These two unique characters, although the warmest of friends, were nevertheless always engaged in badgering each other or the perpetra- tion of practical jokes. « Bejabers, I'll xo yez ten betther on that, yez black ape.” cried Barney, throwing down a handful of chips. Sul take me worrud it’s Yez can’t fool me.” ott iat eer i Wirt My “ Youse will jest find out dis nigger neber plays a bluff game,” re- torted Pomp with a chuckle. ‘ Jest yo’ look out fo’ yo’sef, Vish.”? ** Begorra, I ain’t afraid av yez an’ I'll go ye the tin,” cried Barney. There was w broad grin upon Pomp’s “face, He quietly picked up ten chipg and then put in ten more. ** Hold on, Pisk, Pll go youse ten better.” ** Call yez, be hivens!” cried Baruey, cliucking in ten more. Then he threw dowi his hand. “ ©an yez bate that?’ be eried, triumphantly. naygur. Yez are no good.” But Pomp pat ore black paw over the pile of chips. “7Jes’ wait one minnit, Tish.” ‘“Whurrol Yez can’t bate it!’ cried Barney, confidently. He hag thrown a good hand containing four ae) and two aces. But Pomp quietly laid down four aces! The picture was one well worthy of an artist. For | a moment the two card players gazed at the six aces in amazement. It was a very curious anomaly that there should be six aces in one pack of cards. Then Barney sprang up furiously. ‘ Begorra, it’s a big cheat ye are!” he cried, ange ily. ‘“* Whoever saw the loikes av that? Be me sowl, the hull pile is mine!” ‘* Don’ yo’ pus yo’ hands on dem chips, Pish!” cried Pomp, angrily. ‘* Praps yo’ kin tell me wharfore youse got dem two aces, maybe youse can?” ‘« Bejabers, they war in the pack, but yez kin tell me perhaps where yez got thove four aces yez put down there?” ‘“T tell yo’, Pish, dey was in de pack.” ‘* Be jabers it’s the fust pack av ecards I ever saw with six aces in it,” retorted Barney. ‘* Now don’ yo’ gib me any mo’ ob yo’ sass, Vish!” blustered Pomp. “Tl jes’ make yo" sorry if yo’ does.” ‘* Bejabers yez ain’t the size!” “ Look out fo’ yo’self, Pish!” ‘« Whurroo!” Gyer went the table leaf, down went the chips in the bottom of the wagon, and the two angry poker players closed in a lively wrestle. For a moment Barney had the best of it, then Pomp tripped the Celt up and both fell in a heap in the bottom of the wagon. They chanced to fall against the wire screen door in ‘the rear of the; wagon, It was unlocked and gave way beneath the pressure, and the two practical jokers went through itand out upon the hard floor of the prarie. They were rolled about in a ciond of dust, and had they not been of something more than ordinary composition they would have Suffered: from broken bones. But as it was both picked themselves up unhurt. The Steam Man had gone on fully one hundred yards before Frank Reade, Jr., perceived that his companions were missing, and at once closed the trottle and brought the Map to a halt. ‘‘Serves the rascals right,” muttered Frank, as he saw them pick themselves up from the dust. ‘They are always skylarking, and no good comes of it.” ~ Frank had stopped the Steam Man, He waited for the two jomere to pick themselves up and 'return to the wagon. But at that moment @ thrilling thing occurred. Barney and Pomp had fallen near a clump of timber. From this with wild yells a band of mounted Sioux Indians now dashed. They were a war party—painted and bedecked with feathers, and in the fall paraphernalia of war. The peril which threatened the two jokers was one not to be de- Spised. It was quite evident that the savages meant to cnt off their rejoin- ing the Steam Man. In that case their fate would be sealed, ‘But Barney was qnick-witted, and saw the situation at a glance. With a wild howl he broke into a mad run for the Steam Man. It was @ question of life or death and he ran as he had never ran before. Pomp was not so lucky. and actually sueceeded in reaching the wagon, the darky suddenly found himself eut off. Indian ponies were circling about him, the red riders whooping and yelling like veritable demons. The poor darky was beside himslf with terror and perplexity. “Golly sakes alibe!” he yelled, with his wool literally standing on end. ‘* Whatebber am dis yer nigger gwine fo’ to do? I’se a gone coon fo’ sual.” ; It certainly looked that way. The savages circled nearer er half a dozen of them dismounted and rushed upon Pomp. ‘ Now the darky was unarmed. He had not even a pistol or a knife. Of course he was at their merey. In less time than it takes to tell it, the savages had closed in about the terrified, darky, and he was quickly thrown upon his back mang bound. Then he was laid across the back of a pony and tied on sasietly, Then a lariat was attached to the pony’s bridle, and the savages with their prisoner in their midst dashed away. Barney had reached the Steam Man and climbed into the wagon. Frank Reade, Jr., had seen the whole affair, and for a moment was too astounded to act. Then as Barney came tumbling into the wagon, Frank turned: the man around and sent hiin flying toward the savages. — This mave was quickly made, and the Steam Man ran forward — “Give us the pot, wi af i f * ¥ ] ¥ q , me While Barney was distaneing his pursuers, ~
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/ FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. © rapidly. But quick as it had been, the savages had yet succeeded in making Pomp a prisoner and getting away with him. “Be jabers, they’ve got the naygur bound toa horse,” cried Barney, wildly. ‘‘ Wud yez luk at the loikes, Misther Frank, We must catch the omadbouns and give them a lessin of the right sort.” ; “T hope we may,” replied Frank, with great anxiety, ‘‘ but I fear the red fiends will get to cover before we can overtake them.” ‘«Whurroo! It’s mesilf as will sphoil the icike av some av thim,” eried Barney, as he picked up his rifle. The savages were racing like mad across the prairie. he had a white heart jist that came. Be jabers av’ we cud only get bear enough to the read omadhouns’ I’d loike toxshoot ivery mother’s They had caught sight of the Steam Man, which was to them some | fiend incarnate, some evil spirit which would seek their certain de- struction. Terror of the wildest sort made them whip their ponies to the ut- most. . It was a mad race. But the Steam Man was gaining. ; He took tremendous strides. Frank pulled the whistle valve, and the shrieks sent up on the air were of a terrifying kind. The savazes had all gazed with wonder upon the white man’s iron horse that followed iis steel track across their prairies. Bat this latest appearance, the Steain Man, was too much for their nerves. They could not bear it, and fled. The Steam Man would certainly havé overtaken them. But, not visible until one had turned the 1imber line and made a rise in the prairie was a distant range of hills. Toward this the savages were going. If they reached them, they would certainly succeed in eluding their pursuer. And the chances seemed good. Frank saw, with a peculiar chill, that they were really liable to reach the point aimed at. He sent the man on at full speed. : Barney placed himself at a loophole, and commenced firing as rap- idly as he could at the fleeing foe, The result was that many of them fell, and the others redoubled their exertions to make an escape. On went the chase toward the distant range of hills. Nearer and nearer drew the ponies to the objective point. With sinking heart Frank saw that the Indians were likely to reach them before the Steam Man could overtake them. Of course this would mean safety for the savages, for the Steam Man covld not hope to follow the ponies over the rough surfaces there eu- countered. ‘‘ Heavens, we are not going to save Pomp!” cried Frank, with a ves despair in his voice. ‘‘ What shall we do, Barney? Is it not awful?’ Barney was busily engaged in placing fresh cartridges in his Win- chester, _ * Begorra, it’s save the naygur I will if I sacrifice me own loife!” cried the big-hearted Celt. ‘* It’s me own fault, for sure, that he iver fell troo the door and got picked up by the red min.” Frank put on ail the steam he dared, and the man took tremendous strides forward. “We will make a mighty effort,” he gritted, as he piled on the Steam. ‘«Bejabers, here goes for wan av the spalpeens!” cried Barney. Then the Irishman’s rifle cracked. ? One of the savages tumbled from his pony’s hack. ’ Barney contintied to load and fire as fast us he sould. portunity was not long granted him, Suddenly the cavalcade of savages dashed into the mouth of the pass, They were out of sight in atwinkling. The Steam Man was obliged to come to a halt. 3 f There were huge bowlders and piles of stones to block the passage. Barney and Frank Reade, Jr., exchanged glances of despair. “That is the end of Pomp,” declared the young inventor, with a chill. ‘*I have no doubt that is a part of Black Buffalo’s band, and he never spares a Jife.” But the op- CHAPTER IV. THE COWBOYS. Frank bad spoken truthfully. The band of savages was really a part of the tribe of which Black Buffalo was the chief. Throughout all the Kansas border this blood thirsty fiend was known and feared. j He had ravaged more wagon trains, burned more settlements, and committed more massacres than any other Sioux chief in the Far West. His name was a syuonym of terror among the settlers, from Da- kota to the boundary line of Texas. Z ; By many he was claimed to he a white mun or renegade, ayerred that. he was a recreant Pawnee chief. However this was, certainly no red warrior was better known and feared than Black Buffalo. P And it was into his hands that Pomp had fallen. - Small wonder then that Frank Reade, Jr., was much alarmed, and even inclined to believe his faithful servitor’s life lost.: The merciless Black Buffalo would not be likely to spare Pomp’s life. The savages had captured him alive simply to drag him into the hills and turture him to death. es) _ Barney began to bemoan the situation in violent terms. -- “Och hone, the poor soul,” he cried, ‘he was a black naygur but Others son ay thim.” : ; _** Well, I don’t see why the red fiends haven't the best of us,” de- clared Frank. “Tt luks that same, Misther Frank,” wailed Barney. ‘“‘T don’t see how we can ever get through that pass. Man might go there, but the wagon won’t.” This was true enough. The Steam Man on the level prairie was invincible, but on rough ground like this wholly useless. ; Reece and Barney were beside themselves with solicitude and per- plexity. Frank even thought of going forth on foot to try and overtake the redskins. But of course the folly of such a course was quickly ap- parent to him. ; Barney even attempted to carry out literally this plan. He went so far us to open the door in the wire screen and leap down to the ground. ° But Frank cried sternly: “ Barney, come back at once. course.” ‘ e Shure, Mr. Frank,” cried the Irishman, ‘if yez will only let me egg eee dg ‘Come back,” was Frank’s terse command, which was reluctantly obeyed by the Celt. ; ' Frank took a carefal look at the hills; He chanced to see a smooth pathway up the height, and which seemed to follow the course of the canyon or pass. Up this the Steam Man cautiously advanced. As they continued to ascend higher a good broad view-of the prairie was.obtained. And suddenly reaching an elevation from which a southward view could be obtained, Frank gave a sharp cry, and taking a glass from a locker, sprung to a loop-hole in the netting. He scanned a number of objects upon the prairie far beyond. At that distance they looked like a herd of buffaloes. But with the glass Frank saw that they were mounted men and ~ white men at that. j ; They looked like a roving band of cowboys. In any event they were wie men and it was quite enongh for the young inventor to know this. “We can depend upon them to help rescue Pomp!” cried Frank, exuberantly. ‘Luck is yet with us, Barney.” ‘- Be jabers I hope so,” cried the excited Celt. men and have a heart they’l! shurely do it.” Frank instantly turned the wagon about and sent the Steam Man rapidly down to the prairie. He blew shrill blasts upon the whistle to attract the attention of the white men. In this he was successful. As the Steam Man reached the prairie floor, the cavalesde of cow boys came dashing up. They did not seem surprised at sizht of the Steam Man somewhat singularly and crew up tifty yards distant while one of their number rode forward. 5 He was evidently the leader, and was a tall, dark, evil-lookiug fel- low. Frank Reade, Jr. was not favorably impressed with his appear- ance. Ag the young inyentor noted that the whole gang had a forbidding appearance and with a chill Frank realized that he could hardly ex- pect any assisiunce from such a cut-throat looking band. The tall, dark leader doffed his sombrero as he rode forward and made a low bow. * Buenos Senors!” he said with a Spanish accent. — fair day. Do you travel far with your Iren Man?” “JT am glad to meet you,” replied Frank, eagerly. ‘We come from the Hast and we are here upon an important mission.” The stranger smiled and bowed again with a peculiar affectation of politeness, ‘‘T am pleased to hear it. Frank Reade, Jr.?” Frank gave a start of surprise, ‘*T am,” he replied, quickly, ‘‘ then you have heard of me.” : “‘T have, Senor Reade,” replied the cowboy chief, with another ex- aggerated bow and smile. ** Perhaps you know of my mission here?” ‘1 do,” was the reply. 5 Frank was more amazed than words can express. What mystery’ was this? ; Y t How had this fellow, who bore the stamp of a Spaniard, learned of * his mission to the Far West? The young inventor was staggered for a moment. ; “Your mission here,” replied the cowboy chief, politely, ‘is to hnat down two men who you believe are guilty of a murder wich they skillfully foisted upon a certain man by the name of Jim Travers.” ‘You are right!” cried Frank. ‘‘ But how in the name of wonder did you know that?” _ “J prefer not to say. It is enough that I know it.” 5 “Tt is strange that you should have learned if,” said Frank, ‘but I will ask no more questions just now in the face of a terrible ex- — igency.” f ra “ ABI” “T want to'ask your help.” “My help?” p j The Steam- You can gain nothing’ by such a “Tf they be white “J wish you a Are you not the gentleman called
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FRANK READE, JR., Pe ts a TR LE OOO GRE IIT AFCA NAC RS III,” SF AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. POST FT Fr + Yes.” ‘¢Pardon, senor, but I cannot see in what manner I can serve you.” “<You must assist me. One of my men—a colored man—has fullen into the hands of the Indians. They have made him prisoner and have just escaped with him into these hills. J ask your assiatance in effecting his rescue.” A peculiar smile played about the cowboy’s lips. **I3 he not the one you call Pomp?” he asked. a Yes.” “And that man with you in your cage there is called Barney?” “é Yes. ” ** Ah, I see—Barney and Pomp. Well, Senor Reade, pray accept my compliments and the wish that you may see civilzation again alive, which I do not belive will be the case. Ha—ha—ha! You bave blun- dered into a death-trap!” Something like a ROMECE comprehension of ailairs now began to dawn upon ‘Frank. *« What do you mean?” Ke gasped in surprise, ‘*‘ Who are you” “‘Well, since you ask me I will tell you,” replied the cowboy chief with a laugh. ‘‘I am no Spaniard, as you might have thought. [ am as good an American as you, und you will have good cause to re member my name in the near future, provided you escape from this ri Tam the man you are so eagerly looking for—I am Artemas lif. ‘* Heavens!” gasped Frank Reade, Jr., ‘the man I am looking for!” ‘“‘The same,” replied Cliff, mockingly. ‘* You have undertaken quite a daring deed, my fine inventor, but you will find that you have , _ bitten off a very much larger slice than you can masticate.” « We will see,” began Frank. “You see these men?” continued Cliff. “ They are my followers, tried and true. What is it to you whether my uncle, Jim Travis, should hang for murder? You can never prove him innocent—at least, never will, for you will never go from here alive.” “ Scoundrel!” cried Frank. ‘‘ You are the real murderer!” “la, ba, ha! Prove it if you can!” laughed the cowboy chief, de- Tisively. ‘*T will prove it, if 1 have to drag the confession from your lips!” eried Frank, resolutely. ‘“‘Pshaw! Talk is cheap. Attention, men! Grab the throttle rein of the Steam Man and you can destroy him! Forward! Charge!” Frank Reade, Jr., heard the command and knew well the “danger. He was at a loss to ’acconnt for Clifl’s knowledge of him and his inven- tion, The young inventor was not aware of the fact that for weeks pre- vious to the starting forth of the Steam Man spies had been busy in . Readestown. But such was the truth. Artemas Cliff had covered his bie well. He knew that Frank Reade, the young inventor's father, was a friend of Travers and would see him through, if possible. Therefore he had provided well for giving Frank Reade, Jr., and the new Steam Man a hot reception on the plains. With hoarse criey the cowboys descended upon the Steam Man. _ They urged their horses forward at a full gallop. Frank Reade, Jr., knew well that it was possible for them to greatly injure his invention, so he made quick action to defeat their plans. He shouted to Barney: ““ Give it to them, Barney. Shoot every man you can.” Then Frank opened the throttle, and let the Steam Man out for all he was worth. It was an easy mutter to outstrip. the horses, and the Steam Man kept ahead, while the cowboys came thundering on in the rear. Then Frank slackened speed so as to keep up a uniform distance between the Man and the horses. While Barney povred in shot after shot into the midst of the gang of pursuers. The cowboys began to drop from their saddles one by one. a destructive and telling fire. And they strained every nerve in vain in an effort to reach the Steam Man. Frank kept the Man just far enough ahead to ensure safety and enable Barney to pick off the cowboys ‘with ease. It took Cliff some time to tumble to this little game, When he did, and realized that he was simply decimating numbers withoat gaining ground, he called a halt. The cowboys wére now near the banks of a wide river which was really the Platte, Frank Reade, Jr. saw his advantage and brought vhe Steam Man toastop. Then he seized a rifle and joined Barney. / — CHAPTER V. : POMP’S RESCUE. Bor it was hardly likely that the cowboys would stand their ground long under such a fire... AS fast as they could Frank and Barney worked the repeaters. The result was that quite a number of the foe lay dead upon the prairie. But Artemas Cliff knew the fatality of remaining there. Being un- able to catch the man, he knew that their ouly hope now was in re- treat. All of the cowboys fired at the Steam Man. harmlessly against the steel cage, Frank at once sprang to the reins and the brake and started the pte Man in pursuit. It was quite @ turning of tables. It was The bullets rattled , The pursuers were now the pursued. So it continued until suddenly, by the orders of Cliff, oe cowboys turned their borses into the river and forded it. Once on the other side they were soon béyond the reach ot the rifle balls. The Steam Man of course could not follow. The encounter with the cowboys was at an end. They did not return to the attack, somewhat singularly, but kept on until the rolling plains hid them from view. Clifl’s direfal threat against the Steam Man and its inventor, had not been carried out. But Frank did not, by any means, delude him- self with the belief that the villain would relinquish the attempt so easily. “« Well, Barney,” he cried, cheerily, when satisfied that the scrim- mage was over. ‘‘We came out of that scrape a little th2 best of it. It has all turned out as I expected. That Cliff is the real murderer,” ‘‘ Begorra, 1t luks that way, Misther Frank,” agreed Barney. fA So. it does. We must plan to eaptare the ‘Villain, and wring a coufession from him.” ‘*Be jabers that’s thre. If I only had an opportunity V’d_ pretty quick wring his loon neck for him.” “But that does not settle the question of Pomp’s fate,” declared Frank. ‘+ He must be saved.” ‘«Shure, Misther Frank.” ‘*But how can we do it?” This was yet a conundrum. Frank and the faithful Irishman stood looking at each other, was a long time before either spoke. : Finally ‘Frank said: ‘¢There’s only one way, Barney.” « An’ phwat’s that?” ‘“We’ve got to get into those hills in some sway. I don't like ta leave the Steam Man, but to save Pomp I'd——’ The young inventor ceased speaking. A strange medley of sounds came from the direction of the pass. There were wild yells and pistol shots, and then, ont upon the prai- rie, tie two astonished travelers saw a motley crew of borses and say-. ages emerge, The savages were fighting fanaa Frank knew enough of the Indians of that region to know what it all meant. A band of Sioux and a band of Pawnees, the deadliest of enemies, were engaged in a terrific battle. | Frank took in the scene at a glance, He at once understood all, The band which Lad captured Pomp was undoubtedly the one en- gaged in this conflict. They had very likely met the Pawnegs in the upper part of the pass, When the Pawnees and Sioux met a fight always followed. erally the latter came off victorious. As it seemed now, however, the Pawnees iad the best of it, They were worsting the Sioux in good fashion. Frank and Barney watched the scene a moment until suddenly a sharp ery burst from Barney. j * Begorra, Misther Frank, if there ain’t the naygur,” -he cried, wildly, Barney was right. Frank glanced in the direction indicated and saw a thrilling act. ' it. In the midst of the Siovx was Pomp bound to the back of a mus- tang, Suddenly i in the midst of the melee the horse was seen to bolt from the rest and dash out upon the prairie. Of course, Pomp had no cortrol over the beast, having his hands tied behind him. The mustang took his own course and ran like the wind, ° The Sioux did not dare to any of them attempt pursuit. their front claimed their attention. ; ‘* Bejabers, the horse is runnin’ away wid the naygur,” cried Bar- ney. ‘* Phwat will we do, Misther Frank?” ‘*Catch him if we can,” cried Frank. seizing the throttle rein. : He opened the throttle and Jet the Steam Man go ahead; with long. strides the machine began to gain upon the mustang. Pomp was vainly endeavoring to free his hanus. If he could have done so, and could have got hold of the reins once, he could easily have stopped the horse. But this he was unable to do. As a result, the animal carried him along swiftly, and along the base of the hills. Suddenly the mustang swerved and darted into a narrow paas. «Barney, at the loop-holes of the wagon with rifle in hand, had been sorely tempted to fire at the runaway. But the fear of hitting Pomp had restrained him. Now, however, the horse was out of range. But Frank headed the Steam Man for the pasa. Fortunately, it was unobstructed by bowlders, and had a good level floor, The Steam Man was enabled to forge along with safety. But the mustang and his black rider had gone from sight. ever the pursuers ‘kept on. : Suddenly they came out upon a broad plateau with steep descent upon allother sides. This extended among the hills for a distance of several miles. ; A great ery of horror now went up from Frank and Barney. The mustang was seen racing along the edge of a mighty chasm. In a few seconds he would be almost sure to take an impossible leap over a deep gorge. The foe in How- Gen- +
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FRANK RWADE, JR, AND His NEW ST If he should go to the bottom of that gorge it would be the end of Pomp. and the mustang. This was seen at a glance and with the most intense of horror Bur- ney cried: ‘Shall 1 fire, Misther Frank? It's the only thing as will save the naygur.” **You will have to do that,” replied Frank, sharply. ‘* Look out for your aim, Barney. God help Pomp?!” Barney pulled the trigger, Crack! The bullet sped true to, its mark. It struck the mustang in the side. The aminal faltered, threw up its head, stumbled, and then pitched forward in wu heap. Pomp lay beneath the horse. It did not require tut a few moments for the Steam Man to reach him, however, Ina twinkling Barney sprang out of the wagon and cut Pomp’s } bonds. The Garky was not in the least injured. He lay with one leg under the mustang, but was easily extricated, The joy of the darky at his rescue cannot be expressed in words. He embraced Barney effusively. “Shure I thought yez kilt intoirely, naygur,” cried the big-hearted Trishman. ‘It’s moighty glad I am to see yez aloive.” “* Yo’ kin jest bet dis chile am glad fo’ to get out ob dem red debbils’ hands,” cried Pomp, exuberantly. And then he dashed aboard the Steam Man and grasped Frank's hand. “Oh, Marse Frank, I’se dretful glad to see yo’!” cried Pomp, ex- citedly. 03S ui glad to have you back, Pomp,” cried Frank. ‘And to know that you are unbarmed in any way. But it was a close alave for you,” “Deed it was dat, Marse Frank. But dis nigger am powerful hard for to kill, an’ specs dav’s why Llib. But I’se got lots to tell you, Marse Frank.” ‘*You have?” exclaimed Frank. “Deed I has, P'raps yo’ kin find i¢ valuable fo’ yo’... li Jes’ tell yo’ dat when we went up troo dat pass we jes’ cum out pretty quick ina valley. Dat ar’ valley was a scrumptious one, an’ dar was a trail leadin’ down inter it. along cum six white men on hossback an’ a right pert young lady on a hoss, too. “‘Sakes alibe I nebber seen so pretty a gal in all mah life. Well, dese yer men, dey seemed like dey was ’quainted wid der Injuns, Dey jes’ talked as free like wid old Black Buffalo, an’ I jes’ opened my ears an’ listened. . ; “ Dey said dat de gal was a prisoner an’ dey was takin’ her from a cave in de hills to Ranch V. Dey mentioned detname ob Artemas Cliff. Den dey rode on, sah, an’ mal sakes, jus’ den up from tlre val- ley dere came a hull gang ob Ingines and pitched into us. Ob cose yo" know all de res’,” Frank Reade, Jr., listened with the deepest amazement to this ex- citing story. “« A young girl!” he gasped. “Of course those men were Cliff's, but where on earth were they going?” ‘« Dey done said it was to Ranch V. sah.” “Ranch V!” repeated Frank. ‘That is not very definite. But it must be the headquarters of Cliff and his gang. You didn’t hear them say just where that ranch was Jucated, Pomp?” ‘*No sah, but I jes’ took note ob de direckshun dey was goin’ an’ it was to de souf-west.” ** Well,” said the young inventor as he turned the Steam Man about, *fI cannot imagine who the young girl is or how she fell into the hanas of Cliff's gang. But it is certain that she is in their power and we must save her.” “Be jabers that’s roight, Misther Frank,” cried Barney, gallantly, the O’Sheas from Brian Boru Gown war always knowh as men ay horor an’ defenders av female virtue.” 4 The Steam Man started on the return across the plateau. It was Frank Reade, Jr.’s, intention to reach the prairie once more _ and strike out to the southwest, in the hopes of locating the Ranch V. The Steam Man ran swiftly to the mouth of the puss which led down to the prairie. Barney had filled the furnace with fresh coal, and the indicator showed that there was plenty of water in the boiler. Frank wags about to enter the pass when sudden.y Pomp sprang up with a wild ery. The darky sprang to Frank's side and tried to grab the throttle rein. Frank was astounded, / “Hold on there, Pomp. What are you trying to do?” he cried. “Ki dar, Marse Frank. Stop de Mar, or fo’ de Lawd we am all done fo’, suah as preachin’!” , “What?” gasped Frank. “Tf yo’ don’t delieve it, jes look up yonder?” Pomp pointed one finger upward to the canyon wall above the pass. The sight which rewarded the startled gaze of the young inventor caused him to reverse the throttle and bring the Steam Man to a halt. Two cowboys were crouching behind an enormous bowlder whieh they had intended to roll down upon the Steam Man. CHAPTER VI. ’ THE FIGHT IN THE PASS. , A MORE narrow escape could hardly be imagined. But afore the Injuns- could ride down inter it | ” EAM MAN, The precipitation of the huge bowlder upon the Steam Man would have destroyed the invention and the lives of those on board. Just in time Pomp had seen the danger, Apother moment and it would have been too late.” : ‘* Ri vi, don’ yo’ see now, Marse Frank?” cried Pomp, wildly. ‘¢T see,” replied Frank, in thrilled tones. ‘‘ My God! that is a nar- row shave. We would have been crushed to atoms in another moment as I live.” : ‘‘“Whurroo! . Give the spalpeens a good bit av cold lead!” shouted Barney, rushing to ove of the loopholes with his rifle. ; ‘That's right!” cried Frank, doing the same. “*Golly, yo’ kin bet we will do dat!” chimed in Pomp. The two cowboys, seeing that their game was exposed, sprang up with wild shouts of dismay. As they did so they were exposed to shots from below. rifles spoke sharply in cforus. : The two would-be destroyers tumbled in a heap. Their fall was fol- ihn by a wild chorus of yells from the thickets and bowlder piles above. A volley of bullets came from there and rattled harmlessly against the steel netting, showing that the cowboys were there located in great force, How they had chanced to be there at that critical moment our ad- venturers could only guess. But Frank mentally concluded that at best they were but a division of Clif’s gang, and they had happened upor the spot by chance, Seeing the Steam Man they had seized what seemed to them a fine opportunity to destroy it. How far short they came of it. we have already seen. A red-hot contest now began between the cowboys and those in the steel wagon, Of course our three friends had a vast advantage inasmuch as they were protected from the shots of their foes. Of course the outlaws far outnumbered them, but it was not at all a difficult matter to pick them off eccasionally with a rifle bullet. Volley after volley the cowboys fired at the Steam Man. When at length it became patent to them that their shots were fue tile, they made the air ring with yells of bafiled rage. Then they ceased firing and silence ensued, very cowboy had disappeared seemingly from the canyon wall. But this diu not deceive Frank Reade, Jr. He knew that this was only a game of the foe and that it would yet be unsafe to try the pass. ‘* Bejabers, ain’t there some other way av gettin’ out av this place?” cried Barney, giving the plateau a sweeping glance. But the ebain of hills surrounding it did not lend color to such a possibility. : “Tt don’t look like it,” said Frank, dubiously. “7 jeg’ fink dat am de only way out ob dis place,” said Pomp. “Weare in a kind of trap,” declared Frank Reade, Jr. ‘ We were not sharp or we would have avoided this scrape.” As it was, however, the best they could do was to watch for an op- portunity to run the gauntlet through the Pass. But they had not leng to wait for new and thrilling developments. Suddenly Pomp gave a startled cry. “Wor magsy sakes, Marse Frank, jes’ yo’ look out yonder. What- ebber am dey up to now?” \ Over the edge of the plateau there was visible a line of men auvanc- ing rapidly toward the Steam Man. - They were deploying right and left as if to surround him. certainly their purpose. “‘They’re thryin’ to surround us!” cried Barney. Frank watched the maneuver with deep intrrest. He smiled grimly. : This was cerlainly the purpose of the foe. But the young inventor saw in the move a betterment of his own chances, “They will not gain what they hope to,” he said, resolutely. Then he saw that a line of armed men had deployed across the mouth of the Pass to prevent the Steam Man from escaping in that direction, In Frank’s judement there were fully two hundred cowboys in the party. This was tremendous odds, but the young inventor did not fear the results. With a wild cheer the cowboys began to close their line in about the Steam Man, ; ret Frank Reade, Jt., opened the whistle valve aod let out several de- flant shrieks, Tien he started the Steam Man in a straight line for the pass. Pomp and Barney with their repeaters vegan to fire upon the line of men there. The repeaters did deadly work. It was a constant fusillade, and the cowboys dropped like sheep. The error of their plan could now be seen. In dividing their forces to make the surrounding’ line, they bad weakened themselves, Frank had seen this. ' ? If they had been merely content with holding the pass, it would have been extremely doubtful if the Steam Man could so easily have escaped, ” Just as fast as they could work the sixteen-shot Winchesters, Bar- ney and Pomp mowed down the opposing line of cowbeys. The line was thin, and it would have required a very solid corps to have withstood that scathing fire. Down went the Steam Man toward the Pass with fearful speed. Heaps of the dead and woun:ied cowboys lay upon the ground. As The three This was
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2 re FRANK “READE, Jk.. AND HIS NEW STEAM “MAN the Steam Man reached thé Pass, a number of the cowboys tried to | grasp the throttle reins and stop the machine. But the ponderous body of the Mun knocked them aside like flies and the wheels of the heavy wagon crustied them into death or insen- sibility. The Steam Man literally forged his way through the Paes like a rocket. “Barney and Pomp cheered wildly and fired parting shots at the dis- comfited foe. In a few moments the Steam Man ran out upon the prairie. Frank did not waste time but set his course at once to the South- west. He was anxious to locate Ranch V. This he believed was his first aad most important. duty. He was satisfied that nothing was to he gained by remaining in the hills. He was confident that Cliff had gone to.fhe Ranch V wherever it was. More than all else, he was powerfully interested in the mys- terious young lady as described by Pomp. He was determined to know who she was, and ‘what Cliff held ber in captivity for. The day was rapidly drawing to a close. ‘After a short while the hills faded out of sight, and the rolling _ prairie was visible upon every hand. - to the southward a little ways. Then, as the Steam Man took his long strides across the even plain, Prank suddenly caught sight of a beaten path or trail. It was plainly a trail much used and bore a trifle east of south. Frank brought the Man to a stop. “J would like to know where that trail goes to?” he declared. am not sure but it is the route to Ranch vo “Golly, Marse Frank!” cried Pomp, craning his neck and looking ‘What am dat jus’ ober dat roll in de perasiry? Am not dat some berry sumspicious objec’?” Frank gazed i in the direction indicated and saw a tall, black-looking timber seeming to rise out of the roll in the prairie. But he knew that it was beyond. Frank Jet the Steam Man go along for a quarter of a mile, and top- ping the rise a startling sight was revealed. There, scattered over several acres of land were the blackened ruins and charred timbars of some buildings. It was easy to see what these buildings had constituted. A large ranch with stockade, extensive cattle pens and yards, had once stood upon this spot. Frank allowed the Steam Man to pass through the ruins, Thrilling sights were accorded our adventurers. There were heaps of ashes, the bones of ‘animals, charred skeletons of human beings. There was every evidence that a fight had oceurred at the place, and that the raneh had been burned by either Indians or rival cowboys. As chance had it the sign which, painted in broad letters, had once hung over the yard gate, had not been destroyed, and lay upon the ground near. \ Our explorers were enabled to read it plainly. “Rodman Ranch.” Barney and Pomp descended from from the wagon, and spent some time in exploring the ruins. “T jes’ fink de Ingines burned up dis yer place, ” averred Pomp. “ Begorra, ivs the divil’s own job they med ay it,” declared Barney. But Frank said, with conviction: * Just as likely it was the work of Cliff and his gang. They are out- laws at best, and if Rodman Rauch was a reapectable place, they would be sure to wish it destroyed.” Barney and Pomp re-entered the wagon now; and once more the LiL & and several _ quest for Ranch V was begun. But night came on, and they had obtained no clew. A good place was found to camp, and it was decided to wait until morning before pursuing the journey further. Accordingly everything ‘was made comfortable with this end in view. No camp fire was made, for this was not deemed necessary. At night they always slept in the wagon, and Barney aud Pomp served turns in watching. The fires in the furnace were banked, a rest just the same as the others. One place was always as good as another in camping out thus, save that it was necessary to be near a body of water, so that the boilers could be filled with ease the next morning. The Steam Man was thus cared for, the fires banked, and everything made shipshape when, after Barney had been on watch not more than two hours, the first of a series of thrilling incidents occurred. The night was as dark as Erebus, not. a star twinkled in the wean for heavy black clouds overhung all. Suddenly Barney saw a light ‘glimmering far out on the pratri ie. ‘i It increased to quite a respectable size and continued to blaze for a long time. The Celt watched it for a long while. better of him. «« Bejabers, that’s quare,” he muttered. something wrong about that now.” Barney, acting upon impulse, leaned over and grasped Frank's shoulder, The young inventor awoke with a start, and the Steam Man was given Then his curiosity got the ‘‘T'lL make sure there’s | | | CHAPTER VIL. THE VIGILANTS. “ W-wiat’s the matter?” gasped Frank, sleepily arousing hisnself. “ Whist how, Misther Frank! There's a quare loight out f yonder on the ,perairy, an’ I thought V’d jist call yure attintion to the same, sor.” “« A light?” muttered Frank, now fully awake. hie got upon his feet, and rubbing his eyes, stared at the distant blaze. “That is odd,” he muttered. ‘‘ It will do to investigate that.” ‘« Sure, it may be a camp fire,” ventured Barney. ‘©Tf so, then we must find ont who the campers are,” declared Frank. It was bnt an instant’s work to arouse Pomp. Then the flres in the furnace were started, a line of hose was run to a creek near, and the boiler was filled. Jn an incredible short space of time steam was got up, and the Steam Man moved abead. Frank held the throttle reins and cireeted the Steam Man’s course toward the distant{camp-fire. For such it was, as became evident’as they drew near. At first no movement was made by the camping party, and Frank fancied that they had nobody on guard. But as the Steam Man with clanking tread came within one hundred” yards of the camp, a wild shout went up and a gun was discharged at — the Steam Man. Frank was now able to seo the circle of the camp ag revealed by the firelight. Men had been rolled in blankets upon the ground to the number of @ score. Bat these were now upon their feet. that mustangs were corralled. Frank Reade, Jr., had no way of knowing whether the campers were. friends or foes. He had fancied them a part of Clifi’s cowboys. possibility they were not. At any rate he could not treat them as foes until he learned posi- tively that they were such. So he brought the Steam Man to a stop just fifty yards from the camp. The scene in the camp now was a ludicrous one. The men were filled with mingled fear, amazement and stupefaction at the sight of the Steam Man, The fiery eyes and nostrils and mammoth proportions of the man in the darkness made him look like a monster from the infernal regions. The startled cries of thecampers came to the amused hearing of those in the wagon. “Great Jericho! What d’yer call that thing?” “Tt’s the devil hisself!” ‘« e’s arter us!” ‘“That last drink at ther cross trails was too much for us boys. We've got ’em bad.” eT reckon we'd better fix up a prayer. Ther old gentleman has cum to sit us. No] : Barney and Pomp exploded with laughter. It was very funny. But as soon as the pandemonium had for a moment subsided, Frank Reade, Jr. hastened to shout: Still there was a “We're human beings the same as you. Have no fear. Who are you?” The words had an astounding effect upon the campers. After a moment of stupefied silence the answer came back. ‘+ Who the dickens are you?” ‘‘T am Frank Reade, Jr., and this is my new invention, the Steam Man,” replied Frank. ‘* You have nothing to fear.” The campers now saw the three men in ‘the wagon as Barney turn- ed on the light of the calcium and illuminated the vicinity. At once their fear fled and a comprehension of all dawned upon them. ; “A steam Man, by thunder, and built all of iron!” * Wall, that beats ell!” “ What’ll come noxt?” ‘‘That beats the iron hoss all holler!” F The campers now came thronging about the wagon. As the num- ber was limited, Frank did not feel particularly ‘uneasy, though he | nbn throttle ready and Barney and Pomp had their repeaters -at ap But the fears offour three adventurers were quickly allayed. * One of the men, a tall, powerful framed man, came forward, and said: ‘‘ Wall, cap’en, we're glad to meet you an’ yer Steam Man. My hame is Sim Harmon, ‘an’ I’m captain of this band, who are all Vigi- lants from Poker Guleh. We're ont on the trail of a gang of ruffians.” “Vigilantes!” cried Frank Reade, Jr., with joy. "Phen you are not tembers of the Artemas Cliff gang” « Artemas Cliff!” cried Harmon. can lay hands on him we'll stretch his neck, you bet. whar we kin find him? ‘Tam on his trail myself.” ‘The deuce ye are?” “Tvs the truth.” * What for?” “He is the chap we want. If we D’yer know \ Just beyond it could se seen “ Frank opened the door of the wagon, and aan shia hands. with the Vigilant captain. He told him explicitly of the mysterious murder of whieh Bim Trav ‘ f
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FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. ers had beep adjudged guilty, but which it was believed was the work . of Cliff. Harmon listened with interest. ‘«So that’s another game of ther cuss!” he cried. ‘‘ Wall, that’s a bad one, but I reckon ‘we've 4 Wuss count agin him, stranger. d» ‘«Indeed!” exclaimed Frank. . * Did ye cum across ther ruins of a ranch out hyar on ther perairy some miles?” “T did.” ** Wall, that was onct Rodman Ranch, an’ Ralph Rodman was one. of’ the best men in this part of ther West But that ornery cuss Cliff fell in love with preity Bessie Rodman, his darter, an’ when Raiph denied him the right to. come a-conrtin’ her, ther scoundrel jest brought down a gang of hoodiums an’ burned down the ranch, toted off ther gal, an’ killed all ther rest about ther place.” “Horrible!” exclaimed Frank. ‘* But you have not told me of Rod- man. What became of him?” ‘Wall, that illustrates ther villainy of ther cuss. Just previous to burnin’ ther ranch, two men, Sid Bowen an’ Jem Ducey, hired by Cliff, enticed Ralph to New York by bringin’ him a bogus message from a brother, who was represented as bein’ in great distress. Thats the last seen of Rodman, What they did with him we don’t know. But I’ve beard that: Bowen an’ Ducey have returned, an’? Rodman didn’t cam with ’em. It’s 'my belief he’s been done away with, an’ te all a game of Clifi’s to get the gal Bessie into his possession.” ‘A great ery broke from the lips of Frank Reade, Jr. This story of Harmon’s he had listened to eagerly, and, as it was unfolded, bit by bit, a clear, concise comprehension of all now came to him. He saw the hideous details, the cold, scheming construction of a deep and awful plot, involving murder and, abduction and terrible wrong. “Great heavens!” he gasped, wiping cold perspiration from his brow. ‘*Your stery throws a great hght upon the matter which I have in band, Mr. Harmon.” ‘« The deuce you say!” gasped the captain of the Vigilantes. “Tt is the truth,” cried Frank. ‘‘I think I can tell vou the true fate of Ralph Rodman, and you will agree that Cliff is the projector of one of the most awful double plots of crime that human being could be capable of. The Vigilantes all gathered around the young inventor, agog with interest. ‘*Ye don’t mean it?” gasped Harmon, with amazement. buntin’ Cliff then ther same as we are?” at Yes.” “‘ What fer?” “*To force a confession or explanation from him of a mysterious murder of which his own uncle, James Travers, of New York, has been adjuged guilty and who is now in prison awaiting his sentence of hanging about a year from now. ‘‘Oh, tbis villain is a deep one. But I have told you of that mys- terious murder and, as Heaven is my judge, I believe the victim of that murder which was purposely thrown. upon Travers was Rodman. You see Cliff's object in throwing the marder uvon Travers was to see him hang and thus inherit his vast wealth.” For a moment after this statement silence reigned. Appalled with the magnitude of the villain’s “plot. all nanan si- lent. But the mystery was cleared up at last. All understood now exactly the deep game of Artemas Cliff. But one sentiment reigned supreme in the breasts of all. Artemas Cliff should be brought to justice. It was easy enough to see how the wretch in planning to win Bessie Rodman had enticed Rodman to the East and there murdered him. Then to kill two birds with one stone he had caused the awful crime by clevsr circumstantial evidence to be thrown upon his wealthy uncle, James Travers. Of course, with Travers’ death, he would inherit the millions left by him. Ralph Rodman was dead. The ranch was a heap of ashes. For these crimes Artemas Cliff was responsible. But Bessie Rod- man was yet in his power. Travers was near the gallows. These two people must be saved. Frank Reade, Jr., saw the mission, as did Harmon. Iustinetively they clasped hands, ‘ “T reckon we both know what todo,” declared the Vigilant captain tersely. ‘‘ P’r’aps we kin work together. Tl help you all I kin.” “And I will help you,” replied Frank. ‘ We will bring Ce to jus- tice if the Steam Man can help us to do it.” “* fe will hang if I kin get my hands onto him.” “ But we must make no mistake. He is ateouely DXacked up. You have only twenty-five men with you.” « But they air all men,” replied Harmon, pluckily. “I will not question that,” replied Frank, ‘‘ but the weight of num- bers es defeat you. Cliff has several hundred men in his com- mune ‘We’ re not afraid of em. Yet ye’re right enuff, It’s well fer us to go easy.’ “It is well to be careful,” said Frank. ter keep along with us for a time.” ‘All right!” “J think there is no donbt bat that the young girl whom Pomp saw in the hills was Bessie Rodman.” ; “In course it was her.” / “They were taking her to Ranch V. ‘* Ye’re a “T think thas you had bet- Do you know where it is?” pesky big place too. Thar's a big stockade around it an’ armed men’ are allus a-watehin’ for fear an outsider will git in. So that’s ther place, eh? Wall, it will be hard to git Bessie out of Ranch V.” ‘She shall be got out or I will give my life in the attempt!” cried a tall, handsome young plainsman witb flashing eyes. He looked much in earnest. Frank gazed at him critically. A ‘little later he was introduced to bim as Walter Barrows, a Trisi:s young stockman, and the lover of pretty Bessie Rodman. CHAPTER VIII. ON TO RANCH Y. PLANS were quickly made. . It was decided to work upon strategical grounds, as their force was so much lighter than Clifi’s. ‘© You see, if we can strike Ranch V. at a time when Cliff and the majority of his men are in the hills we can capture the piace,” declared Frank, shrewdly. “ That's bizness,” agreed Harmon, ‘but ye’re the boss. that ye’ve got a better head piece nor I have, Mister Reude.” ‘© We will not admit that,” said Frank, modestly, ‘‘but rather iet ~ us work together, Mr. Harmon.” ‘* All right, cap’en. I’m with-ye.” Futher plans were elaborated, then as only a few hours yet inter- vened until dawn, it was decided to snatch a few brief hours of sleep. With the early dawn all were astir. The Vigilants saddied their mustangs end all was soon ready for the start. The Steam Man was an object of great wonder to the plainsmen. “By Jinks!” exclaimed one of them, ‘‘the sight of that queer- lookin’ critter oughter scare the life out of any number of Injuns.” ‘I think the Steam Man will aid us much in accomplishing our ends,” said frank, modestly. The start was made just after daybreak. The Vizilants rode along- side the Steam Man on their mustangs. Of course Frank was compelled to go more slowly on this account. But the Vigilantes knew the way to Ranch V, and this was, after all, the most important thing of all. Frank considered ita great piece of luck in having fallen in with the Vigilantes. He now understood exactly how matters stood all around. It was near noon when a halt was called in a small basin near a lake of water. Here camp was briefly made, and also at the sametime an impor- tant discovery came to hand. A broad trail made by a cavalcade of men and horses was dis- covered. It pointed to the singin Harmon examjned it carefally and finally, with great exuberance, cried: “Ts good lack, friends. That thar trail I believe was made by ther cowboys au’ it leads to ther hills. It’s over three days old, an’ they haven’t come back this way. I should think that the most of their men must be up there, in which case Ranch V. will be almost deserteu, Oum on, boys, jlet’s capture ther bull place.” With a cheer the Vigilants sprang to saddle. Soon they were once more galloping over the prairie. Not two hours later,or in the middle of the afternoon, Harmon drew his horse alongside the Steam Man and pointing to the south cried: ** Look yonder, Mr, Reade. Do ye see them lines of high grourd? Wall, jest this side ar ther Ranch V.” A cheer went up from all. “ Begorra, it’s Ranch Ours it'll be, if iver we get there,” declared Barney. s “Golly, won't dis be a big ’sprise party fo’ dat vilyun Cliff,” cried omp. Frank Reade, Jr., held the Steam Man at a steady ne and very soon the rancb came in sight. It was (ruly a most extensive establishment. The stockade and buildings covered acres of ground. A great herd of cattle were feeding on the open plains. The main ranch itself was surrounded by a high stockade, whicli would resist most any ofdinary attack with small arms. As the Vigilants and the Steam Man came swiftly rushing down npon the place, a great commotion was seen to take place. Men rushed out into the yards, horsemen went scurrying about, and down came the stockade gate. But Harmon and his men rode boldly down to the gate, and began to agsail it with axes. While Frank Reade, Jr., kept the Steam Man on an elevation tear, from which he with Barney and Pomp, covered the work of invasion by a hot fire with their Winchesters. The cowboys could not get upon the stockade to fire at the assail- ants for this reason. Harmon’s men therefore worked with perfect immunity. | No'more favorable time for au attack could have been chosen. There were but few of the cowboys in the ranch, and these were picked off by the fire from the Steam Man as fast as they appeared ci the stockade. ‘ With lusty cries the vigilants chopped through the timbers of the gate, In a remarkably brief time a hole was cut through and the gate raised. The Steam Man rusted into the yard, and in less than ten wfn- My ye TL kin see pox rel ’ Lia ae ‘ Yas,” replied Harmon, quickly, ‘‘ thavs on Stone river, an’ iv’s a
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aA) FRANK READE, JR, AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. nies every cowboy in the place was a prisoner, and Rauch V. was capt- ured. : Walter Barrows, the brave young stockman, was the first to enter the main ranch. The instinet of a lover took him to the chamber in which Bessie Redman was kept a prisoner. He burst in the door and clasped the young girl in his arms. That was ‘a joyous meeting. When they appeared in the yard the vigilauts cheered wildly. It was a brilliant victory. Ranch V. was captured. The stronghold of the outlaw Cliff, the den of villainy and vice, was captured, It did not require much time for them to reach a de- cision ag to what to do. ‘Every building must be laid low!” cried Harmon. “ Put the torch 10 every accursed timber. The ery was taken up and spread from lip to lip. in haste torches were procured. Harmon himself Jit the first, and Was about to apply it to a building. But-he did not do so. A thrilling incident stopped him. A loud ery went up. “The cowboys! they are coming! Yo arms everybody! There comes Oliff at their head!” Every eye was turned to the plain beyond the stockade. There was no disputing the truth. Cliff and his gang returning from the hills had come just ip time. Tt would be folly now to burn the ranch. Harmon seeing the desperate exigeney dropped the torch, an‘ cried: “To the stockade! It’s for life or death, boys. Fight to the last!” Bat the command was not necessary. Already the brave Vigilants were at their posts. Cliff with his small army of followers came on at a swinging gallop. He could see that the ranch was in the possession of a foe. This inflamed his wrath, and, with loud curses and yells, he rode down in the van of bis followers. Frank Reade, Jr., had taken iv the situation ata glance. He knew that it would be flatly impossible for the score of vigilants jo hold those three hundred desperadoes long at bay. Jt would mear the eventual massacre of every vigilant. This Frank wished to avoid. ~The young inventor bad induced Bessie Rodman to seek refuge in the wagon. Otherwise, she would certainly fall into the hands of the foe again, Feank started the Steam Man ahead, and went down to the stock- ade. He made the vigilantes a hasty address. *‘ Nothing will be gained by holding this place,” he declared, with foree, “ You cannot do it. The odds are too great,” * Bat we cannot surrender,” cried Harmon, ‘‘ and how can we TetreaL?” ‘Easily enough,” replied Frank, ‘there is a rear gate. Open it and cut out upon the prairie.” “ But they may overtake us?” “Tt is your only hope. You'll have to work lively, for they are try- ing to surround the stockade, I'll cover your retreat easy enough.” Flarmon saw that Frank was right. He did not pause to argue the point further. With quick com- mands he caused hig men to fall back. The stockade gate in the rear was opened just in time, and the vigi- Jants rushed out upon the prairie. They set out at a mad gallop for the distant, hills. The cowboys with mad cries followed. But they met with quite a serious obstacle in their pursuit. The Steam Man! kept exasperatingly between tifem and the vigi- lonts. From the rear loopholes of the wagon Barney and Pomp kept up a steady fire with the Winchesters. Nearly every shot emptied a saddle, and despite their superior num- bers, the cowboys soon found it better and safer to keep well out of range, The pursuit lasted for ten miles. Then the horses of both parties became fagged and they were compelled to halt. But Harmon’s men, by dint of careful work, got their horses into the fastnesses of the hills. Here they felt more secure. The Steam Man bad well covered the retreat of the vigilanta, But darkness Was now coming on and 4 serious question Sen itself to Frank Reade, Jr. ‘To remuin where they were for the night would be to incur the risk ofa midnight attack from the cowboys. Yhis might result seriously. Atleast Frank was disposed to evade it. : He consulted with Harmon, and the result was an arrangement wiich it was believed would be better for all. tu the fastnesses of the bills Harmon felt sanguine of holdiug his own againgt the cowboys, Therefore it was decided that the Steam Man should leave the vi- wiity and go far enough away over the prairie to make sure of safety for the night. j Accordingly Frank left the vicinlty and sent the Man striding over the plain in the dusk of evening. There was no visible indication that the cowboys intended to pur- gue. They had apparently gone into camp not five miles distant. red. kept on with the Steam Man until twenty miles had been | ea yur : Then he came to a halt. It seemed as if they must feel safe here. Accordingly, arrangements were made for passing the night. A comfortable seat was arranged for Bessie Rodman and, much ex- hausted by the fatie‘ue of her experiences, she quicsly fell asleep. But tears had wet her cheeks and trembled on her eyelasties., Brank had told her of her father’s death. **Oh, I fear it is more than I can bear,” she declared, in agony of spirit. ‘*My dear, dear father. Oh, if I. were a mun, how I would avenge him!” ; “There are plenty to do that,” replied Frank, cheeringly. “ The vil- lain shall surely pay for his evil deeds,” ‘*T hope it may come to pass,” she said, sincerely. Then she dropped off to sleep. But even as she slept, deadly peril hung over her young and beautiful head. CHAPTER IX, POMP’S MISTAKE. Frank ReEApE, JR., felt comparatively safe as he rolled himself up: in a blanket and went to sleep. He did not believe that the villain, ‘ Cliff, would be able to molest them that night. It was Barney’s first watch. The Hibernian, until midnight, kept a good lookout in the cage, Then he callea Pomp to succeed him. The darky kept a good lookout until the early morning hours. The darkness was “most intense. At about this time Pomp experienced a deadiy faintness at the pit of the stomach and a great longing for water. His thirst became most consuming, and it seemed as if he must, at any cost, gratify it. But he found, upon looking in the tank, that it. was empty. There was not a gill of cold water in the wagon. Pomp grew sober with vhis dampening refléction. “T jes’ fink if [had a bit of watah I would be a’ right,” hé mutter- ed; ‘but how ebber am dis niggah gwine fo’ to get it, dat’s what I'd like to know.” Pomp went, to the steel sereen and tried to penetrate the darkness. Be knew that uot ten yards distant were the waters of a small creek. He could hear them rippling now. It was directly at variance with his orders to open the cage door. Yet it seemed to Pomp as if he must do so. The risk did not seem great, There seemed little likelihood of the proximity of a foe. Pomp felt certain that he could reach the ereek, get his drink, and get back safely to the wagon. , He was sorely tempted. The desire was most powerful. “Golly!” he muttered, with a wry face. ‘ What am I gwine fo’ to do? I don’ beliebe dar’s any danger ob going out dar, but if Marse Vrank knew it he’d fix me putty quick. ‘Sakes alibe! but what am a chile gwine fo’ to do? Iam mos’ dyin’ fo’ a drink ob watah.” Pomp thought of awakening Barney and enlisting his aid. But he reflected that the Celt would be certain to disagree with his scheme, There was no other way but to assume the responsibility himself. Pomp drew a deep breath. Then he fell to listening, All was silent as the grave. “Sho!” he muttered. “Dar ain’t no danger at all. Tl jest had dat watah as suah as I’m born.” He quickly slid back the bolt in the door and opened it. Then he stepped out of the wagon. In another moment he glided down to the water’s edge. Pomp flung himself flat and began to drink of the creek water. But he had not taken one drink when he became aware of.an appall- _ Mi sensation. He turned his head and glanced back at tha ree an, “The lantern hanging in the cage showed the open door and all ag plain as day. But, great heavens! What did he see? Dark forms were swarming about the machine. One was already in thejwagon. Pomp saw this much, aad then his attention was claimed by another matter.. He suddenly felt a heavy body descenu upon him and talon fingers clutched his throat. Ip that flash of time Pomp had turned partly over, He was just in time to see the flash of a knife blade. He made a convulsive upward blow, and grasped the wrist of his unknown as- sailant. By the merest chance the death blow had been averted. . But it was a close call. 5; Then with a herculean efforl Pomp rolled over the edge of the bank, and the next moment, with a powerful swing, he had brought him- self and assailent into the water of the creek. The sudden bath caused.Pomp’s adversary to relax his grip. The darky had no further motive for continuing the struggle, and striking out swam for the opposite bank. He clambered out of the water, and crawled into a thicket. There he lay shivering, aud witnessed a tbrilling scene upon the other bank of the creek. The occupants of the wagon had all been aroused, and were every one prisoners, in the power rof Clif and his cowboys. The outlaw had managed to cover the twenty miles; skillfally follow- ! ine the trail by means of a dark lantern. ‘THe had been hovering with his minions about the Steam Man, Just as Pomp committed the indiscretion of leaving the door open. ; 1 ‘ Waitatas
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<a FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. j ] Of course it was an easy matter for the cowboys to board the wagon and make prisoners of all on board. \ The glee of Cliff was beyond expression. He danced and clapped bis bands with fiendish joy. Bessie’s arms until she screamed with agony, and with brutal laughter roared: *‘Oh, ll make ye all dance. Ye thought ye’d git away from me, He pinched did ye, gal? Ul show ye that ye can’t get away from Artemas O)iff. | Ha, ha, ba! What a good joke.” He Jaughed uproariously. ‘All mine,” he continued. ‘And this Steam Man, this wonderful invention, is just what I want. I can travel around in great style. Oh, Mr. Frank Reade, Jr., Pll dance on your grave yet.” ‘Monstef!” cried Frank, writhing in ius bonds. ‘* You'll never succeed. A righteous God will never permit it.” ‘ The villain gave his men carte blanche to make camp and indulge in a carousal. They did so until daybreak, and then Cliff stated that it was his purpose to go back to Ranch V. . It did not take him iong to understand the mechanism of the Steam Man. . He quickly found out how to use the throttle reins. He was aided by the fact that he had once been a locomotive engineer. With the early morning light the start for Ranch V. was made. And Pomp, wet and shivering and horrified, crouched in the thicket upon the bank of the creek, saw the Steam Man and his friends, all in the power of the foe, take departure When they had gone Pomp came out of his hiding: place. « Golly!” he muttered, with distended eyeballs, ‘I jes’ fink dis nig- ger hab done de berry awfulest fing eber known. Dar am only one way fo’ Pomp to sabe his honor, an’ Gat am to fix some way to rescue Marse Frank an’ all ob de odders, an’ (ji do it if I can.” Pomp Was very much in earnest. He was a brave and generous fellow, and willing at any time to sac- rifice his life for his master, In some manner he must certainly vindicate himself. He crossed the creek again and stood upon the spot where the Steam Man had been. Of course the machine was out of sight by this time, but neverthe- less, Pomp took the trail and proceeded to follow it. For some hours he trudged on over the prairie. All the while the darky was revolving in his mind some plan for tke relief of his friends. He was bound to admit that it was a puzzle. Yet hé“did not lose hope. The hills were every noment becoming plainer. covered five of the twenty miles. _ The darky was a good walker, and no distance was too great for his trained muscles. The sun was beginning to run high in the heavens, and a brisk breeze blew across the prairie. romp kept op steadily. The trail kept on toward the hills, and the sagacious darky reflected that Cliff was likely going to join the main body of his men. ‘‘ jes’ fink I can see what dat rascal am up to,” muttered Pomp. ‘* He am jus’ tco sharp to let de game slip him once he gits his clutches onto it. He am jus’ goin’ fo’ to take de Steam Man to his Ranch V., and dar’s whar dis darky must go an’ try fo’ to work some leetle plan fo’ to resene Frank Reade, Jr., an’ de odders. Dat am a fac’.” With this logical conclusion Pomp trudged on. He was now on the last five miles of his journey to the hills. The sun was long past the noon hour when Pomp, by dint of rapid walk- ing, had made the hills. ; There was no sign visible of the Steam Man or of the comboys. But Pomp saw that the trail continued around the base of the hills. This puzzled the darkey a moment. He puused and scratched his head in deep thought. ‘Dat am a drefful queer thing,” he muttered. ‘‘ Dat ain’t de way to go to Ranch V, if I’se right in mah conjeckshun.” Then he paused, and a light of comprehension broke across his face. A distant sound had come to his hearing. It was the faint rattle of fire-arms far up in the hills. ‘ “Golly!” he ejaculated. ‘I see de trick ob dat berry sharp fox, Artemus Clift. He am gwine fo’ to gib de Vigilants a good lickin’ afore he goes to Ranch V. Dat am jus’ my bes’ way for to jine Marse Harmon an’ his men, an’ help dem trash the cowboys.” Pomp’s mind was made up. He would join the vigilants and do his best to give the cowboys a good drubbing. He at once struck into the bills. But alas for Pomp! ‘ Luck seemed against the darky for the time being. Already Pomp had He had not ‘more than fairly entered a narrow pass when an appalling incident occurred, The air was suddenly broken by wild yells, and in an instant he was surrounded by half a hundred painted savages, who burst from niches and crevices in the rocks about. - : They pounced upon him, and before Pomp had even time to think of resistance he was a prisoner. : a The savages swarmed about him like bees. Pomp’s dismay at this turn, ; His eyes bulged, and his knees shook as with the ague. - «« Fo’ de good Ler’ dis am dretful!” he groaned. ‘* I’ge done fo’ dis time, an’ dar aim nobody to rescue Marse Frank!” _ — Words cannot express e - [t was truly a dubious outlook. The savages were of Black Buflaju’s gang of Sioux, and they seemed much elated at getting the prisover once more into their clutches. 3 They chattered and gesticniated like a Hock of magpies, and some of ther approached Pomp with their tomahawks as though they would fain make an end of him then and there. ? But the others held them back and an excited wrangle fcllowed. All this while Pomp was writhing in bis bonds. In vain he tried to break them. For some while the savages wrangled. Then a compromise was made and Pomp was picked up bodily, and carried through the pass and iuto a small glade among some jtrees. 4 i nee he was tied to a tree and a great heap of fagots. were piled at is feet. With a chill of horror, the darky saw that the savages meant to take his life in a horrible manner. He was to suffer death in the flames. Pomp felt sick and faint. But ever in that moment he thought not of himself, trave tellow, but of Frank Reade, Jr., and the others. ‘*Golly sakes, whoebber am he groaned. CHAPTER X. Z IN THE ENEMY’S POWER. ArRTEMUS CLIFF shouted in evil glee and triumph as he manipulated the Steam Man and let him out for a swift run across the prairie. . He amused himself by racing with his followers who were on horge- ack, « By jingo!” be roared, ‘‘ this is more fun than I ever had before. Why this beats the steam-cars all to smash, And it’s all mine. Why I can travel like a prince now. Ha-ha-hea! I’m the luckiest man on earth.” He turned and fixed a glowering gaze upon Bessie Rodman. ‘« And ye’re mine too,” he cried, ‘‘ the lily of the prairie. The hanue life companion of Artemus Clif When I get my hands onto U..cle Jim Travers’ millions. we'll travel the world over, my daisy.” Bessie did not appear to heed uae words, though her face increased a trifle im its pallor. ‘* Monster!” cried Frank Reade, Jr., with intensity. never succeec. Heaven will not permit. it.” “ Heaven con’t have much to do with me,” cried the villain, with a lurid oath. ‘ The devil has been a good friend of mine, and I ain't afraid of his place either.” ; “ Begorra, they wudn’t have ye even there,” cried Barney. are too wicked for avin that place.” “Oh, ho, Irish, you’ve got your tongue, eh?” cried Cliff, with a vicious laugh. ‘So ye think I’m too bad, eh?” «Be me sow], thar cudn’t be a place too bad for yez!” “Vil have a nice littl hades fixed fer yer right on this earth aa” Pll give ye a fair taste of itin advance, too,” said the villain, venge- fully. 5 of nahi yez can’t scare me at all, at all.” he retorted. threats are Jist the same as a puppy dog’s bark.” : “You'll find that J’m the kind of a dog that bites,” averred the villain. “It’s not me that cares fer yer bites.” « We'll see about that. Don’t biow your horn too soon.” “ Begorra, that’s good advice fer yersilf, ye blatherskite? Av [ on’y had me two hands to use now I'd baste the rascality oat av yen or [’'d make a good job fer ther undhertaker.” wt Talk is cheap,” sueered the villain. ‘“ Ye’d better save wind.’ “ ave yersilf as nades it most,” said Barney, bound to have the ‘ast word. : Cliff evidently found Barney’s tongue equal to his own, for he alia- doned the conversation in a sullen fashion. Bessie Rodman made no attempt at speech. She sat silently in one corner of the wagon. Frank Reade, Jr., also remained silent. The twenty miles were quickly covered by the Steam Man. It was yet far from the noon hour when they arrived at the camp of the pre- vious night. ; ; The cowbows in full force were there, and as Cliff appeared with the ee Man, they made the welkin ring with yells of delight and satis- ction. * All crowded around to examine the steam wonder and inspect its mechanism, The prisoners looked out upon a sea of faces. regarded by the cowboys. “Take ’em out and shoot ’em, Cliff!” cried a voice in the crowd. “ Give ’em twenty paces and @ grave seven feet deep.” But Cliff refused to do this. «Leave it to me!” he eried. ‘« What is it?” was the cry. - ‘‘] want ye all to be ready in half an hour to go into the hills an” corner Harmon an’ his gang. There must not one of the vigilante go out of here alive.” (aa ‘* Hurrah?” yelled the cowboys. “We can give them the.worst thrashin’ they ever had.” “Th course we can.” “You will “ Yeu “Var ver They were not kinily “Pye got’ a better plan.” f “Tn regard to these prisoners, the gal is going to be my wi others [’m going to have some fun with down to the ranch. We'll have a rabbit chase with ’em, or something of the kind.” gwine fo’ to sabe Marse Frank, now? : The Di)
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12 i FRANK READE, JB., AND HIS NEW ¥ - STHAM MAN, I= ** Good!” yelled the mob, carried away with the plan. Thus the fate of the prisoners was decided by their captors. But the question of attack upon the vigilants was now the one in order. Preparations were/at once made for cornering Harmon and his he- roie little band. several parties of cowboys were dispatched to head off any possible atlempt at escape from the hills. Harmon’s men were certainly hemmed in on all sides, and it was a most dubious outlook for them. The exultation of the cowboys was beyond expression. ‘* We've got ’em dead sure!” cried Cliff, triumphantly. on ’em can possibly escape.” The cowboys now began to close the line in about their prey. A pass was found through which the Steam Man was taken, and to @ point within easy range of the position held by the Vigilants. Harimon had chosen an elevated position on a kind of small table- land or platean. Here behind bowlders he had concentrated his forces. was not a bad one to defend, To charge upon it the cowboys would have to ascend a height of fifty feet or more in the face of a strong fire. But this sacrifice of men Cliff did not intend to make, at least not ut once. There were other points of vantage about, which the cowboys quickly look possession of. From these a desultory fire was kept up with the Vigilants. with some loss upon both sides. But Harmon’s men could not very well withstand any loss what- ever. ‘Lhis the cowboys cculd stand better. The Steam Man, however, could advance to very close proximity with the Vigilants, and those on board were safe from any shots of “Not. a one The position i retaliation. ’ This made it bad for Harmon for he had no way of checking this most. destructive fire. It was a most galling thing for Frank Reade, Jr., to remain idle and see his invention used in such a manner. He groanedaloud with horror and dismay, Barney did the same. ‘On, if I could only free myself,” declared the young inventor. ** Begorra, I wish I cud do that same,” muttered Barney. Cliff and the three cowboys with him in the cage were doing their best to shoot every Vigilant who exposed himself. They were thus so deeply engrossed that they paid no specia! heed to the prisoners for the time. Barney, quick-witted Irishman, noted this fact. At a favorable moment he leaned over and whispered to Frank: “* Bejahers, Misther Frank, I think I know av a way to turn the tables on them blasted omadhouns.” «The deuce!” gasped Frank. ‘* What is it, Barney?” *¢Whisht now an’ work quiet, me gogsoon!” whispered Barney. * Ti lay down ferninst the side here an’ yea kin turn yer wrists to- ward me mouth an’ me teeth are no good av I don’ U cut them in two before so very Tong.” Frank experienced a thrill. “ Gan you do it, Barney?” ‘« avy course | kin.” » + But if they see us——” ‘«They’ll miver do tnat. Be aisy now, me gossoon, an’ rolght on the shelf there there’s a knoife an’ yez kin eut my bonds at the sanie loime. Thin we kin take care av ther four avihim, I'll take two mesilf.”” “And I’m good for the other two or I'll die!” muttered Frank. * All right, Barney, do'your best.” Twill that.” But at this moment Bessie Rodman leaned forward, and in a soft whisper said: ‘* Wait! There is a quicker way.” Frank and Barney were astonished. ‘* What?” exclaimed the young inventor. By way of reply Bessie drew both hands from behind Ler. They were free. There were livid lines upon the fair wrists, where the cruel throngs had cut in. But the shapely hands were so small that Bessie had beea enabled to slip them through the bonds and free them. Up to this moment neither Frank nor Barney had looked upon the young girl as more than the ordinary weak woman, That is to say, they had not given her credit for theamount of nerve she possessed. But they were given ample evidence of it now. Quick as a flash, and ‘with commendable resolution, she reached over hnd seized the knife upon the shelf. It was but a moment’s work for her to cut Frank’ 8 bonds. As they snapped, the young inventor took the knife and quickly cut Barney’s. Their captors were at the loop-holes firing, and had not seen chis * move, Nothing could have worked better. Frank picked up a ¢club, and Barney an iron bar. bandle a weapon of the sort better than an Irishman. **Whurroo! bad cess to yez fer a pack av omodhouns,” cried Bar- ney, dealing one of the cowboys a crashing blow on the ‘head. Before one could think, the iron bar came down upon the head of another. Both sank senseless to the floor of the wagon. Frank Reade, Jr., had knocked Cliff senseless. Only. one of the saat was left, and he was quickly knocked ont. Jn a twinkling, as it were, the tables were turned. Nobody can a Barney and Frank Reade, Jr.,. were now masters of the Steam Man once more. The irrepressible Irishman pulled the whistle valve and sent up 2 shriek of defiance and triumph. Then Frank Reade, Jr., swung open the wagon door. ‘““Phrow them out!” he cried; ‘all but Cliff.” Barney obeyed the command. The three cowboys were quickly dumped out upon the ground, But Cliff was allowed to remain. bottom of the wagon. Frank was about to bind him, when an imminent peril claiming his immediate attention prevented him. The cowboys were aware of the turning of the tables in the wagon. With mad yells they were rushing forward in a body to surround the eon Man. Unless immediate action was made they would suc- cee Frank knew well the danger of this move. The villain lay insensible in the It would be an easy matter for the cowboys to ruin the invention by i a single blow. There was but one way, and that was to beat a re-, treat. hi Barney seized his repeater and began firing into the crowd of cow- boys. Frank opened the throttle and sent the Steam Man up the tn- cline toward the stronghold of the vigilants. Of course the latter had seen and understood all. They embraced the opportunity to pour a flank fire into the ranks of. the cowboys. It was a moment of thrilling sort, but the Steam Man seemed to have the best of it when a thrilling incident happened. CHAPTER XI. WITH THE VIGILANTS. In another moment the Steam Man would have been in the ranks of the vigilants. It would have been a great poiut scored, for Oliff would then be a prisoner and the way to save Jim Trivers from the galfows would have been paved. But it was not to be. ‘ The villain had come to in the meanwhile, but cunning rascal that he was, had laid inanimate in the bottom of the wagon, He had seén all that was going on, and when he saw that the Steam Man was certain to escape he knew that only desperate action upon his part would save him now. Accordingly while Frank and Barney were occupied at their posta, he made a sudden lightning leap for the door ih the cage. Unfortunately Barney had not fastened it. A little seream of warning came from Beesie, but it was too late, The villain flung open the door and sprung out. He tumbled heels over lead down the decline. This was partly done on purpose'to avoid any bullets sent after him, But none struck him, and he was ‘the next moment in tee ranks of his men. Frank turned just in time to see the daring escape. The young inventor’s disappointment was so great that he came near leaving the wagon to pursue the villain. ‘* Begorra, av ther divilain’t got clane away entoirely!” cried Barney io dismay. “Tm sorry,” returned Frank. Barney, to bolt that door.” Barney complied with alacrity. Then he was obliged to return to his post, for the enemy were thick in the rear. But the next moment the Steam Man topped the rise: ‘But take the precaution now, A volley from the Vigilants drove the cowboys back for the time. , Then Frank Reade, Jr., brought the machine to a halt upon the plateau. The Vigilants were wild with delight, and crowded about the Steam Man. Frank Reade, Jr., opened the door and descended among them, In an instant Harmon was by his side and had gripped his hand. ‘God bless ye, Mr. Reade!” cried the whole-souled plainsman. “Is like takin’ the paw of one brought back from the dead. Dog- dast it, but I'd given ye up entirely when I see that your Steam Man was in ‘the hands of that coyote. It’s all like a kind of miracle.” “T think we may congratulate ourselves,” said Frank, ‘* but do you. know that we are in a tight box?” ‘* Nobody knows it better,” declared Mae **T doubt if we pull out of it.” ‘*What kin we do?” ‘Ig there no avenue open for retreat?” asked Frank. + “Not a one.” j “Then we can only stay here and fight to the last. might be able to elude them with the Steam Man, but I'd never try that while any of your band are left.” * ‘“‘P’raps it would be ther best way,” said Harmon, “generously. “ At least you could save the gal. We're only rough men, and not a one of us afeared to die.” : “‘ You are heroes!” cried Frank, with fervor, ‘‘and if I should ee sert you, I would forswear my honor as a man. will stay here and fight for you until the last, depend on it. “In course we need your help,” replied Harmon. ““Mebbe we'll whip ther skunks yet.” ‘We'll try it.” ‘«Begorra, that we will,” cried Barney. a good whack at that baste av’ a Cliff now I'd sphuil his beauty foriver,” Walter Barrows and Bessie had been ay atse a ashe conference, f But now the order Went up: ' ‘ Yi Bl Ay), Suis i It don’t matter so much about us, “Whurroo! ay’ Ionly had Of corrse 1 No, the Steam Man | He
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FRANK READE, JR., ae ‘“Hvery man to his post. The enemy are coming.” There were no delinquents. Not one in that heroic little band hung back. 3 It was true that the foe were coming again to the attack. With Cliff leading them they were “charging furiously up the hill. But the Vigilants stood firm and gave them. a raking volley. For a moment they wavered. Then once more they came on. Cliff's voice could be heard as he rallied them. “Curse ye, go on up thar and kill the hull crew of ’em!” he yelle.i. ‘' Don’t let one of them escape alive! Kill ’em, every oue, and don’t give any quarter!” ‘We'll see about that,” muttered. Frank Reade, Jr. not be so easy to do all that, Mr. Cliff.” Frank and Barney, from their position aboard the Steam Man, could pour a terrible fire into the ranks of the foe. It was a terrible battle! The cowboys were mowed down like grain before the sickle; yet they did not waver, but came on faster. Every moment they drew nearer the top of the rise. rounded it the sequel would be brief. ‘ Overpowering mascles would quickly tell the story, and the little band of vigilants would be wiped out of existence. It was, without doubt, Cliff's purpose to give no quarter. sale massacre would be the result. The Vigilants were now fighting for their lives. As well die facing ‘the foe as with back turned. Every man was resolute in this. But the tremendous body of men swept over the rise and gained the plateau. In a twinkling the Vigilants were surronoded, and j it seemed as if no power would intervene to save them from sure and total ex- tinction. Frank Reade, Jr., took in the situation at a glance, and cried de- spairingly: ** Barney, we are lost! dead men already!” “Tt may If they sur- A whole- Our end has come, and we are as good as Poor Pomp saw no way out of the awful situation in which be was laced, x Death in its most awful form was upon him. A worse fate could not be imagined. The savages piled the brushwood about him, and danced with demoniac yells avout the pile. If Pomp could haye turned pale, he would have been whiter than chalk at that moment. But for all this, the darky’s fears were even now more for his friends than for himself. **Golly Massy!” he chattered, shivering like one with the aguz. “ Whatebber will be de end ob all dis. Yere Ixe gwine fo’ to be burned to death, and Marse Frank in de clutches ob dnt rascal Olitf, an’ nobody to rescue him. Oh, good Lor’ it am drefful.” It was indeed a dreadful thing. But Pomp was certainly powerless. Higher the brushwood was heaped, and then one of the savages advanced with a torch. In a moment he had applied it “to the’ pile. The dry wood burned like tinder, In an instant great flames sprang up. But they were at the edge of the pile. Ttowever, Pomp felt their heat and they would soon reach him. The poor darky was nearly insane with a frenzy of desperation. The savages now bogan a fiendish dance about the pile. They leaped and ran, and swung their tomahawks and made hideous faces at their victim. But fate had not ordained that this was to be Pomp’s end. Fiyen while death seemed certain, rescue was close at hand. Suddenly there smote upon the air the ring of horses’ hoofs, and a quick sharp order, followed by the crash of carbines. Indians fell in heaps before that volley. A panic resulted and the next moment through the smoke Pomp saw the gleam of uniforms, and knew that a body of, United States cavalry had happened upon the syot just in the nick of time. * The darky was beside‘himself wlth the realization. He tried to break his bonds, and cried: “Sabe me, sogers—sabe Pomp! He am gwine fo’ death ef yo’ jon? sabe him!” But the call was not necessary. Through the smoke sprang two dismounted soldiers. In atwink- ling the burning brush was kicked aside, and Pomp’s bonds were cut. Then the darky was face to face with a tall, handsome young officer. The Indians had been dispersed and the fight was over. “Tam Col. Clark, of the United States Seventh Cavalry,” said the young Officer.‘ Who are you?” _ “Tam Pomp!” was the darky’s prompt reply. The officer smiled, «Well, who do you belong to?” \ + belongs to Marse Frank Reade, .Jr.,” replied Pomp, with em- phasis. ‘‘I’sea free nigger, but 1 goes wherebber Marse Frank goes jest de same.” «Oh, I see,” replied the oilicer; ‘* well, where is your master just now?” “Golly, for goodness!” cried Pomp, excitedly. ob trubble, an’ "yo? kin help him out of it.” _ With this Pomp told Clark all about the Steam ‘Man and their mis- sionin the West. suah to burn to “ie aman a heap AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. 6. oS Sa a a es re The young colonel listened with deep interest, and then when ap- prised of the fact that the Steam Man and its passenges were in the hands of Cliff, he eried, exciteuly: ‘« By Jupiter! that man Cliff is just the chap Iam after. Word was brought to the fort some time ago ofa den of thieves up here with a rendezvous called Ranch V. Do you know of it?” “Golly sakes, Marse colonel,” cried Pomp, excitedly, ‘‘ yo’ kin jest bet 1 does! Jes? yo’ find de cowboys and rescue Marse Frank and he done show vo’ where-de Ranch Y. are.” ‘Tt shail be done if we are able,” said Colonel Clark. He turned to his men who were scattered about the vicinity, having been engaged i in driving the savages out of the valley. But the bugle quickly recalled them. A spare horse was brought forward for Pomp and then the cavalry- men in solid body rode out of the valley. As they struck the prairie below, the distant sounds of firing came to their ears. It was the din of the conflict. between the Vigilants and the cow- boys. Aided by the sounds Colonel Clark was able to gallop straight to the svene. Through a pass in the hills thee reached the plateau. They burst upon the cowboys in the rear just at the critical moment when it seemed as if Harmon’s heroic little band was doomed. It required but a glance for Clark to take in the situation. Whirling his sabre aloft he spurred his horse forward with the thrill- ing command: «Forward! Charge!” CHAPTER XII. THE FORTUNES OF WAR. Jusr at that moment when utter destruction threatened the brave little band of vigilants the U. S. soldiers came upon the scene. Nothing could have been more opportune. It was the saving of the day. The emotions of all at sight of the glittering uniforms. may be imagined. A great shout of triumph went up. <A yell of dismay came from the cowboys. Then followed the rattling of steel and the flash of sabre blades. Before that charge what force could stand? Backward the followers of Artemus Clitf were forced. In vain the villain tried to rally them. They would not respond. The odds were too great. and they broke and fled in wild con- fusion. The next moment Pomp dashed up the incline and dropped from his horse almost at Frank Reade, Jr’s, feet. ‘Bress de Lor’, Marse Frank,” he cried eestatically. ‘Yo’ am alive an’ well, an’ dis nigger hav brought yo’a rescue aftah all, P’raps yo’ forgib me fo’ leabin’ de Steam Man when T hadn’t ought?” ‘You are ‘forgiven, Pomp!” cried Frank, lightly. ‘I might have done the same thing myself. I am glad no harm came to you. I had given you up.” “Deed no, Marse Frank!” cried the delighted darky. ‘TI is too bad fo’ to die. Hi dar, I’ish, I is glad to see 2 you!” “Well, if it ain’t the naygur!” ¢ cried Barney, with a wild rash at Pomp. “ Whurroo, its glad Tam to see yez onct more alive an’ well! Bejabers that’s so!” The two friends embraced warmly. Then Colonel Clark rode up and saluted all. “Jt seems that you've been having a bit of a sqnall here,” he de- clared, ‘* but at any rate you’ve vanquished the enemy.” “With your timely assistance,” replied Frank. ‘‘ But I believe we are not strangers, colonel.” “Prank Reade, Jr., the inventor!” cried Clark, springing from the saddle and seizing Frank’s hand. ‘ Woll, now, rm glad (o gee you. But come to think of it, your colored man mentioned the name of Frank Reade, bat I never dreamed that it was you” “Tt is nobody else,” replied Frank with a langh. member you.” : ‘+ And I do you,” replied Clark, ‘I was once one of an army com- mission to visit you and make you an offer for one of, your inventions on a gun,” “You are right.” “You would not sell it.” ““ No,” replied Frank. ‘‘I do not care to sell any of my inventions. They are for my owr use, I will always, however, put them at the disposal of the weak and oppressed.” “Truly a noble sentimert,” agreed the colonel, ‘ but I am anxious to capture this man Cliff. Hello! what have you there? A giant in iron? One of your new inventions is it? Well, that beats all. ” With thi¢ Clark proceeded to make sn inspection of the Steam Man. A great crowd of the newcomers were doing the same, It was an object of great wonderment. Frank showed its working to the entertainment of atl. But Cliff's men had not been so easily beaten as the savages. They had dispersed into the passes’and were somewhat. scattered, but here they made a stand and resisted stubbornly. It was necessary to dislodge them as quickly as possible. : At any moment they might avail themselvas of the fortuoes of war and turn victory into defeat. ; So Clark quickly called his men together, . Only a brief rest was all that he would accord them, ‘The bugle sounded ‘boots and saddles," and every man was quickly mounted. A plan was quickly CHES between Frank Reade, Jr., and Cok Clark.’ “ “ And I well re- i ig ad ENDER ntenapnr ee
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da FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN, Der sk: This was that the cavalry should pursue avd thoroughly rout the cowboys, even going down to Ranch V to effect its destruction. The vigilants were to return home, and the cavalry would see to the punishment of Artemas Clift. Bnt the Steam Man was to remain ata point below until the return of the cavalry. If possible Cliff was to be captured alive and a confession wrung from his lips. This plan had heen agreed upon. The vigilants were not wholly satisfied, yet did not demur. Clark and his command dashed away into the hills. The vigilants and the Steam Man started for the apen prairie. This division of forces very soon proved to be an unwise and un- fortunate thing, The fortunes of war are proverbial for changes. Strongly intrenched in the hills, Cliff's gang gave the soldiers a disastrous battle. ° In vain the plucky young colonel tried to dislodge them. They fought like tigers, and having the advantage of location, ac- tually decimated the cavalry one half in number. Until nightfall, Col. Clark kept persistently waging the batile. Then he began to think of retreat. But, to his horror, he found that this was by no means as easy a matter as he had fancied. The foe had actually closed in upon him, and nearly every avenue of retreat was closed. He was literally surrounded by the foe. ‘¢My soul!” he muttered, in deep surprise; ‘‘ this is not very good generalship on my part.” What was to be done?” It was plainly impossible to dislodge the foe. The little band of cavalrymen were now kardly adequate to cope with the foe in their front. It really seemed «s if Cliff had received reinforcements. The . number of his band had in some mysterious manner been increased. Darkness was coming on rapidly. Something must be done, and at once. for an expediecrt. Certainly they, must extricate themselves from this position, and without delay. Men were falling every moment about them, and the enemy's line, like a cordon of death, was every moment drawing tighter about them. Cold sweat broke out upon the intrepid colonel’s brow. “My God!” be muttered. ‘ What is to be done?” { It was a terrible question. They were literally ina trap of death. Cliff was aware of this, and his men made the air hideous with their yells. Oloser they crowded the line. In this extremity Clark regretted having separated himself from the Vigilants and the Steam Man. But this error had been made, and it was too late to correct it. But the brave colonel was not long without an expedient, He called out one of his pluckiest privates, and said: “Jason, do you want to undertake a ticklish job?” ‘Dm ready, sir,” replied the private, with a salute. «You know we are in a tight box?” _‘* Yes, sir.” «“We must have reinforcements or the enemy will surely get the best of us.” Tt looks that way, sir.” “Now, I want you to try to get through the enemy’s line. fer tho, Vigilants fand the Steam Man and tell them to come to our aid. Then ride to the fort as fast as you can for a fresh squad, ‘ell the officer in charge to send two hundred mounted men.” “Very well, sir.” Do you think you can do this?” “TJ will do it or I will not come back.” Clark knew that Jason meant just what he said. A few moments later the courier for relief elipped carefully into the shadows and was gone. A prayer trembled on Clark's lips. 7 don’t care tor myself,” he muttered, “ but I cannot bear to see my brave boys slaughtered like sheep.” Darkness now thickly settled down. done until the break of day. But the cavalrymen were not in a position to guarantee them much rest. Few of them ‘dared to sleep, and then it was upon their arms. As the night hours dragged by, Clark paced the ground upon the outskirts of the'camp and listened for shme sign of the return of Juson. He knew that it was not possible for the faithfal courier to return from the fort under two cays. But if the cavalry division was reinforced by the Vigilants and the Steam Man they might be able to keep the foe at bay “until the fresh squad should arrive. Thus the plucky young colonel clung to hope. Time passed. It seemed an age to Clark before a silent shadowy form slipped out of the gloom and into the camp. _ As it drew nearer he recognized the courier Jason. ‘You are back,” Col. Clark racked his brain Of course no fighting could be “Well, my man!” he said, sharply. Jason saluted quickly. / *« Where are the reinforcements?” **T did not tind them.” , * Bat—did 1 not tell you to find them?" began the colovel, angrily Look.. «“Hasy, colonel,” said Jason, respect at **T think L have done a better thing, sir.” “What do you mean?” *Tt's a good ways to the fort. You might be cut to pieces before I could return. Thave found an avenue by which I think we can es. cape. Clark’s manner changed instantly. ** You don’t mean it?” be exclaimed, excitedly. ‘* What is iv?” Jason drew nearer and lowered his voice in a mysterious manner. * Just over that pile of .bowlders,” he whispered, ‘1 found a nar- row passage through the mountain side. It is almost a cavern, for the top is so closely overhung with bushes. It’s a close squecze for the horses, but [ think we can ail get through and out upon the prairie before daybreak.” Col. Clark was intensely excited. “Good for you, Jason!” he erijed, in a joyful matinet, ** Arouse the camp, but do it quietly. Put every man in his saddie within ten minutes. You have solved our salvation, and you shall be pro- moted, . Jason hurried away to dy the bidding of the colonel. In a brief space of time the camp was aroused. The weary soldiers, worn out with fighting, were only too glad to learn of the possibility of an escape, At once preparations were made to steal a march upon the enemy, The passage described by Jason was found. It was necessary to first pry aside a huge bowlder before passage could be made. Into the passage the little band went, “and one by one filed out into the valley beyond. So skillfully was the move executed that the foe never dreamed of it. Daybreak came, aua Cliff was furious to find that his intended victims had given Aim the slip during the night. The cavalrymen had reached the prairie in safety, and galloped away from the hills. Clark knew that his only and best move now was to return to the fort for reinforcements, He could not hope to do anything with the foe with such a mere handful of men, ‘ Accordingly, just as the sun appeared above the horizon, the little cavalcade, with its shattered ranks, galloped away across the plaia. No effort was made to search for the Vigilants. Clark knew that even with their aid it would not be feasible to give battle to the cowboys. Clearly it was necessary to have two bundred more men, The colonel set his lips vengefully, ; “T will teach that desperado a lesson,” he muttered. ‘He shall be swept out of existence together with his rascaily crew, and befure an- other week.” On over the prairie they walloped toward the fort. And as they rode, thrilling adventures were the lot of Frank Reade, Jr., and his friends on board, the Steam Man. Let us, therefore, for a time, deviate here and follow their fortunes, CH APTER R XML THE ABDUCTION, Cuter Harmon of the Vigilants was not wholly content to abandon the trail of the cowboys, just here. He indulged in quite an argunient with Frank Reade, Jr. His remarks were not without lovic. ‘“Why, only look at the sense of the thing,” he declared. ‘It is by no means possible that the soldiers are wong to have at easy time with Cliff and his men. They may turn the tables on them yet. I tell you it was a premature thing for that colonel to do, to set us adrift 80. quickly.” “Yet he ought to know his own strength,” said Prank, “T don’t believe he does,” “T cannot but feel that he is doing the right thing.” “*T don’t feel that way.” ‘Well, in case of defeat the stigma will not fall upon you.” “Ah, bat that is not the idea. Wemust not let Clift defeat them.. If he does, he will defeat us.” F “What do you propose?” “Tam not going back home yet. We will make a camp down here on Willow Creek. When we learn for a fact that Cliff has been done up, then we will gohome, Until then we are on duty.” Frank saw that Harmon was right. THe extended his hand and Said: “T agree with yon.” ‘“T knew ye would,” replied the Vigilant leader. We can do this upon our own respousibility. You ure to wait for Clark at a point below here, I believe?” “ Yes.” “© Yory good. you there.” It was nightfall before Willow Creek was reached. In a convenient spot camp was made. The darkness became most intense in the vicinity. Camp-fires were made and guards posted. ¥ The fires in the fornace of the Steam Man were banked, and the oc- counants desceniied and mixed with the Vigilants. The men gathered around the fires, and “wold stories and cracked ickes, ; Walter Barrows, the young Vigilant who was so deeply in love with Bessie Rodman, Had waited upo her atthe wagon step, and together That point ison Willow Creek. We will accompany * they took a lover-like walk down the bank of the creek, f re x i . i
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y \ > 6. FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS MEW STEAM MAN. oi~ ——— Nobody saw them go, and it is doubtful if any one would have sougiit to restrain them. / : But they were committing unwittingly an act of great risk and folly. For unknown to any in the camp a coterie of dusky savages lurked in the tall prairie grass about. Barney and Pomp were entertaining the camp with some of their munchansen. stories. The plainsmen roared with laughter until their sides ached. Both were comical mokes and were continually playing roots upon each other. Barney had just worked a gag upon Pomp when sud- denly the distant crack of a pistol was heard. Instantly every man in the camp was upon his feet. ‘The most intense of excitement reigned. All was confusion, Then one of the guards came rushing in. ‘There’s a hull lot of Apaches down yonder,” he cried, ‘‘ ther grass is full of ’em and I reckon they’ve surrounded the camp.” “Steady all!” thundered Harmon, the Vigilant leader, ‘* Who fired that pistol shot?” “T don’t know,” replied the guard. ‘Ts anybody outside the hne?” se Weg." “Who?” \ er “Walter Barrows and the young lady passed me not an hour ago. They went on down the creek.” : «* My soul!” gasped Harmon, with white face, ‘that was Barrows pistol without doubt. He an’ the gal have certainly fallen into the grip of ther Injuas, Wemust make lively work to save ’em.” Frank Reade, Jr., had listened to this report with a sensation of hor- ror. Barney and Pomp had at once desisted in their fun-making, and Barney proceeded to open the Steam Man’s furnace, The crack of rifles now sounded all around the camp. The savages, without doubt, were drawing their line closer, and meant if possible to exterminate the little band of Vigilants, But a fine of defense was then thrown out, and the skulking savages were held at bay. But a desuitory and very unsatisfactory species of warfare was kept up in the darkness. it was impossible to tell how to move or where. The enemy fired from all directions and practically at random. Many of the Vigilauts were wounded, and Captain Harmon was angry. 8 Contonnd an Injun!” he muttered, in disgust. ‘They have sich a sneakin’ way of fighting. They allus attack one after dark, an’ hain’t Zot the pluck to come out in the open an’ figlit.” Eyerybody was bound to acknowledge the logic of this. But the savages kept up the same mode of attack until Frank Reade, Jr., ade a diversion. “ Burney bad succeeded in getting up steam once more in the Steam Maan, and now Frank Reade, Jr., approached Harmon. ** Give me five men,” he declared, ‘‘and I will whip the foe for you.” ‘« Five men!” gasped Harmon. ‘‘ Why, they’re ten to one out there.” : “T don’t care if they are.” “ce But. ” ‘« Will you give me the men?” “Oh. yes, but —” «There’s no tume for questions, Captain Harmon. ” “ Allright, Mr. Reade,” By Harmon’s orders five of the, Vigilants joined Frank Reade. He led them aboard the steam wagon. Then he closed the door and seized the reins which connected with the throttle. Tie Steam Man gave a shriek loud enough to perforate the ear drums of any one in the vicinity. Then it dashed out upon the prairie. The effect may be imagined. The monster with fiery eyes and all flame and smoke, with clanking thunderous tread plunging into the midst of the foe, was an appari- tion well to be feared. Right into the midst of the savages the Steam Man ran. While the armed men in the screened wagon poured destructive volleys into the midst of the red foe. Pen cannot adequately describe the situation. For a moment the Apaches held their ground, baffled yells they fled before the conqueror. In less than twenty minutes the vicinity had been practically cleared of savages. They retreated to a point below where their ponies were corralled. Mounting, they dashed away to the westward. The Steam Man pursned until finding a creek, they escaped for good. Then the Steam Man returned to camp. oe oen the foe had been repulsed, matters were still bad enough. Walter Barrows and Bessie Rodman were missing. That they were captives was a forlorn hope. That they had been murdered was a dreadful fear. Delay was almost fatal in this case. Without loss of time a good trailer was put upon the trail of the lovers. Daylight was breaking in the east, ang this enabled him to easily follow the traul. aay Along the banks of the creek it ran for nearly a fifth of a mile, Then the trailer paused. Leave it all to Then, with wild, ie » Here without doubt was the spot where Barrows had been attacked by the Apaches. There were footpriuts and marks of a struggle. A rifle, with broken stock, was picked up. ‘Tt is Barrows’ gun,” said one of the Vigilants, F Blood was found upon the ground, but no trace of the bodies. “‘They have been taken away as captives,” declared Harmon, posi- tively. ‘* There is no doubt of that.” ‘Or thrown into the creek,” suggested one of the Vigilants. Investigation for a moment gave the pursuers a thrill of horror. There were footprints down to the water’s edge, and the marks of some heavy body dragged thither. ’ Jn the shallow water, protected by reeds, was a body. For a moment all expected to recognize Barrows. But all drew a breath of relief. It was not him. The body was that of one of the Apaches. Doubtless it was one shot by Barrows, and his body had been thrown into this place to es- cape the notice of the white pursuers, ‘“‘That’s an Injun trick,” declared Harmon, positively. ‘I’m mighty well satisfied that the captives are alive,” ““T hope you are right,” said one man, “Ditto!” said another. «Then let us take the trail,” cried Frank Reade, Jr. ‘* If possible, we must rescue them.” The question was settled at once, All sprung to saddle, and the trail, which was quite plain, was followed. Across the prairies went the:Steam Man, with the Vigilants behind. Of course their horses could not compete with the Man on a level stretch, but Frank did not try to run away from them. / The Indians bore away to a southwesterly course, and soon a range of hills became visible above the horizon. Harmon made them out as the Black Bear range. “Tf they get into those hills with the captives,” he declared, ‘ we'll have mighty hard work diggin’ ’em out.” «““Why?” asked one of his men. “‘Bekase, there’s more holes and out of the way dens there than you coulé shake a stick at.” Barney and Pomp crouched tlown in the wagon, and kept their rifles in readiness for business. Frank Reade, Jr., watched the plain ahead with eager eye, bu‘ oreo the trail was plain there was yet no signs of overtaking the red foe. As they drew nearer the hills it became almost a certainty that the savages had souglhit refuge there. A long stretch of plain intervened to the hills. This was easily to be inspected with a glass, and Frank did so. There was no sign whatever of the Indians, All hope was thus given up of overtaking the redskina before reach- ing the hills, It seemed a certainty that they had reached their caves, and the only alternative left was to scour them thoroughly. But when quite near an entrance between high hills, suddenly the pursuers topped a rise in the prairie and were rewarded with a start- ling sight. Just below, in a depression, was the band of savages, seemingly en- gaged in making camp. A small creek ran through this depression. As is well known, Indians always-encamp upon the banks ofa stream. Yet it was a surprise to the pursuers that they should ven- ture to camp in this open spot. ; At sight of their foes the astonished redskins were thrown into tumult, BA Instantly a mad retreat was begun for the mountains. A wild cheer pealed from the lips of the vigilants. Harman settled himself in his saddle and shouted: «Forward, all! Charge!” : With a yell the Vigilants put spurs to their horses and made for the Indian encampment. : : Frank Reade, Jr., started the Steam Man on a circuit to head off the savages. But as he did so Pomp clutched his arm. “Hi dar, Marse Frank!” cried the darky. party ober dar making fo’ de hills?” Frank did see them. “Yes,” he replied. ‘“Well, dat am Missy “Bessie an’ her lover jes’ as suah as yo’ am bo’n, Marse Frank, an’ dar am half a dozen Injuns jes’ holding orto de bridles ob der hosses. I makes it out, sah, dat dey fink dey kin reach de hills afo’ de Steam Man, sah.” 1 i “By Jupiter, you're right, Pomp!” cried Frank, with inspiration. ‘But we'll try and spoil that little game.” ‘*T jes’ fink de Man “Does yo’ see dat little “ Dat’s right, Marse Frank!” cried the darkey. kin obertake dem hosses suah enuff.” Frank seized the reins and pulled open the throttle. As the Steam Man went forward with his mighty stride Frank opened the whistle valve and let out a mighty shriek of such loudness that the echoes were repeated a hundred fold in the recesses of the hills, ; ‘ CHAPTER XIV. IN: HOM Po Bs UIT, “= Tue party of savages with the two captives in their midst, evi- 4
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d us FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. / : dently intended to reach the hills, if: possible, before bemng overtaken by the Steam Man. At first Frank had fancled it easy to cut them off. But there were several depressions in the prairie which the Man had to cirenit, and the distance was greater than Frank had really dreamed of. Like a runaway locomotive the Steam Man raced over the plain. The vigilants were having a running fight with the savages. But Frank Reade, Jr., was doomed to disappointment. He failed to cut off the band of abductors, and they vanished from sight in a deep pass. “It was too rocky a trail for the Steain Man to follow. Villains had the best of it. ‘Golly sakes, Marse Frank!” cried Pomp, ‘‘dey done git away wif dem prisoners fo’ suah.” ‘Tt looks like it,” agreed Frank, in a baffled tone, ‘“but there ought to be some way to cut them off.” “ Begorra, there’s only won way,” declared Burney. “ What is that?” “Let the naygur sthay with the man, an’ you an’ I will go afther the divils a-foot,” said the Celt. For a moment Frank entertained no hopes of the success of such a plan. Then he glanced back to the prairie where the vigilants and the Indians were having their battle. It was nip and tuck between them, but Frank saw that the vigilants were fast getting the best of it. Not more than half a dozen of the savages had the captives in cbarge, To be sure, the odds were three to one, yet Frank believed that with the plucky Barney’s help, they could defeat them. To think with Frank Reade, Jr., was to act. He did not waste time, but seizing a rifle, cried: “Your idea is a good one, Barney, We will act upon it. Pomp, keep a sharp eye out for danger untill we return.” ——- ‘“A’right Marse Frank,” replied the faithful darky. Barney, delighted that Frank had seen fit to adopt his plan, was gnickly ready and they left the wagon. The Indians, to be sure, ad the start of them, but the pass was rocky and it was hardly likely that they would succeed in getting a great lead, Swiftly the two rescuers pressed forward. They climbed over piles of buwlders, crept throuzh narrow defi les, and climbed high steeps. it seemed that progress must. be slow for the ponies of the Indlans, and they should be overtaken before long. Suddenly Barney paused with a sharp cry. He seized Frank by the arm and pulled him back into the cover of an angle in the mountain wall. He was none too soon. The crack of rifles smote upon the air and the shower of bullets came down into the pass. ** Bejabbers, I saw the spalpeens just in the nick av time!” declared Barney, peering around the edge of the cliff wall. ‘! Av I hadn’t we'd have been dead gossoons as sure as me name is Barney.” ** You're right there!” cried Frank, slipping extra cartridges iuto his ritle; ‘‘ that was a close call.” “* Indade it was,” **J had no idea we were so near the rascals.” ** Bejabera, J didn’t mesilf tillI see the top-knot av wan of thim * over that ridge yender.” “They are y ready for us, then.” * Bejabers, and we're ready too. If I iver get a bead on any wan av them there'll be a job for the coroner, bad cess to thim.” ‘* Where are they? I can’t see their position very well.” “«Alisy, Misther Frank,” said Barney, ‘‘ they’re hiding up yonder jist ferninst that big serub av an oak on the edze of the cliff.” Frank looked in that direction. Suddenly ‘Barney gave a sharp cry. , “‘ Whurro:” he yelled. Quick as a flash his rifle went to his shoulder. Crack! A yell of agony rang through the gorge. tumbled an Indian almost at the Celt’s feet. The bullet had pierced his skull and his final account was settled. «Good shot, Barney!” cried Frank, ‘* that only leaves five for us to tackle.” Then quick as a flash the young inventor threw his rifle to his shoulder, Crack! Another yell, a death cry went up on the air of the defile. ‘ ‘« Bejabers, that’s only four av the divils left,” chuckled Barney. _ Ivs only two to wan, Misther Frank.” * You’re right, Barney!” cried Frank, with enthusiasm, ‘‘ but the odds are yet too great,” The outlook now was certainly encouraging for the rescue of the prisoners. But the two rescuers dene better than to essay an open attack. The Indian method of warfare was in tbis cage far the best. They remained strictly under cover. All was quiet on the bluff above, / But it was not by any means likely that the foe were inactive. The great danger now was that they would continue to slip away deeper into the hills and reach some inuccessible hiding place. _ Our rescuers waited as long as seemed consistent with safety. Thus far the Then down over the cliff Then Frank said: 4 ‘TI think we’d better make a break, Barney. ny “ All roight, sorr,” replied the Celt, “Do yez think it safe?” “We must use caution. It may be possible that they are trying to draw us from our hiding place.” ‘So I thonght, sorr.” “« Again, they may be far into the hills my, this time. We will gain nothing by staying here,” “All roight, sorr.” Barney began to sean the side of the cliff. A path was not visible any where. ‘Yet the Gel. did not believe it impossible to climb to the top tt this could be done thy might then succeed in getting upon level ground with the foe and escape the risk of their bullets. Frank devined Barney’s purpose and said: ‘*T think we can climb it, Barney.” Bejabers we'll thry.” Barney had just got his hands and feet into niches in the cliff when a starlling sound came up the pass. Fark!" ‘* What is it?” The tramp of ponies’ feet could be heard and the distant bafiled yells of savages’ were wafted up on the breeze. “The Indians are coming up the pass,” cried Frank, with dismay. “ Barney, there’s not an instant to lose,” * Begorra, yez are roight,” cried the Celt, beginning to make his way up y the cliff. i lt was a smart climb up the steep wall, but it was safely made at ength. They were now on level ground with the four captors. But a eare- ful reconnoitering of the vicinity showed -that they had left. In the lull in the conflict they had slipped away into the hills. But Barney took the trail and they went forward again in pursuit. The sounds of the the foe coming up the pass in their rear, however, every moment became plainer. But fortunately, just at a point where the trail diverged deeper into — the hills, the foe must bave turned in another direction for very soon the sounds died out. “We have nothing to fear from them,” cried Frank, with a breath of relief. ‘*They have gone in another direction.” Very soon tie hills began to merge into a deep valley. this there ran a swift stream. As Frank and Barney entered the valley Barney shouted: “ Be me sowl, there be the spalpeens now.” “ Where?” asked Frank. “ Jist down there ferniost that grove of trees, Misther Frank.” « Sure enough.” “The four savages and their captors were plainly seen on the banks of the creek. They were just in the act of embarking in a canoe, Frank saw that he must act quick if he would prevent this. So he said, sharply: “«Go to the right, Barney, I will go to the left, and we must head them off.” $¢ All right, sorr.”” Away went Barney on the mad run. the canoe into she water. They saw him coming and a yell was the signal. The captives were hustled into the light craft and it was pushed ‘out from the shore. Down into the current-it went. There was no time to lose. Frank Reade, Jr.. came to a stop and raised his rifle. It was a des- perate chance but he took it, A quick aim, a bead skillfully drawn on one of the paddlers and——’ Crack! ; A wild Indian yell went up and the prow: of the canoe swung around, Over into the water went the doomed savage. The shot had been a good one, But the canoe was at the moment at the head of some swift rapids. The next moment it was racing down them, and turning a bend in the stream vanished from view. Frank had not time to draw another bead before it was out of sight, and when it reached the lower level and came into view again it was out of range. Barney came along now and shonted: ‘« Be jabers, yez did well, Misther Frank. That was a beautiful shot. — There’s only three av ther red divils left.” This was true, but the three savages seemed likely to elude their pursuers after all, ; Man canoe was racing down the stream, and fast nearing a, defile in” the hills. If it should enter this, there wag little doubt but that the fugitives would make their escape. Frank and Barney saw this in the game moment. : ‘‘Begorra, Misther Frank, we must cut the divils off!” cried the Celt. Forward, then!” cried I'rank. “Is there not a short cut?” Both looked for this. In the same instant they espied it. The creek took a jong tur.., and ‘vy entting directly across a mead- ow the two pursuers saw that they would be | likely to gut off the Say- ages. Through The savages had already got / “Accordingly they started forward on the run. ‘ The Indian captors saw their move at once, and an angry yell went up from poets : My ata el
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One of them rose in the canoe and took quick aim and fired. The bullet whistled close to Barney’s ear. The Celt stopped and cocked his rifle. «Be jabers, ’H spoil that fellow!” he cried. blatherskite!” M) Barney’e rifle spoke. But the motion of the canoe very likely destroyed the aim, for the ‘sullet did not take effect. At this point the canoe took a swift course, and in the twinkling pb! an eye seemed to have overcome the skilled haud at the paddles. in a flash it went over and the entire party were Gumped into the watera of the creek. A great cry went up from Frank Reade, Jr. ‘““My God! they will be drowned!” ; Forward the brave young inventor rushed. He thought of poor Bartows with his hands tied. Thrown into the waters of the creek, it did not seem as if any power on earth could save him, But two of the savages had seized the prisoners. overturned in close proximity to the shore. The third savage gave assistance, aud as the water did not chance to ve deep, all got ashore. ‘Now we have them!” cried Frank, confidently. But his statement was premature. Even as it seemed that the rescue was certain, an incident occurred to prevent. ‘ From bebind a small hillock appeared Red Bear’s gang of Apaches, full half a bundred strong. CHAPTER XV. THE VIGILANTES TO THE RESCUE. THE appearance of the savages was most inopportune. Mounted on their fleet ponies, with wild yells they swept down upon the party. The three indian eaptors yelled with delight. Frank and Barney of course came toa halt, Of course it was folly to tempt fate. ; To attempt to stand against that gang was folly. “ By Jupiter!” gasped the young inventor. ‘It’s all up with us, Barney! Weare badly beaten!” ** Tare an’ ’ounds!” grumbled the angry Celt. ‘ That beats all me woife’s relatious! Phwativer shall we do now, Misther Frank?” ‘ Beat a retreat,” declared’ the young inventor. ‘Come on, Barney!” *: 1Us mesilf as hates to retreat,” said Barney, stubbornly. ‘* Oh, if we only had the Steam Man an’ the naygur here now we'd moighty soon turn the thing about.” f Me two veseners now turned about and hastily “beat a retreat across the valley. But they had not gone far when the Indians begez to ford the ereek for the parpose of giving pursuit. Barney saw the move and called Frank’s attention to it. ‘‘Be me sowl, Misther Frank!” cried the Irishman, excitedly, “we've got to make quick toime, or they'll have our scalps,” * You ure right, Barney.” But at that moment Frank Reade, Jr., lifted his gaze, and a mighty ery escaped his lips. f ; Directly in front of them, a body of armed men swept into the val- ley. “Shey were the Vigilants, and at their head rode Harmon, At sight of Frank and Barney they urged their horses on faster with a loud cheer. This was answered by the two fugitives, with a will. The savages, seeing the Vigilants, now changed their tactics. They turned their horses avout and rode swiftly on the back trail. Frank could tardly wait for Harmon and his men to come up, Enthusiastic greetings were exchanged, and also experiences. The Vigilants had driven the Apaches before them into the hills. But upon entering the fastnesses, with which they were not famil- jar, tbe Indians had given them the slip. In the sesreh, they had come upon the scene at an opportune mo- ment, 3 ; There seemed no better thing to do than to give pursuit to the sav- ges at once, ‘ Accordingly a couple of spare horses were provided for Frank and Barney, and they rode forward on the charge. The delay had been brief, but it had enabled the creek and start for the defile heyond. ‘ Down thundered the vigilanis in hot pnrsnit. The creek was qnickly forded and the pursuers seemed to be gain- ing at every bound. But of asudden the savages eaccuted a peculiar and inexplicable maneuver, - Sudderly and without warning they split in two sections, one going to the right and the other to the left. * / In one division was the girl eaptive, Bessie Rodman, and in the other Walter Barrows. : : The party who had the girl in charge started for the defile. The other made directly across the valley. In a flash of time the purpose of the savages was made apparent, The vigilants could not go both ways with splitting up. __ As they were much less in number than the Apaches’ the result of this would he to greatly weaken them, if not actually piace them at the mercy of the red foe, | i ) ‘Have at yez, ye The canoe had the savages to cross 4 ¥ i _ PRANK READE, JR, AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. i WF Wits aie rc ve *e 1915 |i} tie $y PE Main ct OD On the other hand it was.a problem as to which direction to pursue — or which party to follow, . : Harmen drew a slight rein Wpon his horse and wavered a moment. The vigilants naturally were inclined to gogto the rescue of their Contnads but Frank Reade, Jr:, comprehending the folly of this, eried: ‘The girl first. We can rescue the man later.” “Yes!” cried Harmon, in a voice of thunder; “that is our duty! The girl first, boys; then we will try and save Barrows.” M ae vigilants cheered, and away thundered the troop toward tlie efile. A few moments later they reached it and entered it, High walls of black, forbidding rock arose on either side to a mighty height. The bed of the defile was rough and strewn with bowlders. It was harder for the horses of the vigilants to pick their way - through here than the fleet-footed ponies of the savages. Accordingly the Indians gained qnite a lead, But after a quarter of a mile of the defile had been traversed the vigilants were brought . to a halt in an unceremonious manner. The defile seemed suddenly to take an upward trend here, and higa piles of bowlders made a barrier of some height. Suddenly from behind this barrier there came the flash of rifle muz. zles, and a volley of bullets came rattling down through the defile. ‘ cats of the vigilants were wounded, and Harmon instantly called a alt. ‘ Cover was quickly sought behind rocks and corners near. It was evident that the Indians had here made a stand, ilant leader was puzzled. But suddenly Frank Reade, Jr., gave a sharp cry: « Tisten!”? ji His acute ear had caught the sound of horses’ hoofa coming up the defile in their rear. “Ry thunder!” ejaculated Harmon, with sudden terrible compre- hension, ‘we are trapped!” The men gazed blankly at each other. . ; Nothing was more apparent. The Apaches under the shrewd Red Bear had certainly very cleverly outgeneraled them. Led into the defile by one division of the Apaches, the other had proceeded to block up the outlet, and thus literally the Vigilauts were in a trap. There was not the advantage in facing afoe in this manner that there was in having bim wholly in the front. To be attacked both front and rear would demoralize even the largest and bravest of armies. Harmon was completely taken aback. ** Wall, Iswan!”’ he exclaimed, with earnestness, ‘‘ I never believed an Injun could beat me in any such way as that. But we are in for it, boys, and no misiake. We've got to fight hard.” The savages in front were keeping up.a raking fire. Those in the rear had now drawn near enough to also open fire. The fun had begun, But the brave band of white men had no thought of fear or of re- treat. ' They at once, by Harmon’s direction, sought safe places of cover and proceeded to return the fire, Every time an Indian’s top-knot showed above the fringe of rocks, it was made a target of: Thus, the battle was kept up for over an hour, Then an idea occurred togthe inventive mind of Frank Reade, Jr, He had carefully examined the fuce of the pass. In doing so ks had discovered what luoked like a feasiole foot path over the elif. At once he called Harmon aside and explained a plan to bim. “T think we can defeat, the. savages easily in this manner,” he de- clared. ‘Give me five men and I will guarantee a surprise for them.” ‘Mr. Reade, take what force you need,” declared the vigilant lender. ‘‘ I have full contidence in your ability to do as you say. May you succeed.” Trank at once selected five men from from the troop. Tien with Barney he led the way cautiously up the path. : Fortunately, it was overhung with foliage to a large extent, so that they were hidden from the view of those in their rear. _ Ina few moments a position near the. brow of the cliff bad been reached. Then Frank’s surmise was verified. ‘The little party could look down upon the heads of the savages, It waa an ensy matter to pour a volley amongst them with most demora- lizing effect. ; , Frank sent one of the men back down.the clifl, to give Harmon the cue when to make acharge, Thea ata favorable moment Frank gave the order to fire, Six repeating rifles were turned upon the savages, and as fast ag. they could be worked, they were engaged in firing a volley down upon ~ the heads of the exposed savages, The effect was startling. The savage is never the one to stand in open field and fight, At once a panic seized them. { It was the moment for the charge, and Harmon’s men rushed for- ward, : Up over the rocks they went. In atwinkling the savages were driven from their entrenchments and utterly routed, and completely dispersed. ‘ 8 Frank Reade, Jr., and Barney saw their opportunity, and rushed upon two of the savages who had Bessie Rodman in charge. Tn a moment the girl captive was free once more and amop friends. The two guarus fled for their lives. : The Vig=
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FRANK ‘READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. All this had happened in a twinkling of an eye, comparatively speaking. But the fight was not over. The force in the rear were coming to the attack. But Harmon’s men were now in a position to command the defile, A quick, sharp conflict ensued, and the Apaches were driven back with great slaughter. \ The vigilants had thus far the best of it. The enemy had been routed, and Bessie Redman rescued. Only one other thing now remaiued to be accomplished, and this was the rescue of Walter Barrows. Bat even as the question was being discussed a loud ery arose, and the next momert a hatless, blood-stained young man caine dash- ing down oyer the cliff and fell half fainting in the midst of the vigi- lants.. it was Barrows. In the midst of the fight the plucky young plainsman had sueceed- ed in breaking his ponds, and after a desperate fight with two of his captor, had made his escape. Everybody extended congratulations to the young couple, and then plans for the future were discussed. It was not certain that the savages would not retnrn to the attack. But a report was brought in by a number of scouts sent out that the Apaches had withdrawn from the field entirely. It was therefore decided to go back to Willow Creek. It was not known whether Col. Clark had been*victorious with the cowboys or nor. Until this question was settled Harmon had no idea of returning home. “Until Cliff and his gang have been wiped out of existence,” he declared, ‘*{ shall not give up ther chase.” Frank and Barney were anxious to return at once to the Steam Man and Pomp. They were, by no means, assured that the darky was Safe or that he might not have got into trouble. Accordingly the start was at once made for the prairie. Down one of the defiles the vigilauis rode. Coming out into the little valley theyycrossed this and entered the pass. But they had not proceeded a hundred yards into the pass when one of the advance scouts came rushing back and gave a thrilling report. “Ther cowboys are coming up ther pass!” he cried. ‘* Thar’s a host of em, and Art Clift 1s at , the head of ’em.” “The cowboys!” gasped Harmon. The greatest excitement ensued. “My soul!” exclaimed Frank Reade, Jr., been defeated!” “ Bad luck to the omadhouns!” “But what of Pomp?” exclaimed Frank with alarm. ought at once to ascertain where he is.” **To be shure, Misther Frank,” agreed the Celt, ‘‘but how in the name av all the saints are yez goin’ tu do it? Be jabers, these cow- boys have got us cornered.” In a very few moments a large sized battle was in progress in the pass. in dismay. ‘Clark has ‘Barney, we CHAPTER XVI. POMP MAKES ACTION. Now let us return to Pomp and the Steam Man, whom tn the detail of the thrilling adventures just chronicled we have negletted. The darkey entertained nothing like fear at being left alone on board the Steam Man, Indeed, he rather enjoyeil the responsibility thus put npon him. He could oceasionally hear rifle shots from the hills, which assured him that Frank and Barney were making it hot for the savages. “ Golly!” he muttered. ‘I jes’ reckon dem Injines git de worstest ob dat fight. Kai dar, if dey amn’t comin’ dis yer way. I spee’sI bet- ter move.” This was true, The Indians had heen driven before the vigilants, and starting for the hills were coming straight toward the Steam Man. It was evident that they meant to enter the hills at this point, Pomp knew that it would be folly to remain where he was with the Steam Man. The savages might ruin the machine as he could not hope alone*to ~ hold them at bay. So he opened the throttle and started away with the Man, He kept on. until satisfiec that he had reached a safe point. Meanwhile the Indians reached the pass and entered it. The vigilants, however, did not seem in a hurry to pursue. They remained on the battle ground for some while looking after their dead ‘and wounded. When they did start for the pass Pomp had returned and was there stationed, ‘As they came up the darky put his head out of the sereen door and shouted: ‘“Good fo’ yo’, Marse Harmon. Jes yo’ gib dem Injuns a good lickin’ fo’ luck. I reckon yo’ kin do it.” ft reckon we can, Pomp,” replied Harmon. it. ‘Tf yo’ sees Marse Frank, jes tole him fo’ me, dat his carriage am waitin’ fo’ him. Will yo’?” _ Harmon replied that he would and rode away laughing immoderately. ® The vigilants all vanished up the pass. It seemeil ages after they had gone, when Pomp received another great surprise. , ‘© At least we'll try i / Suddenly, hearing the clatter of hoofs he turned his head, and scru- tinized the prairie. A thrilling sight met his gaze. There, coming ovér a swell in the plain was’a body of horsemen. It required but a glance for the darky to recognize them. They were the cowboys with Artemus Cliff at their head. They were riding directly down upon the Steam Man. They were just coming from the scene of their victory over Clark. Pomp’s eyes stuck out !ike agates and ile sprung to his feet. “Glory fo’ goodness!” he gasped. ‘Dat am Cliff and his debbils. I jes’ reckon I get out dere way.” In an instant. he opened the throttle and let the Steam Man race out upon the prairie. The cowboys gave a wild yell, and attempted pursuit. But they vould not keep anywhere near the Man, and finally aban- doned it. With baffled yells they returned and disappeared in the pass. “Golly, dat am a berry bad fing for Marse Frank an’ de cders,” muttered Pomp. ‘‘ Dey will neber be anticipating de comin’ ob dem rapseallions, an’ dat will make tings berry bad, indeed.” The darky at once began to wax ‘anxious as to the fate of hig friends. He began to feel as if it was very much his duty to enter the hills and render what assistance he could. But what was to be done with the Steam Man? Pomp reflected that he might take it with him if he could only. find some way of doing so. : To attempt to traverse the rocky Pass was out of the question. The darky was in a quandary, Soon he heard the sounds of firing. great distance, either. Pomp could hardly contain himself. the cage like a prisoner in his cell, Sy: Ob co'se, I has Marse Frank’s ordahs to stay yere,” he muttered, ‘but it am evident dat Marse Frank needs all de help dat lie Can get. What ebber I kin do, I jes’ don’ know what.” The darky sat down and began sober reflection. He was a shrewd fellow, and as a result be was not long iniformulat- ing a plan. Be sprang up finally. ‘By golly, Vl jes’ do dat fing!” he cried, finally. fing I kin do.” He opened the throttle and started the Steam Man along the base of the hills. With keen eye he studied the possibility of entering them. By the pass it was impossible. But he imagined that it would not be difficult to find another means, / Nor was he disappointed. At a certain point the hillside was shorn of trees and bowlders. It made a smooth surface even over the brow of the height. As the Steam Man was provided with power to climb any height of this sort, Pomp at once set his course up the height. Up went the Steam Man with prodigious strides. Nearer the top he drew. Pomp had no means of knowing ehouan it would be possible to go further or not. But his best hopes were realized uvon reaching the summit. Down a gentle incline the Steam Man went, and through a scattered grove of trees, and came out into a valley deep in the hills. The sound of firing was now quite plain. Indeed, as Pomp euided the Man down into the valley, he saw the powder smoke of the conflict in the pass, justia short way up the val- ley “By golly!” muttered the darky, joyfully, [reckon dat I get dar jes’ in de bes’ time. Won’t Marse Frank be glad fo’ to See me!” But at that moment a startling thing occurred. The Man was traveling slowly, when just as the bottom of the in- cline was reached, two powerful savages sprung out of the grass and seized the throttle rein. Pomp was so taken by surprise that for a moment he could not act. ‘: ae pulling of the rein closed the throttle, and the Man came to a alt. Pomp could not use the rein to open it again, and had there been more of the red foe, the Steam Man would have been at their mercy. But there were only two of tnem, and while one held the rein the Other easayed to hack his way into the wagon with his tomahawk. Pomp acted with the rapidity of thought. t “Gway from dar yo’ red imp!” he yelled, picking up a revolver® “Tf you don’t I'll jes’ bore a hole in yo’.” But the red man did not desist, and Pomp, springing to a loop- hole fired at him. The bullet went true to its aim, and the Indian fell dead. The other savage seeing the fate of his companion let out a baffled yell, and relaxing” his grip on the valve rein fled precipitately. Pomp did not take the pains to tire at -him, but coolly picked up the valve rein, opened the throttle and the Steam Man went on. Straight for the scene of the pe a at the mouth of the Pass Pomp went. | When he came upon the scene he found a thrilling and sanguine conflict in progress. At sight of the Steam Man a cheer went up from the Vigilants. eit a moment Frank and Barney. were aboard and shaking hands ith Pomp. whe situation was quickly explained. “T thought mos’ likely yo’ would want de Steam Man, Marse Frank,” said the faithful ds urky. ‘*So I jes’ fetched him ober to yo’.” * “You have done well, Pomp,” said Frank, joyfully, ‘‘ Of course, The battle was on, and at no H2 walked-up and down in “Tt am de bes’
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ey A. ie v Jar FRANK READE, JR. AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. this insures our safety. With the Steam Man we would easily es- cape the cowboys. But it will never do to leave these brave Vigil- ants to their mercy.” ; “ Ob co’se not, Marse Frank,” cried Pomp, seizing his rifle. “Jes’ o let dis chile draw a bead on dem rapscallions. l’l! show dem dat Pomp kin use a rifle.” : The Steam Man was placed in the van of the line of battle. Protected as they were by the impervious screen, those on board could fire with advantage at the cowboys. The battle was a hot one, but every moment the cowboys slowly gained ground, oe sé sea was worse, the ammunition of the Vigilants seemed to be iving Put. ; ; & With plenty of ammunition, it was possible that the Vigilants could have held them at bay for a long while, But, of course, when the ammunition should give out, the battle would be ended. be ape but detormined, the brave plainsmen stood their round, . Not a man of them thought of retreat. All were prepared to give up their lives like heroes. There seemed no way of getting out of tneir present desperate situation, To retreat was about equal to an ape eee for it would be out upon the open plain where they would be shot down like sheep. The situation was an awful one. “Durn it, I don’t keer for myself,” said bluff Harmo the vigilant leader, ‘‘ but some of the boys have families dependent on’em. Ah, that dog of a Cliff has sins to answer fer.” “You are right,” agreed Frank Reade, Jr. some eat of getting out of this scrape.” “ How?” “Ah, that is a sticker. ““None whatever.” “The Steam Man could be sent for them in quick time, if such a thing were possible.” f “But itis not. The nearest place is Ranch V, and that is Cliff's own den. We know that.” ; “Certainly.” a ee fort is too far off. There is just one forlorn hope.” “The cavalry.” * “But they may have been all wiped out.” “Very true. Well, we must die then like men. But, Mr. Reade, there is no reason why you should not take the girl in your Steam Man and make your escape.” ; Frank placed a hand upon the ee captain's shoy'der, “Yes!” he said, aa “T could do that.” _ —— sf tee do it. We will hold the foe at bay until——”_,, “ top 2 } Harmon looked his surprise. ; “You do not know me,” said Frank Reade, Jr., determinedly, “do cn think I would desert you in this hour of need ?” “ But—" ; * Never! Ifyou diesodowe. Until the last the Steam May will stand his ground.” + r With tears of emotion in his eyes Harmon gripped Frank’s hand. “God bless you!” was all he could say. # At this moment one of the vigilants came up excitedly. ~ “Weare Paes firing the last cartridges,” he declared.y ‘ ‘shall we do? Is ita retreat, Harmon?” ie “ Retreat!” cried the vigilant leader, clubbing his rifle’ ‘* Never! Come on one and all. The crisis has come. Now let us\ iow them how brave men can die.” i The cowboys with their wild cheers were forcing the crippled vig- ilants back. , eeu But even in the moment of their victory a strange sound came from the rear and a mighty cry went up from the throats of the vigilants. © Hurrah! ‘But there must be There is no hope of reinforcements near?” ‘What Weare saved! Rescue has come at last.” CHAHTER XVII. / ONCE MORE IN THE ENEMY’S POWER. Tr had been Col. Clark’s firm intention to return to the fort for re- inforcements. SA It was a long ways, but he did not reckon this. He thought only of securing a suflicient body of men to cope successfully with the cowboys. 5 So they rode the little remnant of the squad for the far distant ort, But after a night had been spent in camp, just as the bugle called “boots and saddles.” one of the guard sighted a body .of horsemen just coming over a swell in the prairie, “a * The alarm was given and Clark rode out to investigate. One glance was enough and a ery of joy escaped his lips. “Hurrah !” he cried. ‘* Wearein luck, It is Romaine’s company of one hundred men. Forward all!” _ With cheers the little band rode out to meet the reinforcements, The command had been sent out under Captain Romaine to search \ ' for Clark and his men. The two officers shook hands and’ explanations were made. “You have come just in the nick of time, Romaine,” declared Clark. ‘‘Wecan now return and whip the cowboys. / “We are with you, colonel!” declared the captain with a salute. “The boys are itching for some hot work.” ““Well, I will promise it to them,” laughed Clark, as he took com- ' mand. At once the cavalry set out at full gallop for the hills, Tt seemed like a strange fate that guided them almost to the very scene of the confiict. _' : The firing was heard long before the pass was reached, and Clark - hurried his men forward. He at once threw them into the pass in the rear of Cliff's gang. oR Ng ae 7 It was an opportune moment, too. Just as, the last cartridge of the vigilants wat used the cavalry struck the rear of the cowboy gangs ‘ Instantly a panic seized Clifi’s men. They made a brief stand, ana then were driven up a side defile into the hills. , Here they made a stubborn stand. _ The cavalry literally cleared the pass, and riding through came into the midst of the vigilants. The,scene which followed baffles description. e In amoment Clark and big Harmon were shaking hands with the deepest emotion. 4 “Ye came jest in the nick of time, Clark,” declared the vigilant _chief. ‘In ten minutes more we might have all been dead men.” ** Then we are in luck,” cried the colonel, ‘for which I am very glad. Ah, Mr, Reade, lam glad to see you.” ., ; * The same,” replied Frank, as he gripped hands with the colonel. aaa Clark rode away up the defile to see what was going on ere. c He found the fiercest kind of a battle in pragress. The cowboys had aa caie themselves once more and were making a bold stand. 3 | ‘The cavalry outnumbered them, but they were in a very ‘advan- | tageous position. The best efforts of Clark’s men would not suffice to dislodge them. | For a long while the sanguine battle went on. In vain Clark tried to eject them from their ‘position. est efforts met with failure. : The intrepid colonel knew that if he could get the foe into the . open he could hope to whip them. But as it was it looked certainly as if his plucky little band would | be badly decimated in thé accomplishment of the desired end. In this quandary Frank Reade, Jr., appeared upon the spot. The young inventor had borrowed a horse of one of the vigilants and rode up to see how the fight was goin on. eee colonel,” he said, greeting Clark, “‘how are you making out?” “Not as well as I could desire,” replied the colonel in a dejected manner, : ; ‘“* What is the matter?” ““ Why, I can’t drive the rascals.” ‘Why not?” f a They have a position up there in the hills which is unassail- able. “T disagree with you,” said Frank, engineer, but I am aland surveyor an that hill is not of the best.” Clark was staggered. “ Why, it is the best position about here,” he declared. “No,” said Frank, gravely. ‘* Yonder is a much better position.” He pointed to a hill to the right, and which the one upon which the cowboys were seemed to overlook, ; “*“What—try tocommand the foe from that hill?’ eried Clark, scornfully. “* We would only expose ourselves, and they would’ sweep us from it like chaff before the wind.” “ No, they wouldn’t.” ; “Now, Mr. Reade, what is the use for you to talk that way? The hill upon which they are is higher than this one.” ° “Tt may be higher in the number of feet,” replied Frank, * but | not in advantage of position.” “ How do you make that out?”- It is easy enough to see. The top of this hill is smooth, is it not ad ee nes. : “ The top of theirs is craggy and they cannot climb up toit. Their position is-far from-the top. A position on the top of yonder hill will easily look down into their camp.” Clark was surprised, but he saw the logic of Frank’s remark, ** By Jove!” he cried. | ** Perhaps you are right.” “J think you will find that I am.” “ But I would have taken my oath that they had the highest posi- tion around here.” “Well, that would seem to be really so, for the hill itself is higher. Yet it is but an optical delusion. Clark extended his hand to Frank, “Mr, Reade,” he cried warmly. ‘You areright, I acknowledge ay eee Ki Perhaps your opportune suggestion may enable us to Ww ip the foe. d f it is of any value, I am highly pleased!” said Frank, mod- His brav- uietly. “Iam not a military I tell you their position om “ estly. - : ‘* T feel that it is, and I shall at once proceed to take the hill. Clark at once proceeded to do this, By his command his men moved up the back side of the hill. : This protected them from the bullets of the cowboys. : Arrived at the top of the smooth hill, it was found that Frank Reade, Jr., was right. ? They were enabled to look right down upon the cowboys in their position. P “ Hurrah!” eried Clark, jubilantly, “‘ that means victory.” : = Bis was given the astonished cowboys. They returned with ul effect. ; ! 2 The tables were exactly turned upon them, and they were not slow to see the point. ' SUR A red-hot fire was kept up for some little time, but the cowboys no longer held the advantage. ‘ Indeed it began to look muchly asif they were to be driven from their position. Suddenly all firing ceased. Y The cowboy gang were not in sight, nor did they fire another shot. Clark feared a stratagem or some fatal decoy, and dared not at once order a charge. we But finally he became convinced that the cowboys had evacuated their position and had made a retreat. _ ape : Flushed with victory Clark ordered his men to charge. 1 ‘ )
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A 20 FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN, Up the slope they went with fixed bayonets. But when they - cleared the top of the intrenchments, hastily thrown up by the cow- best course now is to send out scouts and scour the hills, boys, it was found that they had gone. hey had departed quite unceremoniously and completely. Not an article of any kind was left behind. Indeed it also became a mystery as to the course taken by them, Not a sign of a trail could be found, It bafiled the cavalrymen. ~ ‘ **By Jupiter!” exclaimed Clark, in disgust, ““how are you going to | fight such a shadowy foe. If they would only come out like men and fight it out it would be all right. But they don’t dare do it.” ‘You would whip them,” said Frank Reade, Jr., with a laugh. * That is why they are playing hide and seek.” “T suppose so, but it makes it pretty hard for me. T suppose the “ Exactly.” “Allright. I will do it.” **T hope you will succeed.” ‘Thank you. I will do it or die.” “That is a good resolution,” ‘* Well, I mean it, every word of it.” With this Clark ordered his men.to Horse, and the quest at once began. Beant did not believe that he could be of further service just now, so he decided to return to the Steam Man. Mounting his horse he rode down through the defile. Ina few moments he reached the spot where the remnant of the brave Vigi- lant band were. ‘There was the Steam Man iatact, but Krank saw at a glance that something was tice about the camp. Everybody Bppen’ tobe deeply excited. Young Barrows was seen wringing his hands and paged about madly. Frank sent his horse forward rapidly. Barney saw him coming and ran out to meet him. ** Och hone, Misther Frank!” he cried. a ie a exclaimed Frank, reining up his horse, ‘‘ what is the mutter?” **Sure, Somethin’ terrible has happened since ye went away.” -* Well, what isit ?” * Shure, sor, the young lady, Bessie, has gone, sor, an’ divilja wan av us kin foind her anywhere.” ‘Bessie Rodman gone?” gasped Frank. ‘‘Can that be possible?” ‘*Shure, sor, itis, an’ faix they all do believe that the divils av cowboys, be the orders av Artemus Cliff, have got her agin.” “Great heavens!” cried Frank, with horror, ‘how on earth could | they have done that? Is there not enough of you here to prevent?” “Shure, sor, that is thrie enough,” cried Barney. ‘But it’s the girrul’s fault hersilf, as ivery wan believes.” * Her fault!” cried Frank, in surprise. ‘‘ How could that be?” CHAPTER XVIII. q THE LOVERS QUEST. Tx tell ye how it was, Mister Reade,” cried bluff Harmon, the vigilant,as he came up. ‘ Ye see the gal took big chances. Thar’s a spring in that bit av bushes there an’ she went over to gita drink of water. Nobody has seen her since.” ‘Have you made a good search?” asked Frank, sharply. ** An all fired good one.” * But how do you know that Cliff's gang have got her?” , * Because we know that it could not be Injuns, for the ground was marked with ried of the cowboys’ shoes.” Frank received this information with sinking heart. He knew that it must be too true that Besse Rodman had again fallen into the hands of Cliff, It was a dismaying reflection. ‘To effect her rescue would prove no easy task. Just how to go to work to do it was a problem to Frank, But he.was not Jong in deciding upon a plan of action. Meanwhile young Barrows, desperate over the thought that his girl love was once more in Cliff’s power, had made a daring move. Alone he rode away into the hills. : ; He was determined to rescue Bessie or sacrifice his life in the attempt. Barrows was a youth of rare pluck and In this quest he was aided by his blind For her he would gladly ee up his life. y i Striking into the hills he sought to follow the trail of the ab- uctors. : But it was soon lost in the flinty ground, and his best efforts to recover it were in vain. However, he kept on with feverish resolution, blind quest, but this did not deter him in the least. Soon Barrows had penetrated deep into the hills. é . He heard the distant sounds of firing and knew that the soldiers and Cliff’s men were yet having it out. “God give me strength to rescue Bessie Rodman!” he prayed, as he rode on. It had oceurred to Barrows that the taken to Ranch V by her captors. He had half made up his mind to proceed thither when a thrilling thing oceurred. A Suddenly the sharp crack of a rifle smote upon the air. Barrows reeled in the saddle and his horse gave a plunge. ‘A line of red blood trickled down over his face. ‘Ihe bullet had grazed his cheek bone. It was a narrow escape. ; - ‘The*fraction of an inch in another direction, and the bullet might have penetrated his brain. Young Barrows had faced danger and death times enough to know quite well what to do. y He instantly dropped from his horse and spoke a word of com- mand to the animal. ? The faithful and well-trained steed wheeled and galloped away into the cover of timber near. ; ri ¥ greet determination. ove for Bessie Rodman. It was now a young girl might have been f hy | Barrows himself sank down behind a pile of rocks, All this was done in the twinkling of an eye. The trained westerner whose life is in danger | value of quick action. P deha i It was this which saved the life of Barrows, for half a dozen bul- lets came whistling down the mountain side the next moment. He had run unconsciously upon his foes. He experienced a thrill as it occurred to him that this was most likely the party who had Bessie Rodman in their charge. = BS Pom help me now!” he muttered, fervently. ‘I must save er or die ’ ; From his position he could safely scrutinize the mountain side, He saw that far up on its side there was a rude cabin made of bark and logs. From this the storm of bullets had come. Nothing could be seen of those within the cabin, But Barrows believed that not only was the foe within, but also Bessie Rodman. He was somewhat at a loss now to know just what move’to make, To advance ag to the attack would have been an act of foliy. He would certainly have met his,death in a summary fashion, ; So while pondering on the subject he continued to watch the cabin windows. | He held his rifle in readiness for instant use. Suddenly a face appeared for an instant at one of the windows. It was quickly eeicnceerns and Barrows had not time to fire. He recognized it, however, as the face of one of the outlaws. The young plainsman’s nerves were steel, and he watched his chance again with nervous anxiety. ' Suddenly the opportunity came. Once more the face appeared, Barrows raised his rifle quick as thought. Crack! A wild ery went up, the sound of a falling body was heard, and then the tramping of feet and bitter curses. ; Barrows knew that his shot had taken effect. ' Then he changed his position. But not a sound or asign of life came from the mysterious cabin, knows well the tered. ‘‘ They surely must be there, for I have not seen them come out as yet.” (a é A great length of time had elapsed. Certainly an hour and a half of waiting had passed, and Barrows felt that he must do something and at once. “‘T shall die of worriment if I stay here,” he muttered. ‘“ Per- haps——” ie paused, had been waiting all this while for nothing. \ K It would have been not by any means a difficult matter for the foe spot, ; i But how was he to determine this fact. ; _ Tt aod only be done by approaching the hut boldly and search- | ing it. iho do this was to incur the risk of a bullet from the outlaws. | This might be only a clever trick of theirs to draw him from his — covert. 7 f J All these thoughts passed kaleidoscope like through Barrow’s rain, { ; If he could have kept up a desultory battle with them in his pres-— ent position he believed that he could have picked off a number of them, and thus reducing their numbers eventually bring the fight to a focus with a fair chance of winning. But the outlook now was by no means so It was more than likely that he would cutting off the abductors before they should the cowboys. ‘ Lay In this case it would be more difficult to rescue Bessie Rodman. ~ bitte nogaet pursue the abductors. have been surrounded and there would have been little trouble in making the rescue. i Barrows proceeded to act. cover of rocks and trees, He was very careful not to expose himself to a shot and in this way had soon reached a point from which’ he believed he could see — the rear end of the cabin. Y ae There it stood lonely and silent. avant Was it really deserted or were the foe yet within its walls?” To all appearances it was deserted, t inh Barrows hesitated a moment and then took the desperate chance. He emerged boldly from the woods and approached the cabin, ' On at Pies until within ten yards of the door. Yet there was n sign of life. | : pi The next moment he reached the door. Naas ta It yielded to his touch and he entered. The place was deserted, — There were evidences that the foe had been there. ry : Also Barrows made a thrilling discovery. ) floor he discovered the footprints of Bessie Rodman. es At least it was safe to presume that they were hers, for there was no likelihood that the region gentle sex, aes i Feverishly Barrows examined the trail and followed it ou through a rear door of the cabin. Tae itn It led into a narrow gulch and up the mountain. Ae risen It was quickly lost in the gravelly soil, but Barrows kept on up the mountain, aes ny ie pair oie Ne now censured himself for not having acted with greater dis- atch.| 9) t , ; : bale a 3 He believed that had he changed his position earlier he ae wou i ahh &) v; A He was satisfied that the foe could be but a half dozen in number. _ bats drm aR Lt ave great diftleulty inv join the main body of If he had now several of his companions with him the hut could on But time was speeding and something had got to be done ab once. : He began to cautiously climb up the mountain side keeping in the fi Wy ; ; y In the soft dirt of hei for many miles held another of her — PU “Tf they are in the cabin they are keeping mighty dark,” he mut- to have slipped out by a rear exit, and by this time be farfrom the Barrows now realized his folly in starting out single handed to — ~ Se ae a ln i Te ‘
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=») BON 5 ea D _ have become aware sooner of the change of base of the abductors. This was undoubtedly true, but on the other hand there had/been the great risk of exposure to a bullet. Gn the whole the lover felt that he had reason to be grateful for his success in so promptly striking the trail of the foe. He kept on up the mountain with increasing hopes. 2 If he could once more overtake the abductors under more favor- able circumstances he believed that he could effect the rescue of Bessie Rodman, He still kept on up the mountain. ‘FRANK READE, JR, AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. * Then he suddenly halted at a point from which he had a good ! view of the country about. He looked down upon a level plain below some distance which was fringed with trees, r In the verge of this timber line Barrows saw a number of moving ures. : ‘ e was satisfied that they were the party of abductors and he even fancied he could se2 the form of Bessie Rodman. With deadly resolution Barrows started in pursuit, pews the mountain he went and soon reached the level of the , ain. ih is The party was now out of sight but Barrows believed that he could overtake them. ‘So he set out at a rapid pace aloug the verge of the timber. Excit- ing experiences were in store for him. CHAPTER XIX. 5 FRANK’S NARROW ESCAPE. FRANK READB, JR., had decided to go at once in quest of the ab- ductors of Bessie Rodman, He called Pomp and Barney aboard the Steam Man, and the start was made, i . Of course they were not aware that Barrows had started out upon the same mission, . - # Tt was decided to proceed.un’ the Death Gulch, for Frank fancied that the abductors had likely struck out over the mountain range. The gulee could be traversed by the Steam Man easily, and Frank deemed it safer to travel that way. Up the gulch the Steam Man went. : For some distance all went well, and no incident worthy of note occurred. ; ‘ - But finally a branch of the canyon was reached, and here a halt was called. This extended to the southward. Frank knew that the outlaws could not have crossed this without a wide detour. be The ground was high above the walls of the canyon, and the young inventor decided upon a different move. The Steam Man proceeded up this canyon for some ways. Then Frank called a halt, ear “We will ptop here, ’ he said. rts “« Shure, Misther Frank,” cried Barney, ‘ phwat iver do yéz want ' todo that fer? It’s a clear course ahead.” “Tam well aware of that, Barney,” replied Frank, “ but I am not sure that we are following the right course.” 4 ** Indade, sor.” 4 / ‘J mean to climb to the top of the canyon wall here and take a look off at the country.” “Shure erlough, sor!” a poteute Marse Prrnk, amn’t youse gwine to let dis chile go wif 0" La wes Begorra, not a bit av it!” cried Barney. wid the Stheam Man, naygur.” / ‘“ Yo’ glong, Pish! I reckon Marse Frank take me dis time.” '. Frank smiled and said : “ Yes, it is no more than fair, Pomp, for you to go this time. You _. will remain with the Man, Barney.” - . Barney did nog demur, for he knew that it would be of no use. . But he had been with Frank on excursions many times, and per- ' haps felt that it was no more than fair that Pomp should have this _ chance, No time was lost. , wae with rifles and revolvers, the two explorers left the Steam an, Pal J A Veen path up the canyon wall was selected, and after an ardu- ous climb they finally reached the summit. ' From here a mighty view of the country about was obtained. fort far as the eye could reach to the eastward was the level expanse of plain. / F ae ioe othe direction mountain peaks rose‘above them to a great - altitude. Y Frank had a powerful glass, and with this proceeded to scrutinize the country below, ; But he could see nothing of the cowboys, nor was he able to tell in what direction Clark’s men had gone. He descried at once what he believed to be smoke ascending from behind distant trees, and fancied that this might be from the guns of the military and the cowboys, ; But of this he was not sufficiently positive to venture to go thither. __“* Well, Pomp!” he said dubiously, as he closed the glass. “I - don’t see that we can locate the abductors of Bessie Rodman. from here. I declare I am befogged.” i ‘Golly, Marse Frank,” cried Pomp, with dilated eyeballs, ‘* what eber yo’ tink we bettah do now?” d “I declare I don’t know.” ; "5 ___ “ P’se done reckon dat de cowboys hab gone back to dat ranch ob dere’s wid dat lily gal.” Frank gave a start. “ Shure, yez may stay Pa E ar taken their captive toRanchV. ' ‘ { Indeed, so strongly did he become impressed with’ the possibility _ that he was half inclined to start at once for the ranch. ¢ ~ the hills. . But: sober second thought impelled him first to think of searching | x 4 ey A ‘ 215 tea z Ithad not before occurred to him that the abductors might have: 21 If she could not be found in them then it would be time enough to think of paying Ranch V a visit. ‘ An incident happened at the moment also that for atime prevent- ed any move of the sort. ; Pomp had begun to scale a small peak near. “ P’ra’ps kin get a bettah look from up yere, Matse Frank!” cried the darky. ‘Jes’ de same, I tries it fo’ yo’.” “All right, Pomp,” replied Frank. ‘Tell me if you see anything of importance and I will come up.” “ right, sah.” Pomp went up the peak. He reached the top and began to look over the country, when suddenly he beheld a thrilling scene below. Frank had gone to the eage of the canyon to look over and see what the Steam Man was about. As he leaned over the edge of the deep gorge he did not see a giant form suddenly glide from a crevice in the cliff behind him. It was, in reality, an enormous black bear. The brute had caught sight of Frank, and being’ in an ugly mood, started. for him. The bear advanced so quickly and noiselessly that Frank was all unaware of his presence until the brute was upon him. Then a terrific blow from the bear’s paw sent him reeling over the edge of the cliff. Over the edge went the young inventor, and a yell of horror and pain went up from Pomp’s pe, ‘Golly sakes, Marse Frank, hab yo’ fallen down to yo’ death?” cried the affrighted darky, as he came tumbling down the peak like @ madman. Frank had certainly gone over the edge. The bear stood upon the verge of the precipice growling savagely. . Pomp was in a frenzy of fear and horror. He could not see what was to prevent his beloved master from going down to his death, He would have rushed to the spot where Frank had stood but the bear was there, At this moment the stillness of the gorge was broken by the shrill whistle of the Steam Man. ; This was enough for Pomp. Jn a moment he raised his rifle and fired at the bear, Ordinarily, he would have been compelled to fire many times, but as chance had it, this single shot proved fatal. : ‘ It struck the bear full in the eye and went crashing through his rain. The big brute went over the edge of the precipice and crashing down into the gorge. 4 Pomp heard plainly the crash ‘of the bear's body as it struck the bottom of the pass, Then he rushed to the edge and looked over. He saw the bottom of the gorge plainly enough. There lay the inanimate form of the bear. The Steam Man stood not twenty yards distant from this spot, and Pomp saw Barney far below, yelling and waving his hands. The darky answered, and then caught sight of something which thrilled him. Clinging to a jutting bit of rock in the canyon wall he saw Frank Reade, Jr., hanging between heaven and earth, The astonished darky fell upon his stomach and leaned far over the edge of the gorge. ate Tk ‘“* Golly, Marse Frank!” he cried, excitedly, ‘‘I done fought yo’ was a-goner fo’ suah. Hab yo’ got a strong hold dar?” “ Pomp!" cried Frank, in sharp tones, “I am nearly exhausted. I fear I shall lose my hoid here soon.” ‘“‘¥o’ Hebben’s sake,” cried the affrighted darky, “‘don’ yo’ say dat, Marse Frank. If yo’ fell down to de cornah ob dat orge yo’ would be killed fo’ suah. Yo’ jes’ wait an’ dis chile will help yo'.” “You'll have to hurry, Pomp!” cried Frank, in an exhausted man- er. “ Yo’ kin jest bet I will.” ’ ““ Whurroo, there naygur!” cried Barney from below. ‘“ Wud yez be afther letting down a rope to Misther Frank. Quick, now, or yez won't have the toime.” Pomp acted quickiy. : ‘he darky carried constantly a lariat at his waste. . This he lowered over the edge and down to the point where Frank was hanging suspended between earth and sky. ‘ Pomp had acted with great dispatch, but_even as the rope went over the edge, a warning cry went up from Barney below. “My God! Lam falling!” cried Frank, with horror, _ His hands were slipping over the edge of the jutting bit of rock to which he clung. a : ; The next moment they released their grip entirely and down he went, But, as fortune had it, just below him was a stump grow- ing ote of the cliff. i : ‘ gainst,this he fell and his clothing pail ta by a jagged root. It held him firmi;, and there he hung safe and secure. A ery of joy went up from Pomp and Barney. “ Fes’ yo hang right on, Marse Frank!" cried the darky, earnest- ly. “ Don’ yo’ gib way at all, an’ dis chile he done pull you up n by : ‘*All right, Pomp,” cried Frank, regaining his coolness so habit- ual to kim. “<I think I am safe here. ‘ ‘Praise de Lor’ fo’ dat?” cried the elated darky. ‘‘ Jes’ hol’ right on,” Down went the lariat. In a moment more it settled over Frank)s shoulders. ‘ As Pomp drew onit, Frank made it secre under his arms. ; Then the darky bomen to draw up on the rope. It required some prertie of strength, but in a few moments Frank cleared the edge, ut at this moment a lond shout came up from the gorgebelow. It was Barney's voice raised in a note of alarm, een soul!” eried Frank, excitedly. ‘“ W } ot! rushed to the edge of the canyon and looked over, ~ =f hat can havé happened?” — i
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FRANK READE, JR., zr. AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. ~ CHAPTER XX. 4 j THE FLOOD—CORNERING THE FOE, Ir was a thrilling sight which met their gaze. nee saw Barney leaping up and down and gesticulating wildly. ‘** What is the matter?” cried Frank. rik A before the words had fairly left his lips he saw what was the rouble. ; Along the bottom of the gorge a thin stream of wacer was flow- ng. ’ Every moment it was increasing. ‘** Bejabers, Misther Frank, is there much more wather comin’?” cried Barney. ‘‘Shure if so, I’m thinkin’ we'd better be after get- ting out of here,” * Right?” cried the young inventor, excitedly, “‘but where can it come from?” ‘. He ran to an eminence near and from which a good view of the upper canyon could be had. And there Frank beheld a thrilling sight. r At the upper end of the canyon was a large lake mado by an ac- cumulation of logs and debris across the source of the canyon. Here half a score of men with axes and iron bars were engaged in breaking the dam so as to !et the whole lake down into the gorge. Te would mean a flood of awful sort if they succeeded. it would surely sweep the canyon clear, and the position of Bar- ney was a most perilous one. , rank saw this with horror, -He knew at once that the workmen were of the cowboy gang. Already the dam could be seen to be giving way. ; In a very few moments the flood must come. No time must be ost. «- Into the canyon the water would{plunge and engulf everything in their path. Frank waited no longer. : He sprung to the edge of the canyon and shouted to pare: ‘Go, for your life, Barney. Run for the plain. We will take care of ourselves,” * “ All right, sar!” Barney sprung into the cage and away went the Steam Man with a shriek down the canyon. The next moment a terrible roar came from the headwaters of the gorge, and then Frank and Pomp saw the mighty flood coming. Like a race horse it surged down through the canyon. It was now a mad race between the Steam Man and the flood. It was a long ways to the plain below, and Frank groaned with horror as he realized the uncertainty of the Steam Man’s reaching it. There were places where the Steam Man must go slowly, and this wonld mean overtaking by the flood. But Lape ont with his shrewd Irish wit, had realized this. Iie knew that it would be impossible for him to reach the plain before the flood. é So he decided upon a wise move. He reached the junction of this canyon with the other. There was not a moment to spare, Looking back, he could see the water coming in mountainous bil- lows, _, Thespeaker could not ka seen. The Steam Man had to be checked a trifle in order to turn into the other canyon, But Barney made the turn all safely, and the Steam Man shot up the canyon far enough to avoid the back current of the flood. * Bejabers, I'm in luck this toime!” cried the Celt, jubilantly, as he opened the whistle valve. _The note of safety was heard by Frank and Pomp with a sensa- tion of great relief and joy. They understood at once the move made by Barney. “That was a capital thought of Rarney’s,” cried Frank. “It is sucky that hé did not keep on the plains. He would have been over- taken.” “J jes’ reckon dat am afac’!” cried Pomp. ‘ Well, I fink we'd bet- tah get back to de Steam Man as quick as eber we can.” “You are right; Pomp,” declared Frank. ‘‘Our position here will be hardly a safe one now.” *Youse right, sah.” , The flood in the canyon was now rapidly subsiding. The great lake had quickly emptied itself into the canyon. In a short while the bed of the canyon was once more ary. Barney then ran the Steam Man back into the main canyon, and Frank and Pomp hailed him. “You did well, Barney!” cried * You made the best possible move. “* Begorra, I knew well enough that I had to git out of the way of the wathers, sor,” replied Barney. ‘‘But shure, are yez comin’ down soon?” / ‘“* We are comin’ right down,” replied Frank. * Down the canyon wall they scrambled and safely reathed the gorge, Then they greeted Barney with joy and clambered aboard. _ “Shure, phwativer will yez do now, Misther Frank?” cried Bar- the young inventor, joyfully. ney, eager ly. “ “T shall ioiiow the canyon up and try to dislodge the outlaws,” replied Frank. a % pery. good, sir?” cried Barney, with readiness. ‘‘ We'll goahead hin?” ; i “Yes,” * er: took the reins and the Steam Man went on up the forge. Fes = short while they had reached the dam which had held back e lake, } Here a course was found directly out upon a vast plain.» Frank was about to direct the man’s course thither when an inci- dent oecurred to for a moment delay them, A loud and harsh voice came from the cliff above. ** Hello, down there !” I } The Steam Man came to a halt. “Well?” cried Frank. , EE a Pa SS ee ee eee “Ye’re Frank Reade, Jr., eh 2?” “That is my name,” 3 ** Wall, I'm Artemas Ye’re in a death trap.” : fk ae _ Thank you for informing us,” retorted Frank, ‘but I don’t ‘be- lieve I'll surrender yet.” ; “Ye won’t then?” ‘ 0. » Cliff. I give ye fair warnin’ to surrender. ‘ “Then take the “T can do that.’ ; A savage curse come down upon theair. Then the crack of rifles was heard and bullets pattered against the steel netting. Of course no harm was done, and Frank only smiled grimly. He sent the Steam Man up tlfe gorge, and in a few moments came out upon the plain, which was deep among the hills and hemmed in with a line of timber, d teens cowboys continued to pour volley after volley into the Steam Man. Frank waited until he had reached a favorable position. Then he stopped the Steam Man, and picking up his rifle, said: “Come, boys! let’s give them as good as they send.” Of course Pomp and Barney were ready and eager. A destructive fire was sent into the covert of the cowboys. Ina few moments it grew so hot that they could not remain there, and had to get out. : With bafiled yells they retreated deeper into the hills, *“Whurroo!” yelled Barney jubilantly. ‘‘Shure it’s aisy enough to whip such omadhouns as they be!” ‘Golly! don’ yo’ be too suah, I’ish,” remonstrated Pomp, ““ What do yez know about it, naygur ” “‘Suah, I know jes’ as much as yo’ does, Tish.” “Glong! Yezare a big stuff.” “T amn’t so big a wan as yo’ am,” “Say that agin, an’ I'll break the face av yez.” “Huh! Yo’ can’t do it.” The two rogues would have had a friendly set-to then and there, but Frank interposed, *‘ None of that,” he cried, sternly; ‘‘ there is serious- work before . This was a skylarking. The cowboys had been driven back, but now a thrilling sound came from the distant hills, ‘. It was the heavy volleying of many rifles. There could be but one explanation. Evidently the cavalry had come into conflict with the cowboys. A good sized battle was in progress. An impulse seized Frank. He realized that he ought to join that conflict, There was no doubt but that the Steam Man could do much to aid the cavalry. So he started the Man across the plain, looking for an opening into the hills in the direction of the firing. This it, however, seemed not easy to find. But as the Man was skirting the line of timber, a thrilling scene was suddenly brought to view. In a small clearing in the verge of the timber two men were striv- ing todown one. It was a terrific and deadly struggle which was in progress, he single oF Ne was holding his own well. ‘ s Near by, with arms tied behind her, was a young girl. It was Bessie Rodman. : “My God!” cried Frank. “ Seat for your life, boys! We must put an end to that struggle. Don’t you see it is young Barrows, and he is fighting to rescue the girl.’ “Golly, dat am a fac’!” cried Pomp, excitedly. “Jes’ gibme a chance at dem rapscallions,” , ' Up to the spot the Steam Man swiftly ran. consequences.” quietus upon the two rascals, and they ceased their - A ery of wildest joy and hope welled up from Bassie Rodman’s- lips. Young Barrows also saw that rescue was at hand and made extra exertions to overcome his foes. + The cowboys, however, seeing that succor had come tried to break away. $ K As Barrows was too exhausted to restrain them they succeeded and dashed away at full speed. ; : ee their ponies they monnted and were out of sight in a, twinkling. The next moment Barrows had clasped Besse in his arms, first cutting her bonds. ; ‘ “Thank Heaven!” he eried. ‘‘ We are united once more, and this time let us hope never to part.” : Those aboard the Steam Man pretended to be busy during the affecting meeting. ; But soon the lovers came to the cage and a general welcome fol- — lowed. An explanation of all followed, and then plans for the were quickly decided upon. CHAPTER XXI.. WHICH IS THE END, at , THE sound of firing now came from the hills quite plainly. It was evident that Clark’s men were having a hard battle. Barrows detailed his experier.ces as we have recorded in a prev- ious chapter. at é i Then it was decided at onceif possible to join the cavalry. “TfL can place Miss Rodman in fone charge, Mr, Reade,” said young Barrows, gallantly, “I will gladly join the soldiers and aid in the repulse of the foe.’ ‘ ; t 7 lied Frank, readily. ‘‘In fact, I think it 1 “You may do that,” re 5) safer for the lady to remain in the wagon hereafter. “You are very kind.” i “Tt is nothing.” d i Accordingly Bessie was given a seat in the wagon, q Then Barrows mounted one of the ponies left by the cowboys. “«T will see you later,” he said lifting his hat to Bessie, M4 , $ \ t * ee future —
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FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. 23" Then he rode away to join the cavalry in their battle, The Steam Man, of course, could ‘not hope to follow so quickly. The fleet pony could go through narrow paths, and of course Bar- rows reached the scene of action Jong before the others, But Frank Reade sent the Steam Man along at a good pace. After some search a pass was found, and the Man made its way carefully through, and suddenly came out upon the field pf action. The cowboys were ewronely intrenched in the hills, and seemed disposed to make a final stand. Col, Clark’s ‘men were making desperate attempts to drive them from their position. ; As the Steam Man came dashing up to the spot a great cheer went up from the soldiers. Frank answered it by pulling the whistle valve of the Man and sending up a sharp note. The Man could not hope to reach the position of the outlaws, for the ground was too uneven. But a position was taken up from where the battle could be easily watched. Then Col. Clark came up to the wagon. Warm greetings followed, and Frank said: ‘Is there anything I could do to help you, colonel?” “Tthink not,” replied the gallant officer. ‘I believe we shall drive them out very soon now.’ **T hope so.” ‘ Tf Tam not mistaken the day of Cliff and his gang are num- ered.” “That is joyful news.” ae Yes ” “T hope you will succeed.” **Thank you.” 4 The colonel rode away and the voyagers’ watched the contest with interest. One watching the beautiful face of Bessie Rodman could have seen that she was inwardly praying for her lover's safety. But fortune was with the troops, though they had experienced a hard battle. ’ The position of the outlaws assailable. High walls of rock were there for them to use as a breastwork. It was not easy to dislodge them except at great loss of«life. But Clark was not a man to be defeated. ‘He urged his men on and lore but surely drove the foe before him. Frank Reade, Jr., now with Barney and Pomp and Bessie Rodman on board, took the Steam Man out on to the prairie, ‘ape pee an hour a kind of desultory conflict was was kept up in the hills, Then Col. Clark suddenly came dashing up to the wagon. “We have got them dislodged,” he cried: ‘And I think they have struck out for Ranch V. Now if you will show us the way, _ Mr. Reade, we will try and exterminate this poisonous gang.” “With pleasure!” cried Frank. He started the Steam Man at once for Ranch V. Across the prairie the machine ran rapidly, and the cavalry gal- loped in the rear. F 't was in the latter part of he day that all came out upon a rise overlooking the stockade of Ranch Y. -But the cowboys had got there in advance and had made ready for an attack. ; Col. Clark was a man of immediate resources. ‘ Without hesitation or a moment’s delay he threw his men for- ward on the charge. At almost the first attack the gate was carried and the soldiers entered the yard. : But step by step Artemus Cliff contested the way. His men by divisions surrendered half a dozen or more at a time, Being thus made prisoners, they were sent to the rear. , In this manner the numbers of the cowboy gang were decimated. cee a thrilling ery went up. ‘Fire i was a tery strong one and almost un- \ tire! , ‘The stockade and ranch proper had been fired, and great columns of flame now arose. The scene was fast becoming a thrilling one. Darkness was com- ing on, and the rattle of firearms the dark shadows of night par- tially dispelled by the flames, gave a weird aspect to everything. Slow but sure was the conquest of Cliff and his gang. Now he was driven to his last resort, the corner of the stockade “nearest the river. Scarce a score of his followers now remained. — It was utterly no use for him to resist longer. The villain saw it but yet kept on fighting doggedly, “Surrender, or die!” cried, the lieutenant who led the squad, “It is your only chance.” We gle he remaining cowboys threw up their hands. But Cliff pitched forward in a heap upon the ground, struck by a plete ball. There he was found later under a heap of dea men. He was re- moved to the camp near and his wounds examined. Ranch V was a thing of the past, Not a stiek was'.left standing, and of the cowboy gang fully a hundred had rendered up their final account. Possibly twenty of the cavalrymen had been killed. > It had been quite a severe battle, but Frank Reade, Jr., and his companions could not help but feel overjoyed at the result. Barney and Pomp had an old time set-to over the victory, this time Pomp coming off victoréus. The night was passed quietly, Early the next morning a surgeon came to the Steam Man and called for Frank. He announced that Cliff was dying, and wanted to make a con- fession but would make it to nobody else. Frank hurried to the dying couch of the villain. Cliff's filmy gaze was fixed upon him eagerly, and he said, epee “Reade, I’m done for. J made a good fight but I’ve lost. The game’s up. I might as well make a clean breast of it, Uncle Jim is innocent of Rodman’s death. Sid Buwen and Jim Ducey, m trusted pals, killed Rodman and worked the whole game. That's all. I reckon I can die better now.” ' “You have done a good deed, Artemus Cliff,” said Frank, kindly. ‘And may God forgive you your sins.” But the villain did not answer. Already his eyes were set. The Master had called him, He had cheated the gallows after all, - eure ee dug on the prairieand Frank saw that he was prop- erly buried. : he confession was put in writing and duly witnessed. The mis- sion of the new Steam Man to the ar west was ended. The spirits of all were bright and cheerful, now that the end had come. The extermination of the Cliff gang was certainly a blessing to that part of the State, and no one regretted the villain’s demise. Preparations were now made for the return home. _ Of course, Col. Clark and his command would return to the fort, but Frank now thought of Bessie Rodman, “By Jupiter!” he muttered, “something must be done for her, Poor girl! she is without a friend in the world now.” Barney and _ Pomp winked at each other, and Barney cried: __ i ee aoe ers, Misther Frank, have yez lost yer powers av penetra- ion 2” ' ““T reckon yo’ am way off, Marse Frank,” poeinee Pomp. What are you fellows driving at?’ asked Frank, in surprise. “Why, dat ar’ gal, she am got one ob de bes’ friends in de worl’, Jes’ yo’ cast yo’ eye ober dar an’ see dat spruce young feller what am walkin’ wid her.’ Frank did “cast his eye” in the direction indicated, and saw Bessie and young Walter Barrows pd ppt at There was a particularly happy light upon the faces of both, “Pshaw!” muttered Frank. “That young fellow can’t marry her yet. She’s got to have a home in the meanwhile. Miss Rodman, one moment, please,” The lovers paused, and Frank said brusquely : “Tcan understand your position, Bessie, very well, and I know that you need a home. I can only offer to take you to Readestown with me, and my wife will do all in her power——” “One moment, sir,” said Barrows, with burning face. ‘* You are very kind, but let me first explain. I am this lady’s natural pro- tector for life.” * What?” gasped Frank. “Yes, she is my wife.” Pomp and Barney collapsed at the expression w “Your wife?” gasped the young inventor. “ married?” “Just now, and the ceremony was performed by the chaplain of the regiment,” ‘ Frank thrust forth his right hand, and gave Barrows a grip which made him wince. “You must pardon my conduct,” he cried, ‘but it was such a surprise. I wish you both worlds of happiness.” Some hours later the new Steam Man was on its way homeward, A week later it was in Omaha, Nebraska, and not long thereafter was at home in Readestown. The young inventor was received at home with an ovation, and his father, the distinguished Reade Senior, was overjoyed to learn that the evidence had been procured to clear Travers. As for the latter he came from prison like one coming into a new life and from that time on regarded Frank Reade, Jr, as his great- est earthly benefactor. - The new Steam Man and his wonderful western trip was the talk of the country. q ; People came from near and far to see the invention and it was not long before the young inventor suddenly found himself involved in another daring project, The new Steam Man was destined to make another trip, and be- come involved in adventures even more thrilling than these just Oe and a full and detailed account of the second ,trip may be ound in : n Frank’s face. hen were you No. 189 of the FRANK READE LIBRARY, Prank Reade, Jr., Wi —— ENTITLED — th His New Steam Man in No Man’s Land; Randa y= peat Oe ON A MYSTERIOUS TRAIL, ' By “NONAME.” | Prema
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' 96 A Bad Boy at School, “13 Jim, Jac + G8 lag “98 Jack. vd Jim; ‘114 Smart & Co., the Boy eaters +115 The Two Boy Clowns; or, §1 Litile Tommy Bounce on His Travels; or, Doing America for Fun, y Peter Pad 92 Bouarding-School; or, Sain Bowser at Work and Play. by Peter Pad 93 Next on or, The Irish Twins, by ‘Lom ‘Teaser 94 The Aldermen Sweeneys of New York, by Tom Teaser 95 A Bad Boy's Note Book, by anal a 0 aT aS Grimes, Jr.; or, the Torment of Wie Vile by ‘Com Teaser Rackets and Scrapes at by 'fom easer or, Schoo 99 The Book Agent’s Luck, by ** Mid”? 100 Muldoon's Bourding House, by ‘l’om ‘Teaser 101 Mnidoon’s Brother Dan, by Tom'Leaser 102 The 'I'raveling Dude; or, The Comics Advent- ures of Ularence Kitz Roy Jones, by Tom ‘Teaser 103 Senator \tuldoon; by ‘lom Teaser 104,'The Neate Minstrels; or, Working the Same Old Rackets, y Peter Pad 105 The Comical Adventures of Two Dudes, by Tom Teaser 106 Muldoon, the Vop. Part f, by 'Tom ‘Teaser 107 Muldoon, the Cop. Part OU, by ‘Yom ‘leaser 108 Billy Moss; or, From One Thing to Another, » by ‘om Teaser 109 Truthful Jack; or, On Board the Nancy Jane, by ‘Tom ‘Tanser 10 Fred Fresh; or. As Green as Grass, _ by ‘t'om ‘I'easer Wil The Deacon’s Boy; jor, he Worst in ‘Town, y Peter Pad 112 Jobuny Brown & Uo. at School; or, The Deac- on's Boy at His Old 'I'ricks, by Peter Pad and Jim; or, Three Hard sae to tom leaser iG Peter Pad A Summer With « Cirens, by Tom Teaser 116 Benny Bounce; or, A Block of the ola Chip, by Peter Pad > 7 Young Dick Plunket; or, The Trials and Tribu- lations of Ebenezer Orow, by Sam Smiley 118 Muldoon in Ireland; or, ‘the Solid Man on the Ol y ‘'om ‘Teaser » Part i Bs ‘Tom lexser Part TK, by ‘Tom Teaser Urack, id Sod, 119 Muidoon’s Grocery Store. 120 Muldoon’s Grocery Store. 121 Bob Bright; or, A Boy of Business and tun. Part I, y Tom 'leaser 122 Bop “lirlehts or, A Boy of Business ana Bnn. art Il, by Tom ‘Teaser rey ex) Maldsaus 's Trip Around the World. Part I, by 'Tom Teaser LATEST ISSUES OF THE FIVE CENT COMIC LIBRARY. 124 Muldoon’s Trip Around tie World. Part iI, by Tom Teaser 125 Muldoon’s Hotel. Part I. by Vom ‘Peaser 126 Muidoon-g Hotel. Part IL by ‘Tom ‘Peaser 127 Muldoon’s Christmas, by ‘Vom 'Deaser 128 ‘he Shortys’ Christmas, Rackets, by keter Pad 129 Sain Smart, Jr.; or, Kollowing m the Footsteps of His Did. Part I. a by Peter Pad 130 Sam Smart, Jx,; or, Kollowing in the Footsteps of His Dad. Part U1, by Peter Pad 131 Three of Us; or, tustling for Boodle and Fun. Part I. by ‘Com Teaser 132 Three of Us; or, Hustiing for Boodle Vind Fun. Part IL. by Tom ‘Teaser 183 Out Hor un; or Six Months With a Show. by Peter Pad 134 Dick Duck, the Boss of the Town, by ‘l'om Teaser 135 ‘The Shortys Doing Europe: or, On a Grand ; ‘Tour for k'nn. Parti, by Sam Smiley 136 ‘The Shortys Doing Kurope; or, On a Grand Your for Fun. Part £1, by Sam, Smiley 137 Aunt Maria; or, She Thought She Knew It All, by Sam Smiley 138 Muldoon In Chicago; or. ‘he Solid Man at the World’s lair, by ‘Pom ‘Teaser 189 Pousn Harry; or, An English Boy in America, by Sam Smiley 140 Cousin Harry; or, An English Boy in America, Part by Sam Smiley 141 A New 'l’ommy Bounce; or, The Worst of the Lot! Part I by Sam Sniiley 142 A New lomimy Bounce; or, The Worst of the _ Lot. Part 11, by 5am Smiley 143 Stump; or, ‘Little, But, Ob, My!” Part I. by kas Pad 144 Stump; or, “ Little, But, Oh, My!” Part 1 by tt Pad Part I. by Tom Teaser Part L1. by Tom Teaser 147 Chips and Chin Chin, the Two Orphans Part iB by Peter Pad Part y Peter Pad 149 The Shortys on the Road; or, In the old Busi- ness Just for fun. Part 1, y Peter Pad 150 The Shortys on the Koud; or, Inthe Old Busi- ness Just for Kun. Part I, by Peter Pad 151 Onr Willie; or, The Last of the Fitz-Herberts, by Tom ‘teaser 152 Plaster and Stickem; or, Out For the Stuf, by Sum Smiley 145 Shoo-Fly; or, Nobody's Moke. 146 Shoo- Ply; or, Nobody's Moke. 148 Mae and Chin Chin, the Two Orphans. oe ale 153 Muldoon’s Flats. Part 1. by Tom ‘paneer? 164 Muldoon’s Flats. Part Il. by ‘Tom Teaser 155 Boarding School Scrapes; or, The Rackets of a Young Ventrilognixt. Part I by ‘Tom Teaser . 156 Boarding School Sera pes; or, be Rackets of a | Young Ventrilog nist Part il. — by ‘tom Teaser 167 Yellow and Black; or, The Two Bosses of Whackingtou Acndemy Part I. by Sam Smiley 158 Sera and Black; or, 'he Two Bosses of hackington Acader Part IL: by Sam Siniley 159 Wed Krolhck, the Boy triloguist; or, The Torment of the Town. Part I. by Vom 'leaser 160 Fred Vroliick, the Boy V entriloquist; or, The Torment ef the Town. Part II. by Vom Teaser 161 Mortimer Merry; or, Uhe Pranks of a Boy Mes- — merist. Part 1. by Tom Teaser 162 Mortimer Merry; or, The Pranks of a Boy Mes- merist. Part Il, by Lom ‘Teaser 163 The Two Mimies ; or, Tack and Joe Sonson at School. «Past J. by Sam. Smiley 164 The 'l'wo Mimics ; or, Jack and Joe Johnson at School. | Part 1. by Sam Smile 165 Shorty; or, Kicked Into Good Luck, by Poter Pu 166 Shorty In Luck, by Peter Pad 167 ‘The Mulcahey ‘I'wins by Tom Teaser 168 Corkey; or, The ‘Trieks: haba Travels ot “a Supe. by ‘Tom Teasey 169 Shorty Junior; or, fhe Son of His Dad. Peter eid 170 Jim Jams; ov, Jack of All Trades, by } ‘om ‘Teaser — 171 London Bob; or, An English Boy in peice. om Lopate * 12 Ebenezer Crow, ha Peter. Pad 173 Biersa amen on His Par; or, Always on a Rac by Peter Pad 14 iildebrainde Fitzgum; or, My tedetiee Little Cou s ‘fom ‘Teaser 4 175 Billy | Bavkias the Boy with the Big toe F by Commodote Ah- Look 176 The Shortys Married and Settled ees 177 Ikey; or, He Never Got Left, Vi8 Jack Hawser’s Tavern, by Peter Pid, 179 Sassy cots or, A Bootblack’s Voyage» ah the W orld, by Commodore An Look 180 Bob Ronit Kk; or, What Was He Born 181 Shoe and the Count; or, The Two Great Un- Aspe Le Peter Pad 4 182 Mulligan’ 3 Boy, by Tom Teaser 183 Joseph Jump and His Old Blind Nag, by. Peter Pad 184 ‘'wo in a Box; or, The Long and Short of It, by Tom Teaser . ox? AN the above libraries are for sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or sent to your address, post-paid, on Tessin’ of. price, Address cae '| FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 29 West 26th Street, New York, per LATEST ISSUES OF THE FRANK READE 106 oder Four Oceans; or, trank Reade, Jr.’s Sabmar-) ine Ohase‘of a ‘Sea Devil.” 107 From the Nile to the Niger; or, Frank Reade, Jr; ost in the Soudan With His ‘ Overland Omnibus. ¥ 198 The Chase of a Oomet; or, Frank Reade, Jr's Most Ag ehh With’ His New Air-Ship the 45) 109 Lost in the Great Undertow; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Submarine Craise in the Guif Stream. 110 ae Tropic to Tropic; or Frank Reade, Jr.’s Latest Your With His Bicyelo at. 11 To Ce Hind of the Marth in an Air-Ship; or, Prank Reade, Jr.’s Great Mid-Air Flight. 112 The Underground Sea; or. Frank Reade, Jt.’s Subter- ranean Cruise in His Submarine Boat. N18 Che Mysterious Mirage; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Desert oes for a Secret UOity with His New Overland hai 114 The Electric Island: or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for the Greatest, Wonder on Earth With His Air-Ship, the “ Plight.’” 5 ape ie Weeks Buried in a Deep Sea Cave; k Reade, Jr.’s Great Sabmarine Search. Trip or, . 6 whe Galion 8s Gold; or, rank Reade, Jr.’s Deep Sea Search. 117 Across Australia With Frank Reade, Jr , In His New Ree Gar; or, Wonderful Adventures in the Antipodes. - 18 Frank Reade, Jr.'s Greatest Flying Machine; or, | 129 The Coral ‘Lal Vighting the Terror of the Coast. 9 On the Great Meridian With Frank Reade, Jr,, In His ew Seeks or, A‘I'wenty-Five ‘Thousand Mile Trip in Mid-Air. 120 Under the Indian Ocean Wish Vrank Reade, Jr.; A Oruiss ina Submarine Boat. 121 Astray in tho Relies or, The Wild Experiences of Frank Reade, Barney and Pomp, yn South America With the “Blectrie Cab 122 Lost ina Comet’s Tail; or, rank Reade, Jr.'s Strange Adventure With His New Air-Ship. 123 Six Sunken Pirates; or, Frank Reade. Jy.'s Marvelous Adventures in the Deep Sea. 124 Beyond the Gold Coast: or, frank Reade, Jr.’s Over- land Trip With His lilectric Phaeton. or, "125 Latitude 90°; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Most Wonderfu Mid- Air Flight, 126 Afloat in a Sunken Forest; or, With Frank Reade, Jv,ona Submarine Oruise. 127 Across the Desert of Wire; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Marvelous I'ripeto n Strange Oountry. 128 Over Two QContinents; or, Frank Bonde. Jv.’s Long Distance, Flight With His New Air-Shi byrinith, or, Lost With Wrank Reade, Jr., in a Deep Sea Cave. 130 Along the Orinoco; or, With Frank Reade, Jr., in Venezuela. *“NONAME. ae By 131 Across the Warth; or, Frank Reade, Jrés Latest Trip With His New Air-Ship. 132 1,000 Fathoms ESD s or, With frank Reade, Jdr., in the Sea of Gold. 133 The Island in the Air; or, Frank Reade, dr. 8 Trip to the Tropics. 134 In the W tid Man's Land; or, With Frank Reade, Jr., in the Heart of Australia, 135 I'he Sunken Isthnns; or, With Frank Reade, Jr., in the Yucatan Channel ‘With His New see AD Yacht the “Sea Diver.” 136 The Lost Oaravan: or, Frank Reade, Jr., on Pre ihe Stuked Plains With His ‘ Klectric Racer.” 137 The Transient Lake; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Bdvonsilte turesin a Mysteric ms Country With His” New Air- Ship, the “ Spectre.” 138 The Weird Islund? or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Strange Sabmarine Search for a Deep Sea Wonder. 189 The Abandoned Country; or, Vrank Reade, Jr., Ex- ploring a New Gontinent. 140 Ober the Steppes; or, Adrift in Asia With Frank e, Jr. 141 The iinet Sea; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Under- Water Cruise. 142 In ibe Black Zone; or. Frank Reade, Jr.’s Quest for ne Mountain of Ivory. 143 the Lost Navigators; or, Rae Search With Hie New Air+S: 144 The Magic Island; or, frank 4 Trip of Mystery. 145 Through the T'ropies; or, Frank Reade, Hay 's Adven- tures in the Gran Chaco. 146 In White’ Latitudes: or, Frank Reade, ‘Jr.'s Ten Thousand Mile Flight Over the @rozen North, 147 Betow the Sahara; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Heploring an Undorgronnd River Wiith His Submarine Boat. 148 The Black Mogul; or, Through India With rank Reade, Jr., Aboard His “ Kloctrie Boomer.” 149 The Missing Pianet: or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Quest for a Fallen Star With His New Air-Ship, the “ enith,”” 150 The Black Squadron; or, Wravk Reade, Jr., in the Indian Ocean With His Subuwarine Boat the * Rocket.” 151 The Prairie Pirates; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Trip to Texas With His Mectric Vehicle. the “ Detective.” 152 Over the (rient; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’ 8 Travels in Turkey With His New Air-Ship. 163 ‘The Biack Whirlpool; tr Brink Reade, Jr.’s Deep Seu Search tora Tost § Ship, lid The Silent. City; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Visit to a Strange People With His New Electric Flyer. 155 The White Desert; or, Ffank Reade, Jr.'s rip to the Land of Tombs. 156 Under the Guif of Guinea; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring the Sunken Reet of maple With His New Submarine Boat. the ‘Sky Flyer.” nk Reade, Jr.’s Mid-Aiv, | 170 ‘The beh of Death; or, Frank Reade, ne eade, Jr. "s Deep Sea fis A Trip t to the Sea of the Sun ; or, With ¥ rank Reade ‘174 Across the Milky Way; or, Frank Reade, Jr. s Great 17 pe ators Arabia; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Search for the IBRARY, 157 ‘The Yellow Khan: or, Vrank Reade, Jr., rere the Thugs in Oentral Indin. | 168 Frank cade, Jr., in Japan With His War Orniser of the Clouds: 159 Fronk Reade, Jr., in Cuba: or, Helping aie: * With His Latest Air-Ship. 160 ‘Chasing a Pirate: or, Krank Reade, Jr., on A Desperate 161 In the Land of Fire; or, Frank Reade, Jr.; ead Hunters | h 162 7, 1000; Miles Underground; or, Frank Reade, Jr, 1 ‘Bx. aa loring a Volcano. te Demon of thé Clonds; or, Frank Reade, Jr, and | the Ghosts of Phantom Island. 64 The Cloud Uity; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Most ‘Wonder- fol Discovery. 165 ee mas Atoll; or, ane Reade, Big as the South 166 The Stonakol of the Moon; or. Frank Reade, Jr‘s Exploitsin Africa With His. Hlectric ** Thun ara? 167 87 Bags ot Gold: or, rank Reade, Ir. Hunting fora Sunken Steamer. 168 Phe Lost Lake; or, Frank Rende, Ir, 6 Trip, to Alaska. 169 The Caribs’ Cuve 7 or, Frank Ri Reade, Jr.'s Submarine Search for the Reef of Pears. Jr., _Explo n Unknown Land. Jr.,on a Perilous Cruise. ie The Blick Lagoon ; or, Frank Reade, Jr,’s Submar- ine Search for a Sunken Oity in Russia. 178 ‘The Mysterious Brand ; or, Frank Reade, Jr, Solv- ing # Mexica Mystery. Astronomical Trip With His Air-Ship ‘ i The Shoot~ ing Star.’ 115 Under the Great Lakes; or, Prank Read _ Submarime Oruise. 176 The Magic Mino: or, Frank Reade. Jr. "5 Trip. Up Yukon With His Blectric Combination ‘eaveller. ty Thieve: LIB ihe Silver Ben or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Submarin nknown Waters. 179 In tne. Kipadehus de Vrank Reade, Jr.’s Latest Trip The Chou Oe jaunt rable: Frank Reade, Jr,’s Nove Jancer: i y \ i Bip around ‘the World With His New Air Ship th “Blight. : 181, The ee Sea: or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s. Submarine | Exploits Among the Dervisties of India, ‘ 182 The Land of Dunes; or, With ‘Frank Reade, Jr, i the Desert of Gobi. . i 183 Six Days Under Havann Harbor; or, Frank Reade, i Jr.'s Secret aie Work Wor Uacle Sam. e Peter Pad. < prion ‘easer | 2 ‘by Retor Pad | t
Page 25
' 96 A Bad Boy at School, “13 Jim, Jac + G8 lag “98 Jack. vd Jim; ‘114 Smart & Co., the Boy eaters +115 The Two Boy Clowns; or, §1 Litile Tommy Bounce on His Travels; or, Doing America for Fun, y Peter Pad 92 Bouarding-School; or, Sain Bowser at Work and Play. by Peter Pad 93 Next on or, The Irish Twins, by ‘Lom ‘Teaser 94 The Aldermen Sweeneys of New York, by Tom Teaser 95 A Bad Boy's Note Book, by anal a 0 aT aS Grimes, Jr.; or, the Torment of Wie Vile by ‘Com Teaser Rackets and Scrapes at by 'fom easer or, Schoo 99 The Book Agent’s Luck, by ** Mid”? 100 Muldoon's Bourding House, by ‘l’om ‘Teaser 101 Mnidoon’s Brother Dan, by Tom'Leaser 102 The 'I'raveling Dude; or, The Comics Advent- ures of Ularence Kitz Roy Jones, by Tom ‘Teaser 103 Senator \tuldoon; by ‘lom Teaser 104,'The Neate Minstrels; or, Working the Same Old Rackets, y Peter Pad 105 The Comical Adventures of Two Dudes, by Tom Teaser 106 Muldoon, the Vop. Part f, by 'Tom ‘Teaser 107 Muldoon, the Cop. Part OU, by ‘Yom ‘leaser 108 Billy Moss; or, From One Thing to Another, » by ‘om Teaser 109 Truthful Jack; or, On Board the Nancy Jane, by ‘Tom ‘Tanser 10 Fred Fresh; or. As Green as Grass, _ by ‘t'om ‘I'easer Wil The Deacon’s Boy; jor, he Worst in ‘Town, y Peter Pad 112 Jobuny Brown & Uo. at School; or, The Deac- on's Boy at His Old 'I'ricks, by Peter Pad and Jim; or, Three Hard sae to tom leaser iG Peter Pad A Summer With « Cirens, by Tom Teaser 116 Benny Bounce; or, A Block of the ola Chip, by Peter Pad > 7 Young Dick Plunket; or, The Trials and Tribu- lations of Ebenezer Orow, by Sam Smiley 118 Muldoon in Ireland; or, ‘the Solid Man on the Ol y ‘'om ‘Teaser » Part i Bs ‘Tom lexser Part TK, by ‘Tom Teaser Urack, id Sod, 119 Muidoon’s Grocery Store. 120 Muldoon’s Grocery Store. 121 Bob Bright; or, A Boy of Business and tun. Part I, y Tom 'leaser 122 Bop “lirlehts or, A Boy of Business ana Bnn. art Il, by Tom ‘Teaser rey ex) Maldsaus 's Trip Around the World. Part I, by 'Tom Teaser LATEST ISSUES OF THE FIVE CENT COMIC LIBRARY. 124 Muldoon’s Trip Around tie World. Part iI, by Tom Teaser 125 Muldoon’s Hotel. Part I. by Vom ‘Peaser 126 Muidoon-g Hotel. Part IL by ‘Tom ‘Peaser 127 Muldoon’s Christmas, by ‘Vom 'Deaser 128 ‘he Shortys’ Christmas, Rackets, by keter Pad 129 Sain Smart, Jr.; or, Kollowing m the Footsteps of His Did. Part I. a by Peter Pad 130 Sam Smart, Jx,; or, Kollowing in the Footsteps of His Dad. Part U1, by Peter Pad 131 Three of Us; or, tustling for Boodle and Fun. Part I. by ‘Com Teaser 132 Three of Us; or, Hustiing for Boodle Vind Fun. Part IL. by Tom ‘Teaser 183 Out Hor un; or Six Months With a Show. by Peter Pad 134 Dick Duck, the Boss of the Town, by ‘l'om Teaser 135 ‘The Shortys Doing Europe: or, On a Grand ; ‘Tour for k'nn. Parti, by Sam Smiley 136 ‘The Shortys Doing Kurope; or, On a Grand Your for Fun. Part £1, by Sam, Smiley 137 Aunt Maria; or, She Thought She Knew It All, by Sam Smiley 138 Muldoon In Chicago; or. ‘he Solid Man at the World’s lair, by ‘Pom ‘Teaser 189 Pousn Harry; or, An English Boy in America, by Sam Smiley 140 Cousin Harry; or, An English Boy in America, Part by Sam Smiley 141 A New 'l’ommy Bounce; or, The Worst of the Lot! Part I by Sam Sniiley 142 A New lomimy Bounce; or, The Worst of the _ Lot. Part 11, by 5am Smiley 143 Stump; or, ‘Little, But, Ob, My!” Part I. by kas Pad 144 Stump; or, “ Little, But, Oh, My!” Part 1 by tt Pad Part I. by Tom Teaser Part L1. by Tom Teaser 147 Chips and Chin Chin, the Two Orphans Part iB by Peter Pad Part y Peter Pad 149 The Shortys on the Road; or, In the old Busi- ness Just for fun. Part 1, y Peter Pad 150 The Shortys on the Koud; or, Inthe Old Busi- ness Just for Kun. Part I, by Peter Pad 151 Onr Willie; or, The Last of the Fitz-Herberts, by Tom ‘teaser 152 Plaster and Stickem; or, Out For the Stuf, by Sum Smiley 145 Shoo-Fly; or, Nobody's Moke. 146 Shoo- Ply; or, Nobody's Moke. 148 Mae and Chin Chin, the Two Orphans. oe ale 153 Muldoon’s Flats. Part 1. by Tom ‘paneer? 164 Muldoon’s Flats. Part Il. by ‘Tom Teaser 155 Boarding School Scrapes; or, The Rackets of a Young Ventrilognixt. Part I by ‘Tom Teaser . 156 Boarding School Sera pes; or, be Rackets of a | Young Ventrilog nist Part il. — by ‘tom Teaser 167 Yellow and Black; or, The Two Bosses of Whackingtou Acndemy Part I. by Sam Smiley 158 Sera and Black; or, 'he Two Bosses of hackington Acader Part IL: by Sam Siniley 159 Wed Krolhck, the Boy triloguist; or, The Torment of the Town. Part I. by Vom 'leaser 160 Fred Vroliick, the Boy V entriloquist; or, The Torment ef the Town. Part II. by Vom Teaser 161 Mortimer Merry; or, Uhe Pranks of a Boy Mes- — merist. Part 1. by Tom Teaser 162 Mortimer Merry; or, The Pranks of a Boy Mes- merist. Part Il, by Lom ‘Teaser 163 The Two Mimies ; or, Tack and Joe Sonson at School. «Past J. by Sam. Smiley 164 The 'l'wo Mimics ; or, Jack and Joe Johnson at School. | Part 1. by Sam Smile 165 Shorty; or, Kicked Into Good Luck, by Poter Pu 166 Shorty In Luck, by Peter Pad 167 ‘The Mulcahey ‘I'wins by Tom Teaser 168 Corkey; or, The ‘Trieks: haba Travels ot “a Supe. by ‘Tom Teasey 169 Shorty Junior; or, fhe Son of His Dad. Peter eid 170 Jim Jams; ov, Jack of All Trades, by } ‘om ‘Teaser — 171 London Bob; or, An English Boy in peice. om Lopate * 12 Ebenezer Crow, ha Peter. Pad 173 Biersa amen on His Par; or, Always on a Rac by Peter Pad 14 iildebrainde Fitzgum; or, My tedetiee Little Cou s ‘fom ‘Teaser 4 175 Billy | Bavkias the Boy with the Big toe F by Commodote Ah- Look 176 The Shortys Married and Settled ees 177 Ikey; or, He Never Got Left, Vi8 Jack Hawser’s Tavern, by Peter Pid, 179 Sassy cots or, A Bootblack’s Voyage» ah the W orld, by Commodore An Look 180 Bob Ronit Kk; or, What Was He Born 181 Shoe and the Count; or, The Two Great Un- Aspe Le Peter Pad 4 182 Mulligan’ 3 Boy, by Tom Teaser 183 Joseph Jump and His Old Blind Nag, by. Peter Pad 184 ‘'wo in a Box; or, The Long and Short of It, by Tom Teaser . ox? AN the above libraries are for sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or sent to your address, post-paid, on Tessin’ of. price, Address cae '| FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 29 West 26th Street, New York, per LATEST ISSUES OF THE FRANK READE 106 oder Four Oceans; or, trank Reade, Jr.’s Sabmar-) ine Ohase‘of a ‘Sea Devil.” 107 From the Nile to the Niger; or, Frank Reade, Jr; ost in the Soudan With His ‘ Overland Omnibus. ¥ 198 The Chase of a Oomet; or, Frank Reade, Jr's Most Ag ehh With’ His New Air-Ship the 45) 109 Lost in the Great Undertow; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Submarine Craise in the Guif Stream. 110 ae Tropic to Tropic; or Frank Reade, Jr.’s Latest Your With His Bicyelo at. 11 To Ce Hind of the Marth in an Air-Ship; or, Prank Reade, Jr.’s Great Mid-Air Flight. 112 The Underground Sea; or. Frank Reade, Jt.’s Subter- ranean Cruise in His Submarine Boat. N18 Che Mysterious Mirage; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Desert oes for a Secret UOity with His New Overland hai 114 The Electric Island: or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for the Greatest, Wonder on Earth With His Air-Ship, the “ Plight.’” 5 ape ie Weeks Buried in a Deep Sea Cave; k Reade, Jr.’s Great Sabmarine Search. Trip or, . 6 whe Galion 8s Gold; or, rank Reade, Jr.’s Deep Sea Search. 117 Across Australia With Frank Reade, Jr , In His New Ree Gar; or, Wonderful Adventures in the Antipodes. - 18 Frank Reade, Jr.'s Greatest Flying Machine; or, | 129 The Coral ‘Lal Vighting the Terror of the Coast. 9 On the Great Meridian With Frank Reade, Jr,, In His ew Seeks or, A‘I'wenty-Five ‘Thousand Mile Trip in Mid-Air. 120 Under the Indian Ocean Wish Vrank Reade, Jr.; A Oruiss ina Submarine Boat. 121 Astray in tho Relies or, The Wild Experiences of Frank Reade, Barney and Pomp, yn South America With the “Blectrie Cab 122 Lost ina Comet’s Tail; or, rank Reade, Jr.'s Strange Adventure With His New Air-Ship. 123 Six Sunken Pirates; or, Frank Reade. Jy.'s Marvelous Adventures in the Deep Sea. 124 Beyond the Gold Coast: or, frank Reade, Jr.’s Over- land Trip With His lilectric Phaeton. or, "125 Latitude 90°; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Most Wonderfu Mid- Air Flight, 126 Afloat in a Sunken Forest; or, With Frank Reade, Jv,ona Submarine Oruise. 127 Across the Desert of Wire; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Marvelous I'ripeto n Strange Oountry. 128 Over Two QContinents; or, Frank Bonde. Jv.’s Long Distance, Flight With His New Air-Shi byrinith, or, Lost With Wrank Reade, Jr., in a Deep Sea Cave. 130 Along the Orinoco; or, With Frank Reade, Jr., in Venezuela. *“NONAME. ae By 131 Across the Warth; or, Frank Reade, Jrés Latest Trip With His New Air-Ship. 132 1,000 Fathoms ESD s or, With frank Reade, Jdr., in the Sea of Gold. 133 The Island in the Air; or, Frank Reade, dr. 8 Trip to the Tropics. 134 In the W tid Man's Land; or, With Frank Reade, Jr., in the Heart of Australia, 135 I'he Sunken Isthnns; or, With Frank Reade, Jr., in the Yucatan Channel ‘With His New see AD Yacht the “Sea Diver.” 136 The Lost Oaravan: or, Frank Reade, Jr., on Pre ihe Stuked Plains With His ‘ Klectric Racer.” 137 The Transient Lake; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Bdvonsilte turesin a Mysteric ms Country With His” New Air- Ship, the “ Spectre.” 138 The Weird Islund? or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Strange Sabmarine Search for a Deep Sea Wonder. 189 The Abandoned Country; or, Vrank Reade, Jr., Ex- ploring a New Gontinent. 140 Ober the Steppes; or, Adrift in Asia With Frank e, Jr. 141 The iinet Sea; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Under- Water Cruise. 142 In ibe Black Zone; or. Frank Reade, Jr.’s Quest for ne Mountain of Ivory. 143 the Lost Navigators; or, Rae Search With Hie New Air+S: 144 The Magic Island; or, frank 4 Trip of Mystery. 145 Through the T'ropies; or, Frank Reade, Hay 's Adven- tures in the Gran Chaco. 146 In White’ Latitudes: or, Frank Reade, ‘Jr.'s Ten Thousand Mile Flight Over the @rozen North, 147 Betow the Sahara; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Heploring an Undorgronnd River Wiith His Submarine Boat. 148 The Black Mogul; or, Through India With rank Reade, Jr., Aboard His “ Kloctrie Boomer.” 149 The Missing Pianet: or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Quest for a Fallen Star With His New Air-Ship, the “ enith,”” 150 The Black Squadron; or, Wravk Reade, Jr., in the Indian Ocean With His Subuwarine Boat the * Rocket.” 151 The Prairie Pirates; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Trip to Texas With His Mectric Vehicle. the “ Detective.” 152 Over the (rient; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’ 8 Travels in Turkey With His New Air-Ship. 163 ‘The Biack Whirlpool; tr Brink Reade, Jr.’s Deep Seu Search tora Tost § Ship, lid The Silent. City; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Visit to a Strange People With His New Electric Flyer. 155 The White Desert; or, Ffank Reade, Jr.'s rip to the Land of Tombs. 156 Under the Guif of Guinea; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring the Sunken Reet of maple With His New Submarine Boat. the ‘Sky Flyer.” nk Reade, Jr.’s Mid-Aiv, | 170 ‘The beh of Death; or, Frank Reade, ne eade, Jr. "s Deep Sea fis A Trip t to the Sea of the Sun ; or, With ¥ rank Reade ‘174 Across the Milky Way; or, Frank Reade, Jr. s Great 17 pe ators Arabia; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Search for the IBRARY, 157 ‘The Yellow Khan: or, Vrank Reade, Jr., rere the Thugs in Oentral Indin. | 168 Frank cade, Jr., in Japan With His War Orniser of the Clouds: 159 Fronk Reade, Jr., in Cuba: or, Helping aie: * With His Latest Air-Ship. 160 ‘Chasing a Pirate: or, Krank Reade, Jr., on A Desperate 161 In the Land of Fire; or, Frank Reade, Jr.; ead Hunters | h 162 7, 1000; Miles Underground; or, Frank Reade, Jr, 1 ‘Bx. aa loring a Volcano. te Demon of thé Clonds; or, Frank Reade, Jr, and | the Ghosts of Phantom Island. 64 The Cloud Uity; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Most ‘Wonder- fol Discovery. 165 ee mas Atoll; or, ane Reade, Big as the South 166 The Stonakol of the Moon; or. Frank Reade, Jr‘s Exploitsin Africa With His. Hlectric ** Thun ara? 167 87 Bags ot Gold: or, rank Reade, Ir. Hunting fora Sunken Steamer. 168 Phe Lost Lake; or, Frank Rende, Ir, 6 Trip, to Alaska. 169 The Caribs’ Cuve 7 or, Frank Ri Reade, Jr.'s Submarine Search for the Reef of Pears. Jr., _Explo n Unknown Land. Jr.,on a Perilous Cruise. ie The Blick Lagoon ; or, Frank Reade, Jr,’s Submar- ine Search for a Sunken Oity in Russia. 178 ‘The Mysterious Brand ; or, Frank Reade, Jr, Solv- ing # Mexica Mystery. Astronomical Trip With His Air-Ship ‘ i The Shoot~ ing Star.’ 115 Under the Great Lakes; or, Prank Read _ Submarime Oruise. 176 The Magic Mino: or, Frank Reade. Jr. "5 Trip. Up Yukon With His Blectric Combination ‘eaveller. ty Thieve: LIB ihe Silver Ben or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Submarin nknown Waters. 179 In tne. Kipadehus de Vrank Reade, Jr.’s Latest Trip The Chou Oe jaunt rable: Frank Reade, Jr,’s Nove Jancer: i y \ i Bip around ‘the World With His New Air Ship th “Blight. : 181, The ee Sea: or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s. Submarine | Exploits Among the Dervisties of India, ‘ 182 The Land of Dunes; or, With ‘Frank Reade, Jr, i the Desert of Gobi. . i 183 Six Days Under Havann Harbor; or, Frank Reade, i Jr.'s Secret aie Work Wor Uacle Sam. e Peter Pad. < prion ‘easer | 2 ‘by Retor Pad | t
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' 96 A Bad Boy at School, “13 Jim, Jac + G8 lag “98 Jack. vd Jim; ‘114 Smart & Co., the Boy eaters +115 The Two Boy Clowns; or, §1 Litile Tommy Bounce on His Travels; or, Doing America for Fun, y Peter Pad 92 Bouarding-School; or, Sain Bowser at Work and Play. by Peter Pad 93 Next on or, The Irish Twins, by ‘Lom ‘Teaser 94 The Aldermen Sweeneys of New York, by Tom Teaser 95 A Bad Boy's Note Book, by anal a 0 aT aS Grimes, Jr.; or, the Torment of Wie Vile by ‘Com Teaser Rackets and Scrapes at by 'fom easer or, Schoo 99 The Book Agent’s Luck, by ** Mid”? 100 Muldoon's Bourding House, by ‘l’om ‘Teaser 101 Mnidoon’s Brother Dan, by Tom'Leaser 102 The 'I'raveling Dude; or, The Comics Advent- ures of Ularence Kitz Roy Jones, by Tom ‘Teaser 103 Senator \tuldoon; by ‘lom Teaser 104,'The Neate Minstrels; or, Working the Same Old Rackets, y Peter Pad 105 The Comical Adventures of Two Dudes, by Tom Teaser 106 Muldoon, the Vop. Part f, by 'Tom ‘Teaser 107 Muldoon, the Cop. Part OU, by ‘Yom ‘leaser 108 Billy Moss; or, From One Thing to Another, » by ‘om Teaser 109 Truthful Jack; or, On Board the Nancy Jane, by ‘Tom ‘Tanser 10 Fred Fresh; or. As Green as Grass, _ by ‘t'om ‘I'easer Wil The Deacon’s Boy; jor, he Worst in ‘Town, y Peter Pad 112 Jobuny Brown & Uo. at School; or, The Deac- on's Boy at His Old 'I'ricks, by Peter Pad and Jim; or, Three Hard sae to tom leaser iG Peter Pad A Summer With « Cirens, by Tom Teaser 116 Benny Bounce; or, A Block of the ola Chip, by Peter Pad > 7 Young Dick Plunket; or, The Trials and Tribu- lations of Ebenezer Orow, by Sam Smiley 118 Muldoon in Ireland; or, ‘the Solid Man on the Ol y ‘'om ‘Teaser » Part i Bs ‘Tom lexser Part TK, by ‘Tom Teaser Urack, id Sod, 119 Muidoon’s Grocery Store. 120 Muldoon’s Grocery Store. 121 Bob Bright; or, A Boy of Business and tun. Part I, y Tom 'leaser 122 Bop “lirlehts or, A Boy of Business ana Bnn. art Il, by Tom ‘Teaser rey ex) Maldsaus 's Trip Around the World. Part I, by 'Tom Teaser LATEST ISSUES OF THE FIVE CENT COMIC LIBRARY. 124 Muldoon’s Trip Around tie World. Part iI, by Tom Teaser 125 Muldoon’s Hotel. Part I. by Vom ‘Peaser 126 Muidoon-g Hotel. Part IL by ‘Tom ‘Peaser 127 Muldoon’s Christmas, by ‘Vom 'Deaser 128 ‘he Shortys’ Christmas, Rackets, by keter Pad 129 Sain Smart, Jr.; or, Kollowing m the Footsteps of His Did. Part I. a by Peter Pad 130 Sam Smart, Jx,; or, Kollowing in the Footsteps of His Dad. Part U1, by Peter Pad 131 Three of Us; or, tustling for Boodle and Fun. Part I. by ‘Com Teaser 132 Three of Us; or, Hustiing for Boodle Vind Fun. Part IL. by Tom ‘Teaser 183 Out Hor un; or Six Months With a Show. by Peter Pad 134 Dick Duck, the Boss of the Town, by ‘l'om Teaser 135 ‘The Shortys Doing Europe: or, On a Grand ; ‘Tour for k'nn. Parti, by Sam Smiley 136 ‘The Shortys Doing Kurope; or, On a Grand Your for Fun. Part £1, by Sam, Smiley 137 Aunt Maria; or, She Thought She Knew It All, by Sam Smiley 138 Muldoon In Chicago; or. ‘he Solid Man at the World’s lair, by ‘Pom ‘Teaser 189 Pousn Harry; or, An English Boy in America, by Sam Smiley 140 Cousin Harry; or, An English Boy in America, Part by Sam Smiley 141 A New 'l’ommy Bounce; or, The Worst of the Lot! Part I by Sam Sniiley 142 A New lomimy Bounce; or, The Worst of the _ Lot. Part 11, by 5am Smiley 143 Stump; or, ‘Little, But, Ob, My!” Part I. by kas Pad 144 Stump; or, “ Little, But, Oh, My!” Part 1 by tt Pad Part I. by Tom Teaser Part L1. by Tom Teaser 147 Chips and Chin Chin, the Two Orphans Part iB by Peter Pad Part y Peter Pad 149 The Shortys on the Road; or, In the old Busi- ness Just for fun. Part 1, y Peter Pad 150 The Shortys on the Koud; or, Inthe Old Busi- ness Just for Kun. Part I, by Peter Pad 151 Onr Willie; or, The Last of the Fitz-Herberts, by Tom ‘teaser 152 Plaster and Stickem; or, Out For the Stuf, by Sum Smiley 145 Shoo-Fly; or, Nobody's Moke. 146 Shoo- Ply; or, Nobody's Moke. 148 Mae and Chin Chin, the Two Orphans. oe ale 153 Muldoon’s Flats. Part 1. by Tom ‘paneer? 164 Muldoon’s Flats. Part Il. by ‘Tom Teaser 155 Boarding School Scrapes; or, The Rackets of a Young Ventrilognixt. Part I by ‘Tom Teaser . 156 Boarding School Sera pes; or, be Rackets of a | Young Ventrilog nist Part il. — by ‘tom Teaser 167 Yellow and Black; or, The Two Bosses of Whackingtou Acndemy Part I. by Sam Smiley 158 Sera and Black; or, 'he Two Bosses of hackington Acader Part IL: by Sam Siniley 159 Wed Krolhck, the Boy triloguist; or, The Torment of the Town. Part I. by Vom 'leaser 160 Fred Vroliick, the Boy V entriloquist; or, The Torment ef the Town. Part II. by Vom Teaser 161 Mortimer Merry; or, Uhe Pranks of a Boy Mes- — merist. Part 1. by Tom Teaser 162 Mortimer Merry; or, The Pranks of a Boy Mes- merist. Part Il, by Lom ‘Teaser 163 The Two Mimies ; or, Tack and Joe Sonson at School. «Past J. by Sam. Smiley 164 The 'l'wo Mimics ; or, Jack and Joe Johnson at School. | Part 1. by Sam Smile 165 Shorty; or, Kicked Into Good Luck, by Poter Pu 166 Shorty In Luck, by Peter Pad 167 ‘The Mulcahey ‘I'wins by Tom Teaser 168 Corkey; or, The ‘Trieks: haba Travels ot “a Supe. by ‘Tom Teasey 169 Shorty Junior; or, fhe Son of His Dad. Peter eid 170 Jim Jams; ov, Jack of All Trades, by } ‘om ‘Teaser — 171 London Bob; or, An English Boy in peice. om Lopate * 12 Ebenezer Crow, ha Peter. Pad 173 Biersa amen on His Par; or, Always on a Rac by Peter Pad 14 iildebrainde Fitzgum; or, My tedetiee Little Cou s ‘fom ‘Teaser 4 175 Billy | Bavkias the Boy with the Big toe F by Commodote Ah- Look 176 The Shortys Married and Settled ees 177 Ikey; or, He Never Got Left, Vi8 Jack Hawser’s Tavern, by Peter Pid, 179 Sassy cots or, A Bootblack’s Voyage» ah the W orld, by Commodore An Look 180 Bob Ronit Kk; or, What Was He Born 181 Shoe and the Count; or, The Two Great Un- Aspe Le Peter Pad 4 182 Mulligan’ 3 Boy, by Tom Teaser 183 Joseph Jump and His Old Blind Nag, by. Peter Pad 184 ‘'wo in a Box; or, The Long and Short of It, by Tom Teaser . ox? AN the above libraries are for sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or sent to your address, post-paid, on Tessin’ of. price, Address cae '| FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 29 West 26th Street, New York, per LATEST ISSUES OF THE FRANK READE 106 oder Four Oceans; or, trank Reade, Jr.’s Sabmar-) ine Ohase‘of a ‘Sea Devil.” 107 From the Nile to the Niger; or, Frank Reade, Jr; ost in the Soudan With His ‘ Overland Omnibus. ¥ 198 The Chase of a Oomet; or, Frank Reade, Jr's Most Ag ehh With’ His New Air-Ship the 45) 109 Lost in the Great Undertow; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Submarine Craise in the Guif Stream. 110 ae Tropic to Tropic; or Frank Reade, Jr.’s Latest Your With His Bicyelo at. 11 To Ce Hind of the Marth in an Air-Ship; or, Prank Reade, Jr.’s Great Mid-Air Flight. 112 The Underground Sea; or. Frank Reade, Jt.’s Subter- ranean Cruise in His Submarine Boat. N18 Che Mysterious Mirage; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Desert oes for a Secret UOity with His New Overland hai 114 The Electric Island: or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for the Greatest, Wonder on Earth With His Air-Ship, the “ Plight.’” 5 ape ie Weeks Buried in a Deep Sea Cave; k Reade, Jr.’s Great Sabmarine Search. Trip or, . 6 whe Galion 8s Gold; or, rank Reade, Jr.’s Deep Sea Search. 117 Across Australia With Frank Reade, Jr , In His New Ree Gar; or, Wonderful Adventures in the Antipodes. - 18 Frank Reade, Jr.'s Greatest Flying Machine; or, | 129 The Coral ‘Lal Vighting the Terror of the Coast. 9 On the Great Meridian With Frank Reade, Jr,, In His ew Seeks or, A‘I'wenty-Five ‘Thousand Mile Trip in Mid-Air. 120 Under the Indian Ocean Wish Vrank Reade, Jr.; A Oruiss ina Submarine Boat. 121 Astray in tho Relies or, The Wild Experiences of Frank Reade, Barney and Pomp, yn South America With the “Blectrie Cab 122 Lost ina Comet’s Tail; or, rank Reade, Jr.'s Strange Adventure With His New Air-Ship. 123 Six Sunken Pirates; or, Frank Reade. Jy.'s Marvelous Adventures in the Deep Sea. 124 Beyond the Gold Coast: or, frank Reade, Jr.’s Over- land Trip With His lilectric Phaeton. or, "125 Latitude 90°; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Most Wonderfu Mid- Air Flight, 126 Afloat in a Sunken Forest; or, With Frank Reade, Jv,ona Submarine Oruise. 127 Across the Desert of Wire; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Marvelous I'ripeto n Strange Oountry. 128 Over Two QContinents; or, Frank Bonde. Jv.’s Long Distance, Flight With His New Air-Shi byrinith, or, Lost With Wrank Reade, Jr., in a Deep Sea Cave. 130 Along the Orinoco; or, With Frank Reade, Jr., in Venezuela. *“NONAME. ae By 131 Across the Warth; or, Frank Reade, Jrés Latest Trip With His New Air-Ship. 132 1,000 Fathoms ESD s or, With frank Reade, Jdr., in the Sea of Gold. 133 The Island in the Air; or, Frank Reade, dr. 8 Trip to the Tropics. 134 In the W tid Man's Land; or, With Frank Reade, Jr., in the Heart of Australia, 135 I'he Sunken Isthnns; or, With Frank Reade, Jr., in the Yucatan Channel ‘With His New see AD Yacht the “Sea Diver.” 136 The Lost Oaravan: or, Frank Reade, Jr., on Pre ihe Stuked Plains With His ‘ Klectric Racer.” 137 The Transient Lake; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Bdvonsilte turesin a Mysteric ms Country With His” New Air- Ship, the “ Spectre.” 138 The Weird Islund? or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Strange Sabmarine Search for a Deep Sea Wonder. 189 The Abandoned Country; or, Vrank Reade, Jr., Ex- ploring a New Gontinent. 140 Ober the Steppes; or, Adrift in Asia With Frank e, Jr. 141 The iinet Sea; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Under- Water Cruise. 142 In ibe Black Zone; or. Frank Reade, Jr.’s Quest for ne Mountain of Ivory. 143 the Lost Navigators; or, Rae Search With Hie New Air+S: 144 The Magic Island; or, frank 4 Trip of Mystery. 145 Through the T'ropies; or, Frank Reade, Hay 's Adven- tures in the Gran Chaco. 146 In White’ Latitudes: or, Frank Reade, ‘Jr.'s Ten Thousand Mile Flight Over the @rozen North, 147 Betow the Sahara; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Heploring an Undorgronnd River Wiith His Submarine Boat. 148 The Black Mogul; or, Through India With rank Reade, Jr., Aboard His “ Kloctrie Boomer.” 149 The Missing Pianet: or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Quest for a Fallen Star With His New Air-Ship, the “ enith,”” 150 The Black Squadron; or, Wravk Reade, Jr., in the Indian Ocean With His Subuwarine Boat the * Rocket.” 151 The Prairie Pirates; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Trip to Texas With His Mectric Vehicle. the “ Detective.” 152 Over the (rient; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’ 8 Travels in Turkey With His New Air-Ship. 163 ‘The Biack Whirlpool; tr Brink Reade, Jr.’s Deep Seu Search tora Tost § Ship, lid The Silent. City; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Visit to a Strange People With His New Electric Flyer. 155 The White Desert; or, Ffank Reade, Jr.'s rip to the Land of Tombs. 156 Under the Guif of Guinea; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring the Sunken Reet of maple With His New Submarine Boat. the ‘Sky Flyer.” nk Reade, Jr.’s Mid-Aiv, | 170 ‘The beh of Death; or, Frank Reade, ne eade, Jr. "s Deep Sea fis A Trip t to the Sea of the Sun ; or, With ¥ rank Reade ‘174 Across the Milky Way; or, Frank Reade, Jr. s Great 17 pe ators Arabia; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Search for the IBRARY, 157 ‘The Yellow Khan: or, Vrank Reade, Jr., rere the Thugs in Oentral Indin. | 168 Frank cade, Jr., in Japan With His War Orniser of the Clouds: 159 Fronk Reade, Jr., in Cuba: or, Helping aie: * With His Latest Air-Ship. 160 ‘Chasing a Pirate: or, Krank Reade, Jr., on A Desperate 161 In the Land of Fire; or, Frank Reade, Jr.; ead Hunters | h 162 7, 1000; Miles Underground; or, Frank Reade, Jr, 1 ‘Bx. aa loring a Volcano. te Demon of thé Clonds; or, Frank Reade, Jr, and | the Ghosts of Phantom Island. 64 The Cloud Uity; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Most ‘Wonder- fol Discovery. 165 ee mas Atoll; or, ane Reade, Big as the South 166 The Stonakol of the Moon; or. Frank Reade, Jr‘s Exploitsin Africa With His. Hlectric ** Thun ara? 167 87 Bags ot Gold: or, rank Reade, Ir. Hunting fora Sunken Steamer. 168 Phe Lost Lake; or, Frank Rende, Ir, 6 Trip, to Alaska. 169 The Caribs’ Cuve 7 or, Frank Ri Reade, Jr.'s Submarine Search for the Reef of Pears. Jr., _Explo n Unknown Land. Jr.,on a Perilous Cruise. ie The Blick Lagoon ; or, Frank Reade, Jr,’s Submar- ine Search for a Sunken Oity in Russia. 178 ‘The Mysterious Brand ; or, Frank Reade, Jr, Solv- ing # Mexica Mystery. Astronomical Trip With His Air-Ship ‘ i The Shoot~ ing Star.’ 115 Under the Great Lakes; or, Prank Read _ Submarime Oruise. 176 The Magic Mino: or, Frank Reade. Jr. "5 Trip. Up Yukon With His Blectric Combination ‘eaveller. ty Thieve: LIB ihe Silver Ben or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Submarin nknown Waters. 179 In tne. Kipadehus de Vrank Reade, Jr.’s Latest Trip The Chou Oe jaunt rable: Frank Reade, Jr,’s Nove Jancer: i y \ i Bip around ‘the World With His New Air Ship th “Blight. : 181, The ee Sea: or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s. Submarine | Exploits Among the Dervisties of India, ‘ 182 The Land of Dunes; or, With ‘Frank Reade, Jr, i the Desert of Gobi. . i 183 Six Days Under Havann Harbor; or, Frank Reade, i Jr.'s Secret aie Work Wor Uacle Sam. e Peter Pad. < prion ‘easer | 2 ‘by Retor Pad | t