Pluck And Luck (no. 476) (1907 07 17)
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Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as November 7, 1898. Entered according pop act of Congress, Second the a Congress, Washington, D. C., by Frank Tousey, Publisher, 24 Uision Square, New ¥ Complete Stories of Adventure. Class Matter atthe New York, N. Y., Post Office, ae Soon 1907, in the office of the Seta rian of 4 ? THE MARKED MOCCASIN Boe oR, = PANDY ELLIS’ BY AN OLD Scour. CHAPTER I. SILVER RIFLE, THE PRAIRIE SHARPSHOOTER. “Painters an’ powderhorns!\ the man what sez this stranger hyar daren’t take his turn at the mark must run agin me, an’ _ they do say as how it are wuss nor tacklin’ a hay-cutter than ter git in the way o’ this hoss. Step right up thar, boyee, an’ let any critter dar dispute it. I kin lick ther hull crowd an’ yay dog under the wagon. You hear me? It’s Roarin’ Ralph ' Roekwood what sez it, you bet!” The scene was a stirring one. _. Fully fifty men and boys had gathered in the forest to com- pete for a prize put up by the colonel of the military post, and - the reader has become familiar with such a gathering, so that it would be useless in my describing buckskin-clad men who have naught to do with my story. ' There had been some dissatisfaction expressed because a young man, who was a stranger to all of them, desired to take a turn at the target; but these murmurs had now ceased. Siwe reasons for this could be given. In the first’ place, the proclamation of the colonel, which had been posted in a prominent position, declared that anyone ‘ho chose could enter the lists and compete for the prize, ae as that officer now appeared in sight the grumblers did oa old. Panel aia not seem to be acquainted with the young man whose cause he ‘advocated, but oy had seen him i sg wei oldiers and poraennar , “ae é rules the desired: recie was: entitles NEW YORK, JULY 17, 1907. | no one suspected for an instant that a rival would a we feverish interest in this new. Pre ri of _Reckle Besides, he was a. lover of fair ‘play, and knew that the™ Price 5 Cents, PARD colonel drew near, and was surprised to see him sine as ir and pull his broad-brimmed hat still lower, so that it wot be impossible to distinguish his face. This significant action told the shrewd ranger that two had met before, and that the younger man did Be des recognition. ; He The presence of the colonel was the signal for the bach 1 of the sport, and presently every one who had enter¢ number found themselves debarred froma further atte A second round was shot at a more difficult target, an one-half of the remainder found that their chances ‘were short. 4 The young stranger, who had simply given his nar Silver of had fired both of these times with a nonchalan and dea poxsainly that proclaimed his utter contem: The match had really heey gotten up to eS: pee tween chim and a sergeant ‘who had rely come to ae Do the champion in any one else. | Astonishment was, therefore, rife when the sergean mis the now difficult mark; and the contest was now lit these two. The colonel, disappointed and chagrined at oy ilu his man to acquit himself creditably, now took Lew
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‘ THE MARKED MOCCASIN. “not only were his shots copied to the minutest detail, but in For once Reckless Rupert was in despair; but at this moment a few words from Roaring many instances improved upon. Ralph caused his face to brighten. : Carefully he loaded his rifle, while the old ranger, picking _ up a wild gourd, walked away toward the east, carefully meas- uring his paces until the required distance was passed over. Then he turned and held out the gourd, which was the size of an orange, by the slender neck. - A dead silence came upon the assembly. Like a statue Reckless Rupert stood, with his cheek pressed against the stock of his rifle. Then came the sharp report, and those who were watching intently saw the gourd fly into ' pieces, while the neck, several inches long, remained in the hand of the old imperturbable ranger. “taf thet don’t bring her out, then I reckon nothin’ will,”. “muttered the Coloradan, as he gathered the pieces of the gourd and brought them to the crowd for examination. The gourd had burst into about half a dozen large pieces, -and these upon being placed together showed the little bluish hole made by the rifle ball. - Rupert stood by, a smile of conscious pride upon his tanned face. Roaring Ralph was watching the unknown sharpshooter out of the corner of his eye. He saw him hesitate; and then walk quickly forward to the spot where he himself had stood while holding the gourd.: : - Then placing a whistle to his mouth he blew several sharp notes upon it, waited a few minutes and repeated the signal, hich it undoubtedly was. : Bvery eye was fastened upon him in wonder, all but Roar- ing Ralph, who knew what was about to happen, though he was. none the less interested on this account. While they ‘watched, there suddenly appeared among the trees a gliding figure which approached the young marks- Man. It was a girl, dressed in the most picturesque border it ‘style, her long hair falling down below her waist, and the gas fawn skin garments, trimmed with beads and quills, showing ‘ off a form that Venus might have envied. i ‘Putting into her hand a round gourd not over half the size of the one Reckless Rupert had broken, hel uttered 9 few ords in a low tone, and then walked toward the others as if carefully measuring the distance. "Then ‘he wheeled about. 4 omething like an inarticulate cry came from the throng they saw the girl place the gourd upon her fair head and | there like a statue. All eyes followed the motions of oe man as he raised his rifle. - t this was not the first time he had seen her, for her e under | such peculiar circumstances affected him r| ye gained | yer. ae noto could almost have heard the beating of his heart, he report ‘sounded. “Missed, by thunder!” cried those who had looked in in, aa air to see the pieces fly as they had done when Reckless Rupe fired, but as they dropped their eyes to the head of the fair 7 girl it was discovered that the small gourd was gone. pie One of the men ran out and returned with the gourd, which had two holes in it, so close to the center that the target had — not broken. This he wag about to show to the colonel, when — the girl, for the first time, turned her face full towards them. The officer uttered a loud cry. “My soul! it is Dolly!” Then turning he pointed to Silver Rifle. “Seize that man! Fifty dollars to the one who lays him hy the heels! Quick, or he will escape!” he thundered out. ? .. The prairie sharpshooter dashed away, but a dozen would if have been in pursuit had not Roaring Ralph sprang to the - front and faced them, knife in hand, his bearded face flushed with fury. » Dust my Sunday breeches, if I don’t clean out the hull kit o’ ye yet. Silver Rifle kim hyar at my invitation, an’ he shall go clar.' Whatever grudge ther kernal may hev agin hin Q must keep. Now they’re gone. Kernal, what do ye know o’ ~ that. gal?” Kae “Know of her!” almost gasped the enraged officer; “con- found your impudence, Rockwood, that girl is my daughter 3 Dolly! As to the young man, he is one who has sworn war — _to the knife against me, and who will yet feel the hiss ate | my anger,” ; “oy CHAPTER II. TO THE DEATH. “Greaser, yer a cheat and a swindle!” As the words were spoken, the man giving utterance to them sprang to his feet, and with remarkable agility pial ie the gold from the table into his pocket. . Bi Astonishment had held his opponent mute for the moment but he, too, sprang to his feet, uttering loud exclamations. — Drawing a knife, he would have sprung at the hunter had — not the buckskin-clad worthy covered him with a revolve Lowering glances were cast upon him from many of th inmates of the den, but he seemed as cool as. a cucumber. “T’ve been in jest this same position afore now, an’ don’ keer a continental how soon ye begin operations, Thar’ be some hefty work for the coroner, I reckon, afore we’ re done Is thar a man hyar what knows me?” “I do,” came a voice at this instant, and all eyes were turne toward the speaker, a squatty man, dressed in buckskin an wearing a huge felt hat. “I have cause to remember you Gentlemen, take a look at my classical head, You w. pleased to notice that I am minus a fine pair of ears, I owe to him.” neat felt hat, and swept back the mass of dark hair that y lowed to cover his neck, Sure enough, his ears wer The act also showed his face to be considerably slashe | old knife wounds. =A The old ranger BUB HED as if tioklea at the sight 9 the less an. | ~ i aici Peiy “Yas, I sliced “em off fur, ye, sig ‘Bob. ‘Thet war
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Ree sg ee : THE ae eae > 2 tie. ere ye a ee Sire. a eS EL ere MARKED MOCCASIN. | Be agg and the squatty, buckskin-clad ranger glared around him as| ‘ though too full of rage to answer. | { “You will have enough of it to keep you awake, my fire- eater, for if I can help it you will never leave here alive. sf Gentlemen,” he continued, turning to the crowd, “allow me to introduce to you a man who has been the bane of the border among our class for twenty years past, and agin whom I have a death-grudge—Pandy Bilis!” As the name of the noted Indian fighter fell upon the ears of those/assembled in the Deadwood gambling den, it was amazing to see how they shrank from him, as they would from one who had the smallpox. ‘ It rather tickled the old man to see that he was not quite forgotten in the neighborhood, and bending down a trifle he ‘Grew a fifteen-inch bowie-knife from the back of his neck. “Now I’m ready ter sail in. Guv ther word, Yaller Bob, an’ see how soon I kin clean ther ranch out. Down in Santa Fe, ye ‘member, I laid ten men on ther floor, an’ I’d like ter keep up my reputation in this region. Yaller Bob, why don’t yer Say sail in?” At this instant a tall form sprang through the open door “and alighted at the side of the old ranger, who turned like a flash, ready to use either bowie “or revolver; but a light flashed over his face as he recognized in the tall, handsome ranger one whom he had not seen for many months, and whom he little expected to come across in Deadwood. “Blue Bill!” he exclaimed. “You bet—and ready to help in the good work of cleaning out this den!” into view. There was something of a sensation at the mention of his name, for it was not unknown among the men assembled there. “Proceed with ther show, Yaller Bob--that’s a good fellér,” insinuated old Pandy. “To oblige you, I will. Comrades, be ready to sail in, and the man that driyes his knife into the heart of Pandy Ellis gets my bonanza claim. v4 As Yellow Bob spoke, he suddenly turned a screw close at hand—a contrivance of the bartender’s—and all the lights in the place were extinguished at once. This was a neat little contrivance on the part of the pro- prietor, whereby he might: escape should his life ever be threatened. ~- tremendous uproar ensued. Loud oaths and cries rent the air, accompanied by a smashing sound of glass. Indeed, it - seemed i a time as though Bedlam had been let loose, but ‘not a pistol shot was heard. Pandy Bilis and his comrade stood close to ote they had been when the lights went out, ready to engage in a desperate - hand-to-hand struggle for life, but as the racket gradually grew less in volume, what seemed to be the truth broke in upon their minds. it was so simply ridiculous that they had to laugh’ out- ght. : All of the aaa had sae: away. And the tall ranger also brought a revolver | No sooner had darkness come upon the scene than the most. | an’ ye may well imagine ther news I heard liked ter hi they hed jdgethier® as ‘boyees. ; "Tt seems thet he hed been looked ofa as dead fur the darks, he ‘knocked him down. ; jest how it ‘war; all I know is thet they hed a regule ar d The two hunters laughed loud and long at the qudierous- situation of the raseal, and then Blue Bill, with an eye. to business, swept what loose change that remained upon the various tables into his pocket, to reimburse them for their trouble, after which the two. rangers left the place. zs It was some ten minutes later, while Yellow Bob was mak-— ing a solemn oath to be the death of both of them, that Pandy — and Blue Bjll stood face to face in a lone cabin on the out skirts of the town. ety. “Then you are on the trail?” asked Bill. CoN “T have started on it, an’ will foller ter ther death. maine : stirring times ahead, Billy,” returned pan E death.” The parties shook hands, and the compact was sealed. CHAPTER Iil. 7 ; WOLF-BLOOD. DRS: The far northwest. f Glorious old Sol was just hanging in the west like a ball. of fire, and evening was close at hand, when two men broke stood upon the sloping bank. There they stood, leaning upon their rifles, and 198 around upon the peaceful scene. What mission had at, tion? This will be speedily made manifest. After a cursory glance around them, the two sat down an old log that was moss-covered, Vegetation grew in uriance around, but there was none of that superabund found in the equatorial forest that impedes travel whi it presents a charming picture. SP oN eae This was not the season for trapping, and the redskin were. reported unusually fierce, 8o that their object must be indeed a strange one to bring them to this part of the countr eae as . “Up to this time, old hoss, you haye put off telling e the full particulars of the case, and now, while we sit here, 3; you to relate the whole story. I am with you, first, last, all the time, as you may understand by my coming to th part of the country.” And Blue Bill drew out his pipe, it, and began puffing away as though taking it easy. — I hev in part grown used ter it, an’ will tell yer ‘| jest as I know it. What thar air missin’ yer i must supply. in Sesion; while Bolly avadited: to see some friends { Q It war several months afore I managed ter reach cane Roc! me outright. Bolly hed once hed a eres which he Z é so when a half-drunken galoot run agin him in L I never could un the " spot wid some friends on
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THE MARKED MOCCASIN. ‘he looked up again, but there was a strained expression on his! critter, suspectin’ nothin’, done it. thin face, and a fierce glitter in the eyes that had made many a border scoundrel tremble to see. J heerd'it all through Ned Price. Thar war a time when I - didn’t like Ned, ‘cause I thort he war ther kind o’ a critter iievese ber: stab a man in ther back; but when I heerd how he keered oy, fur my pore pard, Bolly Wherrit, ‘I shook his hand, an’ swore - I hed wronged him. I seen him cringe like, but never cud tell why he did it. _ “Ter proceed with ther sad story. ~ “Ned took Bolly off an’ hed him buried, while Jack Wherrit skipped the town. From some I heerd that he war terribly worked up when he found thet he hed killed his brother, but run fur fear some o’ ther boyees would take vengeance on him, ther cowardly brute. 4] would ter Heaven I hed happened inter Little Rock about et time; thar’d been fa terrible time, fur I’d hev cut ther mken coward’s weasand out. I’ve been on his trail ever ‘since, an’ I’ll foller him ter ther end o’ ther world onless death ps in an’ takes a lead. When I find him—the slaver o’ my yard—then woe ter him, Blue Bill, woe ter him!” he old ranger’s voice trembled with rage, and Blue Bill new that when the end came, and he face to face with Jack ‘Wherrit, the reckoning would be terrible indeed. “Ther ‘trail hez been plain ter me, fer ther man hez ther amily mark o’ the Wherrits—his left foot air crooked, an’ ry whar ye kin tell him by ther moccasin track. I’ve known : lly war near often, when aecordin’ ter my. calculations he ould hev been far away, jest acause I kim acrost that marked moccasin. “ "Pain’t like an ordinary trail, fur eng fellow can’t change jolly, but it has had much ter do wid his life. Twice, ter ny knowledge, he came near going under, ’cause some critters what ad a grudge agin him follered ther trail o’ ther marked en agin it hez done him several good turns. Thar war in particular thet comes ter my mind. Bolly war in a bad j ‘fi He had run agin Yaller Bob—the very critter we hed ther ‘ rbance with at Deadwood—an’ his gang o’ sweet angels, ; er flustratin’ three of ’em, ther boyee found himself a K i80 ay. They, hated Bolly like bloody pizen, an’ it took cee f ite. a while ter hiteh up an idea by which he should erdickyments. ‘Thar war, fur instance, the time when he ther hands o’ ther Hudson Bay trappers arter tum- der ther queer ole mound hi the Blackfeet buried | ter turn,” eal j agin z ‘member down in Mexico porpgnliar, Bolly shut 0. an lye e a halt dozen more cases whar Bolly found. but none or ‘em would ekal this un. | murderer o’ my pard should feel ’em all!” ow, shea Senawe Bolly ter be in quite a number 0’ abated ‘3 | some time before the When they wad out or ‘ sight, what did Bolly do put salivate ther powder o’ ther train, ‘so thet when ther fire kim along it war extinguished ee i wet place. } / “JT found him sittin’ thar, chewin’ away as contentedly. as a cow at her cud. Jest as I released the lad the pesky ‘out- laws kim up, wonderin’. why they hadn’t heerd no explosion We had quite a tussle with ‘em, and Bolly fit like a king. Ah, . me, ter think ther lad’ll never stand side by side with me agin It’s enough ter make one shed tears o’ blood! You an’. me make a team, Blue Bill, but ye could never be to me what my ole pard war. Fur nigh on ter forty years we hey clung ter. each other, an’ it do seem as though Pandy Hillis war ‘now an old trunk with ther limbs ited off. My curse on Jac Wherrit! ” * 4 From behind the log, further on, a man’s face arose. His eyes were fastened upon the old ranger, and he seemed fas cinated by the emotion of Pandy Hillis. Now and then shudder passed over his frame, but he lay there among the trailing vines, motionless, a Blue Bill sprang to his feet ‘ with an exclamation: “Look! here’s the very trail we lost at noon. Fortune fas brought us to it again. There can be no mistaking that foot- print. The wretch hag been here, has even sat upon this log!” Pandy Hllis sprang erect. ny “My soul, I’m lost!” was the thought of the hidden man, a he drew back his head and flattened himself out still ‘mote) ; against the log. i “Yas, he’s been hyar; that’s ther mark o’ ther pizen pe ac —ther wretch thet made ole Pandy Ellis wuss nor a widower, © Would vee Heaven we hed come sooner! His time air i J domed ter avenge Bolly’s death! Oh, { could tear ther devil limb from limb, an’ hurl him inter the gates o’ hell pieceme Would that ther war tortures ekal to a thousand deattis, ther “Come, old man, you are exciting yourself too much. wolf-blood in you must find an outlet soon, or you'll haye ne of your crazy spells. Let us hunt a camp down the river, in the morning follow this trail here—to death!” “Yes, to death!” muttered the old ranger, ae and. w Tk-- ing after his comrade, ‘ Ah, if he had but known that it was the presence “of ‘th reptile they sought that made him so restless, he mien found a vent for the savage wolf-blood. : When the forms of the two trappers had been lost. amo trees and gathering twilight, the craven, Jack Wherr out of his place of concealment, and with a. white, 8 iskeulked away, trembling and yet desperate. as a wolf at | CHAPTER IY. an SPECTER CANOE. The spot where the two hunters pitehed their stars. ‘ooked je fot ‘the are heave in an.
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i whatever is set hatbrd us. Supper over, the two men allowed the fire to go out, and ap ‘Settled themselves for a smoke. as thick as bees in a hollow tree, they puffed their smoke in almost complete silence, exchanging only a few sentences | his voice was husky, as he said: occasionally, and these in a low tone. Finally Pandy proposed sleep, and to this Blue Bill readily | speerit o’ my old pard, on whose grave I swore that t acquiesced, for they had tramped mariy miles during the day |oath. Ther ghost o’ Bolly Wherrit cries aloud for Just spent, and Pandy wes ready to acknowledge that when it ‘came to a tramp he was not the man he used to be in his younger days. They had already made rude couches of leaves and hemlock branches, and upon such beds they had passed many a night in full minute after the phantom canoe and its ghastly ocet slumber, so that these were deemed comfortable resting | jad disappeared. ; i * places. The night passed on. _ Jupiter led his hosts across the blue firmament, in the cease-| dashed it across his fates Of the two, perhaps, he | Almost overhead the god of war, flery | least touch of superstition in his nature; or it might Mars, glowered down like an eye of evil upon the slumbering | Bolly Wherrit’s death did not seem so real to se thro - less march of time. earth. “Strange noises came from the forest, near and far, but| grave of his chum away down near Little Rock. the howling of wolves and cries of various nocturnal birds , and beasts would have been music in the ears of a backwoods-| wrong, and his action in throwing up his hand was to man. ee silver hung in the Heavens, and in places where her light found an ingress between the tall. trees that lined the river | dead, I’d surely say we had seen your old pard. You é bank, it trembled softly upon the water. 2 It could not have been very iar from midnight when old _. Pandy Bilis raised his’ head from the ground and held it in a \ listening attitude. praneasion he had proven this. . The sound that reached him was the light dip of a paaiile’ 4 ‘upon the water, but it must have been something of more power than this that had waked him up. ; ' Gaining his feet he laid.a hand on the arm of Blue Bin, who responded to the touch almost instantly. “The two men then crept down the ravine to the river, which was speedily spread out before them. At this point the _ Stream was about twelve or fifteen yards across from bank | to bank, and just. even with them the moon lit up its surface ‘tor a stretch of half a score of feet. Closer comes the’ sound of the paddle, and it was evident, ele the canoe was near at hand. Both men gripped their ifles nervously, for thoughts had entered their minds that it might proye to be the man they sought, and the eyes of old “Pandy seemed to flash fire at the idea. imagination Pandy was ‘once more kneeling upon the grave of his old pard, renewing the oath of vengeance;. as it necessary to chase the murderer over the whole. rid, he and Blue Bill would do it, so 0 that in the end Bolly’ a oF bat re. was” ‘a. ainda’ regularity, ay the sttokes that ‘fell: aa co s ears, as. unnatural. THE MARKED MOCCASIN. Knowing that they were in|sight, and then both the vessel and its occupant were- a dangerous country, where the Blackfeet were generally found | yiew in the semi-gloom beyond. In the east the moon arose, looking like a Chinese shield of | as to his state of wakefulness, he turned upon hig comp From long service in the backwoods his| Price told me ther whole yarn, an’ took me tai ears had become acute in a marvelous degree, and on many an) buried ther ole man. No, thar ain’t ther least | | of them doubted in the least. a his side: in ‘almost every i long white hair pire Pade down upon his ahoulieus ee Only for a few seconds did the white bark canoe Pandy Hllis caught Blue Bill’s arm in a grip of ate “Did ye see him, Billy? Heaven help me! CHAPTER V. ON THE WAR-PATH. ‘ Roth (Padé? Milis'and ‘Bide Hil pamalnéd- qogeinaaenee The words of the old ranger added to the strangeness ate At any rate, Blue Bill fancied there must be tain whether or no he was dreaming. Upon being reai - “T am puzzled, old man. If I didn’t understand ti positive that Bolly went under?” he asked, A grim smile appeared | on Pandy’s thin FACE ‘mind but what we hev seen ther ghost o’ my pai murdered men’s spirits haunt ther man what sent ther world, an’ I reckon poor Bolly can’t rest eas bution overtakes J ack. He looked as natural. as lif ( Come, let us go back ter our nines Billy; this thing: e me cas aes never been ictown to do‘in the face of the ¢ ‘Feeling that the dead had visited him, Palit ‘pursuit of Jack Wherrit more keenly, he wags wanes % tremendous pitch of excitement. ve They sat upon their ‘couches for some. time, ¢ matter over. Pandy finally convinced Blue t truth of his assertion, and he was just as firm believe veteran in the existence of a disembodied ‘sp had Jooked upon the specter. of se tee cscs 4 Blue Bill finally lay down and passed nt he e le ‘but old Pandy started up his pipe and lay th refi the maryelous are a which ine Rihed tshkieins o of. a Waal “Without ‘the peer
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s - HE MARKED MOCCASIN. ee ' Gradually, however, the pain passed away, and he calmly | Knowing that he, too, wag in fall view of the Indian, ant looked to the future. He was an old man, already past the | perhaps, several others besides, Pandy gave up the Adee time allotted to human beings, and through all his life he} raising his gun. Z had ‘been almost miraculously saved from scores of dangers He was an expert at firing off-hand, and “could do just as when all hope seemed gone. ‘ much execution without giving them the slightest warning of Perhaps his time was near at hand, and Heaven had taken | his intentions. ; , By oF, this means of warning him. Well, let the grim monster come; Slowly the Indian raised his bow until it had been brought — hhe had faced him too often to fear him now. He had eyer | into the proper position; at the same time Pandy was elevating oa raised his hand in defense of’ right and the weak against | his gun by degrees until he was sure that it was bearing ats Fy wrong, ‘and his brave soul would meet the Master of Life with | rectly upon the painted devil behind the bush. ; not a stain upon it other than those which will assail even the There was no. time to lose: : parte best of men. . When the Indian had gained his desired position he would . His cogitations were interrupted. give a quick, spasmodic jerk, and the arrow would be sent ‘ “The conviction suddenly came upon the old trapper that | tonward with force enough to drive it clear through a buffalo. — there Was something moving upon the bank of the ravine, for] Authors speak of an Indian slowly drawing the arrow back — his ears had not been hurt by age, and were as keen as ever. | to the head, holding it there for a few seconds, as if to aim, — instantly Pandy was on the alert. and then letting drive; but this is all sheer nonsense. No one — He turned his gaze upward, while his hand, almost uncon-| over saw an Indian send an arrow thus. They aim by guess- — sciously, as it were, reached out and grasped his trusty rifle.) work, and gain a double amount of force by throwing the a A bush rustled, and immediately his eyes were glued upon it. | whole body forward with the shot; the whole work is done in - The moon had made its appearance above the bank, and this! 4) instant of time. es ry bush reached to its lower edge, so that if aught appeared} Wo man knew this better than Pandy, and, ther efore, he’ ‘got pe above the twigs, it must be plainly outlined against the silver | himself in readiness, so as to be able to defeat any such move a isk that hung in the blue sky. on the part of the redskin. % Ha! no wonder the old trapper started and clutched his rifle | | Keenly he watched the fellow’s every move, and when the e firmly. There arose from behind the bush the feathered | gna1 instant arrived, the old trapper's finger pressed the trigger head of a Blackfoot brave. His ebon hair hung in stragely of his rifte. Masses from his scalp, and was profusely decorated with} ‘phere followed the sharp, stunning report. as feathers and such gaudy embellishments. Close upon its heels came a horrible shriek of human 8 the moon was behind him his face was not outlined, but anguish. The Indian bow and arrow were thrown high up in a ne tt Was easy enough to picture it, glaring with rage and tri-| the air, and as for the ill-fated brave himself, he made a — imph, the eyes fastened upon the two trappers below; for as| spasmodic leap, and came thudding down into the ravine, tear- on had now gained quite a high altitude, her rays fell] ing away the vines and bushes in his death~plunge. ee ‘both of them. Old Pandy was on his feet in an instant, and although Blue ~ Bill had been aroused from a deep sleep, he was not many : seconds pehind the veteran. He seemed to comprehend t ‘whole matter in a flash, for the Tages yell put him ie a session of the facts. He ‘rolled over several times‘ almost in a twinkling, Bret his gun, ‘leaped to his feet, and gained the side of his com panion. They had quite a hot time before them, but neither thought ‘of shirking the encounter even for an instant. ‘ all they knew there might be fifty of the red fiends, put it - ‘ their desire to close with them first, and only retreat ~ case | of overwhelming numbers. ; ed a few minutes matters remained stationary. the Indian’ s ating were pen elevated, part of a bow x uy rs for nothing. Proba ly the two rangers had been observed as they made y through the woods, and followed to their camp in| e, after which the spy—perhaps this brave himself, at he was so eager to have the first blow—had made hii bpd to where his comrades could be found, and led them} have been the targets for many | savage. maviemen, As it was, upon turning around after gaining the shelte the shade, Blue Bill saw three long arrows quivering : ground at the very point where he had lain, and realize he had not been an instant mii? soon in rolling away alae spot. ! to follow. Blue Bill had ‘drawn his rifle up. close to his ast, 6 and was only watching for an Smoot to us it, f-blood Sad leaped in felottaiy at ‘hs prospect ae an e and severe conflict, but he had ops At
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/ ered with his skeleton hand upraised to clutch all who might fall into his power. Pir: CHAPTER VI. : = THE MYSTERIOUS HUNTER. The moon was shining from a clear sky, and a broad Si natels of prairie land, illumined by her silvery light, lay like a sea of glory, the gentle night wind now and then disturbing the grass, and making it undulate here and there like the billows - of the ocean. It was a glorious spectacle, and not a thing seemed to may the serenity of the scene; but stay, from out the timber line dashed a horse, upon whose back sat a man dressed in buck- ' skin. Tn his hand this hunter grasped a long, deadly rifle; his face ~ eould not be seen, as the broad sombrero shaded it from view; |’ but his long white hair streamed out behind him as he dashed madly along. / Occasionally he turned in the saddle and looked behind him as though pursued, and that this was the case was speedily made manifest. When he had ridden about a hundred yards there Sade out of the timber, with a series of shrill yells, a score of mounted Indians, who urged their horses with every conceivable method - after the hunter. ‘The moonlight chase had evidently been already eanttaned i ee) ‘quite a time, and the horse of the white-haired hunter } " must have been already fatigued when it began, for he showed Imany signs of weariness now, while the animals of the red ‘men were for the most part fresh. Away dashed the mad riders. Turning in his saddle the white-haired hunter aimed his rifle. Probably the Indians already knew what éxecution he could do, for they seemed to fear him, as every warrior flatten- ed himself out upon the back of his steed. ~ Crack! _ The hunter knew a trick worth two of theirs, and as the report of his gun rang out, one of the mustangs received the _ fully twenty feet away. ‘Whether injured by the shock or not, _ the brave was most effectually counted out from the struggle _that was bound to take place. = _ Once more the Indians arose and urged their wiry steeds onward. Their gain was very evident, and one could almost _ decide upon the time it would take for the end of ihe: race to 4 come. ‘ ina The mysterious hunter’s horse fairly staggered, and yet with a deter mined nature, which only a man who has had such a ‘noble. animal can understand, he used every effort to keep. up vaped | to the. rout: Hardly had ‘he done ga than. his ‘steed, THE MARKED MOCCASIN. — fatal lead, plunged forward, and threw his unsuspecting rider | ‘in advance of his fellows, and, drawing in his must and the Indian, with a shrill howl, fell backward ‘astonished Blackfeet, ‘he: sent eee ae piteous moan, plunged torwerd: and fell lifeless to the | Waal, that’s wuth comin’ so far north isp see, I ever heard 0’ Biseteet ye thet dodge _ afore? without practice. Til let ’em understand thet ama urs come thet game on this chicken.” About this time there was formed a complete rea the mysterious ranger that continually moyed in the s rection, and as the arrows and bullets began to cut tt around him, the whife-haired hunter realized that un wished to fall a victim to a chance missile, he had be i behind the body of his dead horse. This he proceeded to do, and from his place of cone watched the maneuvers of the enemy, showing more and interest in regard to their actions than fear of the re understood what was sine of them. Sooner or later the end must come. This would probably. arrive when his rifle was amet by firing it he would bring matters to a crisis, Deli singling out a certain one of his enemics who was fc or ignorant enough to expose himself more than his the hunter threw up his rifle and took a quick aim. — The report came so speedily that one could almos n it to be a Snap-shot. There was a ‘terrific yell, and the br. warrior, his foot caught in a loop of rope that had b been for some purpose, was carried away at the heels Bo be 1U tang. As the hunter had suspected, this was the Sear sault. Hig rifle was now empty, and he would ha to reload it, so he threw the weapon into a clump o future time he might expect to recover it, True enough, the Eni, oN turned their horses - bending low as hen sae the animals forward. : ox What followed was one of the Pana seenes of bord yenture on record. ' Naturally, one of the Indians reached the point over to send an arrow through the form of the crou per. : = Wiieg Tt was a fatal action for him. As if charged with electricity, the form of i hunter sprang erect. As he did so his revolver was ¢ horse. | the position vacated by the nédulitn, Then, |
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“THE MARKED MOCCASIN. 1 1 an’ yet I kin swar ther’s smoke arcoriiny from ther chimney. V effort on the part of the hunter to keep up this pace. Tar an’ feather me ef I know any other way than ter jest sa ’ He eagerly looked ahead, hoping to see something that would | in an’ make myself ter home. Thet'’s me, Roarin’ Ralph Rock + give him hope, but as far as the moonlight allowed him to see, wood, ye bet!” : ‘nothing encouraging came within the scope of his vision. ‘The old ranger had been standing in front of quite’ a com: 1 his‘right hand he still firmly grasped the revolver, his|modious but ancient log cabin, situated far away up in th ly weapon saving the knife that rested in his’ belt, and it | forests of Blackfoot land, and which had at one time evident was evident that should matters come to close quarters once | been occupied by a band of trappers either on friendly term eC, he would use both of these to advantage. with the redmen or else possessed of an unusual spirit af bravado. hoe: 301 ciously to both panties: it was Senrerettie toward a When he had rapped until he was tired without secsiving yr: point where the white man would have a chance to | any reply, the old reckless ranger’ made up his mind to enter v. is strategic powers once more. nolens volens, so he lifted the latch, and stepped into th Upon the prairie, a couple of miles from the mountains, | cabin. ere rested a peculiar stone. -How it came there learned| He found a cheery fire burning on the hearth, but not. a soul 4 Ss had never guessed, nor the freak of nature that had|in sight. NHvidences of occupancy could be seen in many. di pli it it. in twain; yet there it was, with a passage through | rections, for the place had a cozy appearance just then. There : iddle ‘wide enough for three horsemen to ride abreast. | was a quantity of cold food upon the table, and with a charm "When within thirty yards of this'stone the horse upon which | ing assurance, the old ranger sat down and “tackled” it, to { rysterious hunter was mounted suddenly gave out, and'| use his own expression, taking out his huge bowie to. ae in ee saved himself from sharing the fate of the unfortunate | the good work. * t & y a dexterous leap, when he felt his steed falling} fp the meantime hig eyes were roving about, and he gaze im. _ Once more he was afoot upon the prairie, with his | in ywndisguised wonder at an elaborate, though small press of exultant ‘foes dashing down upon him with furious yells. some sort, also the tools that could be seen around. Had he. h nted man cast one swift glance around him, and then | faijen upon the retired home of some old hermit, who intended _ need into the grass, which élose beside him grew to a passing the remainder of his life in solving some tremendous ' several feet. When the Indians reached the spot, problem of evolution or perpetual motion? unged into this grass plot, searching right and left for| ‘The old ranger was not one to puzzle his head to any great ee eyes but not a single sign of the hunter could} extent over a problem, when a simple exercise of patience ots 2 would develop the whole matter, so he remained seated in th ‘ad he vatlished in thin air? g rude chair, calmly devouring the lunch set’ out for. some on J is hen one of the Blackfeet spied the peculiar rock, and | who had not appeared to claim it. etade a joment had communicated his suspicions to the rest. This was old Ralph’s way of doing things, and he generally ey went pell- -mell toward the place, feeling confident | came out of the’ horn with honor. ’ hey would find their game there. ‘ As he sat there he indulged in reflections. t was soon made evident, for a couple of inks “Par my heels wid soap, but I can’t guess what this” ranch Fj and each was immediately followed by a death-cry | air. One would think thet thar war a reglar treasury depart : y ‘ ment in these hyar wilds, jedgin’ by this.” low upon the necks of their mustangs, the re- As the old man spoke, he stretched out his hand and picked er of the vengeance party sped forward. Once they | up a bundle of singular papers that’ rustled in his grasp. y the ; rock and the intrepid hunter would stand no show | light of the fire had revealed to him the fact that he held ae hand a package of Dep eNeye? : ia! st wide of the Blackteet, thus dismounting a eoutiel. , bills, he gave a sudden start, and cocked. his head 0 u T - opposition. was made to the advance of the side as though ‘some suspicious noise had caught his. who al few seconds Tater reached the rock. While Another moment and the ranger had jumped to onen shot around it, others dismounted and boldly ‘and grasped his ane Then, wee pausing to list ) eme amazement of all, not a ten could they dis- moc casined feet making no. ‘hoise.. Sei e i th memy. ‘He had been here, that tltey were ready eee ity: he ascended with the agility :
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yet he was greatly amazed that the owner should be found] face with the man I hate jest like ye hate a battle THE: MARKED MOCCASIN. hard * Roaring Ralph uttered a low cry. thousand times. I ain’t in no hurry, fur I know ther One of the faces, at least, was very familiar to him, and | come around all right, an’ some day Ill find myself away up here ib the far northwest, and seemingly the owner| “Then you do not fear him?” of this strange ranch. “Bear him? Not much!” “Yaller Bob, by the Etarnal!” was hig unuttered comment, “But Roaring Ralph is no common man. Desperad as he looked down upon the two. am myself, I should hate to be shut up in a dark cabin wit The \individual whom last we saw wedged in between the| him, and a knife placed in each of our hands.” Sash and heavy window frame in the Deadwood gambling den “Waal, now ye’ve struck it. I confess such a thing w ran" was indeed below the old reckless trapper, and from his] suit me very much, but if I could get Roaring Ralph in manner it was plain to read that he had a claim of some] where my shooter would cover his heart, I reckon I wouldn’t tb sort upon the rickety cabin in which they were. fear him very much,” and the burly scoundrel broke out to The other man was a heavy fellow, with a bearded face and}a rough laugh, in which the other joined. S matted hair. “There’s a little difference in the position of affairs, T con- Roaring Ralph entertained a suspicion that he bad seen | fess, and in such a case I wouldn’t fear him much myself. him before, but just then could not place the rough-looking | Let us talk more of business, my friend. The boys will be. customer. ; here to-night to carry off the last issue, a package, of w: Yellow Bob eyed the eatables on the table a little sus-| lies on the table beside you. What, is it not there? — piciously, as if wondering whether he had demolished such | would ‘be ready to swear that I left it there, Ah, her a quantity of them, and then invited the other to plunge in, | upon the floor. When I heard, your signal down at the do € which he lost no time in proceeding to do. oaks I must have misplaced it in my hurry to meet you. Tt Soon they were engaged in conversation, and by listening | is our cozy den, where there is no more danger of dis intently, the man in the loft could hear every word that was | from the authorities than from the man in the moon. — spoken. Singularly enough, almost the first words he heard |'Indians, too, are friendly. They call me the money-ch Ae proved to be his own name. I make their chiefs an occasional present, in good mone of “So you hate this Roaring Ralph?” inquired Yellow Bob. | course, else our little game here might have heen d “Like pizen.” on.” “Wy sentiments exactly; I hey an old grudge against the “True enough. By the way, old hoss, this hyar. knife a critter which has been keeping warm these many days back. | terrible weapon. Who kerries sich a thing ‘round these dig- I hadn’t any idea that you had run against the old critter.” | gings? Bless me if I’d like ter hev it in my side. Thar's ey “Waal, I hey. Thar’s his marks.” . sich—thunder and lightnin’!” As the man spoke he swept back the masses of coarse hair| Black Donald had carelessly lifted ‘the huge bowie for and revealed the fact that his ears were not where they } Closer inspection, and his eyes fell upon a name, rudely should have been. |upon the handle: | BS Some hand had sliced them off! “Roaring Ralph Rockwood, you bet!” Ah, Roaring Ralph knew well I enough now who this rough-| No Wonder the giant started back with a ery of men looking customer was. amazement and alarm, lettins the huge knife fall from As if conjured up from the past, there arose before him, in| 2¢rveless fingers to the floor, in which it stuck and rst imagination, a scene in a trapping camp some years before, eevee chet violence of its descent. te when this man was caught in the act of robbing his traps, What is it?” cried Yellow Bob, astounded By this and in the presence of the whole brigade he sliced off his |#¢tion on the part of his comrade. ; éars as a mark that would forever brand him. a thief. “Look an’ see. Blue blazes, but the critter must hey b - “Hist me inter a Pache’s grave ef it ain’t my old enemy, Black Donald. They allers told me that the critter would never furgit that job, an’ it seems that they war korrect,” muttered the ranger. Yellow Bob uttered a ery of horror when his eyes beheld the work of the old trapper. “D’ye mean to say them’s his ear-marks?” “Jest what I mean.” “Then I reckon ye’ve got a Bagot grudge agin him than me, and if the old reptile ever fallsd4nto our hands I'll take my revenge out in watching ye play the devil with him. I reckon thar ain’t no torture that would be too keen for ye, Donald.” The other gritted his teeth. “T hey laid awake nights thinkin’ what ‘I would do to that critter when I faced him. Since the day when this yer hap- pened, some years back, I hain’t seen him onct, and when the time comes Roaring Ralph had best look out; for I’m a tiger from the jungle.” “How was it you let him escape before. I should have thought you’d have slain him on the spot.” i “So I would if ther hedn’t been nigh ‘onter twenty 0’ his A kimrades around us. The fact is, 1 war neatly caught skinnin’ | ; his, traps. They kicked me outen ther camp, an’ I: daren’t | nnd in ther hope Pics ae ue off, fur them also read that inscription. “Roaring Ralph has been in here since I webe ont to A your signal. I thought it seemed as though the. meat diminished wonderfully; then that package was on the instead of on the table. I hadn’t noticed the knife you using, or else my suspicions might have been aroused. “Your deadly enemy is in this immediate vicinity, Donald. The opportunity you have waited for so long come at last. Now, what do you intend to do about it?” Yellow Bob. CHAPTER vit. RECKLESS RUPERT. — A small’ fire blazed in the heart of the fo
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Ta MARKED MOCcC ASIN. fo} many upon the border she was now known under another name, and this was the ‘musical one of Prairie Belle. Even as. she watched the frugal supper cooking, the bushes sex parted and a young fellow stepped into view. ‘There could no mistake about hig identity; there was the same clear- cant face that bore a marvelous resemblance to the girl’s, the sa e curly head, and upright form we have seen once before, When he stood up before the assembled settlers and soldiers and won the prize which he had never received. _ It was Silver Rifle. There was a strange, sad expression upon his face that told’ of some heart trouble, which will be revealed as this story progresses. On the other hand, the young girl appeared to be al ife and animation, as though it was her loving duty to ‘ her companion. “Watohman, how goes the night?” she asked, with a laugh, oung sharpshooter reached her side. seems to be all clear. Reckon we'll have supper now 1g ready,” he replied, the cloud passing from his brow at ‘sound of her sweet voice. In a few minutes, Just you get down here and replenisn the ‘fire, and all will soon be over. Keep in mind the faet ; “you have been starving for the last two hours, and then s our frugal repast will taste so much the better.” | : er ‘Rifle Jaughed, as, laying down his rifle, he obeyed it down, which he did. It is wondeetal how the deft f a woman’s hand will make the most doleful-looking loom with Set ee: Heaven be praised for giving us they’ were thus engaged in senane a human form ling through the forest in the direction of their little nt crawler was no greasy, paint-bedaubed Black- ats: but a young hunter clad in a new suit of se undings. . “Through the sparse undergrowth the ie yom fugitives shone like ui ReagOly and toward J nally, heh ie was Oe enough to see iadinauly. he y aised himself and glided behind a tree. Rec less Rupert. e doing in this far-away northern forest? The tion at the sight of the Young girl explained s mission, for he had felt his heart stirred at the or as it! had never ee pefore by LAr nor were they long in coming. ‘the lovers. j had immediately recognized the other as his rival” at ‘the | shooting match, and was suspicious of his ‘presence ‘there. g | Listen, and you will hear their signals to each other. am ng | the trees, and then he es and artitng upon his knees, took | qistinguish the mock cries; when my attention ig called 10 not. doubt your knowledge of woodcraft, but as I have eccasion demanded it. He looked on Silver Rifle as his rival, for there could no mistaking the fact that these two loved each other. His” eyes were glued upon them; he saw the young girl place her hand upon the head of the prairie sharpshooter as if to cheér him, and then Silver Rifle, drawing her down to him, gently kissed her. There was no demonstrative affection in the action, but it showed the deep love that bound these two together. = Reckless Rupert gave a groan that welled up from the heart as he saw this, for it seemed to seal his doom. Up to this time he had hoped that something might arise to befriend him, but in this kiss he read the destruction of his wishes. He bowed his head upon the tree and gave way to Pee reflections. He was aroused from this state, not by any fhovertient of the two by the campfire, for they were still sitting there, gazin: into the coals. The sounds he heard came from the surround ~ ing/forest, and to the ear of an amateur souls no have been anything unusual. ae To Reckless Rupert, however, the case was extremely dite \ ent. He had been a ranger upon the plaing for many a year, and. to him these wolf howls were very significant, insomuch ay as he believed them to be counterfeit. / Hagerly he listened for a repetition of the suspicious sotaties There could now be no mistake; the ‘Blackfeet were amoge the trees, having doubtless béen attracted by the light of the campfire, and in a very shorty time it would be too late to warn. Reckless Rupert lost no time. Leaping forward, he reached the camp in a few great pours: The young man heard him coming, and such was the rapidity of his actions that by the time Rupert had gained the’ side of the little fire he found, the rifle of the other bearing Upol hi breast. “What would you?” sternly demanded Silver Rifle, wh “Wush!” éried Rupert, “you are surrounded by Indians, A few mote minutes and any warning would been too late.” “t am inclined to betiGya you,” said Silver Rifle, lowering his weapon. “I have been upon the border long enoug them, at least. What would you do, friend?” “Do! First of all this fre must go out.” : paiene aquon to the word nie young hunter ‘spr g upon trate so savagely that one would imagine h ie spite against each. individual one. | In the sixth part of a cota sick Dardly a sign of sie fire r mained. ; be, “Now we must get: out of Aue. as speedily as possi in this aes os the country. perere I panies 8
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_ that the words of the colonel to the effect that she was his _ daughter, and Silver Rifle one between whom and himself ee Pte existed a bitter feud, had been lost upon him, so that ‘he could not conjecture now what under the Heavens the handsome young fellow feared the colonel for, or even wished to keep out of his way. “You will swear this?” -“T solemnly swear it!” “That is enough—we entrust ourselves to your guidance. I must apologize at a more fitting time for the suspicions I entertained concerning your presence here. Lead on, sir. Come, Dolly, give me your hand.” Reckless Rupert now found himself in a strange position. aye _ Here was the girl whom he fairly worshiped, and -either: her / zer or husband, he knew not which, but at any rate the man ate stood between him and that which his soul longed to possess, Naturally he should have hated Silver Rifle bitterly; but to his surprise, he found that he entertained a feeling of respect | - ue and friendship for the young sharpshooter, . These two he was trying to lead to a place of satety, while the signals of the Blackfeet were ringing through the forest. Reckless Rupert was a man well versed in prairie lore, and yet he was not the very best one in all the world to take friends out of such a trap, for as a general thing, his methods '-were of too desperate a nature. Very often it is just such means that succeed the best; but under circumstances like the present, the better and safer ’ plan would have been a more cautious one. From his heart he meant all for the best, and if his plans did fail, it was ‘not because he failed to do his very utmost. As they walked noiselessly along, it became evident to} eyen the young girl herself that the Indians were growing as ~ thick ‘as bees around a basswood in full blossom, for their ey ‘signals sounded from almost every quarter. They had seen the fire extinguished, and realizing that those who had built it must be aware of their presence, did not hesitate to signal each other in an open manner, “Be prepared for the worst,” whispered Rupert, “for the -. pesky critters are as thick as skeeters in a swamp. Once we are discovered, and all hope of escape is well-nigh gone; but we ean die like brave men, defending the young lady here. Pie Bist)” Close beside them there was a rustling of the ‘pushes, and at the words of the young trapper himself and friends sank down to the ground. “Another instant and there,was a sharp, ringing cry that echoed through the forest, and then the figure of a painted Indian bounded from the bushes. It was: still light enough 3, for them to see him, and. like a flash Silver Rifle discharged his ‘weapon. us tae thidy could run a dozen paces, it seemed as if ae ee gave up an Indian brave, and the two young hunters against whom they could make no- more tnignestet ma solid ee THE MARKED MOOCASIN. ‘On that day he had been so weaved up in qavahins Dolly. announced that another of the redskins had BORE: ‘| the specter canoe upon the water ahant hardly 1 ov: a nal rest. fe Nevertheless there were still enough of the Indians “t er! give them some trouble; but neither of them could — as they had both been complaining of inertia only a some desperate characters, for they fought. like tigers. Pandy was in his element. These redskins had not murdered his chum, but they gave } him a splendid opportunity to give vent to his fury, an @ the yelling Waa the moonlight, but it was soon engaged. in hot work. He fought like a i 3a and there was not one who again. Meanwhile Blue Bill was not idle. the tue they bade fair to clean out the whole crowd, half of the redskins were already hors de combat, an way Pandy was sawing away with his huge knife there be another as inside of ten seconds. ; who had succeeded in getting ¢ a position back of the ranger, made an agile leap and landed upon his back Blue Bill turned instantly, but of course, as the arms were clasped tightly around him, his ee as. was entirely useless, of a grizzly bear. 1 Both of them were unusually strong men,’ and thes for supremacy seemed about nip and tuck for quite Bill could not throw his PREEE ONES nor could the master him. In their wild struggles they Jett the other ens went pene down toward the riverbank, which, a ps ts the spot where they had laid down. : Unmindtul of this fact, the two combatants ( a desperate struggle went whirling down the rai drew al on the very bank of 5 te river.
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THE a fi ine commenced in CeaeaY. ; Ne ther of them had as yet been eiaead’ an. opportunity to -@ weapon, though in the belt of each there rested a keen nife; i “Once in the water and it became the fierce endeavor of both foes to duck each other under and thus’ end the contest. ‘Blue Bill quickly realized that by an ar Bie he might de- ‘He pretended to BadaiKé weaker with each passing second, d the Indian, seeing this, pressed him:the har mee endeavor- n he quickly drew his bowie. One sudden upward, sweep - the keen blade had accomplished the business. A shrill sounded, the ranger threw the struggling form of his foe ‘su ‘saw him vanish down the river) Then, holding his “between his aga Blue Bill clambered up the bank, | CHAPTER X. THE DUEL IN THE CABIN. ‘Roaring Ralph had discovered an old trap in the attic floor, ar thought had occurred to him that it would be a Dieta 4c idea to open this and drop down oF the two men ager 3 e had been upon the prairies. the better part of his lite— i e little drama oceur in ratonwis to the knife. was the most fitting. time to betray’ his presence in ¢ carry out the eternal fitness of things, so down went t @ old” anger in the manner described \ ‘before, landing in sf Yellow Bob and the other. i r 16 chief of the money-makers, he expressed surprise, fear. The grudge between Roaring Ralph and himself a very desperate nature, and besides, the fellow g enough to put the-whole matter upon the shoul- Black Donald, he redoenined: ri the old, gray-haired | the man ned had cut off his ears ‘in the trapper camp ‘MOCCASIN. '| jewel?” \ “With pleasure,” responded ie: polite dountertereen be th ee was just what pleased him. : “Then, Black Donald, draw yer weapon. We’ ll ee it out right hyar, chaw me up fur an alligator if we won't now,” saying which, Roaring Ralph drew his long bowie from where it had stuck ie in hyena floor, deposited his rifle in a corner, Black Donald was mht one-tenth so eager r for a fight 2 as a pearances had made him seem a few minutes) before. In his: riage he feared the old ranger ke grim death, as WAS; ev fortune should bring re face to face with the old ranger again. Now, however, the alternative was forced upon him to either fight or show himself a coward, and besides, he had reason enough to hate this man, so there was nothing left for bir but to plunge in. Here the old ranger stood, knife in hand, sand shade for the fray. Yellow Bob, for some reason of his own, dropped all. personalities for the present, and resting himself upon: the table, declared that he would act as umpire, and decide . favor of the one who came out first best. - iy io Black Donald drew his knife, rh The action was not near So flerce as one would patina, oh “expect, after hearing his vows of vengeancé upon the ma: poe who now faced him. Still his knife came out of its. ne and after so there was no retreat for him. ah ‘ feats of the old ranger, and- that ellie once he P Thus it is pride often pondes 8 to do that waters wisdor and prudence would never Ponti and so Black Donald foun i it. ; 7 & “Bullets an’ bayonets! hyar’ s at ye, big hoss, ¢ an’ ef | quten ther scrimmage wid ary a nose lett ter ye, then i be ther fault o’ this critter, elgg Ralph Rockwood, bet. Whoop!” ‘ There was a clash of steel, and then the two men ha in the encounter from which it seemed one of them wou! probably never come out alive. Of the ‘two the old was certainly the more active, and resembling a peise er [ ‘his cea tn cpa re was ant 0) fo most of the aggressi
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THE MARKED MOCCASIN. 4 but then ‘he: was really no match for the old ranger in agility, + and that eommodity counts a great deal in a hand-to-hand fight, p on ‘The two men, after crossing blades, devoted themselves to ‘the game in hand, and yet Roaring Ralph did not neglect to A -keep an eye on Yellow Bob, for he half fancied that worthy would be endeavoring to put his oar in, should the tide of battle set against his friend in a very strong manner, _. The ranger was ready to draw his revolver in a twinkling ‘should this occur, and would probably have made it lively for both of them. Tt was his policy, however, to let on as though at times he Was getting the worst of the fight, and retreat before the +h furious onslaught of Donald, who, completely deceived, would } plunge recklessly forward in anticipation of a speedy victory, flushed with the thought that he was. bearing the other back, itll if until suddenly the old ranger would assume the offensive | again, and rain such a shower of blows upon the earless man that it was all he could do to ward them off. _ Roaring Ralph was magnanimous. _ Several times he could have dealt a blow that would haye ' told upon the contest, but he refrained from doing so. Per- haps this was partly due to diplomacy, for he did not think much of Yellow Bob’s honesty and sterling qualities, and felt Sure the scoundrel would just as soon send a bullet through his (Roaring Ralph’s) head, in case he saw the fight going against Donald, as he would wink should a fly alight on his "nose. While he fought, the old ranger became imbued with an idea. He noted the dilapidated condition of the table upon which ‘the self-appointed umpire sat, and concluded that it would be an easy thing to bring him into the affair.” . he floor during this time was shaking violently with the -- efforts of the two men, and threatening to give way with every ! _movement. ' Roaring Ralph, suddenly assuming the duane, drove the other rapidly backward toward the table. Meanwhile the umpire was indulging in personalities. _ “Good for you, Donald; chase him, There, look out! A fine : blow;. old buckskin. ‘Tables are turned now. Go it, Roaring Ralph! Whoopee! why do ye run, buzzard? Thar, he’s after ye like hot cakes. .Oh, this is what I call fun; it’s just glorious sport for the boy in the fable, but death to the frogs, which— hi there, have a care or—good Heavens, look out or-——” — Bang came Black Donald against the table, which went over, like a shot, the earless man following, and such was Roaring Ralph’s momentum that he could not stop himself, ‘an 80 accompanied them. 8 was too much. eS S ‘CHAPTER XI. "PEE DBATEH LOpGE. (ave 4 every tree in the sith Pras is could two the young girl in their power. _ | upon him,.and he flushed at the thought that, n was the struggle of Reckless Rupert and the young them something more than mere sympathy; b e sharpshooter, for it seemed as though there was an feeling any interest in him when her Lae was absurd, and the young rai than as a fellow captive. All he looked at was his desire to” be near Dolly, and share the fate of her he loved so male and yet so hopelessly. So long as there was a Bye of veaistanee, the hunter would not submit; but wha he saw Silver Rifle held fast in the arms of several stalw “t braves, he knew that it Be use less to struggle longer. fl ' Forcing his way to the chief of the party, whom he knew very well, he suddenly threw his gun at the redskin’s feet, and raised his hands in token of submission, Having thus placed himself unde! the protection of the chief, it would have been as much as any warrior’s life was worth to h made even an effort to slay him, : “Howling Wolf, I give in. Your braves are like the “paves of the forest, and it is useless trying to stand out senane them. I am your prisoner.” The chief uttered a few words, and immediately all sist of hostility ceased, though two men held each of the hunters after disarming them: An daspection of the field showed. tha: “yf al Aes nf bie i 4h upon the whites when: this fact. was ascertained, It woul not be well for them when the time came for them a ser taliate. Besides the dead, there were fully a dozen of the Bla who possessed wounds of some sort, more or less severe, Ww! went to show the good use our wo friends had enor of time and weapons. The young girl was treated teen. Hvidently Howling Wolf had seen her pefore, for his plack eyes lighted up as they fell upon her lovely face, and he g some orders in his own tongue which Reckless Rupert strued to be commands as to the good treatment of st : squaw. : This pleased the ranger, and yet deep down in his he realized the truth, and had a dim suspicion that this ¢ on the part of Howling Wolf foreboded evil to. the whi them in the future. | The Indians camped in the ravine until morning, } after making something of a meal, the march for u was commenced. Reckless Rupert was, capable of ate powers either he had firmly Feanivan: that if by the eacrifigs of he could help the girl whom he loved, there woul tation on his part. . The Indians wondered at the cheerfulness | walked along. If Silver Rifle or the young’ ‘gir’ truth they gave no sign of se ae Da ‘Several times Rupert caught the eyes of ‘the in his brain
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THE MARKED MOCCASIN. leaped from his seat and took his place among the other > This meeting was fortunate in one respect—it gave Dolly a | faith in Pandy, and sank to the ‘éfountd without the least. hest fe. Robes to ride, for at a command from the chief, an able warrior | tation. A human figure was stealing along not over ce yards. ee braves, while the young girl was helped upon the back of the | from them, and when he came into one of the moonlit. places “3 steed, although she needed but little assistance. When ‘ight came they were so near the Blackfoot village ' the men could stand it, and Dolly was now mounted. Us So the march was resumed after a halt of a few minutes to eat a morsel and quaff the clear water of a brooklet. The seenery was perfectly grand when the moon arose and peeped through interstices in the trees; it seemed like a glimpse of fairyland; around them the soil was fertile and the trees grew to an immense height, so that it had no resem- blance to the groves of scrubby trees generally found in the northwest. Howling Wolf took'great pleasure in telling the captives that _they were now near his home, though he did not say what , their. fate was to be. It was easy to see from the gleam of his - eyes: what he had in store for Reckless Rupert and the young prairie sharpshooter. Strange to say, neither of them appeared to be affected in the least. Rupert was conscious of his own power to escape when the oceasion arose for such a move, and liad, as we already know, fully decided to meet the fate of his friends if he. could not regeue them. As for Silver Rifle, he knew a trick that would very likely 4 ave his life, even though he had been the means of helping several of the Blackfeet warriors from off his mortal coil. ‘The moon was, perhaps, two hours high when the night ind, bore to their ears the distant but distinct barking of a This sound seemed to please the Indians exceedingly, for f hey talked among themselves, breaking their moody silence. in less than ten minutes the chief gave utterance to a long, lou whoop of singular intonation that echoed strangely ough the stilly night. .It, was answered by loud cries from he ‘illage, and then there ensued a perfect pandemonium of or Is from both sides, until finally the lodges were reached. e two captives were thrust into a stout cabin near by. bt was the Death Lodge. CHAPTER XII. THE PANTHER’S LAIR. annoying, to use no stronger term, to find another enemy ove tes head when he reached the top of the bank. a 7, Pl be di for a ge PEHE CUS spring: in order to meee the throat ed expected foe was old Pandy Bilis. ; Blue Bill could not but give a sigh of relief, for a fight with yrawny Blackfoot warrior under the circumstances wane e been very agreeable. ‘ Bill’s severe tussle with the Indian in the water, it they both caught their breath and remained transfixed. ~ 4 Once before that night had they seen that specter figure, an that. it was decided not to delay but press straight forward, as|both men felt themselves shaking as they gazed upon i Pandy, who had knelt upon the grave of his pard, felt it ‘th worst, but neither of them could stir an inch until the image had vanished from the spot. Then Pandy arose. P They continued their tramp, and in a short time. arrived at a place where they concluded to remain until daybreak. — The place where it was now determined to rest was note more nor less than a great tree. One side of it seemed perfect, — but upon the other a keen eye would trace an opening under ? some vines. j The trunkof the tree was hollow. Blue Bill stepped up to the tree in advance of Pandy, and parting the vines, peace from view in the interior of the ¢ giant. As he did so, the ears of Pandy Hillis were nalnied with a low growl that seemed to electrify him. f “Look out, Billy; thar’s a painter inside!” he cried, with ah sudden emphasis. ‘ § Blue Bill had by this time found it out for nimeeite No sooner had he stepped inside the tree than -he became consciou of the fact that a pair of glaring eyes were fixed upon him and mechanically he had pulled back the hammer of his rifie _ without a second’s delay, at the same time raising the weapo a trifle so as to bring it on a line with the iee orbs, as ner as he could judge by intuition. The roar of his gun sounded siualodtetely after, and oe as soon ag the weapon was discharged he dropped upon. hi hands and knees, letting the gun fall at the same time. | a Pigs His hand was at his belt and on his bowie in a trice, an as the blade came from its sheath, he heard a scrambling clos by himv as the panther struck. Blue Bill turned, knife in hanc to receive him, nor was the attack delayed a second. Man and beast went over on the ground, sometimes one underneath, sometimes the other. All’ the time both were at work, Blue Bill plunging his terrible blade into. the side he 5 eens from his throat, though by some chance the ae Ors man to lay hold of his hat, which was demolished pretty we Old Pandy, outside the tree, was in a fever of suspense this while, for though he had full confidence in the ability panther. Gradually the noise became less violent, and ne k 5 the contest was drawing to a close, with what result he co not even guess. f At length complete silence fell upon the interior of -Pandy’s worst fears were. aronsed, for all at_o
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pie’: enighbone. Ef it air ye, Blue Bill, then Heaven be praised; if ther painter, then ye hed better hev skipped yer den this ' night, fur hyar ye die!” “Hold hard, old comrade; Blue Bill it is, and right side up A with care. Here, help me haul the critter into the moonlight; itihore’ $ something queer about the animal, I don’t know what, exactly. Tar and feather me, Pandy Hillis, get down on your knees and look here!” eee CHAPTER XIII. ROARING RALPH'S MATINEE. If excitement was what Roaring Ralph wanted, he certainly had enough of it. Yellow Bob had sat upon the table, evi- ‘dently taking an infinite amount of delight in seeing his enemy engaged with someone else, for he could enjoy the affair without being in any danger himself, which was the best part of it all. When, however, the catastrophe occurred, _ the outlaw did not find his position as enviable as he could “have wished. The shock must have been tremendous, for the three men, together with the rickety table, went plunging to the floor, and, unable to stand the shock after all that had _ previously occurred, this gave way ,and allowed the whole _caboodle to Z0 through. Very naturally, Roaring Ralph was the last to go through the gaping hole in the floor. Roaring Ralph had a dim idea of seeing lights and human forms as he shot through space, and then he struck upon the ground. Again fortune favored him, for Yellow Bob chanced to be di- rectly beneath him, and thus became the recipient of almost the whole collision, As for Black Donald, he was so unlucky as to fall upon his back, with the table covering all his form . but feet and head. He had not lost his senses from the shock, as was evidenced by the fact that he remained in this re- -eumbent position during the exciting little scene that ensued. Roaring Ralph sprang to his feet like an acrobat, and threw a quick, astonished gaze around him. The sight he saw was enough to make a look of surprise come upon his face. He / Bad fallen into the money-maker's den. Around him were half a dozen brawny men who had been engaged in some ie occupation before the arrival of the three, together with the table, through the floor. They had sprung erect, and were gazing upon the strange sight in dismay.. Yellow Bob. With a string of oaths he turned upon his men, and pointed to the cool ranger. “Seize that reptile! It’s Roaring Ralph, and to the man that lays hands on him first I will present a thousand dollars - in good gold!” hi They sprang tottacd to obey the order. This was the sig- nal for Roaring Ralph to begin operations. He had drawn his fi ‘revolver immediately upon gaining his feet, and this was now held in readiness for work. The crack yof the rang r’s reyol- Lever! ‘sounded, and one of them went ‘plunging ‘ir “a heap of infinished ‘banknotes that. must have represey 2d about half a million dollars. Then Roaring Ralph uttered his shrill r-cry, with which he was accustomed to strike terror to the rts. of his foes, and descended upon the body of money- makers like a hawk falls upon a flock of doves. They scat- red at his onslaught as a drove of pigs would when a dog! ddenly makes a plunge among them. Thus the ranger enabled to reach the ladder that led to the ee ae THE MARKED -MOCCASLN. ‘condemned them to death. Strange to say, however, the two Then up leaped |, x quité a number of the newcomers, who were aoe the es tributors of the money mill, coming for a fresh suppiy of the “queer.” Thinking that after his recent imbroglio discretion was the better part of yalor, Roaring Ralph quietly unbarred the door, so as to give them the impression that he had : slipped out, when it came to an investigation, and then, with Ss cat-like steps he mounted the ladder that led to the loft, where he crouched low, rifle in hand, as cool as any cucumber: 4 ever grew in the shade of a cornstalk. ; CHAPTER XIV. (SINGING SWAN, Neither Reckless Rupert nor the prairie elisieputioote ‘ats ever been cooped up in a Blackfoot Death Lodge before, but they knew what it.meant, all the same. There was no hope — for them, in the opinion of the Indians, who had already — men seemed in no wise concerned. They appeared as cheerful as if no danger hovered over them. Thus the night passed — away. Morning came at jast. A breakfast was brought to them upon platters of bark, consisting of venison and succo~ tash, to which they did justice, as may readily be believed. While they were eating, Silver Rifle looked up, and foun himself the cynosure of a pair of black eyes, the owner of — which had entered the lodge after the guard had withdrawn, but so silently that neither of them had been aware of her presence until the prairie sharpshooter thus accidentally dis- covered it. Their visitor was an Indian maiden, and it was ; plain to be seen that she was the daughter of a chief from : her dress. She was very pretty, and her form one that, for contour, Venus might have envied. As her garments were ies gaily decorated with wampum, and colored beads and quills, he as were also her leggings and tiny moccasins, she presented quite a beautiful picture. As Silver Rifle saw her gazing SC fixedly at him a thought flashed into his mind that was almost an inspiration. take it into her head to fall in love with him, He could see i her abit’ action, and beaming from her sini a looked ‘up. “Silver Rifle has come to the Blackfoot fan: ey ago, Singing Swan saw him in a dream, and knew he wi come some day, She is glad, for to her there has been ni like Silver Rifle, the young hunter of the prairie.” ] Reckless cyan looked quickly at his companion, to. dreiented to be busily engaged in eating, put now and # Sly look told him that the arm of the young fellow. was ar session of the honest trapper when he thonght, of Dolly, what was due her from her lover, though he said “noth aloud. Silver Rifle entered into conversation with. the | girl, and his face lighted up as she proposed the very had in his mind. Pretty soon the girl left them not for long. Several redmen made their appe Silver Rifle was taken away. What they were go! | with him Rupert could not at first guess, and when he had climbed up to a crack { in the log- iat it meant. The bonds «
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f 3; was s about ie Se Silver Rifle went thecuet the old tricks ‘of bringing down a hawk, splitting a bullet by shooting at a knifé thrust into a tree, striking a penny thrown up into the air Then came more difficult work. Dolly made her ap- 55 pearance, and placed a small gourd upon her head, as on a previous occasion. Reckless Rupert shut his eyes and gritted his teeth until he heard the report, ‘and then saw that the - young girl was unharmed. The Indians were wonderstruck at the marksmanship of the young sharpshooter, but even "more wonderful things were to come, Silver Rifle was shoot- _ ing now with a greater object in view than he had ever had before, for the prize was life or death. CHAPTER XV. THE WHITE WIZARD. % A gourd was now placed upon a Short stick, fifty paces ‘away. The Indians could not understand what was about to be done with this, and, therefore, kept their eyes wide open. Silver Rifle spoke a few words to a chief near him, and then handed the man his rifle, with the hammer drawn back, ready for firing. Silver Rifle suddenly sprang forward and. threw h imself upon the- ground, as if about to turn a handspring. He did not zo all of the way over, however, but remained with his: feet in mitiais: where his hands should have been. Then, after balancing shortly, he stood upon his head, with his arms Mega. Acting according to instructions, the chief now placed the beautiful rifle in his hands, and; to the amazement of all -beholders, the young prairie sharpshooter proceeded to the weapon while thus standing upon his head. There me a sharp crack of the rifle, and those whose eyes had -aveled meanwhile to the mark, saw the little gourd fly into ie “several pieces. A chorus of grunts greeted the astonishing feat, and as Silver Rifle, by an acrobatic spring, gained his feet, he was seized by several of the chiefs, who, in spite of ‘e ue ‘dignity, insisted on shaking hands with the remarkable e shooter. All honors were immediately granted to the itn : crificed upon the altar of vengeance. ZB. ‘fellow, and there was now no danger of his being Dolly had disap- mposedly about, side by side with Singing Swan, he ut-' something very, like an oath, and leaped down from his 08 of observation, Night fell at last. The hours passed it wly to Rupert, who had fully determined that when mid- nt had arrived ‘he would attempt to tunnel out of the : length, judging from the position of the moon. as seen gh the chink in the wall, he understood that the. eventful for hint to begin work had arrived, Throwing himself 16. hard, jounded ground, he was about to begin opera- us When his ear detested a peculiar. scratching noise. In- ntly he was on his feet, all attention. In a few minutes he fe in the hia of a ponent: man. Someone was oad in to him. Doubtless it was Silver Rifle, who ‘THE MARKED MOOOASIN. d ‘again, and as Reckless Rupert saw Silver Rifle walks, Gradually the noise became less’ powerful, and. circle around the house, Yellow Bob consued t that on to ernne rey it carne from the roof, and a ‘short time. need his beri ‘By esting the escape of Reckless Ms ) CHAPTER XVI, - i ROARING RALPH IN A TRAR Les When Roaring Ralph had gained the garret of the old ab he crouched low and listened. The old fellow had been prett; x well worked up by the exciting scenes through which he he ; so recently passed, but he calmly awaited whatever the fut by ef might bring forth. His first act had been to shut down the © trap through which he had leaped to the lower floor while Yer: low Bob and the other man were talking of him. He coult still hear the voices without, and they were close to the door. — Hxclamations arose on all sides when they saw the gaping — hole in the floor, and the thought might have entered some of their minds that lightning had struck the House, but for ‘the fact of a man’s head making its appearance through the trap. It was Yellow Bob himself. ' Hearing the well-known voices: of some of his men above, the leader had thought it safe. to ascend the ladder and see what had become of his reckless foe. Presently his comrades made their appearance, and explana- tions were in order. The amazement of the newcomers, whe: they heard that one man had committed all this ‘hayoe, ant that this person was no other than Roaring Ralph Rockwood was intense. They were sure he was still in the loft. ‘Ro: ing Ralph had discovered a trap that led to the sloping ‘roof ; of the cabin, and upon looking out, saw that it was still a: dark as Erebus. By and by he knew that nearly all’ of th men had left the house. Were they about to allow him chance to come forth? Hardly. These men did not enters ab tain such humane feelings toward him; they would have taken much more delight in seeing him torn to pieces. by wolves, or burned to death. Ah! what was that? The ol ranger began snuffing the air with ‘great avidity, as he. gaye that start, and it did not take him long to ree . he suspected. Hee “Grunters an’ gruberinders! | Dust my Sunday wreath ’tain’t smoke! Ther critters hev me hyar like a coon hollow tree, an’ mean ter burn me out, Ramrods an’ r T but this air a perdickament.” : i It was indeed true. The money- -makers had contemplated removal to another home base for some time, and the : had been forced upon them now ous the demolition. of cabin at the hands of the ranger, ! that he should never be allowed to hoast of his eiplols eC had him cooped up in ‘the loft, and there he should re nf until his fate ‘overtook him. Immediate steps were ward removal, gi with such a force of. then to wo . ‘had come for the completion of his plans. 4 A mati struck. Upon this being applied to the pile of tinde flame flashed immediately | into existence, and the do eabin was. ‘sealed. e 1a -“Good-by, old thunderbolt of the. Colorado can Tal ed the money chief, as he sprang ‘from the: door and rejoined ‘his men. Ore feet had been Hoe bu
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against the Heavens was the head of an Indian. fiat towards his throat. fis THE MARKED MOCCASIN. pungent odor of burning leaves, and the whole truth flashed in upon him. The situation was anything but pleasant to any man. Roaring Ralph, after venting. his feelings in a tirade against the “tarnal critters,” closed the hole above the lad- der, and then faced the terrible dilemma. 4 CHAPTER XVIL A&A PAIR OF GLEAMING EYES. Blue Bill had not been seriously injured in his conflict with the panther, and they determined to spend the night in the hollow tree, so they lay down to sleep. How long they slept they never knew—at least for quite a time to come. ) Blue Bill chanced to be lying nearest the opening, and when, he opened his eyes it was y%h the dim consciousness that something cold had touched him. The sight that met his eyes was enough to freeze the blood in the veins of any man but the most daring. Outlined He: could see the face, black hair, and feathers that arose above the ebon locks. The eyes of the redman glowed like sparks of phosphorescent light, and it was evident, that he was glaring around the cavity for signs of those whose presence he suspected. As has been remarked before, the moonlight did not pene- trate the tree, so that it was not as much illumined at this hour as when Blue Bill had crawled in to meet the strange panther in his lair. Without doubt one with such keen eyes as the redskin was Supposed to possess could penetrate the semi-darkness with some effect, and it would be but natural to suppose that he had ere this detected the two forms of thé recumbent rangers, though they might have been’ but dimly seen by him. Tt had been the hand of the Indian, groping about inside _ the cavity upon his first arrival, that had:aroused Blue Bill. How the Blackfoot had found them he was utterly at a loss to say. Perhaps it had been mere chance in his coming there. Then, again, there was a probability that he had heard the fight with the panther, watched their retirement into the hollow tree, and after waiting a reasonable time for them to give way to slumber, crept up, either to murder them in their sleep, or to, verify his belief before starting for help, There was also a third possibility. The Indians who had escaped their bowies in the ‘vate, might have found assistance in a short time, and returned to the scene of their disaster. Most persons would think it im- possible to trail in the nieht, when the trees overhead pre- vented the moon’s rays from reaching the.ground in fifty places where it did accomplish this feat once, but Blue Bill was too old a campaigner to be thus ignorant. , Many a time had he trailed foes and game by torehlight, and had he found out for certain that the Blackfeet had accom- plished this task, the fact would not have amazed him very much, though he would have admitted that they possessed much more sagacity than he had ever thought of allowing. them. All of these things flashed through the mind of Blue Bill in a much less space of time than it has taken either to write or read them. His hand had intuitively strayed to his belt, and rested upon the shaft of his knife, for he seemed to realize that a struggle was imminent. He now saw that the blazing orbs of the ieidgen were. fast- ened upon, ‘him, and could feel the oold hand ae up his: _ It was evidently the: i tention ott: watrtor Fos ‘had pierced his side and ended his days. could Geen feel his hot breath upon his cheek. To Blueg Bill it made very little difference whether | was one Indian or fifty against whom he had to contend. saw that but one course lay open to him, and did not hesi about following it out, never caring what might follow. | ‘ Bven as the Indian would-be assassin bent forward to. accom plish his work, a hand that had a grip like that of a vise sud- denly clutched him by the throat, and with an alarming ab ruptness the redskin was jerked into the hollow tree, | CHAPTER XVIII. : 7 Se aa IN THE TREETOPS. fs : There never lived upon the face of this whole broad earth: a@ more daring man than Blue Bill. # Exerting his muscular force, Blue Bill turned the’ redskin- over, and at it they went hammer and tongs. Old Pandy leaped to his feet like a flash at the first sign of trouble, ani : as he could not tell whether his comrade was engaged with ; man, beast or devil, he contented himself with holding br ie rifle in readiness and watching for an opening. ie His vigilance was soon rewarded. as * A. head appeared at the opening; unmistakably that of an Indian. Pandy hesitated a few seconds whether to punch the fellow with the barrel of his gun or give him the contents, deciding to do the latter, as it was not easy to reach over ie two struggling forms. : As the report of the rifle sounded there was. a howl. Ses without and the head vanished. A terrific floundering coul be heard as the unfortunate brave threshed about among the bushes, but Pandy was not listening to that. He had edu his revolver, and waited for another target. All at once, however, the fierce grip of the fiathow clea # Bill heard a half groan, but knew that no effort of his had heen s0 effective in causing the Blackfoot to give up the ghost. A dim suspicion of the truth entered his head, and pu down his hand, he was not very much surprised to find that an arrow shot by one of the warrior’s comrades from” without As the Indians seemed to be in considerable force, ‘te a quickly decided that their best policy would be to remai where they were, as both of them had seen all the hard) ae ing they wished for on one night at least. ate As the inside of the tree was rough, it was easy work ‘ea them to make their way up beyond the opening, Pandy ‘sling. 3 ing his rifle across his back, and Blue Bill carrying Egy: i saci ; mysterious manner. The Indians, emboldened by the silence that had fallen! upon their foes, crept’ nearer to the tree, and sent showers of Me Pandy ‘was in the lead. He had some crochet of his which he intended putting into operation when they had r ‘ed the proper point. What it was Blue Bill had not the le: idea, but he had complete faith in the old ranger, and Pandy took the lead he would have followed even had brought him to the eternal fires of some voleano, " Up they went. ; foot, but his idea as to’ there being an opening beyond ¢ received fresh confirmation every instarft, as he coul es night breeze blowing on his’ face,
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THE MARKED MOCCASIN. - { ‘He poked his head out. a upon the earth for the time being. It could not have been “better. He lost no time in crawling out, and 1 lowed Blue ‘Bill, to take his turn. run into an adjoining tree. Out upon this the ranger im- mediately swung himself, and the shouts of the Indians below deadened any sound he might have made. In this manner both of the bold scouts managed to reach the shelter of the adjoining tree, and without any loss of time started for the next one with the same success that had _at- tended their efforts thus far. ti Then they cautiously descended and, gaining the ground, darted into a mass of bushes upon the riverbank. _ The Indians had by this time managed to discover that their : irds had flown, and it did not take them long to guess that the two rangers were hiding up in the hollow tree. “Look thar, kumrade; they’re burnin’ us out, by hokey,” ‘said Pandy, pointing back, and upon looking, Blue Bill saw ‘that a fire had indeed been started in the hollow giant of the ty fo t, ‘and was roaring up the flume. CHAPTER XIX. AGAIN THAT GHOST. e flume with the speed of a eee se, there being reyes cellent draught. to either go down oF crawl) up higher. 1en morning came the two men came out from the Anchor dig riverbank at the point where we first found them. _ the old man thought it of some importance. — Snakes, Blue’ Bill, looky: hyar; I leave it ter yer ter at thet means,” he cried. ve vent to the surprise that seized ‘upon him. 1 ‘buffalo hoofs if it ain’t the trail ot the marked nd had without aoube heard all of their conversation. ve been pleasant news for the hunted man. ‘ail was now plain as daylight, and they lost no time = off mics it. It the ie could escape two such ‘They, found themselves upon a stout limb, ‘which seemed to plied, with the immediate result of sending the flames |, . the two hunters been in the tree their chances would’ and by the Wey: he scanned it, there could be no doubt e Bill threw himself down beside the old ranger, and as | light that er ew continually more dim and Neate. he would The moon had gone behind a cloud, and darkness had come | have been pardoned for thinking they were specter hunters. ia In this way they came in sight of a dense copsey “where the e saplings grew thickly.’ Hardly had they sighted this than a both men sank to the ground as if struck by a common im- As pulse. A human form was moving in advance of them, and evi- dently about to issue forth from the thicket. Their sate, % was run down. e: Pandy had one knee on the ground, and the rifle held in e. readiness. Whatever emotion he may have felt at the pros- pect of having the murderer of his old pard in his power did not show itself except in the look upon his face, and that was enough, for in it could be read the yeteran ranger’s whole soul. ; Just at this critical instant, however, Blue Bill gave vents to a low ery of amazement. At the same time his hand shot — out and covered the hammer of Pandy’s rifle, so that even me had it fallen the weapon would not have been discharged. “What in the tarnal creation do ye mean, Blue Bill?” growl- ms ed the amazed Pandy. “Hush! you would never have forgiven yourself that shot. Look again, old hoss, and you'll see, not the man we’ re oe ey the maker of the Marked Moccasin trail, but that a ee ghost of Bolly Wherrit that can’t rest easy in its grave!” He was convinced, and they proceeded on their ‘way, but after a while fell into an ambush of Indians. ails CHAPTER XX. BATTLE IN THE STRONG LODGE. iigkeheh sar seenes - Reckless Rupert could not repress an exclamation of mingled — ¥ amazement and consternation when, upon looking up through - the hole in the roof, his eyes fell upon the painted face of the brave whose hatred for him was so strong—Wolf Trailer. i 5 As he crouched there and gazed upon the painted features of his foe, the hunter could not but admire the terrible hatred that would cause a man to descend to such means in order to accomplish his nefarious object. j Having completed his means of ingress, the alive enone wa rior, with murder in his heart, cast a last ‘glance. toward the | coterie of guards seated some little a from the door (a) sen wall with ane agility of an ape. No sooner had he come near the bottom than a i of steel- like arms encircled his half-naked form, and wae Trail was in the. embrace of Reckless Rupert. Then began the terrible struggle. . ‘ “Wolf Trailer was not long in discovering that he had a terrible mistake both in regard to the strength of a wh Hes ‘man, and also his being unarmed. ; ‘ idrdtons: submit to the erhanls, and meet his: fate. “Nor was it long in coming. ‘ & “There was a sudden rushing blow, & ae thud, sits of ‘the white Hercules. aaa cleft” the Tadian’s: black hea:
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fee % CHAPTER XXI. 4 ; : A WILD CHASE, ® Pigie leaving him for such a length of time, because events still more important claimed our attention, we must now re- turn to the mysterious hunter who was left in sucha desper- ate situation. He had quickly discovered that one of the halves into which the huge rock was divided was basin-shaped in the top, and that it would make him a good hiding-place he had not the least doubt. Of course, it could only be tem~ porary, for the cunning Indians would eventually discover him; but his plan just then was to look out for the immediate future, and trust to his good fortune for a means of making his ultimate escape. Intent upon carrying out this idea, he clambered up the _. rock, and concealed himself in its basin-shaped top just as his pursuers came thundering up and surrounded the queer rock. Raising his head above the edge of the rock, he saw one of, ' the Blackfeet, who had been left to do the duty of sentry, seated on his mustang. Suddenly, with the bound of a tiger, - the hunter had leaped from the rock—landing upon the-mus- tang just in front of the Indian, The animal, amazed at this sudden addition to his load, darted away like a meteor—a circumstance that suited the hunter exactly, and one which he felt called upon to assist by every means in his power, by thumping the animal’s sides, and striking him on the neck with his gun, using the stock of it. By the time they had gone fifty yards the astonished redskin had partially recovered from the half stupor that seemed to ‘come upon him when the hunter made his leap, This he evidenced by his actions. A pair of dusky arms glided around the form of the mys- A terious hunter, and as these suddenly closed upon him he - found himself made the object of a peculiar embrace which was about as disagreeable as it was strange. ~ Rees His rifle lay in an advantageous - position, for he could feel 5 its muzzle pressing against the chest of the. exes as he bent forward, ‘ There was a half-muffled report, and then a ery of intense - agony broke from the lips of the dusky rider, so close to the _ ears of the mysterious hunter that he could not but start. The sinewy arms relaxed their hold, and_so far as the red- skin was concerned the white man had nothing more to fear, _ for when. the report of the. rifle sounded the mustang, still é further alarmed, gave another leap forward, Which action re- sulted in throwing the sorely wounded Indian from his Seat. A half-muffled yell from the rear proclaimed that all of this little tragedy had’ been witnessed by the redskin’s comrades, and the heavy pounding of hoofs upon the prairie announced Z that they were in hot pursuit. For this the pera cared next to nothing. | Gradually he was leaving the Indians behind, and had ie key t straight on over the open land, in time he would un- dout ntedly haye lost them, had no accident occurred, Tt was his pleasure, however, to get among the trees, nor was he very long in reaching the point he had been aiming for. Quickly turning his steed to the left, he plinged into the wth, and was from that time lost to sie sight, of the Black- who might as well have searched in a haystack for a for the veteran hunter who had eluded them ek! his enemies did not suspect his presence on the roof, and ‘if he ‘could only keep them in that delightful condition o ene 9 ‘largest tree stood, and quite a goodly limb hung over tt THE MARKED | MOCCASIN. money chief, and Black Donald: had suddenly Tine his aoe pearance when the conversation had become warm concerning ~ him, by dropping through an old trap in the middle of the floor, had engaged his old-time enemy, Donald, in mortal com- bat, and when the weak floor gave way, the three had been — precipitated through the ragged opening among the counter- feiters below. Then there had ensued quite a lively time, Roaring Ralph finally escaping to the room spit and man- aging to keep his enemies down. Now and then the crackling of flames came to his ear, which sound informed him that they had seized upon the woodwork of the cabin, and in a few more minutes would undoubtedly make their appearance through the floor. He had not long to wait. Like a serpent’s tongue the wicked-looking little. flame s darted into view, flashed viciously for a dozen seconds, and withdrew. slowly, as if loth to leave the spot. Now was his” opportunity. Quickly he raised the trap in the ceiling. Dark- ness greeted him, as he had expected, for the moon was ni yet up, and the fire had not broken from the inside of the lower story, though it would without-doubt do so in a short time. With tho agility of a panther he drew himself through the opening, and shut down the trap just as the snake-like flame oncé more darted into view. So far, so good. As yet all might yet be well. Having crossed the roof, he came to one end. Here the cabin. He seized the limb and descended. When near the ground he let 80, to alight on top of an man, who ejaculated: “Brar’s claws and buffler hoofs—hold on, stranger! _ We're friends, I reckon.” UES “How can I ives sure of that?” away off in the direction of the Rockies. bring it to mind now.” et -“Sawdust an’ sauerkraut, but will I ever NaS tha Roarin’ Ralph, an’ don’t ye furgit it!” CHAPTER XXII, ; SEPARATED, : Sam Wherrit, the maker of the marked trail, hai luck so far, for he had succeeded in avoiding thos upon his track, and besides, was near the Blac where he expected to find safety. When the Indians heard that Blue Bill, and border trapper, old Pandy Bilis, were upon the att 0! sight eae ; : ‘The winks ae was sent forward to the ays
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f The Indians knew with whom they had to deal, and exerted ' themselves to the utmost to either capture or kill the veteran _ trapper; but when they determined upon this course they : were pursuing a difficult matter. : ‘Like a whirlwind he rushed here and there, leaving a death track behind him, and before the fight had been in progress _ two minutes the redskins had given up all hope of capturing ~ him. 2 Blue Bill had not been quite so tceiantal for although he, ‘too, had proved a giant in strength, hurling the redskins this way and that, there came a time pr esently when a spent bul- - let, glancing from a tree near by, struck him on the head. ‘hough he still retained his senses, the blow seemed to eaken and confuse him, so that before he could recover himself, a portion of the red band had hurled themselves upon him, bearing him to the earth. He Was soon in their power, and they quickly lashed his ids together. - Old Pandy was still raging around like a lion, but as the force that had been disposing of Blue Bill could now be spared unite with the others against’ him, the time had come hen he must of necessity turn his back on the foe. 5 Giving a hoarse yell of defiance, the veteran ranger burst thr ugh: his assailants as a giant would a pack of pigmies, and leaping into the surrounding bushes vanished from view. Thus” the two comrades were separated, Would it please fate to again unite them? We shall see. way CHAPTER XXIII. A SURPRISE. had agin as though the young white ranger, eet ns, ‘had, entered the tillage quietly with their priosner, bt because sited had lost so many of their number that was made immediately for the Death Lpdee: and to ement of all, the door was found secure, c r haste and- excitement, a slight hitch occurred, some yallin the door before the bar had been withdrawn, which, | ‘endered the taskia doubly hard one. phi caused a delay of perhaps a minute, and was the Sal- | f the white hunter, for had the door been thrown open wee ‘he would have been found clinging to the oie rst’ hatued their attention, tenet was the to his. Hyatt THE “MARKED MOCCASIN i | petitors. . A ft a he founa time to gain the Gosning, and igae lackfoot brave. ‘whose hatred for the pris- }- to adopt the strange tactics Hey, had even~ / preparations were. in progress fo the ; beside a Lee tre This they speedily found was an error on their part, fo those in whose charge the trapper had been left were not, engaged in any turmoil, nor had Blue Bill exhibited any ee sire to escape. It was speedily ascertained that the sounds of fighting had” come from the other side of the lodge; indeed, a piteous sort of moaning told them something of this sort even then, and: | with weapons ready the excited Blackfeet rushed hastily E around the prison lodge to find—what? ce Reckless Rupert had lost no time in clambering out upon is the woof of the lodge, and when the red imps had managed oR to open the door he was dangling from the further end, ready iy to jump. se Down he went like a rocket, struck the earth, Sagearat pte little because of his peculiar situation, and started to dart — away. ie Just at this critical juncture a human form leaped erect ‘fa front of him. It was the young prairie sharpshooter, Silver 4 Rifle. ° * “Come this way; I was about to attempt your rescue myself, Into this lodge—quick!” ‘ As they entered the lodge it proved to have an. ‘occupant, much to the surprise of the hunter, who had left. jt empty — ten minutes ago. A tall, lank Indian brave confronted them, SF and as Reckless Rupert would have hurled himself upon the” : redman, the latter caught him in an iron grip, exe “Hold hard, ole hoss, till we compare notes.” It was old Pandy Bllis, sailing under false colors! After Blue Bill had been taken to the Indians’ camp Pandy f Bllis crawled back to the scene of battle, disguised himself as an Indian, and succeeded in entering the Indian encamp ment, where he met Silver Rifle. Between them they had yh taken Dolly from the lodge where she was kept, and were j about to try to rescue Reckless Rupert, when he une peetpd ly dropped into their hands. The Indian whose garments Pandy had sinphisiated was, named Wolf Hye. He was slain by Pandy, and Pandy had made up his mind to impersonate him. It was also Wolt Bye’ lodge where this scene was now bala sey , CHAPTER XXIV, ‘ THE ‘SECRET EXPEDITION. The setting sun shone upon a singular scene in’ 4 just at the edge of the great timber lands, among Pit the village of the Blackfeet. Half a hundred horsemen were about encamping fo vf night. ar They wore the uniform of the. United States ‘troops, ore lay Besides these men, the. colonel had La ae tents were ‘placed in posit on, Meche
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4 may. J be, however, that we will arrive too late.to save the Fe % for if that was Reckless. Rupert’s trail, as I am ready to swear, then there must have been tall fighting done, for which » the reward will be death to the men,” *“Heayen forbid, Lasso Rube,” ejaculated the colonel, in such evident alarm that the scout looked up at him in aston- ~ ishment. -/ “Tf thought you hated ‘this young Silver Rifle, colonel?”"he " said, half questioningly. ® “Hate him! No, you are mistaken, Rube. There is a ques- » tion of dispute between him and me that forms a chasm - which nothing can bridge over. If that was spanned, then— ' but, pshaw! it is nonsense to even think of such a thing oc- curring, for it’ can never be done. For this cause has my » daughter left me, and it.is Dolly whom I seek to save.” _ | For a few minutes there was silence between them. _ Then from out the dense forest there strode a. buckskin-clad man, who dressed somewhat after the Mexican style, and who was no other than the noted ranger of the southwest, » Mexican Mose. As he came up he saluted the colonel, and then sat down “upon the log. Upon hearing the scout’s report, a council of war was held, in which the several Yangers present, together with the lieu- ‘tenant under the colonel in command of the company, bar- | ticipated. They were ready to do terrible execution among the Biack- feet should the occasion warrant it, being ar med to the teeth, and haying in. their DOsBOEs ION a. Gatling gun, one of those fearful ‘weapons which can ‘hurl death among foes in the way of scores of bullets to the minute. ‘CHAPTER XXV. THE MAN IN THE LOG. “Biar' s claws an’ buffler hoofs, but yer news takes my breath back’ upon a log as if in truth entirely overcome. “Now break it gently ter me. Tarnal snakes an’ snails! a day. My ole friend Bolly Wherrit dead—murdered! “Bolly Wherrif dead. The man I’ve laid down wid under e same blanket, fought side by side wid, tramped alongside No wonder ole Pandy air a ragin’ like a mad bull. ‘Wherrit air planted underground. ‘2 ither ‘air he, ole hoss!” : words came from he knew not where. , eke ‘nie, ; ranger sat there as it suet para THE MARKED “mooeastN. “AS ‘the old Colorado ranger uttered these words, he sank thet. air ther wust piece o’ intelligence I hey heard fur many | Thar's | re in them words nor I kin git through my head ter once. | aw wore by ‘these tw enty years back, gone under., Heavings eee but it makes me feel queer, my flesh creeps ter think ake an’ ‘sauergraut; tiesme up ina blanket an’ throw me ater ther great (Colorado canyon ef I kin remize thet ole | ett ee have aie See * ©. To) SF Carb rescit tae the proceeding to tin ; “Painters an’ powderhorns! rub me agin a hay-cutter ef ee hain’t addressin’ me from ther grave. Bolly, ole chap, air that ye?” “T reckon it are, old duffer,” came the muffled and anyon ous voice. Wherrit are ter pull his, body out o’ high eR. i ‘T split snge log a-larfin’! Roaring Ralph exerted himself to the utmost, and oe in the log also used muscles. The result was success How the hunter had »~ecome stuck in the log no one’ ever see, Padcci it was probably like thrusting a barbed pail” out, his arms iilustrating: a double barb, Had it not been for the presence of our rollicking old fr rotten terminus with his knife. Upon being thus set at liberty the old ranger ane ‘and took his rifle from the eavity that had ‘$0 ola be prison, after which he faced Roaring Ralph. It was the mysterious old ranger whose adventakel the mounted Blackfeet we have witnessed. ; “Dust my Sunday breeches! ” roared the reckless vet it ain’t eee Hillis’ pard, Bolly Wherrit, in th ‘ing thbdaet the forest in the direction whence the town lay, according to their judgment. When they they heard a great commotion going on; as soon as they crept toward the council lodge. ates CHAPTER XXVI. THE couNCTL LODGE. being nothing more nor less than a circus tent, It had oer put ‘up in. the regular Bool ware
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THE MARKED MOCCASIN. enough to make sure that his revolvers were in reach, and ‘his knife easy of access, when he followed the Indians inside. _ It was an astonishing spectacle. ~The Blackféet were forming in circles all about the tent, - the chiefs inside and the braves further back. They had got the hang of the hoop around the center pole, for a dozen stolen candles were blazing upon its tin sconces. It had been drawn up a dozen feet from the ground and the cord secured to the pole ‘below. With every extra violent gust of wind, the hoop ' would swing to and fro, so that the effect upon the sea of dusky faces was strangely weird. ss Altogether it was one of the most singular spectacles upon which old Pandy Bilis had ever gazed. ’ Standing near the center of the ring, he saw his combade and fellow-avenger, Blue Bill. The ranger showed only de- - flance and disdain upon his face; fear had no abiding place ‘there. _ Among the chiefs, and yet only taking the part of a listener _ in the council, was a white man, and this Pandy felt sure must be the maker of the Marked Moccasin trail, the man he ought in order to avenge the death of his old partner; how- ever, this was hardly the proper time for settling that feud; bse it: would keep yet awhile, and in the meantime all of his energies must be devoted toward peneuing: Blue Bill from the red fiends. Ae ‘Finally all were seated, and it so happened that Pandy ~ found himself vis-a-vis with Buffalo Bend, the sub-chief, who ad led the party that had Jain in ambush for Blue Bill and himself. ' Several times he had found this man looking at him in a him that Buffalo Bend possessed a secret in which he was deeply concerned. w } omitted on this occasion, and the pipe only passed among @ chiefs and head warriors. hen silence followed. — one of the chiefs sprang to his feet, and deliversa Ps the terrible fight and came out alive, and he was called the ga er Heavy Knife, as old Beatey. was known ‘in this lue Bill had never ustors been so much flattered, thounts' : be used in this instance as his doom. d there and grinned as though mightily pleased. bogus Wolf. Bye. / ‘ sential Bend arose, a by the sriclved/ leer in see ost peculiar manner, and it at length became evident to] _ ‘The council opened with the usual formalities, although the | ‘blowing ‘of smoke to the four cardinal points of the compass r Eel one piercing look he had not once turned his gaze}. attention to the redskins. a: 3 a Every Indian aioe his eyes upon the warrior’ “addressed. and fully believed that the ghost of the departed Wolt ] had, for some reason or other, attended their council. a oa As for the disguised trapper, he did not wait long, = Knowing that the game was up so far as his remaining in disguise was concerned, he sprang to his feet. One agile leap carried him to the open space in the ee of the assembly, where he stood, glaring around at the redme like a lion at bay. tet He was an adept in the Blackfeet language, and could speak it like a native, so that when he opened his mouth and uttered words, those around him did not immediately jump at the truth. \ “The spirit of Wolf Hye has come over the river {ony the death-land to speak to his brothers. There is danger in air. A man whom they fear is even now amongithem. Wol eye has come back, but not as he went, for he has change into another. Warriors, look well on me; do ye not kno “ Heavy Knife when you see him? Squaws, every one of you. — A white man spits on you and defies you. Where are the © Blackfeet when the Crows strike? Hiding in their lodges, — with the dress of squaws upon them. There is not a warrior among you. A white man defies you all. He has come among you to save his friend, and when he leaves, death will be be- hind him. Watch, aquashs and pappooses of the Blackfeet nation, and see the act of a fearless man.” Pandy Willis, after delivering his exordium, lost no time iss fruitless speculation, but with one agile spring phe ‘the: . side of his: friend, Blue Bill. te All the eyes that watched him were not hostile, hewagene x While the Indians were giving their ideas relative to i their character. Of course these two were old Bolly Wherrit and ‘Roar Ralph, who had made their way up from the lower end of. village. Key They recognized Blue Bill, of course, put’ anaes eae have'been a poor word to express their feelings when the m Wolf Hye proclaimed sc aang to be the- daring old ran Pandy Bllis. They had by good fortuite come upon that end of the of the gale. ; The hands of Blue Bill had been, bound, but his i of course free. if When the old ranger reached the aiid of his. pees: ‘ distress, he held a long knife in one hand bate his ha ing revolver in the other. — y To cut the bonds that confined the rts i Blue “AS may be ee suppose
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THE MARKED MOCCASIN. 3 oe rae I ee ive a ~ "rested the stolen candles with which the council lodge was | trapper, had fallen into mischief, and remembering their aes ‘lighted. CHAPTER XXVITI. THE BORDER WHIRLWIND. No sooner had the ranger’s knife parted the strands than | ing for the rendezvous where he was to meet his friends when — he held the end of the cord. Springing back half a dozen feet he gave it a strong and sudden pull, elevating the lights still half a dozen feet further, | end of the village. then suddenly let go of the cord. Down came the hoop with a crash. Darkness ensued. So far Pandy’s plan had worked admirably, ‘but of course _ there was more to follow. | A tremendous uproar ensued when the lights were thus suddenly extinguished, for every Indian seemed to vie with _ the rest in yelling himself hoarse! , Although the candles were about all extinguished by the _ Sudden descent of the hoop to which they were fastened, the _ darkness that ensued was not very intense. ‘Through the large opening and over the heads of the enter. They had not been cared for so well since the council to distinguish different persons, ae to second it. 3 fi killing as they went. ‘The bowie andvrevolver had opened’ a way for them when forcing a passage seemed an impossible task, and the path ot blood left behind them attested to the terrible nature of this proceeding. andy paused for a few adsoidee but oly to cast a hurried glance. behind him. He gave vent to a terrible war-cry that Tang out like a pean of victory above the yells of the excited ‘Blackfeet. Then his bloodstainea knife made one downward swoop. As he had intended, the canvas was rent by the blow, leav~ a means of egress for his. comrade.and himself. a ‘great tent. ere Pandy a to an abrupt pause.- . ey. She wind was blowing small guns, as a sailor would have instant a old ‘Tanger’s keen knife was at the rope. was a sharp report, almost like aie discharge. of a a the force of ‘the gale, the great tent seemed to ‘play in order to further the escape of the imprisoned braves. Indians who crowded it, the light from the fires managed to | ¢Scued as speedily as possible. commenced, but still were capable of giving quite enough light | yells that sounded. Never had there been so much excitemen : A few hurried words in the ear of Blue Bill quickly let| cape of the prisoners, Reckless Rupert, Silver Rifle and the him into the main particulars of Pandy’s plan, and he was| Pale flower; the capture of Blue Bill; a Toward the back of the great tent they made their way, | tremendous upheaval that followed when he put out the lights - Together they reached the canvas at the end of the cireus ranks; the fall of the circus tent with fully four score of war- who should fall into their power; better for them that t 2 agi expressed it, and the tent was straining at the long | Prairie fire than to suffer the torture ache furious Black a ‘dozen. ‘seconds, and yee to. Me horror of the themselves, ees would have been an almost imposs ble rections to create a diversion in their fayor if such a ‘thing | j | Was possible, hastened to fire the piles of dried grass. ei oats The fierce wind, seizing upon the flames, soon communi- — cated them to the adjoining lodges, and the destruction of the whole Blackfeet village seemed imminent. ' ie Satisfied that the work left to him had been well done, the — little detective at once made his way out of the village, aim- their part of the job was accomplished. Meanwhile the scene was growing in wildness at the other » “When the great tent, no longer supported by the stout guy> rope, collapsed, it buried three-fourths of the red warriors x # underneath it, and such a kicking and scrambling as ocnneiens under that canvas you never did see. é It was every man for himself, and knives were brought tnt’ One thing may be taken for granted, and this was the fact that the great tent would not be worth much after rule a Fy performance, i Those who were near the sides crawled out, others came popping through rents made, and the other unfortunates wert Pandemonium had certainly broken loose, to judge by the within the bounds of the Indian village, There was the 8 sudden appearance of the terrible Heavy Knife in their sacred council lodge; the and, aided by Blue Bill, cut his way through their crowded riors caught underneath it, and finally the fearful disco" that the lower end of the village was on fire, with the erce a wind blowing the flames toward them in a manner ae and dangerous. No wonder the Konleetitented bi among the Blackfeet con nfessed ; themselves sadlygbewildered by this succession of bg 2 ‘knew not in which direction to turn. ? This state of inaction lasted not for long, however; L whole village was in danger from the conflagration, w must be stayed with all possible speed, leaving the pursu the daring palefaces to a later period. ’ Slow to reach, a culminating point of anger, when such time for retaliation arrived woe unto the arated pale had met their fate in the boiling mountain torrent would have in store for them. The Indians went to work with a will to put an en to conflagration that was already, vorhaspeinsees) play. Tnuteha of. crams ‘their ‘time in Sandittes Bie yl ee
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aA THE MARKED MOCCASIN. ‘the lodges beyond, and then slowly succumbed to the inevit- able. The threatening danger of a total destruction of their vil- lage by fire having been passed, and the unfortunates under . the great circus tent rescued from their uncomfortable situa- tion, the Blackfeet were. now ready to look after the whites. CHAPTER XXVIII. TRACKED WITH TORCHES, As has been*said before, Bolly Wherrit: and the old ranger, Roaring Ralph, watched the strange events that were taking place within the council lodge of the Blackfeet with great in- terest. When Pandy Ellis proclaimed himself in the person of Wolf- ‘Bye, they were struck dumb with amazement, and all Roar- ing Ralph could say was to keep muttering to himself that favorite but wholly incomprehensible expression: “Dust my Sunday breeches!” Much as the two men would have delighted in assisting - their beloved comrades, this was rendered impossible by the action of old Pandy himself in extinguishing the lights, though when he did so he had no idea that friends were near. All they could do now was to remain quiet, and with ready Weapons, assist the two, should they be so fortunate as to eut their way through the mass of savages and out of the tent. | - f Presently, however, a slit appeared in the canvas close to Where they were standing, and two men sprang through into “the open air. + Eyen in the semi- ith of the spot they recognized Blue “pill and the old prince of the prairie trappers. When Pandy | stooped and cut the rope that proved such a support to the great lodge,. both of them held their breath, for they at once grasped his idea: Then with a crash and a whirl, the whole fabric keeled over. A true ranger yell broke from the lips of the two lookers- ‘on, and immediately they bounded to the side of Pandy and - Blue’ Bill, Bolly’s great hat was pulled down further than eyer over ‘his face, for he did not wish his pard to recognize him yet. He also managed to avoid the old ranger’s eye, and naturally ~ Pandy thought it was some friend of Ralph’s who was a _ stranger to him. . At any rate, this was no time for the meeting and the ques- ‘tions that would enstie, and Bolly was yery wise in restraining _ his earnest desire to grasp the hand of his chum, and let _ him know he was still in the land of the living. The, good _ news would keep, and now that he was in Pandy’s company he { could make sure that the vengeance he had sworn upon the alarmed fugitive’ Sam Wherrit did not’ reach its mark. ; In a few words Pandy told that he had left some friends not far away, and towards the lodge of the late Wolt-Bye he led \ _the ‘way at a swinging trot, the others following, with Bolly Wherrit bringing up the rear. ‘ ' HF if hetter light than that was creeping up: | “Looky thar!” suddenly said Roaring Ralph, pointing to the @ of the village where the red tongues of fiame were already ginning to shoot upward into the air, “Chaw my ole moc- old: Rey Bullets an’ bayonets, but this air exciting f sc ther eds.” was, “most cebistline bit then they hoped to turn” the whites. ROE Rs gk RM eee Thy aes e he great o the. The moon was now' shining in the far eastern sky, put a ‘easin fur soup ef ther little detec ain’t gone an’ done as we | bles in a short time and hone it equally as exciting: for ‘the |W life by darting into a skin tepee, for our friends were too great a hurry to bother with seeking him out. Pandy plunged into the lodge, uncertain as yet whit el] his friends had continued their way or met with some ) gtacle and returned to the starting point, but as the lodg contained no occupant he was fain to believe that they ha gone on, ! He led the way into the ravine himself, and as our little party did not care much whether they were seen or not, their progress was much faster than that of sist Rupert and his companions had been. They knew very well that the Indians would: not waste much time in fooling about the village, and once on their 5 trail they would follow it with the pertinacity of so eat bloodhounds. When the little band reached the edge of the forest, Pandy led them along for perhaps forty yards, and then drew up $i the shadow of a huge sycamore tree, whose trunk was a per- fect giant in point of size. Here the old ranger ‘chiet uttered a ery of the night-hawk, of the timber wolf. tis oe As the racket in the village had died away in part, thes: signals*sounded loud and clear upon the night air. Immediately three forms appeared in view from the other side of the great tree, one OF which was undoubtedly a Te- male, Of course, these were Reckless Rupert, Silver Rifle, and the Be prairie belle, Dolly. can There were now seven in the party, with one more to hear i from. ep The little detective soon showed up at a signal from Roar- ing Ralph, and they were now united. Bolly still kept in thes background, for he did not believe the time had yet come to disclose himself. As Pandy was unaware of the fact that he was still in thel land of the living, a few hours more or less could not paket d fi make any difference to him, and while they were so near the village it might be dangerous to upset the old ranger in “any way, especially when they needed his advice igs cool- headed ideas so much. So Bolly remained in the background, and kept his face well concealed. It chanced also that although old Pandy looked keenly at him on. several occasions, as though weighing the probability of his ever having met him previous to this time, on each and every otcasion Bolly chanced to be standing 1 the shadow of some tree that gave additional uncertainty: | his form. “Lied by Ellis, the little y hete at once started off through igs forest. They had not been gone over two minutes when Blackfoot warrior crept out of a clump of bushes élose- by, where he had been hidden, and made toward the adjacen vi lage at full speed. In less than twenty minutes four score of Hetentisade enraged Indians, many of whom bore torches, were uw trail of the palefaces.
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’ had a long talk about their various experiences. CHAPTER XXIX. | THE DETECTIVE BAGS HIS GAME. “Hist!” At this thrilling, hiaatak whisper our friends came to & sudden, halt. Pandy Ellis, who carried the torch, Patt thrust it into a pool - of water at his side, so that with marvelous quickness dark- | ness had come upon the scene. He had seen a light ahead, and as their own torch was ex- - tinguished, the others also discovered it. Pandy was a man ' to discover what this meant. > Tt could not be the sun, for dawn was’ just about breaking, 4 and as to its having any connection with the infernal regions or disembodied spirits, the old ranger stood ready to ridicule the idea. 3 So he left them there, and began making his way cautiously * forward. Tt needed all of his prowess to successfully advance upon the mysterious light through such Stygian darkness, where a thousand traps and pitfalls might be awaiting his unwary feet, ’ but the old ranger was the best man in the world for such an undertaking, and he proved this by not meeting with a single mishap during his forward movement. * When he had turned several bends, he found himself looking ' upon a curious scene. At first he thought it was a band of trappers encamped in the cavern, but quickly realized his mistake. This was the new abode of the border money-makers whom * Roaring Ralph had worried into destroying their old eabin home, with himself in it, as they thought. They were the ones who had ascended the canyon as far as it was practicable in advance of our friends. He had heard from old Ralph and the little detective enough about those fellows to recognize them at, once. Of course they must look upon the money-makers as deadly i foes, for such they would undoubtedly prove to be in a con- ' flict; and besides, they were allies of the Indians. When Pandy Ellis made his way back to the others, and re- ported what he had seen, a hurried council took place. The little detective was terribly anxious to be at them, and | as there was no other way out of the matter, the others soon , agreed with him. A forward movement was at once commenced. Dolly was ; placed in the rear, so as to be out of the way of stray bullets, “and then the little band advanced slowly along the passage- I way, led by Pandy and his old pard. _ The money-makers only numbered about nine in all. ’'They were busy when our friends suddenly burst upon them; but, knowing what capture meant, they offered resistance. ' Yellow Bob was amazed to find in the antagonist who cross- @d knives with him, the man whom he had so much cause to - Hate, and whom he thought had surely been cremated with the eabdin; but for the time he became a human wildeat, and 4 slashed away with such a vim that the Colorado ranger, in } aunty bound, soon felt compelled to give him his quietus, , It was not long before the battle was over. Three money- akers, besides the leader, remained as prisoners in their lands, and the rest had gone to that bourne hie poy no traveler ver returns. ° “The detective ‘tumbled their tiachinery into a chasm near shi d, and destroyed, the counterfeit money they haa made, i 2 THE MARKED MOCCASIN. i While they were in the cave Bolly Wherrit and Pandy Bilis never to be caught napping, and he quickly made up his mee Tt soon tarned out just as our’ friends suspected it Ww ‘There were two entrances. This fact had not been gleaned pe any of the oes of for they were glum and sullen, and would not give a bit ‘of information’ to please their captors, especially yee they learned that the Blackfeet were after them. de! One of the fellows had escaped during the melee and ges hs ished down the passage in an opposite direction to that from which they had come, and forming their ideas from Lee oe hurried forward. The Indians unfortunately were well acquainted with thes % strange cavern, and finding one entrance barred, liastened. : around to the other, where they came upon a fresh trail, 9 CHAPTER XXX. SAFE AT LAST. Oe friends were again at bay. ey This time the situation was not so wholly in their Pa pete che the ground was more level, and their breastworks Gorenee rocks. yee ‘The redskins had followed them with the cashhens and per- tinacity of sleuth-hounds, finally overtaking them here. — tis) One rush had been made, but the deadly rifles of the whites — had warned them that this system of tactics would not be . tolerated, and they withdrew to a distance in order to con- . sider other plans that would be more in keeping wie dis- cretion. A Pandy Hllis had freed the hands of the prisoners, and placing their own revolvers in them, sternly ordered them to fire; and that the first man who refused to obey would suffer itor, it they readily knew. ur Perhaps their shots were not so effective as those of the — others, but they did not dare to shoot wild while the old | ce veteran’s keen eyes were upon them, and the Indians “were rushing forward in a body, so that in all probability some of their bullets told. ; At any rate, their attitude seemed hostile, and the reports a their weapons added to the general clamor, thereby deceiving the Indians as to the real number of their foes. 4 The Blackfeet resorted to all kinds of tricks whereby they hoped to master their hated enemies, but the rangers were too cunning for them, and each artifice only ended in tines" for : its originators. ¥ is Reckless Rupert watched Dolly with the carefulness of a brother, and did everything he could for her comfort. . To his surprise; Silver Rifle seemed in no wise jealous at his. attentions, but rather seemed to be pleased with them. What could’ it mean? ; Was he tired of the prairie belle, and glad to get nee off his a hands? Rupert grew indignant in his heart. Re ny “If he has discovered an iota, by my faith, his life sha answer for it. I will be a brother to her, since fate has deni me the right to a dearer relation,” he mur-jured. Afternoon came, and still the situation re The Indians were determined to stand i. summer, and hoped that the whites would i) 4 when the shades of darkness fell, ‘for then ty could fall ‘upon: them from the right and from the left, and quickly Set ‘their work in. { Tt was not very far froth evening, ° The Blackfeet had rigged up a moving barricade, made fi small trees that had been felled and fastened togethe * Behind this a score of them had advanced, and fo amon ‘some loose. rocks that Mens
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pacar ‘The little detective declared himself able to dislodge those who had taken refuge among the rocks, and proceeded to do “sO.” _ His manner of going about it was singular indeed. From his pocket he drew out a rubber sling and a small ibe _ box, which, upon being opened, disclosed a dozen balls of in- tense blackness, about the size of marbles. : These were a species of hand grenade, and being composed in part of dynamite, would explode with a tremendous con- _ eussion. a While the rangers stood ready with their rifles, the detective measured the distance with his eye, then drew back his rubber sling, and with a quick movement, discharged the ball. _ He alone could trace its course through the air, but a smile of satisfaction wreathed his lips as he saw that it was going all right. J "Then the earth seemed to be shaken by a tremendous ex- plosion among the rocks where the redskins had taken refuge. He followed it up with several more in rapid succession. a / The first shock had probably stunned the Blackfeet, but as the others came, they dashed out like,so many crazy men, _ “making a blue streak for shelter,” as Roaring Ralph express- ed it. ; Then the trappers’ rifles cracked merrily,and quite a number of the red nomads of the northwest fell to rise no more. : At about the same time the cheery sound of a cavalry bugle i was heard, giving the well-known “charge,” and the Blackfeet were discovered racing everywhere in a panic-stricken way, f with the United States soldiers pursuing them. “You are lost,” said Reckless Rupert, turning to Silver Rifle, but the young prairie sharpshooter smiled and shook s head. CHAPTER XXXI.° CONCLUSION. ‘prevent it.” a <i Rupert! worthy of aly woman’s love, even though she to an angel. 5 ‘colonel drew nearer, Silver Rifle spoke a few Hosa little detective, esas looked toward the gee’ t 6 aes ae THE MARKED MOCCASIN. as does mine. Choose, I say, and for all time!” “Hear me then, father. You have shut the truth your heart and refused to let Lewis clear himself. Becai is innocent I cling to him so long as life lasts, 4 she said “So be it,” muttered the old colonel, almost choking as he turned his steed, “so be it! I will now return to my ho The weight of sorrow will soon lay me beside your mother in the grave.” “Hold!” eried a voice, “I have something to say about this Colonel Harvey.” cane “Who are you?” asked the other, severely. cae ine “Tam Jean Barthol, Secret Service detective. My busines out here has been to secure those money-makers. You kne me well once, Colonel Harvey. I know all about this affair.” Yellow Bob here, alias Robert Stackpole, is the guilty man, as can be easily proven. Your son Lewis is as innocent as Leave Dolly with her brother, and come with me a few m utes, and I will convince you of this.” Reckless Rupert stood aghast. 3 Silver Rifle her brother! How his heart thrillea wile joy and the blood leaped through his veins. : He went up and took each of their hands. =. at Not a word could he say, but Dolly blushed furiously, a the welcome tidings that she loved him was pba to th young man’s heart. Soon the impulsive colonel came dashing up and, iene! to the ground, threw his arms around Lewis, begging him to forgive and forget, which the noble young Man was eager | i do. ; All was joy and peace, but it could. not last. Pandy anc his fellow rangers held a sort of council, and decided that thi | had better be moving without any waste of time, “for soon Big Buffalo would gather the adjacent tribes, frac: the bec would be too hot for them. f Peed were TOHORed by a as band of furious ‘Blac possessed of means: j Pandy. and ‘his dear old pard, after seeing Rupert and dancing to the affair, estar cer for Leadville, Blue Bill and queer old. Roaring Ralph -Rockwoo | turned in the direction of the silver mines, ie 2 Lasso jand Mexican Mose wert: south. into the tribe, found dui her. patents and ended ) her his wife. Here, dear, reader, we Pathe: to eee ee : Read “LIBERTY HOSE; or, THE PRIDI “VILLE,” by Ex-Fire-Chief Warden, » number Ae 2 ote ee and Luck,” —
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Pluck and “Luck.| “Naw York, Ju 1%, 1907, Terms to Subscribers. Single Copies One Copy Three fionths One Copy Six Months... One. Copy One Year.. -Posties Free. How To Smnp Money. - Atour risk send P. O. Money Order, Check, or Registered Tiles: re- mittances in any other way are at your risk, We accept Postage Stamps the same as cash. When monieeege i silver wrap the coin in a separate piece of paper to avoid cutting the envelope. Write your name and address plainly. Address letters to Frank Tousey, Publisher, 24 Union Sq., New York. THINGS. OF INTEREST. _. The Brazilian linen plant is expected to exert an important ‘influence upon the textile world in the near future. It is a common weed which reaches a height of eighteen feet in twelve months. When carefully cultivated it matures within three _ months, and can yield three crops in a year, The fiber has all the qualities necessary for high-class use—strength, fine- ness, flexibility, and adaptability for bleaching, dyeing, ete. Every part of the plant can be used for some industrial pur- pose, more especially for the manufacturing of writing paper. ‘The cultivation was commenced by the State Government, and now is said to have emerged from the exper imental state suc- cessfully. There is a slab of black stone in the British Museum which, if you could walk away with it, and establish your claim as the owner, you could sell any day for a quarter of a million, and find half a dozen money kings in England and America Heady to buy it. There is nothing very striking about this stone; it might be a piece of black marble with some peculiar jeroglyphics upon it. But it is just these hieroglyphics which ke it so valuable, because they are the key to all the an- cient writings of the Hgyptians, and without this stone, called he Rosetta Stone, we should be unable to read the Hgyptian “! ritings which have been discovered from time to time. Some nch tourists found the Rosetta Stone in Egypt, and trans- ted it to Paris, where an Englishman took a fancy to it for rden ornament. He paid $25 for it, and got a treasure ious last wishes of ‘other testators. pees Herring direct- d that his remains should lie beaeath a sundial at the Haven Of Rest, Maidenhead; Queen Victoria planned the entire pro- ‘ ramme for her funeral, even choosing the music to be play- ‘anthems to be sung. A couple of months ago a young ho died at Reigate on the eve of her wedding was ve her bridal. dress, the friends who were to have been rid aids attending the funeral in the gowns which they 1 ie worn at the wedding, and carrying i ‘bouguets More singular. - PLUCK AND LUCK. ‘/yard being flooded within a short time. ‘me he was hungry, an’ I kno’d he hadn’t a» in place of a caemaeh sheerchepsh sure t eee and Bivens. in Aas The sea here throws every 2 year upon the beach, along a‘line of one hundred miles in ~ length, some five million cubic yards of: sand. The prevail- — ing westerly winds continue picking up the surface particles from the westward slope, whirl them over to the inward ~ slope, where they are again deposited, and the entire ridge by — this means alone moves gradually inward. In the course of years there has thus been formed a complex system of dunes, all approximately parallel with the coast, and with one an- > other of all altitudes up to two hundred and fifty feet, These are marching steadily inward at a rate of from three to six feet a year, whole villages having sometimes been torn down to prevent burial, and rebuilt at a distance. rie It has just been discovered that the upheaval of Aprik ay did funny things to the ‘wells in the courtyard at the rear of the San Francisco Mint. For years prior to April 18 these had been ordinary, well-behaved wells, yielding water plenti- fully when a steam pump was employed. But now they are spouting artesian wells, from which a steady stream of water flows when the pumping is done. This was discovered yes- 3 terday when the pump was taken out for repairs, the court- The wells were. bored - many years ago, and are about 175 feet in depth. There wa apparently a subterranean connection between them, for the pumping of water from one lowered the water in’ the other. t Normally the water was within thirty feet of the surface, an that was the condition when the pump was taken out last March, Yesterday, for the first time since March, the pumps: were again removed, when it was discovered that the water flowed freely. i OUR COMIC COLUMN. Mr. White—Pardon me, but is this Smith street? Mr. Pack —No, sah, dis am Jones street. Smith street done run | : zackly paralyzed to this one, sah, a “makes me think of a paieAeuien man goin’ roun’ sell: hair réstorer.” i “Some men,” said Uncle Eben, “gits de reputation of | stuck up, when de troof is dey is too bashful to bet bogie anybody’s business ’ceppin’ deir own.” Manager—Thompson, you are discharged. pee. what eh have I done, sir? Manager—Nothing, absolutely bags That’s what I complain about. a ray When Wesley was about three years old, a friend 0 not seen: him for some time greeted him with: “Well, We what have you been doing since I saw you last?” poe ” was the rather unexpected {newer Lawyer——-Now, Jim, “you have heard the last witnes ithe stand. Would you believe him on oath? dat nigger? Why, boss, he’s dat ontruful if he y7us +f i ouft Bee T wouldn’t b’lieve him! ei A man left his umbrella in the stand in a hote with a card bearing the following inscription attachet 0. “This umbrella belongs to a man who can deal a blo a On returning to seek his ty card thus inscribed: “This ca’ man Who can run. twelve miles an hour, I
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OR, THE PIRATE’S LAST RESORT. By COL. RALPH FENTON. _ Although Commodore Porter with his West India squadron for the suppression of piracy was meeting with every success in breaking | up the haunts of the outlaws in the region of “Matanzas, on the coast of Cuba, yet, further to the westward here was one freebooter who still comtinued his depredations. In a swilt sehooner, as sharp as a sword-fish, he would sud- -denly emerge from one of the rugged ‘coast bays and pounce upon any mer chant craft that he saw passing in his vicinity. No quarter would he give to his luekless victims. Their pleading cries were ever merged in their death shrieks ‘they were mercilessly put to the sword. Then, after the captured craft was plundered, she would, be burned to the water’s edge, thus serving ag the funeral pyre of her slain occupants. ‘From a pirate prisoner, who, in the hope of being par doned utlaw of the west coast. He learned that, among his men, this pirate chief was known Db, the name of Captain Cain—that he was a big, bearded} vil- ainous-looking person of thirty-five, was possessed by unusual laring, and had sworn that he would never be taken alive, ihould he be attacked by any war. vessel. ‘His schooner, which he knew how to conceal, when occasion re aquired, among the rocks, and which was named the Serpent, “was a small vessel of light draught, carrying three ten-pound nades and a numerous crew of alte eg ici! as fierce as tion to take him alive.” said the commodore to Roland Gray—one of his passed di hipmen—a fine-looking, manly youth of nineteen, whom ad put in command of a small gun-brig, the Spitfire, with guns and a crew of sixty men, to eruise for the formidable f the flag-ship. elevation. i He ot fees of a mast. line. had turned informer, did the commodore hear much of the Roland to his lieutenant, me voice scarcely above: a a “also éapture bis pirate chief, and be sure you use every | et will use every effort to ie ind officer speedily got uD anchor, and, iavine a fair | ¢ | about the low bulwarks of Soe penne shen the sound of a ot was heard on. the other side | - quickly. followed by. ahalnae. Then there ar a ditt ep | wag ‘heard / fellows ae ward and in the waist. A scarcely audible murmur. of -approyal cifeieled aman them, as with folded arms they stood awaiting further C0) mands. The pirate had probably shot suddenly out of Bie of coast bays, and was now less than a quarter of a mile heyot the edge of the fog-bank, darting like some fierce Seen t the bark. BAe . The smoke still was faintly visible about his bbw. showi that the gun which had. been heard was his bow-chaser, the ragged stump of the bark’s mizzen-mast, with the wrec. alongside, which last was being cleared away, ae capenions of his iret which completely hid ies from the gaze of none abo i the pursuer and the pursued, the brig kept on her way. “Steady, there, at the wheel,” said Roland, in a low Vv to the man at the helm. a sir!” in the same low tone, while he kept the vessel o As stealthily and swiftly as a water-serpent the brig he her course. their prize as certain. Aft, on a gun oe stood a tall, vilainoui- kn “Ay, ay, sir, and a forbid ing-looking fiend he is,” was : reply. g as Roland could see through his glass, ra The two were evidently father and case Diete wee the girl was much terrified. pirate. gS At this unexpected cust thete was a wild cry ( leys crew, who, wearing low red caps and dark sh: "| sashes. bristling with knives and pistols, ha ee over the sea, as he shouted: ‘ “Tacks: and sheets there! j | Ready tor a ice a “Fire! mo fat
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> aaa | « PLUCK ‘AND: LUCK. } at the brig through a space below the taffrail, which Roland’s ‘shot had made by breaking the bulwarks. ' 4The young captain kept his gaze upon these guns, and just ' as one of the outlaws had lifted a match to apply it, he ordered - the man at the wheel to port helm. The brig swung up slightly as the guns were fired, and the | _ shot grazing her side merely knocked a few splinters from her quarter-rail without doing further damage. “Up helm! Steady!” continued Roland: “Ready, there, you boarders! ” The lieutenant repeated the order, and the nimble crew ran out on the booms and sprang into the rigging, where they stood ready to leap upon the deck of the foe. Captain Cain was heard for a few moments uttering the _ most awful curses. ; Then he gave the command to stand by to repel boarders, and his men, armed with cutlasses, pistols and pikes, ‘stood prepared for the conflict. With a thud the brig struck the schooner’s quarter, her ‘booms projecting over her, and as she moved on, grating along-'} side, the young captain again shouted: j “Make fast! Away there, you boarders—away! ” Then, while a few of the men made the brig fast to tis Schooner with. lashings, the others, with their young captain, ‘sprang upon the pirate’s deck. ' A desperate combat ensued. ‘ed Roland. as a prize.” “Curse you, you shall never live to do that!” roared Cain. He leveled a fresh pistol he had snatched from a fallen man at Roland’s head as he spoke. “We are to take him alive and capture his vessel | <i aae the weapon from his grasp with a blow from his cut- lass _. A gigantic pirate rushed upon the sailor, who was soon en- _ gaged with him hand to hand, while Roland closed with the captain in a sword combat. Cain was no mean master of his weapon. So rapidly were the swords wielded that sparks flew from the blades, The pirate, thinking he saw an unguarded movement on Roland’s part, aimed a savage thrust at his heart. This was the young captain’s opportunity. With a quick bend of his body, he avoid®d the keen steel, and then ‘by a swift, backhanded stroke, he broke off Cain’s blade at the hilt. . “Yield, fiend, yield!” cried the youth. ftil of your men left. “There is but a hand- They are about vanquished. aba ob ast of the outlaw. . quick glance did the latter throw about him.’ iat men of his crew were left had been driven aft. ned their chief disarmed, and as their numbers were being pelled. to follow their example. E ools—cowards! Ms ib veigina'st f roared Cain. “All ae paar: a backward leap, he drew himself several - teot away s sword, and gig the companionway and down into the cabin. oland, as he 8 hed from the deck the pistol which had ocke: “Give it to them, boys, but spare the pirate captain! ” shout- | which had been saved by his timely attack on the pirate. k But as he was about to pull trigger, one of the brig’s seamen. 8 he spoke, he pressed the point of his sword against the. ‘all the Cuban pirates. n killed and wounded, some of them presently threw down |: r arms and sullenly surrendered, when the othets were ere he could be seized, sprang | — | first Heutenant, and was then aboard / me, lads, some of you, and capture him!” cried : tiful gin Were mi de man and wife at oe : rm the Pirate’ ie grasp. and which had fallen | fa ath: } 3 The men threw themselves ican” the door, the lock. gave. 5 way and it swung open, As the sailors entered, they saw Cain kneeling by a long | hatchway, the hatch of which had been raised on its side, re- ~ vealing the run below, in which was the powder magazine. 5 2 In his left hand he held a gun-match or lin-stock, taken from one of several match-tubs in the room, which contained other implements of warfare. The outlaw had also possessed. himself of a pistol, which ho a grasped in his right hand. He had already lighted the gun-match, and was shea ‘ie se hurl it into the magazine, when a ap cap sailor sprang ‘ail ward to prevent him. ce With an oath the pirate discharged his pistol at ‘thet ree 20 sending the bullet through his body. The sailor fell upon his — back, in his dying agony clutching the side of the raised’ hatch. Again Cain was about to throw the match into the powder » magazine, when another seaman, with a blow of his cutlass, Ais ‘flicted a deep gash on his wrist, rendering the hand powerless. - The next moment the pirate was a captive in the grasp ot : several of the men. oe He was taken aboard the brig, and as soon as his wounded wrist had been attended to by the vessel’s' doctor, he was co fined with the other captives in the steerage. f EE Roland now had the schooner’s deck cleared, and manning her witha detail, who rigged a jury- -mhast forward, he prenated ; to sail to rejoin the squadron. Before sailing, however, he was rowed to the merchant pave ? The bark proved to be the St. Malo, a Spanish vessel, Sais from. Brazil for Havana, " The girl and elderly man, the passengers aboard the ve whom he had previously seen; were an American merchant named Edward Warren and his daughter, Charlotte. The lat : was a beautiful maiden of seventeen, and when the me t cordially invited Roland to visit him on the first opportu ty after his arrival at Havana, it is needless to say that the youth accepted the invitation. A jury-mast was rigged aboard the bark, and. in com } with the brig and ae i schooner ae sailed for her di tion. A She safely arrived ieee and a dis later Roland ‘Gray joined the squadron and made his report to the comm who was much pleased and who promised to promote ‘Cain and the survivors of his crew were tried and s at Havana by a special court, with some of the America’ officers—among whom was Roland Gray—presiding at th The pitate’s: men, to save time, were shot dead, but their r¢ public prison: b: Thus disgracefully paihahelh the ated and most a His remains were deposited under a black rock iG part of the Hesations, about two. waa, from the ‘or His silage at’ the trial in Tetdae had aff nde opportunity, to ig) the merchant biiy oe ee in absence one noe commodore for tl A few years, later, at which time anchor in the port of Havana, the young o
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These Books Tell You Everything! 4 COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA! _... Bach book scniaty of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper,in clear type and neatly bound in an attractive, illustrated ‘covers Most of the books are also profusely illustrated , and all of the subjects treated upon are explained in such a simple manner that’ child ‘nied Cpieitoad understand them. © Look over 7 list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the subjec mentione' THESE BOOKS ARE FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR WILL BE SENT BY MAIL TO ANY ADDRESS > ‘FROM THIS OFFICH ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, THN CHNTS BACH, OR ANY THREE BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE ~ 7, CENTS. POSTAGH STAMPS TAKEN THY SAMH AS MONHY. Address PRANK TOUSRY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, Nes ; ; MESMERISM. No. 81. HOW TO MESMHURIZE.—Containing the most ap- _ proved methods of mesmerism; also how to cure all kinds of diseases by animal magnetism, or, magnetic healing. By Prof. Leo ‘ted Koch, A. ©. S., author of “How to Hypnotize,” ete. PALMISTRY. “No. 82. HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—Containing the most ap- 4 proved methods of reading the lines on the hand, together with a full explanation of their meaning. Also explaining phrenology, » and the key for esi character by the bumps on the head. By Leo Hugo Koch, A. C. 8. Fully illustrated. HYPNOTISM. - No, 83. HOW TO HYPNOTIZH.—Containing valuable and in- 3 structive information regarding the science of hypnotism. Also ite explaining the most approved methods which are employed by the es leading hypnotists of the world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C.S. ire SPORTING. 0. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH—The most complete edt ting and fishing guide ever published. It contains full in- cs Structions about guns, hunting dogs, traps, ‘trapping and fishix g, : Bs ra with descriptions of game and fish No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT,—Fully illustrated. Every boy should know how to row and sail a boat. _ Full instructions are given in this little book, together with in- ructions on swimming and riding, companion sports to boating. -- No. 47. HOW TO BREAK, RIDE AND DRIVE A HORSE.— complete treatise on the horse. Describing the most useful horses for business, the best horses for the road; also valuable recipes for diseases peculiar to the horse. ° _ No. 48. HOW TO BUILD AND SAIL CANOES.—A handy book Ps “boys, @ontaining full directions for constructing canoes md the most pipular manner of sailing them. Fully illustrated. Stansfield Hicks. FORTUNE TELLING. ‘No. 1. NAPOLIEON’S ORACULUM AND DREAM BOOK.— ~ @ontaining the great oracle of human destiny ; also the true mean- g of almost any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, and curious ene of cards. A. complete book. No. 23. HOW TO HXPLAIN DRDAMS.—Hverybody dreams, from the little “nila to the aged man and woman. This little book ves the explanation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky id unlucky days, and ‘“Napoleon’s Oraculum,” the: book of fate. ~ No. 28. HOW TO THLL FORTUNES.—Everyone is desirous of knowing what his future life will bring forthy whether happiness or oe ry, wealth or poverty, You can tell by a glance at this little . Buy one and be convinced. Tell your own fortune. Tell so Cais of your friends. N HOW TO THLL FORTUNES BY THH HAND.— Conta ing rules for telling fortunes by the aid of lines of the hand, or the secret of palmistry. Also the secret of telling future events = of moles, marks, sears, etc. Illustrated. By A. mag: ‘ ATHLETIC. - 6 HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLUTE.—Giving full j in- ntal bars and various other methods of developing, a good, : muscle 5 containing over sixty illustrations. _Pyery' boy can and healthy by following the instructions contained WO BOX.—The art ‘oft self-defense made easy. 4 Co taining ov etd illustrations of guards, blows, and the diifer- positions of a good boxer. Every boy should obtain one of e useful and instructive books, as it will teach you sider to box WwW TO. BECOM®H A GYMNAST. —Containing full} ictions for all kinds of gymnastic sports and athletic exercises. g thirty-five illustrations. “By Professor Ww: Macdonald. nd useful book. HOW TO iENON.—Containing full instruction for, id the use of the broadsword ; also instruction in archery. wi trati one, aig the best on for the use of dumb bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars,’ Blete little book, containing full diree | also letters of fe gee No. 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS. ifm bracing all of the latest and most deceptive card tricks, with Lae lustrations, By A. Anderson No. 77. HOW TO DO YORTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.— Containing deceptive Card Tricks as performed by leading conjurors— and magicians. Arranged for home amusement. Fully illustrated. — MAGIC. No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic aad card tricks, containing full instruction on all the leading card tricks of the day, also the most popular magical illusions as performed by ~ our leading magicians; every boy should obtain a copy of this book, — as it will both amuse and instruct. No. 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sight — explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Wxplaining how — x the secret, dialogues were carried on between the magician and the ~ boy’on the stage; also giving all the codes and signals. ‘The only — authentic explanation of second sight, j No, 43. HOW TO BECOME A MAGICIAN. — Containing the grandest assortment of magical illusions ever placed before the - public. Also tricks with cards, incantations, ete. No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL ‘PRICKS —Containing over bi one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals. y A. Anderson, Handsomely illustrated. Wi y o. 69. HOW TO DO SLHIGHT OF HAND —Containing over fifty of the latest and best tricks used by sa po? Also contain- ing the secret of second sight, ae illustrated, y A. Anderson, No, 70. HOW TO MAKE MAGIC TOS, Containing full” directions for making Magic Toys and devices of many kinds, ° ‘By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. ate No. 73. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS. —Showin many curious tricks with figures and the magic of numbers. By . Anderson. Fully illustrated. No. 75. HOW TO BECOME A CONJUROR. — Containing tricks with Dominos, Dice, Cups and Balls, Hats, etc. Hmbracing thirty-six illustrations. By A. Anderson. | No. 78. HOW TO DO THE BLACK ART.—Containing a coi plete description of the mysteries of Magic and Sleight of Ei ae ibe many wonderful experiments. By A. Anderson ustrated. WF sa MECHANICAL. No: 29. HOW TO BECOME. AN INVENTOR.—ilve ry should know how @nyentions originated. This book explaing the all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnetism, cue pneumatics, mechanics, etc. The most instructive book publ ret No. 56. HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEER.—Containin, ‘eaumeteae how to proceed in order to become a Cote : gineer; also directions for building a model locomotive } ei 1a with @ full description of everything an engineer should k ae No. 57. HOW TO MAKH MUSICAL INSTRUMDNTS — directions how to make a Banjo, Violin, Zither; Atolian X) phone and other musical instruments; together. with a scription of nearly every musical instrument used in ancient modern times. Profusely illustrated. By Algernon 8. Fitz for twenty years bandmaster of the Royal Bengal Marines. ; vo. 59. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIO LANTHRN a Comanniay a description of the lantern, together with its history and i i Also full directions for its use and for painting slides. Ha sa eares By John Allen. ; ; tbe spret? TO Min MBCHANICAL xy Moons ony ete instructions for performing dyer sixty anaetaca, Fully illustrated. By zal i LETTER WRITING. : “No. 11. HOW TO WRITE LOV Au and when to use them, giving specimen No. 12. HOW TO WRITH’ Terre complete instructions for writing letters to. anne notes and PSP No. 24. HOW. T EO LETTOR i ‘Containing full Minesrtans for also. Siving® sample - No. 53. HO letters for ins WTO WRITER to write
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THE STAGE. : No. 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK ‘END MEN’S JOKE BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the 5 Sbst famous end men. No amatetr minstrels is complete without _ | .§ wonderful little book. No. 42. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPEAKER.— Containing a varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch * and Irish. Also end men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amuse- ~. ment and amateur shows. . No, 45, THE BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE AND JOKI BOOK.—Something new and yery instructive. Hyery ‘boy should obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for or- Zanizing an amateur minstrel troupe. No. 65. MULDOON’S JOKHS.—This is one of. the most original joke books ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It contains a large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, ete. of _ Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist, and practical joker of the day. very boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should - obtain a copy immediately. No. 79. HOW TO BHCOME AN AOTOR.—Containing com- _ plete instructions how to make up for various characters on the stage; together with the duties of the Stage Manager, Prompter, _ Seenie Artist and Property Man. By a prominent Stage Manager. No. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKH BOOK.—Containing the lat- - est jokes, anecdot:; and funny stories of this world-renowned and ever popular German comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome - €olored cover containing a half-tone photo of the author. HOUSEKEEPING. fa No. 16. HOW TO KEP .. WINDOW GARDEN.—Containin full instructions for constructing a window garden either in’ town or country, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful vere at home. The most complete book of the kind ever pub- ished. ' No. 80. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books - on cooking ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, fish, game, and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of pastry, and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular cooks. i No. 37. HOW TO KEEP HOUSH.—It contains information for everybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to make almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments, brackets, cements, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. ELECTRICAL: f _ No. 46. HOW TO MAKE AND USB ELBEOTRICITY.—A de- scription of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism ; together with full instructions for making Hlectric Toys, Batteries, ete. By George Trebel, ‘A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty il- lustrations.. No. 64. HOW TO MAKH BLECTRICAL MACHINES.—Con- taining full directions for making electrical machines, induction coils, dynamos, and many novel toys to be worked by electricity. y R. A. R. Bennett. Fully illustrated. / No. 67. HOW TO DO HLECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a large collection of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, together with illustrations. By A. Anderson, ; San ENTERTAINMENT. No. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST.—By Harry Kennedy. The secret given away. Every intelligent boy reading this book of instructions, by a practical professor (delighting multi- des every night with his wonderful imitations), can master the art, and create any amount of fun for himself and friends. It is the - greatest book ever published, and there’s millions (of fun) in it, No. 20. HOW TO BNTHERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—A ery valuable little book just published. repeal Fo yk aly 7 sim for parlor or drawing-room entertainment. It contains more for the y than any book published. ii : - No, 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and useful little book, containing the ames and aati of billiards, bagatelle, back, , croqu t, d minoes, ete. , ae : "No. 36. HOW O SOLVE, CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all th fer leading conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches itty sayings, , / 2, HOW TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little iving the rules and full directions for playing Wuchre, Crib- , Oasino, Worty-Five, Rounce, Pedro Sancho, Draw Poker, ction Pitch, All Fours. and many. other popular games of cards, . 66. HOW TO DO PUZZLES.—Containing over three hun- uzzles and. conundrums, with key to same. A lly illustrated. By A. Anderson. ETHNQUETTE. teresting book. Fu HOW TO D fe secret, ind » a row Bi S methods of No, 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPEAKER.—Containi: 1, A complete compendium ‘of games, sports, card diversions, comic recitations, etc., suitable }H ‘also how to make Photographic Magic Lantern Slides and 0 IT; OR, BOOK OF ETIQUETTH.—It | one phecievery young man desires to know es bie oa see wana Rs rules and etiquette : ar a MaInRAs ot ace eiavenotea Oui Compiled and written b four — teen illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to a good speaker, reader and elocutionist. Also containing gems from all the popular authors of prose and poetry. arranged ip the most simple and concise manner possible. : ; No.. 49. HOW TO DEBATH.—Giving rales for conducting des bates, outlines for debates, questions for discussion, and best sources for procuting information on the questions given, SOCIETY. No, 38. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation are’ fully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods of handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it con- tains a full list of the language and sentiment.of flowers, which ig — a cri to everybody, both old and young. You cannot be happy withvut one. ; EDR. No. 4, HOW TO DANCH is the title of a new and handsome little book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instruc ~ tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties, ey to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular square ances, Ss No. 5, HOW TO MAKE LOVH.—A complete guide to love,- courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to be observed, with many curious and interesting things not gen- erally known. No, 17. HOW TO DRUSS.—Containing full instruction in the art of dressing and appearing well. at home and abroad, giving the selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up, 3 No. 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL—One of the brightest. and most valuable little books ever given to the world, Lverybody wishés to know how tc become beautiful, both male and — female. The secret is simple, and almost costless, Read this book — and be convinced how to become beautiful. PP lag sa? a BIRDS AND ANIMALS, ? No. 7, HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated | 32) containing full instructions for the management and training of the canary, mockingbird, bobolinl blackbird, paroquet, parrot, ete. No. 39. HOW TO RAISE 9OGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS AND RABBITS.—A useful and ingffuctive book, Handsomely ill trated. By Ira Drofraw. oot he ean No. 40. HOW TO MAKH AND SET TRAPS.—Including hints on how to cateh moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds, cya how to cure skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harrington — eene, 3 a Ws ine No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—A’) valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, mounting — and-preserving birds, animals and insects, (oe ee No. 54. HOW TO KEP AND MANAGD P'ITS.—Giying com> plete information as to the manner and method,of raising, het = taming, breeding, and managing all kinds of pets; also giving full — instructions for making cages, etc. Fully explained by twenty-eight illustrations, making it the most complete book of the kind ever % published. A MISCELLANEOUS. EDT No. 8. HOW TO BECOMN A SCIENTIST.—§A useful and ins structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; a ISO. €Xe periments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and di rections for making fireworks, colored fires, and gas balloons. Th book cannot be equaled. 4 ee hk No. 14, HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A complete hand-book for making all ki Ms of candy, ice-cream eye essences, ett. etG. f= No, 84, HOW TO BECOME AN AUTHOR.—Containing ful information regarding choice of subjects, the use of words and the~ manner of preparing and submitting manuscript. Also containing valuable information as to the neatness, legibility and general com- position of manuscript, essential to a successful author. By Prince iland, ~ No, 388. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.— derful book, containing useful and practical information in treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common to € family. plaints. ; ’ No. 55. HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS. taining valuable information regard ng t!.e collecting and arran of stamps and coins, Handsomely illustrat.d. Bae ce No, 58. HOW TO BE A DETHCTIVH,—By Ole King Bra the world-known detective. In which he lays down some valua and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adventure: and experiences of well-known detectives. ce No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER, Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general com- i a on’ ing useful information regarding the Camera and how to work see neat ‘Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W .bney. : Saar ae No. 62. HOW TO BECOME A WEST POINT OADET.—OContaining full explanations how to ga course of Study, Examinations, Duties, Staff of Offi Guard, Police Regulations, Fire Department, and a of “How to Become a Nan No. 63. HOW C
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me Latest Issues oe my “SECRET SERVICE” ve abe The Bradys’ Bleecker Street Mystery; or, The House with (439 ‘The Bradys’ Daring Deal; or, The Bargain with Loe a*\Hundred Doors. Death. “485 The Bradys Among the Frisco Gold Thieves; or, The | 440 The Bradys and the Coffin Man; or, Held in the House > Black Band of Old Dupont Street. °* the Missing. 436 The Bradys and the Doctor’s Death League; or, The | 441 The Bradys and the Chinese Dwarf; or, The Quene Hunt : _ -Mystery of the Boy in Red: of the Barbary Coast. ie 437 The Bradys and the Man Trappers; or, Hot Times on | 442 The Bradys Among the Handshakers; or, rrrapbing the og Whirlwind Lake. Confidence Men. 438 ae Bradys and the House of Skulls; or, The Strange Man | 448 The Bradys and the Death Trunk; or, The Ohiete es ‘Se- wef f Five Points. ; ~ eret Seven. ts “WIDE AWAKE WEEKLY” CONTAINING STORIES ov Box FIREMEN, “ Cotornp Covers. : 32 PacEs. Price 5 on Young Wide Awake and the Rival Fire Boys; or, Fighting 62 Young Wide Awake’ 8 Signal Call; or, Fire Fighting to the for Honors. Last Ditch. ung Wide Awake’s Tignes Crew; or, Blowing up aj} 63 Young Wide Awake’s Cascade of ais or, Within’ an inch - Burning’ Village. | of a Fiery Death. Young Wide Awake’s Fire Test; or, The Belmont Boys’| 64 Young Wide Awake’s Fire Fight; or, Holding up the Be Greatest Stroke. , mont Life Savers. 60 Young Wide Awake’s Fire Patrol; or, Running Down a| 65 Young Wide Awake’s Bravest Rescue; or, Snatening: : esperate Gang. tim from Death’s Jaws. ung ‘Wide Awake’s Longest Leap; or, Swift Work with | 66 Young Wide Awake’s. Junior Firemen; or, Skip. and he Life-Lines. at Their Best. : “FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY" i: ay ye CONTAINING STORIES OF Boys Wao Make Money. LORED Cov ERS, .. | 32 Pacus. é Dion 5 Cr > Fame and lortune; or, The Boy Who Won Both, 85 On His Merits; or, The Smartest Boy ‘Alive. 41%, 6 A Wall Street Winner; ‘or, Making a Mint of Money. 86 Trapping the Brokers; or, A Game Wall Street ie : The Road 4o Wealth: or, The Boy Who Found It Out. . | 87/A Million in Gold; or, The Treasure of Santa jae 6) Wins; or, The Young Mercury of Wall Street. 88 Bound to Make Money; or, From the West to “Wall St ’ Chase for a Fortune; or, The Boy Who Hustled. 89 The Boy Magnate; or, Making Baseball Pay. iggling with the Market; or, The Boy Who Made It Pay.| 90 Making Money; or, A Wall Street Messenger’s Lu Adrift; or, The Luck of a Homeless Boy. 91 A Harvest of Gold; or, The Buried ‘Treasure of Cora aying the Market: or, A Keen Boy in Wall Street, - 92 On the Curb; or, Beating the Wall Street ‘Brokers. p . Pot. ‘of Money; or, The Legacy of a Lucky Boy. 193 A Freak of Fortune; or, The Boy Who Struck Lue 8 ao, Rags to Riches; or, A Lucky Wall Btreet remit 94 The Prince of Fortune; or, A Big ‘Deal for, Big M IF ‘You WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS | ‘our Weeklies and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. © followi ing Order Blank and send it us with the price of the weeklies tin Ww ant and we will send POSTAGE aiid TAKEN BE SAME, AS nye : ty :
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Pit oOo CC KX 32 PAGES. CONTAINS ALL SORTS OF STORIES. LATEST ISSUES: ean Put’; or, The Fire Boys of Brandon. By Ex-Fire Chief War- en. Dead Game; or, Davy Crockett’s Double. By An Old Scout. 8 Barnum’s Young Sandow; or, The Strongest Boy in the World. By Berton Bertrew. Halsey & Co.; or, The Young Bankers and Speculators. By H. K. Shackleford. : or, The Dashing Boy Harpooner. By Capt. The Meteor Express; or, The Perilous Run of a Boy Engineer. Buttons; or, Climbing to the Top.. By Gen'l. Jas. A. Gordon. Alow and Aloft; Thos. H. Wilson. By Jas. C. Merritt. (A Story of a Bootblack’s ~Luck and Pluck.) By Allyn Draper. The Tron Grays; or, The Boy Riders of the Rapidan. Money and Mystery; or, Hal Hallerton’s Tips in Wall Street. By H. K. Shackleford. The Boy Sultan; or, Searching for a Lost Diamond Mine. By Allan Arnold. i Edgewood No. 2; or, The Only Boy in the Fire Company. By Wx-Fire-Chief Warden. Lost on a Raft; or, Driven from Sea to Sea. By Captain Thos. H. Wilson, oe as Steel; or, Ben Bright, the Boy Engineer. By Jas. C. erritt. Hd, the Errand Boy; or, Working His Way in the World. By Howard Austin, Pawnee Bill in Oklahoma; or, Fighting with the White Chief. By An Old Scout. Perey Greville, the Scout of Valley Forge. By Gen’l..Jas. A. Gor- don. (A Story of the American Revolution. ) Bulls and Bears; or, A Bright Boy's Fight With the Brokers of Wall Street. By H. K. Shackleford. The Dead Shot Rangers; or, The Boy Captain of the Home De- fenders. (A Story of the American Revolution.) By Gen’l, Jas. A. Gordon. Lost in the Grassy Sea; or, Three Years in the Sargasso. By Capt. Thos H. Wilson. Tom Porter's Search; or, The Treasure of the Mountains. By Richard R. Montgomery. Through Smoke and Flame; or, The Rival Firemen of Irvington. By Wx-Fire-Chief Warden. Pxile No, 707; or, The Boys of the Forgotten Mine. (A Story of Russia and Siberia.) By Allan Arnold. Steel Blade, <The Boy Scout of Fort Ridgely; or, The War Trail of the S¥oux. By An Old Scout. From Engineer to President; or, Working His Way Up. C. Merritt. % Lucky Luke; or, A Bright Boy’s Career in Wall Street. Shackleford, i The Prince of the Prairie; or, The Boy Who Owned it All. An Old Scout. Herman, the Boy Magician; or, On the Road With a Variety Show. By Berton Bertrew. a Tom Barry of Barrington; or, The Hero of No. 4. By Ex-Fire- Chief Warden. By Jas. By H. K. By The Spy of Spuyten Duyvil; or, The Boy With a Charmed Life. By Gen. Jas. A. Gordon. Two Yankee Boys Among the Kafflirs; or, Solomon's Mines. By Allyn Draper. ‘ The Arctic Crusoes; or, Lost at the World’s End. Austin. Rob,Ralston’s Run; or, The Perilous Career of a Boy Engineer. By Jas. C. Merritt. Jack Dacre’s Dollar, And How He Made it Grow. By H. K. By Berton The Search for King By Howard Shackleford. The Boy Fire King; or, Barnum’s Brightest Star. Bertrew. 5 Fearless Frank, The Brave Boy Fireman, And How He Won His} Fame. By Ex-Fire-Chief Warden. A IN DD i U0 C F& . BEAUTIFULLY COLORED COVERS.. 446 447 448 449 a EVERY STORY COMPLETE. | PRICE 5 CENTS. Under the Black Flag; or, The Buried Treasure of the § Isles. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. The Rise of Eddie Dunn; or, The Boy With a Silver Tongue. By Allan Arnold. Little Lariat, The Boy Wild-Horse Hunter; or, The Dashing Rider of the Staked Plains. By An Old Scout. The Boy Railroad King; or, Working His Way to the Top. By Jas. C. Merritt. Loyal to the Last; or, Fighting for the Stars and Stripes. By Ger'l. Tames A. Gordon Dick Decker, the Braye Young Fireman. By Hx-Fire-Chief War- en. Buffalo Charlie, the Young Hunter. (A True Story of the West.) By An Old Scout. The Two Boy Brokers; or, From Messenger Boys to Millionaires. By A Retired Banker. Under the Turban; or, A Yankee Boy’s Trip to Mecca. By Allyn Draper: aes Eee: the Pride of the Continental Army. By Gen'l. Jas. A. Gordon. The Boy Merchant; or, The Pluck and Luck of Harry Graham. By H. K. Shackleford. F Railroad Ralph, the Boy Engineer. By Jas. C. Merritt. The Boy Pilot of Lake Michigan. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. That Boy of Barton’s; or, The Luck of a Lad in Wall Street. By H. K. Shackleford. Lost in the Blizzard; By or, The Snow-Bound School Boys. Howard Austin, or, Driven Ashore in Lost Latitudes; or, The Strange Story of’ the Skeleton Island. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. The Boss of the Messenger Boys; or, Born to Good Luck. By Richard Montgomery. The Irish Rip Van Winkle; The Wild Man of the Round Tower. By Allyn Draper. Lost at the Pole; or, The Secret of the Arctic Circle. By Berton Bertrew. Rupert of Roanoke; or, The Boy Rangers of the American Reyo- lution. By Gen’l. James A. Gordon, cranes Castle; or, The Home of the Lost Explorers. By Allan rnold, The Boy Prospectors; or, The Trail of the Club-Foot Bear. By An Old Scout. The Wreck of the “Columbus”; or, Abandoned in the Ice. By Howard Austin. Among the Gauchos; or, A Yankee Boy in South America. By Richard R. Montgomery. The Quaker Boy Spy: or, General Washington's Best Aide. <A Story of the American Revolution. By Gen’l. Jas. A. Gordon. Cal Carter, the Boy Lawyer; or, A Fee of One Million Dollars. By Allan Arnold, The Board of Trade Boys; or, The Young Grain Speculators of Chicago. By A Retired Broker. By H. K. Shackleford. Haunted; or, The Curse of Gold. A Sawdust’ Prince; or, The Boy Bareback Rider. By Berton Bertrew. Fred Farrell, The Barkeeper’s Son. By_ Jno. B. Dowd. The Marked Moccasin; or, Pandy Ellis’ Pard. By An Old Scout. (A True Temperance Story.) For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, fh’ money. or postage stamps, by FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill in the following:Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you by return mail. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, Dear Str—Enclosed find......cents for which please send me: PRES). saci ian S02 ae ..copies of WORK AND WIN. Nos......2. Ten-Cent; Hand Bocks,. Nos/... a.0%.002 .... Street and No: wae nas ye ee * ; : eee 46 REE A WAT CW REOELY. NOS, coed ees oa gincid eo edie caiteegiele n 2" FAME AND-BORTUNE WEEKLY, Nosi....c..3....c00caet ed _. &. “ WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos....... NRRL BEY CORT Set eo Poe ME LIBERTY BOR SOR 6; Noscc.ae sobs is. dessa w ce ooaee eater en em ANE TCR MOS: 5 ois « - suhMie Phu diolg vue ss gd aineareeral gE NAO YE 12 DG AGS LAY 2 Oo oe er PO ee “ “ POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. rr oe oats» ee 7 ec er ery i ay ee a a} ee ee SO a a ir ary a a7 . et cr re ee se eee eee no en ener oe eeseene State