Pluck And Luck (no. 8) (1898 04 20)

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Issued Semi-Monthly—By Subscription $1.25 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office, anuary 12th, 1898, by Frank Tousey. NEW YORK, April 20, 1898. Price 5 Cents. THE Witp Beast TAMERS True Story or Circus Lire % he © Grigy Adams puttme his trained lions through their tricks in the cireus ting:

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i Teeued Semi-Monthly—By Subscription $1.25 per year. No. 8. CHAPTER I. YOUNG HERO, Crasu! Clang! Whir-r-r! “ Hurrah!” A tremendous outburst of wild, barbaric music. A wild shout from a thousand throats. A combination of sounds absolutely inspiring! What means this wild uproar, this tumult of bravos and crash of music, this vizorous blending of the vocal and instrumental? ' We are in the cireus. Just outside the City of Sydney, New South Wales, in the island or continent, as you will, of Austraha, the gleaming pavilions of Messrs. Hooker & Ketchum’s Great American Gircus are erected, and beneath them is gathered an admiring multitude. Overhead, in the blue Australian skies, the sun shines with un- diminished splendor, while below the spotless white of the monster tents appears in charming contrast to the bright green of ‘the grass. ; From the center pole of the main tent hang strips of flags of every nation, streamers and banners of et device and infinite variety. i Over all floats our beloved flag, God bless it! the grand and beauti- ful stars and stripes, telling the story of American enterprise, Ameri- can thrift, and American talent. _ Not one performer in the ring, not one attache, but is a true-blue, bona fide American; for this is the Great American Circus that has made the tour of the world. It has captivated Hurope, fascinated Asia, utterly subjected Africa, and turned Australia and the isles of the sea completely upside down. Its performers aes never been equalled, and cannot be excelled; its riders are the most intrepid and graceful, its tumblers the most _ astounding, its clowns the most grotesque and amusing, and its lion tamer—— i 5 One must draw breath before describing him. ‘ It is his appearance in the ring that produces the magnificent roar ; ‘a ‘eb age ae which, mingling with the music, fairly Bones the founda- end he re ison ‘pea harmonious burst of weird music, and a boy, he called a young man, dashes ir.to nee ‘in a chariot Hk-white pe ‘ PLUCK AND LUCK, Complete Stories of Adventure. Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N.Y., ; Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1898, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, W “ashington, 5 a D, C., by Frank Tousey, 29 West 26th St., New York. & 4 NEW YORK, YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS, THE WILD BEAST TAMER. A TRUE STORY OF CIRCUS LIFE. BY HAL STANDISH. “THE GREAT AMERICAN CIRCUS IN AUSTRALIA—THE DARING FEAT OF A | all the world like a young Hercuies or Theseus just stepped out from | diamond-tipped whip. ‘signals, : | Then weak all "ae eee over his right REMY one. after the other Ha - Post Office, January 12, 1898. ae April 20, 1898. Price 5 Cents. ; He is dregsed ina most becoming and unique style, and tooks for - a niche in some old Roman or Grecian temple. His attire consisted of a complete suit of fleshings, which set,off every muscle of his superb figure to advantage, bronze leather sandals, a leopard’s skin draped acro3s his chest and over his broad, well- moulded shoulders, a white ribbon abcut his head, confining his wav- ing locks of rich brown hair, and in his hand a slender, gold-mounted, This is Neil Adams, the boy lion-tamer, known to the profession as — Young Grizzly Adams, the wild-beast tamer. - When in the center of the ring he springs from the chariot, whichis borne away by the fleet-footed steeds, and suddenly utters a peculiar shout. Those who have been in the wilds of Africa, among the Kaffirs, or perchance in the jungles of India, have doubtless heard this sound, which it is impossible to adequately describe in print, ‘the nearest approximate equivalent being like the guttural: “ Ugh!” The voice is thrown out with violence and with a rising inflection, and the sound thus made can be heard at some distance, and appears rather to be the ery of a beast than as if uttered by the human throat. At this ejaculation, which is, perhaps, the best word by which to describe the singular noise made by the boy, there was a tremendous roar in answer, and the crimson and gold draperies at one side of the room were thrown aside. : Then four enormous lions, utterly untrammeled by hata or bar, as. ’ free of limb as when they trod their native’ forests, bounded into | Ores room and crouched at Neil’s feet. ne It was this act that caused the great demonstration which we have “ 5 previously noticed, ao The boy stood in the center of the circle of crouching lions, any one of whom, it seemed, might tear him to pieces in a single instant, un- — daunted, and with nerves as firm and cool as a veteran's. ae The applause is tumultuous, and does not cease when the boy aud- denly utters that peculiar sound again, and holds out his right arm, over which, in succession, leap the four monarchs of the jungle, Then he stands erect, and holding out both arms, makes the : signa]. | e The lions spring over his outstretched arms, two and two in opposite directions, and then crouch down before him, awaiting farther

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ake YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. | ie: & running around him and springing over the other arm in the other direction. He cracks his whip and shouts, and they increase their speed, flying about him in quick circles, when, of a sudden, he drops upon one knee. “Ugh” The lions crouch and then leap towards him. if A shudder goes through that vast audience as they imagine that the heroic boy is doomed to a fearful death. _ Not so. His large, piercing eyes are fixed upon the brutes, and he knows full well that they dare not hurt him, He has them under the most perfect control, and can play with them as if they were so many frisky kittens. At the signal they leap toward, but not upon him, flying over his head in graceful curves. He suddenly cracks his whip in a peculiar manner, and one of the huge beasts falls prone in the center of the ring. ‘He leaps, upon the ereature’s head, resting one foot upon it and the other upon his body. Ugh!” The three others leap over his head with a terrible roar, which j creates an instant hush in the packed auditorium, ver person ex- ic pecting to see him torn to pieces. Again they are agreeably disappoirted. He cracks his whip once more, and another lion fall 3 i if dead by the side of the other. ke Neil stands with either foot upon the heads of the recumbent beasts, and the others leap over his head. This time they come from opposite sides, one under the other, and the boy half kneels as he utters the peculiar guttural. nother crack of the whip, and all four lions are stretched out upon ‘ound, apparently lifeless. lie boy springs to the ground in the center of the prostrate forms of the forest kings, as they are misnamed, and draws a pistol from some part of his costume where it bad been deftly concealed all the ’ eit hind legs, their gaping jaws wide open, and their eniormous paws ‘ch ching the air. Sik He walked around the narrow space cracking his whip, and they draw back, widening the cirele. " _ He seems to look at each lion simultaneously; cracking his whip, is ittering uncouth te beget quickly from side to re hive jon tg the aed power of will, ) see the superiority of human over brute intelligence, and it wledge of this fact that makes the lad so successful. nies and | ees he ease his whip, and the Sere | uh est and siesta their diste ed jaws, he ons ‘squat apon their rere folding their paws across pete neers He holds those monsters of the juugle injthe most comple abies Hae) z “tion, and no one need fear the slightest'accident, for be assured, ladies — ‘The brute eed ve his see ana ie a ‘moment ‘the lad inserts Be Af 45 1e fet loose four lions into | our ring to, perhaps, seein no end of bamay lives, \ them. } show. |'ana we » kn Then they open again, aud the boy releases his head, while a gen- eral breath of relief is drawn. Neil smiles to the audience, pats. the brute upon the head, and drops some delicate morsel into his jaws, — ** Ah, this is the power of kindness,” say the philosophers, It is nothing of the sort, Kindness is uttefly thrown away upon savage brates unless accom- panied by a display of the will, and the making them understand that is the man is the master, and that the brute must obey, without ques- —_ . tion. : Of this matter more anon. ; 6 i Neil performs the same feat in succession with the other three lions, Ss varying it occasionally by seizing the jaws of the brute with both a hands, and while holding them open, thrusting his head in between them. When he has gone the rounds he suddenly snaps his whip, and the brutes go flying around the ring in a mad chase, ‘ In succession he causes them to leap through, paper hoops and # fiery rings, and across banners and hurdles, climb steps, stand upon pedestals, ring bells, fire off pistols, and many other feats usually pers formed by horses, zi Suddenly the draperies are thrown aside and a huge cage appears in © sight, into which at a signal the beasts bound, and are locked in, after which the curtains are drawn, and, with a bow and a smile, the young wild-beast tamer disappears in the midst of a perfect torrent of ap- plause. i ' f He is called out again and again, responding with bows a smiles to the deafening cheers, until at last four clowns » muah noes ring and run ab him, ays He cracks his whip at them, whereupon they sit upon the ground with their legs distended and mouths open,"and give vent to 9 comica roar, The audience laughs, and Neil runs off, while the ‘clowns. give a comical performance previous to the introduction of a startling act of equestrianism by the principal riders of the company. rah We have seen the young wild-beast tamer in his marvelous | perfo ance which he repeats every afternoon and evening to delighted t sauds, und now let us review part de sii CHAPTER II. WHAT THE TWO CLOWNS FOUND—OUR HERO'S EARLY EXPLOITS. THE LIONS, ui son must understand, ladies and gentlemen, ” gaya the are Hot: superanuated, toothless old beasts that have been t around the world for the last twenty years, and have no life “ Upon the contrary, they were taken from their native ingle 8 38 than two years ago, and captured at. great, risk of life for a Ty } lives being gaerifioad | by them. ‘« Here you see an instance of American enterprise. Messrs, Hooker & Ketchum buy these beasts, Young Grizzly Adams tames them makes them the unique feature of a unique show. % “This young lad, scarcely fifteen years of age, possesses a ri able faculty for subduing wild beasts, having given exhibitio peculiar talent when but a child of four years. and gentlemen, that if there were tie slightest danger we would never Tt isthe artis ’s undo pied powers that insp e us th confidenet that nd is ting , brutes ‘ot di

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ae Bibi ae toto Maen eerie MeL: > s t YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS mightily, it was not strictly true in all respects, Neil being really At this time he displayed his remarkable faculty for taming ani- ae eighteen years of age. mals, and had every cat and dog in the neighborhood go trained that The purchase of the lions also, which had really been tamed by | they would do ulmost anything he would tell them. ci Neil, ag a matter of fact, was not exactly as had been stated, but as it was most amusing to see him, seated upon a low stool, putting én: boys always like to have astory ‘begin at the beginning,” we wil! | half a dozen kittens through their exercises, making them stand on proceed at once in due form to set before our readers the main events | their hind legs and beg, pretend to be dead, box, aes and do a of our hero’s life, from his earliest recollections up to the time when | dozen other comical tricks, y Hy we run across him in Australia. He would handle the most poisonous snakes at the | ey ‘of seven, Re if without the slightest fear, and would charm them so that they we iy “Hark, Dan, don’t you hear something?” perfectly harmless, x on No; come ahead.” He was introduced to the ring as a boy rider, but he did not fancy : Ws But I tell you I do.” that part of the business, and much preferred to watch the wild ani- % “ Nonsense; it’s growing late and beginning to rain; we shall get wet, and then I shall have a touch of rheumatism.” , * Thav'll only make the people laugh more at the ‘ grotesque contor- - tions of the inimitable Dan Rice,’ as the papers say.” ; “Yes, confound ’em, all the time I’m almost ready to holler with mals in their cages, talking to, and somehow or other seeming to enter into a most perfect understanding with them, red His father still continued to be a clown, although he had leftDan Rice, who for a time had retired from active life, to resume it again i after an interval of some years, ams carried the child, whose cries lad been the eta he had performing before the crowned heads and gaining fame and fortune. , to the hotel, where a s Slower el ahi ta was made, They came across Hooker & Ketchum, who had established a purely | _ American circus, and were at once engaged and went everywhere, _ Ne An Englishman who owned a large establishment, and who had | struggled vainly agains: failure, owed the proprietors of the American Circus a large sum of money which they had no hopes of getting. i In his possession were four powerful lions which no one could man’ age, and which had already killed a number of people. : PY Mr. Hvuoker met the Englishman in. Melbourne, Australia, and offered to take the lions as payment of his claim. ‘ The Englishman snapped at the offer in a minute, although the animals were worth much more than the sum given for them. — nM The brutes were delivered to the proprietors of Hooker & Ketehum Great American Circus, who presently found a! they had an a phant upon their hands, so to speak, The Englishman chuckled, and said to one of his enemies: “Them blarsted h’Americans are taken in, you know, demm | Them h’animals will h’eat their ’eads Woff in h’a month.” “ Baw Jove, me deab fellah, you're quite wight, They do feed b’awfully, ye know.” a ° « Blowed b’if I conld stand hit, ye know, Wand beiidha cetsan: he brutes was most h ‘annoylog to get h’along eee Hate two men L bon h’an’ Waverage,” Naat er | “These WAmerican fellabs will bust ae baw jove, b’ ‘and their | boasted h’enterprize will be nowheah,” # ter j yy There was too much truth i in the Temarks of the two ‘Englishmen to ele n would not consent to, but made a ‘com ; suit Messrs. cashme & ars : ups fo da pace they ha: en Neil Rice Adame, apa, the chil i se a the pain. That's all they know about—— Halloo!” Neil's education was by no means neglected all this time, and having = The famous clown suddenly stopped short in the path, and uttered learned to read, he eagerly devoured every book he could get hold of By an exclamation of surprise, which treated of animals, and more particularly the savage andun- He was on his way to the hotel after the circus performance, in com- | tameable ones. Pany with his assistant clown, one George Adams by name, but When he was ten years old he had no fear of entering the cage of known to the profession by another title, when the above conversation | lions—old, comparatively harmless fellows, and performing, in con- took place, junction with Pearce, the celebrated lion-tamer, until at last he con- ( i + Tke great Dan Rice Combination was traveling through the West, | caived a strong desire to tame wild beasts himself. gee and had stopped for a day at Columbus, Indiana, then a less flourish. One season, while traveling through the Far West, a man brought — Ang place t than at present. in a grizzly bear which had been captured by some hunters. The night was dark aud threatening as Dan lad said, and the great Neil took this creature in hand, ond by dint of perseverance and lowa had no notion of getting a touch of his agreeable rheumatism, | untiring patience finally succeeded in taming it, and after that he and ather hurried Adams, who wished to investigate the sound the bear were inseparable companions. , had heard. He was called Young Grizzly after that, and rather liked the name, — denly Dan struck his foot against something lying in the path, ; and for several years he exhibited that bear throughout the country, a nd jumped back ae if stung by a serpent. until one day, longing for its mountain bomie, it escaped and was shot iy amsiatooped down and picked up a bundle wrapped in an old | by a hunter. ; 4 Our hero then turaed his attention to wild beast taming, and regu: hi bundle ¥ was a live male child, little more than a year old. larly performed in a den of lions or tigers, the name of Young Grizzly — 1, I never!” said Adams; ‘‘it’s a baby, Dan, and a pretty little | Adams sticking to him and making him popular on account of the 0, ag well ag I can see by the light.” original of that name, whose exploits are known to every boy in’ be 4 hat ae you going to do with it, George?” land. Adams and his son were the best of friends, and loved each othes Keep itt Ah!” laughed Dan Rice, as he walked along, ‘‘it’s | more than ever father and son loved, each moligs proud of and doing ucky you are not a married man, ha, ha! Do as you like, George, but | his best to please the other, 4 I was you, I wouldn’t be bothered with it.” Neil and his father traveled all over the United States and En ope, ae y avihiatit that he had been abandoned utterly. § made numerous inquiries in Columbus concerning the boy, ambridge, Richmond, Indianapolis, and other places iu the , he resumed his inquiries, having lett word with the hotel eper at. Columbus bo, forward any information he might pick up. ere was none, however, and at the end of a week Adams found i elf the sole possessor of a healthy child, who had grown to love im nm devotedly, and who already, in his childish dialect, had begun to call him “da »” ip the ‘most entrancing manner. m him, was relegated to. the care of a nurse, pn traveled \is oster-father wherever he ant. ot an Rice, with characteristic generosity, tind him a present, } liars, and offered to make it five bundre : af " christened: Nei Adame, ana as the clown would ‘not be sepa- PES

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YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. Hooker & Ketchum were debating with each other one day whether they had not better kill them and get rid of the expense at once, when Neil stepped up. ‘* You are talking abofit the lions?” ‘e Yes. ” « You can do better than kill them.” ~ * So—so! What is it?” « Tame them and exhibit them in the ring.” ** Ha-ha! I’d like to see any one dc it,” said Hooker, ** You couldn’t get a man to go among them for a million,” said Ketchum. ‘They are as wild as when they were taken, if not worse.” ‘« V’ll agree to tame them,” said Neil, ‘‘ and caake them as harmless as kittens.” « You?” cried béth men in utter surprise. : ‘Yes, and make their performance one of the features of the show.” ‘« Tf you will Fil give you five hundred dollars,” said the one. . “ And V’ll d@the same,” added the other. * All right, gentlemen,” said Neil. ‘Pll begin my-work to-day, - and in a month I guarantee to put my head into their mouths and take it out again without getting a scravch!” Us t 4 CHAPTER IIL THE YOUNG LION TAMER’S SUCCESSES—TIHE DFEPARTURE—A START- nn i LING ORY, f Ner entered upon his self-appointed task that same day. | Selecting. the smallest of the lions, though they were all of good . Biz, being of the variety known as the Yellow Cape, inhabiting South : Africa in the region of the Cape of Good Hope, he had him put into a - eage by himself. ‘Instead of treating the beast with unnecessary cruelty at first, } f whieh i is too often the case, and which was what the beast had become accustomed to, Neil began by using kindness. Tt happened that this one was sick, and the boy, finding out what _ was the matter, applied some simple remedy. -__-‘Thig greatly, relieved the beast, and he felt grateful to the lad, and Bayt would not growl when he approached the vage. zie At last Neil ventured inside, apparently unarmed, and advanced dolly ag if fear was the one thing furthest from his thoughts, He had a knife concealed upon his person, and carried a small whip; but he did not intend to use either unless attacked. At first the beast regarded the intruder with anger, and Mt about to spring upon the lad. Neil fastened his large brown eyes upon the lion, and never once removed them, talking all the time in a soothing tone, vie held in his hand a little tid-bit which he knew the lion liked, and in, gently modulated accents called the brute to come and take it. _ The tone was so different from that ordinarily used that tie animal was puzzled, and evidently did not know what to make of it. He returned Neil’s gaze, fiercely at first, but as the boy never once Aeon his eyes, but kept them fixed upon him, his own glance soft- ened. Finally, soothed by the gentle tones, and evidently knowing that 2 Neil had something which would do him good, he walked over to ie ‘where the boy was awaiting him and took the morsel, Neil still gaz- ing: ‘at him intently, and keeping up that peculiar tone, now uttering coaxing words, aud then more gutturals, ee _ Neil had picked up & smattering of the Kaflir tongue, and these ig words he said over and over in every variety of intonation, the ais zie beast gazing upon him with the utmost wonder. __, After a. few moments the boy withdrew, being well sati-fied , ith ae first lesson. , The next day the lion evidently expected him, and would not eat until the boy himself gave him his food. ep. rok This time the beast seemed to invite the lad into his cage, and when Bs: he entered rabbed nase him,, fawbed upon him, and licked his” Becoming rather familiar, however, Neil spoke to him in a half ge- vere, half kindly tone, and immediately left the cage. The lion seemed to feel that he had offended the boy, and tried to coax him to re-enter the cage, but Neil would not notice him all day, talking to the other lions instead, and giving them little dainties. . The animal saw this and appeared to be very much ashamed; and when Neil came in the next day with his medicine, he behaved qui‘e properly, allowing the lad to pat his head, sit on his broad shoulders, and even lift up his paw, which bad been, cut by a knife, and which Neil had healed. In time the beast grew very fond of his young trainer, but seemed — to want to rejoin his companions. Neil led him into a cage in which one of the other lions had tase placed, and at first the other beast resented it, and growled furiously at the boy, though he did not attempt to molest him. The first lion walked up to the other and seemed to be holding a council with hfm, for presently che second ceased growlivg and the lowed Neil to approach him, He was a treacherous beast, however, and when Neil came near rushed upon him with a savage growl. Quick as a flash the boy drew his whip and gave him a cut across — the face. His eyes were fixed upon the beast with a stern, penetrating gaze which never faltered, while in low tones he commanded him to re- treat. The beast raised one paw as if to strike, and in an instant Neil — struck the offending member, and that only, with his whip, never once releasing his gaze from the animal, The huge creature cowered, slunk away, and Jay down in the re- motest corner, utterly abashed. He was conquered. The boy then changed his tactics, and treated the brute kindly, and finally @eparted, leaving the two lions alone, These two he called Castor and Pollux, after two famous twins ott mythology. i - : There was an evident understanding between the two brutes after — ; that, for when Neil came to the cage next day, Pollux, as the one lai ‘ est tamed had been named, was perfectly satisfied, and seemed a8 much delighted as the other at seeing him, : By degrees he brought the two lions to a perfect state of subjection, not neglecting the other two meanwhile, and after a time Castor | and Pollux would allow him to lead them from their cage, up an in- cline and upon the top of a gorgeous procession Biden? where they — would sit during a street parade, This proved to be a great attraction, and drew *hundreds to the show who otherwise would not have gone. Ran Gradually the lad had trained the two lions 80 that they could per- form tricks, and introduced them into the ring, where they proved an immense card. = The other two, whom he had named Nero and Leander, seeing tliat their fellows were having a good time, finally pongleitea to behave themselves. Neil worked with antiring patience, and by treating the tieast with kindness, praising them whenever they did anything well, and punish- — a ing them instantly when they offended, never letting them for a mo-. ae ment doubt his superiority to them, and always enforcing the strictest obedience, showing them, too, that he trusted them, succeeded vite ‘ in the prescribed time in accomplishing his task. Ay It was a happy day for George Adams when his adopted son frat introduced his thrilling performance with four unfettered lions in the : ring, and to Neil himself, his triumph was worth more to him than the thousand dollars which Messrs, Hooker & Ketchum had la over to him, The lions proved an instantaneous and electric success, and ter cus actually coined money wherever it went. Making the tour of Australia, they went over to vee Dit ¥ we Jo Re wich proved a land of gold indeed to them. ‘: Neil was constantly tegching his pets new tricks, and at the en i, ue a year his. Lear ll ir an entertainment in itself worth twice the j ‘such as we have described it. The lions, from ‘Pelee a nee eee Decams 0

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YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. 5 _ popular features of the show, thousands coming to see them who oth- It meant a horrible death to those who came in the way of the erwise would have remained away, : fierce animals; perhaps an utter panic followed by shipwreck. None but American artists were employed, thus making the show Who could foresee the result? distinet from all others, and the most unique combination of riders, Sailors deserting their posts, officers incapacitated for duty; an acrobats, tumblers, jugglers and specialists that had ever been seen | engineer unmindful of his responsibility in the face of that terrible in that part of the world. danger, an explosion the probable consequence; a frightened crew, | Australians are proverbial for their generous patronage of anything | terrified passengers; a hasty departure upon rafts or in boats; tedious that is really good, and Mezsrs. Hooker & Ketchum could have re- | days upon the ocean without food or water, and at last—death. mained there for five years, and made money all the time, had they All these things flashed through the mind of Neil, as he heard that 4: _ Pbeen 80 disposed, terrible cry ringing through the ship. e.. ‘the performers began to long for home, however, and so did the ‘« The lions are loose!” proprietors, and the present tour was announced to be the last in Something must be done upon the instant. Australia previous to their departure for the United States. Where is the sinister-looking man who said that perhaps our hero enormous, and when at last the party reached Melbourne, whence Below iu the hold. they were to take the steamer for San Francisco, the rush to see the What is he doing there? : ; daring riders, fanny clowns, and above all, the performing lions, of We shall see, ' ‘ - the Great’ American Circus, was so great that the proprietors were “ Follow me!” cries Neil, with a ringing shout. ‘ Perhaps some- delay their departure for 4 month, thing may be done yet.” Young Grizzly Adams became the talk of the town; his photograph, Even at that instant one of the beasts appears on deck. and those of his four lions, were exhibited in every shop window, and A young lady, one of the bareback riders of the circus, is within - found a ready sale; and when not performing he was feéed to his | ten feet of the ferocious beast. heart’s content by the hospitable inhabitants of Melbourne and vicin- He is crouching for a leap, and she, horror-striecken, knows not er, ACY \ whither to turn, but stands petrified with fear. y e craze extended to ail the principal performers, and the fatter Neil makes one bound forward, . At Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and other places, the crowds were | would never return to his home? ef Fs the pockets of the worthy propriétors grew, the better Were the pur- “Ugh? . formances. f The lion hears that peculiar sound, and remains as motionless as + ic “ That boy will make the fortune of any manager,” remarked | though carved from stone, ; i." es é Hooker, to his partner. ‘ He’s brought us in more businese with Neil reaches the young lady’s side, and standing between her death, seizes an iron belaying pin from the rail. Looking the lion full in the face, he advances a step and commands vn him to retreat. : The beast slinks away and returns to the ole ee. Neil follows: deer ae i He hears the shrieks of the terrified siceuee passengers, ‘ae roars of the lions, and the confused commands of the officers. “ Hvery man to his post!” he se with the air of one born to. command, He is in the hold and sees the lions crowded together in a holly evidently meditating mischief. With a fierce ery he is upon them, his ever-ready revolver in one hand, the iron belaying pin in the other. wi! “Ugh!” This time it is uttered with a different inflection. The lions understand it. With a bound they spring into the cage and lie down lest in. their corners. All but Castor, Neil’s pet, the lion he first tamed, and the most _ those lions of his than we've done for five years,” « Tell you what,” answered Ketchum, ‘the luckiest thing we ever did was buying them lions.” «You bet; and old Flashey who sold ’em Lo us thought he’d stuck us bad.” + €So.it looked at first; and I thought we had a mighty big elephant 1 our hands, instead of which we’ve got a bonanza.” “ And all owing to that lad. Tell you what, iv’ll pay to treat him irst-class, n Ne faatigentoinates had been given in Melbourne, the many traps : ‘ol he show packed away and put aboard the steamer, the wild beast ; cages lowered into the hold, and the last leave-taking made, one bright morning, Neil standing upon the steamer’s deck waving his handkerchief to a party of ladies on the wharf, ae whom he had be- come well acquainted during his stay in the city. There was quite a large list of cabin passengers, the employees of “the cireus occupying more than half of the staterooms, and also a f - considerable number in the steerage, ” As Neil stood on deck, one of these latter, a man of say forty-five yen of age, having a hardened look, stood in the forward part of the tractable of the whole drove. mY SKN ship, and gazed earnestly toward the lad. Neil pats this beast on the head, talks consolingly to him, and tells ~Cuss him!” he muttered, ‘It’s the same, I'll take my oath! | him to go back to the cage, a 3 ane home, is he? Not if I know it. st everybody is aboard, the steamer cast off, and with a glad m ‘those on shore, moves away from the pier into the harbor, The animal starts, and then suddenly pauses. Neil again commands, but the beast utters an angry roar, and | lashes hia brawny sides with his tufted tail. What ean be the matter? ; Sane companied by a small tugboat, , after some days, the broad expanse of the Pacific Ocean Are the boy’s powers failing him at last? an ached, and the steamer plowed her way gallantly through the There is but little light in the hold, and objects at any distance are ‘ : too obscure Lo be recognized. ; ee ; Everybody was in excellent spirits, and-Neil made many friends The lion, with his cat-like eyes, sees something which the boy cane of not. Suddenly there is a rush, and Neil feels a sharp pain dart through Bi: EE SD SIS NS Sak NN OE Saar OE TR SR at = Sa eS Se ee eet among the passengers by his pleasant, gentlemanly ways. he lions evidently did not mind the voyage ag much as it was . thought they- would, but Neil went down to see them every day, the 25 tes greeting him with the wildest demonstrations of delight. _ Ove day, when about two weeks out, as Neil was walking the deck, ling ery was heard, his head. He reels and falls prone upon the deck of the darkened hold, all o sense ddserting him, & A man has struck him to the deck, and is even now advaneing to A ‘ complete his work. r) Who is it? The steerage passenger with the hardened look upon his Notasons ; He advances with a look of hate in his eyes, and’ raises @ Keen dagger with which to kill the young lion tamer. z Another actor appears, and comes to the defense of we oy. It is the lion, Castor. ae i ‘roar that Resonnda hough —— * CHAPTER IV. bp SAVED BY A LION. -

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4 YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. “ante Standing over the prostrate form he raises one huge paw in warn- | — CHAPTER V. ing, and growls angrily at the man who, with uplifted kuife, stands A LION AS A DETECTIVE. ‘ . ae nny. Hotah. Mam: THE young lady whose life Neil had sayed, was, ag already stated! The brute has saved the life of the human. one of the riders in the company, and was called Hdna ‘Dart. But for him the villain would, in another instant, have plunged his Bayi Her ring title was M’lle Rayon, but’as we shall have occasion to Knife Into the boy’s heart. speak of her more than once during the course of this yeracious nar- ‘Standing guard over the body of his beloved keeper, the lion de- a civaowwa anaulandl nee simply Edna, ’ fies the pee eae by Lp oe inl a de ke eee Edna, then, was sitting upon the hconienadh deck, Under the mapas A sound of approaching footsteps is heard, and the baffled villain | of an awning, an hour or go'later, awaiting the appearance of Neil. i } slinks away ee the darkness, ee ; a “The work, below had been all fi yer tisfactory manner, and a The first officer and a number of sailors carrying labs and weap- a guard ordered to ‘be stationed overt ‘hwo Bay aud night, in 7 ons, appear in the hold. doa . a i dtder to prevent any repetitions of the scenes in the mornin The lion is licking Neil’s face and whising Pe Ss E aan % B. ie : is eee ; aL - But for Neil’s prompt action, it was more than likely that the other: al ‘He has mee the poor boy,” says the officer. Dispateh thes wild ‘animals would have become excited and broken out, fa nhich i Petar ae sate | ease they would have ali had to Be sacrificed, and there was no tell- r. Hooker now a r \ ing how many human lives might te been lost before ’ niet had Stop, stop!” he cries; ‘‘I don’t think it is as bad as that. “Ab, idk sabato < 644 7 here is Mr. Adams.” A Arrayi et nee Ny ' | } ying himself in a iabatntia! sit of wi linen, for the weather 2 “ Neil, my boy!” shouts thé old clown. | ‘* Are you much burt? was quite warm, Neil came upon deck, and ong Edna, walked over E The boy hears, and raises his head. ; toward her. Ay, ay ; ag _ ‘The lion shows every indication of joy, and wags his tail, not in “ Have you faddveralt peal yout fright, “ais Dan askell ‘the Jad, rd [apiece gid fags raising his straw hat. es : ie Neil half arises and looks about him. ‘You have saved my life, Mr. Adame,” cried t ‘He sees the Jion standing guard over him, and ante his hand to his ing to her feet, and seizing his hand. “ How ean I re head. ‘ y i : a ; F ness? There is blood ey it! i Pear aa . “ By calling me Neil, instead of Mr. Adams yr aad » * Castor, old boy,” he says, “how did this happen? ‘: Then you must call me Edna,” replied ae. He ‘The lion growls. “ With all my heart.” ~ : Someone struck me and then tried to finish the work, but you | © pep thay both sat down opposite each other, sh Ny 9 x would not let them? Is that the case? an easy steamer chair, her white lace purasol above h in a camp chair, his hat pushed back from his forel ee Is it. any of these?” asks Neil, pointing to his friends, now ad- | Poforeaneto pra vithendt for the ie : the heat was nearly unendurable. te The lion looks at them in an indifferent sort of manner, and then Somehow. or thie ‘though, they a to lo ’ us “rubs. his great head against Neil’s leg. i i n the shady part of the deck, conversin and knowin othi «No, ‘evidently not,” says the Jad. ‘* Whoever he is we will find | what was Line on about them, sd oh eo him out, old fellow. Now, go back to your cage like a good beast, In fact, here was the beginning ofa. oe romance, : Twill bring you something nice to eat. though neither knew it, they were already deeply inlove. 4 he boy stands upon his feet, and the lion jumps at once into his Hdna was about the same height as Neil, though Testis i i ve ‘s tanomeeee’ and had the fairest complexion ever seen; her eyes being a pale, ble oes up and examines the fastenings While closing thé. cage. | gray tint, and her hair a lovely auburn, looking like a mass of wo dn “Someone has been tampering with these bolts,” he Beye. “They | sunbeams. ie ere strong enongh to hold aes ah ee | She was as graceful and lithe’ as a willow, and was one of the ‘Who could have done it?’ says Ketcham. “* Weare always pat | tractions of the circus, second only to Neil himself, and fally as ace tiewlar abont those things. Ab, ha! someone who understands his complished in her line as he was in his. 88 has been at work here,” he continued, examining the locks | « Don’t you get afraid of those horrid beasts sometimes?” ana ig which liad not been broken by the lions, as wag at first sup | yim. s¢T should think you ‘would be afraid of your life every ‘tim ei; h i perform.” 0 has been design here,” remarked Adams, Someone has | «You do not become frightened, do you,” replied Neil, “ a ” f / ' A to put our lives in danger, go sweeping around the ring on your favorite steed, while the ‘your son’s,” said Hooker, ‘seeing that he was afierwards ders of applause ring in your ears?” Swit Oe 1d but for the lion must undoubtedly have been killed.” “yd 5 ae Have time,” she answered, naively, ‘and thon, could wish to harm hin?” said tee ‘Not any one iM | yaok so that I know he will be careful, and always do his dest. any, ’ll be bound!” } “ So do I love my lions, and am too busy to think of the indeed!” eried all the members of the troupe present. “* “Not though I know I run a great risk. Castor would not burt me, | 8 would hurt a hair of his head.” "a { but I don’t feel so sure about the others,” jie y ny of the crew,” apoke up the officer. * We are all agford | Have you any idea who set them loose?” ‘on are, gentlemen, and believe me, if- the oflender is dis- | None whatever. Idid not fancy that I had an ‘oneroy will go hard with him. ” “\y ; whole world until now. 1am sure I do ye know What th for the blacksmith,” said Neil, ‘and I will see that these | ,,otive could have been.” of ad fastenings are made sufficiently strong: ‘to Aishe his a Second ‘Tt ig. a very mysterious ease. cr ; of this kind” \ rte “Very. Sappose we talk about something else,” he er was chee more restored in the ship, the danger having: been | The young people had many interviews after that, p mounted, and then all hands’ began ‘speculating upon the ate moonlight nights, when the air was soft and balmy, a ‘the person who had done the mischief. R in harm ith their el thoughts, sea ands : piartery in the bd hig the villain communed with: himeeit | premon id \ i and serene, donee, Neil Adams, bat the second. cetomt wilt be ay i

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YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. _ The city was duly billed and placarded, and great things were ex- Neil was pronounced ‘‘the best yet,” and his ears were fairly aplit : “pected, it being needless to add that the expectations were more than | with the thunders of applause showered upon him. realized. He put his “‘ pets,” as he denominated them, through the mhale of : : On the first night after the arrival, Neil was walking along Leaven- | their exercise, caressed them, gave them little ‘Gainties, and talked worth street, when he saw a shabby-looking man just going into a | pleasantly to them, at the same time never letling them forget for a large drinking saloon. second that he was their master, and demanded implicit obedience, As he disappeared, the man cast a glance of hate at Neil, which His part of the programme' was generally toward the end, and ; the latter observed and wondered at. previous to appearing he would, after he was dressed for the ring, f , He puzzled bimeelf to think where he had met that man, and pres- | Spend some ten or fifteen minutes with the animals, in order to get nf ~ ently he remembered him distinetly. pit | them in trim for their performance. ie He had been a steerage passenger. in the steamer, and Neil had Edna came on for an act, after the lions had retired, the four clowns _ More than once seen that baleful glance directed at him. doing @ little interlude between the two, and she always took a good + Who can he be, and what can he mean?” thought Neil. ‘I must | share of the applause which Neil had received. watch him.” She was a8 graceful as a fairy, and seemed to be a part of ber ; He entered the place and saw the man, after haying taken a drink, | horse, so well did she ride, doing the most graceful feats with an ease departing by another entrance, that made them seem the simplest things imaginable. : * Do you know that man?” he asked of one of the bartenders, Every afternoon and evening the tents were packed to their fullest ‘pointing to him. capacity, hundreds being turned away, and the genial proprietors con- “ His name is Robbins, I think. I never saw him before to-day, } gratulated themselves upon their instantaneous success, Le a8 I can recollect; but he has been in several times already, and has ; The expense of maintaining such an extensive organization wag ‘a number of cronies, and I hearé them call him Robbins.” ‘|’something enormous, and a week’s bad business at the beginning: of “Thank you,” said Neil, ‘He looked at me as if I ought to know | the season would have nearly swamped them. % ; and I thought if I heard his name I might recollect him.” Tt had cost considerable to bring the company over from Austr, Voie and it needed a good run of business to regain this, and give fs thio! good start. 3 i f The first three or four days’ business settled all doubts! upon this. point, and as the receipts swelled, the feelings of all, Proprietors, per- formers and helpers, kept pace with them. : Neil was the hero of the hour, and not a young lady in: the city but had his photograph in ring costume, surrounded by his lions, dis- — played in a conspicuous place; and if he received one id at note he got a hundred of them every day. ; a 7 oe know him. Mach obliged to you, all the esiepatitily siege? four African lions, brought to a per- He had seen Robbins once or twice since the opening day, Ga ‘al- same 00 p and see me next hb ” and Neil tossed the man a 7 2} ouple o ha less condition by the great wild beast tamer, Young Grizzly | though it was generally in the circus tent, he never came within sight, of the lions but what there was an uproar at once. Neil was generally on hand to quiet Castor with a gentle word Y some tidbit or another, and always managed to quiet the distury co. : almost immediately. Upon one of these occasions Neil followed the man, and whee were beyond the crowd, said, quietly: : ‘« My lions don’t seem to like you, sir.” «No, curse them, I believe that smallest one would like to uae to pieces.” **You must have offended him in some way. He does not tr others so, scarcely notices them, in fact,” bf ‘*] never saw the brute before, Why should he be offende Self was walking about, dressed in street costume, and un- by the crowd. of admiring sightseers, d not observe ieee Ay ch him,” thought Neil, and followed the man carelessly, ‘ eople between. himself and the man, 80 that if the lat- ter shoulé chance to turn suddenly, he would not be observed. ee man walked on thon’ eine around, and presently arrived mere were others doing the sama mt a rope being stretched in oe the cage at a distance of about four feet, to prevent people Neil said nothing, but gaye the mana ‘peculiar look, w om putting their hands on the bars, or poking their Sticks and | derstood thoroughly. mrlas at the beasts, a habit which some people have, we are sorry He knew that Neil was perfectly. aware that he was ] boy simply said, pleasantly: yi ‘of the lions were asleep, one. was sitting up, gazing with in- | ‘‘I would advise you not to go too near bim, for. it will: hte at the people, and the fourth, Nero, by the way, Was walk- the people and excite the beast. I cannot always be by | to aiet sly up and down the cage, “ Are you the young man that i aa in the ring | with as asleep, but ag the hardened-looking man paused in | lions?” , m, he suddenly sprang up, sniffed the air, and rushed to “ As if you didn’t know I hes said Neil to himself, soswering fs simply in the affirmative. @ 5 = = =z oe as .2 a=) 5 +} S a ta i = Dee S © = 3 o Bo sti 5 = ‘aa | ° =] = a os a 20 €F te s — S J a a 8 .] = = 2 = ba 3 3 ro) oS o7 2 sb ber SS ° Be a aes i oO cepying obie darted an angry glance at ane and | afraid that they mill burt. you” ds agel ee aaa out one huge paw ag if anxious to get at On the ‘contrary, we are great friends, and the follow tha # é likes you so much saved my life not long ago,” fy 1 people Mouth the the cage sputtered a series of terre shrieks and “ Indeed?” grunted the man, as if doubting the ane of the state : thet man Robbin etreating hastily, ee | ment, “* You must feel obliged to him.” st li , age beast by a word, and then as he walled, - I do, for he is a keen detective, as well ag my protection ttered to himself: APSE other lions should by any means cut up rough, that one would ta e man ‘who freed the lions hai ae to il me, Now, my part.” eres ‘ ERaet et Ha, hal very wonderful, indeed! And: you ‘say he isa detectiv : i ; “Yes,” eeracke 1) % ‘ yee ‘How 0?”

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a 8°. YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. in the ring, I doubt if I could be able to hold him in until he nad torn the villain to pieces, I might, but J doubt it!” The next night after this conversation, what was Neil’s horror to gee the man sitting in one. of ae front rows, and where he was in plain sight from the ring. ig Fortunately he saw him before making. hie entrance, and going to the assistants, told them not by apy means’ to let, Castor out when they opened the cage, but to keep him in a corner, Ge tes os Then he ran to Mr. Hooker, and briefly related the chaeicaiie of | tle lion’s having discovered the man to be his master’s mysterious assailant. ‘«] daren’t let him see the fellow, fer he would certainly kill him,” said Neil, ‘I shall’have to perform without him, and that is danger- ous, because he keeps the others in check.” « Serve the scamp right if he did get eaten up,” said Hooker, ** but of course, we can’t have that, The business would be ruined, I'll bet a dollar that the fellow would like to see those three brutes misbehave and hurt you some way.” f . «‘T know he would. I shall go in without Castor, and watch the others more closely than ever, Have someone make the announce- ment.” ‘¢ What will they say?” “ Oh, anything; say he's sick, or got the toothache, or Ghsamiaitnne eae “ All right; I'll speak to your father about it.” +. Just before Neil went into the ring, Adams came forward and made the foliowing announcement: Ladies and gentlemen, fellow congressmen, brother reprobates, _ boys, girls and infants:—The lion Castor has got a stomach-ache, and his kind master does not consider it proper that he should perform ; to night, as, moreover, there are several officers of the Society for the = Prevention of Brains present. Consequently we have given him a dose of Castor oil; see the point?—and trust by to-morrow afternoon he. will be ready to continue his remarkable performance. You will ‘now see the infant phenomenon play with his three fiery, untamed ens. Houp-la!” He sprang from the ring amid a tumult of laughter and applause, nd the next moment the band struck up some wild, barbaric music, and Neil rode in on his chariot. ‘The three lions went through their performances, Neil never let- ing his eyes off them,-and keeping them strictly to their business. ‘The whip was snapped oftener than usual, the foot stainped. more _ frequently, and every nerve and fibre strained to its utmost to prevent ; the least outbreak. The lions knew that Neil would have nothing but the strictest dis- line, and he displayed his power to the utmost. Everything went off well, and at last the lions were sent back to heir quarters for the night. The lad saw a shade of disappointment cross the face of Robbins, nd after the act of the lions he left.the building. “Take care, my friend,” said Neil, as he saw the man go out, and tien went himself to his dressing-room. ‘I shall not always pro- tect you from my tawny pet; for if yoa provoke me, I'll turn’ him loose on you, as I’m a sinner!” CHAPTER VII. THE FUNNY GENTLEMAN—THE REBUFF, Ir was the last week of the stay of the circus in San Francisco. ing, eck a middle-aged, respectable- looking gentleman suddenly ace osted him. — 0] beg your pardon, ai but have I not seen you before?” inquired ‘ “ T never go to the circus,” 4 * No? You don’t know what you have’ missed,” with a pleas sant j smile, a ‘“Exeuse my interest—curiosity, perhaps, you may call. it—but would you tell me your name?” APES aio 8 “ Neil Adams, or Young Grizzly Adams, on. the b er EE eh “Adams? Are you not mistaken?” ae ‘¢ pies ** No, sir.” inp pe “ "It’ § very strange; I can’t ‘make it out at’all, “One George Adams, a clown in the circus.” Who is your father?” ‘* Indeed! How old a man is he?” i “ About your age, 1 should think.” a And you are how old?” y “« Bighteen, they tell me, though of course I cannot swear to that.’ “No, indeed. This man is your own father?” ‘*T know notking to the contrary.” ** Would you mind asking him?” ** Not at all.” ‘ “And could you meet me at the Occidental to-night after the show, and tell me the result of your inquiries?” if ‘¢ T suppose I could.” é } * Will you?” asked the gentleman, greatly excited. | ‘*] don't know,” said Neil, doubtfully, not altogether satisfied if the man were a friend onan enemy. ‘* Why are you so particular about : it?” ‘*T have my reasons.” « But you prefer not to mention them?” ‘ Well, no, not at present, at least. Meet me to-night, and if the answer is as I expect, I will tell you all.” ‘Very well, sir. Good-morning.” “ And you will meet met” 2 “ Perhaps.” h : * Confound it!? muttered the gentleman, : as Neil disappeared inthe - crowd, ‘why couldn’t I have told him what I think?’ He may not be the one, though, and I don’t want to be taken in by an impostor, He looks honest, though, and not one of that sort.” ie He walked along slowly, and presently began musing again, In the cireus, eh? I don’t like that—wish he was somewhere else. et Very natural, though, after all I must follow this up. He seems | regard me with suspicion. Can’t make it out at all.” In afew moments he suddenly brushed against a man, in his abe straction, and turned to make an apology. ’ Then he uttered an exclamation of surprise, and grasped the oiher man’s‘hand warmly, —- 3 “« Why, bless my soul! Alonzo Crowell, as I live! old fellow? Delighted to see youl”. “Mr. Wentworth! Where did you spring from?” “ China; only got in this morning. Busy?” an ‘No; not very.” Ns | “Come in here. 1 want to talk to you. Stillin the detective line?” x “ Yes.” ste “Then you're the very man I want! Come in here; T’ve got a Job for you.” : Wentworth led the way into a hotel, and the two men sat down in a retired corner by themselves. Thee ‘‘ Now, see here,” said the old gentleman, hurriedly, ‘ you remem= ber, don’t you, about my having lost—— Stop, stop; have a oleat “«T don’t mind,” f “Well, Ido. So here goes; light? All right. Let me see, where. Li was I?” rage, as “«T really couldn’t tell you.” et ‘Oh, I know. I had a gon stolen from me some years age; t member it, don’t you?” i “ You have told me so, I believe.” “YT always fancied that the boy was dead, Run around | you know, can’t think of anything. Neglected the little fello , Tsu pose, tuo bad of me, I declare!” 4 “ You think now that, perhaps, he is still alive?” . “Thats it, that’s it! I declare, you detective fellows always ko what a man’s thinking about. Seventeen years is a jong fe ie eh?” “ Yes, ” : e at « Seventeen years, How are you, 9 niised the. old gentleman, slowly. 1c then; come a now to 1 m be

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Sire ae Le YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. : es + - Weer ERR ; : ** You'll have no trouble finding one. There are lots of young fel- Neil wag sitting on the piazza of the hotel, awaiting the time’ when § if ‘lows who'd be delighted to do it.” he should have to go to the tent for the afternoon performance, ashe © “So there are, yes, indeed, lots of ’em—lots! Tell you what, though, | now appeared in the grand entree, riding in a chariot drawn by two i want to take my pick; not a bad notion, eh?” lions, when someone approached. “ No, indeed!” | It was the detective, Crowell. hs ** Now, Jook here,” in short, quick tones, ‘* That boy of mine is Neil distrusted the man, and had not Seen him since he had lef Saw alive—know it, feel sure of it. Find him, eh, if give you a few hints?” | Francisco, having already been in Sacramento four days. 2 ni es *<¥ will endeavor to.” As the man advanced, Neil arose and turned toward the door, *F 2 “ That’s good—very good! Hunt him up; bring him tome! Give *¢T beg your pardon,” said Crowell, in a gentlema ly tone.“ “You, you a thousand dollars! Enough?” are called Neil Adams, are you not?” ss ei: eave “I should think so. Have you got anything to work upon?” . * Yes,” said Neil, shortly, not at all in his usual pleasant: manner. © Yes, of course. Saw the boy myself this morning!” ‘“« Could you grant me a few minutes’ conversation?” “ Why under the sun didn’t you tell him then?” ** Not now.” ‘Hum! Funny—ain’t it? The,young cub snubbed me! Asked ‘© T won’l take over a minute. I only want to ask——” him to meet me to-night—what do you suppose he said? ‘ Perhaps,’” *« You really must excuse me,” said Neil, walking toward the door. with an excellent imitation of Nefl’s manner. ‘¢ T must go at once to the circus and attend to my lions,” : ‘« Really, now, you have more than an hour to spare.” Neil was in the doorway by this time, and, turning half around, he said, satirically: ‘¢ As you seem to know so much about my business, it’s 9 wonder you don’t go into it.” Then he went up to his room and remained for half an hour. Crowell was still on the piazza when he came down, but jumping: into a carriage which stood at hand, the boy was driven rapidly away. / ‘ ‘*Confound it!’ muttered Crowell, “I must get in a word. E wonder why he treats me so coldly? I cannot understand it.” : In the afternoon, when the show was out, he again tried to speak: f to Neil, but the latter went at once to his room, leaving word that. | he would see no one. : After dinner Neil sat in the shade with his feet upon the piazzo~ rail, reading a newspaper, when Crowell again approached. Neil glanced past the man and saw the disreputable bhitagpoid! partly concealed by a tree, gazing at him. That decided him. ‘Will you speak to me now?” asked the detective. “Can you prove positively that he is ean son? Any birthmarks **No; so you may as well go off with your accomplice.” ! jewelry, marks on clothing?” “My accomplice?” he repeated, in astonishment, as Neil arose to *« Are: you sure it was he?” rth marks? No—all nonsense—didn’t tattoo him with his full = his feet. ‘‘ I don’t understand you.” : “« Well, po, not exactly—that is—that’s what I want you to find out. ‘a Seventeen years is a good while—babies sometimes change, you know. Still, those eyes, and the mouth, By jove, there can’t be any, - mistake! Pity if 1 don’t know my own child! Swear to it!” *¢ Do you know the young gentleman’s name?” - ‘ Ahal there you are again! Quite forgot’ where I was going! To be sure—asked him for it! Queer name, too—Grizzly, Young Grizzly odd, ain’t it?” . Young Grizzly Adams, do you'mean?” | yee By George, that’s it! Neil Adams, alias—the other thing. Can’t emember these barbarous circus names! What an idea—call a boy after a bear--shocking!” “He tamed a grizzly bear when quite a lad, I understand, and so aI they call him after that incident.” Don't’ ‘say sol By George—his mother was fond of all sorts of “queer things—same boy, I tell you! Not a doubt of it! Goand see him; tell him I’m worth seven or eight hundred thousands—want omeone to spend it for me— paternal feelings and all—work it up! Understand!” , ‘ lame and ‘address, either—heard of such things—all foolishness! ‘Oh, no, of course not, but I understand you st aca answered. 4 sid watch and chain, diamond rings and all that? Nota bitof it— Neil, dryly. ga es marked, that’'s,all—wife did that, poor ‘achimnye we'd be ** Will you tell me simply if you are or are not the——” Hs Lip “Missing link? No; I am not. There he stands—that dirty= fi looking pon that you honor with your confederacy! Good- ry evening.” Neil was gone in a moment, and Crowell, turning, saw Robbins. walking away. He posted after him in a moment. ‘ See here!” he cried, catching hold of the fellow; ‘ wae are you?” E “That’s my business!” growled Robbins. ‘ Take you hands ofls es you will soil my coat.” : Well, I never!” said the detective; « you're a rum one. ¥ * Do you want to treat?” ‘*T don’t mind,” answered the other, thinking that poneitey he might get some information out of this odd character, As the two walked away in company, Neil came out upon the Piazza and saw them, eas “To be sure,” he muttered, ‘“ I knew they were in league with. each other.” The next day was Saturday, and he kept secluded all day, excey of course, when he was at the circus, but then no one could on in his way to see him, Neil saw no more of the detective during his stay in n Sacramento, and hoped that he had seen the last of him. In the course of a week or so the show stopped at Carson © and: did a good business. On the second day, as the boy was hae titania the hotel, | having walked from the cireus grounds, he came face to foo j Crowell. d “ Will you tell me whether you are the sot of Mr A find, him some time, Died in that belief,” You say his features are like yours?” ine? No, indeed—nice looking he'd be, wouldn't he? Like mae you want me todo in the meantime?” he boy—find out whether old Adams is really his father, if from central New York. Clothes were marked ‘N,. W.,’ not thwest, but Nathaniel Wentworth, Understand?’ age a will see the lad at ante n the evening he met with the same rebuff, though be sent in an. rgent 0 2, which Neil threw aside after a hasty perusal. in the next morning’s papers the two following notices were printed. ‘ INFORMATION WanTED.—Of Nathaniel Wentworth, stolen from his ts seventeen years ago, Supposed to be now in the circus »usi- Call on Crowell, No. — Leavenworth street, San Francisco,” ONAL, —If N. A, will call at the Occidental to-day, he will | omething to his advantage, i Rossins.” i all in the plot,” said Neil ‘and I won't have cipclaara em. ‘I didn’t think that of the old gentleman,’ eee * ; : k ‘CHAPTER vin,

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5 eae 7 + yk SEC rae * 19 YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. ‘* Rebuffed again, by Jove!” muttered the detective. ‘It beats all that I can’t get in a word. TI’ll have to disguise myself.” Now that Neil knew the man was on his track again, he kept himself secluded, and when he went to the circus always took a carriage, returning by the same means, The next day, which was the last of their stay in this place, he saw Crowell at a distance, and avoided him as befora, In the evening the tents were packed to suffocation, the perform- ‘ance being vociferously applauded, Neil came in with his lions, and also which was well received, : One side of the ring was built up with a lot of set-rocks, and at the base was encamped a party of gypsies. They fall asleep, and one leaves a child by the fire, hunter approaches, seizes the child, and bears it away, As he does so, four lions rush upon him, and one seizes the ehild in his‘mouth, and rushes off. The hunter fights with the three lions, and kills them, and then giving chase to the other, forces him to surrender the child. The gypsies awake and attack him; but he, declaring that they have stolen the child from him, fights them valiantly. \ He is about to be overpowered when the fourth lion comes to his agsistance, and the gypsies retreat, while the hunter goes to sleep with the child in his arms, and his head pillowed in the shaggy mane of the lion. Neil, of course, was the ‘hunter, Castor the protecting lion, the child a dummy, while the other characters were taken by the various mem- bers of the company, the march at the beginning of the litile play being particularly good. Neil was careful to have his whip constantly in readiness, and the fight with the three lions was more of a fight than many imagined. More than once the animals were about ‘to cut up rough,” as Neil called it, and he used his whip and his eyes pretty freely in enforcing strict obedience. At last the thing was over, a little curtain was let down, and the lions sent to their cages, after which the performance proceeded. Edna was riding, when suddenly a noise was heard in the region of the dressing-room. The young equestrienne continued the performance, so as not to create an excitement, but Neil, knowing that something was wrong, ran in the direction of the sound. *« What is it?” he asked of one of the canvas men. « Hyena got mad, threatening to break out, bouncing against the cage like the devil, bust it in a minute!” ‘Got a hot iron?” “ Yea, the one the ‘ Fire King’ uses.” “ Bring it to me, and harry up.” Neil soon reached the cage of the hyena, and found the animal in a terrible rage. There was a great danger of his breaking from his confinement, the cage being not over strong. The brute had one of its paws outside, and was trying to wrench the introduced a new act, Presently a _ Sars locse, at the same time uttering a horrible roar. Neil*struck the paw a cut with his whip, and the animal with- dew it. With another howl he dashed against the side of the ‘cage, which could not stand such treatment long. If he got out there would be a panic, and the excitement might extend to the other animals. As the fierce brute made a final dash at the bars, Neil struck him several blows over the face, He retreated, and was about to make another spring, which would In his hand he held a long bar of iron, red hot, and protected on the cool end by a heavy piece of felt. Neil seized this weapon with both hands and tlirust it into the cage ; as the hyena rushed forward. ai y ANew rapid blows with this formidable big 2 reduced the beast to submission, and he soon afterward was transferred to a safer cage : without any trouble. 7 ‘Thus had Neil’s coolness again prevented a shocking catastrophe. 7 CHAPTER IX. NEIL If MADE A PRISONER AND SERVES A FRIEND A SCURVY TRICK, THREE men sat in one of the side-show booths a few minutes previ- oua to the conclusion of the performance that same evening, As it was the last night in town, the tents would be struck while the audience was dismissing, and the packing up be commenced imme- diately, The booth had been dismantled of its attractions and would soon be pulled down, but the men appear to have nearly finished their conver- sation, by what follows. *« You will be sure and get him into the carriage?” says a seedy- looking man with @ sinister expression, whom we can easily recognize ag Robbins. ‘* You're.right,” says another of the group, @ man dressed as a hack- driver. and he won’t never suspect anything, but’ll get right in as clever as a mouse.” , “You'll drive him to my place?” said the third man. «© You bet, and if you fellows will wait for me and be on hand when I driveup, we won’t have no trouble.” ‘You can rely on us,” grunted Robbins. ‘I don’t fancy having that kid living to bother me and do me out of a fortune,” Md ‘Oh, that’s it, is it?” said the driver. ‘‘Confound him! I tried to get rid of him on the steamer, but it was no use, and now I daren’t go near that lion of his; he knows me and would kill me if he got a chance.” “ Them lions will be in ‘want of a trainer ansene® laughed the other man, who was one. of the canyas-men, a fellow named Jake Burns, whom Robbins had bribed to do his bidding. Neil was, of course, the person to be abducted, and the driver was to take him to a pluce where Jake was well acquainted, and there to be disposed of as Robbins deemed fit. The plan was well contrived and promised to work well; did or not we shall see. When Neil had finished dressing, after the show, he packed his ring costumes iv a small valise and came out to look for his carriage as usual, There was but one vehicle in waiting, and calllng out to the driver, he asked if he had come to take him home. ‘« Yes, sir, I’m your man,” answered the fellow on che box. right in, sir; I'll leave you there in a jifly.” Neil entered, sat down, and slammed the door, when the carriage drove off ut a rattling pace. Neil was so busy with his thoughts that he did not notice whither the man was driving, the night being dark, but after a while he began to think that they ought to have reached the hotel by that time. whether it houses, ‘« This can’t be the right road. The man must have made a ‘mis- take,” said Neil. ‘ I don’t remember this road at all.” He looked again and saw that they were now entering. a narrow lane shaded by trees, «« By Jove!” muttered Neil, ‘‘I see it all, that villain, that scoundrel of a detective whom I saw hob-nobbing with old Robbins—the villain!” Once this thought crossed his mind, he set about making bis escape, He did not know the way back, but that did not matter; the villains should not carry him off if he knew it. G He intended to leave the carriage at once, and ee his way back 2 on foot. He tried the right hand door first. It was securely fastened ! The villains had evidently foreseen that he might try to’ escape. “I've got rid of his own man what always takes him home, | «Jump, He looked out of the carriage windows and saw that they a ; driving along a country road, with no lights visible, and but few This is another plat of Then he tried the left hand door, the one by which he had entered, 4 The knob turned easily, and the door swung open, Ah-hal then eseape was at hand, after all. He sprang out, heading the same way the carriage was going. As he reached the ground the driver reined up his horses, ““"" | despite his resistance. He <8 quickly Jie and dragged into a house by, two hie He started to run, but on the instant was seized and Ba ,

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« cries being smothered and his struggles rendered abortive by the strong grasp of his captors. Z The driver jumped from the box and went to the assistance of Rob- bins and Jake, Between the three Neil was powerless, and despite his resistance was carried to an upper room and locked in, the bandage over his - mouth and eyes being then removed. He found himself in a small, scantily-furnished apartment, having two windows, through which the only light the place afforded entered. The door was locked on the outside, and probably guarded, as Neil cr heard a’man walking up and down in the hall, evidently for the pur- pose of preventing his getting out. ‘This is a nice mess,” thought our hero. ‘I'd like to know who these fellows are. There were three, including the driver; the other two must be Robbins and this fellow Crowell, I’d like to have a talk- ing to them for about five minutes,” He took a survey of his apartments, for the purpose of ascertaining what might be his chance of escape. From the windows he could see the street below him, at too great a ¥ height to admit of his jumping, so that plan had to be abandoned. 7 The trees did not extend any of their branches near enough to his windows to make them of any use in climbing out, though he could see that they swept close against the next house. We After deliberating a moment, he thought that perhaps he could crawl along to the next house, and so get from it into the trees, eS ’ He raised the window nearest it, and looked out. - : One glance showed him that that plan also would have to be given up. There were no ledges upon which he might gain a footing, the window frames being flush with the ‘clap-boards. He had thought that by standing with one foot on each window % ledge, he could cross the gap between the windows, one at a time, and so reach the trees, es Besides the absence of ledges on which to rest his feet, the dis- tance between the window and Che next was too great for him tospan, , even had there been room enough to stand while making the attempt, " ‘« Tt seems to be no go,” he murmured; ‘¢ 80 I suppose I shall have to await developments. Wonder what these fellows intend to do with me?” ! He closed the window, and sat down in one of the shabby chairs, : listening to the monotonous walk of the man outside, and wondering which one of tho villains it was. Placing his eye to the keyhole, he looked into the hall, which was light enough for him to distinguish the form but not the face of the ‘Solitary sentinel, : “ Tsay,” whispered Neil, “ you taliaw outside there.” ? ‘¢ What do you wan't?” growled the man, Neil thought thero was u familiar sound in that voice. It was not Robbins, he was sure of that.’ But who, then, was it? © What will you tako to let me out of here?” said Neil. ; “ Hist! Wait c few minutes until those fellows below there are drunk enough, and 1’ll let you out for nothing.” Now he knew the voice sure enough, and was astonished that he nad nof dono go before, The man outside was Crowell, the detective, ; This was another proof that he was in league with Robbins, t “Oh, it’s you, is it, Mr. Busybody, after all?’ said Neil. I don’t ae are at your being in such bad company.” ‘‘No—no; you wrong me,” said the man, hastily. ‘I drove you _ here, it is true, » but that was in order that I might save you, I want 6 talk to you on important business.” "That's too thin,” sneered Neil, ‘ Didn’t I see you talking with old Robbins in Sacramento ? A know what his dodge i is well enough, ’ ‘ , -, and Y'll put the police on his track as soon as I get out of this.” TF tall you I have come to help you out,” ‘ _ "| Prove it, then, and don’t stand there talking like a fool.” "Wait a moment.” La Neil heard the man go downstairs cautiously, and ate an absence of about five minutes, saw him return. “ They are both drunk as Jords with the stuff I gave ’em,” said _ i've got the key’, and now I'll let you out.” _ » He was as, good as his word, for in 2 moment the door was open. p Neil, never doubting but that he meant to do some act of treachery, upon the pie tripped mp his heels, dashed aes threw Py, YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. : t ake open the docr, and was soon bowling down the road toward the city at a good five-mile gait. CHAPTER X. ‘ ADAMS SENIOR GIVES CROWELL A SETBACK. \ Our readers must not blame Neil for his treatment of Crowell, con- sidering that he believed the man to be his enemy, and an accomplice of Robbing. Appearances were certainly against him, as Neil had seen him go off with the man who had more than once attempted his life. > How was he to know that Crowell was trying to pump Robbing in regard to his (Neil’s) previous history, or that he meant well instead of ill toward him? It was certainly unfortunate for all caueunea that matters had turned out in such a way, for Neil now regarded the man with more suspicion than ever, and for Crowell to try and explain the situation would have been useless, Neil was resolved not only not to have anything to say to the man, a but to have him arrested if he dared to show his face again where he was. All these things flashed through his mind ag he sped down the Monde presently hearing the sound of wheels behind him. He doabted not that the man was in pursuit of him, ‘and he in- e creased his speed, resolving not to be retaken. ° It was indeed Crowell, who had taken the place of the coachman hired by the villains, and had all the while meant to rescue Neil, who a was now following. He had seemed to be acting against Neil at the first, because he — wantod to get an opportunity to talk to him, and really settle in his” mind whether the lad was the lost son of old Wentworth or not, si He believed that he was, and felt assured that a few minutes’ con- : versation would settle the matter. We do not say that it would, but that Crowell thought 80, and Neil's” perversity seemed to prevent such 4 conversation taking placer Crowell had picked himself up as soon as he was able, being some- what stunned, though not badly hurt, and immediately made his wale ee down below, where he uvhitchod his horse, jumped on the box, and rattled away after Neil, resolving to overtake him at all hazards, Neil was just as determined not to be overtaken, and. fearing that. he would be, dodged up an alley-way between two houses, bounced over half-a-dozen fences, waking up as many dogs and setting them to howling, and at last reached a back street, which be followed until — he came to a step against a wall. He had eluded tho pursuit of the Aitontares however, and that was all he wanted, and no amount of walls could have disheartened him, He made his way, somebow or another, back to tho main street, and — after an hour's hard traveling, came upon the circus men engaged in tm the last preparations for departure. He rode to the hotel and went to his room, where he found that the - q valise, which he had left in the carriage, had arrived before him, the | clerk saying that a hackman had bronght it. Neil was very much astonished at this piece of information, but more so upon bcholding a note addressed to “‘ Young Grizzly Adams,” tucked in between the handles. He opened it, saw that it was signed ‘‘ Crowell,” and, without Tead- ing it, stuck it in the flame of the lamp, and when it was nearly wes sumed, threw it out of the window. If, instead of doing this, he had read the note, he would have been saved much anxiety; but prejudiced as he was against Growelly — cannot blame him for acting as he did, The next day, early in the morning, the show took ue tomar and Neil did not see his enemies, from the drugged liquor which Crowell had given Enea and of ps 4 they drank copiously. their prisoner at first, and finally, when ce recollected a they discovered him to have flown, They could not make it out at all, and Robbins seb os get e _ When they awoke at noon they were dazed, and did not think of -

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YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. with the coach driver, for he it must have been, he pate who ree leased the young wild beast tamer, He accosted the man whom he had engaged to do the work, but whom Crowell had also made drunk and then sciolen his hack, and be- gan abusing him roundly. The man could remember nothing except that he was to have done something, aud when Robbins accused him of having released the prisoner he had not the least doubt but that he had done so and for- gotten all about it, «© You must ’scuse me, Misser Robbins; but I didn’t feel well last night, kind o’ sick, ’you know; ain’t got over it yet. Sorry it hap- pened. Won’ do so’gin, s’help me,” muttered the man, still under the influence of liquor. Robbins raved and stormed, and finally belabored the man soundly, at which the latter, getting mad, turned to and gave Robbins such a beating in return that he was glad to make his escape with » black eye and & badly contused nose. A week afterward Neil was in Utah, on the line of the Pacific rail- road, exciting the greatest enthusiasm and making ee ci every- where he went. i He received several letters from Crowell, but returned every one of them unopened, having recognized the handwriting. One evening after the show, Adams, the clown, was sitting alone smoking a pipe, when a stranger came up to him, _ He talked upon general topics for a while, and the veteran clown - found him to be a well informed, intelligent gentleman, able to con- yerse upon almost every subject. “You have a son in the business, I understand,” said the stranger, at length; ‘‘a young lion tamer. Rather perilous, is it not?” 4 Qh, no, the lad knows what he is about. There’s nothing like having the brutes understand the difference between intelligence and “4 He “inherits his powers, then, does he?” Oh, yes; it’s been in the family for generations.” “But you are not a beast tamer?” | & Well, no; not exactly. I have tamed several human brutes in my day, though, and they are about as bad ag any.” _ How did you go to work?” «‘ Showed them the superiority of my biceps over theirs, hit strong- est out from the shoulder, demonstrated the advisability of knowing how to use the left hand, and all that.” « Aha! I perceive you are somewhat of a wag.” at Somewhat is good, ere that it is my business. You are ae And this boy is your own son?” «us Certainly; isn’t his name Adams?” , You might have adopted him.” ey ie ah So I might. ”| ph May Task if you did so?” You may.” ‘The stranger looked puzzled, and finally said, with a laugh: “ ‘Then I do ask it.” mn away from me a8 long as I live.” y ‘Excuse me, sir; 1am not in the profession, and donot wish to ‘ateal your son’s services.” y “ You'd eae not,”. ay “That is ‘sufficient, tr replied tage arising. ; again wi with your infernal nonsense, I'll chuck you into the horse pond. } hints: as alert a8 8 kick, 0 remember that. Good-night.” _ CHAPTER x aaah wv he’s. nae same s eutena I ind, juk t whe +4 ab oe - ed aa Suh And I ‘shall not answer. The boy is mine, and no one aball get. | T have heard of you | before, and let me tell you that if you bother either me or my son Thus communing with himself he walked away, trying to devise some plan of communicating with Neil, finally coming to the conclu. sion that he had better send for old Wentworth, and have him gee the boy in person. Having reached this point, he was suddenly aroused from his reverie by hearing the noise of a struggle ahead of him. He darted forward just in time to see three men overpower a lad of about eighteen years, short, but well built, and drag him away. He recognized Neil in an instant. The men were abducting him. ‘* Halloo, there; stop, or I’ll fire!” he shouted, drawing his revolver. Then, recalling that he might hit the young man instead of the ab- ductors, he did not fire, but bounded after them i in hot pursuit, All of a sudden & man sprang out from behind a rock, and Crowell, being upable to stop, fell over him, and rolled ignominiously in the dust. In another moment the man was sitting astride of him, and holding @ pistol to his head. : You just keep quiet, now, or T’ll let out some of your surplus. brains!” ** Who are you?” “Never mind. I want you to keepmum. I ain’t going to hurt’ you, if you lie still until I tell you you can go. It won’t be long.” ‘ In the meantime, who were Neil’s abductors, and. what were bens plans? r One was Robbing, who had followed the lad up, fully determined to. get rid of him this time without fail. ae Another was Jake, the canvas man, and the third’ was a wreteh - whom the others had hired to assist them, sige He it was who had sat upon: Crowell, and was f now guarding him 3 i securely. It will seem strange that Neil made no outcry or called for help. The fact of the matter was that Robbins had first struck hima severe blow upon the head and then chloroformed him, thus rendering — him perfectly unconscious to all that was going on. | Ae The two villains carried the limp body of the lad between them, and © hurried on in the direction of the circus tent. What could they be going to do with him? ‘* We'll feed him to his own lions!” said Jake. Horrible thought! «: Nonsense!” retorted Robbins; ‘ they wouldn’t touch him. ought to know that.” «¢ What then?” Ase: ** You know the den of poisonous snakes, rattlers, boas, cobras, and’ all that?” é: “ You bet Ido! I’m always afraid of my life to go near it.” « We'll chuck him in there!” fs “ My God, they'll kill him?” said Jake, almost dropping the pails iS I know that well enough, and that’s just what I mean they shall _ do. Curse him! Once he’s out of the way I shall be good for some: thing.” z The circus tent was by this time nearly deserted, the few reste being all that remained about the place. Jake knew where the cage containing the serpents: was, and he mac his way thither, carefully watobing the Sentinels to see that none ob- You | | served him. . bs Crouching along in the shadow, dropping flai. upon the gro ound whenever the watchman happened to be passing, and scarcely daring came to where ‘the cage was, Neil was still unconscious, Robbins taking good care that remain so, although they dragged him over the rough ground as though he had been a log. 4 At last they reached the right place, and Jake’ crawled under the canvas, dragging Neil after him, and followed by Robbins. The cage of the serpents was right at hand, and behind several oll h ers, 80 that: the villains could work without interraption. ie i ‘There was a dim light in the place, bat not enough to enable ny t one to distinguish them at any distance. ; pea The get sds the snakes was entered by an. was getting ponaes 80 Jal

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“os hs i ic which | had een shut down, but not fastened. YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. 13 —- Jake stepped upon the wheels of the wagon, mounted to. the top, _ and then dragged Neil after him. Robbins followed, and then both men set about opening the cage. “ Once in there,” said the old scoundrel, ‘‘ he won’t know anything until he feels them stinging him, and heurs them hissing all around him.” “« He'll tind ’em worse than lions to manage,” muttered Jake. The slight noise they made in opening the door at the top had al- ~ready aroused the snakes, and they begun to hiss and squirm in a frightful manner, “Now, then!” said Jake, and he threw back a section of the top. The snakes were now thoroughly aroused, and were thrashing about in a way to give one the horrors, their glittering folds catching the light, and showing a dozen different colors. The villains kneeled, one on either side of the opening, and held the inanimate body of the poor boy between them, ready to drop it among the writhing monsters. What a fate for a human being! To be stung to death by poisonous serpents, and no one at mane to. aid! \ Verily, the men who would consign a youth to such a fate must be fiends indeed, The snakes are wriggling and hissing, thrusting their sinuous bod- _ies up toward the opening, and darting angry glances from their glit- h tering eyes upon the intruders, “Their forked tongues cart rapidly in and out, and already one can imagine the poison coursing through the poor victim’s veins, « Now, then!” says Robbins. They hold the body over the opening, drop it into the cage, slam _ down the top, and jumping to the ground, dart away in the darkness, leaving the poor lad to a horrible fate. CHAPTER XII. HOW TWO OF THE CONSPIRATORS WERE SERVED OUT. As Neil ‘struck the floor of the cage containing the serpents, and the villains ran away, one of the monsters struck his fangs into the : doy’ 8 leg. The cut caused him to open his eyes, He was surrounded by hissing pythons, - He will be stung to death! Not 80, _ The wretches had overlooked one vital point. What was that? _ Not one of the monsters could harm him with their tite, as all the virus had long since been extracted. _ This they | either did not know or had forgotten. Peal was perfectly well aware of it, however, and knew that they ould not hurt him. pean was se that some of the see re crush him in their nce, bling tu his feet, the plucky lad struck down the foremost, 8 leap for the top of the cage, threw open the doors, ght foot seize by jon of the enakes, and knew that he would be m down unless help arrived. 6 shouted to the watchman, at the same time holding on with all s might to prevent being pulled back into the cage. Th man heard him, although ina distant part of the tent, and soon n § assistance, being very much surprised to find him in such a ou how it bappened afterwards 5 & 4“ ve got all Pi Si wan't, do it gata, go help Pe ‘The saa fellow i ie spall: | The boy quickly drew himself out of his uncomfortable position, and, shutting the cage, scrambled down to the ground, his foot paining him considerably. Taking off his shoe, he bathed the aching member in cold water, and soon allayed the pain caused by the unusual tension of the mus- cles, being able in a short time to walk to the hotel. He told the man how he supposed the thing had happened and whom he suspected, warning him to look out for Robbins, whom he described, **T know him,” replied the man. ‘ He has been hanging abont the show, off and on, ever since we left "Frisco. If I catch him around here again I'll give him a dose of whiplash that he won’t forget in a hurry, I can tell you. The ugly rascal, he ought to be taught better manners!” f Neil told Adams the next day about his escape, and the old clown was virtuously indignant. “They meant bad enough, even if they knew that the snakes couldn’t, bite you, and we'll give ’em a warning. How many were there?” “That I can’t tell, but there must have been at least three of them. There always have been that number before.” let me know.” “© T will!” : It was in the forenoon and Neil was walking about the cireus ing & pail of water. ‘ The scoundrel had not heard of Neil’s escape, Adams having caused pents and was not expected to live. Consequently, when he saw Neil, he was filled with inion locoriie in his superstitions ignorance, that he saw a ghost. mering tones: ““Oh, Lord! I's a g-g-ghost, a sp-p-p-pook! Oh, Lora!” He fell to the ground in a fit, and rolled over and over in his agony, tearing his clothes and begriming himself with dust. ber. “ There’s one of the fellows,” said Neil. — ‘Give him a dose!” shouted Adams, and catching a pail of water from one of the men’s hands, he soused Jake from head to foot. Ny. «Give me another!” he yelled. ‘ We'll bring him out of his fit first and give him fits afterward.” | Asecond and a third pailfui were thrown over the man, who finally Scrambled to his feet thoroughly drenched and recovered from bis fit. ing the breath out of his body. he Stop—stop!” he yelled, when he found his voice, « That’s enough —I'm all right now,” for he saw half-a-dozen men just ready to. douse him again. “ Did you drop Neil into the den of the snakes?” asked the chatene “ Ye-es, but I won't do it ag’in!” i “No, I don’t believe you will,” replied Revie “let him have i boys!” s The boys did ie him have it in good earnest, and a more earth shouted out: “Go ahead with your old ark, it's shower!” } *¢ Who were the other fellows?” “T dunno, "pon my word Idon't! Ob, Heaven, tek me g one of the men had sejzed him by the collar with: one hand and hel 8 hf shbise snake” whip | in the other. ‘ Has ‘Tell u us ‘who the other fellers were, or we'll g' eract: the effect of the ducki 10,” ere “ Weil, you ju*t keep your eye peeled, and if you suspect anybody, grounds, when he suddenly came upon Jake, the canvas man, carry- — it to be noised around that someone had been badly i ha by. thes ser- — His eyes dilated with horror, his tongue protruded, his jaws drop- P ped, his cheeks turned an ashen hue, his knees gave out beneath him, | and letting the pail of water fall to the ground, be gasped, in stam- A The snakes have b-bitten him to death—and he’s come—b-back to—to—to life again! Some of the men hearing the noise ran uP, Adams among the ae i He had hardly time to gasp an appeal for mercy when two more — pailfuls were thrown over him, taking him clear off his feet'and knock-

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14 i YOUN G GRIZZLY ADAMS. ——— The last remarks were brought out by the whip which played around his shanks and flanks in a particularly spiteful manner. , * Vll know who they were, or Vil take the hide off you,” said the man with the whip, proceeding to carry out his threat literally. ‘‘ Ow—ow—ow! It was Robbins!” yelled the dancing wretch, try- ing in vain to escape the well-merited castigation, “and the other } was Bill, big Bill, the tent man, ow—ow!” ‘sThat’s all right,” said Adams, ‘‘let him go, Tom! Now get out!” he added, enforcing his command by a vigorous kick in the rear which made the man think he had been struck by lightning. At this juncture Mr. Hooker appeared, ‘* Whats the mattter here?” he said. - Adams told him. ; * Served him right, too,” said Hooker, ‘*See here, you,” he said to Jake, ‘‘ you just travel as fast as you can, and if I ever catch you _ around my show again, you’ll wish you’d never been born! Go to the cashier and get what’s coming to you, and clear out!” His remarks were further enforced by a kick which made Jdke dis- gusted with all things mundane, and long to go to perdition, where he _\ Was sure he would have a better time. He got his money, packed up his clothes, and ‘lit out” of that town about as quick asthe first train could carry him; and it didn’t go half fast enough, for all the small boys in town had heard of the affair, and were at the station in full force, stretching along a mile or : _ go beyond, to hoot at him as he made his exit, 3 Then Bill was found, and when he had confessed to his share in the __- undertaking he was dragged through a duck pond, laid out to dry on a threshing-floor and hammered till he thought every bone in/his body - would be broken; kicked, mauled, punched, pelted at with stones, de- cayed vegetables, rotten eggs, resurrected felines and puppies that had come to an untimely end in a water-butt, and run out of the _ town by the aforesaid small boys, bestridings a particularly sharp- cornered, most uncompromisingly rough rail, and accompanied by a perfect pandemonium of sound. _-__ Most likely if Robbins had been found he would have fared as badly ag any of the others; but he had fled in the early morning, having dis- covered, quite accidentally, that Neil was alive and well. He fully understood what would be his fate if caught, and, therefore, 39. caped the punishment he go richly deserved. *« So Crowell did not have anything to do with this Jast affair after all,” said Neil. arte

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YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. 15 man. ‘JT am not mistaken, am I—you are one of the performers?” Yes, ’m the fellow that makes you laugh to order. Strange business, mine.” “‘T must say, sir, that you succeed most admirably in pleasing your audiences; I thought I remembered your face, despite the ab- sence of powder and paint. You hayé none of the so-called baby performers with you?” “No; I don’t believe in putting such litule fellows into the busi- ness. My boy was eleven or twelve before he went in,” “ But they do have them as young as four or five.” “ Yes, though they generally run the age down from two to five years, My boy is eighteen and over, but on the bills they call him scarcely fifteen, and that’s the way it goes. Why, some’ of the women never get beyond twenty-five years. It’s astonishing.” ‘* They don’t die so soon, do they?” ‘*No, they don’t dye quite as soon as that, though when they reach thirty and forty and forty-five they dye and enamel and every- thing else, so as to keep at twenty-five.” | ; “©Oh, I catch your drift. I presume that a good many stolen children, or lost, perhaps, would be a beiter word, could be found in the circus.” “Yes, their parents neglect them, some of our people find them abandoned and bring them up as their own; they get attached to the life and finally enter it; or, sometimes, a real likely boy is stolen and put to the business until he forgets his folks, and then, having no other place, stays with the show.” ‘* What made me speak of the matter,” continued Crowell, “ is the fact that a friend of mine lost a child—a bright boy, some years ago.” ++ Indeed!” ‘Yes, and he has an idea that he was either stolen and brought to the circus people, or perhaps found by them, as you say, and edu- cated to the business.” ** But why in that more than any other?” * Because the father of the boy has seen him in the fing, ¢ or at least, thinks he has, and I am interested in the matter, and thought you might be able to give me some information.” «7 will assist you, sir, if possible.” *¢ You-may be sarprised to learn, sir, that the person my friend recognizes as his son is one of your performers.” i ‘* Not me, I suppose?” asked Adams, with a laugh. «Oh, no, sir; not you, but the young lion-tamer, Young Grizzly Adams.” «« My boy Neil? Impossible!” ' Not at all, sir—not at all; excuse my anieeye and perhaps im- pertinence, but is he your son?” *¢- You can go and ask him if you don’t believe me, in bis room at the present moment.” ‘You have no objection to my seeing him?” “« None at all.” «Nor to my asking him any question I see fit?” ‘Not if he doesn’t mind.” _* And take my friend to see him?” « Well, 1 guess you'd better go alone, first,” said Adams, remem- bering what Will had said about not wanting to bother the old gen- tleman. ~“‘* It may prove unnecessary to say anything to your friend ; about it.” ; - «Think so?” an — 5 _ « What number did you say his room was?” «JY didn't say.” — “+ Ah, you are fond of a joke, I see.” “Yes, deucedly! I am thinking of one now.” “ Pray tell it to me.” ~ -* Wauit till you come back. You will find Master Neil Rice Adams in room No. 17, first flight up, on your right. He will probably give - you a warm reception, though Iam afraid you will get nothing out -ofhim. Walk right in.” You'll find him “T can at least try,” answered Crowell, and off he went, runring _ quickly up the stairs in his excitement. _ Number Seventeen was close at hand, and as the door stood part- y open, Crowell, remembering Adams’ injunction to walk right in, | “pushed it open wide in his excitement and stepped forward. ‘The moment he aia 80 be Ligon. a gasp ag a x Falah shower of : Tiere was no one in the room, and he had leisure to examine the premises. A pail of water had been suspended over the door, which connected with a rod, 80 that when it was opened it tripped the pail and spilled the water, This simple college trick had been played upon the unsuspecting detective by Neil, who, from an adjoining room, had witnessed the whole affair. Crowell went away looking very much disgusted and realizing the joke that had been played upon him, while Neil burst into a fit of laughing that made him turn white in the face, CHAPTER XIV. THE NEW PERFORMER—FRIENDS WITH NEIL—MYSTERIES. THE show only remained one night in this place, and Neil was away the first thing the next morning, seeing nothing more of the man he had given a ducking nor of the evil-minded Robtins, Adams had a good laugh when Neil told him of the trick he had played npon Crowell, and said that he guessed the man would nob trouble them any more, and that they were safe from any further an- noyance, In the next town a lad of about the same age as Neil applied for a position in the company. ** What can you do?” asked Hooker, Neil, Adams and others being present at the time. ‘Trapeze business, vaulting, tumbling and juggling.” *¢ Been in the business before?” ** Not professionally; 1 never could get a chance.” Neil liked the looks of the lad very much, and hoped that he woul@ be given a chance, as there were none of his own age in the com- pany, and he wanted a companion. ‘‘ Ask Hooker to give him a show, pop,” he whispered to Adams. ‘‘Give him a trial, Hook,” the clown spoke up immediately. ‘I believe in encouraging youtbful talent. If he’s any good, I'll en= gage him so as to be company for Neil.” “ Oh, if you only would,” said the lad, ‘I should be so glad, T have no money, no friends—nothing! Jt is hard work to get along, and I’m so lonesome without any friends.” . This was said with asimple pathos that was absolutely touching, and produced & strong impression in his favor. Going to Neil he took the boy’s hand, and gazing earnestly into his face, said, manfully, and yet pitifully: “7 know I shall like you, and I trast you will like me, ask them to take me?” ‘* What is your name?” “ Adrian Laurens, but they always call me Ad.’, : ‘* Well, Ad, we will have to see what you can do first,” said Neil, who liked the boy’s manners very much. He was darker than Neil, hue, and had jet black eyes, shaded by the most beautiful lashes in the world. , His mouth was small, and his lips, of an exquisite curve, were as red as cherries, his teeth being white and shapely, Altogether he was a youthful Adonis, and in point of good looks: Won't you | would be apt to prove a formidable rival to Neil himself. Of this, however, the latter thought nothing, and liking the boy, determined, if te was good for anything, to have him in the com- pany. «: Will you take him if he is a good performer?” asked Neil. ‘“« Yes,” said Hooker, who was ready to do anything the young lion-tamer wanted, so as to be on the right side and retain him in his company. ‘* Have you any costumes with you?” asked Neil of his companion. \* Oh, yes, for I was bound to keep them if I lost everything else. Iv’s a hard thing for a poor boy, without: father or mother, to get along nowadays.” The party retired to the ring, / his complexion being almost olive in where Adrian opened a little hand ‘ valise he carried, and took one a pemalctes suit Le meas Pile | and shirt, ie velvet Ke trim

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16 YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. OTD! jaunty cap with a gold tassel, and lastly a pair of shoes, of the kind asually worn by acrobats and trapezists. He then ran iuto Neil’s dressing’room, the boy going with him, and donned his costume, while the men were rigging the trapeze bars, . “You are too dark to wear black,” said Neil; ‘‘ you ought to have ( wed or white.” ay “'T know it,” answered Ad, naively, ‘‘ but taste is not always ac- - gompanied with a long purse. These cost less and that is, why 1 took them.” ' The boy was slighter than Neil, and a few inches taller, but his fig- : ure was well proportioned and showed good training. @he two boys stepped into the ring, and then Ad gave a really gocd exhibition of ordinary trapeze business. Then he performed a feat that was new, and ast surprised the old stagers. tS Securing the swing so that it could not move, making a horizontal bar of it, in fact, he performéd the giant ewine? first with his hands and then with his feet on the bar. This was all very well, but now came the surprising part of all. ‘Taking two broad, well-oiled siraps, he doubled them and bound each with a wire close to the bar, fastening the two ends of each by buckles, having first attached a ring, Those rings he held in his hands and then performed the giant Swing again, having no hold upon the bar save by the straps. Suddenly changing bis position he put his feet into the rings, and swung over and over several times, letting go at last and catching a second bar which swung not far away. “By Jove, that’s first-class,” said Hooker. ‘Do that and not be 5 able to get an ely be ‘The managers must’ve been cursed tools.” _ They said they were all full, sir, and couldn’t promise me an ene _ gagement until next season.” “They won’t get you next season, I can tell ’em that.” — “Would you like to see me do a flying trapeze act?” 4¢ Yes, certainly.” ‘The, swings were arranged, Ad himself superintending the work, and then after’ taking a short reat he performed the triple trapeze business very gracefully, seeming to be as much at his ease while flying about in mid air, as while standing on solid ground. t _ Everybody was ‘pleased with his performance, and an agreement 7 “was then and there entered into, whereby his services were at the dis- hb posal of Messrs. Hooker & Ketchum for the remainder of that season, > and the refusal of the next, Adams thought that the boy was remarkably proficient for an ama- ide r/ and 1 had a shrewd suspicion that he was @ professional; but at any rate he was a guvod card and Neil liked him, so that was reason enough for engaging him. He did not perform the next day, which was Saturday, and in the Meantime some new and élegant costumes were made for him, which ‘became him wonderfully. "divided the applanst -between Neil and Edna. ‘The latter became with the utmost porate the three becoming boon companions at ; “account of his manly bearing, and he used often to pat their tawny : 28 ¢ nite interesting. ei ne night, after everybody had retired, Ad heard a signal at his indow, and quickly dressing, he crept down-stairs and went git. "Be was met by a man in a long cloak. cee H | me mad, and I determined to have my revenge. ik On the Mon@ay following he made his frat public appearance, and ! is friend, because Neil was, and treated him | - The lions ee Ad with a because Neil likea him, and on- t heads and give them little dainties which he knew they were fond of. _ ‘He Lise more fond of Neil every age and often acted upon the ; beautiful things. He was found by two clowns, Dan Rice ai r "| and the other advertised for his parents, but. nobody ever claimed and I didn’t suppose they would. ; him cank ‘a ne very town, little expeoniia it. you learned anything?” ne asked. “Ta the clown his father?” ; Neil, and told me about the marks on the clothing, ull, worked in silk.” “You have not seen the old man?” ; j «No, not yet.’ “That's right; don’t do so for some time yet; we'll fix it in good shape and make a pile of money out of it. You'll keep your word?” “ To be sure. "Tis the best chance I ever had to make money.” ** You bet—will see you to-morrow.” , “Very well, good-night,” aud Ad slipped up-stairs, and throw off his clothes, jumped into bed. “J declare,” he said to himself, ‘I hate to do this sort of thing. Suppose he should be the right one, after all? I would be cheating him out of his money, and after he has been so kind to me; no—no, I can’t do it antil I know more,” The next day he saw Crowell again, and while he told him nothing concerning Neil, learned the whole story of the loss of Wentworth’s son, supposed to have been stolen by a vengeful nurse. Crowell seemed satisfied that Neil was not the one, and told Went- worth so, the old man having followed, but never being able tosee Neil, except in the ring. Ad seemed distressed at something that night, and Neil tried to gain bis confidence, but the boy turned pale and begged Neil not - F press him, and finally he ran out doors in the night. : He came at once upon a woman, who asked him if he would ‘ies | to the help of a friend of hers, who could not live until morni ; pe i who wished to confess a crime, Say With a strange feeling at his heart Ad consented, and followed woman, ‘N.W.,’ that’s roti : CHAPTER XV. AD HEARS A CONFESSION AND MAKES A BASE, Ee OR Y : Ap followed the woman, and soon they entered the house where he companion lay dying. ‘ “‘T want to ease my mind,” she murmured, ‘ before I die; listen to me, and heed every word.” Ad took a seat, and the poor creature resumed: é “Years ago I lived in New York State and worked for a man nam Wentworth. I was the nurse for his LBB bright little. fellow Cie was.” f Ad started, but the woman, not noticing him, proceeded: “T was too independent in those days, and thought I. could fa Ww T pleased. I got drunk, and. Wentworth discharged me, This | m She paused, and Ad, very much excited, waited for her to co in real stole. the child and went far away, where I would not Two or three times I tried to kill him, but I could not do that; last I determined to abandon it, not caring whether it lived but not harenoty to kill it isla out. might have trampled it to death, ‘but i in the fonkaaen 4 “T don’ t know what made me do it, unless it was SO nobody J ever know who the child was; but I took all of bis own cl that were marked with his name, and kept them. fe «The things he had on were coarse and common, while i / «The years have passed away, and the child has re noup, —

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YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. a. and fairly charm that brute into subjection. Ihave known her to talk to all sorts of animals, and they seemed to understand her, too, and I believe she could have gone into a den of lions and they wouldn’t hurt her a bit. | “He gets his power from her, of course, as he does his good looks. Don’t I remember her face? His is the same, the exact image, I would know it a hundred years from now.” Her voice grew faint, and Ad’s conductor handed her a glass of . Water. - «J’m dying now, and I shall never rest easy until I see the boy righted. You are his friend. I know, because I saw you walking with him, You are fond of him, and you will tell him all I have told you? I dare not see him myself, The things that I took from him are in that bundle at the foot of the bed. You will give them to him and tell him this story.” q Ad nodded, é “That is right. He won’t always want to be called Young Grizzly mS Adams, I don’t fancy, and it’s likely that he may see his father some it day and will want to prove who he is. Iswear to you, as I hope for ' peace, that he is the boy I stole, the son of Mr. Wentworth, who lived in Syracuse, New York, eighteen years ago.” “Is there any more?” asked Ad. he “No, Take the bundle and do as I ask. I know you will, you look ‘i honest, Tell him to forgive me for what I have done. Often have I : ‘Tepented it, but never have I tried to repair the injury done him. I ‘am thankful that I saw him to-day. Fearing that I would not, I had the story taken down in writing and swore to it. Here it is.” “The | woman handed him a sealed envelope, which she slipped into is pocket and then put the little bundle under his arm. “Swear to me that you will do as I bid you,” said the woman, half arising in bed. ‘Ad did not have time to speak the words before a spasm seized the ‘oman and she fell back in convulsions. It was a long time before she was able to speak, but Ad dared not ave the room, i> There seemed to be a spell upon him, and do what he would he ‘co nid not break it. ‘thoughts were passing through his mind—mean motives were excit- __ ing his breast. f le could not utter a lie in the presence oft death, and he hoped, ay, wished, that the woman would die before she could again express her wishes. ‘Finally the dying creature rallied, ' sJs he here?” she gasped. “The young man?” Yea"? He is.” ‘Bring him here!” \ git advanced to the bedside. ou will do my wishes?” dded. ‘not hear you,” she said. ‘‘Speak louder. Say ‘I swear it!’” i o repeated Ad, in a whisper, but loud enough f for the false oath ore ene out in death. 5 He dreaded to give his solemn word to the dying woman, for base’ plices.” | than Neil, and if the boy died before his father, Robbins would get the 7} one else did, it would not be a hard matter, thought Bee to pass some- but himself, and was a clever lad, was engaged to perform the part of | few apt a = a ‘convulsive da ts or so, and her limbs | . heard the revelations of the dying woman, and at last he made ‘mind to claim to be the. gon of Mr. Wentworth. d ; no one in this part of the world knows me; why should I not step into the affections of this man? Neil doés not want it, will not have it. What should prevent me from usurping his place? Nothing!” CHAPTER XVI, TWO FALSEHOODS, Ap saw nothing of the conspirators during the next day, and after the evening performance the show departed for another town. The plan for Robbins and bis cronies was for Adrian to worm out of Neil all that he knew of his parents, and then to personate the long lost son to old Wentworth. The idea was to have the boy acknowledged by the old man, which they had no doubt he would do, and make Ad his heir. The latter would be benefited thereby, and where Robbins would get paid for his trouble was just here. Of course, Ad would have all the money he could spend. fle, then, was to pay Robbins so much & month to repay him for having put the lad into so good a position. At Wentworth’s death, the property was to be shared evenly be- tween Ad and Robbins. He might have demanded all, but he knew that as soon as the old man died, leaving Ad everything by will, it. would be impossible to expose Ad then. That was the plan proposed, and the boy was fished up and thrown into Neil’s company, in order that he might learn all that was fequir- 16 ed to be Known. Jin Unexpectedly, Ad had come in possession of a knowledge that would = enable him to prove his false claim most successfully, and which gave him more ground to stand upon than anything that he could have heard from Neil. He said nothing whatever to Robbins, but determined to act upon his own responsibility. 3 He had half promised the scoundrel to do as proposed, but now he : meant to throw the old scamp overboard, and have nothing whatever to do with him. “T shall be doing Neil a wrong,” he said to bimself, ‘* but I shall not help that villain, who would like to see the poor fellow killed. I knowLam acting a base part, but at least I ror have no accom- What was the motive of the fellow Robbins in rial Neil out of the way? To be brief, he was the only relative that Wentworth had, aenae property. ; His name was not Robbins, but Wentworth, and he was a distant cousin of the queer old gentleman’s; but as he was Known by the — name of Robbins, we shall continue, for the present, to call him so. The man saw that there was no use of trying to get of Neil, and consequently the best thing was to get possession oO at Ceaee, ag soon as possible. ars As long as Neil did not actually know who his parents were, and 00 one else off on the old man as his son. The idea was at once put into practice, and Ad, who had no ‘one the spurious claimant. He had had a hard life, although ‘he was such a good performer, and when the proposition was made to him, he eagerly snapped it up. When he saw Neil, his resolution very nearly oso him, for he. became passionately fond of the boy in a short time, and it cut him: } haye to cheat Neil out of his rights. ares There were plenty of good points about the lad, despite the mans hard knocks he had had in the world, and this was one of them. UN The temptation was too strong for him, particularly after he i

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18 YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. An incident occurred when they reached the next town, which did more to strengthen his position than anything else. It was the hour of noon, aud Neil was sitting in the parlor to keep out of the sun, Ad being just outside the open window, the blinds to which were closed. Neil was alone, but in a moment Wentworth entered. The lad was cornered, and of the following brief conversation Ad heard every word. ** My boy,” said Wentworth, in an agitated voice, ‘will you answer me one question?” ‘Yes, one and only one.” “‘Then tell me, is Adams, the clown, your own father?” “Yes.” f Poor boy, he little knew the trouble which that falsehood would cost him! He suspected that the old gentleman was in the plot against him, and being prejudiced, he did not care to have any intimacy with him. He thought that if he gave the man a decided answer it would set- tle the business, and that he would be free from annoyance, as he considered it. Therefore he uttered a falsehood, a thing which is rarely justifiable, and which, in this case, was destined to,cause him much vexation. «<7 am obliged to you,” answered the ‘old gentleman, ‘'I have made a mistake; sorry to annoy you—good-morning.” A few minutes later Crowell found the following note slipped under his door: - ‘© You need not bother with my case any more, at least, so far as _ the young lion-tamer is concerned. He is not my son. He has told me himself that the clown is his father, and I know that be would not lie, < 46 W. » At that time Wentworth was busy, and Crowell did not see him until the afternoon. Then he himself had just received a telegram from Denver to go there on important business, and he started at once without having a chance to speak to anybody, just catching a glimpse of Wentworth as i the train left the station. : In the meantime, how had Ad profited by Neil’s falsehood? He realized instanuly what a strong footing it would give him, and he decided to strike while the iron was hot. i Walking around the corner of the house, he came upon Wentworth : as he was stepping upon the piazza, as if by accident. He suddenly gasped, and fixing his handsome eyes upon the man, ~ muttered, as if unconscious of saying anything: “My God! that face—those eyes! Heaven, I have seen them peer - Pray Heaven my dream be true!” % What’s the matter, my boy—what’s the matter?’ asked Went- “worth, catching Adin his strong arms and preventing him from falling. rs Tell me,” said Ad, with terrible earnestness, and summoning all his powers of acting to his aid, ‘is not your name Wentworth?” “Yes, to be sure itis.” | ‘‘Good Heaven, boy! what do you know of this?” «¢The child’s clothes were marked B30 Ww.’t” ‘¢To be sure they were.” “Then Iam that child; I have those clothes in my possession, and - papers to prove that I was stolen. Iam your son!” Manet CHAPTER XVII. reer “PLAYING FOR HIGH STAKES, As Adrian uttered these last words, he fainted away in Wentworth’s ce arms—actually fainted, not pretended to do so, but really became un- conscious, and, had not Wertworth caught him, would have fallen to the floor. ~ for all his actin i ‘This helj ‘You lost a eon, eighteen years ago—stolen by a vengeful nurse?” — done, and the old gentleman, eonvinced of his sincerity, carried him } up to his room and applied restoratives. *«Now, my boy, tell me all. about it,” said Wentworth, when he at | last recovered, ‘‘Deuced odd, upon my word; get the refusal from | one young fellow—find another one all ready to own me—never saw the beat of it. | the talking myself—hem! just like me! ginning and tell me the whole yarn.” Thereupon Ad told a remarkably straight story—pity if he could not, having got it all by heart, and the old gentleman believed every word of its He spoke of having an excellent recollection of his father, which was further strengthened by haying often seen a portrait of him, which was stolen at the same time he was, This was a fact, or, at least, there was a portrait of Wentworth’s in the bundle, and Ad had made up his mind to introduce it into his nar- ration for better effect. He spoke of having always had this portrait, although he did not know how he had come by it, and did net know whose it was until he had met the woman, This part of the story he told exactly as he had heard it, with the exception that in his version the woman had recognized him, and sent for him in order that’she might relieve her mind of the dreadful burden upon it. A When he had finisked, he took the old gentleman into his own room and showed him everything—the clothes marked with ‘'N, W.,” the miniature, the sworn statement and everything which corroborated - his story. : In the interim since receiving the paper, he had doctored it to suit” i his purpose, 80 that there might not be a single flaw in the evidence, He had opened the envelope without destroying the seal, and had ~ then carefully perused the document, and where it spoke of Neilas Neil Adams, or Young Grizzly Adams, he had made the neatest eras. ° ures possible, and had supplied the names Adrian Laurens and “The — Wonder of the Air,” a8 he was called in the bills, doing the work 80 well as to make it almost impossible to detect the deceit. Then he had resealed the wrapper, giving it the appearance of never having been tampered with, and at the right moment handed it to his supposed father. vue Wentworth broke the seal, utterly demolishing it in his exchlemaaia and read the statement with the most feverish anxiety. It confirmed everything that Adrian had said, as why should it not? The osth of the woman appended to the bottom giving itall the more force, Rh ee ui Wentworth never doubted for a second that everything was correct, and he was delighted to find that his search had been rewarded in the most unexpected manner, and was even pleased to find that he had : made a mistake. «Shows me that Iam the same old fellow,” he said, with a laugh “ Always blundering—never could get things right in my life—yo mother would tell you that, my boy—ha, ha! it’s really quite amusing gee: Can’t tell how much I’m pleased—quite impossible-—in the circus, v0 ih was satisfied that you’d been brought up in that evil—no wonder I took your comrade for you. What sort of a fellow is he, any Rather bumptious, eh?” 4 Ad could not be guilty of the added baseness of maligning ne friend whose rights he had usurped, and he spur in warm eet Neil—fairly eulogized him, in fact. : «¢ Well, maybe so—maybe,” eee perspiration from his face. “Should b your friend—deucedly sorry—treated the gentleman, not a bii—good looking, to have sworn he was on one—don’t pect Ahem! here I go, telling him to speak and then do all | Weill, my lad, begin at the be- old hey ae

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YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. iv 2 ‘d slapped him on his back and roared with laughter, and said it was just : like his mother, she used to blush like a garden of roses whenever any one praised her, - “ Well—well, I never was so happy,” remarked the old man at last. “Delighted to have found you my lad, delighted—charmed. We will - Start right away this afternoon; no more flying through the air, run- _ hing the risk of breaking your neck every time—fine thing to train a - poor boy to I must say; bad as taming lions. You won't be sorry to - part with the circus?” ; “Tcan’t leave them so suddenly, my dear father,"*said he, ‘it - wouldn’t be right. I ought at least to finish my week out. I have not ig been engaged long and they paid me in Advance.” “Do you want to stay? Had you rather break your neck than go _ with me?” 1 “No—no, indeed not,” said he, catching Wentworth’s hand franti- cally, “J will do anything, go anywhere; do not leave me now that have found you,” **There—there, my lad, don’t say anything more about it!” said Wentworth, consolingly. ‘‘I understand your feeling, quite honor- *able—just like your mother for all the world! If Hookem and Catcher, “no—no, Catch her and Hook ’em; oh pshaw! if the circus fellows ps. a fuss, let’em, Ican pay rem encugh, I guess, to fix that up all right.” ao They would release me if you asked them, I fancy; I only thought it would be best to say ‘something to them about it.” *‘Yes—yes, so I could, At any rate, you’re a minor, and I’ve got a right to control your actions. By George, I'll put it that way, that'll hook ’em and catch ’em both, ha-ha; not bed for an old fellow, el?” “Perhaps I had better perform this afternoon,” said Adrian at Yi ength, ‘* because I am billed heavily and should not like to disappoint ni them.” ‘‘ Well—well, take your last tumble this afternoon then, but after that, you retire to private life as the long lost son of old Wentworth— God bless you.” So it was arranged that Ad should perform in the ring for the last time that afternoon, aud that Mr. Wentworth should then make a formal demand of Messrs. Hooker & Ketchum for the release of his nD, verything worked well for the success of Ad’s scheme, and poor ae in a fair way to be done out of a fortune. . He did not see Ad until the latter was dressed for his trapeze act, and then he noticed that his chum looxed unusually excited, even for him, : “ What's the matter, old fellow?” he said, kindly. “You don’t look at all right.” he poor fellow was cut deeply by these words, and it was with dif- the ropes are all secure,” o and see,” said Neil. “*1 wouldn’t have sasahiea happen oii T could throw sieealt among his ibed his love for me—they weuld not lurt * He strolled over to the cage, which had nct yet been drawn, into the nirance, and patted Castor on the head. ‘ poate old fellow,” he said, with wenbiig lips. “You would halt angrily, as he atrode e, and there can be no Nets Neil, who had, by his falsehood, utterly rained his own case, seemed’ i “was, and said v ee he would Pe, pe fut to porigkm. ae for six Bitte Nis" > ; 3 coat ; ‘‘ And yet I do fear something will happea to me,” he answered, having conceived a desperate plan. ‘*Nonsense! If I should feel that way, the lions would chew me to pieces. Cheer up, old fellow; I’ll bet that you never did so well as you are going to do this afternoon.” ‘He would not say that if he knew what I know,” thought the lad to himself, “Tf anything should happen to me, Neil,” he murmured, half- audibly, ‘‘if I should be ae away, you would remember me kindly, - would you not?” «Remember you? long as I lived.” ‘“‘Tharks; you are too kind. I hope you will always feel that way toward me, Neil; think only of my best side.” ‘“*Why—why, old man,” said Neil, banteringly, pose you had already ordered your coffin.” ; “No—no! but I know something is going to happen which may ——” % “Halioo, Neil, ment; ‘*they’ll be ready for you in about three minutes,” “Then I must go and talk to the kittens,” and away he ran as merry as ever. “Well, Ad, my boy,” said the old clown, ‘‘how do you feel! You look first-rate. You beat the crowd on the trapeze business all hollow. One would swear you were born on a trapeze bar.” “Thank you, Mr. Adams; you and Neil are the best friends 1 have.” “It’s all your own fault,” said adams, with a laugh; ‘you shouldn’ t have such plaguey attractive ways about you.” “ Hark! what is that?” ‘*Merely the excited multitude giving vent to their feelings. Neil is on, What’s the matter? What makes you start so? Are you sick?” ‘‘No—no! but I feel as if something terrible were going to hap- pen—something unexpected, some acciden!.” «Tut—Ltut, my map, you mustn’t feel like that, sional.” 5 At last the time came for the young trapezist to make his fiual | appearance in public. : His costume was unusually tasteful, and he earned a well-merited round of applause as be tripped into the ring. ace He had never exerted himself as he did that day, and even the . professionals themselves were electrified, and applauded os vigor- ously as did the spectators. ‘He performed the most difficult feats in a manner that was per- fectly thrilling, and fairly excelled himself in reckless daring. : He was queasovate: and would not have cared, for the moment, Indeed I should. 1 would never forget you as ‘fone would sup- ‘it's unprofes- whether he killed himself or not, although this feeling afterwards passed off, He meant to hurt himself in some way, not dangerously, of course, but enough so to afford an excuse for his leaving the circus, in case Hooker & Ketchum should offer any objection to his going, which he feared they might. Consequently, in one of his airy flights, he seemed to miss his hold and drop to the bar below, whence he fell heavily to the ring and lay as if stunned. Wentworth was in the audience, and had been fretting every in- Stant, fearing that something would happen. .When the boy fell, he sprang to his feet with an agonized ery. “My Goe! he ia killed—my boy is killed!” he shrieked, and in an instant he was in the ring and holding Ad’s head in his lap. The boy. was removed amid great excitement, but presently one of the employees came out and said that be was not killed, but would not be able to perform again that day, This calmed the audience, and the performance went on. Mr. Wentworth spoke to Hooker at once, telling him that he had discovered bis long lost son, and that he could not have him perilirg his Jife any longer. He explained the affair in a few words, and offered to make good any losses tke firm might meet in being deprived of Ad’s services. The doctors pronounced Ad’s case more dangerous than it really \ old fellow!” said Adams, approaching at that mo- - j 4

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20 YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. f i Wentworth, at the samy time wishing him joy of his new found | claim was exposed, as it might be supposed it would, so that he would son. Ad was removed to the hotel, where he expressed himself as per- fectly willing to go away on the next train. ‘«Why, they said you couldn’t get up for six weeks.” “Nonsense! My back is lame, but I can travel well enough, I guess. 1 want to get away from here as soon as possible.” ; “So do I.” Ne _ When Neil was dressing for the night performance, Hooker told him 1 the news. “I’m glad of it,” he said. ‘The old gentleman swore that 1 was his son, and wouldn’t hear anything to the contrary, so now I hope he’s satisfied. I am sorry to lose Ad, but I’m glad he has been so fortunate,” ee Old Robbins heard of the matter the next morning, Ad and his suppsed father being then many miles"away. ‘‘Oho! that’s the game, is it?’ he growled. ‘‘Go away and say nothing about it, I must follow him up and draw my first divi- dend.” _Ad, at the same nioment, was muttering to himself: “Robbins, you old reprobate, I can defy you now, worst!” | Do your CHAPTER XIX. THE RENCOUNTER AND THE DEFIANCE. / ; Apovut a month after Ad’s departure from the circus, that young gentleman was promenading one of the most fashionable streets of the city of Indianapolis, elegantly dressed and having quite the air of i . gentleman. He he was quite the rage in society, his romantic story increasing the im- ‘pression which he would have made at any rate. He had good taste, and the means to gratify it, and his clothes set - apon him ina manner that showed him to be a gentleman born, for the manufactured article never bas the same look as the bona fide one, ‘po matter what people may say to the contrary, In the interim, old Wentworth, his father, as we shall call him for the present, had become very much attached to the young impostor, and thought the world of him, doing everything he could to show his ‘affection. “He had been renamed Nathaniel ‘Wentworth, called Nate for short, and by that name we will speak of him until it becomes necessary to ' give him his proper appellation. While he knew that but for his own finesse he would never have at- tained to the position he now occupied, he nevertheless fully appre- ; ciated Mr. Wentworth’s determination to find his son, and was grate- ful for ‘all the kindness he had received at the latter’s hands, at the ‘ same time so conducting himself that there should be no cessation of - the same. “While his conscience still smote him for the part he had taken against his true friend, Neil Adams, although not so poignantly as at first, he egarded } his father with a great deal of real admiration, and hon- liked to do so, j ' doing all that was possible for him to do. Inke if he chose to live in Chicago at any time, and an elegant boat with which he often practiced ‘on the river; hada valet, coachman and other servants, all to him self, nan never lacked a plenty of ready ash i in his pocket. he did rot spend half ae much as Wentworth supposed he did, and yet there was plenty more, and that he must enjoy himself His good looks and elegant bearing attracted great attention, and | it well, Ad, and no mistake. No wonder you hoodwinked old W y did his best to please him, not merely from policy, but because, ~The old gentleman was never tired of talking anne his son, and of 1 know of no bargain whatever, The means taken to e { Nate had horses at his disposal, was promised a yacht to use on ae { ‘He spent what he wanted wisely, soe with no stinting hand, but the old fellow was always pressing money upon him, telling him that: have something to live on, but it was a conscience fund. Every Gollar of that money was to go to Neil, for the young man had not the least doubt that some day the rightful heir would be dis- covered, and when that time came, he meant to make as complete res- titution as lay in his power, It might seem strange that with the courage and honorable feeling requisite to do this, he might have gone a step further and proclaimed : boldly Neil’s absolute right to everything, but he was not strong enough to do that. : His father fairly idolized him, and he could not bear the thought of undeceiving him, knowing that it would» Ay break the old man’s — heart, Then, too, Neil had denied himself to his father, and it would be hard — to make Wentworth believe that the boy whom he had at first thought to be his son would tell a falsehood. In view of all these circumstances, the young man’s position wasa trying one, and he could scarcely be blamed for acting as he did. He was not altogether bad, though he was bound to take care of © himself, first of all, and could not bear to think of parting with all that — made life pleasant to him, though at the same time’he felt a ny i owed a, duty to Neil, iG It wag while he was still in the heyday of his brilliant career that an incident occurred which demonstrated most clearly that he was not, absolutely safe from detection, and that he would have to play his k cards more adroitly than ever, if he wished to continue his minus ia game, : He was walking along easily, as we have said, when he suddenly came face to face with the prime ay cha sep whilom confeder- — ate, Robbins. i The man caught him by the button hole immediately, ‘‘Aha, my gay young plotter, you played a clever game, did you. not?” said the old -scamp, with a leer. ‘Upon my word, it was well done, but you forgot that there was a bargain between us. my first month’s dividend Rows if you please.” ‘ET do not understand you.” “Oh, no, of course not! If you object to the public street, dtppoes 5 we go tothe park and talk over matters. By Jove, you carry it on well, Oh, I knew you were a deep one when I engaged you for, th job. ” * «Really, you must excuse me,” said Nate freeing himself, ‘eeba this i is. probably a case of mistaken identity. You probably take: me for someone else.” BEY “No, don't. I’ve been watching you for some minutes. You aa! worth so nicely. You rather startled me, in fact, by the sudde of your movements, I tell you, there’s nothing like striking whil iron is hot, Ad, my boy.” ‘My name is not Ad.” “J know it isn’t now—it’s Nathaniel Wentworth. I Bay, hoy you manage to do it all so quickly? I fancied you would nee help.” «Jt matters not how I convinced my father of my identity. my own counsel then, and I mean to do it still.” “That's: all right—I shan’t trouble you in that quarter, if y want to give yourself away. You're going to Bor! me have my allowance, though, I suppose?” Yes “For what?” { ened “ For putting you where you are.”' pid ‘I owe my elevation to my own efforts entirely. 11 tity were of my own devising, Iam the son of Mr, Wentwor ‘that is all you es oe kt High

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YOUNG @QRIZZLY ADAMS. : : 21 ‘only you got the start of me. Come—come, now, quit your fooling, ‘“Ask Mr. Nate, if he is still in the house, to step in here a few iz “and give me fifty dollars; I’m infernally short.” moments.” i; _ “YT shall give you nothing.” * Yes, sir; he is just going out; he called James up to his parlors ¥ ~ * You won't?” not a minute since.” * No,” ; “Deliver my message; tell him I want to see him at once, when he’ “Then, by Heaven, I will denounce you!” said the enraged villain, | has finished dressing, of course.” ; a ‘Speaking in a rapid manner. ‘I will show you up in your true col- The man disappeared, and Wentworth lit a cigar and began rend- “i Ors, tear the false mask from your pate deprive you uf your riches, | ing the paper as if there was nobody in the room but himself. “expose the whole plot!” Ten minutes passed, during which time Robbins was in a most un- _ The young man looked the rascal steadily in the face and said, | easy frame of mind. i lowly: He tried to speak several times, but Wentworth paid him no atten- - “You can do nothing; you are utterly powerless, and I defy you!” | tion, whatever, and he finally desisted. ey: Then turning upon his heel, he walked away in the same careless At length the door opened, and Nate, faultlessly attired in an ele- . > ‘Manner as before, leaving the ‘paftlea Villain perfectly dumfounded. gant evening costume, entered and walked over to where his father i ‘ ; was sitting.§ ; ; CHAPTER XX. ‘You want to see me, sir?” he said, 4s : BOWLED OUT AGAIN, «Yes; sit down, my boy; here, at my side. Do you know this— NAS ** By the eternal!” muttered Robbins, as Nate disappeared. ‘‘He’s | person?” nodding stiffly toward Robbins. 4 euced sight smarter than I ever gave him credit for, What the “J have seen him.” mon can he have got hold of, to be able to work without me? I ‘¢ Where?” ow that young Adams is the right one as well as 1 know anything, “Hanging around the circus. He was constantly trying to do ah nd yet this fellow defies even me,” young Adams a mischief.” : 5 He turned away, muttering to himself: Robbins winced, and Wentworth continued: f “Vil get even with him yet, see if I don’t, if I have to play into the “ Do you know what he says? that you are not my son.” ee By fellow’s hands! Why, he acts as independent as if he owned a “‘T am not surprised, father; indeed, I was prepared for it.” y rs 4 Y ‘ ; “ Prepared for it?” reer at evening after dinner, as Mr. Wentworth was sitting in the ‘Yes, sir. {met him this afternoon, and he said he was going to | ary of his elegant residence on one of the fashionable avenues, the | expose me—show me to be an impostor. I simply defied him to do it. Hi s ‘foo non entered. Tinvite him to the contest.” ¥, v , There is a gentleman wishes to see_you, sir.” “ By Jove! Nate, you’re a trump, though you ought to ’ve horse- 4 What! s his name—didn’t he give you his name? Always want to | whipped the rascal. Now, Mr. What’s-your-name, you can go ahead. it sk ‘that, you know, because I am not always at home, Ahem!- euced convenient invention of society, that! Enables a man to get of disagreeable visitors. Mighty handy, upon my word!” ‘ ‘We said you would know him, sir, when you saw him, Has im- nt business to communicate, I understand.” Ahem! Who the mischief is it, I should like to know?” The well-drilled attendant waited a few moments in silence, and then said, deferentially: hall I show him up, sir?” ‘Yes, you may—confound my curiosity! Well—well, if I don’t want ¢ him, I can easily get rid of him—send for this gorgeous fellow nd tell him to show the obnoxious individual the door. Ahem! ave changed—used to kick a fellow out if I didn’t want him ) . More polite way of doing business now. Yes, you may ‘show m in, and be hanged Lo him. preys Tell your little story; we are listening.” Vea Thus invited, Robbins charged Nate with conspiring to deceive Mr. we Wentworth, with having humbugzed Neil out of all he knew upon the Ae. subject, and then passed himself off as the rightful heir. “Very well, Mr. Robbins, as you call yourself. Now, let me tell you what you don’t know. You probably are aware that the young es lion tamer was found dressed in coarse garments, with no marks up- on them. Very well, now to proceed: My child’s clothes when he was stolen were marked. ‘They have been returned by my son, ‘whom you now see; and, furthermore, he has been identified, and I havea sworn document, perce rT can produce, if Hoe bars: which declares him to be my son.” ‘Shall I tell you, sir, what this man proposed before I discovered “my identity?” said Nate, turning to his father. ‘He wanted me to pretend to be your son, and then divide the money with him.” This was a strong shot and told well, Nate array Kofowine® up with another: | “T refused indignantly, and then by chance I found out whe I was. The bafiled ‘scoundrel has been trying to kill young Adams, and then say that he was your son, but Neil was too much for him, and he was obliged to leave town to prevent being ducked in the horse- pond. Then he made his base proposals to me, thinking that because I was a poor, friendless boy, I would fall an easy prey to his scheming.” The miserable rascal actually turned pale with rage, i His own weapons had been used against him, and if he acknowl edged having approached Nate, 24 he denied it, the result would be — the same. ; “Do you suppose I don’t understand your motive?” said Went- worth. , You're wie cousin; more’ 8 the pity—would get everything \ od-evening,” said the latter, when the footman had departed seo from his master—‘ good-evening!” Here he took a seat. me on business. You know me?” )a hurry, blame him!” muttered the eccentric old gentle- half to himself. * What do you want, anyhow?” } ‘eame to. warn you err an impostor, You have bn: gom, ” } Tso who has’ no claim. upon you. ie ot at it finally. Well?” \ T rson you call your son, is not; he is no Helatinns I will ¢ “th credit of having. ‘been deceived, as I do not think you 1 : mpostor upon the “public in order to, cheat anybody.” nank you; obliged to you for your opinion—never asked for it, So io charge my ec Binghenles bhigcelciais ‘with Of course—plain, as daylight. No wonder you try to prove him an “impostor.” ‘He is one, I'swear it!” Bete aay ean ‘‘H’m! who'd believe you under oath? No one. No use, Cousin | Wentworth, I know your plans; know your bad hubits, always was plotting—better stop it. My son’s claim is perfectly legal, and you — can’t break it, that’s all I’ve got to say. Good-evening.” 4 Bursting with rege, the man Souoded into thie. street and prone. f i reat y this cl a 4 villain! Oh, ‘Thnow him ell? r t e@ boy know me the do 1a8 te 0 ay SS

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eS _ was Neil’s surprise to meet the detective, Crowell. YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. That's it, and thus I’ve nothing to fear from either of the young rascals!” CHAPTER XXI. NEIL LEARNS HOW HE HAS BEEN WRONGED. ’ Ler us return to,Neil, whom we have left rather unceremoniously Gut in the cold, while following the fortunes of the handsome young scapegrace who had Bo cleverly done him out of a fortune. The show was in one of the Indiana towns, expecting to atop at Richmond, Cambridge, Columbus, Indianapolis and other places along the route toward the Hast. Neil was walking up and down in front of the hotel early one even- ing, previous to leaving for the circus grounds, when a strange woman accosted him. “‘You are Neil Adams?” she asked. “¢'Yes.” ‘s Why haven’t you presented ace to your father and secured your inheritance?” **J don’t understand you.” ‘Don’t you know that you are the son of Mr. Wentworth—haven’t you been told by your friend?” ‘«What friend?” ‘One of the performers; a young man like yourself, the one that swings over the heads of the people and all that sort of thing; the ‘flying wonder,’ [ believe they call him.” “ Adrian Laurens?” “T think so.” ‘He hasn’t been in the company for more than a month. He found his father, from whom he had been stolen when a boy, and went away with him; where, I do not know.” ° «“ Went away with his father?” Yes; with Mr. Wentworth.” *‘ And he did not speak to you about a revelation made to him—did _ not deliver you a small bundle of clothes and a sealed paper?” “No.” “Then he has cheated you out of a fortune.” ‘* What do you mean?” ; The woman told him the whole story of the confession made to Ad, the packet entrusted to him, and the oath he took to deliver them safely to Neil, The poor fellow then understood everything, and knew that Ad must have taken advantage of the lie he had told Mr. Wentworth, and represented himself as the lost child, * And a few words would have settled everything,” le muttered. «Fool that I was, my suspicions have ruined me. How was I to know that Wentworth and Crowell were not in league with Robbins? Ap- pearances were against them, certainly.” “Tt may not be tov late now,” said the woman; “you can adver- tise for the man,” “But I have told him with my own lips that Iam the son of Adams, the clown, and haye treated him with the greatest rudeness. He will now believe that I am deceiving him’and trying to get his money.” «Then we must find out this young man and expose him.” *«No—no, let kim alone; it is right that I should suffer for my base- ness. Mr. Adams has been more than a father to me, and 1 will never leave him as jong as he lives.” «But some day you will become old, and will not care to continue your perilous business. Then you will want to retire and live on your money.” : “T shall have saved up enough by that time. No—no, I can do nothing now; be must never know that I have been,so false, Let Ad keep his position, poor fellow; his life has been a hard one until now, and I do not begrudge him his comfort nor his wealth—let him keep them both. It must have been a great temptation to him, though I should have thought he would withstand it.” The woman went away, saying to herself: © “Right is right, and wrong is wrong, no mutter how kind-hearted he may be. The other has broken his solemn oath and injured his friend. Let iv be my work to set things right.” In the next instant almost, after the woman went away, what oy “ Good-evening, “ said the man, ‘So we meet again, Gs wot How a a “Mr. Crowell,” said Neil, “I played a shabby trick on you the last time we met, and I wish to apologize.” ‘“* Did you convince old Wentworth that you were not his son?” — ‘Yes, and now it turns out that I am, and that he has taken up With an impostor.” ‘¢ Oh, that’s it, is it?” said Crowell, giving vent toa leng whistle. ‘¢ Who is it, do you know?” “Yes; but I cannot betray him. I have only just this moment found out that he has imposed upon the old man.” ‘«Well—well, here’s an opportunity for a first class job,” mused Crowell, as he walked away. ‘‘ Wonder where the deuce the old fel- low is? He runs about so much that you never can find him when you want him, an@ when you don’t you are sure to run slap against him.” Three or four days after the meeting with Robbins, the latter not — having appeared again, as Nate was down in the city, doing some: business for his father, a ‘‘ dodger,” or small handbill, was thrust in- to his hand. : Instead of throwing it away, he spread it out and glanced over it, the head lines attracting his atttention. As he read it his face turned deathly pale and his limbs nearly gave out beneath him, The wording was interspersed with numerous cuts,” principal lines were as follows: COMING! THe GREAT AMERICAN Circus, Hooker & Ketchum, Proprietors, See the grand aggregation of novelty stars, never before cme a fi by any other company. FF | YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS! \ ‘ The world-renowned lion tamer, Four Arrican Lions Looszt in tHE Rina. M’lle. Rayon. Four funny clowns. A host of attractions: too numerous to mention. InpIANAPOLIS, THREE Days. bat the | The circus was coming, and Neil would see him, He must leave the city, for he knew full well that the ig of the lad he had wronged would unnerve him. : the next day—Neil and his lions being represented as large as —brought up old memories, fs ‘‘Pather,” said he, at dinner that night, ‘the circus is comi ~—Hooker & Ketchum’s—I do not think I can bear the sight the memories it will awaken. I shall go away for a week.” ‘« Wouldn’t you like to see your old friend the lion tamer? liked him, I believe, though I never fancied him myself.”. ‘‘No—no, I cannot see him. I fear to have the old m mo es ; brought back, The very sight of those colored posters ma . think of all I have suffered. I had hoped to forget all this, but such times it comes vack to me.” ; ‘““There—there, my boy,” said Wentworth, it. Go away for 2 month if you like, Take a run up into woods or.among the lakes. You’ve been studying too hard.” Nate. was fittirg for college under private tutors, and made advancement despite his lack of schooling. ; “T will, and ’ll go away to-morrow.” ‘«That’s right, my boy, that’s right.” The next day Nate packed up his things, and sent them off the movntains of Wisconsin. He did not follow them, however, but finding out in what town | the circus was staying that day, he. despatched an express package 1 to Neil AGaNAs Yo ‘‘gav no more about following tue without date or signatdre: “This money belongs by right to you, and is part restitutio There Yee be more as time el a = A wise: on the railroad, ‘twenty ee hort. neachad Nell that: night, and he was very mueh

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; ~ YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. 23 He suspected that Ad had sent it, ana would have returned it, had he known where to direct it. le finally concluded to keep it, putting ~ it away carefully among his clothes and never touching a dollar of it. He said nothing to Adams about it, or that he knew his parentage, fearing that the kind-hearted clown might think he wanted to leave him. In the course of time he reached Indianapolis, but Nate was now hunting\ and fishing in the woods, and Wentworth had closed his house and gone to New York. Of course, Neil did not know that Wentworth lived in Indianapolis, and did not look for him, but Robbins did, and on the second day he ran across Neil in the street. “You want to clear right out of this town,” said Neil, with energy, when he saw Robbins, ‘for if the boys catch sight of you they will make it particularly warm for you.” “Now just listen to me a moment,” said Robbins. “Tam your friend. Iknow who you are and how you’ve been chiseled out of a fortune. Your father lives in this very town,” and the old scamp gave him the street ang number, “All right,” said Neil, ‘I’m glad to know it; but, as I told you be- fore, you want to make tracks at once, or Pil put you in jail. You attempted my life more than once, and may do so again. You see, I know you, and I give you warning that I will have you clapped in jail if you stay here another hour.” “ But 1 am your friend.” “‘T don’t want you—won’t have you—wouldn’t take you as a gift; _ so get out.” ; “ Don’t you want revenge on Ad Laurens?” ‘No, not through you, at all events; so stir yourself, or you'll get into trouble.” “Well, of all the ungrateful young fellows that walk the earth,” muttered Robbins, as he walked away, ‘these two take the prize. I can’t do anything with them. I'll prove this young fellow to be the 3 rightful heir, and then I’ll get rid of him, confound me if I don’t.” ' The cireus was ac Columbus once more in a few days, the place where Neil had been found by Dan Rice and Adams, but in the in- _terim if had grown into a beautiful city of double the number of inhabitanta. The morning after their first performance there, Neil was startled to learn that Edna had disappeared, and that she was supposed to have been carried off by a party of tramps who had encamped in the - woods on the outskirts of the city. ‘To the rescue!” cried Neil, ‘‘and let us show these fellows what a circus company can do!” . CHAPTER XXII, “tb THE TRAM?S—EDNA A PRISONER—DEFIED. In the very heart of the woods, around a bright fire, sat a dozen or more tramps or gypsies, it would be hard to tell which they were, chatting and telling stories. us _ Not far off was a hastily erected shanty, and near it were a couple ee af Horsedl- ‘most likely stolen from some farmer. Be The men were eating their breakfast, which they cooked over their own fire, and which hag been procured from the neighboring hen- roosts and potato-flelds, for the bandh scorned to buy ‘anything but rom. at - Of the a ict there was a liberal supply, and each man took frequent potations from a flask he carried in his pocket. Not all of the men were awake, for a dozen at least lay fast asleep a few feet away, their drunken orgies of the night before having ren- red them indifferent to time or place, for they were stretched out on the bare ground, and were in a fair way to sleep until night. ose who were awake were a decidedly hard lot altogether, though they were neither dirty nor ragged, like the average tramp. He who seemed to be the leader was a powerful fellow, with dark ‘and beard, the latter quite long, dressed in blue clothes, and having a general flashy appearance. _ He wore several rings, two watches and a diamond pin, and about hii neck, in lieu of a collar, was a red silk neckerchief tied in a , butt ot a heavy revolver showed between his short coat-tails, from the top of one of his boots, into which the trousers were d the h This man was called Dan Brown, and he was a criminal of the worst class, being even at the time a fugitive from justice, He sat a little apart from the rest and smoked a big cigar, ihe others having nothing but clay pipes to solace themselves with. He ad finished his breakfast, and was evidently turning some pro- ject over in his busy brain, for his brows contracted every now and then with a deep scowl as if he was displeased with something. Among the crowd was the man Jake Burns, who had been so ig- nominiously expelled from the circus, and he seemed to be just where he was most fitted to live—among blacklegs and tramps. “Jake, go and stir up the old woman,” sai@ Dan, suddenly, point- ing toward the hut. The man arose and {went toward the hut, whence, in a few mo- ments, came the sound of angry voices. ‘«Go back to your master, fool, and tell him to be careful who he sends!” said a hoarse female voice, ‘‘ or by the Lord, I'll break your unmannerly skull!” “« Hasy—easy—you old hag!” retorted Jake, ‘Two can play at cracking skulls, Arouse your lazy pegs and go see what Dan wants. You're no use and no ornament; it’s a wonder the farmers’ dogs haven’t shaken the life out of you long ago. There’s only one reason.” «* And what's that, rattle-head?” ‘‘They’re afraid of being poisoned if they set tooth into your dirty skin; you’re enough fo breed a plague.” A sudden whizzing sound was heard, followed by a series of yells, and Jake went flying from the spot as fast as his legs would take him. The hag had drawn a whip from under the ragged shawl that hung over her bony shoulders, and Jake had received several sharp cuts before he knew what was the matter. At the next moment the irate creature approached Dan, muttering and champing the few tusk-like teeth that still remained in her shriv- eled jaws. She was bent nearly double with age, and was clothedeentirely with filthy rags, once of different colors, but now all of the same grimy hue,” Her hair-was thin and straggling, being nearly white, or would have been had it not been for the dirt which clung to it, and her almost toothless gums, withered and wrinkled face, deep-sot, glittering eyes, gave hera most weird and unnatural look, as though she had been one of the witches pictured in old legends. She carried a stout staff as a cudgel, upon which she leaned, and besides this retained the whip under one arm, ready for use at the shortest notice, “What d’ye want, cut-throat?” she hissed, fastening her piercing eye upon Dan as she came up. “Well, hag, I want to know if my guest is awake.” “Your guest? Your prisoner, you méan! Don’t talk nonsense to me! Yes, hound! she is awake, no thanks to you, and has been so all night.” 4 “ Orying, I suppose?” “Not she! That’s not her sort. She defies ye, Dan Brown, laughs in yer teeth! Ho—ho—ho! You won’t tame her spirit soon, I can tell ye. She isn’t like that poor girl ye stole away, and then——” “ Curse you!” roared Dan, springing to his feet, ‘* haven't I told you more than once never to Speak of that again? —— yon, d’ye Want me to cut out your miserablé heart?” “* Ye daren't!” hissed the hag, pointing her skinny finger at him. “I can bring ye to the gallows, Dan Brown, with just one word—one word! and I'll do it, too, I'll do it some day, an’ ye’ re not heedy of what ye say, bear that in mind!” “Stand aside, you old fagot!” and Dan strode toward the shanty, | suppressing a terrible oath. ( He was afraid of the old vixen, but dared not let kis companions see it, 80 he quickly got out of sight. ' He threw open the door of the shanty, and there, seated upon a heap of clean hay, was a beautiful young girl, who met his gaze with a glance expressing the bitterest scorn and contempt. 6 The girl was Edna Dart, whom Dan had abducted the night before. ‘ Well, my beauty,” he said, “ how are your spirits this morning? | You look handsome enough to kiss!” He advanced and attempted to put his arms around the young lady, | but the latter, springing to her feet with the swiftness of a deer, stood — | nae him Bu Sorin SS ten and flashing eyes. _ aes

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24 YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. «: Advance at your peril!” she cried. ‘‘ I know you, now, murderer, perjurer and thief! Touch me and I will kill you!” f CHAPTER XXII. : EDNA’S PLUCK IS DISPLAYED, Dan’s face turned a livid purple as Edna spoke these brave words, yand then as quickly paled to an ashen hue. ** Beware, girl!” he cried. ‘* You know not of what I am capable!” ; *‘T do, Dan Gregory, I know too well. You murdered my father in the Australian bush to get his gold, and now you wish to exercise your vengeance upon his child.” ** And 80 I will if you don’t keep quiet.” ; ** You know well that I am a witness to that crime, and though but 2 child at the time, the scene is impressed upon my memory, never to - beeffaced, You think you can escape because you have fled to Amer- ica, but you are mistaken.” '~ Dan merely laughed, but he felt uneasy, nevertheless, ‘You are an American, your victim was an American, and an accusation of murder may be made anywhere. You didn’t think to _ find me again, did you? You perjured yourself when you told my poor dying mother that her husband had been killed by savages, but _ you did not reckon on me.” ' “No, you young tigress, I did not, and I don’t yet.” “Tt was very fine to abduct a young girl from the circus, but you didn’ t think to see me, I presume.” “' There’s where you are mistaken,” laughed the villain; ** I just did ‘that to see you, and I have a proposition to make.” ¢s J will not hear it.” ‘ held Then you die, that’s all I can say.” “Do you think to frighten me, Dan Gregory, or Dan Brown, what- you call yourself—do you think I have no friends?” © They will be of no use to you now, my angel!” *¢ What new deviltry are you up to now—what haye you done with Hine gold you robbed my father of? Where are the papers you took from him?” ‘The money is spent, and the papers, being of no use to me, I have destroyed.” (ol! Liat; Lido not believe you. Those papers are of importance to / me, and you know it! You have them in your possession now, I would swear to it.” Dan laughed triumphantly. ' Suppose I have,” he said, ‘* what then?” ** What do you want for them?” _ * Yourself.” ** Never!” “ Then remain. an unacknowledged ° beggar since you prefer it. Those papers alone can prove your identity and provide you with a ‘fortune, I will give them up op the condition I have named.” ‘© J will not accept it. ANG uh ‘the authorities.” - * Ha-ha! you cannot; you arein my power. I could kill you if I chose, but there are better things than that. Iwill give you another day to think it over.” ‘ied My answer will remain unchanged. I despise and defy you. a - cannot do me the least harm, My friends will soon come to my assistance, and then you will be punished according to your deserts.” _ “Your friends? I suppose you reckon the young lion tamer as one of them.” Edna blushed and Dan higiaded with a cist fiendish dnd biood- eurdling laugh, “ Ha-ha ? he won't help you much; we settled | his case last night. ‘He: got too free, and we just tipped him over into the river.” “ retext, but think not to deceive me by any of your weak lies. Neil dams. lives, and is on your track!” She spoke the truth, and Neil was nearer at hand than she was said come ined the camp in hot haste, Teported that the circus. i rate, Dan urging them forward by whip and spur. I fear you not, and shall denounce you to- You. pan Monster, 1 know you are capable of committing murder upon any | “difficulty | in following it. — | the pike tie were still fresh make to feis9 him t “ Whew!” said Dan; *‘I didn’t think it would make such a stir ag all that.” He questioned the boy closely, and was convinced that he spoke the truth. According to the lad’s account, the party would be there in about five minutes, so there would be no time to lose. Dan rushed to the hut, followed by Jake and half a dozen others, _ who seized Edna ané placed her upon one of the horses, the villain taking the other. ey Dan held the reias of both animals in his band, Edna being upon his left, and then with a sharp cry he urged the beasts forward, and dashed along a narrow bridle-path leading deeper into the woods. ** Scatter every which way!” he shouted to his companions. ‘The force is too big for us to tackle. If there were only a dozen or so we might, but there must be at least hundred.” The tramps and outlaws quickly made their way out of sight, the sleeping ones having been aroused rom their slumbers. : They became sober at once, and made all possible speed aver) 3 from a place which was likely to be the scene of an encounter fraught with great peril if they remained. . Edna had been gagged, so that she could not attract attention by her cries; but the quick-witted girl had other meaus by which to ace a quaint her friends of her whereabouts. es While the preparations for departure were making, she tore her handkerchief in strips, and with a lead pencil wrote upon two or three of them the following: : ‘Carried off by tramps. Follow these bits of cloth. Dan Gregory, alias Dan Brown, is the leader. Rescue me as speedily as possible, a “BDNA” | One of these strips she stuck in a crack of the door, and after ahe na and the tramps got under way, she threw the others into the bushes, ie one at a time, so that they would indicate the way she had gone. i Unseen by her captor, she also tore several strips from the. bottom of the dress she wore, and attached ‘small pieces tothe bushes, = _ A ribbon that bound her hair served the same purpose, and it was, aN not long before she lost her hat, Le ijshpeagired blown off by the wind, ; AG! we're going, for the path is a regularly beaten one,” “Then you’d better stop and pick it up,” said Edna, the gag b ing now removed. ‘I shall need it, besides.” Dan stopped his horse and allowed Edna to recover her hat, min one of its ribbons, That incident, slight og it was, did more to eflect the young lady rescue than he had any notion of. The girl remounted and the two steeds dashed along ata lively Suddenly the horse that bore Edna ncn ost and fell, the ‘sie springing lightly to the ground. The animal had lamed himself so badly that it was Impossible raise him again, at least not for the present. : Edna, daring the previous Balt had thrust a ihe into his ‘for caused the lameness, \ De ** Ourse the luck!” growled Dan, ‘you'll mesh to. ae up benina , me; isnt! now, be quick about it.” dle in front of him. She submitted, for she well ions that the delays she hai were in her favor, and that rescue was at hand. CHAPTER XxIy, THE RESCUE—MYSTERY—DOOMED, = As the brave young girl surmised, assistance was at | hand, Nei h ing ¢ discovered the traces she had left behind her. He flew along the path which the robber had taken, and The bits of cloth and ribbon served as. guidemarks, a

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YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. € ——— See SE SSSR ST AE ~ and he increased his speed, hoping to shortly come up with the villain. | after him on a run, while Neil took the young ay hack to town on a: As he dashed along the path he heard the sound of horses’ feet ! the fellow’s horse, walking alongside. £ striking the hard ground, and knew that the end of the wood had been oie * reached, and, indeed, he came to it a few moments later, and saw a # “horseman riding along a rocky lane. : skirts, and his heart gave a bound. ‘Drawing his revolver, which he now carried since the former attacks ‘upon him, he fired at random, The shot whistled over the head of the ruffian, doing him nos harm, it is true, but indicating pretty plainly that Neil meant business. Edna gave a scream, and Dan tried to prevent her, but Neil heard and fired a second shot, which struck the villain in the shoulder, Making him wince with pain. He loosened his hold. on the rein, and Edna pulled the horse back ipon his haunches, bringing him to a dead halt. Dan, seeing that’ matters were desperate, sprang to the ground, and ) then beholding only Neil, rushed upon him, drawing his own reapon. _ Neil took aim, and pulled che trigger as the burly ruffian came upon The weapon missed fire! In an instant Dan had seized bim by the throat and forced him to @ earth. He oan the muzzie of his revolver to Neil's temple, and pre. wy Poor Neil thought that it was all’up with him, but in less than a ad eame deliverance. in the whole scene. amation of surprise came to his lips, and raising the rifle carried to his shoulder. », he fired, almost “without aim, it seemed, ; the villain’s head. he bullet struck the barrel of Dan’s revolver, knocking it from hand, and saving Neil’s life. ‘oa hen the youth sprang from the banky caught hold of an over- ha ging: ‘branch, and swung himself down into the lane. | Dau jumped to his feet, but the intruder, unslinging his rifle, which d thrown over his shoulder before he took his flying leap, a bead on him in an instant, and said, decisively: ‘Clear out, cr T'll riddle your miserable carcass through and through. “That young man js my friend!” - bis old companion, Adrian Laurens, as the young man was to him. u here!” said Dan, in sudden surprise. ‘I thought you had ” yer mind where, but get out, or I’ll shoot!” at are you up to now? Nothing honest, I’ll be bound!’ ar out, I'tell you, or I’ll give you up to the officers. coming!” abe is the way you go back on an old friend, is it?” A don’t move before I count three, I’ll put a ballet through I hear r, “and glad that I have beet able t to save your ‘ite, Good- ld friend.” making off when Neil cried ite : Dp, ‘Stop, don’t run away. like that. , though I know what—-” ‘was gone, and Neil did not fiuigh his sentence, pasiee came up and joined Neil, the new arrivals having dis- T have no ill will against oe great importance to me.” ust overhaul Ben by all. means,” said Neil, adding ag ane i recognized the voice, and looking up beheld the face and - A young lady was in front of him, as Neil saw by the fluttering ‘ heart. Nate Wentworth had no idea that Neil was in the neighborhood, and he was on his way buck to Indianapolis when he came across his old friend so euddenly. He had stopped over at Columbus for a day in order to do a little shooting, and thus, by the merest chance, had come upon Neil. He was glad to have been the means of saving the young man from peril, but dared not see him again, fearing that his resolution might break down. ) He argued in this manner, that while lhe meant to make restitution to Neil when Wentworth was dead, he could not do it before, as the! old man was so fond of him that to undeceive him would break his The old gentleman believed in him and loved him, and to tell him the truth would undoubtedly have been his death blow. For that reason, and one cannot help honoring the misguided fel-" low for it, he kept silence, though his conscience had already begun to trouble him greatly. It is an old adage that stolen fruits taste the sweetest, but Nate did not find it)ao by uny means, and though his doting father lavished his money upon him he was not contented, and sought to forget his un- happiness in constant study or amusement. He learned rapidly and the chances were that if he ever did fall from his high elevation, he would have acquired a deal of useful knowledge that would stand him in good stead. 3 After he had left Neil he plunged into the underbrush, not noticing in what particular direction he was going, but merely with the idea of getting away from Neil. Before long he heard an exclamation, and glancing up saw the: tramp standing in front of him. ‘“« What did you mean, Ralph, by treating an old palin that way?” said the man, * Hush, I could have shot oli: and put you and your knowledge of me in the grave, bu: I did not want to do that,” ‘You never used to interfere between me and my victims before!” “This young man is my friend! Hehas been wronged bitterly, and nothing that I can do in his favor can wipe out the memory of those wrongs. If you harm him I will kill you.” “It is enough, if you command. The old ties are sufficient, whether in Australia or here, to bind me to obedience.” ‘ By them, I command you to harm not.a hair of that lad’s head!” “Tt isenough. 1 will protect him when in danger, if you say so.” *«T do say sol” ‘«To hear is to obey!” “One moment!” for Dan was turning to go. belonging to the father of that young girl. “ You would cheat me of my revenge!” ‘You have papers Give them to me!” the darkness and the night, I command you to give them up, and re- lease the victim from your hold!” The man trembled at these strange words, evidently some old coun- tersign or formula of a secret society, and bowing his head, he said: “Asa Brother of the Night I must obey what my superior com- mands. His word is as binding upon me in one place as in another, You do not forget your own obligations?” ; “No, My reasons are good. Give me the papers!” Dan put his hand into his breast, and drawing out a sealed packet, handed it to Nate. of my esteem.” So saying some Babette a considerable sum. Just then a noise was heard as of men approaching. “Goat once and ferr not,” said Nate, not when you see. me—believe me dead, treat me asa eget It is the third command, remember!” Dan bowed, drew his hand across his eyes, and then dove into the thickest of the wood, for help. In a few moments the men came up.) ‘* He has gone this } way,” cried the doy, 1 im te *« By the ties that bind us together, by the moon and the stars, by | “Tt is well. aoe are a true PesEnee of the Night—receive this token , Nate put the papers into his pocket and gave. the man “ Henceforth, know me — Nate started forward in. ae direction, fae began calling lastly y

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YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. fats 5) seme The men followed him on the false scent, and he led them so far | his long whip; ‘‘you will confuse the good people with your long : : astray in a quarter of an hour that they were completely bewil- | rigmarole.” i dered. ; “Not a bit, sir, not a bit; the people are not ag stupid as you ‘are. ” Then he put them on the main road at a point which, if they ‘* How now, sirrah, do you mean to insinuate that Tam lacking i 2 followed it, they would have to go five miles to get back to where comprehension?” they had left Neil, though he knew of a short cut which would take “ That’s what I said, sir.” off half that distance. ‘**Pshaw! nobody minds what a fool says.” i Then he suddenly left them to shift for themselves, and, afier a long ‘* Who’s a fool?? demanded Bala pretending to be very farious. | i - tramp, they redched the circus utterly used up. ** You are.” ‘The tramp or gypsy, whatever he was, had left the town by this “Say it again.” ; Mek time, and Nate was also not to be seen, ** You're a fool, sir.” { : The next morning, however, very much to Edna’s surprise, she re- ¢ Again,” Benet ceived a packet of papers through the mail. ‘You're a fool.” #Y, _ » They were the missing documents which would establish her iden- * Again.” p a tity} prove her birth and station, and entitle her to a fortnne. She “You're a fool!” thundered the ring-master, while all the people y 4 knew not how they came, but, finding thnt they were all right, con- | laughed, eluded not to bother her head any more about them. ‘« You are positive of it 2” The show proceeded upon its way, and a week later, as they were « Yes,” traveling through Ohio, Crowell met Neil and told him he had diseov- | ‘* What proofs have you that lam a fool?” _- ered where the young impostor lived, and that he was ready to expose ‘© You act like a fool, in the first place.” him ‘at any time. ** Well, I don’t dispute your knowledge of how a fool should alts y « What good can it do me?” said Neil. ‘ The old man will have | ought to know that, if any one should.” lost trast in me, for I told him a falsehood, Let matters remain as |‘ And you look like a fool. ” they are for the present; we cannot improve them.” | JT don’t bear the slightest resemblance tv you, so I don't t 8 «J fancy old Robbins is at work again,” continued Crowell. that can be.” i “ What can be his motive for wanting to get rid of me?” ** And, lastly,” continued the ring master, striding up to the-¢ ' Tt has something to do with the money, I fancy. He seems to be | and staring him in the face, ‘‘-I see the fool in your face,” : very bitter against your friend, also, from what I can hear, and threat- | “Do you see him now?” asked Adams, doubling himself up in ens to expose him; says he is an impostor. “T doubt, if he can prove | most comical attitude, and thrusting his face forward at lea’ $0 (ik in advance of his body. be ae he can, that i is none of my affair,” said Neil. ‘1 propose to “Yes, Ido. I see the fool in your face this aly moment,” ‘ lot things take their own course, _ Time will bring it all about as it | , ‘ Then my face must be a looking-glass,” retorted Adam ; should be.” away, while everybody laughed and the ring-master snappe Meanwhile, Robbins had found Nate agent, and had demanded to Edna dashed around the ring on the bare s back of her beau be paid for his silence. ’ and seemed a creature of the air, so lightly. did she poise I will give you nothing,” said the young man. “ No ene will | changing her position constantly, and performing the mos believe your story, and yon cannot prove a single thing you say.” evolutions with consummate skill. i Tecan get the woman who heard the statement conceraing the She was standing with one foot on the horse’s neck, and. the we. child to testify,” said Robbins. on his back, holding her arms above her head, her dark if Nate turned pale, but said nbthibg for a few moments. behind her, when there came a sharp crack like the snap wae? ‘Yon can do nothiug, prove nothing!” he said at last, ina firm The young girl uttered one cry and fell forward upon t voice; Ad and if you annoy me any more I bi give se over to the | steed, clasping his neck with her snowy arms. fies ; “police.” “¥ The intelligent animal came to a halt in a a an Edna ; Robbins muttered to himself, and Nate walked pee prone the | ed from his back and fell senseless in the ring. © zi secret thought within him being this: t Neil, old Adams, the ring-master, and half ‘a doz + Perhaps T had better remove this reptile from my path, ons all, ward, and the young lion tamer raised her tender! inh Je may prove dangerous. I know who will do the work!” ‘* What is the matter?” asked Adams, excitedly. ‘ ‘The blight of gold was beginning to fall upon him. | «Some villain has shot her,” said Neil, ina voice full Wko could tell what bis next step would het aeae | ‘see, the bullet has. grazed her flesh, That shot ; At the moment the thought passed through Nate's mind he came | fatal.” # ; pon & man, apparently a total stranger. ‘* Who could have fired it?” d ‘He gave the man a look, darting a glance toward Robbins, who was | “I know not; ‘bring some water, Aht odode begita es t disappearing, and made a rapid motion. thank Heaven!” ‘ he man’s eyes Jit with fererian excitement, and he smiled and pass” Edna opened her eyes and looked about: her, as. af trying. é prehend what had happened. ; that brief space a bargain had been made, and ‘Robbing had re- Neil made her swallow a few oer of wales and then d ntence of death! ag pe Mdenlysy shal yp a teh | ; “Are you hurt, deareat?”| Pa iy “cHAPTER XXV. Hebe We ‘| “No; I think not, though I me faints Luekil Liga: “MYSTERIOUS st10T—THREATENED DANGER, | well-trained, or I might | have received fatal injuries,’ ‘Hour rat pena E 5 4 vara i She was soon able to ae ie the ting-master ie ai hee oO ore seemed to know wi

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2 EAT lee Pease Sees YOUNG GRIZZLY “ADAMS. 24 Io Support of this theory, footprints were found ontside the tent at this point, and one of the side poles supporting'the lateral canvas ran up right here, and could be easily climbed by an agile person, _ The next thing was, who had taken all this trouble and what was his motive? Neil had no idea who the person could be unless it was Dan Greg- ry, but he could not learn that the man had been seen in the town, and no person occurred to him who wouldjhave been likely to do such ng. Hine time for him to go on with his lions, and dismissing the aflair rom his mind for the present, he sprang into his chariot and was ven into the ring. The lions never performed better, though Castor appeared uneasy 0 tne the air from time to time as thoug:, something displeased ‘ By Jove! the others are be- ng is up,” muttered Neil. ming affected the same way!” _ The act was almost over, but the lions seemed very uneasy, and imi- | Castor’s strange movements. ‘was not afraid that they would hurf him, but he knew Some- 2 ie event ; of any paaltseeht ‘he preferred not to have loose, as their presence would be apt to create a panic, whieh eS ; suddenly Castor uttered a doleful howl, in which he was goioed by ate upon him in on inatant. telligent brates had scented the smoke befara he had, and counted for their uneasiness. 1 et upon the instant, or he could not foretell what might ny } eh Ne x | S a) a = ° i=j a8 ~) o = a oc Se Oo a ian S ® = o o a “= 4 tS Ss i=" = cS s ti Sy = ‘ : = ve 4 ao 3 i—s Se @ D cs i= is i=" 33 So o ning the deers upon them, same tnsiacihib startling ery again rang out upon ‘the still- CHAPTER XXVIL t FIRE AND It$ PERILS§ —ROBBINS AGAIN. Pani of : a ent are on fire!” ( , th ) cry every person in the vast audience arose to their feet. Ny rush and bik bana hundreds would be tram- oa and ee for God's ‘sakel” he cried, in tones could fail to hear. ; used ‘momentarily before making a rush. ooker, Ketchum and others at once joined him. £ * said Hooker, “but don’t make: any fuss about it. i for all!” — 8 dro aie to the ceed, eee along under | audience, pie ; | from the spot. : there was a strong wind, there was danger that they would apeees to the larger ones, er Many persons, instead of retiring at once, lingered to see what a the real extent of tlie danger was, thus hindering others from getting out. The smoke increased, and the sparks began to fly about in a mos, alarming manber, the animals becoming frightened and roaring ter- ribly. ** Get out—get ont!” cried Neil. ‘ The sooner you leave che bet- ter. Those who stay only hinder the others.” The crowd pushed and struggled—women screaming, men shout- ing, but all the time getting further away from thé darger. Neil rushed to the dressing-room and found Edna, still in her ring costume, trying to calm her horse, who had run. to her on: the first alarm. i Their only way out—unless they followed the struggliug multitude: sate —lay right towards where the flames were the hottest. Naan | If they remained, the burning tent might fall upon them, and yet © iM it seemed fully as dangerous to foree their way out in the other direc. tion. The cage of lions had been clcsed in, and run out, PRT Neil feared no danger from that source; the escape of her he ‘held dearer than life was what occupied his thoughts at that moment. _ He tore the leopard’s skin frum his back, and jumped upon the ne horse, bidding Edna follow him. She did so, and held on to Neil’s belt, while he, throwing ‘the skin over the horse’s head, urged him forward. j 3 Iie knew that the animal would rush for the flames, but there lay his safety in this instance, for a few rapid strides would take gi into the fresh air. ‘ Forward, boy!” cried Edna, and at the sound’ the noble animal gave a snort and darted straight ahead. The flames crackled and hissed, and the air seemed to stifle their very breath, but ina moment all would be well. iw ; Neil felt. his, hair singeing as he dashed forward, but urging ' he animal right into the flames, they were borne beyond them in an instant, though the slightest faltering in that brief space would have been fatal, The horse made the rush and the brave ere were, safe. ; ‘ ; Then the main chandelier becoming loosened from its hanging fell with a crash into the center of the Ting, and all was dark, save for the light of the flames. i By this time the fire service attached to the company had ‘got the | flames nearly under “control, and there was nO more HSvees to were 2 seit Pat ‘The cages of animals were all hauled out of the way, and alten- tion was turned to the dressing-rooms where the costly wardrobes of the performers and the trappings of the horses were kept. er The first panic being over, everyone worked effectively, and nothing © ’ of any value was destroyed except the canvas over the circus depart- ment, the Menagerie tents haying been saved. : A few broken benches, a lot of chandeliers, , tent-ropes and poles, = and some harness was about all that was hart, but in such an estabe lishment as this, the loss could easily be’ repaired, though the demoli- tion of a tent would have been a sad disaster to many a “amaller big and one that would haye ruined it. As Neil reached the outside and released the horse, apringing to the ground with Edna i i his arms, he suddenly heard a ery of astonish- ment. b Turning anit, he saw a man in shabby clothes ies ay He dashed after him, caught him sy the collar, at hee h to the light so that he could get a good look at. es SR a The man was Robbins, _ i i You infernal villain!” said Neil, “I'll het. Sas are here r good. It was you who fired. that shot!” aaa It was a. blow aimed at random, but it struck feaper pst The map eee acd turned pale, a falling 0 out 0 in his terror. ;

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ee eed <6... ore ee 28 YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. before he discovered the real state of the case, Robbins had made his way out, and was scurrying across the fields as thongh the fiend were in chase. * So he’s about again, is he?” thought Neil. “All rigbt; 1 shall keep my sye upon him.” Someone else was doing this, unknown to the lad, and the villain’s days were already num vered. In the course’ of a day or so Crowell told Neil how be had uncon- sciously assisted Ad to make good his claim, by telling all he knew about the child Wentworth had lost. ‘* While pumping him in order to learn about you I gave him all the clew he wanted,” said the man; ‘‘ and then this revelation business did the rest. It’s a pity you told the old gentleman a lie.” “Tt has got to be stuck to now,” answered Neil, ‘* or he will never ‘have faith in me again.” ‘But this woman you saw, she swears that she will make the truth known.” ‘She must not,” “She has disappeared, and I fear has gone to find old Wentworth. She'll expose that young rep——” ** No, no, Crowell, you must not abuse him,” said Neil. my friend once, aud it is my own fault that he is where he is. serve all this for my baseness,” **Come, come, now, you are too hard upon yourself, come oul all right in the end, never fear.” At that moment a messenger approached saying that the old clown was taken dapgerously ill, and wished to see Neil immediately, CHAPTER. XXVII. NEIL LOSES A FRIEND AND ALSO AN ENEMY. THE kind-hearted old merry-maker hud over-exerted himself at the time of the fire, had taken a severe cold, which had struck to his “ vhidteeg and intestisies, and when Neil was sent for was most alarm- 2 ingly He was quite an old man now, and could not endure as much as MR formerly, so that the case was a more serious one than it would other- wise have been. Everything wag done for him that thought could suggest, but his name had been reached in the great muster-roll, and the summons must be obeyed. He lingered through the night and the next day, the show being closed in consequence of his condition, as he was a general fayorite, and no one felt like performing to the applause of thousands while their beloved companion lay dying. He sank lower and lower, and that night, less than twenty-four hours #ter he had been taken sick, he passed away quietly, and Neil was left alone, And yet not alone, for Edna remained, her grief at the sad event being almost as great as Neil’s, and she did everything to comfort him. Owing to his generous habits, the old man had but little property to leave, his salary due at the end of the week being just enough to pay for hie funeral expenses and leave a trifle, which Neil gave to the Canvas-men at Adams’ request, being one of the last he made. As far as money went, Neil had considerable; but it was not the pecuniary loss he felt, is was the taking away of a beloved companion, a tender father, and a confiding friend, that pained him and made him blind to all else. Old Dan Rice was sent for, and dropped the tear of friendship upon the grave of his old comrade, his grief being most touching, “ He was I de- Things will the old clown, now retired from the profession, ‘ I tell yer, he had a kind heart, George had; and though I laughed at him for taking care of a poor babby, I: couldn't blame ‘him after, when I sea you g grow up, and I often wished I'd been as kind-hearted myself.” It was just like the man, to depreciate his own well-known quali- ties, and Neil smiled sadly, and wiped away his tears, SoHE Nice They tell me you’ve got a rich father somewhere,” continued Dan tw ‘ Rice, “what wants to take you and make a gentleman of you. He can’t improve on you, my boy. You're as fine a gentleman as I want to see, in @ day’s travelin’, poe If you do go to him, and I Suppose you won’t care to keep in ‘the “business now that George has left it, God bless him, don’t you give up them two names, Rice and Adams, whatever else you may stick on to ’em.” © Indeed I will not, ” said Neil, energetically; ‘‘and the Rice and Adams shall go on the end.” “That's right; stick to Rice, iv’s nourishing,” said the old man, king ‘a joke i in spite of himself. « And as long as I live I'll remem- ar | ou and the night when we took care of ye, George and me, but ularly George. I know ye won’t forget old Dan Rice, the man as made more folks laugh than any other fellow this side of Heaven,’ u may be sure that Neil did not ‘forget him, but our story has to dg, and so we must hurry along, ‘ he next day after the funeral Neil was performing again, for pro- ssionals have to keep up their engagements without regard to family bereavements, and many a heart-broken fellow has had to laugh and pets iz), mare blood in him, and those fellows are not to be trusted.” “*¢T remember well the night him and me picked you up, Neil,” said. ack his jokes to the heedless crowd while the sod was still freshly | ; -| have made her ‘aecusation more forei le. y regular coming with dainties such as they liked, but finally the re-— membrance seemed to fade away and they thought only of Neil. Nate Wentworth had returned to Indianapolis by this time and the — house was opened again, the old gentleman having also returned, — aud he and his son sustained the same agreeable relations as before, x Wentworth having no idea that the boy he had taken in was an im- postor, aud finding much happiness in his presence, ; Indeed, it may be said to his credit, that Nate devoted himself un- selfishly to his father, and did all in kis power to make him happy. — He was unremitting in his attentions, and no son could have done — more than he did to gain the old man’s affection, doing it all quietly “i and unostentatiously, withal, and letting no opportunity pass for in- creasing his comfort. Wentworth was perfectly wrapped up in the lad, and grew fonder — of him day by day, especially as he now began to show signs of A Weakness and approaching dissolution. ee It might have been a month after Nate’s first meeting with Robbing when he came across him once more upon the street quite suddenly, The man scowled savagely at him, and as Nate passed?on without | noticing him in the slightest degree, hissed: ‘if ** You've got to the end of your rope, young man, so iol out os s squalls, Iam going to expose you to-morrow.” . Nate said nothing, but glancing across the street saw a dark,. -Byp- x sy-looking man leaning against a lamp-post, gazing intently at him He made a few rapid signs to this man, turning his head quickly toward Robbins, and then passed on, swinging hia stick lightly as nothing had happened and nodding pleasantly to several Aequail t= ances, The man opposite was Dan Gregory, and the signs mantit harm Robbins, and speedily. Dan had given his oath to protect Nate from all his enemies, and now he had received orders that he was to put this man out of harm’s ; way at once. He glanced sharply at the rogue, and followed him at a dista like a sleuth-hound, never letting him out of his sight. It was nights and Robbins was walking through a dark, desi part of the city, talking unwittingly to himself, _ She will do her part,” he muttered, ** and we'll expose this yo fellow. Then to have another try at the lion tamer, get him out the way, and the money is ours. fa! he’s a smafter fellow to h than’ young Adams. Who would suppose he’d go back on me that. | H’m, I don’t like his dark eyes and skin. e's g Is that a shadow that creeps after him so stealthily, fol every movement, pausing when he pauses, moving vhen he turning as he turns? Ay, it is a shadow, and a vengeful one, and one, too, th never leave him while he lives. He reaches the head of a dark alley, where not the faintest g mer of light can be seen, and pauses for a moment to look ab At that instant his shadow darts forward as noiseles shadow, a hand falls, there is a quivering pain all throug! lain’s frame, and he falls into the dark alley with a long ing in his back up to the hilt! Then, and only then, the shadow leaves him and glides: aw guilty thing, while from a neighboring street comes the signt patrol. denoung: « Alls well!” So it is, for the cause of fraud and deception, but for the villade conspirator, struck down unseen and unwarned, tha message is : Next day comes the news of a mysterious mur wild with excitement, no clew being found to the Nate Wentworth, in bis elegant apartmen! luxury that taste and wealth can furnish, s the news, and murmurs: “It was a necessity! Better his life than ers of the Night can do quick work when it is required Neil reads the account a day or so later, and says: — ‘* Well, he won’t trouble me any more, that is certain,” itis ing that the man’s death is but another of the ‘difficulties in of his getting : fortune, : CHAPTER XXVIIL FACE TO FACE WITH CONSCIENCE—AN APPEAL, One day early in November, Nate Wentworth was tak’ al afternoon promenade, fanltlessly attired, ag he always” looking the very picture of the elegant young conta suddenly came face to face with a woman, ee She was neither young nor good-looking, and was shabbily, Gressed. Yet she claimed bis instent attention She looked him full in the face with ber cold gray eye, deep, melting brown ones, and he quailed before her glane It was the companion of the woman whose dying confessic¢ heard and taken a base advantage of, He knew too well what she would say before she had ee her lips, and he felt as guilty as’ Cain. ‘* You have broken your oath to a. dying woman!” she sai for. half an hour she ‘That was all; buat had she ‘spoke Nate bowed his head, enseily, white.

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YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. 29 ‘TT know it,” he answered, simply. ; -€ You have perjured yourself,” she continued, ‘‘and for what?” ‘Nate answered her never a word. ‘« For wealth and position, for a home and ,aflection,” she said, re- lying to ber own question. Nate said nothing, but stood like a statue, carved from granite, so Tigid were his muscles. _ ‘¢Perhaps you are to be pitied,” said the woman, relaxing some- hat the sternness of her tones. ‘‘ He had all these—you had none; you have not robbed him of any of these, and you seem to be doing your best to please.” -“T intend to make restitution,” said Nate, quietly, ‘and have be- gun the work already.” ‘ Not more than a day or two previous he had expressed a package containing fifteen hundred dollars*to Neil, having obtained his ad- regs, _ He denied himself many things to do this, although Wentworth was | Constantly pressing money upon him. Neil, guessing that this, as well as the previous sums he had re- eived, came from the young impostor, put it aside untouched. ~ t was strange and yet perfectly natural that Nate should not at- pt to defy or browbeat this woman, but confess his entire guilt, Ot abjectly, but with a quiet dignity that was all the more pitiful. | J believe you,” she said, her tones softening; ‘‘ but,” and they ‘grew stern again, ‘ that is not enough.” ‘What more would you have?” “Your confession that you have proved false to your solemn oath; patat you have stolen your way into a heart that you might have en- By Ud | iF ‘ed honestly.” *To whom would you have me make this confession?” To him.” «The one I have defrauded!” "No, be knows all.” ou have told him?’ 8.” He has taken no steps against me, and I have seen him since have.” ‘ Nor will he. His nature is too forgiving. He will never speak word against you.” u his Wi bis first forcible word Nate had used, and it was uttered . voice that left no room for doubt that he would do as he said. Tien I will tell him myself.” £ end?” : ight may be done, be the consequences good or bad.” man was inexorable, that was plain, to be seen, and acted from her own sense of justice, having nothing to gain, personally, her course. - ‘D now what you would do if you told him everything?” : citedly. : that he has been basely deceived,” destroy the idol that his fond fancy has set up. You will him that the human heart is a mass of wickedness, and that lection, gratitude, are all shams!” ‘not for the sake of seeing what effect this would have, s not looking at the woman at all, bnt from sheer lack of ords having been uttered quickly and impetuously, and ie slightest pause, ; will take away his belief in mankind,” resumed Nate, con- is argument, though there was now but little more to add. ll destroy his vision of happiness; you will break his The woman shuddered, ae his.time of life, that means death! You will bring on an ectic it, from which I can apprehend but one result,’ ‘tight must be done,” said the woman. ; ‘not pleading for myself,” said Nate, ‘* but for him. He any years longer at best, and I would have those | tranquil. Do as you propose, and he will die, a k hearted old man.” — , e my duty,” said the woman, ‘ /mistake the word, You mean funa- | CHAPTER XXIX, THE BRETHREN OF THE NIGHT—DANGEROUS GROUND. ‘Do you doubt my sincerity?” said the woman. ‘*No—I only question the advisability of the move. Don’t fancy for an instant that I fear an exposure on my own account. For myself | care nothing. When my father dies I drop the name of Wentworth ~ and return to the world, unknown, unaided, to make my way to an honest living.” pe ae “Do you think you can be honest after this? No! Ishall tell him all, and can then rest contented with the satisfaction of having done right.” ‘Bnough,” said Nate, proudly. ‘‘I have done with you. Do as you please in this matter. I have nothing further to say. Good- afternoon!” ; He walked away with such a proud and dignified air that the woman was utterly dumfounded; it was so different from his humble manner a few minutes before. As Nate was dressing for dinner that evening he murmured, scarce- ly above his breath: a ‘¢ Will it be advisable to put the Brother of the Night upon this mad creature’s track?” The Brethren of the Night! Again comes that mysterious allusion. » What can it mean? As an explanation is necessary to show whence came the power - which Nate had over Dan, it will be necessary to go back a few years in the young man’s life. 3 He had himself said that no one knew him in these parts, and that consequently he was safe in pretending to be someone else. Nate’s mother'was Spanish, whence came his olive complexion and dreamy eyes, and his father was an American, from whom he got his determination and polished manners. He was born in Australia, and it was there he had met Dan Greg- ory, the gypsy, between whom and himself there had been a close bond of union. The lad’s true name was Ralph Adriance, and his father’s first name was Lawrence, consequently the name of Adrian Laurens was one that easily suggested itself. * 3 His mother died in Australia, and his father, partly from grief and Q care-naught sort of spirit, and a good deal from natural inclina- tion, joined a party of bushrangers and malefactors called the Breth- ren of the Night, from the fact of their carrying on their nefarious ‘practices always under cover of darkness. - Young Ralph was early initiated into their ways, and some three years previous to the date of our story, upon the death of his father, assumed the leadership of the band, young as he was. . He was in reality older than he looked, being twenty-one at the time he met Neil, but even at that age was an adept in criminal deeds. His father had’ been shot in the commission of a crime, and the lad swore vengeance upon the murderers, as he called them, seeming to forget that his father richly degeryed death, and had only received his merits..__ : : The Brethren of the Night were sworn to defend and succor each other wherever they might be, no matter how far from their regular haunts they might roam, or how suddenly they might be called upon. ; Any brother who proved recreant to his vows was doomed to death, and should he leave the country would be hunted down and’ a¥sasgin- ated by persons appointed to the task. : Though he might escape detection for years, the end was certain, and when he least expected it would be struck down in the dark, and no one be any the wiser. i There were numerous signs and passwords by which the brethren knew each other, and in which they could make known their wishes, so that if two of them met in a crowded place and one wanted some- thing of the other, it was not necessary to say a word, but simply make signs, The leader of the band had a right to ask three favors of any of hia followers “without requiting any of them, but beyond that he was expected to do a similar turn for any who demanded it. ae When Ralph said to Dan ‘IS is the third command,” it was under- stood that if Dan did anything else for him outside of the regular bus- iness of the brotherhood, he would be expected to do him a like favor at any time he might be called vpon. ape The brethren themselves did favors for one another reciprocally, the chief being the only one who could claim certaim service without * requiting it, otherwise than giving his general protection to all. The efforts of the military and police had been successful in driving them, and no matter where they might meet, they were unde! gations to relieve and protect each other. j Des Ralph had been in America barely a year previous to his meetir me Neil, and during that time he had devoted himself to acquiring t

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30 was just the person he was looking for, having at that time conceived the idea of tramping up a false claimant, Ad played his cards carefully, and Robbins had no idea of his real cleverness, expecting that he could twist him about his finger. But for the fact of Ad’s conceiving a strong liking for Neil, and his _ better nature being stirred within him, he would bave done anything that Robbins required at his hands; but, as we have seen, he was half - ashamed of his bargain, and, while intending to profit by Neii’s indif- ference, scorned to act further with the schemer, The meeting with Dan, who had fled on account of having murdered Edna’s father, was totally unexpected on the part of both men; but the gypsy was bound to obey the commands of his chief, and so saw at once an opportunity for doing good and evil also, if necessary, at one and the same time. He had asked one more favor of Dan than his privilege allowed, and - now he was tormented lest the man should require his assistance and hold him to the oath, - Robbins had been disposed of through his instrumentality, and now this troublesome woman, with her stern sense of duty, promised to cause him still further annoyance, He dared not call upon Dan again, and yet. he felt himself standing upon the verge of a precipice, whence he might at any moment be dashed and meet his ruin, i Thus does one crime lead to another; but the blight of gold was upon him, and, despite his good intentions, there was no telling how far he might be led in his effort to maintain the position he had usurped. JT will wait,” he said quietly, as he prepared to go below; ‘I think I can beat this woman by my own weapons. If not, then I must call upon the Brotherhood, for I will not stain my own hands with blood when others can be hired to do the job instead.” CHAPTER XXX. : ‘4 LIE HAS BEEN JUSTIFIED!” Iv was after dinner and Nate sat reading to the old gentleman, _ when the footman announced that a poor woman wished to see Mr. Wentworth. ie Nate colored, though his father did not observe it, and the latter asked what the woman wanted. = “She said she had an important revelation to make, sir; that is all, and said that she must see you.” “Pon my word! never saw anything like it—everybody wanting to’ make revelations, Aha, Nate, my boy, aren’t you sorry you ever found your foolish old father—ahem, I'll vow he isn’t; what do I want to ask him that for—guess 1 took too much claret for dinner, ahem! what do you say, my boy, shall we listen to this new revelation? Con- found ’em all—enough to drive a fellow crazy—must be mad to think they can shake my faith, l’m! guess not! Well, my boy, what d’ye say, shall we listen or not?” “eee ; ‘J had rather not decide, sir,” answered Nate, quietly. ‘‘Iam not a disinterested person. We might as well hear the woman; perhaps her story has nothing to do with me.” ; : j May beso, may be, though I fancy they are all jealous of you, and want to prejudice me against you. Plaguey lot.of cormorants, that’s what they are, confound ’em! H’m, I’m forgetting; show the person in,” the latter remark being addressed to the footman, if ithe fuatey admitted the woman and then retired, the visitor taking @ seat at the young gentleman’s own request. ~ - She was more neatly dressed than iu the afternoon, and looked quite like a lady in reduced circumstances. «Please state your errand as briefly as you can, madam,” the old gentleman said, icily, “‘ as my son and myself are engaged. It was only his condescension that gained you an admittance! H’m, guess that'll settle her,” under his breath. 1 «My business is with you alone,” she answered, darting a look of stern determination at Nate. ; ‘Sorry to refuse you, madam, but my son and I have no secrets from each other. H’m, guess she don’t fancy that much,” in another : ae : hag : ‘He has Joncealed the one great secret of his life from you,” an- _ swered the other, who seemed to feel that her task was harder than she had imagined, *! and it is that which I have come tu disclose.” Hm, knew it was that; ‘swore it was nothing else, Go ahead, my dear woman, since you are here—wish J hadn’t let her 1n, it’s all ‘the fault of that boy’s kind heart—go ahead, but for Heaven’s sake be brief, for I’ve heard this story before.” “To be brief, then, that young person has betrayed his trust, brok- yn his oath, and is——” f : ei af iAeimpostot! A’m, I knewit! Bless my soul, if I believed every- ’ Jy ry im h, sir,” said Nate, agonies of re : settle the ma he a YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. care to risk the loss of such a valuable property, and deci big cards,” | preparations were made for th York, and here an iveide: | he could have though I| The man who usu to the end of your yarn, so that J can order the servant to show you out, Bless me! iv’ll give me more pleasure than anything I ever did in my life.” } The woman completed her tale, showing up Nate’s conduct in all its buseness, and then paused to note the effect. The poor old man’s faith was terribly shaken, and it would have taken but little to have brought on a dangerous illness from which there might be no recovering. Bes ‘Tell me, my boy,” he said, terribly agitated—‘“ tell me, in one ~ word, is this woman’s story true or false? My God, forgive me for doubling you, but it sounds more like truth than I dare admit, I will believe you, my lad—the only thing I have left 10 loveme and to be loved. Speak the word, and if you are really what she says you are, then Heaven help me!” : He leaned his face upon his hands, and sobbed in a way that woul have touched a heart of stone, his frame seeming convulsed with th agony he suffered, : ‘« Father, dear!” said Nate, kneeling at his side,‘ forgive me fo ! submitting you to all this; itwas not needed to shake your faith in me, and I would have spared you had I known the bitter cruelty this woman was capable of.” ‘ «* Answer her in one word, Nate,” said the old gerntlemar, Nate thereupon rose to his feet, drew himself up proudly, and said slowly, and with the most bitter scorn: } ‘Then lef me tell you, madam, so that my father can hear eve word, that your story is one long tissue of lies, and that there is ou: the least grain of truth init. £ am my father’s only and lawful so! and need no proof to support my statement,” Bey, i “ Thank God!” said the old man, ‘‘ Tell her to go, Nate.” Nate himself opened the Goor and led the way to the vestibul where he swung open the great oaken doors and pointed to the stree «* Go!” he said, ‘‘ and never dare trouble us again. You have done all that your conscience can require,” this he said with 9 bitter snee ‘‘and you ought to be satisfied that you have not killed him, can thank me, if you have any pity, for having saved his life!” = _ You have triumphed,” said the woman, ‘and a lie bas been jus’ fied. Do not think, however, that you will go unpunished, ‘Yo swore, 28 you hoped for Heaven, to obey my friend’s dying request, and now you have doubly perjured——” hee a Nate again pointed to the street, and the woman went o heavy portals closing behind her with a bang, in ; ‘« A lie has been justified,” repeated Nate. ** Yes, if ever a fa hood deserved pardon, this one does. Does she think I could see man I loye better than all beside sacrificed to her ridiculous sel justice! Never! Some people would take a scrubbing brus sun to clean the spots.” | gerra’y The old gantleman, reassured by Nate’s firm reply, received h with more than usual affection, and was strengthened by the lad a yotion, ; Paget es This was the one bright spot in the young man’s conduct, which saved him from utter 83, and no one could have shown great tenderness and deeper affecifon towards anyone than he adopted’ parent. t ’“T have saved him!” he muctered, as he lay on his ‘*and I will sacrifice the man that dares molest him. but he is dearer to me than life, and I will kill anyon: to lesaen his happiness. He must have a cha f I think I had better take him to Europe” = He knew not that the fatal blow had been struck ui and that all his care and devotion would avail nothing father from the blight of knowing that the on being most was a trickster. teint te ; im Cee THE season was drawing to an end, as the cold approaching, and Neil would soon have an opportunity of A proposal had been made to him by an enterprising manag the lions upon a tour through the South during the winte) ‘meet the main organization again when it should start out int Neil did not favor this proposition, as he felt he needed ; Mike hi 6 ti af ing been performing unremittingly, with the exception of | oceupied in coming across the ocean, for more than two years. Messrs. Hooker & Ketchum, being the owners of the lions, 4 the brutes a rest, as they needed it as much as the per “They won't be any good except for menagene Hooker, ‘if we don’t have Neil, for you won’t find ai will make as much out of ’em as he did, supposing be leaves t ness,” cee pea ea ; ; “Then we'll have to sell em ee piers 4 they’ll eat us out of house and home unless th , ‘The show was billed to end ap eason in New York, a L at ev ite ybody being re do their utmost to please, i ae “ There was but one more town t

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YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. 31 rate, with a swift motion, reached out his paw when the man was bassing and struck him an ugly blow on the shoulder whieh laid it open to the bone. . The fellow, instead of blaming himself for the accident, became “enraged at the brute, and determined to have revenge upon him. The next day after the attack, having had his wound dressed, he ut poison in the middle of a joint of meat intended for Castor, with Uhe intention of killing him, : ' He was not able to attend to his duties, but gave instructions to other man, and he unwittingly gave the noble animal a dose which hould kill him. He was taken sick, and despite all the attention given him, died an or so after the evening performance. eil was very much puzzled to account for the sudden disaster, and called in an eminent ‘physician from New York, the local doctor h ig stated his suspicions that foul play had been practiced. ‘he stomach of the dead lion was opened, and its contents anal- d, the presence of a deadly poison being at once detected. i@ man who had fed the lions was questioned, but he knew noth- about the affair, other than that the wounded man had given him the meat and told him to what animal to give it. : The villain had fled by this time, and suspicion was at once direct- towards him, aud detectives put upon his track. hey did not catch him, but, for all that, Nemesis was upon his ck, and he was punished more severely than would otherwise have Be the case. : In his hurry and excitement he had caused his wound to open, ight a severe cold in it, and brought on acute inflammation, ie wound grew worse, mortified, and before twenty-four hours er his flight he was dead. ‘The case was reported, and only by this ‘means was the villain dis- ed and the circus people made aware of his sudden punishment retributive justice. : feil felt that he had lost a kind friend, and his grief was only sec- | to that caused by the loss of his foster-father, - seemed weighed down by the loss, and imagined that this was h, Castor being the property of Hooxer & Ketchum, Neil was no loser 8 death, but he would svoner have paid the value of the in- igent animal twice over than have had him taken away in such he only thing which could at all compensate him for the loss the presentation of the skin, stuffed and mounted in the most Teminder of the poor beast and as a token of their own esteem, he skid was mounted in a very striking position, and the animal ined just preparing for a leap, the attitude being so perfect. that ! iy teed until Neil conid 0 back in surprise when enly upon it. es : sned in New York at last, but poor Neil had lost his dhe wasin no mood to perform as he had done. me opin and ssi a before, and the other comrade, were harder to manage, and not éy had been, ce to their mouths now, and he was con- ome exhibition of native ferocity which he itself sooner or later, despite the careful 8. the largest of the three, becoming excited he ‘that Neil’s power was not so great as before, oke young performer and came near to ending bis career ag | tamer then and there. ze slashed the animal over the face with his whip again and in, and fairly made him retreat to his cage, although suffering fy serious wound the brute had inflicted, were put into separate cages, and Neil’s performance oa sudden termination, ort was Worse than had been thought at first, and for the re- r of the stay in New York he was unable to appear, thus caus- at disappointment, and materially reducing the receipts, this was not enough, the city bank, where he had deposited earnings, and also the sums sent him by Nate, and where Edna iso had placed her money by his advice, was broken into by burglars ht or two before the close of the season, and his property, among valuables, was stolen,” 2 i nds dead, his money gone, in great physical pain, and cheat- m ut of his inheritance, the poor boy’s case looked utterly hopeless, ae night of adversity seemed to bave closed in upon him most if s “ od ine ; i vise — i he first of a series of misfortunes which would fall upon him. . ntific manner, the circus proprieior begging him to accept it as | Nate was to finish his educaion, and to have the best foreign tutors that money could obtain, while his father was to travel, and take life as easy as possible, Of course, Nate would go with him, for without him the object of the trip, his restoration to health, would not be gained, as the lad’s pres- ence and attention was necessary to his very existence. They arrived upon the other side after a quick and unéventfal pas- sage, and went at once into the most secluded parts of England, tak- f ing Nate’s tutors with them, ~ The old man improved rapidly, and really enjoyed the change, the absence from a place where he would be likely to think of unpleasant things, seeming to be as beneficial as anything. England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain were visited in turn, Nate receiving no end of that culture and polish which only the mix- ing with people of refinement and travel can give to the man who is willing to learn from every source. aera | The greater part of a year was spent in this way, and the old gene” tleman seemed never to have been happier or more contented, his health, too, appearing to be excellent. Aye The end was near, however, and the blow, long threatened and most carefully aimed, was about to fall. It was just a year from the day that Nate had come to him, and Wentworth made it the occasion of a special rejoicing. . He gave a dinner to a large number of friends and acquaintances he had made in Paris, where he was at the time, and Nate was the lion of the hour. ; ‘ The festivities were prolonged until quite late, but at last all the guests had departed and the two were left alone, ‘« Nate, my boy,” said the old gentleman, ‘* you remember the little ebony casket in which I keep my papers, the important ones, I mean?” ‘Yes, sir, I remember it well. « Yes; it'is in the safe.” ; The last time Nate had seen this casket, opened was upon the nicht of the woman’s visit, and, although he did not know it, it had never been unlocked since that time, ~~ The old gentleman had placed it on the table, at the time. men- Do you want it?” ye tioned, and after the woman’s departure had closed and fastened it, a never having openéd it since, Seti ae He was preparing a nice little surprise for Nate this evening in, 3 Paris, the same being the reading of his will, made shortly after Nate’s : coming. : : ae chief clause of this document, duly signed and attested, was ag ollows: “To my son, Nathaniel Wentworth, I leave the whole of my fortane, personal property and real estate, without conditions, to have and to hold, and to kis heira and assigns forever.” ,Nate procured the bine’, and the old gentleman opened it, and began taking out the papers it contained. At that moment an interruption came in the form of the butler, who desired to state that one of the guests had found a jewel from a ring, lost by someone, and had come to return it; being obliged to lexve the city at such an early hour in the morning, he had not waited until the next day.” Nate ran down to see to the matter, and recognized the jewel ag be- longing to himself. ty sata et Thanking the gentleman for his kindness, Nate returned to his father’s apartments, not having been absent more than five minutes. When he entered, he saw his father with his head resting upon the ie gts which he had been sitting, while the ebony casket lay open just by it. ; 4 , One hand was spread out upor the writing table, while the other hung limp and motionless by nis side. , ; Something about the position startled Nate, and sent a deathly pal- por lor to his cheek, his mind being troubled with a horrible misgiving. It was not likely that Mr. Wentworth had fallen asleep in so short a time, and, besides that, the posilion was not natural enough for a sleeping person. : ; With a startled ery upon his lips, Nate sprang forward, and, ‘seizing | bis father by the hand, raised his head and gazed into his face, The hand was icy cold, the face pale and haggard, an expression of ig pain stamped upon the features, y Nate pressed his hand to the heart, but it gave back no answering sign, The poor old man was dead, . af : It took but an instant to tell the cause of his death, for spread be- — fore him on the desk was a paper which needed but one glance to send. the hot blood rushing to Nate’s cheek.

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$2 YOUNG GRIZZLY ADAMS. With a ery that welled up from the very bottom of his heart, the poor old man gave one gasp as he realized how he had lavished his affection upon an impostor, and being so honest and upright bim- self, the knowledge of all this stabbed him to the heart. i “God forgive him!” he muttered, ‘‘for I loved him better than my own life?” Then he fell forward with a sigh that tore his very heart strings, and in an instant he had passed away from this world to the better land beyond. Abe Nate realized the truth, and folding up the papers, sobbed as if his heart would break. «¢ Now she will be satisfied,” he said at length in a terribly calm voice, ‘‘and at what a cost! Could she not have spared him this in- fliction! The world. is pitiless, and the most unsparing of all are those who think they are doing their strict duty!” The will was found among the other papers, and Nate read it through carefully, saying with a smile, as he replaced everything in the casket and closed it once more: “There is nothing now that can prevent the rightful heir from receiving his just dues.” CHAPTER XXXII, JUSTICE AT LAST—REPENTANCE—CONCLUSION. Tye Summer came after a tiresome winter, and Neil Adams, aris- ing from a bed of sickness, began to make his plans for the future. He was penniless, and without the means of making his way in the world, his health being still too poor to admit of his returning to the ring. The lions had been sold to various parties, and the circus was far away, having begun its annual tour. His friends had left funds to defray his expenses, but these were now gone, and he would not apply for more, though it would have been an easy matter to discover the whereabouts of Hooker, for Ketchum bad retired from the business and gone back to England, where he bad left his family. Edna had been faithful to Neil, and, declining all offers of engage- ments, had remained by his side all through his illness, and tended him with a devotion worthy of a Cordelia, never complaining, and al- ways ready to cheer him by a merry laugh or an amusing story, cheerfulness being the best tonic in the world. She had indeed proved her identity by the papers recovered from the gypsy, but the fortune she was supposed to inherit had consisted of a few hundred dollars only, the rest have been squandered in law- suits, the relatives having amused themselves by fighting for the for- tune during her long absence. She had some little money left from her earnings, but this was now spent, and half her inheritance besides, unknown to Neil, the generous girl being too unselfish to deprive him of any needed comforts, When he at last arose from his bed of sickness he made her tell him everything, and could not reprove her for her devotion and forgetful- ness of self. ; He shrank from taking an= more of her little store, now that he was comparatively well, and begged her to let him repay her, but to this she would never consent, « We must. look about us,” he said, ‘and I may be able to get you an engagement. As for me, I will trust to Providence, and maybe I will recover my fortune. They say that the burglars are be- ing followed up, with every certainty of capture,” ‘A day or so after this, a8 he was taking a stroll for the sake of a breath of air, he came suddenly upon Crowell. : ‘« By Jove! you're just the man I wanted to see!” said the latter. «The thieves have been captured and nearly all their plunder recover- ed. Your money and Edna’s was found in a package by themselves, perfectly intact! Where have you been all this time—I have adver- tised for yon a week?” $ : “T have seen none of the rewspapers; my finances did not allow of such luxuries,” said Neil, quietly, uttering volumes in those few words. ‘ «Come with me this very minute,” said Crowell, and before Neil could resist, he had hurried him into a carriage and was drving at a rapid pace to the headquarters of the chief of police. In an hour thereafter Neil's money and Edna’s also was handed over to him, and from being a poor, friendless lad, he suddenly found him- self possessed of a small fortune. i te ce The sudden change from poverty to riches was too much for him in his present weak state, and he fell in a dead swoon. Crowell took him to a hotel, and then went for Bdna; and the even- ing that followed was one long to be remembered. j Blessings, like misfortunes, never come singly, and a still further, surprise was in store for our hero. The account of the rezovery of his fortune was published in all the papers, and the next day agentleman of the legal persuasion exlled upon him to satisfy himself that he was really Neil Adams, the former lion tamer. EET SHS Being convinced of this, he placed a packet in his hands and bade him open it. F ; ‘Tr was left with us,” he said, ‘ by a dark-complexioned, very elegant gentleman, who besought us to use every eflort to find and give it to you.” : : : Did he give his name?” 4 were here, I hastened to deliver the packet ‘ Yes, nade us promise not to reveal it, We have advertised | 10 success, fora month past. Seeing in the papers | The packet being opened, was found to contain an ebony box and ¢ \ ’ sealed letter addressed to Neil, in which was the key of the box. =" The letter was very brief, reading as follows: * The inclosed box and its contents belong to you. I have restored” everything, and your claim can be easily proven. Forgive me for my! baseness, and forget that I have ever lived to repay your kindness\|)” with ingratitude,” : , Bape: The casket contained the will, the two sworn documents, deeds the houses owned by Wentworth, bank books and certificates of d posit representing half a million, and several thousand dollars in cash, besides a brief statement concerning Wentworth’s death, and certi cates from the Paris coroner and the governors of the cemetery 0 Pere la Chaise, showing the cause of death and the fact of the d ceased having been buried in the above place. Thus had the real Nathaniel Wentworth at last received his inher ance, and the gaunt figure of poverty fled away into the darknes never again to show its face. ‘** But for that falsehood,” said Neil, as we ghall still call him, might have been saved a world of annoyance and suffering. That my first lie, and, God helping me, it shall be the last,” ‘ A month or 80 after this, Neil, having proved his claim and ¢ into his property, was walking along the river front one night, unob served, when he raw a young man standing in the shadow of a tree, “This will end my slavery,” he was saying, ‘‘ and absolve me from all obligations to that man.” 2 He was in the very act of raising something to his lips, when Neil, apprehending that he was about to take poison, rushed forward a dashed aside bis hand, causing a little ornamental vial to fall to the ; ground, where it was shattered to fragments. F ‘Stay! What would you do?’ he cried. <a The young man muttered a low cry of recognition, and pronounce Neil's former name. eer. Our hero drew him into the light, and gazed into his face with an exclamation of astonishment. seas) He had saved from death the person who had wronged him, Rs he Adriance, or Adriun Laurens, as he had known him. ae Z “You have saved my life, Neil,” said ihe young man, with the well-resnembered tenderness in his voice. ‘‘That vial contai camel Raa one whiff of which would have made me forget ever thing. : ; HAW by did you wish to do so?” r ** Because I am haunted!” ‘ ? It appeared that Ralph had met Dan again, and the latter had | manded his assistance in 2 job that he had on hand. He refused, and Dan had threatened his life, Ralph, well knowii that the map would do as he had said, fled to New York, but he seen Dan again that very night, and knew that be was doomed. He had, therefore, determined to put an end to his existence, been provided with the means for many months, and but for timely interference, would have succeeded in accomplis purpose. ‘T have wronged you, and yet you have saved my “¢ Would you have doze it had you known me?” site ‘Yes; the past is forgotten. I would have you live for re By the love I once had for you, by the pity I siill feel for you, mand you to live!” Je yea ‘TI cannot refuse, and I will obey. Farewell forever, for I must never know you again,” we Then Neil heard a sudden sound of footsteps, and a man rugh i upon him and bore him to the earth, A NC ee He had mistaken Neil for Ralph, and in an instant our hero’s Ii would have been sacrificed. ee Luckily one hand was free, and as the blow descended, his revolver belched forth a stream of fire, and the leaden messenger of de crashed through he murderer’s brain. ? si In the police court Neil was exonerated, an unknown witness ha ing sworn that he had acted in self-defense, Baa The unknown witness was Ralph, wio, hearing the scufile, turned just in time to see the whole affair, “4 Neil never saw the young man after that night, at least not to | recognized by him; but some years later he saw in the street a m in somber garb, who was pointed out to him as one of the most ut ing workers for the salvation of body and soul that tho ci command, being connected with a well-known charitable ins whose mission it was to save boys and young men from cr, river, and State prison. : ; The man was dark and remarkably handsome, wearing @ full be: his eyes being full of tenderness, and as beautiful asa houri’s, Neil had no difficulty in recognizing his old companion, Adria! rens. R : y No sign of recognition came intd the latter’s face, however, and he passed by without making a sign, but Neil knew that he w Down, and that the man had passed him thus that his vow of keeping 8 only with feelings was Say AAS own as

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~— THE ‘HANDSOMEST™ PUBLISHED! _ J i PLUCK AND oa i i = é ' Se re \. Contains All Sorts of Tales. | , 0. 1. Dick Decker, the Brave Young Fireman, | by Ex Fire Chiet Warder No. 2. The T'wo Boy Brokers; or, From Messenger Boys to Millionaires, by A Retired Banker o. 3. Little Lou, the Pride of the Continental Army. A. Story of the American Revolution, by General Jas. A. Gordon No. 4. Railroad Ralph, the Boy Engineer, by Jas. C. Merritt | No. 5. The Boy Pilot of Lake Michigan, by Capt. Thos. H. Wilson ki No. 6. Joe Wiley, the Young Temperance Lecturer, by Jno. B. Do a | No. 7. The Little Swamp Fox. A Tale of Gen’l Marion and His} % | Men, by General Jas. A. Gor don No. 8. Young Grizzly Adams, the Wild Beast Tamer. A True é Story of Circus Life, by Hal Standish | OF THE NEXT NUMBER. a i For Sale By All Newsdealers or Sent to a Address on Receipt of Price by FRANK: TOUSEY, Publisher, ‘29 Sem Bil eee Pree ea - ? e iil on