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fu‘st. An’thcn—you see her shoot me down
when I was hangin’—chokin’ wuss then a dog!”

“ Little PuSs is no slouch, I admit that,” with
a softer laugh. “ But that fellow with her: who
is he."

“ I hearn her call him Booth,” was the slow,
hesitating reply.

"I thought so. He isn’t satisfied with his
game in town, but must tr to win the Pride of
Posey’s Pocket as Well. erhaps he may slip
up on it, just when he feels most sure of suc-
cess at both ends.”

Red Bergum made no reply to these muttered
words, but there came a red light into his eyes,
a dogged expression into his face. By her ac—
tions that day, Puss Curtis had made a friend
who would wade through fire and water for her
sake. Low, degraded, evil though he undoubt-
edly was, Red ergum could feel grateful.

“ All right, Reddy, my lad,” cried the masked
chief with sudden gayety, turning and locking
arms with the ragged wretch. “VVe’ll stroll
down to the palace and I’ll help you to thank
this angel of yours. She served me and the
rest, in serving you, though probably she didn’t
realize that important fact at the time. As for
Booth Barrett—Lucky Barrett o’Sure—to—fill—
maybe he’ll be kind enough to sit the game out
without insisting on taking a hand in. If he
shquld—well, I’m no slouch on the draw, my-
sel .”

The muzzle of a rifle was thrust through the
open window at the rear of the house, and a
sharp, stern voice uttered the challenge:

“ Not too close, my fine fellows, if you please!
There’s room enough and to spare, without your
trespassing on this claim!”

“ lag o’ truce, Lucky Barrett!” carelessly
retorted the man in the mask, flinging up his
free hand, but halting short as he spoke. “ We
don’t want to intrude, but this gentleman swears
he can’t rest easy until he’s had a chance to
thank Miss Curtis for saving his life from those
hot-heads up yonder.”

“ I wish no thanks,” uttered Puss, appearing
at the window, one hand ushing aside the wea-
pon her lover held. “While I am not sorry I
saved his life, I could almost curse the day that
led him here! My friends up yonder—if you
are a man, spare their lives!”

“ What do you say to that, pard?” turning to
Bergum, who hesitated, his eyes drooping, his
tongue moistening his cracked lips.

Puss Curtis leaned out of the window, her
face flushing brightly as she spoke rapidly,
earnestly:

“ You say you are grateful to me for what I
have done?”

“I’m your dog, miss, from this da on!”im-
pulsively cried the ragged rascal, is voice
hoarse and trembling with emotion, his face
filled with an almost slavish idolatry. “ I ain’t
fitten to kiss the dirt your foot leaves a prent
in, but I’d do it, gladly! Ef ever the time comes
when I kin, I’ll prove my gratitude. Ef ever
the time comes— ’

“ It has come!” with increased earnestness.
“ Set those poor men at liberty! Give them
their lives, even as I have given you yours! Or
if you are afraid to do that, go away and leave
me to cut their bonds when on have had time
to reach a place of safety! 0 this, andm”

“ Ef the boss is willin’ to do it, I am,” slowly
replied Bergum.

“Let me add my word to hers,” said Booth
Barrett, his face ap ring at the window be-
side that of Little  “ Don’t stain your
hands with their blood, if only for your own
sake. You’re no fool, whatever else you may
be. You’re smart enough to know that blood
calls for blood. That if you wipe out Mark Too-
good and his mates, t e whole country will
spring to arms and never rest until they are
most thoroughly avenged. Let them go, and
call it a drawn game!” ‘

The man in the sable mask laughed, shortly,
half mockingly. -

“ Don’t you think you are taking a good deal
for granted, young fellow? To hear you, one
wou d think you were talking to a set of pro-
fessional butchers, instead of gentlemen out on
a simple lark l”

f “  it how you will, just so you let them go
roe.

“Do it, and I’ll make them swear to never
trouble you again!” impulsively cried Little
Puss, hope filling her face and making it even
more than ordinarily beautiful.

“Don’t, if you love me!” laughed the road-
agent, with a deprecatory wave of his gloved
hand. “ I wouldn’t have them choked off for
all the gold ever taken out of Posey’s Pocket!
It’s fun for us! We grow fat on it. Why, we’d
grow blue—moldy for lack of exercise were you
to swear the bloodhounds off from hunting us!”

Little Puss shrunk back, trembling, her fears
returning at that mocking speech. Booth Bar-
rett grasped his rifle, his voice ringing out hard
and stern:

“ Let them go, and all is well. Refuse—well,
I’ve got them under the muzzle of my rifle, and
I’ll make it mighty hot for all who try to harm
them, or to lead them away!”

“ Spare your threats until they’re asked for,
Lucky Barrett,” coldly retorted the road-agent.
“I set those rascals free because the fancy
strikes me, not because of anything you say or
may do. I turn them free, on one condition:
you and the lady swear that neither one of you
will touch them after we leave. They brought
a rope with a noose in it, and I’ve sworn to send
them back with its mate. Swear this, or I’ll
han them one and all right before your eyes!”

‘ ‘ ’ou‘ll let them go alive?”

“Of course,” with a hard laugh. “I want
them to be a walking sign to their fellows.
Take the oath, or up a tree they climb, head—
first!”

“I s ear—for the lady and myself. Now
keep 1/01 2' word!”

The road—agent turned on his heel and strode
back up the hill. accompanied by Red Bergum.
The lovers watched them anxiously, doubting-
ly, drawing a full breath of relief as they saw
the outlaws set the miners’ feet at liberty, then
march them down past the cabin.

“Turn them free here, why don’t you?" de-
manded Barrett, standing in the front door,
rifle in hand, ready for use should the occasion
arise.

“ I want them to understand that they will
gain nothing by turning back to you,"coldly
replied the outlaw, then briefly mentioning the
oath he had exacted from the lovers as the
price of their lives.

Down to the foot of the slope they moved.
Then. with a lariat which one of their number
had provided himself with, by a hasty trip to
their concealed animals, the captives were stood
up and tied in pairs.

The noose was drawn snugly about the throat
of Mark Toogood. Another loop was formed
just far enough from the first to drop neatly
over the head of the man who stood at his side.
Behind them at a short sti'ide’s distance stood
the other pair, who were ornamented after the
same fashion.

While the chief arranged the nooses with his
own hands. others of the band were tying the
left leg of Mark Toogood to the right leg of his
mate, just below the knees, securing Dan Orvis
and his partner after the same fashion. Their
arms were left bound behind them, and the gags
still distended their jaws.

“ I reckon that’ll answer!” laughed the road-
agent, drawing back to view his work with
head cocked on one side. “ Tell your fellows
that we had no use for such truck. Bid them
send men after us the next time. And just add,
will you, that the mart batch will have a tall
tree fastened to each and every noose our hands
fashion! So-long, gents! Ta,ta!”

And they Swiftly glided away, vanishing
amid the rocks as the four bound men slowly,
painfully moved away down the valley, Little
Puss gazing after them through her tears of
sympathy. until—

A volley of shots rung out, and with wild
(limes, the four men went down in a struggling

eap.

 

CHAPTER IX.
A DISTRACTED PARENT.
NOT in the words alone, but in the tone and

manner of uttering them, lay the sting that
made Bush Clark clinch his fists and grate his
strong teeth. I .

“ Do you mean to insult me?” he grated, his
voice low and strained.

The Man of Silk stared at him with arched
eyebrows, his bearded lips curling With languid
amusement.

“ What do you take me for, anyhow? One of
those awfully mysterious fellows who go about
with a pocketful of miracles, changing black to
white and green to blue by a Simple tWist of the
wrist: Insult you, my dear boy? Do I look like
one who would attempt the plainly impossible?
Now, do I?” _

“ It sounded like an insult, but let it pass.
What answershall I take to Darius Aymer from
your li s!”

“As look at the matter,”lazily added The
Man of Silk, his gaze turned reflectively toward
the sky, where the stars were beginning to
twinkle merrily, despite the light of the moon.
“ From my standpoint, there is a line fence
drawn through the crowd. On one side stand
such as are im ervious to insult, because they
are high beyon its reach. On the other, too low
down in the mud and mire for the scorn of an
honest man to reach them, are those even fur-
ther removed from insult, because they are en—
tirely too mean and contemptible and all that’s
vile and loathsome. There’s a moral somewhere
about this, old fellow, if you care to look for it.
I’m too tired to point it out any clearer.”

John Barcus was watching t is little by‘play
keenl , intently, holding himself in readiness to
inter ere the instant matters began to look too
risk . He could not help seeing how sharply
Bus Clark was stung by that lazy, careless
treatment, and knowing the reputation he had
borne in the long—ago, he expected a passionate
retort, in deeds if not in words alone.

But in this he was mistaken. Perhaps had the
two men been alone on that slope, with no wit-
ness to tell tales afterward, something tragic
might have followed, for Bush Clark was pale
as death, his black eyes were glowing redly, his
voice was harsh and unnatura as he said:

“Maybe I’ll ask on to say that again, and
slower, one of these ays, sir. Just now, as you
know my hands are bound.”

“ ith fetters of love, or bracelets of cold
steel, Horatio?”

A short, sneering langh parted the lips of
Bush Clark as he said:

“ That shows the course your thoughts are
most familiar with, Robert Aymer l”

“ You don’t know him by thatname?” sh 1y
interfiposed Barons,.risin to hisfeet, leaning or-
wa and gazing inton into that face.

“ Just tit for tat, you ow,” with a mockin
bow. “ He calls me out of my name, and I cal
him—Robert Aymer. See?”

“ Plagiarizing the entle lunatic of the hearse?”
drawled The Man of%i1k, with a low, soft laugh.
“Is there nothing original about your clothes,
Horatio, except the way you spell our name?

Or was it your name? A name. I ow, but—
well, life is too short for wasting recious mo-
ments over a trifle of that sort! £18.11 a poor

devil has done the same thing in a fit 0 absent-
mindedness, and without a particle more malice
than—the gentleman of whom I happened to be
thinking when you chanced to cross my vision,
Mr. Clark,” with aprofound bow.

“You come from Mr. Aymer, I think you
said?” interposed Barcus.

“ I did. He beg ed me to find the man who
gave the name of elix Bland, and beg him to
call as early aspossible at the hotel. As I am
in his employ, I had to obey, agreeable or not.
I have delivered my message. Good-evening,
to you both!” ‘

‘ Pray don’t be in such a rush Mr..Clark,”
softly cried The Man of Silk. “ _ are so
manyrooks‘andbuihesl ' aroundloooeon
the trail torusoy’sPockot “th
afraid I hmlnhleovfif you in   my
way throu 'th‘m of us ‘ come
to grief, to a moral certainty!” ’ '

“ Don’t let me keep on, pard,” gravely ut-
tered Bab Barons. ‘ I ve said about all I need
to say. on know the sort of cards I hold, and
can use your own judgment about the hint I
gave flan.”

‘1’ never jump the game, Baby, because I
don’t have to—see?” was the light response.

“ Then you don’t—”

“ See the use in keeping Mr. Clark waitin a
moment longer. I’ll look you up before turning
in, Barcus, unless I break my precious neck in
descending this mountain. At your service,
most noble messenger! Be so kind as to lead
the way, Will you? My eyesight is growing
dim, and I’m not sure I could pick the right
course quick enough to keep you from tramping
on my heels—and that I do detest!”

“I’ll keep you company to the edge of the
Pocket, anyway," quickly uttered John Barcus,
his big blue eyes roving swiftly from one face
to the other, as though striving to read what
lay below the surface. ,

“ Heaven reward you for your delightfulfore—
thought, pard!" murmured The Man of Silk, as
they began the descent. “ I wanted to beg just
such a favor. but I was afraid you’d think I was
afraid. Of course that is a ridiculous idea. I
don’t know the meaning of the word. It’s only
that I’ve got a sensation as though somebody
was ramming a knife into my back by horse-
power, and turning the blade with a shaft and
crank like that of a monster grindstone! Fool-
ish! Yes, but uncomfortable!”

“ Foolish indeed!" muttered Clark, with a
thinly-disguised sneer.

“ I believe I intimated something of the sort,”
smoothly added The Man of Silk. “Don’t be
an echo, dear boy, unless you can be an echo
with variations and im rovements. It’s deci-
dedly low. It’s vulgar. t’s bad breeding show-
ing in a worse light. And sometimes it’s dan-
gerous!”

“VVhat’s got into you youngsters, anyway?”
demanded John Barcus, stopping short and ey-
ing them curiously. “If there‘s anything un—
der this snip—snapping, why don’t you square off
and have it out without wasting so much
breath?"

“Shall we 0in e the infant, Mr. Clark?"
blandly asked The an of Silk, smiling broadly,
as though the suggestion was a far from dis-
agreeable one to his mind. “ Not to bloody
murder each other, of course. for it would be a
burning shame to make that dainty lady go into
mourning for— Was it brother she called you,
dear fellow?”

Bush Clark was white as marble as he re-
torted:

“ You are trying to pick a row with me, I
see. “'ell, I’ll meet you when and where and
how you choose—after you prove Darius Aymer
wron when he says you are his son."

“I g of you don’t let that faint, far-off tie
restrain your vengeance, dear boy," laughed The
Man of Silk.

“It’s not that.
mer—”

“ Then the lovely Adine will be my step-
mother, you will be my step—uncle, and Baby,
here, will be—what?”

“ Blessed if he won’t be after licking you both
at once if you don’t dry up and come along like
white men,” was the impatient interruption;
but the big detective was not near so careless as
he seemed.

There was a growing doubt visible in his blue
eyes as he covertly scanned the smiling face of
the little man in gray. There was a growing
shade on his broad face, that told he was far
from feeling satisfied with his thoughts.

“That settles it, then,”laughed The Man of
Silk, moving on again. “W'hen Baby speaks.
he enerally says something. And though I
mig it pluck up coui‘age enough to tackle an or—
dinary mortal, I’m not taking any man-moun-
tain in mine, if you please.”

Bush Clark said nothing. but led the way ra-
gidly into town and up to the door of the Brock

ouse. He turned sharply as he heard Baby
Barcus check The Man of Silk with a word, and
there was a dark, uneasy frown upon his face
as he watched them by the light which streamed
out of the office windows.

“ What I said up yonder goes, pard,”the big
detective muttered in guarded tones. “I’m a

But if you are Robert Ay-

 

 

fool for m pains, whichever way the matter
turns out, ut you‘ve treated me white, and I
had to gl‘ve you the chance.”

“ Which was wholly unnecessary, Baby; but
thanks, all the same.“

“ You know who I am now. Youflknow what
brings me here. I‘ve got to perform my sworn
duty, even if it cuts close to friendship. If you
are Robert Aymer, skin out of this in a
hu l”

“ nd so tell you flatly just where and who to
strike at! Supposing Robert Aymer to be the
guilty one, of course. W'ouldn’t that be just a
little foolish, Baby? lVouldn’t a game of bluff
give more show for a.touch at the pot?”half-
mockin ly replied Bland.

“ Sett e that as you please,” coldly. “ I’ve

one as far as I dare go, and much further than
I should, as a sworn officer of the law. Take
my friendly warning, or neglect it, just as you
think best. Whatever comes of it, you can’t
blame me.”

"I thank you instead, old fellow,” and The
Man of Silk grasped his hand warmly. “None
the less that you are barking along the wrong
trail this bout. I’m not Robert Aymer, if Rob-
ert Aymer robbed the Merchants’ Bank of
Chicago. Is that lain enough for you, pard?"

“ Shall I tell r. Aymer you are coming, or
not!” impatiently interiu ted Bush Clark, his
voice hard and disagreeab e. _

“Coming, Horatio o’ the Nimble Pen! So—
long, Baby! I beg of you, eat a pound or two
of substantials to stay my poor stomach until
I can surround the rations myself. I’ll starve,
else! Coming, dear Horatio!”

“Call me by my name, or not at all, curse
you !” growled Clark.

“ Which one of them i” was the swift retort,
as The Man of Silk gained the side of the mes-
senger, his brown eyes filled with a peculiarly
mocking light a broad smile u n his face.

“ My name is Bush Clark. have no other.”

“thy don’t you advertise for them, then! i
Never mind offering a reward. Whoever is un-
lucky enough to pick them up, will gladly get
rid of them without asking for pay!” " K

“ If you will force a row on me, all right!”

“ If it isn’t rigit, I’ll make it “fill-1‘3: but sleep
on it first, my y—sleep on it ! And,if
you could man e to decide which one of our
names you’d rat er be carved under, may it
would save trouble and mistakes in arranging.
for the funeral. Tombstones come mighty ig
in Posey’s Pocket, now I tell on!”

Low and guarded though t eir tones had been
through all, their words had attracted atten-
tion, several men in the office and bar combined,
stepping forward with awakened curiosity.
Bush Clark saw this, and his right hand dro
ped from his bosom whither it had stolen. e
forced a smile, and managed to utter: -

“ You will have our 'oke, let it rub what it
ma ! All right! t 901 gentleman is waiting.
Wi on go up to his room at once?” .

“ I be ex cts me there, of course,” uietly
replied The an of Silk, for whatever real
purpose, it was not to come to an o n row

with the man be mocked so sharply, Just then-
and there. ’ , r
Bush Clark passed up the narrow stairs,’
pausing to rap at a door. ,
“Is tyou, Clark?” came a cold, stern voice.
“ gov: you found him? If not, go back,
an — ..

“ Mr. Bland iswaiting your pleasure, sir,” ' ‘i ,

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Clarkopene . _.,oor mo 'onin e' , 'a
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hatashecrossed thothresholdmastingakeen , g»
amprehensive glance aroundvthe smaller _ '

r. _

“ If there is anything , 

“ N save to 637
 you; "
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being, as The ‘Iiatr I): 
ently Darius Aymer had prepared ‘ f for
this interview, steeling his nerves like one who
feels all depends on that turn of the cards.

He sat beside a small stand, bearing a lighted
lamp and materials for writin . A chair was
placed on the opposite side 0 the stand, to
which he motioned The Man of Silk, as he
spoke:

“Sit down.
promptly.”

“ Don’t care if I do,” smiled Felix Bland,
slipping into the seat and dropping his hat to
the floor. “ Came in such a hurry that I
forgot to bring my supper with me. and my
stomach‘s so light need a chair-back to keep
me from toppling over backward.”

Darius Aymer frowned darkly at this flippant
remark, and a far less acute mind than that of
the man who sat opposite him, could have read
his growing uneasiness.

“ You can give a thought to such silly trifles,
when I am suffering such wretchedness?”

“ Well, you see. it’s my stomach,” hesitated
Bland, with a faint smile. “ And naturally one
is more nearly concerned about his own troubles
than those of an entire stranger. although—” ,

“ You are still obdurate? You persist in
denying your name?” sharply uttered Darius
Aymer,leaning across the table, his sunken eyes
glowing vividly, his face flushing with anger.
“ Have you no spark of mercy—no touch of re—
morse in that wicked heart?”

“ I give it up—inake your OVVD trump, please.”
murmured Bland, with a shrug of his shoulders,
a halfzpitying smile on his face.

“ I will make one more appeal, though it
seems hopeless. Look at me. and try to recall
my face, my figure, my hairs, as they were when
you fled in the night from my house. Do you
see the change 2‘"

" Vl’onderful! I could almost believe you
were becoming a youth again—getting into your
second childhood, as it were!" softly uttered The
Man of Silk. his brows arching, his face full of
innocent surprise.

“ And all for you. All on your account, Rob-
ert Aymer," passionately cried the old man, the
great veins swelling on his temples. his face al-
most purple. “ Then—I was strong, healthy,
honored and respected throughout the land.
Then I could look any man in the eye, without
flinching. Then I need not hang my head and
blush for shame when I heard the name my fa-
thers bore passing the lips of strangers.

“ Now—look at me! Old and broken down,
long before my time. My head whitened with
grief and shame. My name a byword for scof-
fers. And all for you—all for you !”

“ You mean all for Robert Aymer. I reckon,”
quietly said Bland.

 

  

   

I thank you for coming so

“ Dare you deny your name to my very face?” _

fiercely cried the old man, drawing his gaunt
frame erect, his eyes all aglow. “Dare you
look me in the eye and say thata father does
not know his son? God!” with a deep, shivering
groan as his head drooped almost to the table.
“ That I should have to say it! That I should
have to Claim a vile, unrepentant criminal as a
son !”

“ Well, it does sound a little tough. that’s a
fact,” was the deliberate response. “ You don’t
have to, do you? Then I wouldn’t.”

“ You dare to mock me, after all I have suf-
fered—after all I am suffering even yet—~on
your account?" grated Darius Aymer, once
more the stern, almost fierce accuser. “Is it
not enough that I am driven from home. an
exile, a wanderer on the face of the earth, with-
out friends, without honor, without a hope—un-
less I can touch your hardened heart or stir your
conscience into making what poor reparation
can be made at this late day? Is all this not
enough without your mocking me to my face?"

“ W'ell, it sounds rather hard, I admit, but
what can I do to help you? I’ve sins enough of
my own committing. without confessing to those
another fellow is responsible for. If I was
really your son—”

“ Dare you deny that you are Robert Aymer,
my criminal son?”

“ I told you once I was not Robert Aymer. I
repeat that assertion. I have no father living,”
was the cold, hard response.

 
     
  
 
     
    

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Aymer thrust a revolver almost into the face of 
The Man of Silk. his face oonvulsed with mad

passion and despair. . He grated savagely :

“ Confess, or die! Admit that you committed
the crime for which I have to sufler, of son
though you be, I’ll save the ban a job!”

“A flue—looking u: what di it cost you?"

Cool, unshaken t e tones. “'ithout flmching
an atom, without changing a muscle, The Man
of Silk gazed across the deadly weapon into the
purple face of the old man opposite. It was a
marvelous exhibition of nerve, for he must have
seen the lifted hammer. the finger bent around
the trigger,a simple contraction of which would
send the lead crashing through his brain.

But it was a coolness with a purpose, and it
won!

Darius Aymer was startled, his overwrought
brain thrown off its balance for an instant.
Long enough for a man like Felix Bland. Long
enough for him to jerk his head out of range,
to reach out and insert his thumb between the
hammer and the cartridge. Then a quick twist
of his steel—like wrist wrenched the dangerous
tool away, a soft laugh escaping his lips, as he
said, half-sneerin 1y:

“ Never take t e drop until you’re ready to
improve it on the very instant, my dear sir!
That’s the regulation style among gentlemen
who are really fit to carry guns: pull and pull,
the two in one time and one motion! See?”

Apparently Darius Aymer did not hear or un-
derstand his terse ex lanation. His face turned
ghastly white, but it was not through bodily
fear, though The Man of Silk was deftly toying
with the confiscated weapon, illustrating his
little lecture as delivered. He leaned across the
table, his voice husky, pitiful, pleading as a man
might Blend for dear life when it hung trembling
in the alance.

“ Robert—son! by the memory of the happy
past, I beg of on to show me mercy! Lift this
crushing weig t from my life! Do not send me
to the grave in disgrace! I know I wronged
you bitterly in the past, but I will make amends
—I~will beg our pardon on my bended knees if
that will so ten you! Anything, only confess
that you sinned, not I 1”

“And swear to a lief, Hang for your son?
Isn’t that a little too much to ask, after trying
to murder me? You might the, but—-”

' “How is this for persuasion. then?” cried a
clear musical voice, as a door flew open, reveal-
ing Adine Avmer with a pistol in each hand.

( To be mtivwed— in No. 202.)

 

war m woes.

BY 3. 8. KILLER.

 

Woven with the warp of fancy
Glenna the silver woof of light,
Whose bright bars thgy Simmer. 3mm
night -

Like the star-gems .

Great attainments wanlngbockon
Selballurhicyto'tho and.

Where the rarest fruits of mice
With the fairest flowers lend.

Warp of fancy mum:

HWith younltrongis‘gt silverlwoof,
ow you plows-0‘ ,_ our or
Tessolated com and’ f-8 y

. roo ,
Glimmer. glitter in the starlight,
Beckon with our 'lurlng hue
Slaves of tune who are daily
Weaving warp and woof for you.
ND “love I ‘ ,
Writ came of ' .whlto

Can compare with new ‘ moses——
Welcome kisses" pl! , .
Warp of fiction yon-may» ’ . ~ .

Chillest woe to shade yoir 
» Bah! Go case on real sorrow ~
Shrinking underneath the val].

Woof of silver, warp of shadow,
Gifts of fancy to the few

Who are daily _ g. weaving
Shuttles in on out for on.

Lion the wreck ck it u : ’
Won-vb and hpldfiffllos of Fancy.
Brim or empty pleasures cup.

The King bf the'Nlines;

THE INVINCIBLE TWO.

A Companion Story to “Buffalo Bill’s
Bonanza,” and a Romance In the Ca-
reer ofthe Life-Long Paras—Hon.
W. F. l‘ody—“ Buffalo Bill,”
and Dr. Frank Pow'ell—

“ ‘Vhltc Beaver.”

 

 

BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM.

 

CHAPTER XXIX.
sxw ncsr crrv “JUSTICE.”

FOR a moment, after entering the Sinner’s
Ho Hotel, Deer-Eye Dick regretted that he
ha come to Saw Dust Cit , and not taken the
advice of the honest stage- ,river and remained
away.

He saw about him a mass of wild humanity,
and knew them to be men who knew no law.

The driver, Ned Talbot, had left his team to
the stable boys, for it was beneath a driver to
look after the horses himself, and more, he was
anxious to see what would become of the brave
youth. - '

So he hastened into the hotel and the scene
that met his gaze was by no means an encourag-
ing one for poor Deer-Eye Dick.

After the reco ition of the youth as the for-
mer clerk in the onanza Palace Store, and re-
calling the fact that he had killed, as was said.
Red Tom, he was seized by Bunco. who at once
called out:

“As judge of these mining—camps I arrest
this young man, as a murderer.”

A yell greeted these words, for there were a
number of the men who were under the influ-
ence of liquor. and were just ugly enough to
wish to see the youth tried and executed within
the next few minutes.

“ Upon what charge do you arrest me,
Bunco?” was the calm question of the youth.

“ Murder," and a silence fell upon all.

“ “'ho am I accused of murdering?” came the
question in the same quiet tones, though the
youth was very pale.

“ Red Tom, your boss.”

“ I am not guilty.”

“ Well, we’ll see if you are, and we’ll see
pretty soon, for you must know, Deer-Eye Dick,
that there’s law in Saw Dust City now.”

“ Do you represent the law. Bunco?” and
Deer-Eye Dick smiled.

H I do. 1?

“ He‘s jist been made jedge, Deer—Eye, and I
guess he’ll sentence you afore you is a night
older,” said one of the crowd.

“I have committed no crime, and you have
no witness against me. ,

“ I left here because I wished to do so, and I
have come back to claim that which is my own
Judge Bunco, and I have no doubt that you wi
be very anxious to get me out of the way.”

“Pards, this youth should be tried at once,
and I move the judge and the jury adjourns to
the dining-room and sets on his case to-night,”
said Bunco. ’

“ No, have an open trial,” called out one.

“ Yes. you decides, but we hears the evi-
dence.”

‘ ‘ Courts hain’t secret.”

“ No Vigilante work, but all open.”

" Yes, open court.”

“Open court.” and the last two words were
upon every tongue, and Bunco was convinced

trial.

So he said:

“ Pards, you are right, the trial should be
open; onlyl thought we would give him a

 

With a hoarse. inarticulate cry. Darius

hearing first.”
“ e 1. let it be here,” said a miner.

’ ward to defend Deer-Eye Dick,

 

 

that he could have no “secret session ” of the .

This was decided upon, and a table was ar-
ranged at one end of the sal00n, near the hotel
door, and behind it sat Bunco, ' 11, ink and

per before him, with the belt 0 arms taken
Ifom the prisoner, who was seated at the right
of the “ jud ,” and up in the corner.

On the 16 of Bunco sat the twelve jurymen,
and before this august court (l) Were the m1-
ners, some Seated on chairs and tables, some on
the bar, others standing and a few looking in
at the windows and door opening upon the pi-
azza.

Behind Bunco was the door», leading into the
hotel, for he always allowed himself a “ getting-
out place,” in case of trouble.

Rapping vigorously upon the table, the
“ judge " called the court to order, while Buck
Bradford said in a whisper to Hank Holden:

“ That boy’s face haunts me, and always
did, when I saw him once or twice in the store.

“I tell you, Hank, he must have fair play
shown him.” ,

“ So I say, Buck; but see how Bunco swells
up with importance, and listen to him," an-
swered Hank Holden.

“Gentlemen, I declare this august court open
for duty,” cried Bunco, in a pompous tone.

“ Hear! hear!” yelled the crowd.

“ The duty before us is to try the prisoner at
the bar—" '

A yell of laughter broke forth at the very
apropos application, as the prisoner was lean-
ing against the saloon bar.

“ Silence!” roared Bunco, and instantly all
were silent, and he continued:

“ The prisoner is charged with the cold-
bloodcd murder of my late dear and lamented
friend, Thomas Reddmgton. known here better
under the name of Red Tom.

“ All things point to his guilt, and if provcn,
it is our duty to find him so and sentence him
accordingly. ‘

“ The trial will now be commenced by the
statement of the facts in the case.” v

“One word, jedge."

All eyes turned upon the speaker, as he sud-
denlv advanced before the judge.

“ “’ell, sir?” said Bunco, frowning at the in-
terruption.

“ Who is going to plead for the boy ?”

“ He can plead for himself."

“ That hain’t business. judge, and I says so.

“That boy looks squar’ from heel fer head,
he went away at the time of ther murder, and
you says he was guilty.

“ But he were coming back here without
fetching, and more, he would come though I
told him to stay away.

“Now that don’t look like guilt, and as he
did me a sarvice to—day, I’m willing to do some-
thing for him, and so I says let him git some
one to defend him in this case."

“ Busmcss! that’s business!” yelled a score of
voices, more anxious to see who would defend
him than to have him aided by any defense that
might be made. .

‘ Do you wish to have a lawyer appointed by
the court to defend you ?" asked Bunco.

“No: for you would appoint one who did me
more harm than good,” came the pat reply, and
some one without the fear of justice in him
yelled out:

“ He’s outer you. jedge.”

“ Silence 2” yelled Bunco, and then he contin-
ued sullenly:

“ Then select some friend to defend you.”

“ I have no friend,”*was the sad res use.

“ You are mistaken, for I am your riend and

will take your case!" I
And Back Bradford  forward, while a

_ yell went up by way of applause.

 

\ CHAPTER XXX.
"rm: TRIAL. \ «
, Tax not of Buck Bradford,—in step, pi (31- _
' e
accusation ofhovtng'inurdei'ed Red Tom, crook
edassnmfionw -. I  I .

that: he ' t awn from the crowds. ,

“ youkgcept Jack Bradford as your law
yer?” asked Bunco, turning to the prisoner. ,

Deer-Eye Dick’s face had flushed at ~ seeing
Buck Bradford ste forward, and then it grew
very pale, and he ropped his head foran in-
stant: but in answer to the query of Bunco he
replied:

“May I ask Mr. Bradford. why he offers to
defend me?” .

The young miner seemed surprised at the
question, but answered frankly:

“ use I am not one to see the helpless
beaten, if I can help it, and I do not believe you
guilt of the crime charged, while if you were,
I fee that you had good reason for killing the
man, and you certainly (lid good service to this
community.

“ Besides, I have taken a strange interest in
you, and somehow you remind me of one I once
knew.

“ These are my motives.”

Deer—Eye Dick looked straight in the face of
the handsome (young miner for a moment, and
seemed satisfie in his Own mind, regarding any
suspicion he had had. and said:

“ I thank you, sir, and accept your services
with pleasure."

Buck Bradford at once took a chair over near
the prisoner, and Bunco, who evidently did not
like the idea of the youth having any friend to
defend him, said sternly:

“ Now let this trial go on.”

“Well, sir, make your charges,”
Bradford said.

“Icharge that on the evening ’of September
the sixth, one year ago, my much lamented
friend, Thomas Bedding ton. was stabbed to the
heart by the prisoner, who left him dead in his
store and took flight, after having robbed the
store of certain sums of money and articles of
merchandise which he carried with him.

“ He was sought for at the time of his escape.
but could not be found. and now that he has re-
turned to Saw Dust City, he should suffer for
his crime of murder.”

‘ ‘ Prisoner, you have heard the charge against
you?” said Buck Bradford, at once coming to the
point.

“ l have.”

“ What have you to answer to it 1”

“ Not guilty.”

“ State to the court the circumstances of your
leaving."

“ I rule against this, for naturally the prisoner
will not tell the truth," said Bunco. eagerly.

“ The prisoner has a right to be heard.

“ You have made a charge of murder against
him, and he must be heard in his own defense,
and then you are to prove what is true and
what is not."

“ That’s 8 uar’," yelled a voice, and the others
chiming in, unco saw that he had to let the
prisoner speak.

Then Deer-Eye Dick arose and said, in a voice
that all heard: ,

“ I came to Saw Dust City with the man they
called Red Tom.

“ “’here we came from it matters not: but I
was under his charge, by my father‘s will, and I
was also given ten thousand dollars at the time
I left home with Red Tom.

“ He had no money to speak of. and invested
mine in a lot of goods and groceries for a fron—
tier store and we came here.

“Bunco then had just built his store adjoin—
ing, and he proposed a partnership. and Red
Tom agreed; but the papers were drawn up in
m name, and I have them now in my inn,
I ing the real partner, thou h he was sup-

ed to be and he ot the bene ts as such.

“ I was the book— eeper and cashier, as many
here may know. '

“ One day I left the store to visit a friend,
and Red Tom was furious when I returncd.
and, because I would not tell him just what I
had been doing. he threatened to kill me.”

“ And where had you been, and what doing?”
asked Bunco.

“ I will tell you.

“You all remember a stranger who came here
one night over a year ago?

“ He was handsome as a picture, and Room
Key Johnny took him in tow, and afterward

Buckner

 

 

 

 

g.

\' I'D"