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10 Post Office at Now York. N. Y.. at Second Class Man Rams. Copyright. 1933, by Man)”: AV!) ADAMS. Mart-h 1'7. lava
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Vol. XII.



 oii’smur 12

BY EDWARD L. WHEELER.

AUTHOR OF “DEADWOOD DICK "‘ NOVEIS, “nosnmru mm" NOVELS, “ DENVER nnmfi‘ \m~|.Ls. 1111.

or,The Road Queen’s Big Campaign.

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WITH THE DEBRIS WENT HEAVENWARD SO LESS A HUMAN SPECTACLE THAN SUNFLOWER SAM, AS'IRIDE HIS SCPERAY‘CEI'ATEI) MUIJL

 

   
 

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Denver . Doll’s  v ‘

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Denver Doll 8 
on.

The Road Queen’s Big Campaign.
A. Story or Fro-hot mats;
, BY E. L. WHEELER,
AUTHOR or “ nmnwoon DICK " nomrs, “ Rosa-

ucn non” NOVELS, “naxvan DOLL”
NOVELS, aw, mo. '

 

 

CHAPTER I.
' om WAY TO LOSE A MINE.

" YAS, they slay Old Nathan Blob is comin’
ter town, lo-night, bag an’ baggage, fetchin’
alonghis swag, wi’ which to buy up a monopoly
(lager ther minin’ interests, beer in Freshet

" ausl’ . -

The speaker was a. black-bearded, roughly-
dressed man, who formed one of a party of half
a dozen persons that were seated in Fisk’s gro-
cery store, one rainy September evening, in the
youn mining-camp of Freshet Flats.

Fla ’5 grocery was the only store in the camp,

‘ and consequently was a place of rendezvous,

nightly for characters that did not frequent the
Sataneilo, the chief saloon and gaming den of
town.

The speaker was Jim Fisk, the proprietor of
the grocery—a man who had followed up min-
ing life, since ’49, and who was noted as “ squar’
from the word go."

01' course occassionally some one would insin-
uate that Fisk’s character was not spotless; but
then, a man never existed in a rough Western
mining-camp, whom some one had not some-
thing to say against, and Jim generally backed
up any insults with the free use of a six-shooter,
which he knew retty well how to handled as
did his daughter anny.

His audience, to—night. was with one excep-
tion, composed of roughly-attimd and bearded
men, like himself, who were plainly veterans in

i the mines, and who were not afraid to use the

Weapons they wore in their belts.

‘ The exception was a well-shaped young man,
dressed in citizen’s attire, with a dismay of jew-
elry, and the air of one who was born toeasy
circumstances. . . ' '

' His hair was jet-black, anda mustache of the
same color ornamented his-lip.

, or face. he was dark complexioned, and of
sinister expression; a cynical smile almost con-
stantly hovered about his mouth. _

The words 0’! Jim Fisk had been adrh-essed to
this individual, more particularly. . ~

I “ suppose ordinary mortals will stand no
show, wi £11 the monopoly magnate comes!” this
lPort sa ‘ . .

“Reckon you’re right, unleu you can rope
him in with a skin game, La Pom!”-

. To which the young man showed two gleam-
ing white rows of teeth, in his sardonic smile.

“Th boys tell me the own ofDenver
Doll‘s rift is likely to change hands!” Fisk
went on. inquiringly. “ How is it!”

“ I judge that’s about the sizs of ltd-"1'4 Force
re clued. “Those who. dance mmt pa the
d or. Heard how we ran it in to

" No. simply heard that Dolly had been
taken in, and done for.”

“Well, you see, last evening Doll came into
the Satanello, where I and Ben Blye were play-
ing anchor—that is, we were playing 03' Ben
losing all the time. and! winning cavnly, in
anticipation of picking up a snap.- This Denver
Doll stood looking on, an when Blye quit, two
hundred out, she was gal enough to allow she
could beat the man who put the spots on the

cards.
“ I allowed she couldn’t, and first you know
we were at it, hundred dollars a side. She was
.a good player, and had shar eyes, but I knew
several points—El Paso s in game—that she
didn’t, and as a natural consequence, I won
' twenty successive games. That made her mad,
and she wanted to borrow swag to gamble on.
No one responded, so I agreed to lend her a
thousand for twenty-four hours, and take a
mortgage on the mine. She agreed, and Paqne,
the law er. fixed up a light mortgage, which
makes t e Drift mine, if Denvar Doll don’t come
to time, at eleven o’clock, lie-night.”
“ And you won the other thousand?" r
' “0t course. The man or woman
“'3’ 3%? “n l?“ ‘i‘q “iff’dsrim enough” to
i n e spo s e w amp 3
[finale that he bellgved what he said. -
Denver Doll's Drift was the only quartz mine
yet opened, at Freshet Flats, andwasa dyde-
. moped into one 'of the paying [in that

‘1 .. .‘ -‘ 

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lam old or b' ‘the Hol

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.Wr Afilbn’fl’f‘ill the fither‘ claims at the
, ts were moderate payi ' placer or surf e
mine? and promised s  to play out. or
bad iligent prospecting iscovered another
win of quartz in the hills about the Flats, that
guaranteed to pay for the labor of opening.

Therefore the future prospects of the cam
depended mainly upon Denver Doll’s Drift, an
the noted young queen of Western detectives
was considered as being the destined richest per-
son in that part of the territory.

But, now, according to the statement of Jean
La Force, her prospects were poor, unless she
could raise a thousand dollars before eleven
o‘clock, that night.

This she could have done, only that her young

protege, Little Bill, had gone East, several
Weeks before, for machinery,‘taking all but a
couple of thousand dollars of their available
funds with him. '

It was already time for his return, but there
was no knowing exactly what day he would
put in an appearance.

Thus was the loss of her available cash liable
to put the girl sport in trouble, as there was
probably not a man at the Flats, aside from

can La Force and Ben Blye, who could raise a
thousand dollars to meet a sudden emergency
unless it was Jim Fisk—and that personage an
the detective queen were not exactly on good
terms, for the reason that she had refused to
sell him a share in the Drift.

“I’m bettin’ the mine is urn,” Fisk re-
marked. “I opine if the go is’ really broke,
that she won’t find no one hyer who can help
her out ”

“That’s what I concluded, when I lent the
money for so short a time,” La Force chuckled.
“The mine is worth a hundred. thousand, if a
cent. Pictty good investment, chi”

“ Yes: but I wouldn‘t like to be in our
skin, if you take the mine away from her! an
old gm haired miner said, who was known as
Uncle ob, from the fact that h: was noted for
his atient disposition.

“ by not?” La Force demanded.

“Beca’se ye don’t half know that aire gal, I
tell ye.’ She’s a bi hearted ’un, an’ squar as a
corner, but she ain t one ’twill be run over.”

“‘Pshawl , W ould you for a moment imagine
that I could be intimidated by a woman?”
scornfully.

“ Wull, wait an’ see. El report don‘t lie, you
wouldn’t be the furst galoot she’s made knuckle
under. Otter go up around Boise City, ef ye
wanter get her pedi ”

“ Humphl I’ll run chances against her chew-
in’ off my ear. Ef you’re so much struck on the
gel, old man why don’t ou put up for her?”

“ Wish to Lord I had 9 ducats, an’I would!”
Old Job re lied, promptly and heartily. “I’m
blowed ef don’t feel like a flghtin’mck, when
I hear a feller brag about beatin’ a a1 out 0’
her money by a skin game? El 1 ha n’t nigh
soyenty year onvmy head, I’d like to lick sech a
gape: before each meal-time, jest as an appe-

1'. '

f IzaForce flushed angrily, and sprung to his
ee . ‘

“Mebbe you’d like to it on, now!” he
cried, savagely. “I’veam d to flatten your
nose fer y on old loafer l”

“ kee boveel Don’t 9 tech me, of I

terl” t e nor on . also risin . " don’t
want to pick bones along wi’ see as you, but
I’m hanged of ye’ll git advantage on ’count of
my years!” .

“ Whatl you dare to talk back to me, youold
fossil? Why, I’ll have to learn you better man-
nersl” the gambler cried, and he strutted up to
Old Job to slap him across the mouth; but quick
as lightning the old fellow ducked his head. and
catching La Force by the leg, jerked him down
upon the floor.

He then stood aloof, and calm] awaited for
the gambler to arise which he di instantly, the
back of his immaculate white duck coat consid-

bl soiled. r - .
“Clix-see be on you I’ll have your life for
thisl” he roared. ‘ I’ll Show you who is the best
man in’ Freshet F'latal” ‘
He leaped u
panther, and! went to the floor, La Fore
on

firm“ instant he soiled Old Job b the
mafia“ proceeded to choke him todeat ,the
on ,5 around and looking, on with

I

a '

f “commentedabadmano'tthomta,
‘ his equal as I fighter or

cardinal-p. , r
’ In all probe 37 he would have been permit-
 aceoinp _ his. murdenous purpose had

     

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Moses, ’11 Peru e bet--

the lower with the agility of a .

 

notthedoorotthestoreopematfliis e-
_ ,ptrdnger walked h. jun
Com reheading the situation, this new-comer
utter in yell, and leaping forward, jerked the
gambler off from his Victim, throwmg him back
upon the floor, when be planted one foot upon
his breast and levoled. a revolver at his head.
“There, you infernal whelp, lay there!” he
cried sternly. “ What d’ye mean by assaulting

"a man old enough to be your grandfather?”

“ Who the devil are you!” Lu Force gasped,
both enraged and terrified. “ Let me up, curse
you!‘ , ,

“ N at yet, my fine fellow. When the old gent
says you can get up I’ll let you up. If he wants
me to pin you lot 0 floor, ’11 throw my knife
through you!”

The Speaker was a dashing-looking frontiers—
man of some five-and-twenty years, with a fine
face and figure—the former somewhat tanned
by ex sure, and the latter attired in a Service—
able crvilian’s suit, with high tog-boots upon his
feet, a. slouch sombrero upon is head, and a
belt around the waist, which contained a revol-
1vytir and knife in addition to the one he held in

nd.

His face was strikingly handsome, with pearly
teeth, penetrating brown eyes, a tawny mus-
tache, and a head of brown hair that rippled
to his shoulders like a. veil.

“ What shall I do with the tough?" he asked.
“Just sing out his doom, and I’ll execute it just
so sure as my name is Arizona All‘l” _

All hands started, and looked surprised!

It was not an unfamiliar title. Down from
the nor’western part of the territory had now
and then come some miner’s camp—fire yarn,
about the dare—devil pranks of a reckless ranger
called Arizona Alf—e. man said to fear neither
man, beast nor devil, and who was a terror to
evildoers. '

“ Oh! yes, it’s me,” he went on—“it’s me
you bet! and I reckon some of you have heard
of such a galoot. But, I say, pap—what shall
I do with this rampant rooster what was a-
sbet‘ in’ OR yer throttle?” v

“Let him go!” Old Job replied. “I orter
know’d better than to try and defend myself.
I’m. too old ter tackle sich cattle as him!”

“ Better just give me permission toputa head
through him, so that he can’t hurt you in the
future ”

“ N01 I want no murder on my soul,” Job an.
swered. “Let him go. He will do better, I

hopel”

“You bet I will !” La Force retorted. “I’ll
finish you, next timel”

“You dare to touch him and I’ll make you
wish you’d never béen born,” Arizona Alf cau-
tioned, removing his foot, so that the gambler
could arise. ‘

“ Curservou, I’m not afraid of you!” La Force
cried. “ f you want to fight squeal out l"

“I am not the party to take the offensive.

If you particularly desire to getmangled, I’ve,

no doubt the avenger of Joaqum Murlete can
accommodate you!”

La. Force grew suddenly white.

“ You?” he gasped-

“ Am the only survivin relative of minted
Joaquin, and have the of vengeance in
my veins. There are livin yet, sevaral of
Joaquin‘s enemies, or their milies, and they
are mine!”

“Well, if you’re that sort of a pilgrim, I
opine you‘ve come to the right camp to at
lvnchedl” Jim Fisk declared, seeing that

me was rather weakening.

“The rope was never made thatylll lynch
me!” All retorted, coolly. ' WW that,
there is not square inches eno ' ,1 in the
camp, to handle me, If you   and
have got the stud to back it, just Wont your
man. I am ready at all times to conquer con-
ceit by the most a roved methods!” '

Here' was a. challenge, and every man
in the room knew it,,but none of them seemed
di. sed to take it up.

K Force had b degrees got around to the

other siie of thee ve audwas a rent] in-
‘ ’ the m y

disposed so far as to zo'nian was
concerned.
‘.‘ Your challenge is that of a bully, and not
worth? of uolzifieg’ifFiskfi said. “Let mgi tell
owever, 8 yo pro to mom n in
{guano you will have to 51ml; lea bragga-
docio, or you’ll get planted!”
“If you think so, why don’t you trot'out one
of .yonr planters!” Arizona  -
, Fight with nature’s weapons, and I’ll give a.
few lessons!” La Force amend. ‘

He'had heard enough of Alf to fear to tackle '
him with knife or pistol. I ’ v _ '
For. himself, he was a. trained pugilist. No

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" ' 1‘ ,don’tgenerelly do himess on that plan.”

  

on

man in Fresnet Flats had yet been able to tap
him on the nose. and there were some fellows
among the hardy miners, who had a deal of
science in the flstic art.

Arizona Alf looked the challenger over for a
moment, critically, and noted two facts. La
Force was trimly, compactly, and muscularly
built—then, his ‘ every natural movement
denoted a quickness that is especially desirable
to a boxer; but these facts did not in the least
disooncort the Arizoniun.

“ Consider me your pupil, then,” he answered,
“and let’s get at the lessons!”

La. Force threw oif his coat and vest in an
instant, and rolled up his sleeves. Alf leaned
against the counter, making no move to dis—
robe.

A ring was hastily chalked out on the floor,
and when the gambler si nified his readiness,
the two athletes cunfronte each other.

Resolve gleamed in each eye—it was plainly
destined to be a battle of two masters.

CHAPTER. II. ‘
THE norm ROBBED. AND A summmc “ smoro.”

“ Ham!”

p and stern rung out the challenge,
sounding above the noise occasioned by the
coach-wheels, as the clumsy vehicle tore along
down through a deep mountain gulch, drawn
by six good horses. .

Not only did Buck Bradley, the driver, hear
the challenge, but he saw a person standing in
the trail just ahead, with a rifle leveled t0ward
the couch.

“ Halt, or I’ll fire!” came the command a-vain
and so stern] , that the Veteran Jehu jerked
his horses bac upon their haunches.

The road-agent, who was dressed in good
clothes, including top-boots and a lumed
slouch hat, and a mask in n the smoot face,
advanced, keeping his ri 9 ready for instant

 

 

use.

“Get down 03 from your box!” he ordered,
addressing Bradley. “If you don’t, you're a
dead man!”

Buck had confronted these oflicious gents of
the road more than once during his career, and
'had learned that it w safest to obey their
commands; so he leape to the ground, and
awaited further orders.

“ Tell your passengers topile out !” the bandit
next ordered.

Bradley flung open the coach door.

“ Dust out, you passengers !" he cried. “ Thor’s
a feller out beer wi’ a sixteen-shot battery as
wants to see e. No monkeyin’, now, ner kick-
in’ but pile right out!”

llowing this si nifioant hint three men
growlingly clembe out of the coach.
. One was a short, broad-shouldered man, with
a tremendous stomach and a fat face of rather
sour, disagreeable appearance.

The next was a “swell ” in a checkered suit,
fresh kids, soft hat and eyeglass—e milk-com-
plexioned party, with attenuated legs, a hooked
nose, and flaxen side-whiskers.

The third and lost to leave the stage wasa
bouncing negro. as black as jet, who evidently
M to the old gent of the big corporosity.

The trio halted in line as they oft t e coach,
and their Itro contrast of appearance ro-
‘voked a dry long from the road-agent. who ad
:2;de a revolver and slung his ride to his
"Well, this is a healthy-looking haul, I must
remark! be said. “Best you can scare up,
driver? Get in a line. there—that’s right, now.

. Nothing like order, You know. Throw up your

ha nds, every mother’s 8011 of you!”
“Vot der duyfel you means?" the fat party
demanded. “ ' vas von oudragel”

" You bet!” the road-agent averred. “ I am

' Jud Star. the road-runner, and I want your

money. Hands up, if you don’t want to get
salivated!”

The command was obeyed.

Nathan Blob, the wealthy Jew, sputtered and
cursed furiously, but the negro and the swell
were too much frightened to speak; and, as John
Bradley had no money, he did not care so much.

Keeping the revolvor ready in his left hand,
Red Star was not long in effectually disarming
all hands and flinging their weapons into the
bushes besuie the trail.

“ Now, then!” he said, holding forth his hat,
“just yolu tosiugélzhyolilr llnoncy! I dg’t 
for jewe ry'—- e 8 mp o spondulic . n
remember, I‘m only '90 this for a few

me
, days, when it will be return to you, cent for

cent!”
"Goes _
Buck declared, thh a chuckle. “ ~agents

l
‘\ " . .n
 » .~ ' , i.

care runnin’ anew racks then,”

 

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u

- Denver Doll’s Drift.“ .

-—‘

 

“ All are not alike, sir.
gents!” ' '

“ Py tam, dish ish von pi oudrage!” old Blob
cried. “I had no monis . I gifl you no
nionish!"

" You lie, you old old-grabber! You’re not
the :xnn to travel wit out money, and don’t you
forget it. I know who you are, Blobsy—-s() Just
you an out, or I’ll put a buzzer in your noodle
that’ 1 be worse’n tho’ a mule had kicked you!”

Blob showered invoctlves upon the roadngent
fraternity, and swore dire vengeance on them,
winding up by dropping a pocket-book into Red
Start! hat, and then scrambling back into the
cone .

“You can go, too!” Red Star said to the
negro. “ Who are you, dandy, and what are
you 1plug to contribute?”

i“ y name is Apollo Snap, and I have noth-
ing to givli!” the unmll I'nintly articulated.
“Plan... let me ill for l have nothing to
spin"  '

“ 'H' il. dash me, if you ain’t a Cool one.
Lookeu here. baby, you shell out, or I’ll blow
the muzzle oil’ from you i”

“ The what?” Apollo demanded.

“ Yer muzzle—you’re fronticepiece~your
mug. None 0’ your sniveling now, but give
me your pocket-book, before I drop you.”

Looking more frightened than before, the
swell obe ed, and then hastened to seek the pro-
tection o the coach.

“ Reckon that will do, now!” Red Star said,
giving a shrill whistle, which brought a haml-
some saddle horse to his side. “You can tell
the. citizens of Freshet Flats that Red Star sends
his kindest regards!”

The next instant he was in the saddle and
flying down the gulch.

Bradley then mechanically mounted the
“hearse, and followed on toward Freshet
Flats, hi hly elated that the first stagorobber
on that rail had been attended by no blood-
shed. ' .

At Jim Fisk’s grocery, in Freshet Flats, the
excitement was intense, and, yet, the silence pro-
found, as the two athletes stood confronting
each other. '

The following instant, however, the silence
was broaen by a sudden and resoundin whack,
which struck the gambler on the orehead,
causing him to stagger back.

It was a shoulder blow which the Avenger/of
Joaquin had struck. and would have lifted any
ordinary man of! his feet.

“Curse you, I was off In
gambler yelled, coming to time with an

“ That’s not my fault,” Alf replied
naturedly. “ If you don’t want to get
downer, you’d better be on guard, then.”

For a few minutes they indulged in a little
sparring, then. as. sudden] as a thunder-clap,
a blow from the iron list 0 the Avenger can ht
La Force under the nose and sent him spinn ng
backward.

Directly behind him was a large drum wood-
stove, in which was a hot fire.

Come! pass out;

guard, then!” the
effort.

good-
a sun-

The capacious door chanced to beepen, and as ’

he staggered and fell backward, the ambler’s
head plunged into the opening of the cry fur-
naoe.

A c of horror went up.

The oroe of his fall knocked over the stove,
by which his head escaped from the fiery pit,
but not until his hair was in a blaze.

For an instant the spectators seemed stu fled
-—all except Arizona Alf who, with a most
lightnin quickness. pulled, off his jacket and
wrapper? it over the unfortunate’s head.

But, though the flames were smothered quick-
ly, the better part of La Force’s hair had been
singed down to the very scalp.

owls of in esca him, but as there was
a prospect t at the s anty would catch fire, he
was dragged out of doors, where several sym-
pathizers proceeded to dress his wounds.

Arizona Alf, after reviewing the operations
for a few minutes, turned and sanntered away.

CHAPTER III.

 

DENVER DOLL AFLOAT.
At: midnight Freshet Flats’ rincipal gaming
don, the Satamllo, usually eld its argest

crpwd, and to-night was no exception to the
m e. .

The room was overflowing in every part, and
various games were going on, while drunken
revelry gunned: but one of the earnest-looking
Objects the room was Jean/La Force, who
presided behind the bar, with head bandaged in

every part except his face, and an expression of-

ugly i1 humor upon that. , .
The Satamllo was jointly owned by him and

. 8,"? 7r-

 

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‘- ."’.' . ' ' .'.' ' ‘
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-——---

 

‘w—.fl ..  u

a fellow named Blye, who was engaged in at.
tending to the games. ,

Few of the audience made any audible re-
marks about La Force’s misfortune, for a couple
of cocked revolvers lay on the shelf bark of the
bar, and they knew he was in a capital humor
to use them at slight provocation.

Although every person in the room was watch-
ing some game or other, or engaged in conver-
sation, it might have been noticed that thugr of-
ten glanced at the clock behind the bar and
then toward the door.

When La Force looked at the clock a devilish
smile of triumph would pass over his face.

At eleven o’clock Denver Doll was to have re-
deemed her mortgage.

It was now after twelve, and it was distinctly.
stated in the agreement that only two hours'
grace should be given. under any circumstances.

The crowd in the Satancllo were to a man ec-
qunim m with the facts, and hence their manifest -
inn lest.

A quarter of one came. But fifteen minutes
did Denver Doll now have, to redeem her mine.
if one o’clock struck, and she had not a
cured, it was at La Force’s option whether

at her redeem the Drift roperty or not.

“A thousand dollars 0 a cent, that Denver
Doll’s Drift is mine!” he cried, from behind the
bar, as five minutes to one came, and the detec-
tive queen had not shown herself. “ All that
wants to take the bet, step up!” 2

Evidently no one in the room was flush with
their stamps. '

Four minutes to one!

Peter Paque, the only lawyer in the cam
mounted one end of the bar, holding a lega -
looking document in his hand.

He was a pinched, shriveled—up little man,
with the sharp features and general a
ance of a scamp, and ’twas said of him t t he
was not at all scrupulous as to how he made
money. ‘ .

“Gents, at one o’clock, I foreclose the mort-
gage held by Jean La Force, against the Denver
Doll mine. The full extent of grace will have
ex ired, with the strikin of yonder clock, and
I o announce to you a ',that the mortgage
is then lewfully foreclosed. Enough said 1”

Two minutes lacking of one o’clock!

. The games had stopped! ,

Every man stood facing the bar, with strange,
eager expressions of, countenance their game
riveted upon the face of the clock, toward
which the finger of Jean La Force pointed, like .
a menace. . »

Dead silence reigned, only the low tick of the
time-piece breaking the silence. -

One minute to one! -'

tzl’h'at oratfgmity to 38$?le a hasn't
o ers mi 9 mm n‘g , e cignif

Tickl tlgckl tickl tickll y '

It scarcely seemed that a muscle of the hu-
man beings in the room, stirred, so absorbed
were the -even the expressions of the motley
array 0 faces was changed into a sort of
anxious ‘pellor. .

Ting!

It was over! ‘

The hour ops struck and according to con»
tract, handsome Drift belonged to Jean La
Force. v

Hark! '

Every ear turns toward the door—ever face
expresses eagerness, and some disappoi mono.
combined with eagerness—all but one.

That face expresses malicious exultanoo.

It is the face of Jean La Force. .

But why the eagerness? ‘

A furious clatter of horse’s hoofs it hoard up
preaching.

The horse dashes u to the door.

Some one leaps off?

The door is burst openl ~ ,

Denver Doll, the queen of detectives, ' and '
hauldsomeet girl sport in the West, enters with a
rus . -

“ I redeem that mortgage!” she cries, with a-
glance at the clock.

“ Young woman, you are just one minute too
late!” the voice of eter Paque replies. "The .
mortgage is already foreclosed. The Drift be-
longs to Mr. Jean La Force, find all the courts
of law in Christendom cannot take it away
from him.” . .

“ Do you refuse to accopt back the money I
borrowed, and return me. the paper9”the SE:
demanded, turning her flashing eyes upon

Force. ‘ -
“ Most assuredly !” he answered, with a macho
ing smile. - . ‘
“Then. _ ay the curse of Denver Doll rest
upon you end that mine until it is restored to’ ~
incl" she cried, backing tonyard thedoor, \ .-

I

’F. " r

 

 

  

/

Denver Doll’s, Drift. ‘

 

4 v..._._-_.. ._ ..-..... .. .. .

.._...,_._.......... ._..

“ Stop that girl !" La Force cried: and a dozen
of his admirers in an instant took the detective
queen into custody, and disarmed her.

She struggled, but it was no use.

‘ Man though she might appear in her jannty

 

A unit of male attire, she was still a weak woman

as compared with the hardened miners who
seized hold of her.

In the struggle her sombrero fell to the floor,
and her beautiful hair was tossed into wild con-
fusion, which, if anything, made her more beau-

. tiful than ever, With her Cheeks flushed and

eyes dancing with indignation.

“ Release me!” she cried. “ What is the mean-
ing of this assaulti” .

“Jest be quiet, if you please!” La Force
said, With a wicked chuckle. “ You raised the
money, and got here too late to redeem the
mine. Supposin’ you jest explain to us law-
abidin’ citizens how and where you raised the

swa !”

“fwill explain nothin !” she retorted. “I
defy the whole of you! on are a pack of ruf-
ilans; and if that mine is not given back to me,
this town shall know what a wronged woman
can (101”

“ I guess no one ain’t skeart of you!” La Force
growled. “ Ef you don’t tell where you made
a raise of the swag, why we’ll hold ye till we
find out. Mebbe there has been a stage robbery,
or somethin’ of the kind, since money ain’t
picked up so orful easy!”

A close observer might have noticed that Doll
winced perceptibly: but none of too crowd
probably noted the fact. _

It indeed was she who had tapped the stage,
that night, and so boldl relieved the passen-
gers of their cash under t e name of Red Star.
But, how did La Force divine the secret? And
why did he order her arrest?

It would not be long ere the stage would
arrive; then her identification as Red Star was

“i almost a certainty.

 f

 

 
  

I The thought fairly maddened her, and making
another su den and desperate struggle for lib-
erty, she succeeded in breaking away, and a
bound carried her through a window, taking
the glass and cross-bars ot the sash with her.

In an instant. all was the wildest excitement,
and the rOugh men of Freshet Flats poured from
the saloon, weapons in hand and yelling
vengefully.

Across the gulch, in which the Flats were
situated, sped the detective queen like a fright-

‘ ened fox.

The drizzling rain and dee darkness hid her
from view, and it was liters y useless to follow
——-yet Jean La Force led the ursuit.

Soon they came to Rapi Creek, a furious
mountain torrent that whirled through a deep
but narrow channel, on its southward course.

No bridge spanned the stream, and only a
very expert leaper could reach the other side;

at be and the stream, and above its angry
roar, t ey heard Denver Doll’s defiant yell.

Had she leaped the stream?

If so, it was something that no man in the
party could do, and the detective queen was
sub, so far as the immediate present was con-

ce

La Force knew this, and growlingl ordered
the men hack to the saloon, satisfied t tit was
useless to attempt further pursuit.

But, had be known it, he was deceived, as re-
gards Denver Doll being on the further side of
the stream, for she was not. On reaching its
edge, and realizing that she could not get
across, she ran onodown the shore, and after
proceeding for a little way, out back in a cir-
cuitous wa into the camp. .

“They t ink I leaped the creek, but the ’11
find out better are long,” she muttered, grim y.
“ I wonder if they’ll Visit my shanty?”

Her abode was on the outskirts of the camp,
and thither she made her way, taking care not
to a roach too close, until she was satisfied
that Force and his followers had returned’to
the Satanello.

She then approached the shant , when to her
sur so she perceived that the cor was open,

‘ a man was standing on the threshold,

smoking a cigar. __

CHAPTER IV.
A GIANT SUNFLOWER.

A GLANCE convinced her that he was a
stranger, and a handsome one in the bargain;
and as there was nothing articularly hostile
in his demeanor, she conclu ed to advance and
find out what he was doing there.

He stepped from the doorway as she ap-
proached. and ti ped his sombrero politely.

- “ Excuse me, ut rhaps I have been tres—
passing,”he said. “

.‘.. ,, ., _ ' . \ (3.1;. ,_ 3 v

    
 

 

happened along here, and

flndi the door open and no one apparently at
[1011128 I concluded in better play watch-dog
until some one did come.”

“ Thank on. I must have forgotten to lock
the door w on I went away,” Doll responded,
regarding him curiously.

‘;,Will you step inside, until the rain slacks
u '1
p“If you think proper, yes. Will you favor
me wit your name first?”
. “"Denver Doll is what I am generally called.

“ Indeed! I have then heard of! on frequent-
ly. and am glad to meet you. am Arizona

lf~a name, perhaps, not familar to you.”

“ I have also heard of you. You are called
the Avon er of Joaquin?"

“ Exact y.”

They then entered the rude dwelling, and
Doll c osed the door, seating herself near it.

“ You'will excuse me for not strikingalight,”
she said, “ as I am sought forrby a gang of ruf-
flans, and do not want them to know I am here.
If they do come, I’ll give them a warm recep-
tion before they shall capture me.”

“Then count on me as your assistant. But
how is this? I have heard that you were one of
the rominent citizens.”

“ ossibly prominent, from the fact that I did
own part of the quartz mine, but hardly popular
—-with the rough element.”

“You say you did own the mine, or a. part
of it?”

“Yes. If you like, I will explain.”

And she proceeded to narrate, in a straight-
forward nianner, what is already known to the
reader.

Arizona Alf listened without speaking until
she had finished.

“I am sorr to hear this,” he said. “From
all accounts I ave ever heard of you, you have
hitherto borne an unimpeachable record; but I
fear, as you say, that you are outlawed, so far
as this town is concerned. What do you pro-
pose to do, in regard to the mines”

“Fight for it to the bitter end!” Doll cried
resolutely: “If the Drift can’t do me any good
through one minute’s loss of time, it shall never
do any one else any good, and you can bet high
on it. ’

“ Bravol I heartily admire your rit. If
you ever need a friend, don’t forget t at the
Avenger of Joaquin Muriete has a heart that
beats warm] for the weak and downtrodden,
and a hand t at can grip like steel. 1—”

Just then there came a loud knock upon the
door—a knock that must have been given by a

onderous fist, for it made the door rattle on its
mges. '

Denver Doll looked at Arizona Alf whom she
could just see through the gloom, and motioned
silence.

In a moment came the powerful knock

again, and following it, a coarse, blatant vows
cried out:
“ am up thar, cuss ye, or I’ll tumble yer
door down! Ye needn’t purtend thar.ain’t no
one to hum, ’cause I know a darned Sight 
ter. ” Heerd yer squawkers a-gom’ a mimt
ago.

Denver Doll tip-teed over to where Arizona
Alf was seated.

“ Do you think it’s some of La Force’s gang?”
she asked, in a whis r.

“ I don’t know. ounds more like some half-
drunken bullwhacker from out of Iowa.”

Just then there came a furious kick at the
door that made it spring inward.

“ Airs ye goni’ ter open 3” the hoarse voice
roared. ,

Dolldrew a revolver and cooked it.

“Better ask who he is, and then you can jud
better what to do,” Arizona Alf suggested. “ e
may not be the party you expect.”

“Who are you, and what 0 you want?” she
demanded, sternly.

“ Ef ye don’t open up yer ranch I’ll cussed
soon show ye!” was the savage response. “ I’m
Sunflower Sam, right down frum Cinnamon
Gulch, an’ at? ye don t open I’ll show 5’9 how to
smile. I’m wet ter the skin, an’ want shelter
till I kin mat a bite—then I’m gone.”

Not off er guard b any means, Denver Doll
unbarred the cor an carefully opened it, hold-
mg. her revolvsr ready for instant use. _

he sight of the applicant for admISSion satis-
fied her that he was a stranger.

And a typical Western stranger, to boot.

If giants prevailed in ancient times, this being
:ieenéed to prove that the r’ace was not yet ex-

nc , , .

He was very nearly seven feet in_ hight, and
largely. proportioned otherwise., His face was
massive and rather grotesque in appearance,

 

 

 

with a huge mouth, and large nose with a plain
inclination toward the pix. A goatee of about
fifty hristly hairs of erg-red ornamented his
chin, while his eyes were ttle, peering and cun-

nin .

Ifis attire, however, was that of the usual
slouchy bullwhacker, consisting of greasy cor-
duroy trowsers thrust into a pair of sto y top-
boots, an equally greasy and ragged rec shirt.

open at the throat, and a much-worn plug-ha: "

upon his cranium that had evidently been used
as a tar vet for much pistol practice, judging by,
the num er of holes in it. '

A belt around his waist contained three horse-
pistols, each one of a different pattern, and a
lar e knife.

'lhe moment Doll opened the door he grinned
and bowed obsequiously.

“ Aha!

“ Thou art one so young an‘ fair-—
By me life, I reck‘ed a man lived here i“
he said, with profound NV! rence.
"Fair lady, behold in me
Sunflower Sam’l on a spree;
I ‘in bound to have a igmboree,
In honor o‘ the Wild ejce I“

And then the giant turned his back, and ex--
hibited a huge cloth imitation of a sunflower,
which was sewed to his shirt.

Denver Doll burst into a merry laugh, while
Arizona Alf came to the door to see what was
the matter. _

“Why, Sammy. where’s your stockings and
knee-breeches?" Doll asked. “ You are not.
com lete as an wsthete." _ _

“ rue. I have been neglectful, fair queen o
the Muses, in not adorning my shins wi’ them
togs, but then I am so much more aesthetic than
brother Oscar, that it is hardly worth mention«
ing. Can I come in?”

“ What do you want?”

“If you have no bear meat or yanked veni-
son, I can, on a pinch, put up wi’ a leetle whisk
made wi’ sunflower tea, miss.”

“ Better'invite him in. rather than make him
an enemy!” Arizona said, in a low tone. “ if I
{hista’ke not, the man is worthy of good band-
in .

“ Well, come in.”

“An’ my dorg?”

“Of course!” ‘

The msthete gave a whistle with his enormous-
mouth, following which a mule or the scrawniest
character and size, made its appearance around
the end of the shanty. .

“That’s my dorgl Sunflower Sam explained,
surveying the animal with pride “an me an
him allus sails together through this briny vale
of teers.”

“You don’t expect to brin that beast in-
doors?” Denver Doll exclaime .

"Bet I do, of I come in!” Samuel grinned.
“ J unsprudence aire jest as much of an msthete
as I am an’ we allus sleep. together, dines to—
gether, flghts together, drinks together, an’ com»
munes together. Anv one as misuses J urispru-
deuce misuses me, an’ thar‘s goin’ to be trouble
when we gits mad.”

“ Well, come along in; but, mind—there mayr
be a fight heerabouts tonight, and we shal
expect you to stand with us.

“ Bet I will! Great blizmrds an’ blistersl Ye,
just orter see me fight when my_dander gits riz.”

And with these words the giant entered the
shanty, the bum followmg him, and lying
down in one corner.

At Arizona Alf’s suggestion, Denver Doll now
lit a . lamp, while the unflower became seated.

“Now then, gal, of e can trot ut a gallon
o’ buggulce. with a ’ttle yanked) venison to
wash it down with. at won’t take long to he?“
me for fightin’ anything from. a grill}? t0 8
rhinoseraous, an’ don’t ye forget it. You shall
see what Oscar the Second can do in the way 0
makin’ the fur fly."

“Grub vou can have, but nary bug,” Doll re-
plied. “I don‘t keep the stud around my
shanty.” .

“ So? Well, now, then, couldn’t ye give mea
bottle 0’ water wi’ a bumble-bee or ‘wassnp in it
—scmethin’ to get up an irriatation when it
goes down my muzzle?” .

“ Guess not, unless perchancc you can use a
cactus bur.”

“Humph! I’ve used ’em already: but they
don’t lacm ate onc’s gullet enufl’ as they go down.
like bug-juice does. Brother?”

And he cast a glance at Arizona Alf.

“ No. Why do you ask?"

“Oh, didn’t know. Looks like as of he was
from goodfightin’stock.”

-_He then relapsed into silence, and proceeded
to devour. the meat and bread Doll set before
him, occasionally tossing a piece to the watch-

! I

 

 

    

as
'Iwilfolow

 

 

 

month.

When he finished eating, Sunflower Sam took
his weapons from his belt, examined them care-
fully, then produced a lm-book, and began
to sin a hymn in a lou voice.

Neigher Doll nor Arizona Alf cared to arouse
his anger by interrupting him, but both felt
positive that his blatant voice would attract at
:ention to the shanty.

And they were not wrong.

The huge, self-styled aesthete had not finished
his hymn when the sound of a number of rush-
inn,r feet was heard approaching.

“ To arms! the enem is coming!" DenVur
Du“ cried, dashing out t e light and seizing her
revolvers. “ Ready when they burstin thudoor
or windows to give ’em all they can hold I"

“ All ready!" Arizona announced calmlfy.

“ Hyer tool” Sunflower assented. “I”. they
bu’st the door I’ll sick my dorg on ‘em, au’ he’ll
Kick 'em so high they won‘t know themselves
when they git back.”

. CHAPTER V.

nnxvnn DOLL’S mow-msr.

’ A MOMENT later the mob halted before the
shanty. and as a loul kick came against the
door. the voice of Jean La Force was heard to
cry out:

"‘ Open up! Curse you, open up, or we’ll tear
the shebang down over your hcanlsl'

No answer was given to the order, and for a
minute all was silence, both in and outsule.

“Come! Aire ye goin’ to op in up!" the voice
of the gambler again cried. “ Ye nce;;n’r. thhik
we don‘t know _\ c‘re there, for we do. Be live-
ly, or down goes the door!”

“ If you break in here, J :an La Force, you’ll
find this the liveliest nest of hornets you ever
aroused I" DenVer Doll warnezl. “ We’re armed
to the teeth. and we’ll make you wade through
your own blood before on take us!”

“ Oh! will we?” was {he savage retort.

Then followed another silence The gunbler
and his gang were evidently consulting,

“If that is La Force the gambler," whispered
Arizona Alf, to the detectiw queen. “ you’d
better not mention that I am here, as it would
only strengthen his desire to capture as.”

“ You know him, then?”

“ Rather, he knows me.”

“Ah! then it was you who spoiled his
beauty ’3"

"' I suppose I was the indirect cause.”

Just then some heavy object struck the door
-—evidently an improvised buttering-ram-—but
the door only shook, and failed to yield.

Denver Doll smiled.

“ I’m thinking they’ll need reinforcements be-
fore they shame in that door,” she said. “ It was
made to be unlocked."

“ I’m afraid that persistent applications of a
heavy ram would fetch it l” was Arizona’s opin-
ion. “ It won’t do to be 08 nerd.”

The shutters that covered t e two square win-
dows, were not more vulnerable than the door;
consequently, the attack was continued upon

I the entrance.

Each fresh assault was accompanied by a
pandemonium of yells and curses, and each as-
sault made the barrier spring more and more.

“ Is there any way of ettmg out of hero. "X-
ce t by the door or win ows?” Arizlma asked.

‘Nonei” Doll replied, “except— Ha! listen!”

The attack outside had ceased, and the voice
of La Force, the gambler, was heard.

“Ef we can’t get ’em out any other way,
boys, we .kin burn the shebang. We’ll see of
we’re gotn’ to be pestered with she road-
agontsl”

‘ ~DenVcr Doll laughed, sarcastically, as she

leur'l [he word-1. Which caused 'both Arizmm
:Lllul Sunflower Sam to eye her, in amazement.

"Don’t see much to larl.‘ about!" Sam ,.e_
marked, grnflly. “ I kin stand sum things. but.
this bein’ roasted ain’t what it’s cracked up to
be n

“ Oh! there’s nothing like getting used to it,"
Doll assured. “ But, that is not necessary.”
.A9 5‘19 Spoke. she stooped and pulled upon a
ring. in the floor, which raised a trap door.
“ N?“ then, get down there, as quxckly and
me“ “3 Possible,” she commanded, “and

nu ”
Arizona Alyf obeyed, but Sunflower Sam de-

ma

" I can’t take Jurisprudence down thar with
me! an’ ye cap bet I don’t budge an inch With—
-out him. GO “mg Wi’ ye, an’ arter ye’re ue,
Jul-is an' 1 wall makeour exit by the out

we .” ' '
“ Asyou like.” Dell said. knowing the rougils

'I would not be likely to harm the giant.

‘ ...-.'... . ‘ .-.;'.;.

“nt buns), who would aptly catch it in his

 

 

I

r \

y.

 

-She then followed Arizona Alf into the cellar,
and closed the trap after her. _

In five minutes more flames were licking the
sides of the shanty, despite the rain, and its de-
struction was a certainty, when, suddenly, and
evidently before the fire had penetrated to the
interior there was a terrific explosion, that
literally blew the shanty to atoms; for in truth,
the whole structure was blown upward from its
toundatidu, in a hundred different sections, and
with the debris went heavenward no less a
human spectacle than Sunflower Sam, seated
astride his superannuated mule, J urisprudenCel

The mule and its rider, however, were only
lifted by the eruption a matter of ten feet
above terra—flrma, and dropped among the
startled spectators, while the various parts of
the shanty landed at some distance from its for-
mer site.

Neither the aesthete nor his “dorg,” were
much the worse for the explosion, evidently,
for the animal brayed loud y on striking the
ground, and Sunflower turned a ludicrously
grinning countenance toward the astounded
crowd of gaping radians.

“Good—evening, teller-citizens!” he saluted:
“howd’y do! Didn’t expect me to arrive so
suddint, I reckon?”

“No, I should remark not 1” Jean La Force

growled. “ What caused that explosion? Who
lira you? Where’s the accursed minx, Denver
)0“ .4"

" One at a time, capt’n—one at a time. The
kcrsplodon war excited by powder, sir—simply
powder. Dunno whar it was, nor how she
Went 011'. My name is Sunflower Sam. the
pocket edition of Oscar, the msthete. Can’t
say where Denver Doll is: s‘pose likely she
went up in the same blaze o’ glory thatI did,
an' hain‘t come down yet. Any other questions
ye want to ask!"

“ Don‘t y» be so sassy, you ovor grown _lont,
or I’ll soon show you I l have no shenanmgan.
Just you tell me where the gal is, or I’ll bore a
hole thr’u’ your skull!” '

“ I tell ye i hain’t no idea. whar she is, ()Illcss
she'd up to the moon, blast yer unanthetic pro
file!” Sam fired back, “ an’ what’s more, Idon’l‘
want no more o’ yer sass, or [’11 step over and
punch yer head or ve. That nire gal sed she
was goin’ ter hide in the cellar. an’ I told her I
was a comin’ out to save gittin‘ roasted; but,
jest afore I was quite ready, I got a lift that
he! d me along —-eh’l Jurisprudencc, old boy?”

he ani ml brayed loudly, as if fully cogni-
zant of w lat its master was saying, and at the
same time quickly reaching out one of its hind
hoofs, grow a miner a dig in the stomach that
doubled him up like a jack-knife.

A bowl of laughter Went up from the specta-
tors, as the unfortunate man hobbled away to-
ward the heart of the camp, howling like a
icon. 4

“Tell ye w’at, thnr’s a power o‘ music ’bou 1:
us {pathetic twins when WP git a going!" Sun-
flower Sam announced. “ (Hung. Jurispru-
dence! ‘Vc‘ll try some now lodging-house, and
see of We’ll gut bounced again."

And the animal struck off into alively cantor
town rd the heart of the camp.

Jenn Li Force and his pals, and such of the
other citizens as had collected at the spot, soon
followed, satisfied that Denver Doll must _haye.
(Ecl‘lulllly perished by the explosion, or 111 its
ruins. _____

In the meantime the stage had arrived and
dis-gorng its trio of passengers. and the sus-
picions of La Force werevenficd by the report
of old Nathan Blob, Apollo Snap, and the
necro, “ho borc the pious cognomen of Mose.

The excitomcnt was therefore intense, until
Lr; Force returned to announce that DenVer
Dal] had been blown to atoms, which greatly
added to the Jew‘s anger. _

“Pv dam!” he vociferutcd, “dot vnnmens
mit pants on. she sdeals mine monish, und uif
she p: plowad oop. so ish my momsh E ’

On the following morning Jean La Force,
armed with his legal document, and accompw
nied by a deputy sheriff and a poem of his own,
repaired to the Drift office, and demanded the,
surrender of the mine from Joe Banker. the
Sliperintendent.

At first Banker protested, but firally made
asurrender. and posted a notice that all men
who had been emploved there were henceforth
discharged. ' .

Most all of these emploves were honest work-
ingmen. whom Denver Doll and Little Bill had
specially selected to serVe them, and the blow
fell upon them with unwell-.4 me force: but
there was no present help for It. as the gambler
sat his Own clique to work, u. lth orders that half

. I
\ \
.

Denver Doll’s Dr .. ..  ..

 

5 .

 

 

should work the mine‘ by do , and half by ‘l '

night, in order that there 1130 d be no chance
for any one else to gain possession.

The old Jew, Nathan Blob. sought out Jean
La Force. and made him an offer for the mine,
but the wily gambler said “nay,” and Blob a:
Co. were Consequentl disa pointed—for it : V -
peared'that the swel rea ly wasa partnei .t
the Jew.

Blob accordingly em 10 ed several men to
prospect along t e foot 119 for another good
place to sink a drift. \

During the day Arizona Alf was again in the
camp, and ran across Sunflower Sam, who
started back with a cry, as though he had met
a ghost.

“Dry up, you fool l” the Avon er of Joaquin
Muricle breathed, sternly. “ ot a word to
any one that I was in that shanty last night!”

‘ Upon my wsthetic soul, no!’ the giant nod-
dcd. “ But how, in the name 0’ the seedy sun-
flovvers o’ Sorrocco, did ye escape?"

“ By an underground tunnel or passage,
which the girl had Secretly built. . But not a
word of this either.”

“ Dc nd on me. And the gab—where is she?”
“Sate, in a place where an army could not
take her. except at her will. Keep this also a ,
secret. To-morrow you will know more. How

did on escape?"

“ ol daisies o’ Damascus! thr‘u’ the aerial
fluid 0’ heaven, to be sure!” the giant grinned.
“Sublime and beautiful was the picture—like a
hen-hawk whizzin’ aloft on an autumnal breeze.
Ye see, I war jest goin’ to leave the place when
the explosion gi’n us a lift—me an’ Jurispru-
dence—an‘ no gazelle ne‘r toy balloon ever wt nt
scootin’ inter the atmospheric anhelia more
gracefully than did I an’ the ‘dorg. An’ when
we kim down, right side up wi’ care, no Oscar
evyer created a bigger sensation than .us eas-
thetic twins.”

Arizona Alf scarcely smiled, but looked the
zesthete over keenly.

“See here 2” he said, grimly, “you have got
a large amount of li for a man whose appear-
ancc is so rough. hat racket are you up to,
anyhow l”

The giant grinned.

“ i don‘t understand you,” he said. “I am
simply an msthete. No deception whatever——
no deception whatever.”

“ You are something in disguise,” the Aveng-
cr averred. “ But mind what I told you—keep
mum about the tire.” .

And with this caution he turned away. v

 

That day and night passed without further in-
cident.

But when another morning dawned Freshet
Flats was thrown into consternation, the causo
of which was a number of flaring p0sters, stuck

-np in eligible places about the camp, which

read as follows:

Own-r: on DENVER Douxe Aonx'rs.
PROCLAMATION.

To All Whom I! May (have: n .-——

This is to certify that I. the unde ned, am not
dead. but on the contrary, as live as a iving rson
could well be. surrounded by a company of rave,
Holi-ualcrificiug fellows. who are willing to avenge a
woman‘s wrongs—the wronrs that you, the 13
of Freshet Flats, have inflicted upon me, 
clml-ing Inc an outlaw and waging war against me as
Slll' l.

l’m-haps some do not know the circumstances of
1110- case. Let me- c-xpluin: \

lrnniblcd with Jean Lu Force and lost, llgor-
|'n\\‘Hl money of him and gambled again—he- taking
a mortgage on my mine. payable in twenty-fr-lu‘ ~
hours, with two hours‘ grace. I arilved with the
money one minute after the time was up, but he re-
l'usul togivc up the mortgage. This was the first
outrage. ~ . ‘

l was next arrested, charng with obtaining the
money by robbery, but I escaped and fled to my
slumty, where I was surrounded by'an ngl gang of
rul‘lians, headed by the gambler rulflan. Harm's:

a
but l'ora secret lchanccd 10 know. Phen -like, I
arose from my ashes, to have revenge. . .

About the stage robl)ely, I did the .101). thmugh
desperate need of money to redeem the inert age.
I promised the passengers they Shmlld recrlve 80k
cent for cent, what I lmrrowe , and so they shall, at
any hour tllel'c shall lll' an election of t epe0ple
who will give nu- ‘o: ck my nnne and rights—I pay-
inti“ La Force what 1 lIWt' him.

his is fair, and no horn-st person can see it in a
different light.

Sensible people of F1 eshet Flats. I warn you to
consider this carefully.

You have your choice. .

By your choice shall this matter be settled—
whetherIslmll be your citizen or your scour-go.»
5 our friend or foe. ,

l mu muly to come back and claim mv'rights,
but if i cuu‘not do so without risk of being simhgup

The shanty “'le fired. and 1 must have

l . a

\

 

 

It ' I I l v
 y - u I
a - , .

. ,.»_
n.4, ,. ,. .

 

w. -..._ .. ...

  

, .asr ,madmm I hereb set in curse u _all
j ' -r . lncg'to the cam , and meg-r to.  it so w-hot
" W - mom $15K} all t you'shall be glad to flee from
my wra. . ‘ ’
Delimi- Doll‘s Drift is mine, or Freshet Flats is

00:
, V a _ - , I appoint the filth instant for the. election, when
r V - -- . the ma or vote a say if I shall return or not. I
‘ ' will be u caigp on that dayl
(Sign ) DENVER. Donn.
C’hiqf of the Iz‘cd Stars.

  I . CHAPTER VI.
A DECIDEDLY ORIGINAL ELECTION.

, DENVER DOLL alive, after that fearful explo.
": I ' I sion!
 s . . _ but would be the next wonder?
‘  ‘ , As for the oung woman road agent’s propo-
;-V g . - sition, the opinion seemed about evenly divided.
Vii.  . The honest element of the camp readi y saw the
 ’ " ' fairness of the proposal, for the girl had been a
1:} favorite among their class, and they regarded
La Force’s act as despicable, to say the least.
Therefore. several of the most influential
miners set about making a quiet canvass, in ur-
dcr that they might determine what the result
of an election would be.
On the other hand, La Force had a large num-
ber of pals, who were literally bound to stand
7 , by him in any emergenc , and this fact gave us-
»‘a- - surance that there woul be a very close, if not
' e a. bloody contest, before the matter was decided.
’ Old Nathan Blob was on the side of the “ re-
turn” party, for he foresaw in such an, act a
possibility of gettin back his money.
4. , Since Jean La orce was pro rietor of the
 r‘ ‘ Denver Doll Drift, it was generally understood
.' ‘ that the spot whereon Denver Dolls shanty had
, - _ stood also belonged to him.
. .V And so construing, Nathan Blob foresaw that
‘ it was an eligible site to build himself a house
' on, whereupon he met La Force in the street and
' » ‘ accosted him.
“Mine irient, dey dells me on owns der
. blace vere der shanty vas plow up?” be inter-
rogated, folding his arms above his mammoth

 

stomach.
,  ‘ Jean La Force closed one eye reflectively. It
-  had not yet occurred to him, until this, that he

. mi ht lay claim to the lot.
VV ‘ Well, what of it?” he demanded.
  ~ ‘ “Vot you dakes vor id? I vas a poor man, so
' ' helb me, und I vas anxious to py von leedle
place cheeb, to build me a house on i”
“ What do you want of a house?”
u . “For mine Self, for mine frient Snap, und
 :. ,  mino”peautiful daughter, Christine, vot arrive
.35  . , soon
." -- “0h! got a gal, eh? Well, on can have the
site for two thousand. Dirt 0 cap. Fork over,
_ and it’s ours!” ' .
t " Oh! no! dot ish too t’in, Misder La Force.
 Der must be some babers made out], you knOWs,
I  ’ ,, . to make der t’ing safe, so nopody vas can come
i * ‘- " r and take id avay from me.”
. A: ’ “ Well I reckon not!" a youthful voice cried,
' and Little Bill Bethe) Denver Doll’s boy pard,
stepped forward. “’Don’t you buy a cent’s
' worth 0’ real estate from this slnnflint, the
. gambler, or you’ll get suck-ed in, I own that

._ V .‘ , “ You?” La Force roared.
f, I , “ You?” gasped the Jew.

, “You bet! I—inderwidually, I Billiam
Bethe}, Esq. I” And the comical-looking boy-
«man made a wry face, and thrust his thumbs in

' _, under his arm-pits.

 “ You cussed young rat, I’ve a mind to wring

. 1;: or neck l” La Force roared. “ And if you

_ ‘ 5mm keep yourself quiet ’round this camp, now,

, F2 ‘ - , you’ll get your threat cut,” La Force growled,
 V V striding away. ‘

IR s ,I “That feller’s a reg’lar snuppin’ snake.” Lit-

119 Bill said- to the Jew. “ He’s mean enough to

I steal the eyeerWs oif’m a dead jack. Glad I

ha pened along to save ye from gittin’ sali-

: va _ Just ’rived in town. an’ heerd the rum-
pus "bout my pard, Doll. Ever see her?" ‘

“ Yes, py ram: and if I eVer see dot sun-of—a-
gun ag’in I plow her prains outside in.”

“ , you’re the old Waterloo she struck in
the stage, eh? Ha, ha, ha! Spry gal is Denver
Doll. ’Bpect she’ll marry my dad one 0’ these
days, w’ot’s a lord, duke or duchess over in
Enzland. Don’t skeer about yer rocks. tho’,
Blobsy; they’ll be all right, and you’ll git ’em

., V wheanlly gits her mine back. Soyou seeit’s
;T’ ~ to your interest to buckle in, and cast ten or

 3 celeven votes for her.” —
 l “Yeah, I (links dot ish so—dotisif shegiff

_ unpack my monishJ’ , l . .
- I “Don’t worry about that. You, gitin your
 V  and I’ll  responsiblel” V

 

' Denver Doll’s Drift, .
 ..,. it.“ .mfi‘.’ W.

“ You—dot leedle snibes'llke you 2” , ,

‘.‘ Bet your head on it! I’ve got the rocks if
I am short. youn , sweet an’ tender. Ask an
galoot if flame ill ain’t got a fat pocketrboo
and bank account.” .

“ Ish dot so? Vel, I vas glad to hear id. I
s’pcie you half some monish to lendi”

“Nary a cent Blobsy—nary a redl It don’t
pay. Besides, I want to save up, so when I’m
elected President, I can beat old Grant, and pay
oil! the National debt, out o’ my own poc et,
and take a mortgage on the United States.
But, I tell you how you want ter Work it fer
Doll—baby. There’s goin’ to be a big vote for
La Force, an’ we shall have to buckle in our
level best to get a majority. See? Well, now,
let me pertically button-hole yer, an’ remind
you to sling out a five or a saw-buck, here an’
there, to buy up votes for my pard, an’ so win.
If ye don’t, yer rocks is gone up the iiume,
shure’s there’s:- pOWer in a mnlc’s hoof.’7

“ But, vy do dot? I pays out monish—dotish
gone. I get pack oddor monish, und sdill I vas
oud of pocket.”

“Well, go it to suityourself, but cf ye ex-
pect to live long in Freshet Flats, you better
vote for Denver Doll.”

And with this bit of advice Little Bill turned
importantly away, leaving Nathan Blob in
rather an uncertain state of mind as towhether
he would ever get his money back or not.

Among the workers in Denver Doll‘s cause,
was the Avenger, Arizona Alf, who was here,
there and everywhere, and seeming to have
a plenty of money, he was not afraid to spend
it where it would do the most good.

A meeting of the partisans of both ties
was held at La Force 3 Safamllo, and a orm of
election and votes arranged, and officers and a
referee choaen.

Sunflower Sam, and Ben Blye Were selected
to have charge of the polls, while a. miner.
newly arrived, named Hawking, was to act as
referee, in case of an disputes. V
-The rules stated tint any person above ten
years of age should be permitted to vote.

The polls were to open that night, at mid-
night, and close rt six o’clock in the morning.
This was arranged so that there should be little
1chtance, on either side, to smuggle in extra hal-
o s

During the afternoon and evening, the ex-
citement waxed hot.

The canvass had been prosecuted so thorough-
ly, that it was known nearly to a mpn how the
vote was going, and it looked as if there were
close chances of being a tie.

As the evening passed away, the excitement
increased. The one street was in a glare of
light caused by numerous bonfires, and a mot-
ley mass of human beings surged to and fro, ut—
tering discordant shouts, many of the crowd,
of course, being intoxicated.

In front of the Salalwllo was adry—goods box,
upon which Jean La Force stood, with a hand
ml of mono inhis grasp, while he esiiculated
wildly, an made loud but carefu offers for
votes in his behalf.

Just across the street was another similar
stand, close to a camp fire. and this was occu-

pied by Arizona Alf and Little Bill, who took

turns at offering money for voteS—for as La
Force had set the ball a-rolling. it was no more
than fair that they should “invest” as well

8 he.

“Ten dollars—ten dollars for the man who
will vote for Denver Doll!” the Arizonian cried,
in stentorian tones. “ Where’s the man— Ahl
here he comes; ten dollars, old gent, when you
cast your vote'for right and honesty."

The man was Nathan Blob.

“That man votes for me!" La Force roared
from across the street.

“You liel He’s goin’ to vote for the gal who
:illkgive him his money back!” Arizoxm yelled

ac . '

“ Bah r Come over here and I’ll pummel your
nose off.”

“ Ha! ha!
old boy.”

“You’re a coward and a sneak!” La Force
shouted. throwing down his pistols and leaping
to the ground. “ You dassen’t fight.”

Not a word responde the Avenger of Joaquin.
but throwing his weapons to the ground he also
leapedfrom his box, and advnnccd toward the
gambler, in whose face and eyes the rancor in
his breast was vividly expressed,

"‘ Bully for Arizona 1” screeched Little Bill,
flopping his arms to his side and crowing like a
rooster._ “ He’s the stuff, is that pilgrim, on’ I’ll
beta dollar to a. half that he polishes of! the
card-cuckoo like a chunk of stove-polish. Sail in,
Arizona, an’ ef-I see my galoot attempt any

Better let one lesson be enough,

yli'.
',t,V,V:\ , ,

 

\

 

ihin’dy tricks I’ll plug him in his equator, you "
et

Neither of the antagonists id any attention

’ to the youngsterilbut advance deliberately,each

watching the at or like a hawk.

It was manifestly the intention of the umbler
to clinch u ith the Avenger; but that in ividnul
comprehended the purpose, and just as La Force
make a leopard-like spring, Ali’s iron-like fist
caught him in under the chin, and landed him
neatly on his back. _

A portion of the crowd cheered, and Little
Bill crowed again.

“Yip! yipl hooray! That’s the kind of a row-
ter we keep in our flock! That’s how Dar; 1"
Doll’s men strike. Reg’lar old burro hitl that
Wile! Bet a dollar to a cent his nibs hasn't got
a Sound molar in his bread-trapl”

“’ith an eil‘ort La Force arose. and Staggered
to his box. _ _

“ That’s enough l” he gnspul, spitting out blood
by the mouthful. ,

“ Sure it will answer for the present!”
zonu demanded.

“ 1 said enough!” was the tart anewcr. _

" Oh! don’t disturb him!" yelled Little Bill.
“’Don’t ye see he’s no hog! He knows when he’s
stuck l"

The Avenger laughed quietly, and went back:
to his business on the box.

An hour passed, and it was near to mid-
night.

Noticeably, now,
grizzled strangers in
whom looked ikc miners. _
BArizona discerned this, and mentioned it to

i l.

The boy looked anxious.

“ Looks like a clean beat!” he muttered. “ See
how Ln Force is occasionally shuttin’ 06' a tri-
um hunt grin. Jeminy, I wish—" ‘ '

a failed to mention what. however.

A stand had been erected down the street,
and was occupied by the three omens, Sun-
flower Sam, Ben Blye, and Hawkins, the
referee.

All voters wrre to form in line, in single file.
the foremost near the polls, and the last at do
end up the street. V V

As they passed the stand, Arizona Alf and
La Force wars to atrol either side of the line
with repeating ri es, to make sure that no man
got back to the rear to vote again, and the
order was “Death,” to whosoever should at-
tempt it.

By a quarter of twelve, the heterogeneous gang
was formed in line, the rear end extending
some distance up the street; and in this line Was
every man, woman and boy of over ten years,
except those on duty, and every one was armed
with a sli of pa r containing the name of his
or her 0 oice— ‘ Denver Doll,” or “Jean La
Force.” .

At sharp twelve the referee fired oi! a pistol
which was the signal to march, and the line be-
gun to slowly move forward.

But, though it moved slowly, there was a,
perfect ndemonium of sounds, principal
among w rich were the asserevatxons of various
lioozy miners, as for whom they were going to
cast their votes, interlarded with character.
istic oaths. ‘

Above the din could be heard the screeching
voice of Little Bill.

“ Jog along thar. ye skunks. and cast yer votes
for Denver Doll, the best and squarest gel that
ever buckled on a garter, by gum! Cheer,

ards, an’ remember you’re solid fer a job when

oil gits control ag’in, fer we’re goin’ tor b’ild a
crusher, an’ raise thunder in general,” to which
announcement seemingly little or no attention
was paid.

One by one the crowd cast their votes. and
there was even greater excitement beyond the
polls, than before them—the excitement bornuf
desire to know what the result would be.

Probably some of- the gang would have at—
tempted to make a break f0r_th9 1681‘ 0f the
line but for the vigilance of ArizonaAli’ and In
Force—for be it said to the credit of the latter,
he seemed determined that everythi should go
off on the square, evidently well sat ed that he
would win the day. _ - .

As soon as the last one in the line had pasaed,
the officers and referee cast their votes and the
poll was closed. ;

The crowd quickly surrounded the stand
again, when the counting of the votes began,
Referee Hawkins standing over the two oficers
with drawn revolvers, to see that it was done
fairly. .

Bets were made on eve hand, on each can—
didate, and thousands .
change hands on the result.

Ari~

there Were. many rough and
the street, the maJority of

l

. .‘.s;-..‘v&;§i,f,v?'~ Er“
- \

\

dollar-amounted to ‘

 

 

..L.-.-...-s‘- -.-. _

l
l
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l
r

 

' morning w , a .
uni her escort took their gallop, and it was a].

Denver'{Doll.’s' " i-

'  . I ,'_.., . 7.: i 1" "v' 1'! ~‘_'r-' ‘9!
l . e ‘ |, v I V ,.,

 

.4. ._.....d -. r...
crv

 

At last the last vote was counted, and the two
nr-n said something low to Hawkins, who ad—
vnnccd to the front of the platform. ,

in an instant a' dead silence rei ned— a
myriad of gleaming eyes watched t e man
mgerl .

“ Gesiitlemen ” he said, “the votes, by fair
count, entitle Denver Doll to remain an outlaw,
and J nun La Force to keep the mine. Ten votes
did the business.”

“ Ach, mine Got! Den I vas oud yocst anud—

dur thousand dollars. I vill heifer vote for dot ‘

vimmens again,” shrieked Nathan Blob, above
the din of cheers that followed.

CHAPTER VII.
DOLL MEANS BUSINESS.
1 W1! pass over two weeks in the history of the
“l-its.

The result of the election was not entire]
unexpected to Arizona and Little Bill, but it
full with almost withering force upon the
miners who had in a measure regained their
hopes of being restored to work in the Drift.

Little Bill was around among them, however,
like a sunbeam of encouragement, and bism-
variable expression, was—

“ Cheer up, tellers; the end is not yet. I‘ve
in few dollars in the Drift, an’ outside too, an’
ye knows I an’ Doll allers war squ ~r’ with ye.
.\.f~' kin eat ’my cars off of thar ain’t a change,
HIUH‘. liingf’

Many of the men thanked the lad heartily,
for they had a strong attachment for him, but
si .me ‘were morose and gloomy, and seemed in-
clined to rebel.

The La Force gang Were naturally in their
i-li‘ment, and glorying in the fact that they had
“on the election, they likewise appeared to con-
sider that they had won the town, and ro-
Kiieded to boss it, literally, according to t eir
own liking. V '

Jean La Force was pronounced mayor, with
li-ower to act in allcaSes— which very naturally
made him more omcious and insolent than ever.

The La Force gang worked day and night in
the Drift, and the deeper and larger grew the
excavation, the more gold was discovered, and
the more men were required to mine it, so that
before the end of two weeks, all of Denver
)oll’s former emplo as were working for the
yrambler prince, as 6 now might well have
wucalle . i

in some res -ts, La Force was a keen di-
plomat, and 1e foresaw strength by joining
the disappointed element to his own party, at
good we e's—for, reasoned he, there was no
telling w en or in what shape, he might hear
from the road-agent queen. A

He had caused a large reward to be ofl’ered
for her capture, and notices to this effect were
posted at evAc‘il'fy ap :oach to the town.

Arizona st'l lounged about the camp,
having stucku a shant for his own conven-
ience; and he evoted t e most of his time in
sauntering about the streets, varying the mo
notony with an occasional game of cards, by
which he seldom lost an thing.

Little Bill dodged a out, here and there,

keying an eye out, but saying little.
_ e knew that he was watched secretly, by
La Force’s orders, and that the gambler only
wanted some reasonable excuse to look him up,
mid thus put him out of the way of doing any
mischief. '

Nathan Blob had purchased the site of Den-
W'cl‘ Doll’s ill-fated abode, and erected thereon a
urge, and, for a mining-camp, comfortable
.dwelhng. '

His daughter, Christie, had arrived, and
arrange to say, did not betray an signs of be-
'ng a Jewess, beyond the’f’act t at she s-
sessefl a brunette complexxon, and liquid b11312]:
. es.

She was very handsome, both in face and

   
  

,‘figure, and dressed richly, as well she might,

eclisidering her paren t’s reputed wealth.
Sheand the snob, Apollo Snap, were seen out

7,‘ fora gallop, every pleasant morning, and it be

came quite apparean that the Englishman—for
such he was—was courting her, and that, too,
with the paternal Blob’s hearty appI‘OVaL '-
Miss Christine, however, was the least bit of
:. requette, and she had been but a few days in
“W 03m , ere she saw the handsome face and
figure 0 Arizona Alf, and through another ac-
gnaintance managed to get an introduction to
im. ‘
After that, it might have been noticed that
the intimacy grew. 1' , ' ,
The Ave!) mans ‘ _ to get out for his
bout time Miss Christine

I

 

most a certainty for them to meet, and exchange
greetings. '

This seemed to highly displease the Eu lish—
man, and, one morning, he made it his bu nose
to encounter the sport upon the street.

“Aw! I say—see heahl” pausing and glaring
at .his imaginary rival; “you are the fellah
that presumes to make advances to Miss Blob?”

“ Reckon I’m the mutton!” Alf lau rhed, fold-
ing his arms, and eying the “blood ’sarcasti-
ca ly. “ Why?"

“ Well, my deah fellow,'I demand an a lo
from you, and a promise that you wi'i hea —
after cease your attentions in that direction.”

“ An a-what-ogy '1'” the sport asked.

“ An apology, air—an apology l”

“ Ha! a! ha! What gall! What d’ye mean,
you pup? I apologize to a snob of your com-

lean! Why, you better go set yourself up
for a clothing store man‘kin.”

“ Sir—r—r! If you do not apologize I shall
publicly chastise you with this!” Snap declared,
producing a small harmless riding.whip, from
undtr his coat.

At sight of it Joaquiu’s Avenger laughed
heartily, as did several bystanders who had
come up.

“ Why, that Wouldn’t kill a flea!” Alf ob-
served. 1

“ But it will leave the sting of an insult l” was
the reply.

“,Ohl it will? Well, strike out.
to!’

The suitor of the handsome Jewoss was evi-
dently dead in earnest, for he raised the whi
and struck the Arizonian a cut' upon the nec
that left its red mark; but had be counted the
cost beforehand, he probably would have held
his anger in check.

A few feet awa

filled with greenis
frogs.
Scarcer had the blow fallen, when the stal-
wart Armenian, seizing ‘the swell, raised him
above his head, as though he had been an infant,
and hurled him forward, head-foremost, into the
nasty ditch.

A cheer went up from the spectators, which in-
creased into a bowl of derision, as Snap scram-
bled out of his bath, a most disgusting and piti‘
able object.

He paused for an instant and shook his fist at
his foe, and then trotted away toward the Blob
residence, like some whi ped school-boy, fol-
lowed by hisses and cat-ca ls from the bystand-
ers; which was all that was seen of Apollo Snap
that day, and the ridiculous incident became the
town’s talk.

Nothing had been heard from Denver Doll
since the proclamation.

This silence was not reassuring to the people
of Freshet Flats. The ruman element went
armed to the teeth, and even Jean La Force ap-
peared nervous and watchful, and to have less
confidence in himself than usual.

When or how the blow was to come wasa
myste that worked the community into a
state 0 feverish expectancy. Every man be-
came watchful and anxious.

Little Bill though watched narrowly, showed
no signs of havin any knowledge of t e where-
abouts of Denver 01, nor of her forthcoming
moves.

Probably there were only two persons in the
camp who knew that Arizona Alf was acquaint-
ed with the whereabouts of the road-agent
queen, and these were Bill and tho methetic
giant, Sunflower Sam, who had started a little
three-card monte table on a vacant lot, and was
living off his profits, which were not small.

lie was something of an unreadable mystery,
this same giant, and was so regarded by every
one—~thc general opinion being that he was not
what he appeared. . .

One dark evening the stage came whirling
down into the town during a violent thunder-
storm, and unloaded a dozvn passengers in front
of the new shanty hotel which a party of specu-
lators had hustin erected and opened as a place
of refuge for travelers.

Hardly had the stage halted .when Budd Har-
ris, the new driver, arose on his seat and yelled:

" Road-agents! road-agents! Denver Doll
and her gang halted us a mile back, an’ cleaned
us out 0’ about two thousand dollars. Hyar’s a
letter to the mayor, Jean La Force!”

The letter was promptly taken to the gambler
at the Satanello, and he was requested to read
it for the benefit of the crowd.

Accordingly be mounted the bar and read, in
aloud voice, the appended‘epistle: .

' “Orr-ion or Damn Dom.

I’ll dare you

was a road-side “swale”
water, and tenanted by

 

“me La‘Foacaz—é , ‘ .
‘ “ Sim—According in my promise, after being do
\ \ '
i ,s .' -_ r , i in?! .
~14, (tuft n3“ w fan:

. . . ' w. 590” l
- eeit out of him if that’s the case. by: some.  ;

tested in my attempt to obtain my rights thmugh a ;"
vote of the people, I will tq-night begin my oam- ,
plaign by stopping the incoming, stage, and elplgg

ysolf' tosuc valuables umig tcondnce toenri -
the camp of Freshet Flats. From each who
pans out will be required his name future ad-
dress, and this will be attached to. is-valuabl
Subject to safe-keep! and restoration—in me
am given back my n no. When the goods were-
stored there will he a pawnbroker‘s rate of five per '
cent. interest on value of each package per month
{which I exact as compensation or in) trouble and
oases, , . - . .

“By avotcof‘my band, we shall persist in this ‘1 4, ,
course against you and your people, and if on
make an attack upon us, we are amply prep for
that... We shall not only relieve the stages, but the
camp itself. and all moneys taken that are profits _
of Denver Doll‘s Drift will never be. restored. ' '

“There is but one way to break us up—‘drive
Jean La Force and his ruillnn gang from the tom,
and give me back my mine, and the war is ended.
Otherwise, "cowl—and, too, what we got we keep,
if.’ war it is to be. .

“ Yours from the word go. i
“ Dnnvna Donn!"

Here was astunner, and an invitation for the
well-meaning men of Fresbet Flats to take the
matter into their own hands, and revolutionize
matters so that the detective queen should have
her own again.

But it bid fair to be some time ere such a
move would he made, unless started by the new-
comers; for the old citizens had no cause as, yet
to complain of any loss. . .

.These new-comers too, if relieved by the road-'
agents, as a rule would hardly feel like espous-
ing Denver Doll’s causeg—they would be more
apt to be ready for revenge. _

So Jean La Force considered his star consul-
erably in the ascendant. x ,

The letter created a sensation, of course, and ’ .
on being questioned the robbed passengers all ‘ '
corroborated what the irl had stated. ' " . c .

Their names and ad resses had been taken, .‘
and written in a book by a masked man who
was evidently the lieutenant of Denver Do .

Of the band that had surrounded the stage, ’ , ,
there were fully fifty, all masked, dressed in '  - ~
picturesque rod corduroy, with slouch hats and

uckskin leggings, while each man was armed . .
with a Winchester rifle, and revolvers. . - '

Some influential speculators were on the ‘3,
coach, and on arriving at the Flats,they lub- ‘ ,;
bed together and made up a purse ,of five un— .  v —
dred dollars, which they offered for her cap-' 
tixre. 

This, with La Force’s ofler, made a thousand 
dollars on Denver Doll’s head. A ' 21',

Her letter was posted up in a con icuous .',-
placei, in the Satancllo, and eft for ,pu liq  '
s *ct on. .

p(The following morning, Little Bill .met Ari-
zona Alf. -

“ Didn’t I tell on she was a boss?” he said,
triumphantly. ‘ It will‘be a blizzardous day .
whenDollvbaby gils left. Reg’lar ole pawn-
shop she’s runnin’. Like to see her. D’ye think
she ll ever get the Drift back?”

Arizona shook his head doubtfully.

“ Don’t know,” he answered. “ La. Force is 
getting his feet lanted firmer and firmer everg' - '

ay. It will ta e big odds to root him 'out or
lose my guess. The girl is plucky, thoughl” .

That ni ’ht the Sutam 110 was more than 'nn-
usually in l, and the same might have been said
of some of its habitws. Gambling in every
form was at its hight, and the scene was at
once exciting and hilarious. , I ~

During the evening a striking looking man-
age entered the saloon, who radually at acted
attention. 01‘ medium, “‘95 rounded stature, '
and graceful carriage, he possessed a elem
shaven but dusky countenance, excepti a '
heavy mustache, and his hair, long and straight, 1 , 
hung well down his shoulders. Overhis eyes'he
Wore a pair of impenetrable green goggles. '
, Ills attire was a rich and costly suit, such as - ' ,
is usually worn by a Mexican nabob, the trim— , ,
mings alone being of immense value. A stifl. ..  "
sombrero was worn upon his head. and smell of.
satin about his waist. Upon the fin crs of each i
band were four magnificent diamon rings. , ‘_'

This striking man paused first at La Force’s ’ j
table, and looked on a few moments, and then '
suuntered on. , ‘ '

“Did you ever see that fellow—d0 you know  ,_
him?” La Force asked, addressing a bystander, , .v
who from his rough appearance and long white I
heard, looked likea ’49er. ‘ . .- r

“ Oh yes,” the man answered. “.That is .. l. ..
Senor Cobra, tge famous Spanish—Mexican ;  ‘

her-player. Rich as Croesus, and never, met ;'.,
I is ual at poker!” ' t ‘ .

f‘ umph! I wouldn’t mind taking

sh. \

   
 
 
  

poker, myself. Just mention to,

  

 

 
  

 

 

 

At which the old man chuckled, softly, as be
countered on to convey the challenge.

Senor Cobra soon came back.

“ You sent for me, senor?” heinterrogated.

“ I did !” La Force responded sh y. “ I
understand you are grea on poker. am the
man who knows no 9311a! in these parts. Would
you like to tackle me ’

Cobra ve vent to a funny laugh.

“ I mig t!” he said. “ What amount!"

“ ()h! a hundred dollars a side!”

" I never sit down, senor, for less than a thou-
sand.” Cobra smiled.

" Oh! well. All the same; a thousand it shall
he. Be seated, and put up!”

‘ CHAPTER VIII.
fiENOR coana’s cnnvnn RUSE, AND SNAP’S
SECOND MISFORTUNE.

THE invitation tendered the man from Mex-
ico was promptly accepted, and he took from a
roll of American money a. thousand-d ollar note,
and laid it upon the table, with a cooked re-
volver beside it.

He “meant business,” evidently, and Jean
La Force knew he had not picked up a flat.

This Senor Cobra had a notorietv. It was
said of him that so lucky was he in Mexico, and
so many of the Mexican nabobs had be cleaned
out. that it had become neccssary for him to
disa pear over the borders. and that until re-
cent y his operations had been confined to that
Monaco of America, Del Norte.

Noted for abundant riches, and equally for
charity, he was a rsonage to inspire awe in
any rough assem lage, inasmuch as he was
known to have killed more than his allotted one
man.

From a drawor at his end of the table, Jean
La Force counted out a thousand dollars, in
gold coin. and stacked it alongside Cobra’s
wager. Then the game began, the table sur-
rounded by many interested spectators, among
whom was Little Bill Bethel, his sharp, Weasel-
like countenance aglow with excitement.

“At it ag’in, are 'e, buddy?” he said. ad—
dressing La Force. ‘ Jest like yer gall to buck
yer brains out ag’in an ’arthquake. Bet a her-
ring ye don’t know the sort 0’ stuff ye’r’ playin’
with. Besides, ye never hev luck when I’m
around. I’m a re ’lar Joner. Take keer, don’t
feel fer the pop. ’ve got one, too, an’ a self-
cncker in the bargain.”

“Well, you shut u , or I’ll fix you l” was the
savage retort of 11'] orce.

The game was played, and won by Senor
Coblra, who raked in the stakes with a faint
smi e. .

“ Another thousand, senor?” he asked, quietly.
‘ “Not b a devilish sight,” La Force growled.
“The sta e is too heavy. If you’ll play for five

 

’ dollars a me I’ll try you."
“ Since was so lucky as to win, I suppose I
. am in dut bound to accommodate,” Co ra re-

sponded, p easantly. “Proceed.”
‘ They then played for a couple of hours, Cobra
losing steadi 

The interes had abated, in consequence of the

, smallness of the stakes, and the room was clear-

_ ed of all but half a dozen professional gamblers
,,who rented tables, and a score of rough-bearded
pilgrims of the pick and shovol, who had made
heir appearance in the camp that evening.
It was after midnight when Senor Cobra
tliirevlv up his hand, and arose and picked up his
sto. -
p “ 1 am tired of cards,” he said. “ Let’s try a
dittereut game. Jean La Force, you are my
prisoner!” And as he spoke he suddenly lev-
rlPd liiscocked weapon at the gambler.
, La Force glared around .hllll, only to perceive
that the other gamblers and the bar-tender were
covered by the weapons of the rough-looking
min'eIi‘rs. d", be gasped
“ ra e . . .
“Exac‘tly!” was the mocking answer; “and
if you attempt to give an alarm I’ll shoot you
through the heart. George, lock the doors."
One of the men obeyed.
' ‘,"Now, then,” Cobra continued, “ bind to-
gether the wrists of each prisoner.”
I This order was also obeyed, La Force being
firstserved. He was fairly livid with rafge, but
under that venomous glance of the man 0 cards,
dared not give an alarm.
As soon as the hindin process was com leted
the man George stoo guard over La orce,
_ while Cobra proceeded to “ go through ” the
pockets of the prisoners and their moneydraw-

era. .
The malt of this search was put in a leathern

1" ;7 not; than Cobra approached  Force again.

/

' Lgliiatppion would like to make it interesting for
m ’

 

“ What wealth I have secured here r htfully

belongs to me, for it me from the aver
,Doll mine,” he said. . ‘:‘ on’ll probany be. will«
ing to acknowledge that on are euc cred, La

Force. Do you know me ' ‘ r
And of! came the goggles and fierce false
mustache, and the face 0 Denver Doll was re~
vealed, looking prettier than ever, it appeared,
with the dusky dye upon it.

“ The devil!’ La Force gasped, for he was too
su rised to say more.

‘ on will find me equal to one, if you don’t
give me back the mine !” was the stern reply.
"I mean business, and this is but the begin-
ning.

At a signal her band made their exit through
a rear door, and 'ving La Forcea stinging slap
in the face she to loWed.
' Before the gamblers could make their cries for
help heard the road—agents were far away.

 

Mr. Apollo Snap, after his unceremonious
bath in the pollywog puddle, sought the Blob
residence and managed to get to his room With-
out being seen, wherein due time, and with the
aid of soap, water and another outfit, he suc-
ceeded in makin himself look as oodas new.

He then straigitforward hied himself to the
presence of the paternal Blob, and to him un-
folded a most pitiful tale of his mishaps, in-
cluding the revelation of Miss Christie’s opcn
flirtation with the stalwait Arizonian.

“ I vil see a oud dot,” Blob lnustered, angrily.
“Christie! C ristie!”

Christie, in response to the call. came in from
an adjoining room.

“ Christie, vot isb dot vot Mr. Snap vas dells
me apoud you makin’ flirdations mit anodder
fellow, girl?” the old man demanded, adjusting
his spectacles. “ Dot veller he drows Mr. Snap
in von ditch, und spiles his c]othings!"v

“ Oh! you mean Mr. Arizona! W by, he’s
my new mash, papa!” the pretty Jewess con-
fessed. her eyes twinkling. “Did he really
baptize Mr. Sna ? How comical!”

“ Comical? our mash? Py tam! I mash
you at? I hear some more such nonsenselike dot.

on’d you know you vas der betrothed wife of
my friend. Mr. Snap?”

“ Well I should smile not! Who told you i”

“I un Mr. Snap dolls ourselves. You ish to
Lgimp"; him, and keep der monish in der family.

ee.
“ I marr that jumpin -'ack? VVh , papa, I
wouldn’g‘fil’ve the snap 0% my finger or such a
Spitz-p0 e as he is! If I can’t hava Arizona, I
won’t have no one—that’s all. There now!” and
the im rious beauty flounced out of the room
in big dudgeon, slamming the door behind
her.

Snap looked dubious.

Blob looked ditto. .

I “My case is quashed!” the former said hope—
ess .

“hot py a long shot!” Blob decided. “I
dells you vot you do. You shallenge der veller
to fight mit a duel, und you use ,a sw 0rd I gif
you. All you half to do is to prick him mit der
end of it, und the vas a goner. It vas coated
mit deadly poison.”

“Aw. excellent! I understand the foils as
every English gentleman does. It is, you know,
a. part of our education; so, I will challenge
the beastly American at once. But, supposmg
Ican’t git a chance to prick him? He might
give me a death-wound.’

“Nonsense! These Vestern shackasses only
vas know how toflght mit a pistol. You lick
him so easy as rollin’ off a log, uf you is quick
mit a sword.”

Reassured, Apollo went to his room, and
penned an insulting challenge, which he sent to
Arizona Alf. It was to meet the challen er in
a duel with swords in front of the Satane o the
followin morning.

Ina s ort time the answer came back, and
was an acceptance. _

The following morning was one of Sensations.
The news of the bold raid upon the Satanello
was in every month, and was an absorbing
topic for every one; but this was in a measure
for often when at sunrise the news got abroad
tha a duel was to take place in front of the
Satancllo.

A crowd immediatelycollected. and expecta-
tion ran min, for the names of the contestants
had not lea ed out. _

Shortly after sunrise, Apollo Snap made his
appearance, carrying a. pair of swords, which
he laced in the ring that had been formed.

was flashil dressed, and was acoompanied
by big. Nathan lob. who evidently proposed to
act as master of ceremonies, for he ordered the

\

\

 w .. ...-- -a...~.....-«

 

.-.._.. .... --—~-.—

crloevgél to clear away to, the sides of the
st . . ' ’ v .
Short! afterward Arizona Alf came laun-
tering le surely u the picture of healthy indif.
ferenoe as he pu ed away at a cigar.
, “We 1. are you ready for the funeral!” he
asked, rolling u the sleeves of his jacket. “ If
so, lgt’s procee for I’ve not had my breakfast

A ri ple of laughter came from the crowd.
he andsome sport evidently did not have
much anticipation of a trip to the next worldw
at least, not until after meal hours.

“I am ready 1” Sue responded. “I could
get but two swords, an one is rusty and hardly
fit for use. We will toss u for the choice.
Here is a copper; which will) you take, heads
up, or tails u C!” a r

“ Heads 3” rizona cried. “ Toss ’im up i”

The coin spun upward and dropped to the
ground—tails u .

“ I will give the advantage to you; by taking
the rusty blade,” Snap announced, seizing it,
rather eagerly.

“ I presume you would rather have it!” Ari-
zona averred, so sarcastically that both Snap
and Blob looked somewhat surprised.

On examining his weapon, Arizona saw to
his satisfaction that its edge was as keen as
could he wished.

The next instant the two confronted each
other.

As he expected, the Avenger found that his
antagonist understood the swordsman’s art;
nevertheless, be was but a child before the Ari-
zonian, who drove him back, step by sin...
forcing him to take the defensive, and giving
him no chance to get in a blow.

it was an exciting moment. and every one
watched eagerly and breathlessly.

But it was a contest that was destined to he
brought to a sudden close, and a disastrous one
for Snap, for, by an expert movement, Arizona
tore the sword fr< in his opponent’s grasp, and
sent it flying across the street! '

With a. bowl of actual terror, Apollo turned
and ran like a. deer!

For more sport Arizona followed. and chased
the Englishman half-way to the Blob residence,
greeted by cheers from the crowd.

Poor Snap managed to reach the doorstep, and
there, from sheer fright, fell in a faint, while
filrizpna sauntered leisure! y back toward the

ote . '

CHAPTER lX.
AN UNEXPECTED APPEARANCE. ‘

THAT afternoon as the sun was declining, wan-
dering through a desolate Rocky Mountain
gulch, some miles from Freshet Flats, ,n as an old
man, who seemed to be tottering on the edge of
the rave.

e must have been full seventy years of age,
for his hair and sweepin beard were as white
as snow, and, as he hobb ed along with the aid
of a staff, he trembled in every joint.

He had evidently journeyed long and far for
his garments were mere tatters, and his oes
worn in holes. Hat he had none.

Every now and then he would pause, wearily,
to gaze at the sun, and his desolate surround-
in s; then he would trudge faithfully on again.

inally, however, he stopped, with a start. A
sweet, musical voice came to his ears from just
ahead!

He could distinguish no words, but the voice,
in itself, seemed to impress him strangely.

With renewed courage he hobbled on, and
presently came to where a beautiful young girl
was seated upon a. bowlder, engaged in weaving
a wreath of wild flowers. She was clad in male
EIDttlili-e, and, needless to say, this girl was Denver

0 .

She did not know of human approach. eVi‘
dent! y, until she heard a glad cry, and saw the
old man standing near her.

Then she, too, gave a start, .and her face
suddenly became stern in expressmn. I

“ My child! my child!” the old man cried, tot.
tering forward, with outstretched hands.

“ Stop! 1 am not your child,” she rotested.
a pained expression upon her lace. “ 'ou have
no longer a claim uponme. mhuman father!”

“ Don‘t! don’t!” be gasped: “ Will you not
welcome me. after I haVe patienily searched for
you so long?” _ ‘ '

“Welcome you back?" she cried. “You, the
murderer of my—” .

“Ste ! stop! As Heaven is my judge, Iain

not fin ty l” ,

“ ot guilty—you tell me this? Did you not,
when I was a appy girl, in a haw)! home,
oppose my marriage to Walter alraven,
because his father and you had been enemies!

/

 

.. h..'.‘.. |
'u . i

 

l

 

— -2_- :

 .

 

 

.. “on...

the b

Did you not threaten me—did on not, at the
bridal altar have my husband s ot down dead
by some unknown assassin?"

“ No! nol God hear me witness, 110' l"

“ i do not perjure yourself further. I
was In of your guilt-am now—and swore
toleave’ my home forever, and never to reco —
also as a father of mine, until I have amp e
proo of your innocence!”

“I can prove m innocence—only kiss your

roken-hearted fat er, my child, and say that
ou”will give me time to prove how unjust you
are.
“ You have the remainder of your life to ex-
onerate yourself in. W'hen you prove yourself
iltlees, I will receivo you with open arms.
ntil then, 0, your way.”

It evident y required a
power to speak as resolu ely as she did, but
there was no expression upon her face to show
that an thing would cause her to relent.

The 0 (1 man bowed his head in silent grief for
a few minutes; then he looked up, and said:

“ You are cruel, but erhaps just to your-
self. Will ou tell me ifI am on the right way
to Freshet latsl”

“ You are. Why are you going there?"

“It matters not. I have business there.
GOOIHW. my child 1” and with a sob hc.‘ hObhled
on.

Denver Doll arose, and gazed after him until
he was out of sight, as if tempted to call him
back; then her oath came vividly to mind—the :
scene where she knelt at the a tar beside her
youthful husband, and she shrunk back.

“ No! I must not be weak. I nevor dreamed
of seeing him again, and somehow his faithful
search for me impresses me more than I can ex-
press. Wby goes he to Freshet Flats? Does be
e ct to rove his innocence there? He is my
fat er, an there are many pitfalls in Freshet
Flats. I can but feel a daughter’: interest in
his welfare, and will keep a watch that fie is
not harmed. Perhaps he may be innocent after
all! Who can say?”

And tears actually filled the flashing eyes.

 

CHAPTER X.
A mom, A MURDER, AND AN anvnnr.

reat amount of will .

 

THAT day passed, without any further inci-
dent, worthy of special mention, and night once I
more fell over the rude little mining-camp of ‘
Freshet Flats. 1

Early in the evenin , as he sat in the office of 5
the shanty hotel, a yentered, and handed :
Arizona a letter, and hastily departed. _

An eager flush mounted the Avenger’s cheeks, I
and he tore open the envelope, aftergiving a ;
hasty lance at the chirograp y upon it.

TheIetter was in awoman’s graceful hand,
and ran as follows:

"DEAR Ma. ARIZONA:—

“Your affectionate note just received, and read
with feelin . of rateful pleasure—that too, when
I find myse l: in ire trouble, which I w I explain,
when we meet. In answer to your declaration of
affection for me, I have onl to say that my admira-
tion for you surpasses that have ever cherished for
an other man. I positively despise the man, Snap;
bu if you will meet me, as soon as you get this, at
cottonwood tree on the bank of the creek,
you much more, and something import-

Yours, faithfully,
“ Cmusrm.“
Arizona put the letter in his pocket, his eyes
sparkhn with satisfaction.
“She my ideal of womanhood,” he mused.
“Why shouldn’t I keep up this intimacy and
marry her?"
He left the hotel, and strode with elastic step
across the Flats to the great tree, that stood
upon the shore of the roarin creek.
Christie was there, seate upon a bowlder,
under the dark shadows of the overhanging
branches, and gave a glad cry. as he a roached.
“ I am so glad you Came !" she so) , impetu-
ousl . “Do you see that?” and she pomted
to a neatly-wrapped bundle, lying upon the
ground. _ .
“ Yes. What 13 it?”
- “The best of my worldly effects done up,
ready for a journey l”

N

“Y

I can
ant. too.

journey?” ”
08- I am going to leave home.

“What for?” ‘

“Necessity compels me. I overheard a plot
between my father and Snap. to.lock me up in
a room, and keep me on bread and water, until
I consented to marry the latter,”

“ The devil Z”

. “ Yes. and I just packed up a few things and
here I am. I will not marr Snap. I’ll fly to
the further end of the cart ,first. After re-

 

ceiving our kind letter, I felt that perhaps you
could flgfiflfl me, until—until-J’

I Denver Doll’s ‘  I

“Our marriage?” ,

“ Yes, love ;”' and she threw her arms around
his neck and bu ed him.

“Well, Ishou be a brute, if I wouldn‘t!"
Arizona exalaimed. “Let me think a moment.
Thev will be likely to discover your flight.”

‘ es.

“Well, I have a plan. You have heard of
Denver Doll!"

H  es."

“Wel , she is a warm friend of mine, and I
know where her stronghold is. I will take you
there, and you will have a pleasant home and
companion until I get read to leave this place.
Remain quietly here until return. Do not be
alarmed if I should be detained an hour.”

“ All right. But hurry, please."

He kissed her then and strode away.

He was not more than out of hearing, when a
man stepped from behind the tree, and con-
fronted Christie.

“ ’Sh! don’t be alarmed!” he said. “I heard
you was going to Denver Doll‘s retreat, and
wanted to tell you something. After you get
there, if you can come back and guide me there,
I’ll give you two thousand dollais. 1 am Jean
La Force. ‘Sh! new mind, mum’s the word. I
do not urge you to do it—you may desire to do
it for revenge. Then, the cash is yours. Keep
your own counsel, and remember!”

The next instant he was gone, leaving the
Jewess in a state of wonderment.

“I will keep my own counsel she mused.
Arizona may not turn out what he seems; then
I can take advantage )f Jen w La Force's offer.
This Denver Doll may be a flame of Arizona’s——
he spoke of her as a very warm friend of his.
In that case—Well !”

She did not finish, but a compression of the
Alf)“. showed that the venom of jealousy had
a ready gained root in her heart.

Arizona soon came back, loading two horses.

" “'e’re all right I” he signified. “Mount
now, and let‘s be off.”

[H

 

A few hours after Arizona. and his bride res-
pective were leaving the camp. Nathan loh
was sitting alone in his office, which was built
adjoining his residence, when the door opened,
and the aesthetic riaut, Sunflower Sam. entered.

“Howdy do, uthlm!” he. saluted, familiarly,
closing the door, and helping himself to a chair.
“Nice weather we‘re havin'.”

“Ish dot so?” the old Jew granted, with a
stony stare. “I vas not aware off dot fact
ondil you dells me.”

“Eh? ye wasn’t? Darn me, what kind of a
man aire you i”

“A shendlemans, sir!"

Sam burst intoa terrific guffaw. and fairly
shook with laughter, until the windows rattled.

“Why, thunderation, Nat, how long ye bin

‘ affected wi‘ that disease?”

“All mine life, sir. Who you vas und vat you
want?”

“ Phew! don’t know me?”

“ No, sir.”

“ Don’t recliernise the aesthetic cut 0’ my
mu l”

“ y tam, I never see you!”

“ Git eoutl Why, I know you. As fer me, I
am known as Sunflower Sam, the second Wilde
Oscar. Had another name once. I’m an ass-
thete!”

“ Vot ish dot?" _ I

“ Well, it's half way betwixt awhat-is-it. and
a polar bar, wi’ a little giraffe mixed 1!]. Beck-
erniSe yer own fotygrafi‘?”

“ You ish von pig fool. Tell me vot you
vont. und get rightaway oud, gwick, or I drew
you down dor steps.” . . I

The old Jew was evidently getting his ire
aroused, but it apparently did not concern the
aesthete. for he chuckled, good-naturedly,

“ ll'ell, I’ll tell you !” he said. “ Ther primeval
cause 0’ my wisit, Natty. dear. is for the unscru-
pulous purpose of gathering in some root-of-evd
—otherwise swag—alias money. Presuming
that you would know me, I Ventured tew rumi-
nate thet yeou would be glad tew pan out, on
the account of old scores.”

“Old scores! Vot der Satans you ineaps?
You Vas a lunatic. I neffer knOWs you in mine
life. SO help me.” _

“ Waal, ’r’ans ye don’t reckenuse me. I
uster live In Denver. sn‘ was known by the
name 0’ Pea-knuckle Pete, from the fact that I
uster play the ame often.”

.- “ Vell, vot o dot? I nefl’er heard off you.
Vy should I pay you monish?” .

“ Sim lv because at will be to yer interest to
do so. ' hold .an im rtant secret of yours. It
is the death-bed eonfzslon of a man yer once
made yer tool!” ,' _

- r

1

 

o..-

“You lie!” Blob criedileaping to his feet .
“You ish an imboster, w 0 tries for to sheat
me mit mine meals

in oud."

“ Nary atime, sheenyl Shall I go on and tell
ye a leetle story, all about-” ,

“ Sdopl sdopl” the Jew gasped, turning pale.
“Der vos no need of dot. 0 you vant to keep
your mouth shut?" b

“ Spondulics, on course. Ye see, I’m stud m’
aesthetic culture, wi’ a view 0’ oin’ on er '
stage—me an’ my dorg, Jurispru ence. So at
needs shavin’s to eddicate us. Then, too, thar’s
another party in the field who’s on the scent,
gt: we’lild pay well fer what tongue I’ve got.

v i

“ understand vot you mean. Vila t’ousand
dollar do you?”

“Well, I reckon that mi ht answer forabout
a month. Don’t wanter e hard on yew at
first, ’ca’se et’s a poor bank as suspends at ther
first run. So shell out.”

Without a word, the Jew took a plethoric wad
of bills from his pocket and counted out the de-
sired sum.

“ There you vas,” he said. “Now I shall eg—
spect dot you vil keeb your mouth shut.”

“Closer than the jaws o’ a steel-trap,” the
giant grinned, arising. “Guess I will go now,
an’ skirmish for my side pardner, J urisprudence,
VVuss’n a hilly goat. that boss. I Eats tin cans,
pick-axes, an’ anything that’s digestiblb, in the
shape 0’ food.” .

Then, with another smile that even Oscar
Wilde must have pronounced sublime, the giant
took hisdc m‘ture. . I

Nathan lgloh sat in his chair an instant after~
word, a greenish glitter in his eyes.

“ Dot man vas dangerous.” he muttered. “If
he was found deadt, no one knows who kills
him." ‘

Seizing a piece of pa er he hastily wrote
several words upon it, an put it in his pocket:
then, armed with a knife, he glided out.

It was now deep dusk, but a short distance,
away be distinguished a man’s figure moving'
toward the business portion of the town.

Like aslcuth the Jew was at once in pursuit,
the wind and the rush and roar of the
wholly silencin his footsteps. I

The nearer e approached his victim, the
denser seemed to grow the night mist, so that
even when he raised the murderous knife to
strike the fatal blow. he could barely distinguish ‘
the form in front of him. , ‘

A quick uplifting of his arm, a dull thud;
than. without a groan, the victim staggered, and
fell forward upon his face. -

“ There! dot Settles on!” the. Jew tted,
kneeling beside his vict m. “Ouch! O , mine
Got! I have made a pig mistake. As I lift, it ish.
Snap! Holy Moses! vot vil I do? I had! proken
my own nose. Snap! Snap: Open your eyes,
you fool, und dells me on vasn’t hurt at all 1”

But Snap was past al recall, and Nathan Blob
was a murderer.

He knelt there for some minutes, nearly
dumfounded by the terrible mistake he had v
made.

“ t vas too bad,” he muttered, at 'last. “ I
neffer had no more chance to make money at
from poor Snap. Oh! vell. such vas life. I
must leaf him here und let him pe found. I vii
fix dis pa r on him. und fix der crime on dot
Arizona s iarpl”

From his pocket he took the paper he had in-
dited at the ethos. and pinned it upon the breast
of the dead man. '

The message was:

“ Revenge is sweetl

“ARIZONA ALF, Joaquin's Arman.“

“Dot vil fix him so he flirt mit Christie no
more!” the old wretch muttered, as he skurried'
away.

 

z

From off a rocky gulch there branched adeep,» ’
dark ravine. barely wide enough to admit of the
passage of two horses abreast. The walls arose
perpendicularly to a great hight, and from this
fissure poured a noisy brOok. .

Probably not one hunter or prespector in a
score would have thought of. wading1 of: the
stream into this forbidding ravme: yet a they
done so they would, eventually, have debouched .
into a little mountain-locked pocket, the bottom
of which covered about an acre’s area. _

Here were a number of skin lodges of com mo—
dious size and aboriginal decoration.

It had evidently, some time in the past, been
an Indian encampment, but was now the ten.
dezvous of Denver Doll and herroad agents, and

retreat better adapted to their life could hard-
Iy have been found.

There were both grass and water for their l ‘  ‘

 

    
 
 
 

   

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7 mused awn,

. mean, snob Sniprwould give me.

’ "

  ' I   

horses, and game in'the outer gulch was pun.
tiful. '

The month of the ravine, where it'opened into
the ket, was kept cpnstantly guarded by two
of e band, so that a surprise was out of the
question.

The largest of the lodges was built on a raised
platform of logs, with awnings around it, mak-
lng it a pleasant place to sit on a’sunny day.

The evening being damp, however, Denver
Doll was inside her commodious lodge. seated
by a rude table, when her lieutenant, George,
made his appearance.

“Excuse me, captain, but there are two par-
ties halted in the ravine, who seek entrance to
the What. I await your orders.”

“ ho are they, lieutenant?”

“ One of them is the dashing sport, Arizona
Alf. The other is a woman.”

“ Well and good. Bring them here.”

Fifteen minutes later Arizona and Miss Chris-
tie entered the road-a ent queen’s lodge.

“Excuse me, ladv,’ the sport said' “this is
Miss Christie, a friend of mine. I ound her
laboring under the persecutions inflicted by a
tyrannical father, and ventured, on the strength
of our acquaintance, to bring her here for a few
days’ protection."

“You were (mite right, Arizona. Whenever
in nee you ow you are welcome to my
camp. Christie, I am glad to have you
come. It won’t seem quite so lonely to have
another woman in camp. Mr. Arizona, here,
is one of my best friends and any of his ac-
quainpances are welcome to my hospitality, I’m

,sure. -

‘.‘ Any of my friends, you mean,” Arizona
laughed. “Some of my acquaintances might
not be worthy of a welcome here. I will leave
«Miss Christie in your care now, and drop around

0 to-morrow night perhaps. A word in

private, if you lease, fair captain,” and he led
the way to the 0g veranda, where Denver Doll
followed him. -
' _ Christie’s eyes were aflre in an instant. and
,her cheeks burning with jealousy, she stole to
the door, ulled aside the curtain slightly, and
watched em, as they stood conversing in sub-
dued tones. ,

What they said she could not bear, but when
Arizona Alf turned to depart, he raised his hat
gracefully ,to the fair road-queen—which Chris-
'tie remembered, with a jealous pang, he had
not done to her. Perhaps he had forgotten it,
bathe had not forgotten to be extra polite to
the ‘rl outlaw. ‘ ‘

“ den’t believe I love him, after all,” she
“and I don’t believe I shall sta_
here at don’t like this Denver Doll—
don’t like her. She is too bewitching. Two
thousand dollars? That’s more money than
papa ever gave me at once, and more than that
No, indeed!
I. won’t forget . La Force’s offer.”

Denvsr Doll soon re-entered the lodge, and

- endeavored to entertain her guest, but found it

a dificult 'job, as Miss Christie was both cynical
and contrary, and inclined to hold herself
aloof; so, a ter several vain attempts, Doll
showed her to another compartment of the
lod e and bade her good-night. ,

‘ “ If she is Arizona 5 choice,” she mused, "I’ll
bet there’ll be hair-pulling after the honey-
moon. She is a snake-in-the—grass, or I’m mis-
taken. But. however that may be, it’s none of
my business!”

And with this conclusion, she lay down for
the night.

 

CHAPTER XI.
amzoxa‘s ENTRANCE AND EXIT.
ARIZONA ALF went back to Freshet Flats,
,and to his room. atlthe hotel, where he passed

5' the remainder of the night in slumber.

Early in the mornin , howeVer, he heard
loud cries outside, an looking out of the
window saw a large crowd collected in front
_of the tavsrn, all of whom appeared much

.. eXcited. ,
“ I wonder what’s the wrinkle?” he muttered,'

hastil ' dressing himself. “ Can Denver Doll
have an paying another visit?"
Assoon as dressed, he looked to his revolvers,

and left the room; but as he stepped into the
- hall, he was suddenly pounced u

n by a couple
of powerful men, and trippe to the floor,
where he was bound, hand and foot, in spite of
his struggles. ‘ ' '
He was then dragged down the stairs and
out upon ’the veran a, in front of the hotel,
where he was planted upon hi. feet. v
Then, for the first, he saw the lifeless form of

Apollo Snap, Which had her-u ‘louud ,and laid

upon the vcra‘nda.’

l

 

'and his features were set hard, and stern.

    

[1 ..  . ,  .I ,.

maneuvertbdl’ rift.

. The paper was still pinned upon his breast,
and as-hls eyes fell upon it, Arizona Alf under-
stood why he was , and his face flushed
with indignation. .

“D’ye see that?" Jean La Force cried, ap-
proaching him, andleering evilly into his face.

‘Ye see that, don‘t ye!l Yer cussed neck’s
goin’ to pay fer that job, or I haiu’t got no say
about the matter.”

“I understand the pa er intimates that I
cornmitted that murder!’ Arizona cried, “but
I swear I did not do the job, nor do [know who
did. Some enemy has evidently taken'this
method of getting revenged upon me.” '

“Perhaps I did, it!” the gambler sneered,
savagely.

“I shouldn’t wonder!” was the fearless ere—
tort. “ You are none too good to commit any
crime.”

“Well, you’ll find cut.’ Weren’t in camp,
last night, I suppose. Nevertheless, you got
back time enough to committ his crime. I know
where on went, also. Did you find the fair
Denver 011 well?"

Arizona’s lips compressed, and a steely glitter
entered his eyes, but he did not answer. *

"Gents!" La Force went on, “there is no
need of having any trial in this czlSe, as it is as
plain as the nose on your face that this feller is
guilty of the murder, aside from the damning
note 0’ braggadocio he left upon the corpse. I
believe ye all know, full well, that Arizona an’
Snap were declared enemies! I have instituted
careful inquiries, an’ can’t find as Snap had an
enemy in the world, aside from this chap.
What evidence d’ye want more conclusive, that
he murdered the harmless young Englishcr’i
Then, thar’s another p’int; Last night, he. elopod
wi’ Blob’s gal, an’ tuk her to the stronghold of
Denver Doll. I overheard the plot, myself.
Likely Snap interfered, an’ thus got stuck!”

A murmur of approval ran through the
crowd. It was evitent that they fully be-
lieved in the 'It of Joaquin’s Avenger.

Arizona Al spoke not; indeed, he did not see
any use of speaking. His face was a trifle palHe,

e
was aware that a terrible trap had sprung on
him, and there was very little hope for his es-
ca from it. '

“You See, filler-citizens!” La Force went on
“I don’t say all this out 0’ personal s its, for I
really feel sorry for the . oor cuss; at I am
your mayor, an’ et’s my , izness to speak for
you, the ple. It’s a clear case, an I opine
We can't o no better than put the border code
inter effect. His neck ain t better’n hundreds
0’ others as has received the noose, an’ I motion
we ut the matter through, in becomin’ shape!”

“ o! no! stp! I brodest apoud dot! Don’t
you vas hang him ondil he dells. me where I
finds my daughter! ’ exclaimed Nathan Blob.

Arizona smiled mockineg, for the first time.

“You want her back, eh :” he questioned.

“Dunder yeshl Off I lose mine Christie, I
go crazy mit der lunatic asylum. 'I—I— ”

And the ponderous Jew paused, for want of
power of utterance.

“Well, let me tell you!” Arizona answered.
“When the noose shirs around my gullet,
your daughter will be a corpse. That’s all!”

- “ Stop! stop! don’d hang him!” Blob yelled,
frantically as he danced up and down, fright-
ened out of his wits. “ I pay you monish_not
to hang him, until I vas get mine Christie
back.”

“I propose,” suggested a newly arrived, well-
dressed, and finelooking gentleman. “that we
don’t hang this man, simply on circumstantial
evidence; but, on the other hand, that we gave
him a chance for his life by turning state’s-ew-
dence, and delivering up this pack of road-
agents. How does it strike you, gents?”

A loud murmur of approval went up from
the crowd. _

“ That’s more like it!” a number cried.

“You bet!” chimed in others. "Give every
dog a show "’

La Force looked disappointed.

“Wal, we’ll bev to see about it,” he growled.
“I ain’t in favor o’ givin’ a murderer no show
at all. All in favor o’ the motion suggested sing
out!

A shout peeled forth that was ahost unani-
lllnllfi. "

“.S‘pose we’ll have‘ to give him a chance,
“Ken.” the ambler announced, With an oath.
“ Arizona {112 you’ve got till sunset to make us

.1.

 

, M

s .

yer mind w ether you’ll accept the noose or lea
an armed party to Denver Doll’s retreat!”

' The Avenger answered not. A faint smile
hovered upon his lips; otherwise his features
were immovable, and their
to Interpret. . .

' expression'was hard

'don’d know vot vi

 

i

I"The next thin is a good ems mom to
store the cuss in!” a Force said. ’

“I half got shustder ding!” Blob cried. “I
fixed it up last night on burpose to shut up mine
Christie in, so she don’d vould esca Yust
fetch der brisoner, und I dakes careo him, you

t!‘ "

“ Reckon you’ll have to give bail for his safe»
keeping, old gent,” one miner interposed, and
the sentiment was generally echoed.

“ Val, den, I gif der mayor a t’ousand dollar
for security,” Blob said. “ Pring along der
brisoncr.”

Arizona’s feet were unloosened, and with a re~
volver pressed to either temple, he was forced
to walk to the Blob residence, and into a room
lip-stairs, the windows of which hadbeen barred
like a prison. v

Here his hands and feet were doubly bound,
and the door was looked upon him.

Old Nathan, in his office, paid the thousand
dollars to La Force, and the crowd dc arted.

Not long after, the Jew entered is house,
locked the doors, and ascended to the room
where Arizona was half reclining upon the
floor.

“ Vel, how you veal?” he chuckled. “ Don’d
like id, somcdlmes, eh?” '
“ Oh, it does very well,” Arizona retorted.

“But you vas foolin’ apoud mine shild, Chris-
tie.” .

“ Nary a time. If I swing she swings.”

“ S’posin’ she get free?”

“ Impossible.”

“Vcl, den, you gif up the road-agents to der
shustice.”

“ I hope to never breathe again if I do!”

“ Votl You hang first?”

“You bet.”

Blob put up his hands in horror. .

“ You vas crazy 2” he declared. “ You don’d
know vot you says.”

“ Queer, if I don’t !” Arizona returned. “ One
thin g is patent—it will be a cold day that I be—
truy Denver Doll. The girl is doin right. She
should have her own; and I don’t b ame her for
raising thunder till she gets it. As for myself,
1 am innocent of the murder, and I’ll die ame
before I’ll make another the tool by which pur—
chase my liberty.”

The s h seemed to have some little im-
pression upon the Jew, for he was silent for sev~
era! minutes.

“.Den you vas like mine schildf” he finally
asked. . . ‘

(( X78.”

“ Und she likes on?”

/ l
i “ I flatter myse f she does.”
“ ’el, she alv'af's vas a headstrong girl. I
pecome mit her. ow sup-
posin’ I was to gif you your libert —vonld you
gif me pack my so ild and nefler der us no
more?”

“No, I would not. More, I would not accept
my liberty at your hands.” '

“Den you vil die like von dog, and I vil run
der risks of recoverin’ m Christie.”

“ So be it l” was the .c m response.

In a rage the Jew turned to leave the room,
when, to his horror, he found himself confront-
ed by no less a personage than Denver D011
who held a pair of six-shooters leveled full
upon him.

“Halt, Mister Israel!” she commanded. “ If
you stir, except when directed, or utter a peep,
I’ll putna bullet right through your big corpo-
rosit !

“ beg! don’d shoot! I do yust vat you dells
mc—only don’d shoot!”

“ Very well. Unbind that man l”

d “Fy shimminy! vot you mean!l He escape
en '

“ Exactly! Unbind him i” ,

“But, ‘r, y dear young vimmens, of! he escape \
I lose so mooch as a t’onsand dollars!”

“Do you hear me? Unbind him, I say!”tbe
road-agent queen cried—so sharply that Blob
jumped to do her bidding.

In a few seconds Arizona Alf was free of his
bonds and stood erect. .

“ Now, then, Blobsy, dzsh over what cash you
haw about your person and we will leave you l”
Doll ordered. “No hesitation, or—pop, and
OVer you go!” '

In des air, the Jew handed over his well-
filled poc etbook, which Doll accepted in a very
matter-of—fact way.

“ Now the key to this room, lease,” she said.
“ Votl You ain’t goin’ to 1 me cop!”
“ Just that. Shell out!”

The pg! chambers of the revolvers glared so
menacing y at the Jew that he obeeged.

In a moment more he Was lock in his own
prism room, while Doll and Arizona“ Were ‘cn

 

 

 

route out of Fresher. Flats, by the underground
passage, the secret of which was known only to

’ them. .

This passage came out in a clump of bushes
at the edge of the creek, and had probably at
some previous period been a subterranean
watercourse. ' ‘

Once outside of it, the two adventurers had
no difliculty in skulking out of sight of the
town without discovery, where, in a little hid-
den bear’s cave in the mountain-side, the hand—
some horse of the queen of the load was se-
oreted.

“ You have saved my life!” Arizona re-
marked. “ How can I ever repay you!"

“No pay is needed. I count you as a man
who would be willing to do me a favor, ware I
in need. Therefore, I do not cure evon to be
thanked. Will on return to the retreat?”

“No; not if can ilnd a disguise in your
half-way den here i”

“ Yonder, beneath that bowlder, are a num—
ber belonging to my men. I will wait here un-
til dark. I have a new racket on foot.”

Arizona was but a few minutes in disguising
himself, after which he set out for the mining
camp equipped as a prospector.

Just about sunset that night, no less a person-
age than Nathan Blob might have been seen
tearing madly along toward the Satanello, with
his hat off, and pulling and panting like a por-

lse. ,
pOA crowd had Collected by the time he reached
the gambling-house, and stared at him in astou—
ishment.

“What in thunder is the matter?" L1 Force
demanded savagely. “ Has the cuss camped?"

“Yes, yes! Git me my t'ousand dollar—gif
me minet ousand dollar! I can’t afford to lose
dot !” the Jew splattered.

“I’ve a mind to give you' a bullet through

our cussed head!” the (rambler vociferuted.
‘ How did he escape? Out with it!”

“Vy, dot vimmens, Denver Doll, she got in
mit der house, and say off I don’d vus set him
free she put von bullet through me. I vas
’i'raid she vould, so I had to do it. Den de
robbed- me and lock me mit der room in, und
just got and.”

“ This is a thunderin’ note!” La Force shout;
ed, as he started with a number of others to
visit the Jew’s house. There they found that
the Jew had not lied.

Poor Blob!

The losses of cash he had sustained that day
nearly broke his heart, and he mourned inces-
santly.

 

CHAPTER XII.
_ A BIG scans;

THAT night, as usual, the hi his gun of
miners descended into Denver ll’s rift
while the day gang were brought up, and
wanded their way honeward.

This Drift, like the general run of mines of
its class, descended on a gradual slant from its
mouth. and'a rude car was made, together with
accompanying track, for hauling the debris as
well as the precious ore out of the bowels of
the earth, the power being furnished by a string
of burros.

The miners therefore, used the car as a means
of transportation in and out of the tunnel.

. At the mouth of the Drift was a little office,
mm which the laborers received their pay.

Jean La Force sat in this office during the
evening engaged in smoking and chatting with
his right-hand man, Ben Blye, when there came
a rap at the door.

Opening it. he beheld to his astonishment, the
night gang, who had gone_in a couple of hours
before, huddled together like a flock of sheep,
and bearing every appearance of having ex-
perienced a severe fright.

“ What the mischief is the matter? Why are
you all out here?” the gambler demanded,
angrily, it occurring to hlm that they might
have organized a strlke.

The miners exchanged glances; then one old
gray—bearded veteran, named Uncle Eph Paine
advanCed, and said:

“You’ll excuse us, boss, hut_\ve all allow we
don’t keer to work in the mines any longer-—
especially of nights !”

“ W'hy not? What the thunder’s got into
you. pm i”

“ Wa , ye see, we’v'e most all seen sum party
hard acre 5, but we allow we don’t keer about
workin’ W at thar’s ghosts.”

“ Ghosts ?” , ‘

“YaS, you bet! Leave it to the boys'ef we
didn’t all see a reg’lar. bonwflde ghost, right in
the mine, an’ at pointed a skeleton finger at us,

I

time, while I’m gone.”

 

s

h,

Denver Doll’s Drift; [

y.

rattled its bones, and perlitely invited us to
skip“! We skipped !”'
Force laughed.

“ Why, you cussed idiots, you’re crazy!
There’s no each thing as ghosts!"

“There is!” Uncle Eph declared. -“ Ef ye
don’t b’lieve it, [.20 an’ see fer ycrself. We’ll all
dare ye to go! Eh, boys!” ’

The “ boys ” gavo a chorus of assent.

 

If there was one thing La Force prided him-
self on more than another aside from card-play-
ing, it was for braVery. ‘No matter though he ‘
got whipped in u “scrimmage,” he argued that ,
it did not lessen his courage in the least, and y
many of his encounters went to show that this -
was the case. l

To be dared by his own employees to enter a ‘
dark. forbidding, underground chamber, where !
they claimed to have seen a ghost, was some-
thing he had not expected, and for the moment
he did not know hardly what to say or do.

'To not accept the challenge would certainly
show him up in a cowardly light, to his discredit,
and would also have the effect to lessen the
chances of getting the men to go back to work.

“ l’shaw! I‘d just like the fun of such a thing,
to show you what a pack of idiots you are," he
exclaimed, with a forced laugh. “L in! me one
of your lights, and l’ll go down and see what
lump of rock nus so frightened you.”

1 Uncle Eph chuckled as he handed over his own
amp.

“ Bet you’ll come back wi’ yer hu’r standin’
on curl!” he remarked. Shall we let ye down in
the car, boss!" ,

“ No! I’ll walk down the incline and back.
You fellows can consider yersclves docked fer

Putting on a bold front, he entered the mouth
of the drift and strode down the track, appar-
ently as fearless as a lion. .

in lively anticipation of the result, the miners
gathered about the mouth of the mine and wait.

ed tiently.
'  footsteps were soon inaudible, and the
Li ht died out, leaving blank darkness behind

m.

Two—three—‘flve minutes elapsed—then a
sound, like the smothered report of a pistol,
reached the hearing of the watchers. This was
followed by several others. .

“ He’s havin’ a skirmish wi’ the ghost!” Uncle
E h averred. “ Wonder how he likes ’em?”

wo minutes later Jean La Force came run-
ning up the drift, puffing and panting like a
frightened runawa horse.

His lantern and hat were gone, and his face
was near as white as the immaculate bosom of
his shirt.

He didn’t k until he reached the omce,
where he sun down on the steps from sheer ex-
haustion. .

“ Waal, did ye see ther ghost i” queried Uncle
Eph with a malicious grin.

“ {See it‘i—of course I saw it, you fool. Why,
cuss my boots, I hadn’t hardly got into the ac-
cumed hole before i see’d it a-mmin’ for me.
drew my revolvers an’ let drive, but the more I
fired the faster it come. fer me, until I was
obliged to turn an’ run. Boys, what the devrl
is it?”

“ Thz.t‘s what we wanter know before we go
on ag’in,” one of the miners ansWU‘cd. ’Taln’t
pleasant. to have a spook fer a gang boss."

“Curse it, thar’s no each thing as ghosts, he 3.
It’s some one fixed np—a plot of Denver Do! ’s,
maybe, to get possession of the mine.”

‘I You count yersclf a good pistol-shot, don’t
ye, boss .4”

“ Of course!"

“Well, how d‘ye account for a human swal-
lerin’ six bullets?"

La Force looked grim.

“ Cursed it 1 know,” he returned._ “Jest ye
go home, but come back in the morning, and go
to work. N! t a word of this to the other gang.
I’ll give ’em night tour to-mm row night.”

This was more than agreeable, for the men
Were eager to learn how the other gang would
suCCeed with his ghosts-hip. . . _

So, for the remainder of that night, the view-
ity of the mine was deserted.

If Jean La Force ,had depended on keeping

the matter hushed up, he was greatly disap-
pointed, for the following mornmg the town
was alive with the report that Denver Doll’s
Drift was haunted by a enume ghost, that had
scared of! even the boss imself.
‘ Great excitement prevailed, and the street
was alive with curious peo le,.who discussed
the probabilities and impro blllthS'Of super-
natural visitationa. ' . v

The day. gang flatly refused to go to work un-

\

 

 

 

.- .' .‘ i.
I H ‘ 44-h _ .
. . x

v 1 \ / .
-— .~. -........-—;~ ,

til the matter was cleared up,‘and  ‘li‘orce’i.
threats and entreaties bad no effect. ‘ ’

“I’ll ifiver}. hundred dollars to the five men', I

who w 1 go into the mine and solve the mat-
ter!” he cried. r“ My Opinion is that a trick 1e
being played on us!"

ar

40

out er others!” roared SunflowerSam. " ever

see’: the ghOst yet as could skeer ma 1”

And the giant msthete appeared to mean 'just ,
'what he said. '

Four more men soon volunteered after the
msthete gave the impetus.

“ Fork ov er your lucre, now,” Sam said. " and
We‘re of. Cash before delivery, in this case.”

llcalizin the neCessit
work, Lu ‘orce did no object, but promptly
handed out the cash, and the flVe adventurers
storied into the mine. '

The descent down the drift was made in quick

order, and they found themselves in the chalk '

her of the mine where the gangs had been at
work.
along, they had not lighted them, preferring to-
see it‘ his ghostship would make himself mani-
fest through the Stygian gloom.

They stood for some minutes, with theirre-
volvus ready for use, but nothing of the spook- ~
ishordcr appeared to their vision.

Then. at a word from Sunflower Sam, they

shot the slides upon their lanterns, and the ',

chamber was illuminated in every part.

“ Nary a ghost here!” the. aesthete declared. ' ,

“ Stillz we will make a cluss search, 5111' see the
thar ain’t no hidin'-places.”

..,-'.  3“.
,1, l . _; i '3‘} “us
a ‘ ~I \‘ , ‘

a

a one as ain’t skeart. ‘ I’m ready- pun ‘ ‘

of getting his men to v

Although they had brought lanterns I

  

A thorough search developed the fact that' ,A 

there was no place where a. human ghost could
hide, nor was there any sign of any superu-
natural being to be found. ‘

The explorers therefore left the mine, and
delivered their report. Consequently the da ,
gang went to work, and were not rl‘ghten
out, as the night ang had been.

A guard was a so stationed at the month at 

the mine to prevent the possibility of any hn~
man agency gaining accem and playing the
freak of the previous night. i . *

 

CHAPTER XIII.
A Rammme IN'mnnUr'rION.

THAT day, as Arizona was lounging in his 
a

miner’s disguise upon the veran .of ‘the-
shan hotel, he saw an old, age-frosted pil-p
grim obbling along down thegstreot, with the
aid of a staif.

It was the same man whom Denver Doll had 3

met in the gulch, who had called her his
daughter.

The Arizonian’s keen eyes glittered, “the '1

old man came nearer, and his teeth went to— ‘
gather with so distinct a click, that be t to
see if the sound had been noticed by a red;
whiskered pilgrim who sat on the veranda,
but a little ways off.

The ilgrim, however, evidently was'abeorbed, 'l'

in rea ng a newspape
his breath. “If I am not great! in we, here,
is my last victim but one, in aVegglng

the dogs!” .

The old man slowly drew near the hotel, his
tevery movement denoting feeblenew and far
xgue. -

The steps leading to the veranda of the hotel

seemed to have an inviting aspect tohin or ». 

f
he paused, looked at them, and than hobbled to~
ward them. -

-. .i,
c‘d

t’:

I
\ .

“ At last!” Arizona Alf muttered, in  ,

Joa- ’
quin! Ah! howlhavewipedthemou Mgh,‘ 

 
  
   
  

‘ ,

Arizona. was by his side, in an instantland .'  ' i

(relight him gently by the arm.

“Em-use me, purd,” he said, “ but 'you look
worn out. Let me he] you to a seat.’ \

And he assisted old euben Morse to his own
chnir upon the veranda, and going'into the bar,
brought him out a glass of bra dy. . '

“ Thankte thankee!” the oldmanmurmured.
“ Mullins thnt will help me to a little IOI‘B
strength, tho’ I seldom use it.” ‘ '
(lid, in truth, seem to be somewhat reviv
and when the Avenger came back and seated
himself near by, he said: ‘

. After he had pin-taken of the stimulants? l

“ Well, [ must thankee again, stranger-i I’m 4‘ . . 

around the country the way I am. S’poae

is Fréishet gilatsi‘ehi: t Flats. Go V
“ es t isis ‘resxe in {m '
c No.’ 1 think r11 tarry here, a all. days. 1'

getting to he an old men, an’ I ortn’t be 

kind «2’ think I’ll meet an old Meaghan, par— ‘,J
a ’ ,. ' - '
ysfnfldeedi That will be good. Wm see ,~,
name - r . ,- ~ .
“Mei .Oh! Pm Reuben MM of rzl‘
. ‘1 ’ " ‘ ‘

\

.o‘

 

 

 

 

     

 

- t
r

‘ 8

a to his death .7”

v I”

l

I - you here?”

in  “Iain .tokil

know inlam

 

.- . _... . - .  .....,.. ...,..... ...1. .
‘ " . r ' ‘ - I ~' .\

   

.—. ~._-.........-. .... H... A-.. ........-...- ...m..,  .. . . m.-. u”. .. ..

agn'ver, but now, from nowhere, in particu-

“Aha! but, I mean, your friend’s name! I

ht be able to he! you to find him."

‘ That's so. If obleeged, but gee see, I
don’t know exactl what he might called,
hyarahoute. He 3 nerally has a new name for
every place he gOPs. time I heard 0’ him,
he called hisle Sunflower Sam. ”

s “Ah! then he is here. He has a shanty and
t claim down the gulch, but I believe he’s oil
for a hunt, today, and won’t be home till dark.
if you like, since you’re so old, I’ll show you
where be fine, to-night.”

“ You are very kind, sir. It is seldom I meet
an acquaintance so friendly. I will accc it

I of your offer; and in the mean time I think ’1!

hire a room, in the hotel, and rest until it is

time to
I will secure one for you. Come

And the Avonger led the way into the hotel.
andhad the best bedroom placed at the old
wanderer’s convenience.

.“ I can afford to do this!” he said.
ward will come to-ni ht, I know!”

Night came on, an about sunset, old Reuben
Morse appeared upon the veranda, where Ari-
zona once more sat smokin a cigar.

“Well, my good friend. ’ the old man said,
“I feel much rested, and am ready to go in
search of my old friend."

“ Don’t be in a hurry,” the Avenger re-
sponded. “Take a seat. Sunflower Sam, I
dare say, won’t be back until moonvup, and
we’ll start in good season to catch him at home.
I suppose you are an old veteran, in mining.
Etht’do you think of our Lilliputian Eldorado,

em?’

“ Oh, it looks like a lively towu, wi’ promise
o‘ owth!" was the answer. “But I tell ye
boy, California used to be the boss mineral

’ State. and it is yet, for that matter.”

'“ Ah! then ou’ve roughed it there!”

“Ah! yes, or a number of ears. Know the
mining life pretty well, o’er t er.”

I "i suppose they used to have some pretty

" My re-

‘ rough times over there?”

.“ Reckou as how they did, -S’pose ye mi ht

i o’ heard 0’ that footpad, Joaquin Muriete. a

war a tough customer, an’ made himself a ter-
ror. , But, tell ye, we rode him in, at last,
an’ at an end to his sarcus.” ‘ ,

“ have heard of his tragic fate,” the Avenger
said, averting his face to co'nceal its revengel‘ul
ression. “I presume there‘s few living who
h a hand in entrapping him, and bringing him

“Well, I reckon not. I guess I’m about the
only one—though I didn’t take no direct part.
I’ve hearn tell that thar’s some chap what is
a-killin’ ofl all who know any thing about the job,
no matter whether they had any band in it or
not. He must be a fool. Joaquin Muri-
etewaa a was a red-handed assassin, and no jus-
tice could give him his just deserts, I tell you !”

Arizona did not reply, but, to conceal his agi-
tation, arose and entered the hotel.

There was a dark, malignant ex ression upon
his face, and his eyes gleamed wil ly. It was a
remarkable change that came over him—a.
change, as it were, from the docility of a lamb
to the rage of a lion.

' He kept himself aloof from the wanderer, un-

., til it was quite dusky, and the moon bid fair to

pop up from behind the horizon; then, he went
on won veran .
“ oil, I guess we’ll walk down to your

‘ . fignd’s shant , now ” he remarked, “ and see if
e

om the hunt. Are you ready ?”

“ Yes, I’m ready thankee!” was the reply.

i They descended into the street, and Arizona
- l the way across the Flats, toward the rapid
a ask, which, now swollen by the recent rains in
. .m mountains, roared loudly.

in due time they reached the big tree, where
the Avenger had met Christie Blob. Here they
paused, and Arizona faced his victim.

The tree was far enough from the camp that
’11! loud cry Would not be ikely to attract atten-
‘ on.

“ Why do you stop here?” Old Reuben asked,
gazing at the swiftly rushing waters.

“ For a purpose,” was the stern reply. “ Reu-
‘ben Morse, do you know why I have brought

“ No. Why ?’7 the old man asked quickly.
“To fulfill a long made oath l” was the an-
swer, as the Avon r»dre”w his long keen knife.

me In Heyaven’a name, what have I

done to you, man?" . "
,“Nothing to me, direct. but, if you must

' ’s Avenger, and you are

_...... 9.... » AL...————~~.._. .-— ..... . .. . . .

 

r . m r. ~.. ._.n

r Doll’s  - ,‘

a _-'_.. 0...... ~ ..
A

I, .

Derive

the one of two that remain, before my van-
geance is complete. I do not intend to strike
you down like a dog on account of your age,

ut give you a show or your life; You have a
knife: draw it, face me and fight, and may God
have mercy upon us both i”

“ I am too old to fight; have mercy uSOn me.
I never did any one a wroug—indee , I did
not.

"It matters not I" was the stern reply. “I
swore to avenge Joaquin’s death, and nothing
can keep me from my purpose. You must
fight, or I will strike you down!”

“ Will you t”

It was not the old man who said this: it was
Denver Doll who leaped forward through the
gloom.

“ The devil!” Psi-opal Arizona’s lips. “ What
brings you here!" '

“To dei’end my old father, sir, against the
attack of a vampire!” was the stinging retort.
“I thought you a man, Arizona Alf, but you
are a coward and a coyote! If there‘s any
lighting to be done, allow me to inform you
that I’ll take a hand in it, myself!”

And her pair of gleaming revolvers indicated
her purpose.

Arizona Alf did not answer for a moment,
for he was too much surprised. He had had no
idea of Reuben Morse being the fa thcr of Den-
ver Doll, or of being in any way related to her.

And. too, the words uttered by the queen of
road-agents stung him to the quick, for he real-
ized that she was dead in earned, and regarded
him as a man of little more account than a typ-
ical ruifi'm of the mines.

“You probably do not understand this mat-
ter!” he finally said. “If this man is 'Our
father, he was concerned in the killing 0 Jo-
aquin Muricte in California some years ago,
and as I registered an oath to kill every indi~
vidual who was concerned in Jocquiu’s death,
you will naturally see that .your father must be
included in the lis‘. I am sorry of this, for
your sake, but i cannot break my vow for any
person’s sake.”

“But, I rather opine you will care, if you at-
tempt to harm a hair of his head. have got
the drOp on you. and you know the style of a
girl I am too well, 1 dare say, to tempt me to
send abullet through your brain. If you de-
mand satisfaction. I ain’t afraid to meet you,
even though I am but a girl. You shall never
touch my father.” '

“You are foolish!” the Avenger said. “I
never could bring myself down to fight awo-
man, nor do I want to fight you. Your father,
as you call him, is the meat I’m aflcr, and have
his life. I will, sooner or later! Let us adjourn
this affair until some other time.”

“Not much! It has got to bescttlud to-night.
You have ot to promise upon your hope of an
after life, t at you will never attempt to harm
my father.”

‘ I shall promise nothing of the kind.”

“Then, air, on and I shall settle this here
and now!” Do! declared, with stem resolution
in her fine face.

The moon had just appeared over the menu» "

tain crest, and shot a. mellow ray of light over
the girl‘s determined face. \

“ My child! my child! do not quarrel with
this terrible man.
done with it!” Did Reuben cried in tremulous
tones.

“Silence!” was the quick reply. “I am not
afraid of him. I haVe not been a wandering
outcast for nothing. What have you to say,
Sir Avenger 3"

“I believe it is umieccssury to say much!"
Elm Arizonian replied, his tones cynical and cut-

lng. '

. “ You choose to represent your father. whom
it is my purpose to slay. cannot break my
vow—consequently, you must take the conse-
quences, or 1.”

“ Ex :ctly!
may I ask?“

“ The same that Joaquin generally used—Jim-
riete, the knife. I can shoot, but prefer the

blade!”

“Very well! It is immaterial to me. Now
let us understand ourselves. If I doth kill
you, is there any honorable gratitude in your
heart!”

“None, whatever, so far as your: father is
concerned, let me assure you. You had better
make sure of me, if you can. for, were I to be
wounded and yet recover, my oath is unful-
filled. I shall endeavor to slay you first, and
then your father. You can govern yourself ac-
cordingly.”

“Then, it must be to the death. Are you
ready?" . _ ~

What is your choice of weapons,

\
ht.

Let him kill me, and have .

 

“ I am l” .

They drew their knives, and the moonlight
glistened upon the blades.

Old Reuben Morse uttered a cry, and fell
fainting to the ound. .

Doll gazed at im, a moment, and then turned
and faced the Avenger, her eyes glisteningh‘ke
diamonds.

“ Ready l" she called out steadily.

They then crept toward each other, their
hands holding the instrument of death in a firm
clutch.

Eye to eye, face to face, they drew nearer to
each other, then, when nearly within mm‘s-
length, began to move around on guard, watch~
iug each other with lynx-like intensity, and
studyin for an opportunity to leap forward
and stl‘i e a telling blow, without incurring one
in return. ‘

A spectator, familiar with this peculiar style
of dueling, would have been filled with admira-
tion at the novel and skillful moves they made.

“ All‘s fairy" Doll said, interrogatively.

“ Ali‘s fair, to the death!” was the re 1 .

The Ill xt instant the blade Dawn 0 1 had
held, was buried to the hilt in the left side of
the Avenger, after being hurled with awful
celerify, by her deft hand.

Arizona endeavored to leap forward at her,
but Could not. He staggered, then fell to the
ground, with a faint groan. r

Doll sprung forward and pulled the knife
from the wound, at which he put up his hands,
imploringly.

‘ Mercy! don’t!" be gasped.

“Never fear: I am not that cruel,” she re-
plied, a trifle bitter! . “You will not die. I
simply aimed with tie intent to lay you out.
By the time you will have recovered, my fa-
ther and I will be far from here, I trust.”

“‘Will you? Well, perhaps you may he!” a
hoarse voice exclaimed, in her ear, and turning
she beheld Jean La Force but a few steps away
holding a pair of revolvers leveled at her. “ Ha'
ha! my beauteous road-agent, I happen to have
the dro on you, now i”

“ An , old chestnuts, I’ve got a couple 0’ pope
p'inlin’ straight at your areal” another voice
cried, and out from behind the tree scooted
Little Bill, a gleaming pair of self-cookers in his
grasp! ,

La Force gave a startled glance around, and
instantly comprehended that he was in bad
company, and there was little show for him: so
he drOpped his weapons, and ran like a deer to-
ward the camp.

“Don’t fire, ’Bill!” Doll cried. “There’ll be
an alarm quick enough 1”

“0h! jest let me plug him in the spine, for
luck, Dollbaby!"

“No! I sa '1” she warned. “ See that these
men are hot properly cared for, because I
must get out of this quickly. Did you get the
machinery '5"

“ Yes. It’s on the road.”

“Good. We'll be ready for it, when it
comes, I fancy. I’m off, now.”

And before more could be said, she was speed-
iug away, up the bank of the stream.

She was not wrong.

While Bill was dashing some water into the
faces of the two men—for Arizona had also
fainted—Jean La Force came running up, with
half a dozen others.

“ Where’s the gal?” he roared.

“ Dunno!” Bill replied, dauntlessly. “She
told me to take (are 0’ these fellers, an’ then
skip ed.” .

“ hich direction, you cussed little imp o’
Satan 3"

“Down-stream!” Bill lied, with a placidity
that was unpardonahle. I

“Darn ye, you’re the cause 0’ her escape!"
the gambler yelled. and he gave the boy a term-
ble blow beside the head. that sent him spin-
ning to the ground. deprived of his senses.

“Now, boys, some 0’ you take the two chaps
back to camp, an’ the rest 0’ us Will give
chase.”

“ Better let ’em lay here. an’ the hull o’us join
in,” one of the gang suggested.

“Then come along."

They rushed away (,‘0wn the steam like a
pack of hounds on the sci-st of game.

They were hardly ou‘ of hearing when Arizona
Alf recovered from his faint, and raising upon
his elbow, took in his surrourdings.

“ I’m not wounded to the death, it seems,” he
muttered. “If I can Walk. I must getaway
from here. There’s old Morse lying there liken
log, but I’ll not kill him now because the girl
was merciful to me. Hello! the kid is herelco!
The roughs must have been here, and gone in
pursuit of Denver Doll. I must get away before

adv

/

 

 

l
g
l
l
I

 

git to beggars tic-day.”

Den??? D911’.S.P?.i._fi-

 

they return, or it will be all up with me, I
allow.” _

He found, upon experimenting, that he could
stand upon his feet, although he felt weak from
the loss of blood, the flow of which had in a
measure subsided, which convinced him that his
Wound was not exactly dangerous.

After arisingh and gaining his equilibrium
fully, he found imself able to walk slowly, and
thus managed to get away from the vicinity of
the old tree, where he had near] received
the fate he came there to accomplish for an-
other.

Shortl after his departure, Little Bill recov-
8r8d. an scouted away toward the camp.

' “ Reckon I‘m in luck that they didn’t chuck
me into the creek!" he muttered. “Guess I bet-
ter lie low till La Force muzzles his temper.”

He had hardly gone, when Reuben awakened
from his faint and gazed wonderineg around

um.

“ Can it hava been a horrid dream?” he asked.
“ No! yonder are the lights of the camp. ()h!
where are they:’ What has become of my child!
Can the Avenger have murdered her and cast
her in the stream? No! something tells me she
has escaped. I will go back to the camp, and if
sh? is, not there, I shall be satisfied that she is
an e.

And he, too, hobbled away from the vicinity
of the tree.

When La Force and his gang came back from
their fruitless search, accordingly, they found no
0119.

“ Cuss me of the gel hasn’t got more lives than
a cat!” the gambler exclaimed. “But never
mind! I’ll trap her yet!”

And the unsuccessful party went back to the
Satamllo to liquor up, at the expense of the
owner of the Drift, and spend the balance of the
night at cards.

CHAPTER XlV.
A ROGUE’S END.

As Uncle Reuben did not find Arizona Alf, he
felt assured of Doll’s safety, and put up at the
hotel for the night.

On the followmg morning he went forth upon
the street, and almost the first man he met was
Sunflower Sam, and the two shook hands
familiarly.

“ You See I came, an’ hev been waitiii’ fer ye.
Writ ye at Mottsville, but got no ans’er,” the
giant explained.

“ ’Ca"se I started soon arter you. Lost my
horse back a piece, and had to hoof it. Any
news?”

Samuel winked.

“Call me a cross-eyed Oscar ef thar ain’t!"
he affirmed, softly. ‘ As I told ye, ther game
arriv’. It’s beer, an’ all that remains is to cor-
ral it, extort a confession, an’ then bag it. D’ye
sav i”

one nodded.

“ I 866, I see. You are sure?”

“ As a sermon. See that roost?” and he indi-
catfed the, Blob residence.

“ well, it’s there. Housed, now, I dare say.
Have you made up your mind to extort the con-
fession l”

(6 Yes. ”

“ If he refusesf”. .

“ I’ll kill him by inches!”

The old man spoke with a vim that was indis-
putable. .

“ I have suffered enough thron b that man,”
he went on, “ and 1 meanto at t a matter to
the test, sinca, through you, have learned the
truth.”

“ Have you seen your child?”

“I met her in the mountains, and again last
night.” .

" Then you know that she is an outlaw?”

“ Great Heaven! no!” .

Sunflower Sam went on and explained tha‘case
as well as he knew how. i

“ M poor child." Reuben Morse groaned,
when ewas done. . I _
of all this. But there may be a brighter lining
yet to liven up these clouds. What would you
advise?” '

“ That you visit Blob at once, and come down
to business. About the time I think all’s ready,
I’ll drop in and arrest him.”

They/talked for a while lon er. and then the
aesthetic made his way towar

 

the hotel, while
Reuben Morse sought the ofiice of the Jew.
Blob was in, engaged in counting some mone ,
and leoked up in surprise at the bareheaded o d
man. whom it was plain he did notvrecogpiui‘i‘ze.
“Vel, vet ou vent?” he demanded,as nben
.helped'himse f to a seat. “ I hat! no monish to

|
. l

“I am the innocent cnuSe '

 

“No one has asked you for iilms, Nathan
Blob,” was the stern answer, as the old man
pulled a air of revolvers from his boot-legs and
cocked t em. “ We’ve business more important
to transact. Do you recognize me?”

“I t‘ink I dol” was the reply.
Reuben Morse, don’d it!”

“ I am Reuben Morse. Do you remember, a
number of months ago—nearly two years now
-—an event that happened i” _

“ Oh, yesli—I understaiit now. Your girl,
she go to get married, uiid some von shoots her
husband!’

“Exactly.
lowed?”

“ Shimminy, yesl Your daughter she acgiise
you off doin’ der business, und clear oud. Do:
vas bad.”

“Yes; a liaszy home was broken up, and
father and chi went adrift on the world. Do
you know who committed the murder?”

“ No; 1 know noddinks apout dot.” .

“ “7e11, you see, this man who was killed was
adored by another, and he had once been be-
trothed to her. The girl was a Jewish maiden,
and when \Valraven’s engagement to my
daughter became known, the Jewish family
were furious, and swore he should regret the
disgrace his change of choice had reflected upon
the Jew’s daughter. The girl’s father, there-
fore, with his plenty of rold, hired a worthless
vagabond to assassinate alraven at the altar.
You, Nathan Blob, are the man who hired the
deed done l”

The Jew uttered a curse, and seemed inclined
to rush upon his accuser, but Morse’s weapons
held him u check.

“Stand, or I’ll dput a bullet through you.
This tool died, an left a confession later of
what otherwise might have been a life mys-
teryl”

‘ You liel you lie l—id vas all a lie l”

“No, it is not! The man who received the
secret is in this camp—a detective at that! I
do not propose to let ou escape. Sit down to
that table. Fail to o ey me. and 1 will put a
bulle't,through you as sure as I. am a desperate
man.

“ You are

Do you remember what fol-

 

Nathan Blob knew better than to disobey, so
he sat do in at the table again, where he had
been seated on Morse’s entrance.

“ V 0t you want?" he snarled. “ If you don'd
put avay dot pistols. I hafi‘ you arrested for
carrying concealed weaponsl”

Morse laughed.

“ I have no fear of what you’ll do,” he replied,
“and Iguess you are pretty fully aware that
these beauties are not concealed.”

“Vot you vantsl” the Jew roared. “I half
no time to fool wit you. You vas a grazy
lunatic, uud I don’t vant you here.”

“I dare say not. You’ll find out how crazy
I am. Get a piece of paper, and write out a
confession.”

“ A votf” ‘

“ A confession. Mind, no trifling! I need
but little provocation to shoot you. Write out
the confession, stating that Reuben Morse is
innocent of any conspiracy or attempt to mur-
der one Walter Walraven, and that the murder
was committed by you, through an accomplice,
for sake of revenge.” . '

“ You dinks I gif niineself avay like dot?” the
Jew howled. “Vol, I guess you must dink 1
vas a fool!" .

“So vnu are to think I Will tolerate any
more trifling. One! two-”

“ Stop! stop! I do yoost vot you say, oof you
don’t shoot.”

“ Then go ahead l”- .

Seizing a pen, the Israelite began writing
slowly, and at the end of tWenty minutes
handed the confession to Reuben Morse.

It was penned in a scrawling hand, and read
as follows, in very crude English as to ortho-
graphy, but explicit enough iii meaning:

“ ansmrr Furs. Sept. —-.

“This shall certify that I, the subscriber. wish to
vindicate one Reuben Morse from all blame about the
death of one Walter Walra’ven, because he didn‘t
do the dead. It was done by another man, who was
hired by me. I got my revenge on that son-of—a-
mm, bet your life. NATHAN BLOB.“

“That will answer,” Morse assented. “It
will heal the breach between my daughter and
myself, and perhaps there me be some happi-
ness ’yet for our lives. I W1 bid you good-
day l’ —

At is juncture the door opened, and Sun-
fi0wer am entered, jingling a pair of hand.
cuffs in his gras .

“ Nettie. old y. you’re my meat!” he said,
with an awful smile. “Sorryto have, to act»

.I.

. 4
I

~ is

--... ‘

AA— W

against so generousa friend, butyou see the fact
is. I’m an officer of the law—me an’ my ,
Jurisprudence-an’ it becomes my dutyto in-
form y on that I have a warrant for your arrest
for being part to a murder!” . _ .

“ lsh dot so Vel. youst tell mine Christie 1
leave all to her if I die!” And With a sudden
and unexpected movement, he sprung over the
table and out of the door.

Up the gulch he ran with wonderful speed for
a man of his avoirdupois, and behind him 5;» a
the giant. . ‘

“Stop, durn ya. in the name of the law! ’ Sam
tliiiiiderei , “or I’ll put a bullet through you
quicker‘n a cat can say catechism 1” .

But Blob paused not. He was making a life
run of it; but it was to his sorrow.

Sam stopped for a. moment and his pistol
gleanied in t ie sunlight~then there was a sharp
report, and the Jew dropped like a log, iever to
rise again. _

The detective’s unerring shot had done the
work for the old rogue.

for an hour or so, but when Sunflower Sam ex-
ilained, and showed the badge of his profession,
lob’s death was regarded as little morethan an
every-da occurrence, and his big body was
“plaiite " i'
tim, Apollo gnu p. i...
CHAPTER XV.
LITTLE 1311.123 BIG Loss. .

SINCE the escape, oi Denver Doll Little Bill had
kept himself pretty closely in hiding; for he
knew that, should he expose himself. 8 would»
be seized for abetting the girl road-agent’s escape.

To-day, howewr. he ventured forth upon the
street, and almost the first man he encountered
was Jean La Forcc, who was unusually savage,
over dissipation and gambling losses the pre-
vious night. -\

“ Ohol so I’ve got you. you youn rascal, have
I?” he cried, clutching the urchin y the shoul~
der. “ You’re the Very master I want. D’ye
know what Mr goin’ to do?” ' .

caught Bill by

And he changed his hold and
one of his rathsr large ears.

“Ouch! Let up, now!” the boy yelled. “Bf
you don’t I’ll be your lfist sickness. ’

At a wink from La
came up and seized Bill’s hands from behind.

I

tested. “You tellers ain’t afeard of
chap like me, I hope?”

“ Course not; but
sure of an eel afore ye skin him!” the rumble!
assumed, as he drew his knife and fe tof its

0 e.

‘ Now younker, I’ll tell you t What’s
what. You tell me where the gal, vet Doll,
has got her stronghold, or 03 comes one o’ yer
ears. -

Little Bill shuddered. He doubted not“
the brute would do as he had ,fqr
there was certainly evil enough in his depraved
heart to commit any crime.

“ I don’t know, sir. She don’t let me
where she hangrs out. Thatls honest Indian!

“ Git eout! ell me, 1 any.”

. “I don’t know l” V

“ D’ye hear? No hangin’ hack. 8pm out, or
off comes yer sousel”

“ I’ve told e I didn’t know. You’d better-
not hurt me,’ ean La Force.”

“ And why not?”

The gambler uttered a hoarse evil in that
betrayed all the ruilian instincts of Houston.

“ Then ye won’t tell where Denveer can be
found?” be repeated. '

you, I wouldn’t if I knew!

The next instant there was a shrill scream - t
pain, and the boy darted toward the how-l.
while La Force stood holding the covered ear.

Blood flowed freely from Little Bill’s head,
and he fell in a faint upon the hotel steps. "

. He was picked up and carried in, and an ex-
Cited crowd gathered, while a doctor tenderly
banda ed up the cut. \

“W 0 did this devilish deed?” went from
mouth to mouth. even among La Force’s own

pa s.
_ “Jean L'l Force did,” Little Bill’cried, o -
mg his eyes suddenly. “Give me a d ‘n o’ ‘
whisky, so I can get strength to kill him. ’

Stimulant was administered and he soon felt .
hiirstrfiigth returnm

o e art was m e to up rehend La Force—-

indeed few in Freshet F'latep would halve dared
tackle im. / ~

And he seemed sullenly guilty over his brutal '

 

crime, for he skulked about, here and there, and . ‘ 3! ,

1"

'l ..

The tragedy (u‘euied considerable excitement '

the side of that of his Own vic- ’

orce one of his croniea‘ I
“See herel that ain’t no fair!” the boy
a flit ..

thar’s nothin’ like matin’ .

“Because you’ll get paid back, two ter obel’” '

u Nol” Bill replied, with ’heroio pluck. “Harp”.- .

t

(

 

 

 

 
  

 

 

‘ a “Thank thunder

 

“- 'intohishorseauddash

    

I tool trnl lal lei”

' was made unnecessary.

. '14.

mm: sify, so that b noon he was fairly

I with liquOr, an staggered away to-

ward his usual napping place under the shade of
the tree, by the creek, where he lay downend
was soon oblivious of everything.

‘Lil‘tle Bill did not remain quiet» long. but was
Soon out on the 'streol. again, his mind fully
made up to My.) revenge.

It did not take him low' to learn the where-
abouts Of his enemy, and the crept over to the

v1.06, only to percine that the gambler was ly-
.l *g there, in the shade, sleeping oilt' the effects
of he 1i nor be had drunk.

ing k to the camp, the youthful aven—
ger procured a lasso and some cords, after
which he returned to the tree.

Setting to work wi‘: h the caution of a. fox, he
succeeded in binding the gumbler’s hands and
feet, without arousing him.

He next got the noose of the lasso about his
neck, under the chin, and threw the other end
up over a limb of the handy tree.

Seizing hold of it, he braced himself against
11.0. tree, and pulling with all his might, succeed—
ed in raising La Force to an upright posture.

The strain of the rope about his gullet pretty
eflectually sobered that person, and he glared
at his tormentor, ferociously.

. "Curse you!” hegnsped.
“ Same to you 1” ill retorted, with a diaboli-
. cal grin, which was a mixture of pain and
satisfaction. “How d’ye like yer change 0’
base, Jeanyl Cut off my ears will ye,
arable skunk, thief and murderer?

it"

at you

' won’t never out off another one’s ears. I‘m

jest goin’ to make you hump. I’m goin’ to pull
ye up on yer tip-toes, an’ let ye see ef ye can
stun on or toes like a ballet gal,” and be
suited not on to the word, by pulling the gam-
bler up, so that only just the tips of his toes
touched the ground.
A more painful position could hardly have
. been chosen, for it was a. direct muscular strain,
and unless he maintained his balance, the noose
about his throat would tighten, and strangle

m...

- As soon as he had got the lariat fastened, Littlo
Bill stood OR and squinted at his victim, ' spec-
uletively.

“Thar! I reckon you’ll do, fer the resent.
3! ye git tired ye m' ht try standin’ st on
one foot, and then on t other. I’m goin’ over to

' . the howtel, now, to lay down. Ef 6 want me,

store I come back, jest whistle. ul do! cuc-

And wigutu revoking laugh,l tlfie young

umger s owe , apparent y orgetting

hbowu in uric: in his {dumph over his enemy.

ASIA oroe could not make himself heard,

3m went to the hotel, and lay down for awhile,

4 withthe intention of returning later; but that

_ Lo Force had not been

long in his torturing dilemma, when a woman

‘ «to down the bank of the stream, and released
him. by cutting his bonds, and the lasso.

, ‘ She was none other than Christine Blob, the

Jew’e daughter. but she was a sorry-looking ob-

, do“; Her face was hag ard and scratched

and b:- clothing torn an soiled. She looked

asif she had had a week’s tramp through the

mountains. .
on camel” La Force
growled. “311$:on a’ given out, soon. So

u Yes.”

“ To betray the gun i"

“ When I see the one . I’ve been lost for over
twenty-four hours. But Pm ready, when the
money is.”

They convened for a while—then went into
the camp.

In Force told .her of her father’s fate, but she

‘ o emed very little concerned about the mutter.

A keen judge of human character, it did not
take long for La. Force to arrive at the conclu-
sion that she was losing her reason.

The gang who were of! today were men
whom the mbler most counted on as his faith-
ful followers, and he therefore hurriedly armed
and equipped them for the raid. upon Denver
Doll’s s roughold, knowing that he could depend
upon them to fight for his interests.

He paid over to Christie the sum of two

’ thousand dollars, which she accepted in good

‘ faith, little suspecting that it was counterfeit.
_ well mounted, the party rode out of the
camp. bting not that they would come back
W?“ rod n1 right h d of n.
t ey e an , at ea 1 em, a
~ “on: voice cried: '
" “Halt! Live men advance no furtherl”
I “Charge!” La Force gelled, setting his spun
g forward.

~ é
. a I
V .

r

._... I

on mis- .

miners from the uppe

 

I ~ ' ' ~ ." .a JV ' .’. , ‘ .,, .
. A... . . ,I . . 7,.

Denver Doll‘s.

ward in his saddle, with the wailing cry of
“ Charge l”

The one shot was all that was fired, no fur-
ther opposition being raised. '

The invaders reached the pocket only to make
an unex .cted discovery.

Juan :1. Force luy forward upon his horse’s
neck—dead.

He had been shot through the temple by the
unseen guard.

Nor was this all the discovory.

A charge down into the camp developed the
fact that there was no one to charge upon.

The lodges were empty, and the road—agents
were gonel

Taking their dead leader with them, the un-
successful party turned back [or Freshet Flats,
bitterly cursing Christine for leading them on a
wild-goose chase.

But the now half-demented girl scarcely no-
tired it: her gaze wandered constantly about
her, as if in search of some one.

It was Arizona Alf she was looking for!

 

CHAPTER XVI.
THE nm'r owns rrs QUEEN AGAIN.

THAT morning the day-gang had gone to
their work in the mine as usual.

As soon as they reached the chamber a. torch
was ignited, and then each miner’s lamp was
lighted thereby.

l‘hey were all thus busied in procuring their
lights when they heard an ominous click! clickl
as of the cocking of weapons, and gazing around
them in surprise, it needed but one glance to
satisfy them that they were prisoners.

A score and a half of armed men surrounded
them, and held them covered at the muzzles of
as many repeating rifles. ‘

They were all masked except one, that one
being the dauntless Denver Doll, who stood with
a triumphant smile, watching the astonishment
of the miners.

“Gentlemen,” she said " you are my pris—
oners. Make an attemp to escapeboand my
men will riddle you with bullets.
ward, one by one, and lay your weapons at
my feet.”

She spoke pleasantly, et sternly.

The men exchanged g ances; then Doll’s.for-
mar superintendent said:

“ We might as well come to Limerick at first as
last, tellers. There’s no Vdisputin’ powder an’
lead, when the ’ve got the drop. Here goes my
berkers.” An he threw down his weapons.

The other miners followed his example.

“You are a sensible set," Doll decided, look-
ing them over, “and I see you are nearly all
my old employees. I am glad of that because
henceforth, I am going to boss this mine, and
Jean Ln Force’s power in Freshet Flats is at an

end. D’ve see these men?”

“Yes!” Banker answered, acting as spokes-
man for the others. .

“ Well, they are all honest, hard-world!)
r country, who are goin
to standby me and help me get back my rights.
We’ve got the mine and are going to keep it'
I allow you won’t hinder us. Then there will
be no opposition from any one but La. Force,
and what few roughs be can collect. And if
they get the mine away from us, they’re wel-
come to it.” A '

“ at do you propose to do with us?” Bank-
er asked.

“That rests with yourselves to decide. If
you swear allegiance to me, you will still con-
tinue to work here, under guy from me. If
vou refuse to back me, somet ng else will have
to be done.” ,

“ Well, for my part, I’d rather work for you
than for Jean In Force 1” Banker declared.
“ The others can do as they please.” .

The miners held a low consultation among
themselves which lasted for several minutes—
then. one of them said: ‘

“ I allow, miss, that we’re all the same way
0’ thinkin’ as Banker, an’ we’ll stick by ye as
long as ye try to hold the mine. Some 0’ the
Eye—the new ’uns—lost money through you,

our;

“ Everything shall be made right—every dol-
lar returned as I promised in my reclamation;
and, too, your wages increased. on can 0 to
work, now, while I go up into camp, an see
how the land lalys.”

After careful y disguising» herself, so that she
closely resembled one of the miners, she as-
cended the incline, passed the guards, who had
previously been brought over to her side, and
entered thetown. ' . ' l
" Here the loungcd about during the better purt
“1M “Ira-9d bed the .patisfacti' on of seeing

I .
I...

 

.. new.

La Force and his pals start 03 for her desert“!
mountain stronghold. _

“ Now then, is my chance l” she said; “ wbt in
La Force returns, he’ll be surprised.”

She hurried back to the mine, and half an
hour later had uiurshuled her fifty armed men
out upon the Flats at the mouth of the mine,
where the ' begun cheering lustily.

“ Hurru ll hurruh for Denver Doll! Long
may sho live!” was the cry that went up, and it
had the effect to startle what citizens remained
in the camp.

They collected in a huddle near the Satanello.
but did not offer to approach the mouth of tho
Drift, probably fearing that they would beflrui
u on.

pAccordingly, Doll gave Joe Banker insatrnc
tions, and he went forward, carrying a flag of
H'UCO.

Several of the businessmen advanced a few
steps to meet him.

‘* \'. oil, what’s to pay now i” one of thqu naked.

1‘ The price of order brought out of chaos,“
Banker replied. “ Denver Doll and her men
surprised us in the mine, and has recaptured it.
She declares her intention of holding her rights,
no matter what objections any one may have,
and we, her former employees, believe it right
that she shall have back the mine, and therefore
have volunteered to support her cause. She de-
sires' to know in what light she is to consider the
citizens—as enemies or as friends. If they ac-
cept of her as a citizen. as before, all well and
good. If not, she will defend her mine to the
bitter end.”

. “On the part of what citizens are in cam

Just now, I am of the opinion that I can bespea

for her a welcome, if she has ceased her aw-
ful raids. What she can expect from Le Force
and 1113 gang, she must be the judge. If you
Will wait, I will secure the sentiment of the
crowd,” said Jim Fisk, the grocery-man. He
came back a few moments later and announced:

“The majority is in favor of receiving her
back, but there’s some bulky ones’ and possibly
will be more. Ben Bl e. La. Force’s partner, is
offering a hundred ollars per man who will
stand up for the gambler, and it’s likely to
have some efiect. When Force returns
there will be an attack, and then, if you are
read , the matter can soon be settled as to who
will old the mine, and who won’t.”

Banker returned 'to the mine and informed
the girl-chief of the result of his parley.

“ It’s all ri htl” she said. “You see that the
b0 3 are rea y to fight at an instant‘s notice}?

uring the remainder of the afternoon, several
reinforcements came in from the cam , amen
whom were Reuben Morse, Sunflower m, an
Little Bill.

The matter of the mystery concerning Walter
Walraven’s murder was then cleared u to
Doll’s entire satisfaction, and she welcome be:
aged fa thcr with a eat warmth of affection.

“ Lookee. hyer. ollbubyl" Little Bill inter-
posed. “Don’t be too kerfectionate on the old
gent, or ye won’t hev an left fer my daddy
duke, over the briny pudd e.”

"You keep still, or 1’]! cut your other ear
03!” Doll warned, laughingly.

y early moonlight, the party whom La
Force had led so valiantly from the camp, re-
turned, hearing their dead leader.

“Now look out fer it!" Doll cried. “Some
one’s a gone case an’.I reckon it’s La Force.”

Half an hour later a messenger was sent out
from camp, With the news that no attack would
be made.

Blye could not prevail upon his pals to run
the risk of their lives.

Little more remains to be told.

The death of La Force and restoration of
Denver Doll literally put an end to ruflianism
at Freshet li‘lats and it became a peaceable
town as long asDoll remained there. Accord-
ing to her roclumatiou every men who had
been robbed was repaid to his entire satisfac-
tion and there was no stigma attaching to the
Red Stars who had helped Denvar Doll regain
her property and her good name.

Arizona Alf. and Christie. were found, in the
mountains, lying side by, side—dead!

The latter had evidently killed the Avenger,
and then killed herself.

Reuben Morse died, soon after being restored
to his child; and now, rich in one and str pg
in purpose, she arranged to cave her mine

 

under the management of Sunfiowerflem and ,

Banker, while she set out ' in pursuit of her too
long deserted calling of detective, and in fresh
scenes of adventure we may renew her acquain-
tunoe, anon. -’ p _
\~ g m, can. ‘

' r \ ‘ ' t

 

 

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1 Adventures of Buffalo Bill. Prom Boyhood to Man
hood. By Co]. Prentixfl lngruliam. '

2 The Ocean Hunters; or. The Chasv ul‘ the Leviathan. By
Captain Mayne Reid.  An, arim largo 7l’ll'llll)u1‘.,_®

3 Adventures of Wild Bill. the Pistol Prince. Remarkable
farmer of J. B. Hikok. By Colonel Prentiss Ingmlmm.

4 The Prairie Ranch: or, The Young Cutllo llerders. By Jos,
E. Bfillg"‘l‘, Jr.

5 Texas Jack. the Mustang King.
the Lil‘eot J. B. Ulllulllllull‘l), “ Texas Jack.” By Col. P. Ingruham.

8 Cruise of the I‘lyaway; or, Yankee Boys in Co3lon.
Dunning Clark. '

7 Roving Joe: The History of a Young “ Border Ruffian.” Brief
Scenes from the Life of Joseph E. Badger, Jr. By A. H. Post.

8 The Plyaway.‘4Afloat3 01‘, Yankee Boys ’Rouud the World.
By C. Dunning Clark

9' Bruin 'Adams. Old Grizzly Adams’ Boy Par-d. By
COL Prentiss Ingraham.

10 The Snow Trail; or, The Boy Hunters of Fur-Laud. A Narra-

tive of Sport and Life around Luke Winnipeg. By T. C. Harbaugh, .

1 1 01d Grizzly Adams. the Bear Tamer: or, The Monarch of

the Mountain. By Dr. Frank Powell.

12 Woods and Waters; or; The Exploits of the thtleton Gun
Club. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. '

13 A Rolling Stone: Incidents in the Career on See. and Land as
Boy and Mun, of Col. Prentiss Ingraham. By Prof.Wm. R. Eyster.

14 Adrift on the Prairie, and Amateur Hunters on the
Buffalo Range. ‘By 011 Coomes.

15 Kit Carson, King of Guides 3 or, Mountain Paths and

Prairie Trails. By Albert W. Aiken.

Red River Rovers; or, Life and Adventures in the Northwest.

By C. Dunning Clark.

17 Plaza and Plain; or, Wild Adventures of "Buckskin Sam,"
(Major Sam 8. Hall.) By 001. Prentisslngraham.

18 Rifle and Revolver; or, The Littlcton Gun Club on the
Buffalo Range. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker.

l9 Wide-Awake George, the Boy Pioneer. By Ed. Willett.

20 The Dashing Dragoon; or, The Story of General George A.
Custer, from West Point to the Big Horn.

21 Deadwood Dick as a. Bay; or, Why Wild Ned Harris, the New
.England Farm-lad, became the Western Prince of the Road. By
Edward L. Wheeler.

28 The Boy. Exiles of Siberia. By T. C. Harbaugh.

33 Paul De Lacy. the French Beast Chamer; or, New
York Boys in the J angles. By C. Dunning Clark.

24 The Sword Prince: The Romantic Life‘ of Colonel Monetary,
(American Champion-at-arms.) By Captain Fred. Whittaker.

85 Round the Camp Fire 3 01'. Snow-Bound at “Freeze-out Camp.”
A Tale of Roving Joe and his Hunter Pards. By Joe. E. Badger, Jr.

26 Snow-Shoe Tom; or, New York Boys in the Wilderness. A
Narrative of Sport and Peril in Maine. By T. C. Harbaugh.

87 Yellow Hair. the Boy Chief of the Pawnees. The Ad-
venturous Career of Eddie Burgess of Nebraska. By Col. Ingraham.

16

' 28 The Chase of the Great White Stag and Camp and

Canoe. By C. Dunninr, Clark.

29 The Fortune-Hunter; or. Roving Joe as Miner, Cow-Boy,
Trapper and Hunter. By A. H. Post.

so Walt Per son's Cruise. A Tale ot'the Antarctic s... By
C. Dunning lurk.

31 The Boy Crusader :' or, How a Page and a Fool Saved a King.
By Captain Frederick Whittaker.

38 White Beaver, the Indian Medicine Chief: or, The Ro-
mantic and Adventurous Life of Dr. D. Frank Powell, known on the
Border as “ Fancy Frank,” “ Iron Face." etc. By Col. P. Ingmham.

33 Captain Ralph, the Young Explorer; or, The Centipede
Amonz the Fines. By c. Dunning Clark.

‘34 The Young Bear Hunters. A Story of the Hope and Mishaps
of a Party of Boys in the Wilde of Michigan. By Morris Redwing.

, 35 The Lost Boy Whalers; or, In the Shadow of the North Pole.
' By T. C. Harbaugh.

88 Smart Sill. the Land with a Level Head. By mwmett.

T Knuckle and Bo Chumsxorl‘helouters
Emma-x Border. B‘ygtogerysmx-hnek. ' I '

"Y "\ _. V, I V ‘ l l ‘

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“('1 :’ ' v. 5

Thrilling Adventures in ‘

By Capt. F. Whittaker."

Linens?

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38 The Settler's Son: or, Adventures in Wilderness and Clear:
ing. By Edward S. Ellis.

Night-Hawk George, and His Daring Deeds and Adventures
in the \Vllllrl ol’ the South and West. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. _
The Ice Elephant; or, The Castaways of the Lone Coast. By
Captain Frederick Whittaker.

The Pampas Hunters; or, New York Boys in Buenos Ayres.
By T. C. Hurbuugh. ‘

The Young Land-Lubber. By C. Dunning Clark.

Bronco Billy, the Saddle. Prince. By Col P. l'i'gzjulmm.
The Snow Hunters; or, Winter in the Woods.
Do Forrest.

Jack. Harry and Tom. the Three Champion Brotb‘erskor,

42

45

Adventures of Three Brave Boys with the Tattooed Pirate. By ‘

Captain Frederick Whittaker. .

The Condor Killers; or, Wild Adventures at the W

By T. C. Harbaugh. ‘

The Boy Coral Fishers; or, The Sea-Cavern Scourge. By

Roger Sturbuck.

48 Dick, the Stowaway: or, A Yankee Boy’s Strange Cruise.
By Charles Morris.

49 Tip Tressell. the Floater: or, Fortunes and Misfortune
the ‘hllssissippi. By Edward Willett. ‘ ' " "‘ “"

50 The Adventurous Life of Nebraska Charlie. M.
Burgess.) By Colonel Prentiss Ingrnham. -

48
47

51 The Colorado Boys; or, Life on on Indigo Plenteuou :By .  

Joseph E. Badger, Jr. -
52 Honest Harry; or, The Country Boy Adrift iWy

Charles Morris. -

The Boy Detectives; or, The Young Californians in Shanghai.
By T. C. Harhaugh. .

53

54

55 Harry S'omers. the Sailor-Boy Mexican. By S. W. Pearce.

man.

57 The Menagerie Hunter; or, Funny Hobart, tho  V ' .

Queen. By Major H. Grenville, “ Sea Gull.” ‘
58 Lame Tim. the Mule Boy of the Mines. By Charles Harri.
59 Lud monheels. the Young Tiger Fighter. By Roger'atsrhook‘

80 The Young Trail Hunters: or, New York Boys tum
Land. By T. C. Harbaugh. ’ v _‘

61 The Young Mustangers. By C. Dunning Clerk.

62 The Tiger Hunters; or, The Colorado Boys in Tiger-m
By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

83 The Adventurous Life of Captain Jack. the Border Boy.
(John W. Crawford, the Poet Scout.) By Col. Prentiss Ingrahun.

84 The Young Moose-Hunters; or, Trail and Camp-fire inytho
New Brunswick Woods. By Wm. H. Manning. ‘

85 Black Horse Bill. the Bandit Wrecker; or, Two Bun Boys
to the Rescue. By Roger Starbuck. ‘ " ' .

66 Little Dan Rocks: or, The Mountain Kld’. m
Morris Redwiug. . . ,

87 ’Lo
C

I

. unuing Clark.

8B Platboat Fred: or, The Voyage of the “ By

Edward Willett.

69 The Deer-Hunters; or. Life in the Ottawa Country. By
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70 Kentucky Ben, the Long Rifle of the Plains; or, The Boy

Trappers of Oregon. By Roger Starbuck.
A New‘ Issue Every fl'eek.

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California Joe, the Mysterious Mensa. By 001. Ingrsham. I "

ngshore Lfie: or, How a Rough Boy Won a]. W”. h By,

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56 Nobody's Boys: or, Life Among the alpaca, 3"fo n . l_ I: 

 

 

 

 

 

BEADLE’S

HALF-DIME

 

 

 

 

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1 Dena-wood [Lil-k. Tm; PRINCE 018nm Ron)
l‘ify Edward L. “lll‘elet‘.
% allowst one Jaek. Bv Jon. E. Badger, Jr. '1
Kant-mu King. B ' Buffalo Bill. ,
4 The Wild-Horne lunteru. By Captain
Mayne Reid and (‘aptain l‘ rederick Whittaker. i
5 Vagabond Joe, 'I‘ilE Yul‘Nr; \VANDBRING Jaw.
B 011 Coomes. 1)!)Hh/r Number lOcts.’ ,
6 ill Biddon ' ‘rapper. By E. S. Ellis.
7 The Flying ’ankee. By (‘c-l. l’.IngI‘ItlIam.
Seth Jollefl . By Edward S. l‘lllis.
Adventures oi Ba ron lilunehausen.
Nut Todd. By E.  Ellis.
The Two Deteelives. By AW. Aiken.
Gltlliver‘n 'l‘ra velu. By Dean thrift.
The Dunlb Sp). By (ill (.‘oomes.
Aladdin: or. l‘nr. Wonnicarrn LAMP.
The Sea-fat. By Captain Fred. Whittaker.
Robinson (Throw. (37 illustrations.)
Bal ill Boy. ' By (‘01. Prentiss lngraham.
Sin bad the Sailor. llis Sewn Voyages.
The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill.
The Double Daggers. By ii. L. Wheeler.
The Frontier Angel. By Edward S. Ellis.
The Sea Serpent. By Juan Lewis.
Nick 0’ the Night. By T. C. Harhangh.
Diamond Dirk. By (.‘olonel l’. Ingraluuu.
The Boy (‘a illllll. By BogerStarbuck.
()ioven lloo ‘. By Edward L. thler.
Antelope A be,*rmc Bov GmnE. ()ll Coomes.
Bull'an Bell. By Edward L. \Vheeler.
The Dumb Page. B Capt. F. Whittaker.
Roaring Rigpa Roe
LESS RANGER. y arrv St. George.

Wood , THE Baum

Keell- K n i i‘e.
Bob Woolf.
The Oeean
Ore on Sol.

By ()ll Coomes.
B Edward L. W'heeler.
B oodllound. S. W. Pierce.

By Capt. J. F. C. Adams.

W! (I Ivan. By Edward L. \Vhreh-r.
The. Bo (‘lown . By Frank S. Finn.
The Hi den Lodge. Byl'l‘. C. llarbaugh.

'lde, 'I'Ha Boy SeournéBy Texas Jack.

89 Death- ace, THE Dmmmvn. By Wheeler.
40 Bovillg Ben. By J. J. Marshall.

4 an Inc v ll (Joomes.

42 He hall omgfilfiler. By E. L. Wheeler. ‘
~I3 Diek Darling. By Ca t. Fred. Whittaker.
44 Battling Babe . By I arry St. George.
45 Old Avalanehe. By Edward L. Wheeler.
46 Glass Eye. B Capt. J. F. C. Adams.

47 Nightingale . at . By T. C. I‘larhaugh.

4| - l mi B950- GENT. By Badger.
W ,By M wart L. Wheeler.

70 Burt Bunker, 'rmc Truman. l". E. Laaallc.
The Bo ' Rifles. By Archie C. Irons.
The “’Il te Buil‘alo. By C. E. Lasalle.
Jim Bluduoe, Jr. By Edward LAVheelcr.
Ned Hazel. By Ca t. J. F. o. Adams.
Dead] -Eye. By ufl'alo Bill.
Nlek Vllillies‘ Pet. Ca it. J. F. C. Adams.
Deadwood Dick’s Ea. r on. By Wheeler.
The Border King . y 011 Coomes.
Old Hiekor . By Harry St. George.
The “finite ndian. Capt. J. F. C. Adams.
til Buekhorn Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler.
92 The Shadow ship . B Col. P. lngraham.
63 Tile Bed Brotherhoo . W. J. Hamilton.
94 Dand Jack. By '1‘. C. Harbaugh.
3.: Burr cane Bill. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr
66 Single Hand. By W. J. Hamilton.
67 Patent-leather Joe. Biy Phili S. Warue.
68 Border Robin [loo . Bv ufl’alo Bill.
09 Gold Rifle. By Edward L. eeler.
70 Old Zip’s (lab ll. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams.
71 Delaware Diek. ByOll Coomes. .
72 Mad Tom \Ventern. By W. J. Hamilton.
3 Deadwood Dick on Deck. By Wheeler.
Hawk-eye. Harry. By 011 Coomes.
The Boy Duelist. By Col. P. Inzmham.
A be Colt, THE CROW-KILLER. By A. W. Aiken.
Corduroy Charlie. By E.L.Wheeler.
Blue Dick. ‘Tplt‘alln Mayne Reid.
Sol Gin er, GIANT Pica. By A.W. Aiken.
Bouebn Bob. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Lightning Jo. Bay Captain J. F. C. Adams.
Kit Harcioot. yT. C. Harbau h.
Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By 0 Yoomes.
ldyl the Girl Miner. By E. L. Wheeler.
Buck Buekrnm. B Capt. J. F. C. Adams.
Dand Book. By '. Waldo Browne.
The and Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid.
88 Photofrnph Phil. B E. L.Wheeler.
9 J . By Brace ridge, Hemyng.
The Dread Rider. B G. Waldo Browne. v
91 The Captain of the C ub; or, Tm: YOUNG
Emu. ATHLETES. By Bracehridge Hemyng.
92 Canada Chet. By Edward L. Wheeler.
93 The Boy lilinern. By Edward S. Ellis.
94 Midnight Jaek. By . C. Harhaugh.
95 The BivalBoverh. Lieut. Col. llazeltine.
96 Wateh-Eye, THE SHADOW. By E. L. Wheeler.
97 The Outlaw Brt thorn. By J. J. Marshall.
98 Robin Hood. By Prof. Glider-sleeve.
99 The Tiger ol‘ 'l‘aou. By G. Waldo Browne.
:00 Deadurood Diek ill Leadville; or, A
STRANGE S'I'nom: roa LIBERTY. By “'heeler.
L01 Jack Ilaihauay ill New York. By
Bracehridge llem mg.
102 Diek Deall- .ye. By Col. lngraham.
103 The Lion oi" the Sea. By Col. Delle Sara.
104 Deadwood Dick’s Deviee. By Wheeler. I
Old Rube, THE HUNTER. Ca t. ll. Holmes.
Old Frosty. 'rnn GI'IDE. By' .C. Harbaugh. l
One-Eyed Sim. By James L. BOWen. 1
During Dav‘3i By Barr St. George. 5
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9 Deadwood ck an etective. By 1
Edward L. Whee r. ~ ;
110 The. Black Steed of the Prairies. A
Thrilliuli Story of Texan Adventure. By Bowen.
1! i The Sea-Devil. Bygl. P. Ingraham.
112 The Mad Hunter. mane.

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. 202 Prospect Pete.

J aelt "0 'le. By Edward L. Wheeler.
The Blue Sellooner. Roger Starbuck.
The Mad )llner. By (i. Waldo Browne.
The Huusar t'a itain. (‘01. 1‘. In raham.
Gilt-Edged Die . By E. L. \Vhee el‘.
\Vill Solners. rm: Bor Dn'mrrn'n. Morris.
ill untang Sam. By Jos. B. Badger, Jr.
(‘innalnon ('hip. By "'dxxard L. Wheeler.
Phil “a rdy, Tm: Boss Buy. By (‘. Morris.
Kiowa. Charley. By T. C. liarhaugh.
Tippy, TIIE TBXAN. By Georgi- Gleason.
Bonanza Bill, llllNEll. By Ed. L. th-h-r.
Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris.
“’ild-Flre, Boss or THE ROAD. By Dnmont.
The Young Privateer. Bvll. Yawndish.
Deadtvood Diek’u Double. By Wheeler.
Detective Dirk. By Charles Morris.
The Golden "and. By Geo. W. Browne.
The Hunted Hunter. By lid. S. Ellis,
lions Bob. BY Ell. L. VVlleelel'.

Sll re Shot Set ll. By 0]] (‘H(!ll|l‘§.
(‘aptain Paul. By (‘. l)unning(‘lark.
Nigh t-llatvk Kit. By Jos. E. Badger. Jr.
The llclpler-m "and. Capt. Mayne lit-I'd.
Blonde Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler.
.Iudge Lyneh, . r. B ' 'l‘. (I. ihn-haugh.
Blue Blazes. By Fran Dumont.

Solid Saul. By Edward L \Vheeler.
llandmilne llarrfi. By Charles Morris.
Sear-Face Saul. v 011 Coomes.

Daint Lanee, Tm: (W Brown By Badger.
('upta n Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Silver Sta r; Tm: Boy KNIGHT. By Coomes.
Will “lildtire. By Charles Morris.
Sharp Sam. By J. Alt‘Xltildt’i‘PllllA‘n.

A Game of Gold. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
Lanee and Last-lo. By (‘a It. F.Whittaker.

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5 Panther Paul. B 'Jos. .Badger. Jr.

5 Black Bells, WILL VILDrInE‘s BAUER; 0r,
\VINNING AGAINST ()nns. By Charles Morris.

53 Eagle. Kit, THE BOY DEMON. ByOl] (homes.

5-1 The Sword Hunters. B l“. Whittaker.

55 Gold Trigger 'rmc SPORT. .0 Harbaugh.

56 Deadwood [lick of Deadwood: on
THE i’IeKEI) PARTY. B Edward L. Wheeler.

57 Mike Merry. By (‘Iarh-s Morris.

58 Fane Frank ol'tfolorado. Buf'faloBill.

'9 The out Captain. By Whittaker.

0 The Black Giant. J. E. Badger, Jr.

3 New York Nell. By 12. L. Wheeler.

2 “'ill “'Udilre ill the \Voodn. Morris.

3 Little Texan. By 011(‘omnes.

4 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By (LW. Browne.

5 Billy Baggage. By Cha1‘les_MorI-is.

6 lliekory Harry. By Harry St. (it-urge.

7 A an Seott, THE STEAMBOAT BOY. By Wilhtt.

8 Deadly Dash. By Jos. E. Badger. Jr.

9 Tornado Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh.

0 A Trump (‘ard. By Charles Morris.

1 Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont.

2. ThunderboltTom. By Barry St. George.

3 Dandy llot'k’u Rival. By (LW. Browne.

Bob Boeketi, THE BOY Donmcn. By MoIris.

(‘uptain Arizona. By Philip S.Warne.

The Boy Runaway. By Lieut. Perry.

Nobby Nil-k of Nevada. E. L. Wheeler.

Old Solitary. By ()llCoomes.

Bob Roekett, Tun BANK BI'NNER. Morris.

The Sea Trailer. By Lieut. H. D. Perry.

\Vild Frank. By Edward L. \Vheeler.

Little llurrienne. By Oll (,‘oonws.

3 The Hidden "and. By Chas. Morris.

The Boy Trailers. ByBxulgerr.

5 Evil Eye. By Frank Dumont.

6 (Tool Desmond. By Col. Delle Sara.

Fred Halyard. By Charles Morris.

N ed Tent lie, 'rmc Beam-m Boy. Harhaugh.

Bob Roe ett, THE (‘RA(!KSMAN. By Morris.

Dand Darke. By Wm. R. Eyster.

Buii'a 0 Billy. By Capt.'l‘avlor, U. S. A.

(‘aptain Kit. By Lient. II. D. erry.U.S.N.
By Captain Taylor.

N‘Oa‘wdavth

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(‘aptain Mask. By Philip S. Warne.
Bull‘an Bill’s Bet.

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By Charles Morris.
THE WILD RIDER. By Ingraham.
By T. C. Herbal-2h.

Shadovvod.
7 Little. Grit.
I98 Arkanr‘a‘v. u
l 99 Feather-Weight. By Edward Vi Illett.
200 The Boy Bedouins. By Whittaker.
20] The Black Hills Jezebel. By Wheeler.
By 011 Gnomes.

By Jos. E. Badger. Jr.

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203 The Boy Pardn.

204 Gold Plume. THE BOY BANDIT. Ingraham. .

By Wheeler .
' 289 Jolly Jiln’s Job.“By Charl-s Morris.

205 Deluhvood Diek’n Doom.

206 Dark Patti, ml: 'l‘mrzn KING. By C. Morris

207 Navajo Nick. By T. (Y. llarhangh.

208 The Boy llereules. By 011 Coomes.

209 Fritz, 'rIIr. Bouxn-Bov DETECTIVE. Wheeler.

210 Faro Frank of High Pine. By Eystor.

211 (‘rooked Cale. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.

2 I 2 Dashing Davo. By (llmrles Morris.

213 Fritz to the Front. By E. L. Wheeler,

2 l4 \Voii'gang THE Ronmm or rm: Rama.
By Captain «rederick Whittaker.

2i 5 (‘aptain Bullet. By T. C. Harhaunh.

216 Bison Bill. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

21 7 Captain Crack-Shot. By E. L. Wheeler.

218 Tiger Tom, rm; Trxm TERROR. Cot-Ines.

219 Denpard, the Dru-lint. By P. S. Warne.

220 Tom Tanner. By Charles Morris:

22] Sugar Coated Sam. By  L. Wheeler.

222 Grit, the Bravo Spore. By Ingrath

Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By Wheeler. ,

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Ozark Alf Knm or THE MO'UNT
Edward Willelt. ‘m m

223

224 Dashing Diek. By Oil Coomes.
. 225 Salli ('bureoal. By Charles Morris.

The. Branded "and. ByFI'llllk lhnnont. 1
E 229

 

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226
227

228

Snoozer, Tm: BoY  By E. Iitheelet.
Du Nil 5 Darrell, TRAI’I’EB. By E. Emerson
Little \Vildlire. By 011 Cooznes.
(‘l‘lnlhtln Kate. By Col. P. Ingrann. Tl.
The Yankee Rajah. By C. D. (111.: k.
Plueky Phil. By T. C. llarhangh.
Gold-Dust Diek. By E. L. \\'l,« l 34-:
Joe Burk, oi'Angelu. By. A W, .titn‘n
Old Rocky‘s ‘ Boyecu.’ Buckskinhtm
Shadow Sam. By(‘harles Morris.
A polio Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Lone Star. the (‘ou boy t‘aptaln‘. or.
THE. .‘le’l'erlotjs BlMIInIto. By P. Ingraham.
288 The Parson Den-etlv ‘. By 011 (loome'l
289 The. Gold-neeker Guide; or" ’l‘nr: LOST
:‘lUl'N'TAl‘N. By (‘aplain Mawa Reid.
By Edward L. “'heelet‘.
241 Bill Bravo and His Bear l’ardu.
By '1‘. C. Barlmugh.
242 The Two ‘ Bloodu’. By Clitlrlt‘F‘ Mmrls.
2-13 The Disguiued Guide. By 01] (,Im‘mles.
2-14 Sierra Salli. By Edward L. Wheeler.
2-15 Merle, the Middy. By (‘01. l’.lngml.«ana_
246 Giant George. By Buckskin Sam.
247' Old Grizzly and Ills Pets. By(‘nptain
“Bruin” Adams.
218 Sierra Sam’s Seeret. By E. L Tl'hn-ek'n
2J9 I'lllo Bonn-r. By Capt. Fred. Vi'h‘ttaker.
2.30 Illldulliplnan Muti'l‘leer. By Ingralmm.
25! Light-house. nge. By J. F. C. Adams.
Dlek Dasha“ ay. By Chas. Morris."
sierra Saln‘s Pard. By E. L. Winder.
The llall' Blood. By Edward B. I“. ha
(‘aptain A polio. By T. C. Harlmnph.
Young Kentuek. By Capt. Mark Wilton,
The Lost llnnters. By Capt Adams.
Sierra Sam’s Seven. By B. L. \l'heuler.
The Golden Harpoon. ByBBrarlmcK
Dare-Devil Dan. By 011 (homes.
Fergus Fearnaught. By (h-o. L. Aiken.
The Young Sleuthn. By Charles Morris.
Deadwood Diek’n Divide. By \Nln'eler.
The Floating Feather. By lngraham.
The Tiger Ta lner. By Capt. Whittaker.
Killb’ar, the Guide. By Ensimfll'arren.
The Buckskin Detcetive. By T. C.
llarhaugh.
Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. 33'
Elward 1.. Wheeler.
The. Gold Ship.

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262
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268

By Col. P. Ingraham.
Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton.
The Huge llllnter. By Edward 5. Ellis.
Minllukin Mike. By 011 COomes.
Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wheehu.
Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris.

A rizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam.
Merle Montr'n ("rlline. By Ingraham.
Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler,
Tile Three Trappern. By Major Carson
Old “’inell, THE RIFLE KING. By T_ Q
Harhaugh.

280 .Vlerle lilonte‘u Fate. By (‘01. Ingmham.
28 1 Denver Doll‘s Victory. By Wheeler.
282 The Typo Deteetive. By Edward Wifieti‘.
.283 Indian Joe. By Major L. W. (arson.
28-1 The Sea Marauder. By. Collngraham.
285 Denver Do‘ l’n Deeoy. By it. L. Wheeler.

286 Josh, the Boy Tenderloin; or._ Tn."
WILD I‘VIBN or Bczzum BAR. By Mark With.

287 Billy Blue-Eyes. By Col. P.1ngrahmn
288 The Scalp King. ByCapt. J. F. C. Adams.

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290 Little Fox lire. By Oll Coomes.

291 Turk, the Ferret. By 1-). L. Wheeler.

292 Sancho Pedro, THE Bo“ Bunrr. 8,

Major E. L. St. Vrain.

293 Bed Flaw, 'rnr Ozm~Evrzn TRAPPER. m
Captain Comstock.

294 Dynamite Dan. By T. C. Harhaugh.

295 Fearless Phil: or. THE KING or: va
yum-1. By Edward Willett.

296 Denver Doll’s Drift.

297 The Tarantula of Tans.
Sam.

298 The Beach Pirates. ' CI ar‘urs Morris

.1 new ‘e‘me ere/'1] ’Il‘etr'k.

The. Half-Dime Library is tor same by hi.
Nrwsdealers, five cents per co v. or sent ny nail on
receipt of six cents each. EA DLE a ADAMS.
Publishers, 98 William Street. New York.

By E. L. Wheeler.
By Buckskin

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