“I [.hifl'iim. Illliiu  .‘  \ i‘ ‘ ‘ ‘7 ‘  I »' x

82.50 a year. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y.. In Second Class Man Rates. Copyrigth In 13m by BRADY.“ AND ADAMS. January 9. 15m.

Sin le PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price.
VOL  Nun on No. 98 WILLIAM STREET. NEW YORK. 5 Cents. NO' 285'

NVER DULL’S him; or, Little 3ng Bonanza.

BEING No. 3 OF THE “ DENVER. DOLL” SERIES.

BY EDWARD IL. WHEELER.

AUTHOR OF "DRAIHVUOH mm; " \‘0\'EI.N. "unmamm non“ NOVELS. "unxrmmnm 1mm.“ “Mm \:;7..\ 1m In" ma.

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' NOT SH F'A.\’('. l’USY'“ NA“) |II£.\'\’I’.R DOLL ('ALMLY. AS SHE SHOVT‘ID A REVOLVER l,\' FRONT 0!" THE STEAXLE WOMAN’S FACE.

 

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' ‘ had, forllong

¢.

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Denver Doll
. on.
Liran' B_ILL’S BONAN-ZA.

Being No. 3 of the‘“Denvar Doll " Series.

 

BY E. L. WHEELER.
or “uncanme max " NOVELS,
" nosnntm ROB” some, arc.

. CHAPTER 1.,
a VILLAmous BARGAIN..

“ ’SH! Hush your clatter!” r ' .

The speaker was a dark-browed, black mus-
tach‘ed personage, of some tortyuyears or more,
whose face showed the scans res ting from sev-
eral wounds, and whose general aspect was in no
way pleasing. '

He was of heavy build, and dressed in miner’s
habiliments, while his belt bristled with Wea—

» irrmm

The scene was the interior of arude log cabin,
against one of the walls -of which the speaker
sat tipped back in a chair.

His remarks were ad dressed to a quartette of
tsllows, eminently as evil-looking as himself,
who were congregated around a table wrang:
lin over a game of cards.

no of these—a long, powerful-looking ruf-
fian — turned a scowling face toward the
' speaker.

“ Reckon ’tain’t your game, Cap!” he growled.
“I don’t allow no skin game when I’ve got a
hand in, an’ ye can bet on that!"

“ Look out l” the captain cried sternly; “ none
of your back change Muggins, or I’ I remind
you who’s boss here. Isaid hush that clatter,
and I mean it. I expect visitors to—night, and I

. :want order!”

The others exchanged glances. but none of
them oflered a reply except Muggins:
“ It’s about time you tackled suthin’ to fetch
lin Shekels. ef ye want ter keep the gang to-
gether. This bein’ shet up like a rat in a trap
ain’t what it’s cracked up to be,” he grunt ,
angrily.

Maybe you’d rather leave the trap, and fall
into the hands of the handsome horse-thief
catcher,Big Buckskin,” the captain sueered.
“You know he‘s on our trail, and has sworn to
wipe‘every mother’s son of us out, for running
off his famous stallion, Star Face. He ain’t the
only one as wants ter see, us. The Murdock

you know, and onk Muggins isn’t exectl

enou h to look the law in the face.” , ,
“ in every bit as brave as you are;Bn’rk'

Murd' k—brave enough, anyhow, that rm

devil sick 0’ bein? cooped up beg,” ’2 ‘

Brothers have uite an extensive acquaintance , ,
y bold

  

mountain; his strange; 

mm‘iigi‘dock Brpggenwfl .. . v.
r , m ,, . .

one use band 0 desperadoes-th

whole party were ge ,knowuwjn 69:9
Murdoc Brothers, from thpzmlxghIwM'
one went the others could go ’ ' A ' ,; {Mfg
They were stage rob  . "
horse-thieves, and were wantpd’ by ,tho“
ities for several-other
fense, one of their mos

  
   

   

j c has toes We

 
   
 
   
 
  
 

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.uW-e". ,« ma -hl-vea.c,hgnw t .1 ‘
distingfigbmgu’atmmm." new“ I

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' Denver Doll‘s Decoy.

. '1‘. .4.

,the hearth a deep mountaingulch,.which was
densely wooded with fir-pines. ~

A person unacquainted with the fact could
. have passed within a dozen yards of the cabin,
without suspecting the exnstence or such a habi,
ta ion. ‘ ’ '

It was for this reason that the Murdocks had
lately taken possefiion of it, when dodginfi a
hunt that was being made for them, led by ig

uckskin. - ' ,

“ Who are these visitors?” Maggins demanded,
fizz: played his cards, and flu 1y threw up his

“ An old cove {rum Boise City—an’would ye
believe it, he’s apzirson, they sayl Got a note
from Red Eagle, by the carrier-pi eon, sayin’
as how the old gent wanted a‘ job id, au’ was
willin’ ter slap up t e swag liberally.” _

“ Some pious—faced detecthre, I’ll bet E” . ’

“No, I reckon not, or Red Eagle wouldn’t
’a’ recommended him. The Injuu never’s got us
inter trouble yet, and he's sent us many a
pointer. i can read the chap, as soon as the
red—skin fetches him.“

“Will they come alone.”

“ I reckon so. Hellol" r

The exclamation was caused by a heavy mp
upon the door.

Every man was upon his feet in an instant,
and while the captain stepped toward the door,
With a revolver in his gmsp, the others glided
behind a curtain thut divided of! a. portion 01'
the room.. ,

Without apparent trepidation, Captain Burk
opened the door and peered out.

“Who’s that 2!" he demanded, grumy.

" George Washington Gum, at your sarvicel”
a cracked, wheezy voice replied, and at the
same time the speaker pushed forward into the
cabin.

Murdock closed and barred the door, and then
turned to survey his visitor. He saw before
him a long, exceedingly lean individual, who
was dressed in a ver loud checkered suit, white
shirt, Piccadilly 'col or. and white silk hat—an
individual with a face somewhat resembling
that of a. monkey, with its aesthetic mouth, flat
nose, and startling side whiskers, of a decidedly
“ valler " color.

His face was distorted by a profuse n, and
his large, cat-like eyes beamed ,resp endently
upon the outlaw. chief.

,‘.‘ Who are you, and what do you wantl" the
ca thundered, so ferociously that a man of

y‘nerves would surely have been startled;
but the'intruder grinned the harder, and ed—

  

. ‘ "imfider‘, forty miles intoj " email:
'- “ of it: I ha, WTMC .- m: “the
' $41319 gla '

-‘i a lightning,

  

   
    
 

" 'l-e .

mm . Gum is my name—George‘ng
, gton Gum, at yer service—a man ,0: nerves 
nough to chew off the paint from a duke’s " I

West,'the niiuing districts (v ‘  p v > ‘ 6
‘scene of most of their  ' '-
There ,weretwo pbt e ,_ 

tally-ho. -I am a book-agent, sir—‘a canvasser

for great and , ul books of knowledge—any-
Y

j, 1 thing, in fact, t om a spellin -book to the Ho

Writ. I have a very usefu little work here,
entitled. “How to Get Rich." Let me show it
to you—costs nothing to read the first- tour

,  ., lines."
of; commie;

“"‘Don’t want it,” the captainygrowled. “I
get'my stamps slittin’ weazauds ' -
" Exactly! This work will be of incaloulable

angel-andscput knotmuifi Buckskin. W M .

Burk  wg'Well their to take; thei;,gvalue to you. It isn mplete and systematic
leadership. .31; was a man  treatise on the art otifikmbodying spirits with
evidentlycreated deadly), _  and‘hhuiest quickness and safety, cl 3 several notes
pupa”; he was ml and W'uaiox in; com iled from distin executioner-s.”-

rmany things.whild n otherp'ha- _  - “ tontl ’twaniitl?’ 3-. #1 ' ,Jl ‘,
Seattle: the polished villain,“ wow  “kNoIlb W331, I 've another beckon How to
ru » ' 7F . e we a ' ‘ “ “ ‘ . .

Jack, his own brother who , as had"
his brother, although lie-was of man
misdemeanors. He did not havoso muohvawfi
in his lamprawas willld 
manage y mm: to e I '
elder bwther. " ' ' ‘

He who 9 fonr-and—twentyyeurs of age,
and althougfiardly 3W%hd‘ perhaps,
expre

less of the vi seed
mince that his comrades bad. . . a .
The real names of the other two outlaws were
Jim Sanders and Hank Hartly, and the wore
ruflans to the core, serving as tools for ptain
.Buliilltetowgrkwith.hih fld h ,

renez'vouswcwente goccn-
pying was a tumble-de log-ébhfiown in

9.; vi

his counte-

i.
» 'V

 

arm: Don’twantitl”: ': ‘3,
 “Doyouwantacook-s «I '

  

“Ah! but [have it now—a‘bookof Oscar
Wilde’s poems. You greatly resemble Oscar l”

“I don't want none of yearbooks, I say.
.Cleu-ouof betel" "

c'an tickle you inn tender spot. I have a neat
little book here. on farming, by Greeley. Just

. the thing for amen who contemplates growing

up with this beautiful count I” V. .
I“Nol nol no!" the cap roared. “If I

 

I.

f~~‘ 1. 

i .
need dim-and:

 

 

have to tell you no, again, P11 blow your fool's
brains out." .

H No
clared, emphatically. “Why, I’ve been banged
away at by forty cannons, an’ hit that many
times by thousand-pound balls, and Wasn’t even
fazed. Got hit on the cheekwi’ a fiery meteor,
but it recoiled ten mile, whileI went home can
plainiu’ about the size of the mnsketoes that
season. Fell into a red-hot blast furnace, once,
and put the-fire out just to pay up a grudge I
had against the boss molder. Been ran over
by several train of cars,.and was the only man
to escape alive”. , ‘ _

“You are the most infamous liar of liars I
ever metl” Murdock growled. “Y on have
plenty of gab, no.doubt, but I’ll guarantee I can
ta e some of the conceit out of you. Boys l”

he four outlaws advanced from behind the
curtain, with drawn revolvers, and formed in
line, in front of the lean individual, who nodded
with 'a supremely lu icrous grin. ’ .

“ How are you g nts? Glad to meet you.
My name is Gum. l have the honor of repre-
senting a number of rominont book publishin r
firms, in the East, w ose most popular works

 

, mu intrmlucing. I have an interesting book

17 I and peered with‘ondcye into the tube

6 t  , v' , Murdock had leveled at him.

, {f ’ necessary to waste wder on‘me,
 {autism bul et—proof. -  been t . .
with”  balls countless _‘-,and ting . _,
 me; I have been«  wl

 “But, held on! njwswemmwwi “m

‘ here, entitled ‘ How to Live Forever.’ lknow

it is just-what you want.” A

The brothers Murdock did not reply, but eyed
the canvasser with grim and suspicious glances.

Ca tain Burk made the answer: . '

“ ‘ye see them fellers, young man?" he cle-
manded. “ Well, they’re my brothers. an’ four
as bad customers as walk in boots. Now, d’ye
know, what we’re goin‘ to do?”

“Purchase this beautiful little work I haw,
here, entitled ‘ How to Escape Justice ’1” Gum
said with a bright expression of antictpation.

“ ot bya cussed sight. D’ye know What an
outlaw is?”
of some of the_more prominent outlaws of the
century l”

“Curse your booksl We are outlaws, ef ’yo
want to know it, and this is our trap. To let
you escape would be too dangerous, and there-
fore there remains but one thing else to do.
We’ve got to kill you. How do you like that?”

“ Not at all. It is important that I should
live. as my workis of yital importance to tho
readin and publishing world. - Let me depart,
and I’ vow won’t never tell on yo.”

“ Ho! ho! That would be sort of a snap,
wouldn’t it? But, you see, 1 am‘ not' doing
business that way. Thishyar’s a partnership
concern o’ourn, and it you want to put in five
thousand dollars, and become one of us, we’ll
V97 ,3 show for your life. Otherwise yon
vefit five minutes to live I” '
“Five thousand dollars? Why, bless our
dear heart, I haven’t seen five thousand d_ lars
in taut)! ears! My whole.cash aesets Elton
 _ -tas ioned coppersl’!~ '

a 52;: Search the maul” the captain ordered.

Washerwomen. who we , e act of, ,, bookmgent was forced Tto throw up his
.m; her bill; yea, I have e I d deamgflbs, and he was thoroughl searched. '
l  .; ed ways, but ’twere ,s,_nse—nonefi,.',, _ a. canvassing sam leso a number of diner-

    
  
  
  

, u 13— , Cs were found, _n addition to his stock in
l- l *0! cash, cousmtlng of ten phi-fashions

mom. I

r‘  “Wu; uothirit more to  that he was
8111“ ‘Wfl’erent V what he mite be.

i ' Mm . .' WNW ' Sal! '“li-

ed. - ~ had suspected that thebbok—agenfias

a dot two, but the failure to dilopver any evi-

dence of such a fact seemed to unto him;

“ Well, it don’t matter, anyhow,” e growled.
“ Ybu’Ve got to die, and so get ready. You
have the minutes in which to say your prayers.
Boysfiwhen I say ‘ Ready,’ blew his gizzard

“iii: ' ' " ‘ '
It; $61293}: wgiiilI.-havetb::n is not hard
.to sa . no 60. can can. u on
,the car at thatinstnngl?Ifl , n ’
The taps. however. caused the captain to start
down u n the book at. '
“ t-you quiet y behind y or curtain l" he
11 I" -“ and if on utter so much‘, as a sound
1while gone I’ 1 send the boys in to cut your

1 .
videutl glad ‘to e' e ‘ll'hment, the
man 0!.  lided to thgcggverpv'v‘ith alacritv.
J urdock then advanced to the door
and called out: ' ,
“Who’s there?" .
‘ "Bed High,” was

el - ,
‘f Give the password, then.”
“Pigeon carries news,’,’ came back.

 

ted a stalwart young savage, who was in turn
tollowed by two other persons. - ’

 

ye won’t,” G. Washington Gum de- '

“ You bet! I have a beautiful little biography’

the. answer, in a guthnl

The captain then opened tho'dml'uld al.49-

3--

p» dawns...»

7—-

m .Lc.-....'_.m

The red-skin was toll and straight as an ar-
row, and was rather handsome, his face and
eyes giving expression of more than ordinary
Indian intelligence.

f his companions, one. was an elderly man
an the other a young lady.

The former was apparently fifty years of age,
and was a chubby little smooth-faced, gray—
haired man of decidedly clerical aspect. ‘

The young woman looked to be about four-
:iiid—twenty years of age, and was exceedingly
pretty, both in face and form. Hers was a
brunette complexion, with deep, liquid black
eyes, hair to match, and teeth of the pearliest‘
type, which gleamed from between a tempting
pair of lips.

Both she and the gentleman were plainly but
richly attired, and evidently occupied a higher
station in life than those they had come so Visit.

At Burk Murdock’s request they became
seated. '

The outlaw then turned to Red Eu 1e.

“Well, Injun, who are these peep e?” be de-
'manded.

“ The White Chief received the message?”

H Yes.”

“ This is the pale-face,”|and the red-skin indi-
cated the clerical party.

To him Murdock then turned.

“ Well, sir, what can I do for you i” he asked.
“My friend made known to me your desire to
see me, but did not state your errand.”

“Likely, because I gave him no authority to
«do so,” the clerical party declared. “I am the
Reverend J ubal Andre, of Boise—not a regular
practitioner of ministry, but an exhorter and
revivulist.“

" “Yes, you look it!" the captain said, with a
smirk. “ Reckon ye won’t make much of a
headway convertin’ this gang.”

“Icame not for such apurpose. ’Tis truly
said that every person must sin occasionally, as
a case of necessity, and ‘I believe it. There are
times in the life of every man when it is a vir-
tue to rotect himself, and that is wb I am
here. Sign are what are known as the urdock
Brothers?"

“Exactly.”

“I have frequently heard it said that you
were none too scrupulous how you made your
money as long as you made it?"

“The report'does us' proud,” Burk Murdock
assured. “ When we see the swag ready, we
ain’t ateard to work nor ain’t choosers o’ the
sort 0’ job.” ‘ I

“Very well; I have a. case which I am dis-
posed to place in our charge. And there 13
good money to bee it. Let me relate it, and
you will then see that I am not sinning. even
though a divine, in protecting myself. Elchn
years ago, when but a child of fifteen, my
daughter Agnes, here, was enticed into mar-
riage with a worthless, roving vagabond, named
Joseph Wilton. I was awn at the time, but
themarri ewas rendered egal, from the fact
that my wi 3, since deceased, gave her sanction.

“ As soon as I learned of the matter I caused
a separation, by having Wilton arrested and
sentenced to eight years for manslaughter, in an
eastern prison, although it cest me much to pro-
cure his conviction. 'His‘ time expired three
years ago, and have learned‘that he is back in
he West again. Being a desperate character,
my life is in jeopardy, and it is but a humane
precaltfitioxi, you know, that I should look out for
myse . >

“ Then, again, there are other reasons why I
should have him dis osed of. Shortly after the
separation my chll fell heir to an immense.
landed estate in Texas, which has since so great-
ly im roved in value that it is adylsable to sell
it. is she cannot do until’Wilton joms in
giving a deed. Nor is this all. _

“A distant titled relativo of mine, Sir Royal
Riguold, desires my daughter’s hand in mar-
riage, and a match has been arranged. Of
course this marriage cannot be consummated
until Wilton is put- out of the way.” ' ‘ .

“Well, d’ye want his throat out?” Captain
Burk demanded. , U ,

“ We are not particular what happens to him,

as long as he never turns up, nor an evidences’

of a former marriage. There you ve 'it in a
I nuyshell.” '

- “Dunno!” the outlaw muttered. “ Hev to

think ’bout this ’ero matter. Might not pay.
Your gal got a certificate?"

“No! but Wilton has. He‘used toparry it in
u left inside pocket of his vast. Thatdestroyed,
but one evidence of the marriage remains.”

“ What is it?” ‘ .

“ A child, some ten years of age now, Which '

resulted from the union. This was taken away,
and, as we supposed, died in a tonndling hos‘
. ' , '

| \

l.

 

‘time, I’ll give you and your men each v ne dol-

Denver Doll’s Decoy.
pital; but recently we received a letter from a
woman to whom we had intrusted it, that the
child was alive and well, and traveling with a
detective through the West.”

" Humphl rl’ve suppose I’m going to search
all over the West for one kid 1" Murdock de-
manded. “ You’re mistaken if you do. Whar’s
the other teller 1”

“ He is somewhere’s in this part of Idaho. Ho
does not go under his own name now, but is
known as Big Buckskin!” ‘

Murdock uttered an exclamationl

“ I’ve heard of the fellowl” he said. "‘ He’s a
hard customer to undertake to corral. VVhat’s
your best figures for the job?” ,

The clerical rascal scratched his head a mo-
ment, and then answered:

“ Well, since there is a prospect that you can
do the work within a reasonably short length of

lar a day until the jolt is finished, within one
month !’

Not only did the captain burst out into a roar
of laughter, but his men also joined in chorus.

“ Your liberality is something terrible to con-
template!” Murdock declared. “But, notwith—
standing its magnitude, it does not appeal toour
greed for gold. We gentlemen of leisure never
enter into a speculation unless we foresee a rea-
sonable profit.”

“ But, surely, that is a reasonable sum. Look
at the men that have no employment what-
ever.” ,

“Can’t hel that. Pious pilgrims kin afford
to be poor. e rascals hev got to save up cash
with which to purchase flre protectors for the
hereafter. Savy? The least that we can tackle
your job for is a thousand dollars, spot cash l”

Jubal Andre put up his hands in horror.

‘- lmpossihlel I have not so much in the
world!’ he gagged.

“You liel urdock rcplied; “I happen to

be acquainted u in Boise, and you’re worth ten ‘

thousand in stoc of the Clipper mine alone. So
don’t, add falsehood to your other reverend
Sins.

Andre did not answer for a moment, but ex»
changed glances with his daughter, as if ques-
tiouing her what he should say.

“ The fact of the case is,” the captain went
on, “I ain’t very particular about undertakin’
the job, anyhow. My opinion 0’ you is, that
you’re a re ’lar old shyster what couldn’t be
trusted out o sight. ' I’ve got kind of an achin’
in my left lung that I con d make more money
by actin' square, fer onc’t, an’ sidin’ in wi’ the
nlianmyou’re t'ryin' to knock under—Big Buck-
s m.

The person looked decidedly nervous at this.

“Oh! nol nolcyou are very wrong. I am a
man of honor an standard reputation. I dan’t-
want you to think I am stin y, and so I’ll give
you a thousand now, and w en you finish the
job, and give me the certificate, to ether with
proof that Joe Wilton is forever sle‘nced, I’ll
give you another thousand. It isunderstood,
however, that if you can find the boy, you'll 30*

for him also 1"
“All right. We’ll call it ‘a bargain. I’ll lay“
gor Ifiig’ uckskin at once. Whack over your
nos .8. ‘ * ' -

From an inner pocket, the reverend scoundrel
extracted a rather lean wallet, and produced
.from it several hills, which he careful] counted
over, and then handed to the despera 0 leader.

“ There is a thousand dollars. It is a big
sum, but I will not begrudge it, nor as mum
more, if you perform your part of the compact
prom tly.” ' '

“ on can depend on my fixing the matter to
your satisfaction as soon as I can run‘ the cuss
dowri,” Burk Murdock growled, as he ungra-
ciously shoved the money down into his
pocket. “ We’ve a grudge to wipeout on him
ourselves—so ‘we may’s well combine binness
With ensure. Any peculiar mark on the kid?”

“ 98. Upon his right arm, above the elbow,
is a birth mark which at thetime we last saw
him, almost accurately resembled an owll”

“ So it’s a boy, eh? What’s the name?"

“ William.” ‘ ' '

“ Does Big Buckskin know of the existence of
such a boy?" ‘ ' ' '

“ Possibly, though I am not Certain.”

“Well, you can go now. Reckon Ican get
along with what informationyou’ve given me.
When I have anything particular to report, I
will call upon you." - ‘

The dismiswal was perem tory‘. and accord-
ingrlty the Andres and Red Eagle took their de-
pa are. . ‘

When they were gone, Murdock ordered G.
Washington Gum to advance from his conceal-

 

ment behind the curtain.

‘ l

‘9‘.  :‘.',' u“ '.'
—."’w/- 2w: . w“ i x

 

A 4

He did not obey, and a hasty examination
was made, when it was found that the worth
and .imperiehable book-agent had effected h
escape, through a rear door, which, hy'some
mistake, had been left unlocked.

CHAPTER ll.
BILL’H BONANZA AND THE wnrrn HAIRED
‘(PL'EHE -

OVER 3 range of sharp and rugged mountains,
beyond the dismal place where the brothers
Murdock kept their rendezvous, was'anothei‘
gulch, fully as rough and wild us its neighbor,
but not tlmbéred to any particular degree, ex,-
cept with scattering shrubs and scrub pines.

A little stream of water out a serpentine
course through the gulch. and made the scene
look a little less dreary than it Would otherwise
have been, as did also a stage trail, that was
probably not used constantly, as grass , grew in
ihe road.

Neverthelem, the trail ran- direct son”: to
Boise City from a cluster of mining towns a
hundred miles north, dud had a biweekly stage
each way.

At the point where we wish to fasten the at«
tention, the gulch was not quiteghalf a mile
wide, including the raise or mountain foot- ,
slope, but the scene [was surpassineg grand,
the hoary peaks rismg to the right and left
with colossal dignity, and bearing very little
foliage or' forest except now and‘thenh scatter
in ’

 

g patch.
The bottom of the gulch was of a candy for;
motion, yet strewn' with a plentitude of huge
bowlders.

Near the bank of the stream steed aservice ’
iible shanty. built partly of slabs and partly of
o s. ' »

t had no particular] noticeable characteris- \
tie; it was one y like hundrfifi which
could be found through the tar West.)  -~

Over the door a creaking, rudely’_" i sign
was suspended, which bore the some, 
inscription: ' ‘ w" ‘

“LITTLE BILL‘S  ..
. “Wu. mam: "
If meant for a hotel, itm certainly not down

 
 
 

in rathera odd place, for Bill’s Bom'only. - ‘

had a u ation of two ns, and theywere
little Bethe] and hi: fearless tron‘ and
partner, Denver boil, the Detective neon.
Roaming thrpugh'the Northwest, the pron: ~
liarlymatched pair had halted tor en ght’s
rest, where the shanty now’wtood; and, while
the ashing young deteofiw‘lsmslmmmdtin
ran

a stone to hurl lit a vulture 'was'comk‘

w .
acentl watchin the trim: «mutton-iii~ "
Y t .8 fi 8

wider. Be are‘ 811 g it, however; the
glitter of the flrélight upon, thud am his '
attention and an t museum frond
that he heldinbl’gs: hating;qu Shout v

tlile‘éil'eof a hen

   
  

Hurrah ' 1‘ I’ve scooped. " a .
benanzli'st’flellr g pays 7 .l.
mkhymwuye  ’tthata t  W

From Films W“ sums

fr ,
there was 'old‘ii‘i‘tlb'gu]

Bill th t t 16%wang " in
a 86 I W0,“ 0 fl . 0
name one ' mimi£ lllch

was   first ha‘bi 4

cm: . ‘ - ,
Fearful that their rich claim would nth-act
unwelcome crowds tothe plaCe, the partners.

used thevprecnutlon'of workin the‘placdrs only I » I ’
not being his; , 7'
covered, which was generally in the cargo;- part

when they ’Wem. sanguine o
of each day. \. _ , _

Their shanty.-however, attracted; ndt’l'mth
attention from the Integers who . endure
the stage had halted at the solicitation“ of, a

speculator, who desired to‘kno'w what the two i, . i '

were doin m that reductive region .
Reedy glways. 3:539: Doll turning 81w
plcion by pointin to a number of r and
other fur-bearing
against the shunt to care.

i
“ B’ars airs th char nor deacon a dog!” she

observed. “Catch one nigh everyu ht.” ‘ .

“Humphl ‘didn‘t know ‘bull' d‘ struck
gold l” was the grim reply, after _ h the stage
rolled on.  - ' v '

su entlythe ' dashedfhrough mm.

bsequ stage
-Bill’s Bonanza, without deigning to stop, «ix-

cept hen Denver Doll occasionally boardc d. it,
toreifrip tam-City.  , ‘V V

’ U ,totho time we reintroduce them 'to the
nadir, Donald Little Bill-had Occupied their-g
claim _ 1mm. and had mule a formal wra-
chase "one’hundred acres of the gulch bottom
from the” Government, in

. .y .
it; ._ r ,  £2-

13. , ,H,. "-_.

g somevenison, Little’BBlh ' picked up I

. 4
. . a.
i“

ins, which were Wyup '

order to protect them- «
selves “invasion. Sooner or later it would
A .; . \ :‘ 1‘” » V / r p . ,.,

 

 

. If, ’
y-l f ‘u
.

 

   
  

. t

    

4

come. as they were well aware, and it was best
to be prepared.

At last, one evening as they were sitting in
the mellow moonlight in front of the shanty,

engn ed in weighing what dust they had panned ‘

out t at day, they were interrupted by the ap-
proach from up the gulch of a horsmnan.

As
make out that he was an equestrian of decidedly
cavalier bearing, and Was mounted upon a horse
of thorough mettle and exceeding beauty“

As be final] drew rein before the >hanty, she
was better ab 8 to inventory him, and purveivod

 

 

i

that he was a well pro )ortioned man, of ripe 1

old age, the only physica defm-t noticeable, bring
a painful bump on his back.

1

His hair was worn long over hie ~houlders, :

and was snowy white. A swpeping beard and
mus'lhuhe to match ornonwnted the better por-
tion of his face. and gave him at once a strik-
ing and l‘everpntinl appearance.

His attire, however, was well worn and torn.

He tipped his sombrero politely as he drew :

rein. and cleared his throat with an “ uheml”

“‘ Excuse me, please," be said, “but might I
trouble you by asking how far it is from hel'o/
to Beige City?” ‘

« "A right good day’s journey,“ Denver Doll
replied.

' And are there no camps between here and
there, young lady?” he inquired, with a. keen
gaze.

.“ Nona, until you get within about ten miles of
Luise,” Denver oll replied.

" Then, if you’ve no objections, I’ll camp down

. Lure by your shanty and rest until daybreak, for

lhaw ridden long an’ far. Should you have
my accommodations to ofler in the way of re—
{res
i l y received and paid for.”

"Y {are welcome to Wh t we have, though
it ain’t; much,” Doll responded, perceiving at
"me, ' he was a man of good breeding, even
if be poorly dressed. “ Bill, you can out
The gentleman some bear steak and a piece. of

corn cake M t him atiu cu ful of ale.”

The traveler ked his 15 tude at this, and,
after dismountin and pic ting his horse out to
grace, be acce a seat on a rustic bench near
the mbin door. ‘

v “Yes, I’ve traveled long and far, and travel
tells upon me as the years roll by. A an and
pleasant little home you appear to have lore,
youn lady." ,

“ eta—we call it Little Bill’s Bonanza, after
my. oung partner. Not much of a bonanza,
you w, but“; just mited us for a name."

“ y.I inquire your name?”

“ I_ reckon so. About the and name I’ve
borne for years is Denver Doll. y companion
here is Little Bill Bethe]. and we generally camp
down tigether. Your name is—

‘ “‘Dand Raymond. Out in the West I have
fined the nom. de plume of Old Prowler,ifrom
uctthat I am always wling about. But

Alam'rgy da sforprow ng mahoutstan

and. old and crippled lip, andbe-
m pas-maths mind; of mcfilnmttile
‘ a :1
p03an . y ya
wordaspohninnthera

remorsetultone,
touched a sympathetic chord in Denver Doll's
nature, and she felt drawn toward him more
than she had ever felt toward any other stran-

gar;
. “Your life has not been altg ether unruflled,
151“

.until that minim is mill

1_ "she said, as she fin tying up a
pouch gold—dust. .
“You speak aright, young lady. Althou h ‘

wealth has been the least of my wants, my ll 9
has not been without its bitter s“ cet. As a de-
tective. I oauw to this country on a mission of
ilmnrtanw, and I can never go back to England
lled. Probably I shall
live and die here." ,

“Indeed! never despair. There is no telling
lwhat a- day may bring forth. _ Are you search-
for some one?"

“Yes, door. It '5 the old, old story—a rich
lord has an only son whom he idolizes, but who
I“ a wild scapegrace, and in early youth esca
in America, to be lost, probably, forever. he
ban nearly distract»: the, father, and he disap<

mrs, with evidences left behind to "show that
a has committed suicide. Accordingly, the
nvxt of kin, an unprincipled tyoung scoundrel,
flops in and takes pomession o the estates, with
no 0 e to oppose him. Adetective, with a little
oltbad liking for him. forms a resolution to hunt
up thle lost hair and displace the usurper. That
was

'euts, victuals, or a blanket. they' will be ,1

l
I

l

(

 

I’ve made a strong attempt, but. alas! '

my  has not been wonderfully rolific. I :

am now in pymesxion of no more know edge than
I had when I started.“ ‘ .

l .

/
- . /

Denver Doll's Decoy.

 

“ 1 am sorry to hear that," Doll returned.
“ America is a large place to canvass in search
of one man, however. By the way,you had
better tarry at our camp a few days and rest.
In the mean time something may turn u ."

“I believe l will tux-apt your kind inVItation,
young lady, for your abode seems cheerful, as

he drew near, Denver Doll was able to 1' compared with some places 1 have encountered.

And if I can be of an service to you as a hunt-
er you can comman me. I’m getting rather
old and shaky, but I can still make a flying bird
feel sick.”

"Very well. You can take charge of keep
ing the larder suplflied,” Doll said. “It Will
give Bill and I name time to work our little pri~
vuto mining snap.”

By this time Lirtlu Bill had appeared with a.
plate full of trampling elibles.

“ Hear yeraire. grundpnp 1” be sung out, Iner-
rily. “ Enull' fodder tow inrten a buzzard on.
Tell ye, me an’ Ilollbabv lives high since we
went in snucks together.’

“ Thank you. my little mam. thank you! I
shall not soon forget your kindness. This is the
most tempting repast I have encountered for
da ‘3.”

‘30? Well, neow, when n teller huin’t had
a square meal fer a couple 0’ weeks it do tickle
his liver to kotch on to a snap like this. Know
how it is my<elf, bet you! Bin so hungry
already that I had to eat my own shoes fer
beefsteak, but they were so tough that it lpok a
hull day to get. a squar' meal.” /

"' Them Bill, that will do.” Doll interrupted,
re rovingly. “ IE on must tell a story, make
it alf—way reasons. 19.”

“ W’nt’s ther use, when truth is stranger than
tiction'f’ William protested. " lt don’t cost no
more fer a lire—cracker than it dues for a squib i”

“That remains to be told, hereafter, Bill. ,

Always aim to keep to the truth, and you will
not have 0 :casion to fire 01! even squibs.”

155 this time- Old Prowler had dispatched the
me , and then lit his pipe.

“I s’pose ou’ve never heard of a person
named Joe ilton have you?" be said, after a,
few minutes of redaction. “ It ain’t a common
name, yet you might have heard of it.”

“ I may possibly have heard 01' such a name,
but cannot remember exactly.”

“Humph! it‘s likely not. Did you ever meet
a person named Jubal Andrei”

‘ Jubal Andrei” Doll exclaimed, thought-
fully. “It strikes " e that the name sounds fa-
mi . Let me see!"

Bhe‘ reflected for several minutes and then
took a note-book from her pocket and consulted

It. , A
"Ah, yes! Isee. I have it here, in shape of

a notice waived from another detectivr. ‘Ju-‘

bal Andre, of Boise City. Idaho. Fix an eye
on him and learn whatkiud of stud be showm’ "

” Ha! the very man, I'll wager!” Old Prim ler
muttered. “ I must Sea him soon. He may be
able to 'vo me some information. So you are
a. detoc ve, eh, as well as a miner?”

For answer Denver Doll exhibited her badge.

Prowler nodded understandingly.

" I should estimate you as one well fitted for
the calling," he said. “ Later 1 may unfold
more to you. but for the present let whatI have
told on sufllce. Feeling tired, I believe I will
turn n “tor the night." ,

But then pounce of a newcomer upon the
scene just t on caused him to change his mind.

a.—
CEAP'I‘ER Ill.
SAL SLAP, AND A TRANSFORMATION.
Wm first discovered. this newcomer was in
the act of mining in a supemnnuated bwrro,
near at hand, upon the back of which she was

mounted.
roach had been so noiseless, that she

Her :1
had not 1 observed until she was within a

I few yards of the shanty door.

She wasa tall, brawny, raw-boned woman,
of ev1dent great muscular strength and endur~
ance with a inched, homely, vinegar-face,
which told in i every lineament of a med,
ugly disposition. ,

a nose was fiery red, upon the end, and her
mouth exposed onlyr a pair of protruding teeth,
disagreea le to behold. Her eyes were large
and glantgg, in their glance, and her gray hair
was mat and unkempt.

, A flarin red dress, poke bonnet and cowhide
shOes, flxe her out in the we of wearing ap-
el, and she wu armed wit adnbious oo -
mg umbrella and formidable horse-pistol.
‘Hello, them!” she sung out as she ht
the sorrowful looking burroio a. stand—s
“Whar’s tber orstler of‘ this ’owtel, sissy?
Trot him out hear quicker’n seat, to take charge

‘ , o’ 'my Arabian E”

' her ’til she’ll

 

7. we... H. .Al 7 , N... _....._,_. . . .

Whereup’on she dismounted, and advanced.
umbrella in hand.

"We don‘t employ an ostler, nor is thi.» rt
hotel l" Denver Doll replied, not faucying lbw
woman.

“VVhatl no ’owtel—iio ostler?” the new hr-
rival screeched, angrily. “What kind uv a.
place is this, anyhow 14"

“It’s a lunertick ’sylum. \Vant ter jimi'“
piped out little Bill, from the doorway ’

“Ye dratted impel'dent snipe. 1’] learn ye;
better manners than ter insult mel" screamed
the termagaut, making a leap for Bill, with the
evident intention of giving him an Initiatory
minding).

But, enver Doll leaped quickly to her feet .
and ushed her back. '

“- 0t so fast, posyl" she said, calmly, but
with sternness. ‘Don’t be uitesofresh around.
here. Who are you, and w at do you want!”

And Doll shoved a self-cooker in front of tlm
stran e woman’s face. ,

“ )5110 am Il—what do I want, you sang"
minxi 0h! Jerimityl I‘ve a mighty notion tr.
snatch ye bald-headed fer yer imperdence. in.-
old Sal Slap, I am, an’ I ’m a screamer, you lit-t:
I’m ther ugliest critter that ever stood up for
woman’s rights, an’ kin lick tber best ten- galouis
that eVer swallered p’izen. Every one’s award
0’ me, fer I’m a terror from the word go. [Twi-
ter kept ther saloon up at Owl Forks, whur my.
repertation stands emblazon on that annals o"

hist'ry, as the furst woman who ever survived '

six days in the town. Fights Well, neow, it"
ye’ve got any stock around hyar, jest poke’ln.
up ter tackle me.”

“Luckily we have no fighting charactersr
around this place,  Slap, and you’ll have to
seek other fields for the rratification of your
pn rilistic prepensities,” oll retorted, grimly.
“ bar’s a town t’other side 0’ the mountains
where you might work up something of a scare.
but you can’t do it here?”

“Ohl ho! ho! ho! ,I can’t, hey!” the gentle-
girl from Owl Forks cried, evidently astonished.
“ So ye ain’t afeard 0’ incl”

“ Not in the least. It would take even a
handsgmer wildcat than you to scare yours
in:

” ut I’m a screamer—a terror-a regular

ioarin‘ python, whose bite is p‘izen, and lung is
ten times worse nor that uv a grizzly !”

" Can’t help that!” Doll re ied, calmly.
"You can scream {our head 0 but it won‘t
have any eflect in t is camp. About the ret-
tiest thing you can do into mount your Ara ml
and seek some more congenial cl .”

“Whoopyl nar a time! I kiln right down
hyor to locate, an} beer I’m goin’ toscmat 1" any
declared, w ith a flourish of her umbre . “ I’m
goin’ fer start an ’owtel w’at is a ’ow.tel, au‘
don‘t ye i'ergit it, nuther.”

“ You‘ll have to locate several hundred rods.
up or down the gulch then, for I own the bot.-
lom hereabouts and have got the papers to
show for itl” Do retorted.

“ 0h: ye hev, bev ye? Neow don’t ye be

uite so smart. I’m goin’ tor build my shebang
319st whar I please, an’ hev got the jmglers to
pay fer a site. Don’t ask no odds uv anybody

o Sal Sin ; the screamer. See that tree, over
yander? at’s where I’m goin’ to erect the
anfler’s Glor l” ‘

And with t is declaration, Hrs. Slap seized
the rein of her burro, and strode pompously
away to the spot indicated. ,

Shprtly afterward, she had a camp - fire
started, and was seen bustling about preparing
an evenin meal.

Denver oll watched her flitting figure, with
a doubtful gum. _

V“ She seems to mean business!” she muttered.
“ What do yon think of her, Prowler?” ,

“ She beats my time i” the old man said, with

a shake of the head. v “She is evidently a hzml
customer to deal with l”
. “ And so she is. Her pedigree isnot unknown
to me. She used tokeep a rum-hole {5p at Owl
Forks, where the worst roughs in the est were
wont tocongregate, and fi ht, drink and gam-
ble. The 01 woman is sai
more than one murder and robbery, and she
spoke the truth, when she said- ,thot ’most every
one was afraid of her. I don’t like the idea of
her locating here, but don’t see how I am 30mg
to help myself.” \ _

“I mpose we give her the bounce!” Little
Bill at in. “Takes me to talk turkey to sech

like er.” , . ,
“ She would scalp on at sight!" Doll Ian bed.
“Bet she wouldn 2 I’ll bnz heran’ Elle

it ravin’uthen, if. she trieg any

shenannigun, ’11 wing her. Blamed ef film
wasn’t gom’ to whale me wi’ the brill"

to have committed ' C

a”)... ., e

 

 

b...” ,,,,

"About Lhc oulytliiug in do is to come to
some terms with hur, and lei. her remain, 1
should judge!” Old Prowler remarked. "It
might prove mon- pl‘ufllablr to your interests
.to keep on the right side of her.“ v

011 careful rtl‘li-climi, Doll ('llllh' In the sumo
conclusion.

She was a rough and umllly 1‘llsitllllt‘l‘.:l.llil
her enmity u as not In 1w dwpisml, fol-should
sine be forced ru Iluil lln- claim. lin-l'u could be
liltle doubt but ulmi slu- uould rczurn with
~:liicient bucking lo l‘l-lllSllllP hursill'.

l

The next morning. while Dull was preparing ;

4

breakfast, Sal Hlup llnliwl lm' hood in at the .
dilul‘.

"\Vvll!" shc douumdml. “;;uili' to sell me a
lluildin’ lol owr youd. r!"

“ (ln Ulll‘ condition!" Doll J‘i‘rlpullduil, slll‘Vt‘) -

lug; hcr sharply. " that is, that you will endeavor
to protect my intervsts by not setting any one
up to usurp my rights to the land in this portion
of the gulch!"

“ Agreed!" Sal replied.
a ton h old screamer!"

“ ' en you can have sulllcient building room
for a thousand dollars l"

“Cheap and!!!” Sui declared, producing a
sack of coin, and counting out gold pieces. " To
save trouble, jest let mo give you a piece 0‘
advice. Go to work ou’ divide off your claim
into small lots. au’ sell ’cm off as fast us ye can.
Ye’ll make mbre’n though yo try to hang outer
the caboodle.”

And so it proved.

The next day a rty ol‘ speculators entered
the gulch, and Do disposed of ten lots fora
thousand dollars each, and still had half a dozen
left, beside the one occupied by their shanty.

This made her and Little Bill feel quite rich,
and the latter took a trip to Boise City to bank
their wealth. ,

In another week a. great change had come
over Little Bill’s Bonanza. All of the lots had
been sold off to advanta ‘e; the gulch swarmed
with strangers; hundrei s of teams were on.
gaged in hauling logs, lumber and provisions;
shanties, cabins and marquees were going up in
every direction. while the hustle and eXCiN-ment
were unprecedented.

Old Sal Slap had importcd a gang of Indians,
and her “Gumle-r‘s Glory,” was up and in full
operation before the end of the first week after
her arrival, the “grand openin ” being cele-
brated by a free tight, during w, ich two men
were killed.

- Autici sting the rush to the new! “strike,”

Doll an Bill had added a large addition to

‘ illicirLShanty, and opencd it as the Bonanza
.ote

Thus run u , like magic, the young city,
and Magic floiike‘d in from the ad jncent mining
re 'ons “.make or break.”

be same heterogeneous class that pulates
all mining excitement-r. came ,to Bill’s onanza,
and within two weeks the camp was literally
red hot, and reared its head aloft with due
in] rtance. .

he ulch panned out well even beyond
Denver ll's claims, and the rock of the moun-
tain sides was found to be impregnated profit-
:ahlv with both gold and silver.

This only added fuel to the fire of enthusiasm,
and the excitement waged Wild. Every sta e
—for they now ran daily—came in laden wi h
humanity, and any sort of eating or sleeping
place was at a premium. I .

One evenin the stage brought in an extra
load, and Ian ed it in front of the Bonanza,
which had already assumed its rank as the lead-
mg hotel—in prices, it may he added, as well as
Impularity. _

Amon the passengers was a man who must
:_u once ave attracted ‘attention anywhere, for
in appearance he bordered somewhat upon the
vxrraordipary. He was fully six feet in hight,
:uuzl as ‘well proportioned as he was tall: his
ugure nevertheless showing evidences of both
-tlje;ntgtli, endurance. and the litheness of great
or) I 

l" fflm' lie was slrikingly haudsom9. after 3'
llJllltf, manly way. his features being W9“
molded and bronzed by exposure to the sun-
ljhs mouth, shaded bv a dashing mustache, was
.nrm yet pleasant in its habitual expression; his
eyes were dark and piercing in their glance: his

r was of a dark brown color, and fell in a
wave. over his shoulders, half-way to the belt.

He also wore a narrow goutee, and in number
of .vem looked to be about thirty-five, though
he Was possibly younger. .

He. was dressed in a half-frontier costume,
consmtin
' pair of andspme top-boots, and met at the

“81:13 by a white flannel shirtpopen at the

“ I’m squm", cf l um

of corduroy breaches, thrust into 'a '

 

Denver Doll‘s, Decoy.

throat. Besides the shirt, he wore a funcifully~
bonded and embroidered buckskin hunting"
shirt and a jaunty sombrero.

His belt contained a pair of handsomel -
mounted six-shalters and a hunting-knife, whl e
in his hand ln- curried a Winchester rifle that
was fully equal to his belt weapons, in point of
finish.

Taken as a whole ho. was u handsome, dashing
man, whom few could look upon but to admire,
and whom none could pass Without taking a
second look at. . I

After leaving the stage he made his way min
rlu- oflicc. of the hotel, with the evndent inten-
lion of securing accommodations.

Very likely he would have failed, but Denver
Doll, in person, presided behind the counter, and

i hi‘l‘ eyes had rested upon the sport from the

l
l
l
.
l

’Hang it, I allow

s in ‘over the dam l”;

 

lnonwnt he entered the door.

She was a critic of good looks, sofaras they
iimn-rtaiued to the masculine gender, and she
at oncc pronounced the new arrival a very
Adonis.

“(.‘nn 1 secure board and a private room
here. miss!” he asked, as he approached the

‘ (hunter.

“ i will see.” Doll said, referring to the re is-
tcr. “\Ve are full up to the roof every ay
since the excitement began. I have but one
vacant room, and that has two beds in it.” '

“ Well, if you can do no better, [suppose I
shall have in take up with that, providing you
don’t put an objectionable party in with me.”

“ Very well. I will look out that you get at
least a sober and honest room—mate. Terms are
live dollars a day. sir.”

“ Take a Week’s board out of that, then,” and
throwing down a fifty-dollar bill, he proceeded
to write his name. ,

Doll gave him his change, and then looked at
the name. ~

“ Big Buckskin, eh!” she said, in surprise.
“ Indeed, I feel honored to have you as a guvst,
gnd‘will see that you get the best the house uf~
on s!’ ' ,

“ You know me, then .7” he interrogatth

“ ch—by reputation, as a hold and daring
scout and detective. You ma y also have heard
of Denver Doll."

“ To be sure I have, and I am pleased to meut
you. Thought I’d drop over this way to see if
any devil ry needed a check, but it
here I shall find but little to do.”

“ Be not sure of that; there is plenty for both
to attend to. If yOu will wait a moment. 1 will
'call Billy, who will show you to your room.”

She returnml n moment later, accompanied
by Little Bill. who who“ ml the sport lo the room
assigned him.

As they went npv-tuirs, two men, who had

you , :n-v

been unobserved watchers from the veranda of ,

the hotel. turned away an". walked down the
gulch, for street there was none, owing to the
irregularity in the location of the houses. V
i T ese men were two of the Murdock bro-
thers, Jack and Burk, both disguised with false

beards.

“Yes, that was Bi r Buckskin.” the captain
said. “and we‘l‘e in luck. Rnthcr thought he
couldn’t keep away from this cxoitvment. All
we’ve got to donow is to pop him over at lei-
sure.”

“ How are you going to work the job!" Jack
Murdock demanded. “This out-and-Out murder
business is getting devilish distasteful to me l"

“Oh! you’re gettin’ too particular to live.”
the other rowled. “Keep on your kickin’,
you .will, 'til first ye know some one o’ the boys
will prp you over.” , .

Jack uughed recklessly.

“I’ll be cussed if they will!" he returned.

man to get a drop on me.
t ere’s a causeior me to growl.
is got a smell of a share of that thousand

“It takes a sp

hVGn
et W

“'Nor have the rest of the boys. I‘m holding -

it “back .till I bleed old Andre once I ore.
m’ to doxthat, too, before I send

I’m
ig Buck-

“ He won’t unload l”

“ The blazes he won’t! Don’t fool yourself on
that score. There’s a big stake up. as be ad-
mitted hi "self, and he ain’t the man to lose a
puddln’ for the sake o’ savin’ the plums. By the
great eternal !”

“ What’s the matter!" . ‘

Burk Murdock did not reply in words» but
pomted across the gulch, where two men were
standing, engaged in watching a party of miners
busy opempg up a newplacer claim. _

Jack Mu ock whistled. " .

“ Why. that’s his reverend nihs, now!” he
ejaculated. “But who’s the swell along with
him, that supports the side whiskers f” ‘ .

. . l

 

 

 

glohandcd, in one day, up on the Y

'5

"The English nabob what wants Andre’s
daughter, I presume ” the captain said, with
a shrug. (“We‘re disguised. Let‘s go over
there.’,’

Accordingly they sauntered across the gulch,
and aused at a few cos from where Sir
Roya Ri hold was stan 'ng with Jubal Aldre.

Rignol was a haughty, aristocratic-looking
individual of thirty years, with blondo Bide-
whiskers, mustache, and hair, and was elabov
rate] dressed in the finest of clothing, with
jewe s to match.

‘ The cl ' which the miners were opening he
had evi ently purchased, for he was giving oc-
casional directions. ,

The two Murdocks duo attention to either
Riguold or the wiok arson, but were seem-
ingly ea erly interes in the work of the
miners. gi‘heir ears were open, however, and
not without hearing something.

 

“i guess the investment will *pn’y hack a-

small mar ' ,ut least," Sir Royal was saying.
“ I hope y ur daughter will arrive'salel 'with
the money to-ni ht. I might as wel
brought it mysel , as we encountered no road-
ageuts." . ‘ ’ i

“ it is better in her care,” Andre responded,
looking casually around him. "Road-robbers

are less likely to search a woman for vain-g

ables than a man. The stage from  will
reach here before ten o’clock tonight.” _ '
The conversation turned off on other to ion
then, and the two men soon saunteer o to
a newly-finished shanty of more pretensions to
a residence than the rest. and entered it. ,
And the two Murdocks also moved away.
“ D’ye tumble!" the captain asked. .
“ Bet!" was Jack’s response. " Andre's gal

is-comin’ in on the stage to—nig. t. un' is ietchin’ ' V '

the swell’s swag, ’cause he was afeurd ’to {etch
it himself.“ I

“We want a smell at that. 'Theynuy as,

how there‘s- no agents fer the Boise truil.‘bnt l

opiu» we kin show 'em better. Where’s’tho .
's'” . ,

“ Up at old Sal Slap’sl" _ y m.

" \\ hatl b’hv‘s not h re, the old tigrcss?”

“ Of course: The boys nosed _
(in!) u bung-up ranch, called Guzzle'r’a Glory.
(Hind haven for us, too. She hhd it built Wan

eye in biz. in the way 0’ supplyin’ a hidingplacc ' ‘

—.~ecrvt room. y».- know.” ‘ . ,
“Hnmph'. vie may need to use‘it,,,,33ut to
husines». .(io tell the boys to collect on the
B«-is- trail. a mile out, as soon as it‘s,_darki
il‘yotakef" , ;, ,. ' ~
“ In course!"
“Call ‘Cuckoo’!"

.V.
‘l

 

The brothels separated, and wentin , ._
directions. to mature preparations for a stage
robbery. '  x l "

CHAPTEBIV. - ' f‘ 

. A homes mom. I H  .
Ari-an being shown to his room, Big 

skindiumiuscd Little Bill before that 

could get a Word in ‘edgewiae. ,

“ Never mind, old boss,” William poppé
muttered as he went down-ataxia,
considers le cha rin.’ “I’ll ‘ out: w
yet. Needn’t fee so mightyb guano
foot. Rnckon you loo ' 0 on as a . ,
a superfluous adjunct, as ll Mei _ ‘ t , win,
you an’ we l‘ve beam tell 0’ kids rd a”! bank
account. Wait till you want some late
——oh. won’t I freeze ye will-the
Bet 1 wall! Just like Doll y togoglt
on that giant, too. I‘ll
furs: time I get a chance.

The Bonanza had a

 
   

sweet

dice, were allowed therein. ,
Litth Bill usuall ofliciated durin
dispenser of goodcheer, while‘ ,
too his place after sunset, when Itram;
more brisk. v \' . , ,
'l'l‘hat ositinn the venerable detective W
W en
Big Buckskin to his room.
The room bein vacant

 

for the mhmont, on

Ptowler signaled or Bill.- Who “Pill'oachfidy'mg  ‘
only!” the Englishman ~

a decidedly grum face.
4‘ What’s he mattar I
asked. seeing.' that something had ~ne Fit-Hg;
“ Nothin’,” the bar answered. ‘..Blg,lllmll_.o;l
trod on my mm. "01: yo wont-’1" '

‘ “ Who was that fellow whom you slum c‘d up? ,

stairs‘l”.
“Big Buckskin,"
“ Big Buckskin?
l'Didn't Isay sol

ferye?‘ In uu-flghter-had medicine‘~ccd.
shammjm gensrah Killed 

kayo ‘

her out first; »

turst answcrti' 

p t a digs in her.‘(‘af H

, bar-room and a well,» ‘ .-
stookad bar, but no games of any kindA ricth ‘

id“ "5. 

ill entered the saloon, alter chudhcting . g i

Want me to write itdown ‘

reds;  '
among?  ‘ '

i‘lflerent‘y'c ' i '

 

 

; 6

 

“ Bill, you are an inveterate liar!”

“Git out! ’Twer’ red-birds he killed."

And with a triumphant whistle, the "‘ pro-
prietor” of the Bonanza swaggered Out of the
‘omce" for a walk around town, leaving Old
Prowler to'deliberate over the situation.

 

In the mean time Big Buckskin had locked his
doorand thrown himself upon the apology of a
bed with a. yawn, for a long ride in the lumber-
inilstage coach had wearied him.

9 soon dropped oil? into a refreshing sleep,
and did not awaken until the supper gong
sounded, when he made a hasty toilet and went
down-stairs.

To his satisfaction he was given a table apart
from the rest of the gussts, at which he was
later joined by Denver Doll, whose fair checks
were prettili flushed, and who looked very at-
tractive in or habitual neat costume of male
attire. 4

. “ This privacy I deem an exceptional honor,

fair hostess,” the sport remarked, graciouslyi'

“ not to mention your own company, which
am proud to have. I believe I should have felt
decidedly awkward at the other tables, but now

I feel so reassured that I can eat as‘much as a,

starved grizzly.”

"Perha I have made an unprofitable move.
. then, considerin the high rice of provender,”

Doll laughed, jo ingl . " oyou contemplate
remaining here lon ,..{ir.—Mr.—”

“ Call me simply uckskin,” he added. “Yes,
. I propose tolie around loose until I can t on
.the sure trail of the notorious Murdock roth-
era. .1 have sworn to’ break up the gang, and
athei- expect the excitement will attract them

re.

“, I can perhaps be of service to you, then. I
am of the opinion that they are in camp now.”

Bi Buckskin stared.

“ on know them i" he demanded.

“Not all,” Doll replied; “but to-night when
ou were registering I observed two rough-
inkin fellows staring in at on through the
open cor, and saw them exc ange what ap-
peared to be significant glances. After you
went up-stalrs they left. Both were reddish
. I at the time concluded were

Elf Buckskin whistled' .

“ doubt not but what you are right,” he

said. “The Murdocks are much my sworn
enemies as I am theirs. 'lhat they are here
ahead of me, however, is something of a sur-
prise. They no doubt calculated ssregards the
excitement in the same way I did. I will look
around this evening.” ,

.“ Are you not afraid of a shot in the dark?"

“No. I have been shot at more times than I
am years old. They can plug awn at my form
as much as they like, as long as t ey don’t get

. above the top of my shoulders.”

“ Ah! then you wear some protective ar—
ran$ment beneath your clothing?"

“ a, a suit of the finest and strongest mail
-—a present from an old Russian officer whom I
chanced to meet a few yearé agfi.”

“ Well, I wish you success. you need any
assistance call on me.”

. “ I will, for I have heard much of your daring
and could not ask for a greater defender. Are
malame'hmw t f thf 1 ti

- , es, excep or m on u appreu ce,
Billy. The boy is quite- {sygood as any detec-

tive; in many r , ts better than a man.” .

After supper t e sport bade her mod-evening,

and ii hting a cigar which he purchased of Old

Prow or at the bar. he sauntered out to see the

sights of Little Bill’s Bonanza by lamp-light, if

such were there.
And there were. '
Several dance-houses and gaming-houses had

already 0 had up, but they possessed no at-

tentions or the sport, whoI merely glancedin.
BalSla ’s “ Guuler’s Glory,” however, can ht

hifim on, and out of curiosity he enters .

to

The long saloon was filled with the worst
characters of the male persuasion that had
looked to the camp—men whOSe wretched lives
. were pho phed in their faces, and whose
evil expressions were a mirror‘s reflection of
their hearts. . -

The centh of attraction, however, was a giant
who occupied the center of the floor and was en-
gagedlna noisy breakdown to the music of a
wheezv aceordeon. .

Big Buckskin was manifestly a large man as
compared with the ordinary run. of human
beings, but even he paled into insignificance as
compared with the typical bullwhacker, who,
wig; be danced, roared like a lion in its native
Ju e. » ;u

' Denver Doll’s, Decoy;

“ Heer am I-old Gulliver, right up from Lil-
liput—the same old nubbin’ 0’, corn what et tuk
hull armies to capture. It’s me, an’ no dispute.
and I’m down here on purpose to get m. old
sheet-iron copper-lined b’iler full 0 bug- nice.
Goln’ to treat, hubby ?”

He addressed his remark to Big Buckskin, on
whom his eyes had instant] become fixed.

Buckskin did not reply, ut turned his gaze
away, for, although by no means afraid of any
man he had ever met, he had no desire to enter
into a quarrel, nor did he desire to humor a man
whose every lineament betrayed the human
beast in glowing colors.

Bur Gulliver from Lilliput, as he styled him-
self. did not pro ose to let him off, evidently,
for he swaggere up with ashow of braggadocio
and lared at Big Buckskin with a leer.

“ id ye beer me articulate a minnit ago?” he
growled, fiercely. “ Did ye heer me ax ye war
ye goin’ to treat?" '

‘1‘ llbelieve I heard you i” Big Buckskin replied,
ca m y.

‘é’ph! ye did, did ye? Waal, what ye goin’ to

o

“ Nothing at all.”

“Oh! ye’re stingy, aire ye? Waal, I ain’t.
I’m old Gulliver from Lilliput, I am; so come
up and drink wi’ me.”

“ Thank you, but I do not care for anythingl”

“ But I say yes I” the giant roared. -

“ And I say no!” Buckskin replied, coolly and

firmlv.

“Then, durn ye
galoot as won’t wet
got to fight!” .

This declaration very naturally elicited a
murmur of applause from the rough audience
congregated within Sal Slap’s saloon.

To their crime—hardened natures nothin
of greater pleasure than a bloodthirsty
between tWO human beings for mastery.

Such fights between or inary men were of
nightly occurrencs in the den; but a stru gle be-
tween two men like Big Buckskin and ulliver
promised to be of more than usual interest.

Huge and ponderous was the'gian‘. but many
a discerning eye in the room saw qualities in the
nervy figure of the handsome sport that were
wanting-in the cumbrous giant.

Big Buckskin received the declaration of his
huge confronter with as much coolness as he had
manifested in anewering his questions, not a
change of expression in his face denoting any
alarm on his part.

“ Did ye beer me?” Gulliver roared again.
a Efiye wgn’t drink you’ve gpt to fight, you lit-

e p my.

“ hen, fight it is,” Big Buckskin replied,
cool] ., “Take my advice, man,_snd mind your
gwnmnuslness, or, ten chances to one, you’ll get

“I

The giant paused a moment, in a half-squat-
ting position, and glared in a puzzled way at the
sport. Then he burst into such a gdflaw as
made the house fairly tremble.

“ You hurt me. the unconquerable, famous
Gulliver from Lilliput l—you. tech a leetle suck-
ling babe! Why, pilgrim, I’ll fight 1you single—
handed. I want ye ter try to to ck me. I
W313}? yertoknock some 0 the conceit out 0’
me. .

“ That’s easy enough done !” Buckskin replied;
and before any one had any idea of his uten-
tion, he sla Gulliver across the mouth with
the flat of 9 hand.

The blow was delivered with: startling quick-
ness and terrible force, the report being audible
in any portion of the room.

So sudden was it that it took the Goliah by
surprise, and upsetting his equilibrium caused
him to roll to the floor. _ . , /

'For a moment he lay panting for breath—-
33:}! sitting up, looked at Big Buckskin with a
r

ou’ve got to 11 ht. An
his whistle wi’ Gi‘illiver ha);

W68
ttle

grin. ,
.“ Dog mgecats, if ye didn’t do that up brown,
- pilgrim!” said, hoarsely. “ Done me more

good than a cactus thorn in a glass 0’ bad habit.
Tell ye what I’ll do—bet ye can’t hit me again.”

“ I have no'desire to do so, as long as you be-
have yourself,” Buckskin replied, sternly. “ If

to knock your
luck to yourself.”
Saying which he walked across the room to
the bar, and purchased a fresh cigar and lit it.
As he did so Gulliver raised himself from the
goor and shook himself like some great shaggy
0g. '
l

down your throat.

sw ermg up to the sport, “you an‘ I ain’t
thru yet. I allow I ain’t got nothin’ a ’in’ you,

 

an’ I want ye to 'polergi'zc like a man.” .

l

I

face.

you bother me agzin however, I shall endeavnr.
eth

.here, pardner.” he said, once more‘

nohow, but, all the same. you’ve ins ted me, '

 

“I am not aware that I owe you any apology
whatever!” Big Buckskin retorted. “ You
wanted the conceit taken out of you. and 1 en—
deavored to accommodate you; but I see that
you have a plenty left.”

. “Bet I have, pilgrim! I’m a roarin’ rhinos—
seross, I am—a re ’lar terror uv the desert, wi‘
no one to dispute t at I’m the king of beasts. l
axed ye to drink, an’ ye sla. ed me in the
mouth for my pains. J umpiu’ upiter, thet hire
r’iled me, stranger, an’ I want satisfaction.
Wull ye be a gentleman, an’ step inter a ring
wi’ me?”

“If you demand redress you shall have an
opportunity to get it."

“ Waal, I do. ’

“Then it is settled. .How shall it he? Are
we to be quits hereafter, or shall I be compelled
to do the job for you now?”

“Ef ye kin knock me out 0’ time, pilgrim,
dog my cats of we won’t shake hands over it
and sw’ar friendship andgood will toward one
another forever!" the giant declared, with a
flourish.

“Then, gentlemen, will some of you'kindly
chalk out a ring?” Buckskin asked, calmly.
“ Mr. Gulliver, get readyl” .

The ring was quickly made ready for the con-

test. .
The ' nt then began his preparations
watch with interest by the crowd. He first

went to the bar and took a tremendous horn of
whisky, evidently as a “ bracer,” to nerve him
up for what he knew must come, then he di-
vested himself of all‘his garments except his
trowsers, and thus stepped into the ring.

Big Buckskin had stood leaning against the
bar, idly watching his opponent’s preparations,
but his eye kindled with admiration as he be-
held the massive muscular figure of the border
Briareus.

“ Come!” that worthy roared, glaring at the
sport with self-conscious pride; “ye ain’t
a-goin’ to weaken, are you?” ’

‘ If I do, it is for the first time in my meet,”

Buckskin replied, relighting his cigar, tipping, '

his but back upon his head, and stepping for~

ward.

“ Wh in thunder don’t ya hurry up and get
ready t en '1" Gulliver demanded: ‘ I’m anxious
to git at ye!" , ‘ ,

‘ I am ready. Step into the ring, and square
yourself!“ ,

The giant looked his surprisel '

“What? Ain’t ye goiu ter strip?” hevasked’.
seeming to feel a_ little uneasy.

“There is no need of that!” Buckskin de:

‘clared. “I can hit just as hard a blow with my

duds on as oil’.” ,
Gulliver shut one eye, and reviewed his oppo—
nent speculatively.

“ See hyarl” he cried, “ on wall ex-keuse me, /

but I believe you’re a r eshl”
“ You are wrong. are is nothing ,I detest
more thorou hly than fighting.” , ‘
“Yes, me be: but, t ixt us Lilliputians.
on don’t often 1; left. ow, before we begin
his hyer fun

request.

“ And what is that?” \

“ Don’t peg) me on the smeller.‘ Hit me any -»
where’s else, ut for Beving’s sake don't dislo-
cate my proboscis so i can’t tell good likker'
from bad when I smell of it."_ ' '

“ You must look out for your own horn, my
friendl” Buckskin replied. “If I get a chance
at it, I shall endeavor to make it look the color
of the barkeeper’sl” .

. And he nodded toward Sal Slap, who was an
interested spectator.

“Oh! you insultin’ loafer, wait till I, catch
you alone!" she screamed, getting red in the
“ I’ll l’arn ye how to amt insinuations on
an innercent woman’s beautyl?’

Gulliver had good cause to be sensitive in re-
gard to his nasal appends e, for a huge seed-
wart grew upon the end of t, and made it very
tender. ’

“ Come! I’m ready 1” Buckskin called out.
“ Onel twoiithree!” .

At the word the two men came to time in the-
ring. and began a series of feintm experiments,
for the purpOSe of testing each at er’s science.

Although big and clumsy, Gulliver was evi-

dently not an amateur at the manly art, and .

soon succeeded in getting in a light blow upon.
the sport’s left cheek. ,

That was nothing, howaver. The next in—
stant Buckskin’s fist shot against the iant's-
left optic with terriblevelocity and {o owed:
with a companion blow against his nose.

To say that Gulliver dropped, would be ex~ L

rcssing it mildl . He went down, literally.
‘like a thousan of brick,” and lay stretched

, I want to make one partin‘ ’

 

l .
i
l.

~,r\._.o;

\‘fi.

‘i!

 

o.

 

Denver Doll’s Decoy.

 

 

out at full length, groaning and pressing one
hand upon the nasal organ, while his eye as-
sumed a discolored appearance.

“That’s enuil’l“ he howled. “ I ain’t a. bed-
bug—I’ve got one taste. and that’s enufll”

A cheer rung out through the room.

At the same instant there came the report of
a pistol. and a bullet whizzcd unpleasantly close
to Big; Buckskin‘s head.

Looking quick‘y around, he beheld a young
Indian in the act of skulking from the saloon.

With a leap that would have astonished many

a professional, he reached the door just in time'

to seize the redshin by his scalp~lock, and jerk
him back into the room!

Planting his foot on the would-be assassin's
breast, he drew a revolver, and cooked it.

“So you thought you were going to get ofl’
easy, you infernal cutthroat?” he cried, a wild
gleam in his eyes. “You should have known
better than to attempt the life of Big Buck-
skin!" '

He then turned to the crowd that flocked
around. ‘

“ Gentlemen, can any of you inform me who
this red heathen is?”

“ That’s Red Eagle, from Boise!” a miner said.
“ He’s a sneak-thief and rascal, and you can’t
do better than finish him!" ‘

A sudden thought came into the Sport’s mind
just then, for be thrust the muzzle of his re-
yolver against the Indinn‘s temple, a fierce glow
In his black eyes. -

“See here, red-skin!” he hissed, “your life
depends upon your truthful answers to my
questions. If I detect you in the suspicion of a
he, I’ll blow your brains out where you lay.
Do you hear me, you rod rascal?"
t_The savage bobbed his head, in the aflirma-
ive.

“Then, see that you answer me truthfully.
Who putdvou up to shoot me ?”

“Nobo y!"

:2 Take care! Are you lying?”

Red Eagle nebber lie 1’

2‘ What did you. shoot at me for, then!"
pa ‘l‘fo'glke pale-face. Kill many Red Eagle’s

op e.

“Get out! That’s no excuse. Do you know
the Murdocksi”

The red skin started.

2: Bear of ’em!” he replied.

Do you know them?” the sport repeated,
fiercely. .
“fight some I”

“ I thought so. They set you on. Where are
the now?”

" Dunno!” '

“ Look out i”

“ Red Eagle think um in mauntains."

“ Where’s their ranch i"

" Dunno! nebber there i”

" They want my life don’t they!”

“ T’ink so!”

"And you allowed by killing me, you could
get paid for it?"

“Ugh!”

I Big Buckskin put his revolver in his belt, and
rléed the savage to his feet, by his scalp-
oo .

“Now, you red devil, I’ll give you ten min-
utesto leave the camp. If I catch you here
again, I’ll shoot you I” r

The Indian was in no wise 10th to obey, and
made his exit from the shanty, in a manner
more hasty than graceful.

Having seen sufficient of Guzzler’s Glory for
one'night. Big Buckskin soon after left the
place, and returned to his room at the hoteL

“ The Murdocks are after me in earnest,
new i” he muttered, “ but they’ll find me as wide
awake as ever. Once I get them broken _up, I
will bid adieu to this wild country, and return
to the home that knew me In my earlinboy-
hood. Yet. I can hardly bear to go ow-
hg that I have an only son buffeting somewhere
about this world, perhaps without a home or
friends. Something tells me, too, that I am go-
ing to see Agnes. God forbid, for very likely
she has forgotton me, in all these years we have
been separated.” ' '

He lay for some time upon his bed, but a feel-
ing of restlessness had possession of him and
sleep failed to come to his eyes. The room
seemed to be close. and it was with difficulty he
could get his breath. -

Finally, in a spirit of desperation, he arose.
and went down-stairs, where he prooured a glass
of wine. at the bar.

Old Prowler eyed him, with a strange ex-,
pression, while he drank. '

“ Excuse me," he said as'the sport set down
his glliass, upon the counter, “ but you are called
Big uckskin, are you-not?” .

“ I opine that‘s about the ticket, my friend,”
Buckskin replied. “ Why do you ask 9” .

“ Merely out of curiosity. In your features I
perceive some resemblance to a person I once
knew. Strange, ain’t it. how memory will
carry faces back into the pastl”

"True for you 1” Buckskin returned. “I
often see a face that reminds me of some friend
in da_ 5 gone-by.” .

“ on have another name?"

“ lVell, yes; but I don’t have much occasion
to use it. Big Buckskin is more popular out in
this country than plain Joe Wilton; so I hang
to the first.” '

“ I see. You must have had an eventful life.
Sometime, when you have nothing to do, I
should like you to give me a brief sk tch of it."

“Thank you. Some day when I have the
blues I may be able to accommodate you.”

Just then the stage from Boise City dashed
u to the door, and the stentorian voice of old

ank Hill yelled:

“ Little Bill’s Bonanza! Pile outl”

Big Buckskin sauntercd out upon the veranda
to look at the new arrivals, and was there joined
by Denver Doll. A v

“ No accommodation here for this crowd,” she
said, laughingly, as the passengers left the
stage. “ Ah! what‘s that—a stage robbery?”

The word ' “road-agents” was passing from
mouth to mouth as the passer] era alighted.

" What is it, Hank?” Doll a ed, as the driver
approached her. i ,

"Ohl nuthin’ much!” the veteran granted.
“A gang 0’ agents halted us a mile out, and
cleaned out the wealth. Not much less, ’cept
the gal yonder, who got cleaned out of a heap
of paper money.” V

he eyes of Denver Doll and Big Buckskin
turned toward the coach, and the John paSsed
on. i

A woman, young and beautiful, and well
dressed, had just alighted, and was gazing
about her excitedly, evidently expecting some
one.

The bronzed face of Big Buckskin turned pale,
and he stepped from the veranda to her side.

ghAgnesl”dlm sialild, in a. low tone. d him

9 turne w t a gasping cry, an gave
a startled look.

At the same time a man sprun forward,
pushed Buckskin back, and c his am
about the lady’s waist. -

“Avast! ou rumanl” he cried addresing the
Buckskin port. “ How dare you insult an un-
protected ladyi” .

For an instant the sport did not answer; he
was white and speechless with rage; the next
instant he sprung forward, and tearing the
man—who was Sir Royal Rignold—fromrthe
lady’s side, he raised him high above his head,
by the power of hismight arms, and for-an
instant held him there in a orizontal position,
crying in tonesclear and stem:

‘Cfiu'ses on you, Royal Rignold.. I‘ll show
you vghat authority I have to address that wo-
maul
, The next instant he hurled the Englishman in
a heap to the ground.

At he same time J ubal Andre appeared upon
the scene, and comprehending the situation,
hurried his daughter away to the shank

Leaving the victim of his anger lg in a
stunned condition upon the ground.
skin turned to the crowd. ' _ .

“Gentlemen l" he said, quietly; “if that
puppy calls for satisfaction, some one of you
please bring the intelligence. lshall be moat
a p to accommodate him." -

gtin white with passion, he turned and en-
tered the hotel. _ .

Denver Doll followed him. and caught his
coat-sleeve just as he was about to ascend the
stairs.

“Hold up!” she said, her. gaze meeting 1113.
“I want you to answer me one question?”

“Well?”

“ Who was that woman?”

He laughed bitterly.

“A stone—a viper, and best of all, a woman
who will never interfere With my great respect
and admiration for you l” .

Then he went.upstnirs.

CHAPTER V. ‘
rim DESERTED GIRL-WIFE.

No incident worthy of detail happened during
the remainder of that night, except at the B0-
nanza Hotel. ‘ , .,

The bruised Sir Rignold had been picked' up
and conveyed to Jubal Andre’s shanty by .a
party of sympa‘thizing miners, and the remain-
der of the evening was spent in discussing the

ig Buck-

 

 

two main topics—namely: the ‘stage robbery,

.\..

> surprise.

 

'7

 

and the strange proceedings in front of Bo. .

nanza. . ~
As for Denwr Doll, she moved about her

prosperous establishment, superintending things

with her habitual pleasant demeanor: but an
intimate acquaintance might have noticed that
there was a more vivid flush upon her cheeks
to-night than usual, and that she was somewhat
less vivacious. ,

She waitoil expectantly for a messenger from
Sir Royal Iiignold very naturally, >urmising'
that he would send a challenge to Big Backskin;

but in this she was agreeably disappointed, for '

no challenge put man a pcarmicc. ,

Toward midnight, w en she “as about to
close u for the night, a ragged, haggard w.)-
man, arefooted and bleeding from brier'
scratches, and carrying a six~months‘ old babe
in her arms, entered the bar-room, of which the
Detective Queen was the sole occupant.

In yards the new-comer had evidently not»
passed far into her teens; but the attenuation of
her figure, baggardn‘ess of her face, and wildly
weaned expression of her eyes, told better than
words that she had undergone long and exquis~
ite suffering. ‘

She approached the‘bar, behind which Denver '

Doll was standing, with a faltering step,as if
she was afraid of being repulsed.

Denver Doll, despite her own young life, had
seen much of the sinfulness and suffering of the
world, and withal had as tender a heart as ever
beat within the breast of woman. »

Quick and discerning, intense and. critical to
a fault, she was last of all persons to turn from.
a fellow-creature because that one had fallen
into the painful clutches of poverty and mic:
fortune.  .. '

It was no wonder, then, that her heart went
out for the pitiful-looking, girl—mother, with her
suckling ba . ‘

“Please ma’am, would yes he so kind to ‘ve
me a drink of wather, and if yes have a bit of
supper yez could ive me for the like av that.
shuix'g the Virgin ry and the saints will bless

ez

with a wistful glance. ‘ , ,

Denver Doll took it up, and examined it, with
curiosity.

“Where did you at this?” she asked. ‘

“ Share, lady, I idn’t stale it,” the woman
replied, with a half sob.
me weddint. from me husband what has gone
far away and left me." ’ . ,

The locket was a costly aflair, of heavy gold
set with real diamonds and pearls. .

(’ln opening it Doll could scarcely conceal her
On one side was the picture of a fair
young girl~evidently that of the poor homeless
creature who now waited without the bar. The
revrrse picture was the face of a man, and it
wagghat which surprised Doll, for she had seen
1 ore.

r. -
“Have you any idea of the value ofthia , '

locket, lady?” Doll asked. ‘ ' a
_ ‘v‘ Shurel Lhave not!" was the reply. “It's
little I know about jewelry at on.” «

“Well 1 should sny‘so. To say the least, the i ’

chain andlooket are worth two hundred dol-
lars!” ‘

The woman uttered asurprised cry but her I

face clouded, when Doll handed it back to her.
“ Won’t yez take it!" she asked.
“ By no means. Take it and never part‘witll
it. You can have your supper free. Wait a.
moment.”

Shelwent into a rear apartment a momenu,

but ac on returned.

"Let me have the baby and come with me’
“- on can eat there. :

to my room,” she said.
You must be tired I know; and, besidesJ‘vo
some clothing to give you." ‘

The Irish girl uttered a prayer for_all the ‘

saints to preserve her benefactress, and. 
surrendered her, babe and followed. ‘

Once up in Denver Doll’s room, a transfer»,

mation was inaugurated and Nellie Kelly as
she gave her name, was sbon comfortably clad
in full suit of female attire of serviceable g

which Doll had long, since discarded for her

masculine dress. - _ . > . \
The astonishment and gratitude of the poor ,

'rl would behard to describe; and her own
anguage was certainly inadequate to express
it. «

Next came the su per, served by one of the
Detective Queen’s hiuese servants and after
it was‘nll over, Nellie kneeled at the feet of
Deni? 'Doll, and sobbed out her heartfelt
than .

/

And she laid a locket and. chain upon the bar. g

“It was theglft at ‘

 

. 1‘"; _

 

 

“God bless'yeal”. she said, in conclusion. . V v L

“You are the loudest wan I’ve met in many a .

long day. ” . v -

’SW‘tfmfi-"NW‘ www.mW-cw em.m*_<.w-~man_.m._.~. rm...— .,.. .-_ n-___w,-__.._nn..-~_..

 

. unhappy.

' room, closely, and «loss

'v'seentlie

Denver Doll’s Decoy.

 

 

 

 

" Do not feel bad, but cheery and good like
in self. I’ve had some tough trials in my time,
w ich none but myself and God knows of; but
1 locked ’em up in my heart, with a resolve to
face the cold world  ith a bravo front. We
,ma be bitterly wronged, dear, but if we do
ri t as our conscience directs us, we‘ve the sat-
is action of knowing that we'll scoop in th | win—
ning deal over our enemies, at the end of the
game—but maybe you don’t understand our
vernacular phrases. Nevertheless, I want you
to tell me of your past-«why you are here—
everything i"

Nellie looked up into her face, wouderingly,

“ Phat yez want to know for?” she asked.

“ Because you have caused me to be interested
in,you. Why are you here, alone and in desti-
tute circumstances, so far from your native
country?”

“ Shore, it’s searchin’ for me husband, I am."

“ Your husband, eh? Is be here, in the West,
my dear?”

. "‘ Faith, ma‘am, but he is. He thought he
could dodge simple Nellie; but, bless the good
Saints, I was sharper than he thought.” I

“ He ran away and left you, then?"

“ He did, but I had a bit of money saved up,
an’ I followed in the next ship!”

“Good for you! Where do you expect to

find your husband?”

"Shure the last place he wint was to Bias
(‘ity Ithmk." - I V

“ ise City, you mean.” 1

“That’s it. Irun' out av money at Freer’s

‘ Ford, and had to foot it.”

“And, Nellie, why is it you pursuethis man,
who is so unfaithful s"
“The div'il only knows, mum, only I want to

V git the likes of a glance at him. once more, and

prevint him from foolin’ any other girl.”

“Good! I’ll help you.”

“Phat?” ,

“ I’ll help you. If you will promise me to
remain in my care, and obey my advice, I’ll
make you the happier, by making your husband

I’ll also compel your usband to pro-
vide for our future.” ~

"Yez l'do this?" A

" Yes. But you must Ipromise to stay in this

instruct you. I think
1 can work up a good case here, that will please
more than one.” .

"May the saints preserve you! I Will do
«vervthing phat yvou say."

“ Ver Well. You can occupy this room with
me. andyl will  that you are rightly cared
for. Will on loan met 0 locket. to work out”

“Share will. But yez don’t know me'hns-
band’s name?” -

“Yes, I do. It is Royal Rianold!"

“The saints name us, but how did yes learn
the likes of that?’ . _ ' '

“Oh! I saw him twice to night-0mm in life,

V '. Alnd Once in the locket.”

" Och! he’s not here?”

“ Yes—but, you must stay right here, until I
get read to use on against him.”

“I wi do asp ’azes yez. Yez have been good
to me.” .

‘9 It’s a bargain. then. I will now go down

I and close up for the night!”

She descended to the office, where she found
waiting no less a personage than the redoubt-
able Gulliver from Lilliput, whom Big Buckskin
had met at Sal Slap’s “ Guzzler’s Glory.”

, CHAPTER VI.
I A GLmPsu or. THE GAME.
11‘ was the flrst time DenVer Doll had ever
t, and 'she stared at him for a mo—
nm with amazed incredulity.

Gu liver smiled his sweetest smile, courtesied,
'nnd scraped his foot in true Chesterfield style,
and then spake: ‘ . I

- “ Belowd maiden, heholdest thou me?”

- “ Well I should snicker!” Doll re lied, with a
low lau . “ Any one that coul n‘t discover
such a y-speck as you, ought to be imprisoned
'm an eye and ear infirmnry. Yen take the rag
ott’n the bush l"

 

“No, beautiful sissy, I never war guilty of/

theft, ’cept once in my bloomin’ youth, when
.Istole the luv from the buzzom o the belle of
Chicago. I war party, then; but alas! leaves
fade, when autumn tickles ’em, an’ flqwerets
fade, when frost nips ’em. Dy’c see this nose,

' sissy?”

“Yes!” - l

“ An’ this discolored organ of sight?"

“ You bet!” v ‘

“Waal, but a few hours ago, both were fair
to view, but the blighting hand of a son-of-a-sea-
cook fell upon them, in two fell swmps. and
lefz the indelible results you behold. Don’t you

 

 

7- ’ "

think such a person orter be lynched fer such

an outrageous assault on a poor, homeless
orphan?”

“ To be sure he ought ” Doll replied greatly
amused, and wondering how she was to get rid
of the overgrown ruflian.

“ That’s what I think!" Gulliver went on.
“ And yet, here you keep that same galoot
under yer roof, the same as if he was a prince!”

“ I don’t know who ye mean 1”

" Ye don’t! Don't know nothin’ about a chap
called Big Buckskin?”

“’ 0h! do you mean him?”

“ Bet I do! He’s the chap what did the busi-
ness for me. Jerusalem Jericho! didn’t he polish

"Glad of if 3” Denver Doll declared. “Big
Buckskin is my mash, you know I" with a
luu l.

“ 0rd help you! ef he meshes you in the
same stylehe did me; you won’t be so pur'ty as
you aim now."

“ But he won’t. And now, if your interview
is concluded, I will close up she J." l

“ But it ain't. I want to see but aire fellow
that slugged 'me in the eye and mashed the corn
on my nose!"

" You can’t see him i"

“ But I will see him!”

“ But I say you shall not!"

The giant stared at her for a moment, as if
doubtful whether she meant it or not; then,
turning, he strode toward the door on reaching
which he turned and tipped his ha , with comiv
cal suavity.

“ Ta, ta! daisy—I go, as went forth the toads
from Ireland. As Grandad Gulliver said to the
Liliiputians. I cannot comprehend the strange-
ness of these people.”

.And in a moment more he had vanished from
View. '

‘me, though I”

Quite satisfied with the number of incidents of.”

the day, Doll closed up the Bonanza and retired
for the night. , .

With the dawning of the next day, the topic
of the stage robbery was revived, and genera ly
discussed. A number of the principal claim
owners held a meeting to adopt some measures
for breaking up the gang of desperadoes, at the

start.

After due consultation it was decided that no
better plan could be ado ted than to organize a
P'igiéance Committee, an put a solid man to the

ron . -

“ Among those whom I judgement competent
to take command,” one miner said, “is the
noted outlaw hunter, Big Buckskin!”

“ A ood choice!” affirmed another. -

“ Bu I object!” at in Jubal Andre, who he
managed to work imself into the conference.-
‘f’I‘hat fellow is a rascal,and has a notoriety
second to‘none for wickedness.” ' I

“ Have you an personal interest, sir,” a
miner asked, “in t is appointment?"

“ No." was the answer, “but my prospective
eon-in—law may have.”

“ We are not considering prospective son-in-
laws, nor personal spites," the miner mid.
“We will take a vote on the matter. among
ourselves. who are most- interested, and if the
result is in favor of the scout, we will give him
the charge.” '

With is .sup ressed growl, Juba! Andre separ-
ated himself row the caucus, realizing that that
was no time for his protest. .

A vote was taken, and it was unanimously
agreed that Big Buckskin should he waited
u n, and asked to take the chieftaincy of the
\ lantes at Little Bill‘s Bonanza.

n the mean time J ubal Andre returned to his I

shanty, and found Agnes and Sir Royal playing
chess in the front room. The latter was white
and nervous, and had his left arm in a sling
and his head bandaged: ’

“Well! did you find'out who the ,puppy was
who assaulte me, Parson Andi-e? he asked,
grimly.

“I did,” the other replied, with a glance at
Agnes, which was full ritsigniflcance; , '

“He is a border milieu of the boldest type.
and is known as Big Buckskin.” .

“Humph‘. I have resolved to challenge the
fellow to fight me with swords. I am an expert
at fencing, and am satisfied that I could run
him through. But do you know, friend Andre,
that. there is one thing which puules me?”

“ Eh? Something that puzzles you? What
is it‘pray ‘3”

“ hy, you me, it seems so deuce-d strange
that the fellow should call my darling Agnes by
her mom» and then. likewise, call me! by my
naniel”. ‘

" That I can easily explain, Sir Royal. This

\

V

 

man
another rascal, who awhile ago attempted to
blackmail me, with a view of cxtorting money.
They had a confederate in my house in the per-
son of a servant, whom I afterward discharged.
It seems their game is young yet. They evi-
dently propose to make money out of me at all
hazards. and their knowledge of some of my
family affairs probably caused the trouble last
night. I won (1 advise you to let the matter
drop. for your life is too valuable to be laced
at the mercy of one of these ruthless rder
ruflians.”

“Oh! dear Sir Royal, please don’t think of
running the risk of your life,” A es cried
imploringly. “ Life would be a blan to me it"
you were taken off.”

“Then rest your heart, my betrothed, for I
will submit to your judgment!” the English-
man averred.

Later, when Sir Royal had retired to his
room, Jubal Andre still sat in the parlor, in
com any with his fair but false daughter.

“ t is he, then!” she was saying, her eyes
bent upon the carpet. ‘

“Yes, and we have got to play our cards
cleverly, or he will be of great dam to us.

Did you count Sir Royal’s money be ore you .

were robbed?"

“ Yes. There were ten thousand dol—"

“ Which. all told, was worth perhaps twenty-
flve cents.” .

“ How do you mean?” i

“ I made an exchange a few nights ago—poor
for good. you know.” ’ ‘ I

“ Ah! then—”

“ We are ten thousand in, whether you cap-
ture him or not," ‘ ‘

" I think I can depend on him, if Joe Wilton
does not spoil the thing.”

“ He must not. The Murdocks are here now,
I suspect, and I’ll hurry them up unseen and
can safely See them. Ones Joe Vi ilton is out of
the we , you can sat ,ly marry Sir Royal and
we wil all make aestart for England, and Castle
Chelton, where years ago I served as bailifl in
Sir Hu h Chelton. Strange what ever became
of Sir u h, and that young scapegrace, Sir
Clifford.
Royal, and, as it promises to turn out, a lucky
thing for ourselves."

“Ah! yes: I suppose so. I wish I knew the
fate of my child, however.” ’

“Bah! forget that- you ever had one, or a
husband. Remember that future wealth and
happiness now all depend upon you.”

CHAPTEE v11.

 

, ANDRE BEGINS T0 DOUBT, AND BI‘CKSKIN BIS?

miss so nor.-

Dtriuxo the night of Nellie Roll ’8 arrival
Denver Doll sle t but little, for her ml was too
busy in though for sleep. .

When morning dawned she arose to find that
Little Bill and 01d Prowler had already opened
up for business.

Sending the former on an errand. the De-
tective neen approached the bar, and looking

'upon itt oughtfully, said:

“ Prowler, you say you are an English de-
tective, and. consequently, ought to kl ow every
important personage upon that patch of land
governed b the queens Did you ever hear of a
man unmet Sir Royal Rignoldf” '

“ Yes: I once knew a Royal Rignold: but he
had no Sir prefixed to his name. This he prob-
ably acquired from inheritance.” -

“ Tell me about it, Prowler.”

"Why do you want to know!”

"' For your own good. You told me you were
anxious to find the lost son of a great estate.
Perhpps I can be of a deal of assistance to
you. '

“ Think you so? Then I will enlighten you a
little, though I do not curate-throw the whole
business into your hands. The estate of Chelton
Castle belonged to Sir Hugh (Shelton up to the
time of his strange disappearance. After him, it
should have descended to Sir Cliflord, his run‘

' away son;. but, he being absent and dead to the

world, it fell to he next of kin, his cousin,
Royal Rig‘nold. May I ask what you know
about the case, more than what [have told you?"

,, “ Very little. I have gathered in some points,
however, and were on to put the matter en-
tirely in my hands, believe I could make a.
success out of it.” ‘ /

“ I fear not. Were Sir Clifford found, even, V

after so many years. it would be hard to rein—
state him, since Sir Hugh is dead,-end he would
hare difficulty in proving his identity."

" Did he not have some birth-mark, or some
family relic in his possession ht the time of
leaving home?“ y‘ .. ‘

. ~ . ‘ 1 V
l ’ \

.
it seems, has been in cooperation with

t was a. lucky thing anyhow for Sir \

,.~._._.,__.._._..-._.w.__-....._l~_ __ Ms-.- ..»........

/
' r

 

" He had the royal arms pricked in his arm in
two colored inks, when a boy. It may not have
worn away, if he still be living.”

"Likely not. Through the agency of certain
facts that have come into my possession, I be-
lieve I can not only soon find the lost heir, but
prove the iisurper a rogue and a rascal. Give
me s”ole charge of the case, and I will cipher it
out.

“ Well, if you think you can do it, go ahead—
l‘_m- willing, Hir Clifford back again in his
rightful position, 1 can aflord to pay you well
for our work."

“ aui not so particular about the pay. 4 It is
more for the purpose of righting a great wrong
that I crave the job, than for any other reason,
I assure you. You spoke once about J ubal An-
dre. Has he any connection with the case?”-

“ Not directly. He was once the bailiff of old
Sir Hugh—years ago. He, however, stole ten
thousand pounds in gold from Sir Hugh, and fled
to this country, where he is living still, accord-
ing to all accounts. ”

‘ Yes; he is even here in the gulch, I have
‘turned. in company with his daughter and Sir
Royal Rignold. ’

“ How know you this?”

“ No matter; I have learned so."

“ Then you may be sure there is some deviltry
brewing.”

“ I believe it is the intention of Sir Royal to
wed Andre’s daughter.”

“ That must never be! No Andre shall ever
queen it at Castle Chelton while I can prevent

it I I think too much of old Sir Hugh to allow '

Hm! I” .

"Sir Royal cannot legally wed again,” Den-
ver Doll said quietly. “ He has one wife liviu
already, as I can prove. But leave it to me; [’1
make a grand dP‘lqummt, are long, that will
surprise several persons at least.”

She then turned away, and Old Prowler
watched her curiously until she had disappeared
Within the office.

“ A queer girl, but mighty shrewdl”he said
to himself; “and 1 shall not be sur rised if she
wprks the case better than I could o it myself.
would. to Heaven Sir Clifford could meet and
win this queenly American girl, to take back as
his bride to Castle Cheltonl”

UJubal Andre, althnuih he had, while in Boise
Lity, eudeavured to c oak his sins under the

_ lilltinllie of pretension’of being a minister of the
hospel, was at heart an errant rascal of the first

water, with a power for scheming'rarely if over
Ml rpassed.

_Aftor the termination of his interview with
ln~ daughter, he set out into the gulch once

'iuore, his brain in a whirl over the many

thoughts that were flitting across his mind. In
mith. he was not a little worried over the fact
that matters were getting rather unpleasantly
personal.

Big Buckskin was in the‘campl '

So was Sir Royal Righnld, w 10 was quick to
form suspicious when foul play was laid in prep-
arggionhfioggiim.

. on 9 sport and the En lishmau meet.
.liibal Andre felt positive that 50518 word would
tall from the lips of the former that would
knock in the head all of his (Andre’s) plans for

vniaking his daughter the Lady of Chelton Cus-

tie.

it therefore was most important that there
should be no delay in the removal of the sport,
before he could do any further harm.

" If I can only find some of the Murdock
gang I’ll soon learn .what is the cause of all this
trouble, and why they don’t earn the money.”

As luck would have it, he soon after found
Red Eagle skulking about the outskirts of the
town as if he was afraid of- being seen.

“What are you doing here? You not as if
you were half scared out of your wits l” Andre
said, confronting him. i

“ Red Eagle great brave—no
the red-skin s haughty reply. ‘
for euemy-ki’ll him!"

A sudden thought entered the plotter’s mind.

“Who is this enemy. chief l” he asked.

it scared!” was
‘ ed Eagle wait

"Bad ale-fac-. Kill many of Red Eagle’s
poo lo. all um Big Buckskin." .
“ in h! I wonder what strange fatalit

put that into my mind?" J ubal Andre mnt .
“Something seemed to tell me that he was
waiting forJoe Wilton.” _

Then, aloud2 he said:

"You consider Big Buckskin your enemy, ‘

tthf” , .

" l yes. Red lo hate Bi uckskin.
Kill hi3) when git chgicge." 8. B

 Look out he don’t kill you. Where are the

" Miirdocks?’

I

stance, last night I got u

 

Denver Doll’s Decoy. I

“Dunno!” ,

“Take care! none of your lying, you rascal!
I want to see the captain, at oncepon important
business.”

“Give Red Eagle dollar, den he show i” was
the wily answer.

“.You red devill you’re playing for money,
too, are you! Well, here is the dollar. Now,
tell me where I can find Burk Murdock.”

Red Eagle waited until he had the dollar first
before giving the desired information.

“ Captain ive over there,” he then announced,
pointing to a newly-finished log cabin, a dozen
rods away.

J ubal Andre directed his footsteps toward the
cabin, leaving Red Eagle to keep his Vigil, in
hopes of getting a chance for revenge upon Big
Buckskin.

When he arrived at the cabin, Andre recalled
the signal the red-skin had employed at the
time of their visit to the retreat in the moun-
tains, and used it in his rap u )on the door.

“ Who's thar? Come in!” t e captain’s rough
voice called out, and Andre obeyed.

Inside, the cabin was rough and unplastered.
and furnished only with some stools and an un-
planed board table. .

Jack Murdock was lying u on the floor near
the fire-place rolled up in a lanket, evidently
sleeping of! t 9 effects of a drunk.

Burk was seated by the table, with a bottle
of ii( uor and glasses conveniently at hand.

“ 0110!” he growled, as his employer entered.
“What irhe devil brings you here?”

“Business!” Andre responded, decisively, as
he took a seat. “ Nothing but business could
tem t me to seek your society."

“ umphl you’re cusm-d complimentary, ain’t
you? What d’ye want?”

“ I want to know what I am to understand by
your silence and inactivity?”

"' You mean about Big Buckskin?”

“ Certainly. He is here, and all you have to
do is work.”

“ Yes, I reckon so. But, you see. we’ve about
concluded that the job’s too risky to tackle. ”

“ What?" '

“ We can’t tech it.
some one else."

1 “".l,"hen, sir, hand me back my thousand dol-
arsl

“Ha! ha! ain‘t you green? When on «t a
smell of that again, you’ll have cause w istle
right nierrily.’ , '

“ You ruflian, if you do not fulfill your prom-
ise,_or restore my money, I’ll hand you over to
the law.”

“Bah! you would hard) do that, when such
an action would do you y as much injury as
myself. The only thing; that will prompt us to
go on with the jobis an additional two thousand
in band now. Give me this, and I swoar that
Bitg’liuckskin shall not live to see another sun-
se i ‘

You’ll have to hunt up

“I’ll see you to the furthest corner of the

earth first!" , O

“ Well, just as ye like. We’re a thousand
dollars in, at the least. and if you squeal on us
you’ll only get yourself into hot water.”

“ We shal see! we shall seel”,Andre snarled,
as he arose and-took his departure. “ If I mis-
take not, you’ll wish you had done differently.”

 

Big Buckskin was waited upon by a number
of the leading men of Bill’s Bonanza, and impor-
tuned to acce t the captaincy of the 'new Vigi-
lance Com ttee which it wm determined
should be organized at once. '

After some hesitation, he consented to‘ act in
that capacity, and was given the privilege of
choosing his o .vu men. r

This was no easy thing, as be full well real.
ized that he must study each man well, if he
would make his party strong and trustworth .

During the day, while saunterlng across t e
gilch, he suddenly encountered the giant, old

ulliver, who was sittingnpoua. rook, evidently
in deep meditation. '

“Hello!” Buckskin cried.
ruminating about, Gulliver?” .

“ I war jest thi ,kin’ about the ups an’ downs
0’ this hyar flickerin’ candle 0’ life. Fer in-
on my ear. and
turned about an’ went own on my back,
quicker’n a cat can spit. Queer world! The
gang-slip”; babies,now-a-days, an’ the babies hire

an . . ' _

. “Yes,~thereis some truth in that. It ain’t
always the biggest horse thatpulls the most. By
the .way, Gulliver, I am u‘ietly' organizing]:
Vigilance Committee, for e‘purpose of ca -
ing the road-agents. I want men whom can
implicnly rely on, and who‘are not afraid to

I .

“ What are. you

\

 

." V I 9y

fight, if necessary. I have already secured sev-
eral, and I judge you‘re another_recruit I need i"

The bullwhacker looked astonished.

“ See hyar!" he grumbled, " l kin stand a good
deal of chaffip‘, but Ican’t stand cVei'ything.”

“ But I mean what ‘I say. You ain‘t so bad a
pilgrim as you look, an’ I know than is lots 0‘

ood in yeah! you onl let it be coaxed out.
€Vhat do you say? Wil you join us, and swear
fldelit to our cause?" .

Gui iver took’off his hat and scratched his
matted head. v

“ Waal, dumed of I know what tcw do. You
give me a swipe across my mouth, and then
blacked m eye—an’ now ye want me ter jine
ye in one et, when Icrter jump outer ye on’ .
tread on ye! Dunno but ye give me what I de-
SerVed, however. Hndii’t no bizness to o rub-
biii’ around an ’arth uakc. Reckon I‘ll Jinn y. ,
providln’ of l git lic ed by ary other galoot,
you’ll take my part.” ‘

“ It’s a bargain,” said Buckskin. “Now, Ill‘ .
derstand that you are to pretend .to be my one-
my all the time, and if you are besought to jom
a gang of outlaws, sail in and oin, and re rt .
to me where they are located. e’ll thin in .
and capture ’eni.” ' ,

“ n I’m to appear like i war mad at ye,

“‘ But thar’s to be none 0’ yer shoulder‘ln't-
tin l ' i

" Of course not. Well leave that entirely on,
of the matter. I’m yours to command." “ ‘ i

“ W-ull, then, ye can count me in. I‘m as
equal" L8 a king, an’ ye kin depend on me”.

"I knew it, pard, and I trust you.” . .
Big Buckskin then gave him a few instructions
and returned to the heart of the camp, feeling ‘

that he had achieved a victory in securing the

giant on his side. . ' t
On his arrival at the Bonanza. Little Bill
was behind the bar, and engaged in ar g

the bottles and dusting things off in genera ‘

“ Well, young man, how are you this morn:
ingi” Buckskin asked, as he approached. ,‘

“ Flint-rate,” Billy replied, stifly. not forget-
ting his foresworn vengeance on the manual» ,
would not give him a chance to “ blow 0!,”

as he he -he inted to a acard upon

wanétnhigh bore t significant?l reminder, “No, ".
ru . ' . i’, .
Big Buckskin gave veiit to a.  ‘

whistle. - ’ , , v
“Well, (1th your impudence,” he said. “Who

asked you for truatW» , r
“ Humphl you did! Feller: as. wante tick

allus tries to play up soft on me. But, two":

work. Can’tno more shot my, eye up tinny: , ‘ ‘

kin l’urn a hen the multerpllcation 0’ com ,
fractions. ’Sruse me, of ye’v’e got'any cash." '
“Presumably I have enough to who no
iiirough.” Buckskin replicas “ , wished to in:
quire if there are any letters here for me?"
“Dunno. Who and you?” , .' .
“Big Buckskin.” . A. , ‘ T
" No letters here for you, than.” ._ . . . ~
“ I also have another name—Josephwiwfl
‘-‘Then, hero’s: letter for ye. Galjeat, it -
awhile ago.” , » .-. l
Andhehandedthesrtp telema-

3013?‘ ,é .
with the name “Joseph flton" directed he, I"

delicate at not chirogra y. - . .
Big But?ka in ,did notphave to ask; dew.
tion of the person who left it, for be readily rt.-
cogniaed the handwriting. - _ f ‘
“From Iyonr gum-drop, an anew-molasses
gal, eh?” itfle ill remar , tantanzingly.
“Know what it is to’ be in luv wi’ one 6’ than! =1
aire. Used, to have m eye sot one pram
jun sqnaw, but I conl n’t raise enough _ _
ter bu her!” i V 7 ,«
'Bu skin, made no answer. butsat demon
a settee, lit a cigar, and leisumlitorcropen the ~
epistle and glanced at its canton v . .‘.
It read as follows: 4 , _

“ MR. Jasmin Win-mu, SIM—Our sudden

lasteveningwasasnmchofa rhetomaa ‘f ‘

wait} to you, and I animmre figu t I glmrrywnflgg‘
it, or our Win) on a
y m ease. I am lcth o believe.th
you are so missile as to think that l couldover he ,
anything to you. My indiscretion in uiarry- , ~
in you will soon » dissolved by divorce. and then
Is allbeatllbe tomu'iyagain. , 4.
“ I trust'yOn will be gent man enough to remain:
silent, as loan never care for yowand should be»
ed were-I ever compelled to speakto one so lar- ’
heath me in socml standing. . ' . i
“ I write this in order that no interview may her)
be necessary.'and hoping we will mm fimrs,
as ever.

A faint smile curvad the  of the buckeéin
sport ashe tore the letter into shreds. m 29‘
spoke not. ‘. I .

l. ,. , ,
4.

‘nn unpardonable

  

Anna annals? '. ~

0

u l

 

 

'w
.l

 



til

 
   

10

The glitter in his eyes, however, indicated that
the latter had not made a very favorable im-
pression upon him, so far as his recreant wife
was concerned.

CHAPTER VIII.

BUCKS“ SUCCUMBS AND SO DOES JACK HUB-r
DOCK.

LATER that day Sir Royal Rignold, tired of
the house, managed to crawl out for a stroll
about the ulch, although he. was too lame and
sore to In ergo very much exercise.

He was furious, too, that he had allowed him-

V Milt to be dissuaded from challenging the hand-
some sport, Big Buckskin, for he smartcd with
chagrin at the treatment he had received.

Freud and arrogant, as befitted his title and
position, it was like gall and wormwood to be so
worsted, by a man of no rank—an American
rough—as he considered Buckskin to be. _

Hardly satisfied was be yet, but what he
should take the libert of breaking his promise
to Agnes Andre, and ring the sport to account.

With such thoughts in mind he sauntered
though the gulch, and paid little attention to
where he was going, until he suddenly found
himself in the presence of Denver Doll‘, who was
plucking a bouquet of wild flowers, a profusion
of which grew in the ulch.

“Ahl excuse me!" e said, tipping his hat.
“Hope my intrusion is pardonable. But really,
tie a most pretty picture tosee one so young and
fairlwengaged in the pastime of flower gather-
mg -

i “ Sir!” Denver Doll retorted, coldly. “ You
will please keep your flattery to yourself. I do
not know you. ’

“ That matters not. It’s an easy thing to get
a minted, you know. I am Sir R0 al Rignold,
of helton Castle, Derbyshire, Eng and.” '

“ You don’t say so!” Doll retorted, with biting
sarcasm: “Why didn’t you say you were the
Prince of Wales. It would have had just as
little effect. As for tting ac painted with
me, that is im 'b a. Go an waste your
praises on Miss dre, who no doubt has time
to listen to'taflly talk.” 4

. _ “Duh, nol One tires who pays constant atten-

hon.
“ And that’s wth you left the banks of famed
, ’Killarney, is it!" o fired back.
Sir al’s face grew white in an“ instant,
and his gaze became sternly riveted upon her

face.
. “What do you mean?" he demanded in a
husky tone. “ Speak ' l—what do you mean?”

“Oh nothing, only allow you'd look much

better ack on the cold sod, a-feedin' av ther
pigs an’ ther chickens l” Doll answered carelessly,
as she resuméd the making of her bouquet.
- “ I out not an Irishman, but a lineal ascen-
dant of royalty,” he said, loftily. “You
Americans are very backw in understanding
and politeness. In England a peasant deems it
the hight of honor to‘be addressed by one of the
nobili like myself.”

Doll in a loud lau h.

“80 you count yoursel some pumpkins 9111"
she nded. “Welll well! I don’t cw
why it We American girls don’t care an

. more for a conceited aloot WI’ 8. Sir to he
name, than a thorou red high-toned hose-fly
cares for a bum. ain’t the title that makes
a. man hyer, but the man himself. So now,
please move on. I do not want your ac unin-
tauoe. If you don’t move, I’ll call Big' uck-

skinl"
“ i he is a. ppyl"
“ You bet hos nay enough to lick any
. Johnny Bulldog! ll rejoined. J‘Comel
i move on!" /

And to enforce her order, she drew a revolver
menacingly, at which the kni ht moved 08,
growling unintelliginy as he di so.

While Denver Doll muttered to herself:

“The first seed planted, and I think it will
grow: How nick he changed color when I
lEnltlodnabout rney, the home of Nellie

e y.
~ She truly. The seed had been planted
m the mast of Sir Royal, and was quick to

ow. .

“What does that woman, or girl, rather, know
about me and my past?” he mused, as he
. strolled on. “ She cleverly turned of the hint,

bnt‘it hardly deceived me. She meant to put
me in mind of that Irish girl I was so foolish as
to marry. E dl can she have followed me
here? I so, murder herl”
. The matter grew more and more momentous

to him, and weighed upon his mind until he
grew fairly desperate. ,

It was about the time he had reached this

I

 

Denver Doll’s DeoOy.

ate 6 of feeling that a voice in his ear gave him
3. Violent start. .

“ Ex-ke-use, air, but will you loan me your at-
tention a momentl, My name is Gum—George
Washington Gum, general canvassing agent for
all the leading works on psychology, physiology,
electricity, useful knowledge, literature and sci~
once. I have a be util‘ul little volume here, on
titled ‘How to Put On Airs.’ Now, my dear
sir, judging by your appearance, this volume
Would be most happily adapted to your require-
ments.”

Sir Royal turned and gazed in astonishment
at’the superannuated book-agent—-the same sleek,
glib—tongued man it was who had invaded the
outlaws’ retreat several weeks before; but, if
anything, he looked more lean and lank now
than at' that first appearance.

“Away with you, Vagabond!” Sir Royal or-
dered, haughtily. “ What do you imagine I
could want with your trash?” ~

“ But you don’t understand,” G. W. Gum
went on, unabashed. “ I have books adapted to
every peculiar phase of human character, and
for all ages. Here’s what you are seriously in
need of—‘ How to Be Politc.’ Now you couldn’t
study a more useful work. I have also a useful
work—‘ The Butcher’s Manual ’—tells .you how
to kill hogs, and so forth. But, the best of all,
here’s anew work just in press—‘ The Rogues
and Rascals of London,’fou.nded on authentic
facts and brought down to the present day, in-
cluding the history of the noted counterfeiter,
Jack De Haven!” ,

And the book-agent took out a publication list
and began an examination of it carefully.

With a face as white as marble, Sir Royal
Rignold had turned hastily and walked away
toward the Andre shanty.

Apparently, George Washington Gum did not
discover this not until he had finished a search
of the list, when he looked up and saw Sir Royal
several rods distant.

Then a low laugh escaped his lips and he shuf-
fled of! toward the Bonanza. Hotel, in the oflice
of which he met Big Buckskin and Denver Doll.

“ Hello! what have we here—a. Zulu, as I
live l” Doll laughed, at the sight of the curious
specimen of humanity, which the agent lreally
was.

“No! not fair lady—you mistake. I am sim-
ply George Washington Gum—a general a cut
for all the latest book publications of the ay.
Can’tIsell on a war on how to make love,
oyster ud in’s, apple dumplings, or how to get
marri , settle down and become ha pyl”

“Some other day, Georgie. Buc skiy, can’t
you buy something!”
ed“ Eh? 1Buckskin, did you say ?" Gum demand-

eager y.

I‘Of course—Big Buckskin, the best man of
his inches in the West. Why?"

“ Then he’s the very teller want to see,” the
agent declared extending his bony hand. “ Mr.
Buckskin, it Oct: me proud to meet you! I
have been lookin’ for you far and wide, because
I have a dumfounding revelation to make to

on!” . A
“ Is that so?" the sport asked, dryly. “Well,
what is it!” v
“ Ex-ke-use, but if I tell you, I dare say you
will compensate the for the valuable time I oc-
cupy in telling you?” _
‘ Of course, if our revelation 15 of any im-
aucel” Bucks in answered.
“ Then come to some private apartment where
there are no prying ears, and 1 will unfold 1”
Accordingly e was shown by Doll into a pri-
vate room in the rear of the omce, where all

“Now, then, ahead!” Big Buckskin or-
dered. ‘If you ave anything to say that is
worth listening to be quick about it l”

“Exactly. Quick sales and small profits is
m motto. You are Big Buckskin, or other-
w1se Joe Wilton?”

three became seated.

“Yes.”

“ You have heard of a. ng of desperadoes
known as the Murdock Bro ersi”

“ I have.”

“ You also know a minister named John]
Andre?”

“ Yes.”

:: Married’his daughter?"

“ Don’t live with her?”

“No!” .

Buckskin answered the questions rather hesi-
tatingly. .

He was aware that the gaze of Denver Doll
was fixed u n him in a stare of surprise.
“Well,” . W. Gum went on, “some weeks

ago I chanced to drop into the den of these '

Murdocks, hoping to sell one of my valuable

 

\

works. While there, there came a rap, and' I
was importnned to wait behind a screen.”

“ Yes. G0 on.”

“ Well, while there 1 was a silent witness to a
deadly compact. Of the visitors there were
three—Julia] Andre, his daughter, and an Indian
named Red Eagle.”

Big Buckskin whistled. He was beginning to
catch the drift of what the revelation was to be.

“Go ahead 3” he commanded, eagerly.

“Well. this Jubal Andre did all the talkin‘
for his side. and the object of his visit was to
hire the Murdocks to put two persons not of the,
way—nu mely, you and your son. He stated
that his daughter was desirous of marrying an
English a1 istocrat, but could not do so until you
and the child were silenced.” .

“ And the boy-«my sou—where did he say he
coulrl be found ’5”

“He did not state definitely, but said the boy
was roving somewhere through the West with
a. female companion.” v

“ Thank Heaven, he is alive then! I will now
search to the ends of the earth but what I‘ll
find him. But, go on! Was a contract made?”

“Yes. The captain of the gang agreed to put
you out of the way for a thousand dollars down
and another thousand when the '0b was done.”

” Humphl Jubal Andre is p aying a bi h
gamel” t e sport muttered, rather grimly. “ s
that all?" '

“Yes. I made my escape then, with the re-
solve to hunt you up and warn you.”

Big Buckskin took several gold pieces from
his ket and tossed them into the lap of the
boo -agent.

“ you deserve to be paid and to receive thanks

(alum slipped the gold pieces into his pocket

with a satisfied grin and arose.

“Much obleeged to you,” he said. “I’d give
up canvassing if I could catch on to such a. snap
ever do .” _

W en a was gone Denver Doll remarked:

“ That fellow ain’t what he seems. I am
going to watch him.”

Buckskin smiled. ‘

“ He’s a traveling Bohemian, who lives on his
wits,” he assumed. “ He has, however, done
me a favor of no mean proportions. I will he
more wide awake than before.”

“You will need to be. I am very much in-

terested in your case, and will help you all I

can.”

“Thank you. You have already won my
sincere gratitude. One knows how to appreci-v
aw kindness after being buffeted about the
world. My marriage to Agnes Andre proved
to be a most unhap y one, and I have often
wished myself dead.

“ Say not so. Life should not be made a bur-
den to one, no matter what disappointments
come.” ~

“ Were I free, I rhaps might think the same
as you; but tied y my marriage vows. and
also guided  a desire for my only child, I of
course have naught todo but remain—a fool,
’perhapsl" ' I ‘

He was silent a moment, and then went on:

“I need not necessarily lead this wild life.
for I could retire into the quiet of a peaceful
existence, with a competonc to subsist upon.
But for the enjo ment won d have I might as
well shut mysef up in a prison, for in either
place I would be equally alone. I say this in
you because, somehow, in the few hours of our
acquaintanceship I have grown to regard you
as a friend.” .

“ You are right in domg so. I am a friend of
every honest, right—minded person. Cheer up.
Something ma occur that will make a change
in your life. 11 the mean time let me manage

our case, and in the end I will surprise you.

know a. few things that you are not aware of.
and if I mistake not, my little schemes will
eventually he fraught With happiness for you.
I’m plso workin up acaae for a big English
estate, in which
along with several others.”

“ Humphi the less you have to do with that
case the better you’ll be ad. This Riguold is
the puppy who aspires to the hand of my wife-
Let him go! After he gets her he’ll be sorry
enough.” , r‘ V

“Probably. But leave it to me, and I will.
work some resule that will Please you.”

“Very well. Go ahead: will remain inac-
tive, and give you full sway. You already

have excited my admiration, not only for your— .

self, but for your indomitable pluck; and I
give’you fair warning not to do too much for
me!

“I will try not to.” Doll answered, arising
with a mischievous laugh.

it Royal Rignold is concerned, ‘

 

 

 

.v‘

, Then they separated. Denver Doll going in
search of Little Bill, and Big Buckskin retiring
to his room. .

Later in the day, as Denver Doll stood upon

 

the veranda of the Bonanza, watching the busy'

throng as it moved through the gulch, a. man
came sauntering along, with swaggerlng gait,
as if he ielt the importance of his rather flashy
attire.

Denver Doll’s eyes were on him before he was
near her, and her gaze never left his face until
he was about passing, when she spoke.

“ Jack!”

He turned, as if electrified.

“ Jack!" she repented.

Her eyes had met his now, and were burning
with unnatural brilliancy.

The man seemed to tremble as he stood, his
eyes nover leaving hers.

“Jack!” she repeated again, and this time
sternly. “ Downz Jack!”

For an instant it seemed as if he was under-
going a terrible mental struggle; then a. sickly
smile came over his face, an he dropped upon
his knees.

“ Up Jacki” she ordered, a moment later.

He arose like magic.

“Come!” she said, turning and entering the
hotel ofiico. I

And Jack Murdock, of the notorious Murdock
Brothers, followed her, as a. trained dog would
have followed its master.

 

CHAPTER Ix.
Don’s 0mm: AND m’s um um.

Tm: power which Denver Doll held over the out-
law was mesmeric, and she had so under her
call that she could make him obey her at will.

Several years ago, before he joined his brother in
their career of crime, he had been Denver Doll‘s
youthful lover, and it was at this time that she had
discovered her wondrous power over him, and had
practiced it a. number of times, more for the novelty
of the thin than for any other reason.

Sothat 6 had made Jack Murdock her slave for
life, no matter where they might meet. ‘

Doll led the way to the apartment in the rear of
the office, and the young outlaw meekly followed,
and became seated at the girl‘s motion.

She then knelt in front of him and drew a revol-
ver, after which she passed one hand to and fro be-
fore his face.

This motion appeared to have the eflect of break-
ing the s ii, for he gave a violent start as he saw her
there the wen u leveled at his breast. .

“ Jack Murdock, I ave got you!" she said, tri-
um hantly.

“ l is it you. Doll? What brought me here?"
and he gazed around him in a sort of dazed way.

“The same old power, Jacki" was the answer, at
which a 51! ht shiver passed over him.

“Yes,” ll went on, “Isaw you coming up the
street, and allowed that you wore a fish worth snar-
ing; so I told you tooome in, and yen came right
along like a little man."

Jack growled out an oath.

“ Curses on that infernal power you hold over mel
What do you Jpropose to do with me?"

“ Use yo lick—redeem you, if ssible. You are
leading a :lld, criminal life, and in going to make

‘ youggvvg uf'udaaig betray your ggg‘gkinw custod ."

before ‘d go on a pal. on
you can‘t make me do that."

“ But I can, though. and don‘t you forget it! You
25th what i will—how are you going to help your-

“It would be mean of you to take advantage of
your infean power over me and cause me to bring

my own brother to the gallows l" he wled.
‘Not a bit of itl Your brother his gang have
done many deeds for manner than this and the law

wants ‘em. as an example to other ev l-doers. Tell
me, now, wouldn‘t a. free. honest life be better than
a life crowned with tho knowledge that you are an
outcast and a villain, whom every honest person

turns from in horror?’
“Dunno but you‘re right. But I couldn‘t never

give Bunk up to the law, nohow ya can make it."

“ But i say you shall or I'll most on right here,
and cost you into co nemont. Bill a Bonanza is a
new town, and is know how new towns dqal out jus-

ticc, I dare say

Arrest me,and becussed. I'll never squeal on

our pals!" ‘

" ut consider. I can throw you into the trance
again, and then make u tell me all I want to know,
and arrest you in the arguin. \ so you. see. I‘ve got
you an y." _

A an on, dogged expresaon came over the young

outlaw‘s face.

“ Go ahead and do your worst. I’ll never go back
on a pal with my, own consent."

“ it e’ll find out i" Doll muttered, beginningto work
thospell on him again. - _

In an incredibly short space of time he was
thoroughly mesmemed and in her power.

“ Now, then, tell me where the present, rendezvous
of the gang is," she commanded, stormy.

He did not answer.. _ . ¥ ‘

Them wss a not, determined (‘XPI‘ESRIOD upon his

taco, and u shiver nun-med his frame.
. ' ~ \ y

 

. -.. _. “HP .

. Denver Doll’s Decoy.

11

\

 

"Speak!" Doll criud, stamping her foot.
dare 'ou disobey mo?"

Stil no answer, but, in its place, that dogged si—

once.

This convinced Doll that she had overrated her
power to some. extent. Fearfulthut he might shake
oil’ the influence of the spell, shc lmstil in'oairod a.
flair of hmidcufis and mudc him powcr cs9, so for as

is hands \vcrc concerned.

This donc, she brought him once more out of the
trance.

His rage knew no bounds when he discovered that
his hands were bound. ,

“Curse you, Denver Doll! Little I thought, when
I used to know you, that you would ever turn against
me thus.“

“ Nor did I think that on would turn into 11 life of
crime and miser . I o ercd you a fair chance, but
you refused; an , accordingly, it is my duty to ur-
rest vou.“

.“ Go ahead. You couldn't make me pooch on my
pals. an‘ I never will. Thoy’ll get me out."

“ We shall see to it that they don't. For the )res-
cut, I shall keep you looked up in this room. [ere
Von will be safe. If you attempt to create a. racket

’11 come in and gag you.”

She then left the room and locked the door after
her, well knowing that it would be impossiblo for
Jack to escape without outside assistance.

And she further believed that, after due delibera-
tion, he would change his mind and come to terms,
rather than run the risk of getting his head into
J ndge Lynch‘s merciless noose.

“ How

 

Little Bill was always wide awake and about town,
when not on duty at t 8 hotel, and if there was any-
thing going on that was worth seeing he was gener-
all on hand. '

bout sunset that day as he stood on the banks
of the l{rulch creek speculating as to whether or no
the m' y waters contained any of the flnny tribe, he
heard angry words close at hand, and crept to the
cover of a. clump of bushes near by.

A moment later Sir Royal Bi 0 d and Agnofi An-

_dé:od came into view, and pa near where Bi
6 .
“I tell you I am not ready yeti" the latter said,
impatiently. “You will have to rive me time.”
1 ‘ I have no time to give!" Rigno d declared, sharp-
y.

“ Somethin has occurred that makes it imper-
atiygvtllimtt I‘sho (1 return to England at once."
a. ?’

“ Oh! it don’t matter what."
“ But I_say it does. I won't have a. man who won’t
tell me his secrets."

"Then it‘s settled. Sir Royal Rignold will never-

be bosse‘ d Hy any woman- set you heart at rest on
that! I w’ give on half an hour to decide. Many
me tomorrow hi 0 or never!“ ,

“ Oh! I don‘t ow what to say. I don’t know
whether pa. will consent to a. hasty marriage."

‘13me he's only too glad to marry you of!
we

Agnes Andre did not answer. Her gaze instinct-
ively wandored toward the Bonanza. hotel, where the
handsome s ort, Big 13ch was pacing to and
fro across e veranda. ’

Sir Royal saw her aze directed toward the sport,
and he seized her w fiercely.

“ Oh! so that is why on hesitate about a 'speedy
marriage, is it?" he “Tell me, girl; what
is there between him and you i"

" Nothin v!“ Agnes reglied, With a. dry. harsh
laugh. “ was gust won cring if you could grow
into such a. mug creature." «

"Never fear; Sir Royal Riznold is none of your
low American stock. Do you know, if I thought
you were anything to that follow I‘d kill Your"

“ But I am notl /

y“ Never was?“

“Never was!" . .

“ Well, I must believe you, I suppose. But how
about the answer?" .

" It is yes, I guess. You must take me as I am",

“ Of course. We will set the time-tomorrow
evening, at nine o'clock.”

Then there was an exchange of kisses, after which

the walked awa .
y Bill, crept from his cavert. grinning

E And Little

rom ear to ear. . .

“Goli l we‘re in‘ tohave a. re ’lar hitchin‘lu

match geri- sure I" e ejaculated. “ on my

Dolibaby, would like tor know about that. ' .
And accordingly. he went back tothe 80

find find the Detective Queen what he had seen, an
ear .

Doll was not our vised, nor did She so much
about the matter: bgt she kept u aterribl; think-
ng p s in her mind

ing and was constant! form
for'the achievement ofvthe victory she expected to
Will. ' r

 

On her return to the shanty Agnes Andre private:
lfy made known to her father the desire of Sir R0 :11,
or an immediate consummation of their hunting.

“ Well! what did you say?" the old rogue asked.‘

“ Ioua'ii' tte f " Agnes replied
so: as as a mo. r 0 course, .
“I csnnotyafim'd to lose a handsome fortune, even

if ‘I do run a. little risk.‘.‘ r -

‘ on are right there. But, mind you, therejs
something str 8 in this sudden action on Sir
Royal's purl. I one the fellow has some search;

of his own which e would not wish others, to-
know.” ‘ *

“ Perhaps. But, pshaw! what needI care, of! er I
am open Lady Rignqld, of Chelton ,Castle. .1 can
then tame him down to suit my own notion." ’

And both father and daughter laughed<

‘with that money you bet!

'qusintanceahip, ye see. Et does

[only uttered tumor: should.

 

..- . . M, _..

“l have come to no fixcd conclusion how we are:
going to get rid of Bir Buckskin l” .lubul Andre
went on. ‘ I saw Burk urdock this morning, and
he refused to do anything without two thousmd
dollars more be paid into his hand. Thur I flatly re»
fused to do.“ , ,

“Wh ? You could well afford to have paid that,
uftcr w at you made off of Sir Royal." ‘

“Not much! I’m going to look out for myself
If you want to pay any
more do it out of mm own ckct!" .

"You well undyerstand t at I have no money,"
Agnes protested. "if you don’t fix matters up, you
know what the result will be. You'll have. 'our
daughter back on your hands in an incredibly lm‘t
space. of time." ‘

Juan Andre uttered a growl, and was about to
give some sour answer, when there came a. loud rap
on the door. 7

“ Come inl" he called out. supposing it was thu-
Chinese servant whom he had sent on an errand.

The door prom tly opened. and Sal Slap, the pro—
prietress of the uzzler‘s Glory, made her appear—

ance. ,

J ubnl Andre and Agnes could but utter exclunm~
lions of astonishment, for the old hag was by far
the ugliest looking creature they ever had , on

to meet.

“Don‘t be skem‘t,” Sal said, with a. grotmquol '
horrible grin, as she helped herself ton seat. “l
know I ain‘t as purt as a noddinfhlue—hell, bur
that don‘t make no ifference. I‘m old Sal Slap,
and I'm a. screamer, and downright proud of it. ton.
How ye gittin’ on, Jubal~you an‘ or , who
has grown inter a. right peart lad , of I does it?"

“Woman, Idon‘t ow you. c one, orl have
you locked up for a. lunatic!" An cried, feeling
alarmed, evidently. - .

“Don’t know me, hey?" Sal went on, taking,-
out a box, and helping herself to a pinch of snuff.
“Well, 1 dare say not, for I‘ve grown prettiervasv
my ears advanced, .an’ had heaps 0' ex or...
A‘Cglgle, than looks nstternl, however and you would,

y ou‘re cultivatin' a red nose. n't remember-
Doro by, do ye?" >

And she uttered a a mocking laugh! ' ' \

Juhal Andre uttered an on . r \

' “You are not Dorothyl" he declared. - '

“Reckon I ain’t no one else, tho‘ since I left you
employ, I‘ve been roughing it .under the handle of'
Sal Sin. . Hain‘t uite so
smarter than I was hen l" ’ . i

“For Heaven’s sake! A terrible c has oer--
tainly come over you. What are you oing hero. ,
woman? Explain ourself!" . ~ -

“I am keepin’ e Guzzler‘s Glory hz’arin Bill}:
Bonanza. of which I’m one of the first, habitats.
The object o‘ my present call is jest to renew m:-
m eyes tor
see ye-both, ferye know, Juhal, 15%|} v d! have n.
sorto’hanerln arterye."  u .

“Enon h of such nonsense. You are an unwelw
come v for, Doro , and your departure would,
give sigma t relief.

n y _
our xPeevishness, Jubul. I know yonmeonfll right.
nt on dOn't, ye orter know better th to back
again me. Icandoyepliesof harm
out, if coome an 0' your stuck-up ‘
me. I ear yer is goin’ to be m WANN.‘
duke, or some ot uhigh-fangledwss. Betscookiw
he isdas innocent as s chm regudin'hxgle‘a first.
mar .’ . ' '

Theafgdred both winced. ' ’ 

“Cinseyou!” Jubal hissed. “If you betray the
secragllll mnxn‘gr el ‘ heel r . _ ' i

“ no s . m grttin’ .ncwnov.»
tions inter my hem, too. lgm tired 0' mm,
and he to live in the rest 0‘ mylia '8'.
I've go a lactic a cash ,

Nun“ digne‘fieryogén‘yor , ,

“oacenw fromme 

swear to it," Jubol Aggro rotor-ted. “ oumym ;
Wh more do youywantr‘ ’

hngdcclurod. "‘

on ye, and of ye don't

toms): dance? Ye‘

yet what ye'hired me to murder“ i”

' “Where I can We him without much iambic;
how,maybeSir , uheisoflledwouldllhoto‘s
adofigie  alongwi 588%?" , ‘ ' ‘ --

“ as 6 you womanl, on dare to hirin-
the existence of ochild tohlm I'i ‘tear
out!“ and Andre's face was whiw wlthi vengeful

pay once. at - .
' Just who: I‘mfigo  to scalar-Elam I" the .

ot the dead wood. .
merick I’m going

party, but I‘m a heap ' 5

ell, now that's curious. sundom'minm. .

wantmore. n' ‘31,-

wanttofn hint.
donor ‘7..' '

remember the. boy is all" '

onrheort‘ 3

\.'

 

       

3‘

I .
p

'1.

 

passion. , . , '
“Atoughold‘t‘imoyon’d hove at it.” “hearth? ~ I 

‘a. hardened one.

“How muchdo on wonttokm tho,  .
your mouth shut?‘y ' W ‘

“Wan, Ianowamouunddonm wouutclgemy- ' '
month. But as for ther hgyé‘dum mp e hurt

him. He‘ssecuteaso hols

“ Either you put the gout (afflue'way or  . j

money. r
“ 1‘ en I'll squeal." '
Mpfi‘fiméha
“ Well, think as you. like,‘ moored;
huin‘t underlain envelope Vi' 331,000 note in it ter—
night I'll squ .". ‘ ‘ » '
She then tool: her leave.

Jubal Andre and (brighter faced Lew]. . -
with startled expresg‘gns. ' ' Other

‘J it's narrowingainto close quarters,” howled. I ~

:56“- iru‘“. shown...  ‘
‘ urse es in A .
bunch. I shall have tobuy her." man?“ at 

“Hi,

   

'12.

-_._ _,.. , .‘n H

" And Big Buckskin—"

"Is hot-cl“ a voice answered. as a man stede
into the chant . “I am glad to be just intimeto
participate in t e arrangements for my disposal."

 

CHAPTER X.
lam: imnnocx mm m ours STRICKEN.

Tm: sudden appearance of Big Buckskin, causod

.lubal and Agnes Andre to leap to their feet in con-
‘s-temation. ,

The faces of bothgrew white, and they stood lit-
wt'zdly at buy. as if expecting an attack.

Buckskin advanced into the room, and closed the
door behind him, after which he placed his back
:ggainst it, a strange, hard Hutilc coming over his
matures.

" Well, on seem to be surprised," he said. " Am
[ a bear, t I: you stare at me, so 1'“

" You are an intrudcr, here!" J ubel Andre re-
turi'ed sternly.

" Can’t see how you make that out. I believe it is
customary for one to visit onc'n wife, and daddy-in-
liiw, occasionally.“

" ,Begone, maul You have no such claim on me.
Begone! I so , or 1 will haw you oust hack into
prison from w ch you have escaped."

" Hal hat That was liberle of you to provide for
me, sight years. wasn‘t it? But as it happens, now,
/ i remained in jail about two \t'ccks. A homeless
7 chap wanted a permanent place to stay in 21nd I let

him try his hand on mine. So on see. you got left
on that calculation as you w' on all others. In
fact; you are getting pretty close to the end of you

my».
“ You are possibly J ubul Andre
“ De-

sheared.

“ Not a bit of itt" the sport rcplicd, coolly.
spite the noble plot of youiselt‘ and my exquisite
bride, to kill me. I am still alive. The Murdoeks are
evidently not disposed. to tackle a man whom they
,lia’ve been dodging for some time."

Jubal Andre grew livid with rage, for he knew
tint the sporthad in some strange way made him-
snlt' aware of their infamous compact.

Big Buckskin went on, coolly:

" I just overheard on mention something about
making ndisposulo me, and as I am quite inter-
witcduin such matter I’d like to have you unite your
p .tIL
‘ ‘; If iyiou mind your business. you will likely fare
all rig ti” Andre growled. “ But if you meddle in
our affairs, you’ll rue it. My daughter does not like
you, and desires you to, keep as much out of her
sign-t as is possible.“

“ I am aware of her ve Affectionate feelings to-
qudme,” was the taunt answer. “It is a pity
she can low only me, when so many poodles and
snobs need her attention. But, by the way, I hear
that the fair as is about to marry the English
,munikin who himself Sir Royal Rignold?"

r “ Youare misinformed!“ Agnes returned, haugh-
tily. “ Until I get a divorce, you probably under-
stand that I cannot marry any one, unless fortune.

should will it that you die, soon i" .

 Fortune, presumedly. will not accommodate you,
in this respect. However. I came to warn you that
lam aware of your dcsign to put me out of the
way. and any move in that direction will be frus-
trated, and you'll find yoursclf cast into jail. A
word to the wiscis sufficient!"

He turned and left the shanty.

As he was crossing the gulch, toward the Bonanza,
an arrow sent. with great speed. just grazed the tip
of his ear.

Whecling, he was just in time to see it figure
dodge down out of sight, behind a lat-gigixiwhier. and
it required no second thouzht to convince him that
it was the vindictive .d Eagle.

hmwinga revolver,_he dropped upon his kut‘t'R.
and chopt towprd the rock, keeping his gaze on the
alert. so as not to allow the savage to est-a )e.

To reach thcbowlder behind which he savage
was concealed, a number of clumps of bushes had
to be skirted; in passing them Buckskin had no
thoughtof enemies being concea ed therein, until- —

Suddenly he felt himself borne flat to the earth,
With a weight it n his back of several human
in log, and a ha was clapped over his mouth.

it quick time he was helpiesnly bound and ganged
and uiuiisputuhly a prisoner of the Murdock Broth-

*‘l'h.

mistaken !"

It was now nvldent that the arrow tired by Red
, Eagle had only been sent as a decoy to lure Bit:
' Buckskin into the Murdooks' trap. for the warrior

‘ now sktdked forward with a demonlac grin.

“ You smuggle him off down the trail.“ wore
Burk Murdock'n orders to hit-i companions, "and
guard him closely in the cave, while I go and hunt

» up Jack and make terms with Andre. Curious what
has become of Jackl“ .

He then left them to get the prisoner out of the
town) without attract _ attention, while he went
more into the heart of t a camp in search of Jack.
who, asthe reader knows, Denver Doll had locked
up in the room ntthe bonanza. Hotel.

After a deal of inquir , by which he succeeded in
learning nothing satt acting, he came to the Bo-
nanza Hotel, just as Denver 011 was about entering
it. in com an ' with Little Bill. ,

Burk u ock was ignorant of the fact that the
Detective Queen had been intimate with his brother,
but knowing her profession, he did not cure to con-
verse with her.

But the moment she saw him she called out:

" Hello there! for some one?"

lie turned with a start. but quickly recovered his

00me. ,
" 'ho said I was lukin' fer any one P" he demand-
ed. and then wheeled and stalked on.

I
, l

l

 

Denver Doll‘s Decoy.

 

/ Denver Doll sprung down the stops and tin-w a.
revolver. .

He faced about, llO“'P\'t'l‘, with a cocked wcapon
leveled at her.

“Curse you!" lll‘ roared, “I'll blow your

The remainder of the sentence was drowned by
the report of his weagon.

Denver Doll tottcre back, the bullet having grazed
the cap of her loft shoulder, and her weapon drop-
ped to the ground.

Murdock cocked his weapon quickly, with tho
evident intention of finishing the job, but just. the-n
resounded two distinct pistol reports, and Burk
Murdock, the noted dcsperudo, threw up his lintth
and took his last breath as he fell to earth.

One shot Little Bill had fired, and that had struck
the outlaw in the. thigh; the 'other, which had

5 pierced his brain, had been sent by the uncrring aim

i
i
i

 

of no less a (personage than George Washington
Outu, who lid. opportuner been approaching the
hotel from another direction.

A crowd uickiy gathered about, and the excite-
ment natura ly rnn high.

" Who in this fellow?“ several asked.

“ I can answer that question!" Denver Doll cried,
walking: forward with an effort. " That man in, or
rather was, Burk Murdock. leader of the notorious
Murdock BrothcmAfor he is now timid!"

“ And I. George Washington Gum. was tln- fellt‘l'
lt‘l‘ put the rat-hole, in lilx temple. Gents, my mis-
sion here is us a book-ngrnt. I represent the leading
publishing; hotter-s of thc Country. have a bunti—

ul volume here. entitled thc ‘Art of Shooting.‘ also

‘How L0 Make Love.‘ ' How to Play Gmucs.“ ‘ How
to Eat.‘ ‘ How to (‘onduct Funt-rals 1 —iu fact, uny-
thing and et'ci'ything, Who wants to buy

But the cxcitcnmut was too great for Gum to push f

his cane successfully. l
The news quickly sprrud throughout the town

that {hr notorious Burl; Murdock had been killed, 5

and thert- was rejoicing among the majority of the
populace.

So excited di-l the rougher element grow that the '

body of thr- uut'ol'tuuatc mun Wm; strapped to one
end of a long hickm-y polo. and it was raised and
planted illliltl thundcrlug elm-cm! l

Wild and miter-ling, ilit‘St" men who participated
in this unscmuly wlcbrntinn numbered it majority,
and the minority did not dare iutctferc.

Fifty fcot above tet‘l'ti llrma wzu llurk Murdock,
at least, if he.- lll‘Vt'T got till) furtliertoward thefiates
of the Eternal City, and a. most novel and st king
example. too. of thu Vt’llfltefinct' of the men of 'Bill's
Bonanza upon tilcii' enemies.

After dcclaring the idcutity of the outlaw. Denver
Doll went into the. hotel. and got NellyKelly to dress
her wound, after which h‘lll‘ went forth into the
gulch. again, feelin all right.

The sight of the c cvutcd co so of Burk Murdock
rave her a start, and she used or influence to have
it taken down, but all to no avail;

The idea was vociferourely \w-toedu ‘

She was searching about for Big Btwkukin, when

she met the giant, the Ht-lf-stylod Gulliver, from ,

Liliput.

“Glad I've met y'u.”l*e «nid‘cnlliug bet-tn our ;
Sen: ?

side. "Bin lukin‘ fer ye, nio- t'uit'y Lilipuliau.
they've mtchcd fllt‘ limpet-win." I
Doll nodded without spvckiug. , .
She did not ndmirv the huge Initimnaor “list him
--in any particular. ’
“ Waal. that‘s gmxl. New. I uu‘ Buckskin made up
friends. :m' “P dclegated me as ou-- in‘ his Wizer-

innts, nn‘ of some one hadn't ’a' flxod tho chap van 1

tier, I should. By the’wny, thaws blunt-sit ahead!“

" What kind?“

" Why, rcg‘lur quorum biz.
Buckskin is?" '

“ No. I ha ve been searching for hllli’."

" Wual. he is captercd, au‘ run 05 by the rest 0'
burdock‘s gang.
self. but daun't mov for fear I‘d git a buzzer in my
var. iIenid Burk. y nder, order ‘einto take him to
H cute. down the gulch. 312’ they dragged him away,
but they ain't. uoln‘ ter kill him till the captain j'incs
‘um. Ef they hear o',the captain‘s death t
likely curve him up to onc‘t."

" You .‘ll‘t‘ right.
(itlliivcr. Come with me. Little Bill knows where
this cuvu'is, for I heard him tell of it one duy.‘ We’ll
have those. outlaws yet.“

Sim soughtout Little Bill, and made known to him
Gulliver’s report

“Y'as, I know the place,“ be declared. “It is a
 cavern twenty feet up the motnitain side. wi‘ a

If:

D ye know whau' Bit;

edge overliuugin‘ it, an: a. similar lodge in from ,

of it. Bet I know acnpertal plan! Let a gang 0'
tellers take a roundabout whyiui’git on to the
ledge, from whnr they can peerdmvn onto the ower
ledge. ['11 git down the gulch an” scream out like a
woman w‘o ’s got connlptinn fits. 'Tlie outlaws will
rush out onto the lowor ledge, to see what's thcr
matter, an” the tellers above can drop down lassoee
on” book ‘em up like fish." ,

“Bill, cure a genius. it shall be done.“ '

“Hey urn! The habit-s is giants nowadays, nu‘
the giants is babiesl" sighed Gulliver.
‘ The Detective Queen went quickly but quiet] to
work, and picked out the half-dozen men w om
Buckskin had chosen for his Vigilance Committee,
and ordered them to separately go down the gulch
around the bond as cautiously as possible, armed
with weapons and lassoes. and there wait. '

CHAPTER 'XI.
, A ennui. srsrnxston.

Dnsvnn DOLL did not accom any the party, but
put them under the guidance of: ttle Bill, in whom
she had grown to have all sorts of confidence.

Gulliver from Lilliput also lingered behind, and

\

1

 

I

- I ‘

See‘d the whole purcoedin‘ my- -

ey'll most .

You shall be rewarded for thispf

when on being asked the reason why, lu- v-xplulmt

to Doll, whom he llild followed to tho botvl:

, "Wull,,fuire.s’t Lttlliputiun, I will tull yr.” llh' maid,
J din wing it huge quid and lllll'llltl: it mu of doth-s;
l “I‘ l unbuuotu myself, so thet )'t‘ won‘t ullow tllH‘r-‘n
1 uothin’ cowardly about me. Yr .xev, hit in l0vr‘»
I dtrupritly in love, for the funt time in my life, an' i
| jedgcd aforehaud that should I go inter battle 311'
i got: unlimited, 1 might nevor be ublu to rennin
l thc sunnnit of my nspirntiom. So i stayed behind
5 Any now, I want to ax a favor 0’ you, mum."

l “ What is it, Gulliver?" Doll demanded in curiosity.

“ \Vliy, yc sec, I want ye Lt'l‘ intercede for me wi'
my dot-y, who don't ‘spicton that l kecr for one rib
in her corset. Iwnut vc jest to bite a hunk out 0'
her wax-likt- cur. and then whisper to her that I love
her, licv got thirty pound 0’ coined bur an‘ three.
mule-s. nnai want to harness on ter her M my leader
thru’ this wcary vale o‘ It‘lll'l'l."

" But who is this ntnot'ita of your fancy. Gulliver?“

" \Vlio‘: \Vho clsc. inrlccd. but tln- gut-cu tut" royth
bcuun', Sal Slap!” ’

“ Wluu I that old termagant?“

" l’crmctlyl llll' rvtwr tlnu' war mortal business in
mortal woman it sticks tight out ov old Sal, by gum'.
An" tin-n, low boot, she‘s so gritty and fawn—like.
that I allow sit- nn' me woui make an excclh-nt
match."

"Well, l'll sec what I can do for you, by and by.”
Doll said, turning away, her face clouded with
anxiety and upprehcnsion.

She was apprehensive lust Big Buckskin might be
killed one assistance could reach him, for he had told
her thut the Murdoch’s wore his deale enemies, and
would kill him at sight if they got a chance. '

And no wonder she was keenly worried about him,
for shc had grown to admire him greatly, and was
‘ not blind to the fact that the same feeling was in n.
‘ measure returned by him.

“I‘ve one satisfaction," she “tuned, as she entcred
the hotel. “ if they do not succeed in rescuing
Buckskin. Jack Murdock shall swing; for it."

She then went to the outluw's room. To lit-r un-
boundcd astonishment she found the door unlocked,
and Mr. Jack minus. .

For ll. moment she was tbunderstruck and ll!"
disappointment was keen. Then she set to work in
find out how the outlaw procured liberation.

“ Me set ‘Melicun man free," John Wah a do.
mestic, said, on being questioned. “ F‘indee 'liiclk-mi
in room—hearhim cullee; when pass door. T‘tnk
he lockee up by mistakee, an' lettoe him outce, allx-o
same. Muc tee tickle-e him."

(living the stupid Celestial a cuff beside the haul.
Doll went out of dmu‘s, but of course Jack 'Mlll'lll 4' ;
had taken all care to make his escape. It min-in. .m.
Well he added right here, that he was new-r again
i seen around Bill‘s Bonanza after that.

l Dccplv cxritod and .angered over the tlisztp'mtm-_
mun, Doll tutucd about, when a whrezing v. {or
spoke in bet-cur:

" Excuse me, i‘uit' lady»mv name is Gum—Georg“
Wushingtmi Gum. and i am introducing a numbcr of
wt luoble books—J‘ ‘

“ Go to blitzes!" Doll cried. “ You cannot. fool me
with any of your book nonsense, Mr. Rack-arboan
You‘ll have to pick “1; someother greenv." '

“If l mu not what represent, what do you take
me for?" Gum demunded,-rather tartly.

“' It would be a difficult job to tell what you are."
, Doll n-tom-d, " in some respects, but of one thing I
I tun Hatiidiede-vou are either a detectivei or also a
r bluntcd‘ftmll‘ '

" I lay no claim to the [after calling. whatewr.“
‘. “ Then. you are a detective?"
- " Privately, to on, yes. I am John Stark. th-~
l; London ‘ thtdOW.‘ I would not tell you this, only I
a hatt- noticed that you wear a U. s. badgei“
‘ r“'lln,tuks for your confidence. Who are you her»
.'it tm‘?’
, “Sir R0 111 Rimiold. better known in Londpn mt
. Jack De oven, the for or aiimurglar.“

“ You don‘t'say! Am go i ‘ worthy knight is
; wanted by the law?“ I

“ Yes: lqm now duily nwaitlnga uisition from
the Lim‘ci'mtu-nt. so that I can arrest im and lilkl'
him buck. I shall have to watch him closely or lm
will escape tnt- vet.“ '

“Not while I‘m around. I‘ll corral the game for
you to-night, perhn 5. Walk hack to the hotel with
me, and I ll let you nto my plans, which you'll afrrw-
t are good." ‘

He obeyed, and as they aauntered along, Doll

‘- mum to a full understanding with him, and ar-
‘ rungcments were made that will hereafter-ward lu-
pxpluiued. ,

._-

Lct us follow the Vigilanteu, who had set out to
ca ture the outlaws. '

t was not long after the Detective Queen had
giwn them orders before they were all collected in
the gulch below the bend, Litte Bill included.

The. stalwart bearded miners looked down upon
thrir youthfu captain rather doubtfully, for ht»,
: didn't appear much like one born to command: yct

Doll had expressly stipulated that the attack should
I be made under his direction.

l l “Well, ‘Bub, we‘rc,ready, an' of you‘re major-'

t inerul, jest spit out yer orders.” one miner said,

1 . .
 swuinted one eye and looked over his‘company
er: en . . r
“Wuil: I guess you'll all ns’s muster!" be ob
served. “1 ’Rposc. you've :11 Sad your catechisms,
It’s best. tho‘ of y: foller my lead, I’ll fetch yo
l out a-swimmin‘. ecave‘s down a ways funicr.

L So come alongas keerful as a fly in the butter.”

And drawing a pistol. he led the march.
Half a mile they proceeded, and. then Little Bill

pointed up the mountain 3149.“) a opot nearly a

 

 

 

Denver Doll‘s Decoy.

 

 “Md...” . .. m..~...._. . 4....

J» «Wu... .w ,.

1.3 -

 

(“miter of a milv distant. wheru
lodges warp \‘lrll'llil‘.

"’l'ht- Jon is betwixt the-tn two lodges,“ he an—
nunnct-ti. “ un‘ by tnlcin‘ the bear \th that. starts in
hum, you run rmwh the uppwr edge. Light out,
how.

Understanding the hultmco of the planJhe Vigi~
luntrs begun to crew, cautionsl toward their desti-
nation.whilc Little ill skulkm along tho base of
tho gulch until hi" gninwi a good hiding-phloem a
clnm of bushes. dit'wtl)‘ beneath and opposite the
mout of Mir cnvc.

He then waited until hc heard the apparent; scream
at uhawk, which warm-d ltitnthut the Vigilnltten
were randy.

llill tlwn sent. up n swim of picturing: Ht'l‘t‘llius,
\. hile Wot-c liku those of a wunnm in dll‘i'. distress.

in inhlilll' later, from his cmtcvnltncnt. ln- snw
:nrw- “’lllll‘ nu-n and one Indian rush frotn tlw
( an: and gaze down into the gulch.

At the snnn- instant, Your lust-awn dropped Willi
precision from nlmvc. and in, a lllOlllt‘lll more
tour outlaws wvre- (lnnizling‘ betwoen the. upper and
lower ludm-s,

Nordid Llw Vigilunwn tuko the trouble to draw
the Victims“ to the n )pvr ledgc, but. instead, fastencd
the larints no as to inavv. them suspended in mid-air.

And thus they hung until life became extinct, and
tnu Murdock band of desperadocs wax no more.

Little Bill was the flint to reach and enter the cave,
whore he found Big Buckskin lying on his back,
twenrcly bound, but otherwise unharnlod.

lint:ka in ombraocd the boy warmly after his rcL
ID'JASQ‘. and also heartily thankod the men he had
chosen for \‘iirilanwu, not supposing, at. the time.
that they would be culled upon to rescue. him an
thvir first service.

Aftern search of the cavern the party set out. on
thnir return.

On their arrival, the news of how Big Buckskin
had been captured and rescued became gonerally
known, and 8.180 the capture. of the outlaws and
their fate.

Big Buckskin was much su rlscd, too, when he
found that. Burk Murdock hat] on killed, and was
mounted ugh the le,nud at once ordered that
tho lo cut own; but the pr in were too
doc averse to this, and it was evi cut that the
su-rlal spectacle must remain for the public‘n edition-
tion.

doutly. Sir Royal Rignold sought out one of the gum-
{llllng dens, with the view of idling ‘ away a. few
ours.

He was soon successful in securing a. man to play
with, and being an export, .it was not long are he
had quite antnck of golden coin bofore him.

The other fellow finally backed out and wught an-
other tabla

Hu had hardly departed, when n rm) h»looldng
hummer appmuched the nobleman and ha pad him-
wvlf w a Nu. .

" ‘Ello! Mr. Bignold. 'Ow‘s yer ‘eulthl“ he saluted,

“ None of your business. What d’yc want?“ Sir
Royal demanded, suvamsly.

“ Nothin‘ much. I jest reclmrnlmd yo. and thor‘t:
I‘d make ycractxuaintnnce. since I was «out hero
[or that pu?ose, _

" You sen hare!“ Sir Royal gasped, his ram grow-
ing a shade whiter, and a hunted glue coming into

his ones.
“You,” the chap went on, “I was sent by Jim

fllr ynl appeared both excited and relieved.
" Indeed!" said. “ What new did Brady send?"

" Bod," thl' other (loaned, grimly, “Stark, the
london sleuth, is here after you."

"How do you know this?" ,

"‘ Easy enough. I have seen him here in tho-camp.
As 300nm begetsa requisitme mu) 3.1)
you without ceremony." ,

“Furlme tho‘ol‘lawl Isheind set"

" es; he's playin’ u book-agentasn d.”

“‘ Then I have soon h m.“

“ Probably. Now, there‘s no time to Iona let me
“‘11 you. You want to skin out of this town as live-
iv an you know how. "

' “ I cannot at away at once. I am to marryJuhat
Andre's dang tor to—morrow night!"

“ Youpru a fool t"

.. ,.

I “I ropoot it—you arc afoul. Your Irish lust-tie in
mm“ .

" Bob! on llel"

“ No, I do not. ‘ She is here, and waiting for the
nmiage—titm, so that she can step forward and
denounce vou.“ .

“ Great Heaven! what am I to do?"

" We". jest 0‘1 fCHOW my advice an’tI'll help you
out. Bud Btu: never went back on Jim Brady‘s

pals vet. ,
“ Well- what haVe you to propose?" ngnold ask-
cd eager y.
It was evident that he was anxious for some
avenue of escape from the menacmg peril.‘
‘ “ You aregoing to marry?” .
, " all means. yes!"
‘ “Then it mustbe vary uletly and secretly done.
Thu best plan would be to ve the ceremony Ber-
tm-mod in the gulch, outside of the town, w ere
.touhmn “on” “will?” 021% suitubl pot,
- ‘ our ' . no a e a
half am hp the gulch. Y_ou'd better to
11::ng athing done up tonight, and get out this
V . . . . '
3‘ You one fight. I guess. i will do so. Say nine,
v t

u. . ,w.

from where you

two ontcropping ‘ tonight, at the Indian picture reels, half a mile. up
the gulch.“

“All ht. I‘ll undertake to hum some home-n
there at t at hour."

"Very well. But. thorels another thing.
you to put that Irish idiot out of the way!

“ Humph! I reckon not,“ Backus granted. “i
ain‘t no regular pin-son, I ain't: but I reckon I‘m a
It‘fitlt‘l above coininittin’ murder."

" Pshuwl your scrnples will have a fall somc tiny."
ngnolu grittml. “ ouldn‘t u. ltundrod dollars stir

! you up?‘

 

; than tint
During the evening, feeling in low spirits, evi '

“No nor tint Limes that amount. I cannot bv
bought to woman murder.“

“Then tell me where the cursed woman is, and
I’ll do the job myself!“

“ Even that I cannot do. I was sent. hour to warn
ye an' itch) ye cscapa the colours. That's as fur an
i have an thing not 0 with ye."

“Hump i! I supposn you'll
rocks tonight?"

" Of course."

" You can go then."

And the tough-lmking individual arose and shut
{had 0t? whila Sll‘ Royal lit a cigar and left the sa-
non.

“ I would that I were a thousand miles uwnyl" he
muttered.

be at the picture

CHARTER XII.
«man’s mo RAISE.

Tau death of the outlaws had been a serious dis-
ap intment to Jubal Andre, who had clung to the
he 'ef that Burk Murdock would yet. come to terms,
and put Big Buckskin out of the way.

That hope was now dissi ted, however, and the
scheming villain knew that. w at was done he must do
himself. Fearful was he that something would
happen to prevent his daughter's marriage with Sir

magi.

heart was set upon that, for it would make
Agnes the mistress of Castle Uhelton, and that
wong of course giw him back his old position as

If a marriage wars attentptml by Sir Royal and
Agnes, there could be little doubt but what Big
Buckskin would interfere and stop it, which would
be disastrous.

Nothin . therefore
Bl Buc'.
way, and the. at. once.

mutainrd morn imperative
u should be put out at the
And it was equally

. giant to him that he must
atggm to the Job himse .

he set to work ‘und studied over a number of
plans, and finally decided upon one which he cal-
culated might work. '

In former W8 he had been an export uwordumnn
and felnclng-nnmter. And oven though out of prac-
tice. he was sanguine that he could hold his own
with such a 1mm as Big Buckskin. who. he allowed,
would not be likely to understand tho manual at
arms.

Accordingly he brought out two line blades from
his trunk, and gum them ufurhishin , afloat which
he sat down at a table and wrote the allowing Inca-


“Bm BMNt—You nilth know‘tbal as one-
mios, we cannot convonien dwell in some
cam In order to settle w 0 shall be mustanl
c engc you to meet. me at tho northorn outskirts
of the town immediate on receipt of thug and we
will decide thc'lmwter th swords.

“ Jaw. Axons.“

Just at dusk he biredamnn to cogvaytbe mes-
sage to the sport; while. armed with t o swords, he
he out for'thetgpointed place of meeting.

Here hewui

Itwusnot‘longmaf soundednearat
hand. and the manly figure of Buckskin stood
before him.

‘ ell, am here, Jubal Andrei" the sport. said,

‘ W l
“thou h I‘ll admit that! was summed to revolve
a challenge from you. Idld not nkyou had so
mucd‘h NOR-"Ind r w n. in Me n

“ on 'n‘t 0 yo 8 n yaeeyour
runaway] am just plucky enough to face a dozen
loafers like you."

"Probably because you think {on have an easy
thing on me with the sword. whlc is very likely the
case. Still, you have 0 ed, and I am no the
man to refuse an man the c ance to get'satiafac-
than out of me, if t in in him. Give me one of your
ulaughterlu‘ blades.“

Kee ing the best one for' himself the lax-bailiff
gas: t e other upon the ground, at dig Buckskin‘s
ee

f‘Theret take it and stand on your guard." he
cried fiercely. “I came here to kill you, and free
my child, and the harder you make me work tn»

greater will be my triumph when I run you

throu hl" .
“ ht! When on do run we throrléfih you
Buckskin answe ,com-

can well rag of it.“ I
posedly. ‘ .

The wo foes then stopped forwazd within strlki
distance; their weapons held in a firm grasp. an

theire as am sternl .
cal. sling; . y
u e.
Clef—gt clash!

Swmly and with great torcé did the deadl blades
flash through the air, blow meeti y

ther mm a n ainin any vantage. \
In fact, moi-{gin Andre seemed a good
deal dampened, go to spmk- for not only did he soon

. i

 

l unnt _

blow. and nei- _

\n .l‘mlletl

' exch

 

find that Big Buckskin struck a tremendous blow.
but. that, he was also up to all the important littlv
arts of fencing.

It had a depressing eflect upon .lnbul Andre to
know this, for with the know came the audit
tionul rcn‘ization that one little opening left by him i
would he likely to lose him his life. _ ‘ '
. Buckskin was as cool and composed as .a mun
well could hr. He did not betray any anxiety for
his own safety; on the contrary, be up ared to ho
rather confident that he would be the V otor. .

The duo] soon came to an abrupt end. By a tn--
nwndous blow, Buckskin broke his ndversary's
blade in twain, and— i _
nlele Andre turned like a flash, and ran for his.

cl

In order to add to his terrors, the sport Va chase»
fora few moments, and then purposely lowed tlw ~
cowardly wretch to escape.

 

Sir Royal Rignold did not find his betrothed at tho
shanty, on his arrival there front the. gum g- den. ,

Miss Andre had one out, some minut betel), -'
for a broath of frost air. ' ,

The camp, at evantidp. was not the least dangng
oun place (or a lady to wandar about, but. the young

woman prided herself that she was not , and ,

set out boldly. . “ ' ‘ _
During heir stroll, as luck would have “Ache ct ‘ N

the rodouhtahle Gulliver from Liliput, who k- ‘

styled hur’puth, with an indescribable grin upon his. ‘
ace -

“ Evcu' ‘ to yer, mum!" he saluted... “D‘ye want.
a bean t r see yo hum? Er ye docs. I‘m in that I
market. ~ Gulliver is my handle—Gulliver from Lili— 7 
put. on butt” I .‘ v
“ 8 rl“ Miss Andre cried. coldly. “ Please be kind. =
enou h to am aside, and allow me to pass!" t
" t by a ugfull!“ Gulliver respon . “1 lat
I‘m blzneas. am! ’19- .
hoarn it said ye‘d pay a right mart sum to hev that — ,
mg. Big Buckskin, put out o‘ the woyl Ain‘t that. l ,‘
so ,

who “if” M rant.“ “  " ‘
on,au erees cam angero  ,
“So I would!" chi reghed, in a h tone. “He

know what 'm about.

 

mahgve mggltzthy $3.  mount»
an nessw anposton. -‘ ,'
“ mp . ‘ Know jest how it is. Now what‘li '
you vet to we that galoot put so for

ground 

that to can’fipn‘over b now out 33in?" I ' ,

um“ n3“ mm... ;

e was co 9 . . a
1%... -»

Everything was 6, and something must: to
done at once. V -_

She knew tint her father-qu not. It the Ihamy, \ 1;,
andthathlamoneywu. '  w 

Wit not take the matter into heron hands. uml »’.
III]: ? man to do the work the Human-had left. '
no one , - . ' t

"What' will you charge: Remember, the Joly
muxtbedoncaton. !" . », .

“ 131$" ' ddohéfi"'93lgvgwmm';§"i" ‘ a
me on ya 0 7 n1. ' ( V .
Within the next hour. - . - I » g

“ Then come with me. ~ - ~ - :

shanty Milena.

She went swift: back to her "A
mandates“: 'hytle‘hnfilldg‘lt’v 

ltto . . _
“‘llillnil-lghtt" Gumm- announced, uflerconntin‘z' ,
it. “Jestyulingeraboutthecampobltcandwhen _
yeh‘eersevcruiplstol-Ihotgyucuolsmwmmw \,
menus.“ ~ ‘ ~' 7
nemmummmfia,hmnum m,
flighflyinhggutlllltutowv Ihohlddonorlght‘
n m: omoncy. - ' . I
owtarthegiantwmildmm‘ohhudtouy.
otanunforeseen “claw-ha
"y aha-mi;
l0) '

“I say, hold up (but, “101'er the Manila

 

v

mined. in tone: of ‘ Jargon move
another step, without'gnw puma-ion, I’ll ,put .
n erglmrd. z.
What‘sythc matter with you?“ Gulliver thunk
gored fl‘LPut up yer weapon, store I chow your V .
doth hone ckle. I‘m could ‘  .
thmmyucuipa‘I’kin “
thru your, system!” the younger tutorial. rlv'
Iver knewhé kcthetruth' . ' 
What d’yc want!" bagpgemondod. , '
You'll llnd out !" Little Bill w.
waslyou jest RI in‘ for!“ I _ . V
wii 'l‘tt' firr'éyerogmwhlchutm ” £35 °"“ " 1
eruoo ~ «p.17
kce b'ilera from'rustin‘onthemw' . , 3 “
“ k outl None ofyour lyln'mr I‘ll salivulc ‘-
you this minnit. Yo wusoln‘ for to drop BigBut-lr .

l.
u

 

“ Witn‘r

skin wurn‘t '0?" ~ ~ }

“flat bathe! guard thet I put up on] the
w didn‘t ye! melt didn‘t cunei- but
a: 915 likeacharm. Fivetthouun'otn l Jeri;
thinléhu'y it! Emil! to keep my b‘iler fer a
men 1 " "

 

“Then you didn‘t intend to harm Big Buckskin,

he 7“ '
XSartin not! Et oocurredto. me as haw my
uer war get ‘ low, on' I‘d better bleed smu'o f,
fut et—hook. Lor’ his: ye, Ind, I wouldn‘t lnm; z
ahalrouB Buck’s m'mum ldthnrisl‘n
these mounggs; no ef I known myecIfl" . '
. tr fe it - ‘-
do, thar‘s a'powerful scram thar’il  ,. 
our um. now w I" ‘
Gulliver was got slop: in ‘o ,‘ for he 'was en}.
dcntly afraid of that remarks 6 ‘ » "
When he was gonn. Bill sanntered back to the

..,

 

  

.4 -. .. 'a, N  ,. R.

o

t

14

Denver Doll’s Decoy.

 

 

 

__..... ....,.... ....L_... W.-. ..-.. .LA-  ..._ . ,

hotel and took a turn at bar-teii-iingf,

his success in blufling down a man 0 Gulliver's huge

pro onions.
“ tthe gulu‘ull kumkln-th-ls tex‘gether when
she finds how she's bin soaked." he muttered.

“ Serves her right. durn herl"

 

After his flight from the ,presr-nt-c of Big Buck-

' skin. Jubal Andre made his way back to town in a

‘POOl‘efit

/

humor that was bad, to say the least.
fl “Beaten a min,“ he whined to himself. " It
3' swam as it ill uck is continually dogging me since I
I have come to this awursed town. Big Buckskin
fixes the luck of a cat, as regards his life, and it is ap-
parent that l have no business to attempt taking it.
Yhat is to be done I do not know.“

As he entered the town, he saw Sal Slap leave the
finrzler‘s Glory, and walk over toward the Bonanza

ote .

ills suspicions became at once aroused.

“ What the blazes is the ugly she-tiger going there
for?” he muttered.

The substance of their previous interview then
finished across his mind.

‘* Can it be possible that the boy is there and she
is going to betray his identitiy to Big Buckskin?”

' hen came another thong 1:. He had twice seen
Little Bill tend bar. and had also seen him sev-
eral times on the otel veranda.

“By heaven! I bellevel have made adlsooyury!"
he gaspel. “That you ter is the son of Buck-
skin and Agnes, and Sal la is going to give away
the secret, curses be on her! ’

The thought made him fairly desperate, and he
quickened his pace with a view of overtalna' filler.
‘Egghtesdhfthad disappeared within the be are be

“Oh! but I‘m not baflled at!” he snarled, crouch-
ing down behind a rock. “ ’ll waylay her when she
comes back, and if she has given up the secret I
will murder her! To capture the boy then, will e
but little trouble. Once he is in my power, I can
bring Big Buckskin into a trap to suit me i"

_ And a maliciously satisfactory chuckle escaped
him, in anticipation of the impending victory.

An hour passed.

People went to and fro through the gulch, but
nonet of them. came Very near his place of conceal-
men .

He saw Sir Royal several times and reckoned that
he‘ was searching for hi but he was determined
Him to leave hill postal: all do, until he saw Sal
S up. ‘ ,

Still the minutes continued to drag by, and Andre
settled into ant of uiet cursing over the illrluok that

was attending his gil.

. a man near to where he was
crouching. and he saw that it was Bl Buckskin,
whose foo were toward t e Bonanza.

“Ah! but I ve you, now!" the _vll]ain hissed,
and drawi his revolver he flredl '

Not once at six times, each shot being leveled at
the back of the sport. u

Burg! bang! bang!

Bang! bang! bang!

Sharp and clear e echoes rung out through the
.gl c ‘

And what was the result? ‘

There came back a taunt , sarcastic lau h, while

Big Buckskin walked ldsure y on toward t 9 hotel, .
not even delgning to look around to see who had at-
tached him. ' ‘

Julia! Andre gazed after him like one dum-
founded.

What spell of witchery was this?

"He was positive that every shot he had fired had,
hit the sport in the back, as the space between them
was not sufficient to warrant a ‘ miss,” even by the

which the old villain was not, by
anv n8. .

mac. . .

! Yet the bullets had nottaken eflect, for surely no
human being with sir bullets in his bank could walk
away with as much aangfmld as Bi Buckskin dil.

“(James on him!” Andre hissed, He is certainly
leagued with internal power; or else he wears some
printeotlve device that renders him bullet-proof.
. ever mind! I may get achance at him again. I’ll
._ l ry him above the shoulders, then, and see if he will
refuse lead there !”

“Yewull. hey?“ a voice exclaimnl, close to his
car. which caused him to start violently. “ Ye wull
hey? Ncow, my Christian friend, mobbe it won!
,be moreyappropriate and conderscendinglil parlite
not ter count yer chickens afore they‘re etched.
llve allus obaarvcd that each wisdom ought forth
better results. My name is Gulliver, au‘ I‘m jest
from arrived from Liliput!" -

 

It was the t, in truth and he held a. revolver
24‘“ng size leveled at the mock person‘s
CHAPTER XIII.
an. E—AND rna murmur wnmmvo.

an": meson

flu. SLAP did not gain an immediate interview
With Denver Doll on her amval at the hotel, but was
told to wait in the office until Doll came down from
her room.

‘ While she was waiting Little Bill came into the
office, attired for the street.

life 10 a uncouth-looking urchin was

William, . tony, well-dressed lad.
A q 7 came over his intelligent
mgseagull.9 Willie's?” film to or look
a so . ‘ ouare -
“Lemme s." .2. F .. .
I you say. so. . or vans
don’t getnalhedonme! Whatarzzoudoing here?"
th Denver Doll,

“Waiting to an interview
ww .‘°,‘

well pleased at i

 

fi'

..._..._.___-__

 

“ iluxnlpht what do you .want of her?"
18 “ It‘w' i make your eyes hung out, boy, when you
arn.

“ Phew! must be somethin‘ exqueordln then i"

“' You bet it is! But don’t ax me no quest ons.“

“ burn it, don’t be so tight-lipped. Spill out, ef it’s
anything worth knowin‘. Goin’ tor dopt me, an'
will? my your heir?"

o .

“ Some one want to marry me?"

" Not for ears yet, you ten-yearold general!”

“ Bah! ome now, you‘re a. sweet, purty duckling
of ufial—aln‘t ve goin’ ter pan out the secret?"

“ o, no! on run away for awhile} and when
you come back ou'll know all about it.‘

“All right. ut mind, don't fool 1110, or I'll run
over and clean out er ranch!"

“ You'll know i” l repeated, grimly.

Satisfied that he won d gain nothing by teasing
her, William arranged his tie'aud sauntered out for
an evening stroll.

After he was gone, Sal took out a Testament and
began to read, seeming dee 11y interested.

tier 8. long wait Denver oil came down-stairs.

She was great surprised to see the hog, who had
integer dbothered er since the Guzzler‘s Glory was
s c .

“Good-evening, Dolly!" Mrs. Slap greeted, closing
her Testament. “I have called to see ou on im-
portant business. Can I see you private 1'"

“ If necessary, yes. Come with me," and she led
the way to the room in the rear of the office, where
a lit was burning.

" ow please be brief!“
much business to attend to. ,

Sui was silent a moment, then she abruptly turned

gal, efI

'Poll said, “for I have

Do : .

“ D‘ye think the Lord would forgive me,
war to lead a better life?" she asked. ' '

Doll was surprised.

“Well, I don't know as I can answer that ques-
tion," she responded. “We all know that His is a
merciful and forgiving spirit. Did He not give up
His own life for us?" -

“So I’ve thearn tell. Well, anyhow, I‘ve made up
mymind tobu’st u the ranch and lead a better life.
Mebbe it won‘t be 00 late for me yet."

“ I am glad of your resolution, and will pray that
you stick to lt.‘." .

“Thank yel An’ now, as a starter toward doin‘
good, I’ve a disclosure to make. Did Bl Buckskin
ever tell ye the story 0’ his bein’ married "

:: Yes. 3883.” .

h To A‘ndre 3 gal!”

es.
“ Well. a child was born!”
‘5 Yes.”

“ Does he know what became of it, gal?"
“No. "He suspects that the Andres had it smug-

gled o . , .

“ So they did. I did the job, and was to kill it, but
my heart kicked, and I put it in kindly hands. I
even know where it is now 1”

Big Buckskin’s voice Was heard in the office just

then.

Doll sprung to the door and called him in.

When he was seated Doll said:

“ Mr. Wilton, I have something to surprise y
This lady, Mrs. Slap, knows where our lost son is

“ what?" Buckskin cried, excl y.

“ It‘s so }‘ Sal oven-ed. “ Your son is alive and
w and Isaw him not half an hour ago.

“ be firslsed! Tell me, woman. where is he i?“

“‘ He has eon as under a mother‘s care for some
months," Sal returned. with a significant glance at

Doll.

“ What! Is it possible you mean Little Bill?“ tlr
Detective Queen cried.

“ The won some. I’ve kept track 0' the kid mer
since I war 11 red by Jubal! Andre to kill him, when
he war a baby." ' ~

Big Buckskin bowed his head in his hands and
was silent for some minutes.

When he looked up there were tears ll. his eyes.

“ This is the hop lest hour 1 have known for
years," he said. “ never dreamed Little Bill was
my son, but I am none the less proud of him. And
I ave much to thank you both for, besides what
pecuniary reward you can name."

“ N o reward is necessary,” Sal at once answered.
“I'm only triad to get rid 0’ lie weight on my con-
science. But let me give to ' a little advice, free
irratls. Don’t never let on to the b0 who his mo-
ther is, for she is a reproach to the ho h of you."

“ You are right. It will be better for the boy to
remain in ignorance of the fort of a mother he as.
I will ow ‘zo and find him.“ i

“N i no." Denver Doll demurred. "I have some-
thin important to say to you both. Bill will be all
righ , and you had best not explain anything to him

011.
In

- until to—morrow morning."

She then spoke to her two auditors in low, rapid
tones for several minutes, after which Sal Slap took
her departure. .

 

Let us return to our friend Gulliver and his catch,
Jubal Andre. .
The latter swore furiously when he saw that he

was tra . a ,
'fi" Whgfghie devil do you mean?” he savagely ques.

on .

“I mean that I’ve cotched ye in: purtyleetle
scra . an” of e don’t disgo I‘m golf topegye
mjllnlfeenoddle.’y ! rge .

an, ave no mone " ‘
“Git eout! Feller-s like you ‘don't gobroke, an'

don’t ye fergit it! *Jest tumble out yer pockets, an‘
vet jewelry. r.n’ I'll let ye go , ‘ca'se I see'd
Buckskin didn't count yo wuth noticin‘. Er ye re-

.  ' \

‘GlIory. and was admitted

 

fuse I’ll blow ver head off, sure‘s I'm the folk-r what
ten thousand Liliputians couldn‘t conquer.” l
Seeing nothing more sensible to do, the entra ‘
assassin zrumblingly obeyed, and Gulliver pro ted
to the extent of some two hundred dollars.
“ Now ye kin *0,” he said, “ whileI amble oil and
line my b‘iler \ ’ rust preventive.“
Andre at once set out for his shanty and on hh
wit; he saw Little Bill crossing the lc L
rouchlng in a shadow, he waiter. till the boy was
within arm‘s reach of him when he lraped forward
and dealt him a blow that knocked him senseless to
the ground.
With some cords he then bound. his hands and
feet, and carried him to the mouth of an abandoned
(lll'il’l, in the dark recesses of which be cost him
( own.
“ I'll go and see what Bignold wants now, “ he
muttered. -
It was his determination to say nothing to Agnes
about the boy but return in the morning. before
do -break, an ut an end tohim.
n his arriv at the about he found both Sir
Royal and Agnes waitinglfor . The former ap-
peared to be in a big y excited state, and was'
pacing the floor rapidly i
“Where in the worl have you been?" he demand -
ed as Andre entered. “I have been waiting for you
over an hour, and for you everywhere."
“Indeed! W'hy. I‘ve been about town. What do

you want?" .

“Enoughl This marriage must take lane at
once, if at all, and I must immediateLv grwnrd
leave for England, where 1 am wanted within 8. lim-
ited time as claimant to a fortune. A messenger
named Backus has been sent after me, and he says
if I do not start at once all is lost. He has pro
we have the ceremon rformed outside of wn
at nine o'clock, and we then immediately start
upon our ourne ."

“A go idea. But it is nine o‘clock nearly al-

get a priest and let's get at once to work.

v.
“Then
We will take no baggage whatever to incumbcr us

until we t to New York. Is there a minister or
priest in e camp, do you know i" ,
“Yes. One arrived yesterday and hung out his

shin 1e."

“ hen go fetch him at once, and we will start for i

the picture rocks, where the Ceremony in to take
place. It will be moonlight, and romantic."

A sharp mp came upon the door. Sir Roy».
sprung forward and opened it and admitted the
bum-looking Englishman.

“Wall, what‘s the matter?" Sir Royal inquired

sh ly.

Wigs up in that direction, so far as the-wéddlfl !
is concerned. See‘d that teller Stark meanderin' q
ward the picter rocks. Guess he smells a rat So.
urinal egg: different lay-out."

“Why, Ibou htofl? SalBla . 'She‘s site; up tin
place for the n ght. ‘Bout dnlght 3". re to corn;
one by one an’ rap at the door, au‘ I‘ll admit your,

We'll hev the weddin’ then. m' hosses class by, so
we kin git a start at once.” ’ ,
“The she devil, Sc! Slap, can’t be trusted at all,"

J ubal Andre avowed.

"Yes,shem.n. She said as how she had suthln' »
private to tell ya when ye come."

“ Humphl” was all the answer. ,

"Then t is understood that ve will all meet at Sal
Slap'w at midni ht, (prepared for the journey," Sir
Poyal said. “1' ion Andre, will you attend to the
hatter of securing the services of a minister?“

“I am so," was the reply..

The n was not over pleased at the ideaof hav-
ing the wedding at the Guzzler‘s Glory for he could
but believe that ea! amps visit to the Bonanza Eo-
lol had been to. ve u the secret of the! where-
abouts of B Buc skin s son. ’ ‘ v

When the gllshman had departed Andre left the
shanty and en the new ~arrived clergyman, .
atler which he irected Ins ootsteps toward the
minin drift. \‘

“ 1’! do for the b0 . at any rate before I leave!"

he tted, drawing a to and feelirfig its keen edge.
“I rdly thin Buckskin would to ow us to Eng-
land; but even f he should, there are surer facilities
there for putting a man out of the way than in this
treacherous country.“ I _

He approached the mouth of the drift and peered
1:.

As he did so a huge grizzly bear came lumbering
toward him. ,

That was enough! "

He turned and tied for dear. life.

He was satisfied, beyond a doubt. that Little Bill
was torn to pieces by the monster, long ere this.

So he made his way to a saloon, and- after pro-

shantyto

curing a drink of liquor, returned to his
await the coming of the midnight hour.,

 

Midnight! .
et prevailed in Little Bill’s Bonanza-
ery place of business was closed u for tin
night, and only here and there throughout

.M‘k‘ a am»..-

. , cal-u

 

emm'.
were lights seen burning.
Few peOple were abroad, and the mostof then. i
were making for their res ctlve places of lodging.
The bright radiance of he moon fell down upon u ,3
the town and revealed objects with startlin§ddis , "
ur

tinotn especially the aerial figure of Burk
dock oeifihe le. ‘ ‘ '

About -past twelve the last of several muf
rapped at the door of the angles“.

nslde.the saloon was. but dimly u‘
monotonous silence prevailed: “and.  .

l

 

 

 

‘ V4." .

z...""f»_'“ . I A.

l

~

Denver Doll’s Decoy.

 

Behind the ban- Sul Slap steed, n grim expression l “Curse oul“ wasnll the reply the baffled blga
coultfmake.

qfinherhsrd ave.

diflereut 1mm of the room wuru Hi‘ill’vd the
rtius ('ollllvuh‘li with the nocturnal nil‘uir. viz.
lbul

hum-looking Eng: ishnmn, Bili'lillfl.

' Thelth comer W115 the minister—n youngr demure-

lookjng mun, who uppeareo' to [vol strangely out of

place in the grog; (It‘ll.

“Well, I guess all parties arc horn," .r'lml Andre
announced, “and we will {get
ceremony its soon as possib 0. Jim. Slap, will you
see that the. front door is well looked to inwm
safot r"

Andre, Afncs. Sir Royal llignolil, zuui the r

l

through with the,

“ o be 51m: I will, dear Jubnl,“ Sol rt-plivd, in-n )- ‘

111;: over the bar as neatly as u dry-goals clerk 1" n! d
have done. “ The door is. “mil scoured. By the
way. Juhul dear. supposin’ yull um! I hitch up to-

othur, \Vlllli' tln- monomer is hour. You know “o'vu ;

in lovin‘ each 0 er these many years. on' now’s
jest the time to Show how two lovin‘ lli‘éll‘lfi will
anus cling together. "

" Women. are you mail?” anal Alllll'l‘ gasped;

“Nary a time!" Sal declared; ‘ nor yo hadn’t bet-
ter I'ltme mad nuther. I‘m a S1‘l‘6fllllel‘ when I‘m
max —tooth on' toe-null! Ef ye don’t want. me,
Jubul all yer got to do is tor say so!“ .

m“ i course I wouldnxz have you! I'd as quick
or]?! an omng-outang

“ ebbe one 0 them would mote ye butter. Well
All, slide up an’ have a drink wi’ me, an’ then we’ll
start the weddin’!"

The invitation was accepted, more. Probably, for
the sake of humor-lug the hog than oranyothur
reason, though it was noticeabl- that nohhercven
Ages Andre nor the minister took stingy drinks.

rder was then called, and the. cizmtruotlng parties
stood up both very pale. and vvideutl)’ laboring lul-
der considerable agitation.
e minister produced his book and slow! and
film regd the mangnéxorecelb‘ilvoddt 16 an-
. , on renounce ‘ir ' 10 on non
Andra mzinrhnd wife. y m Ag

The following instant a rear door opened ands.

of persons entered the baixroom.

 

CHAPTER XIV.

woman. um woman. AND Au. Is wnu.
Tums had bee no doub ma artistic and
Striking tableaus vgithin the Gt'uzzleg Glo during
8211 Slnp's reign as proprietress, but it is so e to say
there was never one to equal-that which marked the
fflfrtylrt‘lgs of the new-comers following the marriage

 y_

The Andre- stood hast. hi
more“. mad" as “C Md
8 en. 0 centering was the superan-
nuated man of books-Gem 11 um
film Stork, the detective. gs W G .
Buckskin. with Nellie

Followin him came
‘5“! DE: 11 his 3%, Old Prowler. Gulliver

163. g
figmmlxfiut all: muesmmd stranger who looked
(‘3.
ngemyedl" Jubal Andre gasped. attempting to
"Edrfifiawm b l in English add
6 um- 00 man '
affumn “:1ng against thengex-baglli‘fl‘s cheek.
are m prisommt‘z'row your weapon on t e car. You

“ at for?" Andre demanded. “You have no
ht to arrest me!"

and beard

lll “Hal

‘ H‘l‘Tn't I?” and off came a false
fvmflfi the resolute face of Denver
3' my ttle decoy has worked even nicer than I at
“mt “undiluted. Jubal Andre, I arrest you for the
aggraicxiiemelpff attempted murder, and alson for
  1016 a. g of counterfeiters or

you ,, moor any, I hand this man
The ntlem
Jul)", flare w: gaggle cfihes camsformmk and
Penile! Doll then turned to Agnes Andre, who,
N329}? Mint. was sup rted by Re a]. -
. "5‘53 Andre. by the ow of our ooung'y, I should
".V fights arrest on on twocflminal charges: but
"allevinz you will feel
W 0Pmeuts that are to cllow I will. at the map
0f yourhusband, not arrest ' on for cons irlng to
murder your infant child, nor or the act 0 bigamy
yo}! have just committed.“
‘Husband! hiss-my!" Sir Royal gasped. pushing
ilw false woman from him.
" Ayl sir R B‘ in was her hus-
linud until you- ted thelgurden from his shoulders.
lull. she is no more a 1; 3mm; than you are, for on-
401‘ stands your dese (1 wife whom I took rom
ill: 1:18 grasp of the world and nursed ck m
§Ir Royal swore furiously.
41 never married her!" 9 raved. '
You lie!" George Washinfilton Gum cried “and
I can prove it. The priest s lives who performed
the ceremony, nltho h on hired men to kill him—-
vou infernal demon! ph Rignold, am instance
enver Doll will put under arrest I receive
a. U. S. requisition, w on I will have the pleasure of
.couducting you back to El land, and nting
you to the London courts as . Jack De ven, the
vxconvict and burglar!"
“ will never surrender!" Sir Royal cried. tux-l-

withont his host; for he was
Ofl‘loer Sherry and held finn-
adorned his wrists with hand-
ou‘ll come to terms," Doll said. with her
prove ugh. “We border folk know ho to
handle even. worse chs
Henglish cmckgmen.“

he
sewed from hehlndb
ly, while Denver Do
ends.
‘1 es

thou you bigody-_

 

“ You are making arrests so freely." spoke up
Agnes Andre, "‘ I pro so that you arrest yonder
tuition," indicating o d Gulliver. “Not three hours
ago he swin led me out of five thousnud (lollnl‘s—”

“ Of my money too, you hussy l" interrupted Ju-
bal Andre, savagely.

“ .w. Mch you, in turn1 stole from Sir Royall"
Suffered Agnes, “ putting bogus stuff in loco of it."

" Charming developments i“ laughed uver Doll.
" How is this, Gulliver?“

"Oh! the gill give me the swag as pay for kllliu‘
Buckskin, but orter I got it, I felt suddenly ious, un'
nouldn‘t (lo the job,‘ the giant replied, wit 1 a grin.
“ I afterwards ca ht Jubul thar, a shutin‘ at Buck-
skin and I made 1 dish out, too!”

“ éood for you! I opium that ou‘re entitled to all

on ham got. And now, frien s, these few arrests
0 not temlinaw to-night 5 little surprise, for I have

homunhing  to say for the benefit. of those

present.

“ Years at 0. young Sir Clifford Chelton, of Chelton
Castle. Eng and, fol-«400k his home, ran away, and
become lost to all those who loved him. A long
search was made. but he could not be found and was
giveln up; as dead. That is. by all except his father,

1r .

I

“ :9 miiugh could never give it u but what his son
would be found, and with a row ve to find him, he
left England to devote his life to the search, pur-

osely leaving behind him evidence to lead to the

click that he had committed suicide.“

“This is false!" Sir Royal cried, alarmed at the

respect of the great Chelton estate being taken

‘oxn him. s
There stands Sir Hugh Chelton, alive

“ it is not.
and well!“ .

And she turned and pointed to Old Prowler, who
stood war at hand. ‘

, Thu old man seemed taken by su

“By all things wonderful, how (1 you find put
my secrot?" he cried, throwin off the 1 white
false beard and wig, and stun 11% before t em——a
hole and hearty-looking old gent— be real Sir Hugh,
sure enough:

“‘ I suspected it from the first you told me-of the
family matter. The low-aw our intimacy, the
firmer did the sus clcn me an established cer-
tainty in ' min . But, let me proceed with m
stormgir ush'gaugusenrec‘lii seexn‘1 ed uselessdmid frui

ass. a grow an weary. an guess.
finsll , when he reached this camp he was about
so ed that ‘twas no use to search further.“

“ You are right!" Sir Hugh assented.

“But with your falling co ” Denvar Doll
went 0 “my interest was arc and I made up
mymin to find SirOliflord Chaitan. and you can
1 bet or best 0‘ boots I‘ve found him."

“W ! what! ' Sir Hugh cried.‘ citedly.

“Bah! she lies!" med Sir..Boya.l Rignold,

so . . .

XI do not!" Denver Doll. “The fold say-
ing, ‘ It’s not alwaysbest to forsake the old for the
new,‘ is extremely up licable in this case, as Miss

will undoub Ly derstan%uwhen I state
that her wronged first husgn chitin, is th
real Sir Clifl' rd d' a“

rise.

u Hugh sprung forward. . ' "
Myson! my long-1:68:01}! Can this be true?

he as with to
“It igdt'rue that I am élilfcgéieghglutggn mm

blazes this fenet‘e ,
yond my comp on," the sport said, as be
embraced his Soul-rent. ., -

"Intuition did it," explained, with a laugh.
“13“ 13°22 “strum £33335; 3331i
1: e um um o m
opinggwc better adJourn the hosting." . ‘

And it was adjourned. - ’ ,

The prisoners, and all hands exoe 8n! Slap and
Agnes Andre went to the Bonanza ctel.
crushed woman of the world, went

Agnes. wic ed .
back to the shanty alone and un itlfi all her and
schemes for the future now (lung’s into not ug-

'nessanddeepd

Hers was a rich reward—richly deserved.
. 0n the arrival of the main party at the hotel the
prisoners were placed in the room in the rear of the

oflice.
Dlfiittle 3111 had got back. and was up, waiting for

o .

The bonds Julml Andre had laced n him were
not tight, and he was free on out o the drift al-
most as soon as the villain was out of sight, and
long before the bear had entered it.

As soon as Big Buckskin saw him, he clasped him
to his breast wa . . ‘

“M so‘n! m son!" he murmured. v ' '

“G I: out!" ill retorted. “What you glvin‘ us? I
ain’t your kid."

“But you are. as Denver Doll will tell you, and
8!?1 Prowler. here, asyou knew him. is your grand-

101‘.
Denver Doll then explained what was advisable to

end Bill nod curiously. ’

“ ell, that's a rum go. ain‘t itl"hs remarked.
“Suthin like I. Sunda. ~skewl hymn. So you‘re
goin‘ over the giddle, e dad?“

“Yes—back gmnd old metal le Chel" ton, the home

0118

of 11%; youth. Youare to go .
“ nil. I might go and look over the ranch, but ye
see I ain‘t no time to devote to relations. Biz is
xl-sshin’hggw. Angles, LMefii-lca‘s the plug: Marni
w everyg 00 ’s sown kmg' ~ e
$0M airs sworn partners you. hetl’P'

 

'Afewwordstoclose. , ‘
Jobs! Andre, and sir Royal escaped before morning

. .

‘- .»_ v . Hr u

m . '1. .,V . is... l. .l.

bhthcw the
is be-‘

15

and were never seen in Idaho again. During their
gusrd's absence 9.1)on had been pried ad the sink:
of the building, which formed one of the walls of llm
room. and they had crawled out through this open
in? and escaped.

t was susposcd that Agnes had  the 11:1)
done, and iii ed thou: to get awgy Thus the w
was, in these two cases, both , and Stark and
Sherry were forced to set out on the sail-ch again.

A few weeks later Sir Hugh, Sir Clifford-or Bu:
B kskln—oml Nellie Kelly started for Europe.

*fore gain ’, Buckskin made our heroine an offer
of marriage, ut she gracefully declined, statinp‘
that, although she thought a great deal of him. sin"
was not yet prepared to marry—u: least for a year
01‘ AVG. .

When it came to part with Doll, Lilth Bill he'-
came nearl ' frantic, and no coaxing could teln- him
away from er. L

And when Doll rlvntely ronilsod Buckskin that
she and Bill woulg Vith Gas is Chelton. a year later,
the ‘lunulsnme sport consented to leave his son he-

nn¢ . l

” For." said he. “when I get you over the Ocean.
1 hope to keep you both there, and Nellie Kelly shall
be your lady s maid.”

Sal .p kc t her won-l. '

 tthuzilfi‘s Glo ts}? tfie ground,
ma V8l‘ on an 6 8 y pair
have ht'a ranch in Idaggt'snd settled ' own.

Little ‘s Bonanza soon layod out, ands few
shnnties only stand to mark it}; Rite. ‘ '
mile Dimgd .xem‘ur  ever ' on thguglgerhtnfor
sp on were no 0! n stum o a
fresh field of fiventums, Wllellé. sooner or later we
will try to renew their acquaintance.
, mu nun.

 

 

1*Wnos. Emmi and 59 other Songs.

2 CAPTAIN Gun and 57 other Songs.

3 Tim Gusssono' HAT and 6‘3 other Songs. ,

4 JOHNNY Mourns and 60 other Songs. l ,

5 I’LL STRIKE You Wrrn A Farm nudflothers.
6 GEORGE run nodal otherflongn.»

7 Tim Bum ov- ROCKAWAY amid! other 3%!
8 YOUNG FELLAE, You‘u Too Kinsman” s
9 Sin' Yomu Gnu. audios other Songs.

10 PM was Gowmos's Osnv Son mas other Songs.
llMYFmandGéotherSo ", w

12 Coum' Tnnc‘ mu RYE an 56 otherscnan.
18 Tim Rouxmso Imam cndwoflierfiougs.
14 OLD Doc 'l‘mvnndllflotherfiongsw - .

15 Wuos. and mother  1- .'
16 In ms Wm BY AND Broad other-Songs.
17 r1ani: nndl$8 otnerSonn ‘ .

18 1‘! m Bov THAT’S Bom 'ro Bun sunflowers.
19 Tim Two Onrms and 59 other Songs. ‘
‘30 WHAT ARE m WILD WAvIs 1m, Drunk?

and 59 other Songs. : . ~ .

2! lummum Pour Woo and 59 othdSom
salmon) ARK-CHAIR museums-Songs.“ \

‘ .

'WONOomlsmnBucndudaeothd-figngs.‘

34 OLD Sums. mflm 
so PM is medafiothnrscngn."  «’u -*
26 PARADE.0F run Gmnnsnnd 50 other Bongo ‘
27 Yo, ans, Ho! andwotherSongag .r . ..
28 Wvamsnomg-hnanoandmthm,
20 Bum Bows ‘Ovsn m mnlnquotllgrs
so mumymmmamxmmmss ‘
31 Swm Panasonic-N01- nnd us chin-WV f f
82 memudwomersongg: if; 
at D: Bmo urn: memoirs-rm Mandalbthers
84TH" andmothers‘ongsr ‘ '4, :cl ‘
86 Jcs-rmlfmsnmgovsnnd 52 '
86 SumccucnwmmBmand fi‘othmf
537 Kcmmxmmandwotherml ’ v' «r
88 NIL Doersan and mother Sings; "if 1 ,
89 Tu: Gnu. I Lm 3mm: Mr, and w-ptlioufioqn‘s-
4p ‘sz am A hmme Frown nudflcthsis.
41 Puma-rs Wmlmmms and 600thth ‘
42 Dmomcmmmnnandtaothsrsmgs: _,
'48 H. MS. Pnumns. commnmlrltothcrsonés.

Sol; evemxge by Newsfifalers‘  live cunts
ggpto  any , am mm

BEADLE'AND ADAMS, Purim,
88 WW firm..an You.

Sunnyside Library.

 

 

 

.' By'rhomss  

 

LALu Room in"
2 Dex Jun By Lord Byron ..... ..  . 2m-
8 PARADISE Lon. ByJohn  . inc
4 Tan LADY OFMLAKE. SirWnltex-Boott 100
films. ByOwenMoredi ................. ..m«-
6 17mm; or .m Wmm'r. From the

omnoirneaenoh De hMattsFonqus. 100.

‘For saleb all newsdealers or ’sen postage girl
on receipt “0' twelve unmfformghgimkdgiémn
numbers on - ureen s. . . , C'I‘O ' ..
sawtle streeyt. hew York. . I ‘"

 

/

.54. . '7‘.

I

L. 4

Half-Dime Singer’slllilary 1  '\

 

 

J BEADLE’si HALF-DIME

 

LIBRARY.

 

 

 

l Deadwood Dick, 7m: l’luxer. or rm: Ham 1

Bv Edward L. mil-r.

Vellou'utonl‘ JaI-k. By Jos. E. Badger, .lr.

Kannan King. B ’Bull‘alfi Bill.
4 The “'ild-Ilorse untervx. By (‘npttlm
Mayne Reid and (‘aptain ire-deriuk \\'hillal-mr.
Vagabond Joe,'mr: Yorke WANnmeu .Ilzw.
By 011 (.‘oonn-s. howl/w .Vumbur. 10cm
Bill Blddon, Trapper. B ' E. S. lilllx
The Flying Yankee. By (‘0 . l’. [mgr-alum,
Seth Jontm. lly Mwurd ‘5. Ellis.
Adventurer. of Baron Munrhanwn.
Nat Todd. By E. S. Ellis.
The Two Deleeliveu. By AW. Aiken.
Hullh'e ’s Travel-I. 13‘ Dean Sam.
The Dxlnlh Spy. Byo (‘Immex
Aladdin: or. 'l‘szoxmcurr‘i. LAMP.
The hell-Cat. liy ('nplliin Fred.“’hiilukr-i'.
Robinson i'rlmoe. (2T Illustrations.)
Rnl bl: Roy. By Col. i’reni.is~‘ lngralmm.
Sin had the Natilor. ills Seven Voyages.
'l‘he I'hanlont Spy. By Buffaloliill.
The Double Daggers. By E. L. Wheeler.
The Frontier .i ng'el. liy Edward S. Ellis.
The Sea Serpent. lh' Juan lA‘VV'lS.
\iek o‘ tlu- “gin. By T. c. Ilarbaugh.
Diamond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingmhmu.
The Boy-{Ca itain. By Roger Stan-buck.
26 Cloven oo . By Edward L. Wheeler.
27 Antelope Abe, rm: BOY GUDE. Oil Gnomes.
28 Bnii‘alo Ben. By Edward L. Wheeler.
29 The Dumb Page. B ' Capt. F. Whittaker.
30 Roaring Ralph Roe wood , ma RECR-

utxfi RANGER. By Harry St. George.
3] Keen-Knife, PRINCE or no: i’kmrmq.
Oil OOOIDGH.
3‘) Bob “'00”: By lklwanl L. “'hPeh-l‘.
33 The Oeenn Bloodhound.
By (‘sz1. J. F. (f. Animus.

-i 01' on Sol.
Wil Ivan. By Edward L. Wheeler.
The Bo (.‘lown . By Frank S. Finn.

The Ill den Lodge.

i:

nib-9:32“

w“

N8SNNE——~——p--uay—
LW‘IWN-::I\‘=§I¢-

.3323“

THE lmmrrrw;

By J. J. MarshalL

B ' Oll COOle
iner. By E. L. Wheeler.

BEG" t. Fred. Whittaker.

Battling Rube. y i arry St. George.

Old Avalanche. By Edward L. Wheeler.

Glass Eye, rm; Gum Saar or ‘1‘in Wm.

if! Capt. J. F. C. Adamo
ightin V ale Nat .

Black

Omaha on.

Burt Bunker, Tm: TRAPPKR.

The Do Rifles. By Archie C‘. irons.

‘ The Wh te Bufl‘alo. B C. E.

Jim Bludooe Jr. BJV

~ Ned Hazel. Iiy Ca . . F. C. Adams.

l Deadly-Eye, rm: mam 8mm; or. Tan
Biuxmm Bummnoon. By Buflnlo Bill.

hfllflick “'hifllon’ Pet. (apt. J. F. C. Adams.

57‘Deadvt'ood Diek’vs Ba luv.

58 The Border Kinfi. inl Coomes.

59 old Hickory. By arEy St. Geo e.

80 The “'hite ndian. apt. J. F. Adams.

61 Buekhorn Bill.  Wheeler.

. W. J. Hamilton.

. i1 .
B JanBad ..',Jr
V;.J.l:iamiltlognW

Death- aee,
Roving.r Ben.
Lasso Jack.
The Phantom ‘
Dick Darling.

anti-binle
N-QQ

N~¢$G§~l amt-w

ohn, THE Roan-Aunt. B '
By Edwaul L. Whae er.

4
4
I
-|
4
'r
3
4'-
4')
5
5

iv“

v

. l u ,io Hand. .
..‘&ufl‘bleather 0e. B‘yl’hlli S. Warue.
Z ' t" Robin “00 .  Bill
~.. . no. B EdwardL. eeler.

I'll flip"! (‘nb n. By Capt. J. F. C. Adam

' Delaware Dick. ByOll Coomes.

2 Mad Tom “'e-tern. By W. J. Hamilton.
73 Deadwood Dick on Deck. ByWheeler.
74 Hawk-eye Harry. By Oil Coomes.

75 The Boy Duelist. By CoL P. Ingraham.

76 Abe Colt, 'mn CHOW-KILLER.

77 Corduroy Charlie. ’

78 Blue Dick. ByCa min Mayne Reid

79 Sol Gin er, Gm By A.W.Alken.

80 Bombu Rob. Bay Edward L. Wheeler.

81 Lightning Jo. y Captain J. F. U. Adams.

8’ Kit Han-toot. By T. C.

83 Rollo, the Boy Banger. ‘

84 ldyl the Girl Miner. By la L. Wheeler.

85 Due. Bnekram. Capt. J. F. 0. Adams.

86 Dand Rock. By .Walv‘u) Browne.

an The

88 Photogra h Phil. B E. i..\thaler.

89 Island J m. By Brave )ridge Hemyng.

90 The Dread Rider. By G. Waldo Browne.

9] The (‘aptain ot'the C‘ uh; 01'. Tux YOUNG
RIVAL ATHLETES. By waahridma Hemyniz.

92 Canada I‘het. By Edward LWhoelet‘.

93 The Boy Miner-n. By Edward S. Ellis.

94 Midnight Jaek. By T. C. ilnrhaugh.

95 The Rivalllovers.

By 

S. W. Pierce. ‘y

By T. C. iinrbaugh. I
‘ Ned “’ 'lde, THE BOY Sl'or'r. By Texas Jack. ‘
By Wheeler. I

By T. (t. Harlan h. .
ll‘I‘lddger. ‘
(I. E. Lasail». ‘

Lasalle. 5
ward LWheeler.

By Wheeler.

BVO Uootnes. ‘

and Piraten. By (not. Mayne Reid. ,

HI‘I‘U—‘HHHIIU-‘Hflfl HH‘I‘I‘HHHfl—dhhl—HD‘HHH—i-‘HHHHHI-hh‘ ~III~H H—h—Hh—I‘HHH—HHH—I‘HH i-I-I-II-a—I——I—~—_...___.,._____~_

Lieut. Col. liazeltine. .

96 Watch-Eye. THE SHADOW. By E. L Wheeler. A
97 The Outlaw Brothers. B J. J. Marshall. ‘

By Prof. Gill ersleeve.

98’ Robin Hood.
By (5. Waldo BYOVV'llt'.

99 The Tiger ol' ’l‘aon.

100 Deadwood Diek in Leadville; or, A ’

STRANGE STROKE ron LIBERTY.
Jae-k Harkau‘ay in New
Brneehfidge Hemynz.

Dirk Dead-Eye. By t'oL lngruhum.
The Lion of the Sea.

B \Vheelt—r.
{'ork. By

By C01. Della Sam. ‘

Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Wheeler. 1
' Old Rube, Tm: HUNTER. Capt. H. Holmes. 1

01d Frouty. ma Grmz. By T. (1. Rarbunzh.
One-Eyed sin]. ByJames L. Bowen.
Dari ng Dan 3 . By Barry ‘it Hem-go.

' Dentin nod JHrk an "i‘ll't'll‘ r.
Edward L. \\'li"l‘l(‘l'.

1:). .

l

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0 The. Blaek Steed oi the, Prairieu.

Thrilling Story of Texan Advvnture. By Bowen.

ma-

:1“:%—

3 The Boy Partly-I.

The Sea-Devil. By t‘ul.li'. lngmlnuu.
The .‘llad llnnler. By Burton Snxe.
.laek Ho 11-. RV Eduard l.. Wheeler.
The Blue Sehoouer. Roger Sinrhuuk.
'l‘he .Vlzld .Vli er lly (l. Waldo Browne.
The “lunar
Gilt-Edged lIl . By K. 1.. Win uler.
“'ill Sonic-rs. THE BOY lua'rtzl TH E. Mm'rm.
Jilly-tang; Sam. By .los. E. Badger. Jr.
The Branded “and. By Frank Dumum.
('innalnon ('hip.
l'hil Hardy, Till-I Bum BUY. B} U. .‘llulris.
Rio“ a Charley. By T. C. Hnrimnzh.
'I‘ippy.‘l‘ilE TEXAN. By George Ulmtmn.
Bonanza ‘Bili. MINER. By Ed. 1.. Wile: l~~r.
Plea 'llne Pete. By l‘lutrlw. .Vlnrris.
\Vil -[¢'ire, Rowan Till-7 lixmn. Hy innnnnl.
The Young i'rluueer. Hi li.(‘:nw-n<h.~;lx.
Dead u'ood Diek‘n ilouhlv. ll} \\ liwler.
Deter-tn e Dick. l5} Ulmrlv.‘ Morris.
The Golden "and.
Tile Hunted llunlel'. By Ed. S. Ellis.
or. 'l‘HH l'AWNHHHKi’ZlI‘S Pldl'f‘. Ed. l.. Wheeler.
Sure Shot Seth. By ()11 (homes.
Captain Paul. By (f. Dunnng Clark.
Night-Hawk liit. By Jon. E. Bmlger, Jr.
The Helpless "and. Capt. Mayne Reid.
Blonde Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Judge Lyneh, Jr. B ' '1‘. (Y. Hurlmugh.
Blue Blazes. By Fran lmmont.
Solid Sam. liy Edward L “'heeler.
Hatidsome Harry. BvCharles Morris.
Sear-Fare Saul. BB: Oil ('nnxnesl.
Daint Lance, run low SPORT. By Badger.
l apta n Ferrel. By Edward L. W'heeler.
Silver Star, 'rm: Boy Kmutrr.
“'ill “'ildtire. By Charles Morris,
Sharp Sanl. By J. Alexander-Patten.
.\ Game of Gold. By Ed. L. W'lieeler.
Lance and Lav-so. B’y (‘a t. F.Whittaker.
Panther Paul. B . OS. .. Bad er. Jr.
Bluek Bess, WILL Vanrnuc's can; or.
Wmma Aams'r 0mm. By (Jim rles Morris.
Eagle Kit, rm: Bov DEMON. ByOli Gnomes.
The Sword llanteru. Hy F. Whittaker.
Gold Trigger Tm: SPORT. T. U. Harbaugh.
Deadwood Dirk of DeadWood or,
THE PICKED PARTY. B Edward L. Whee er.
Mike Merry. By axles Mania.
Fanr Frank 0! Colorado. BuffaloBlll.
The .ost Captain. By Whittaker.
'l‘he Blaek Giant. B J. E. Badger, Jr.
New York Nell. By ..L.Wheoler.
\Vill “’ildtire in the “'oods. Morris.
Little Texan. B 011 Coomes.
Dandy Rock's P edge. 8 ' G.W. Browne.
Billy Baggage. By Char m4 Morris.
Hickory Harr '. By Barry St. Grow.
Ana Scott, Tan Mmmxom Bar. By wmm.
Deadly Dash. 1
Tornado Torn. '1‘. C. Harbaugh.
A Tram Card. By Charles Morris.
Ebony an. By Frank Dumont.
Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George.
Dund Boek’a Rival. By (l.W. Browne.
Bob oekett, m BOY Down. By Morris.
Captain A rlzona. By Philip’ S.Warne.
The Do Runaway. By eut. Perry.
Nobb ' ick of Nevada. E. L. Wheeler.
Old “blitary. ByOll Lbomea.
Bob Roekutt. my. BAX}: Brawn. Morris.
The Sea Trailer.  Lieut. H. 1). Perry.
Wild Frank. By ward L. Wheeler.
Little Hurricane. By 011 Connies.
The Hidden Hand. By Chas. Morris.
The Boy Trailers.
Evil Eye, Kn'a or Cam
VULTURIF. or In Rio Gama B F.
Cool Desmond. By Col. be e Ban-u.
Fred Kalyurd. By Charles Morris.
Ned Temple, mBoanm Boy. Harboule
Bob Roe ott, m (fulcrum. By Morris.
Dand Darke. BY Wm. R. W?-
Bufl‘a 0 Billy. By Cant. Ta lor. 0- S- A.
Captain Kit. By Lieut.li.D. n'y.U.S.N.
(‘aptnin Monk. By rump/:3. Warne.
Bau‘alo Bill’s Bet. By ‘ plain Taylor.
Deadwood IIIek’a Dream. By Wheeler.
Shadow‘ed. By Charles Morris.
Little Grit. rm: WILD 111mm. By higraham.
Arkansavv. By. T. C. Harbaugh.
Featherweight. By Edward Willett.
The Boy Bedouins. By Whittaker.
The Blm-k IlillsBJegfit‘lgel. By Wheeler.
roo eet l’ete. ' 'uonies.
P P ’ By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
Gold Plume, THE BOY BANDIT. In ham.
Deadwood Din-kin Doom. By eeler
Dark Paul, rm; TIGER KING. By c. Morris
Navajo Nick. BVT. C. Harbaugh-
The Boy llereuleu. By Oil Coomes.
Fritz, Till“. B(ll7NI)-BOY DETECTIVE. Wheeler.
Faro Frank of High Pine. By Eynter.
Crooked Cale, By Joe. E. Bad er, Jr.
Dashing Dave. By Charles orrls.

Fritz to the Front. By E. L. Wheeler. :

\Volfgang, 'rnr: Bosnian or TB): Rama.
By Captain Frederick Whittaker.

(iaptuin Bullet. By T. C. Harbaugh.
Bison Bill, THE 11:31“: or Tar: Rams.
B. 001. Prentiss Ingra am. _
(firtptain Crack-Shot. By E. L. Wheeler.
Tiger Torn. 11m TEXAN TERROR. (comes.
Deapard the Duelist. P._S.V\arne.
l cm idiom» By Charles ii orrls.

Mara «hated lam. B: E. 1.. Wheeler.

Al
.223

225

. - a -
nlaln. (‘01. l‘. lnernlmm. ‘ I",

By wll‘Vlll'i] L. \i'lli'elrl'. ‘

i 236
By (it'll. \\'. llrnvme. .
_ ; 237
Boss Bob, '1'ch him; or Till‘ liom‘mavkfl: ’

By (“millet-L .
 217

222 am, the Bravu Sport. By Inmhun.

Ozark \lt‘, KJM‘. ur rm: )lorx'rm. Iii
Edward “'illetl.

Dadiing Dirk. By Oll (Manes.

Sam l'hureoal. liy Charles Morris.
Snoozer, 'i in; Boy SHARP. By E. l..Wlieril-r.
Dunk y Darrell. 'l‘iul'rlcn. By E. Emerson.
Little \Vildtire. By Hll (Monies.

Crimson Kate. 'lm: (inn. 'l‘Ruum.
(ml. Prenllgs lnm'ulimu.

230 The Yankee Rajah. l’-;7 (‘. 1‘. Clark.
‘13! Plucky Phil. H) T. (‘. llurbullgll.

232 Hold-Dun Dirk. liy ii. L. Win-er.
213 Joe Burk, ofjngcls. By. A W. Aiken.
231 old lloekyN ‘ Boyeea.’ BucksklnSum.
'13 5 Shadow Sam. linliarlvs Morris.
Apollo Bill, THE TRAIL ’l'mlmmu.
ward L. Wheeler.

Lone Star, the ('on‘hoy (‘aplalng or,
THE J‘lvs'rrlunrs “th “man. By P. lugruliunu
The Parson. Deteetive. By“ll(.‘«mme~.
The Gold-M‘eker liulde; or. Tm: Losr
MOUNTAIN. By Captain Mayne Reid.
('yelone Kit. By Edward L Wheeler.

Bill Bravo and "is Bear Pin-(h.
Iiy T. (i. Hurlmugh.

The 'l‘n’o ‘ Bloodnl. By (‘lmrles lion-l5.
The Diaguined Guide. By 011 Comm“.
Sierra Stun. By Edward l.. Wheeler.
illerle, the I'llddy. By i‘ul. l’Jugmhnm.
Giant George. By lim-lcsl in Sam.
Old Grizzly and HI~ Pets. Byl‘n
“ Bruin" Adams.

Slerra SIIID’N Seeret. By E. L. Wheeler.
.Vlilo Bonner. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.
Mldnhiptnan .Ylulineer. Bylngralmm.
Light-houm- Litre. By J. F. C. Adams.
Diek Danhaway. By Chas. Morris.
Sierra Sam"- Pard. By E. L. W'heelr-l‘.
The Half Blood. -By Edward S. Elih-
Captaiu A polio. By T. C. Hnrlmuirh.
Young Kentuek. By Copt.Mu.1-k “"lL- w.
The Lost Hunteru. By Capt. ALlllllh
Sierra Sam’s Seven, By E. L. Wheel: 1'.
The Golden Harpoon. Byll. Sim-buck.
Dare-Devil Dan. By Oil Ooomes.
Fergus Foarnaught. By Geo. L Aiken.
The Young Sleuthu. By Charles Morris.
Deadwood Diek’u Divide. By Wheeler
The Floating Feather. By Ingraham.
The Tiger Tamer. By Capt. Whittaker.
Killb’ar, tthuide. By Ensign Chnrlm
Dudley Warren, (0! the Engineer‘s Corps.)
The Buckskin Detective. By ‘1‘. 1‘.
Harbaugh.

Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. By
Edward L. Wheel r

2‘34

227
22s

2‘19 1:},-

B)‘ M l -

238
239

240
24]

2-12
213
2“
‘2 15
'2 iii
Main

218
2-19
250
25]
252
253
251
255
258
257
255
259
260
261
262
263
‘28-}
265
266

267

268
269 The Gold Ship; or. MERLE, um Cox-
Duxxn. Colonel Prentiss ingrahaxn.

270 Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton.
2-” The Huge Hunter. By Edward S. Ellis.
2‘12 Mlnkakln Mike. By Oil Gnomes.
273 Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wheeler.
274 Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris.

5 Arizona Jack. B '  'or
27 m s. m) 3 Sam. (Ma:

276 Merle Montcalm Cruise; or. Tim Cup-n
or m GOLD Saw By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

277 Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler.
278 The Three Trapping or. Tm: Momma
Mom-ran. By Major W. Carson.
2‘19 Old Winch, TEE Rim Kmo. By T. C.
or. PEARL, mm

Harbaugh.

280 Merle Monte’a Fate; I
Pnu-m‘n PRIDE. By Col. Prentiss lngraham,

81 Denver Doll’s Victory‘ or. SKULL m,

2 CROSS-BONES. _By Edward L. Wheeler. ‘
' h Typo Detective or Wum, m

282 gore'num’. By Edward ille

288 Indian Joe ' or. Tm: Wm: firmn- or ran
3111.3. By Ma or I... W. Carson.

284 The Sea Marauder; or. Mm Mom‘-
Pumaa. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

285 Denver Doll’s; Decoy. By Edward L
Wheeler.

86 Josh the Boy Tendert‘oot
2 Win: ,Mna or 3mm 13m. B’y

6 .

or. Tun.
Captain

 

Mark Wilton.

‘ 287 Bill Blue-Eyes m Boy Rom or ran
Rxo mm. ByCo Prentiss Ingraham.

E A um um every week.

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