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BY T- C- HARBAUGI—I,

AUTHOR or “PLl‘f‘KY mm,” “ARKANSAW,” “ mm. muwn." “('AI'TAIN APOLLO.” “CAPTAIN HULLET,” “(an mos-x'rY," 11:70., ETC.

 

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Old Eclipse,

Trump Card of Arizona;
. on,
Little Snap Shot’s Horse Hunt.

—_——.

BY T. C. HARBAUGH,

AUTHOR or “BILL BRAVO" "onn WINCH,"
“CAPTAIN APOLLO," “BUCKSKIN DETEO~
TIVE," " DYNAMITE DAN,” "MOUNTAIN
DETECTIVE." “TORNADO TOM,”
,“J’LUCKY PHIL,” “CAPTAIN
BULLET,” ETC.

CHAPTER I.
A MOUNTAIN MYSTERY.

“THEY’RE hyer to—day an’ one to-morrow,
dod-rot the’r skins! I wish fhe hull Apache
nation war one man, an’ that I had the dead
drop on him I”

“ But that time will never come, Eclipse.”

“I know it, an’ thet’s what riles me. Oh, I
feel like turnin’ wild-cat an’ eatin’ Injun babes.
I do, for a fact. An Injun is the meanest thing
thet crawls, an’ them dirty Apaches—I must
stop or I shall explode!”

The angry and emphatic speaker was one of a
band of twelve men, who, well mounted on
good Pampas horses, were threading a trail
that meandered among the Mongollon moun-
tains.

A balmy September day had just departed,
and the shadows of night lay on peak and pine.

The men were bronzed fellows,roughly dressed,
but well armed with long-range repeating rifles
and formidable revolvers.

Their horses appeared somewhat jaded, for,
to be ex licit as We go along, they had chased a
band of aches-the red thieves of the Southern
border—t e greater part of the day just gone
by, and were returning unsuccessful and in no
good humor to camp.

In another hour they would reach camp,
where, around severil fires, they could curse
the Indians to their hearts’ content.

The man called Eclipse, and who had just
given vent to his feelings in lan uae already
recorded was the recognised ea or of the
party, a large man, whose gray hair and sixty
years had not deprived his eyes of the luster
they knew in b gone days.

He was a ve table borderer, and Old Eclipse,
as he was called, was known everywhere as
miner, Indian-fighter and desperado.

The men who rode behind him were fit com-
panions for a leader of his kind.

“ I’d like to see the camp them red-skins ’d let
alone ten minutes of the got a chance to dis-
turb it,” Old Eclipse sud only exclaimed after
a few minutes’ silence. “ They war created jes’ to
carry on their deviltry among people who want
to do half right. To perdition with ’em! I feel
mad enou h teeat the hull tribe, blankets an’
all, thou I know the dish ’d turn a cata-
mount’s stomach.”

Nobody replied to this new outburst of wrath.

Old Eclipse was famous for relieving his pent-
up feelings frequently in this manner. and his
companions knew that a reply would but send
him galloping on through the entire vocabulary
of invectiva and rage.

The mountain trail was by no means a pleas-
ant road. It was so rough that the horses were
compelled to walk, much to their joy no doubt,
and the men let the reins drop id y from their
hands.

“Don't I wish I was an ’arthquake?” broke
forth Eclipse again. “I don’t mean a one-boss
aflair. but a reg’lar double—jointed, hifalutiu’
’arth uake.”

“ That’s a queer idee, Eclipse,” said one of the
men. “ You’d make a good sized. ’arthquake,
big enough to bu’st up an Arizona county.”

“I’d do more than thet, Thunder Sam,” cried
Eclipse. “Ef I war an ’arthquake I’d go into
Apache-land an’ commence business on a grand
scale. Thar wouldn’t be a red-skin in the ken-
try when I got ready to retire. l’d 'es’ open
under the tliievin’ tribe an’ take it a! in at a

hip. Why can’taman be what he wants to

e when he’s real mad? I’d give all PM got in
this vale of tears to be a first class healthy ’arth—
quake in lnjundom fer three minutes. hang me
ef I wouldn’t!" And the old miner‘s fist de-
Icended heavily against the neck of his jaded
beast. . _

Several of the men looked at one another and
exchanged (grins: but no one except Thunder
Sam deigne to reply.

He began to assure the irate old miner that

 

 

 

HOgld Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona.

 

the day of vengeance was not far distant; but
Old Eclipse would not be appeased.

“ Now! now!" he flashed. “ I don’t want to
wait- another day. I want to be an ’arth uake,
er a killin’ thunderbolt right away. Don t talk
to me! I don’t see what a man’s gOod fer of he
can’t be an ’arthquake when it suits him.”

Tue last word had hardly left Old Eclipse’s
lips ere a startling cry rung out on the warm
night air.

“Thar ar’ twelve men in this gang! Who’s
the extra pard i”

In a,n instant every rein was drawn, and
more than one dark hand snatched a revolver
from a buckskin belt.

The mountain roughs whirled upon a Certain
individual who sat a most bolt upright in one of
the saddles. In their eagerness to obtain a good
view of his face they leaned forward holding
their breath and keeping their fingers at the
triggers of their weapons.

All at once a wild exclamation was heard.

“ Great J ehosaphat! the pard ar’ dead 1”

The men recoiled. '

“ I see! Look! Thar’s a ten inch bowie in
his heart!” cried Old Eclipse, pointing out the
stran rer whose terrible condition the whole
band ad discovered by this time. “ I wonder
when he j’ined us?”

Of course no one could answer this question.

Somewhere along the trail the dead man had
joined the mountain men, but when and where
no one knew.

That he was a borderer like those whom he
had 'oined was sh0wn by a brief inspection,
but ld Eclipse and his companions had never
seen him before.

The dead hands clutched the reins and seemed
to steady him in the saddle; his body was rigid
—it had lon been so—and his swarthy skin was
perfectly co (1.

Of course the stare of the dead was in the
glassy gray eyes that surmounted the bronze
cheeks. The corpse was fully armed; two sil
verr mounted revolvers LDd a huge bowie were
in his belt.

Old Eclipse’s outstretched band called the at-
tention of all to the hilt of a dirk that touched
the dead man’s left breast.

Its position told every man that the blade
was deeply imbedded in a human heart!

The presence of that mounted corpse in their
midst made the mountaineers shudder.

Is it a wonder that they drew back and left
him comparatively alone?

“ I’m goin’ to find the man thet did thet!” ex-
claimed Old Eclipse. “ It’s the meanest trick I
ever heard of—it beats the Apaches! I’ve
roughed it in the Mongollon kentry fer twenty
years. an’ I never sot eyes on thet man afore.
Woe to the band that drove thet bowie home of
Old Eclipse finds it 1”

“ It might be Spanish Jack’s work," suggest-
ed Thunder Sam.

“ Woe to Spanish Jack. then!”

The next moment Old Ecli se urged his horse

toward the dead man, and 5 com nions saw
him lean forward and put his ban on the cold
shoulder. .

“ I “M1 you could open them lips, stranger,”
the old miner said looking into the lusterless
eyes. “ I’d give mv last ounce of dust of you
could say who handled that big heart-pick, last,
but I’ll find ’im jes’ the same! I’m worse than
a family 0v catamounts when I’m riled. I’m
equal to a single bar’led ’arthquake. Woe to the
man who killed you, pard! Thunder Sam. hyer.
says it might have been Spanish J apk. I don’t
keer who it war! I’m his enemy from this min-
ute. I’m Old Ecli what never lost his man
if I do say it myse f.

The old miner’s hand left the dead man’s
shoulder; be straightened in the saddle. .

“Bury thet man!” he Cried, turning to his
comrades. “Plant him decently as you would
a pard.- I’m goin’ back!”

At the same moment Old Eeli se gathered up
the reins and turned his anima ’3 head toward
that part of the trail over which they had just
ridden. .

“ Ain't you goin’ to Redeye first?” queried
Thunder Sam.

“No—not till I’ve found the owner of that
bowie-knife l” was the significant answer.

“ If you’ll wait till after the plantin’, Eclipse,
you shall not go alone.”

“ I never waited fer com any in all my lifel
Plant that man decently, say, an’ go on to
Rede e. Ef O'd Eclipse neVer comes back,
vou’l know thet the devil what druv that bowie

ome came out on top. Take keer ov Blossom
an’ the mountain shanty, fer thar ma be times
when I can’t. You know what I’ve a ways said
—‘ Woe to the man, red er white, what enters

 

thet cabin without Old Eclipse’s consent.’ My
word shall be made good! Spanish Jack, eh?
Then I can’t meet the Arizona Tiger too soon.
I’m off fer his lair, ef he‘s the Varmint.”

Old Eclipse threw a parting lance, at the
dead man, and before a and cou d detain him
he struck his horse savagely with the spurs an .
was of! like a rocket.

“ Bury the strange pard, boys. Old Eclipse
sha’n’t go alone!” cried Thunder Sam.

“ He shall, fer thet’s the way he wants‘to go!”
was the quick response of several mountaineers,
and Thunder Sam found himself held ca tive by
his comrades. “ We all 0 back to e 6,
Thunder. Let Eeli goa one an’ see how is
hunt pans out. 0 can’t fool with a dead
man’s affairs when the Injuns threaten the old

camp.”
“ ’ll stay. boys." ‘

Thunder Sam was thus restrained from fol-
lowing his leader, though his eyes wandered
anxiously down the trail Old Eclipse had taken.

Meanwhile the eagle—eyed miner was making
his steed’s shoes draw fire from the stones that
cro ped out here and there along the trail.

is eyes fairly flashed, and more than once a
Certain name dropped from his ton ue.

“Spanish Jack! --— Spanish Jac . eh? I’d
rather be ()ld Eclipse now than the ’arthquako
I wanted to be awhile ago. I’m worse than a
catamount, if I am Sixty. I’ve got muscle an’
vim, if I am 0“ Eclipse 1” ‘

On, on he Went.

The golden lights above went glimmering
down the trails of the sky.

Suddenly the old avenger drew rein. He had
left the cliff-walled trail, and stood on a bean-
tiful little plateau with the whole expanse of
the heavens above his head.

“ Watch over Blossom, you golden stars!” he
suddenly exclaimed, raising his hand toward
the sky. “ She’s dearer to Old Eclipse than the
blood in his veins. Tell n'e b some sign when
danger threatens her, an’ l’ll ride to her if I hev
to dash through fire! I’m a dead man’s avenger
—a corpses pard. Thar’s s:.thin’ funny in thet,
Eclipse." . -

And with a coarse lau b that sounded weird-
ly in that place. Old lipse used the spurs
again and galloped on once more.

" Spanis Jack they call you. Tiger, but I’m
goin’ to examine (yer bow1e's sheath 388’ the
same!” he muttere

He seemed to know where to find the man
called Spanish Jack—or the Tiger of Arizona,
as he was termed—for he went on and on like a
man who kept his destination constantly in his

mind. .

Such riding would certainly take him to his
enemy. v _.

CHAPTER II.
\ ‘ SNAP SHOT, THE Bonsai-aunts.

At the foot of one of the lofty mountain walls
that fringed the trail at the spot where the
mysterious dead man was discovered to be one
of the Redeye band astrange funeral service
was held while Old Eclipse was urging his
horse on.

The dead was buried by the rough hands of
the miners who. after the brief ceremony, re-
mounted their horses and resumed their jour-

ne .

z:You tellers on to Redeye,” suddenly or-
dered Thunder am, as he stopped his steed at
the side of the trail and motioned his compan-
ions to keep straight ahead. “I'll rejoin lyou
in am afore mornin’. Somebody’s gotto 00k
arter lossom while Eclipse ’s away, an’ we
hevn’t seen the mountain daisy fer four-en’-
twenty hours.”

From the spot where Thunder Sam had halted
ran a narrow trail, which soon 10le itself at his
right: and as none of his Companions objmted I
to his intention of visxting the person called
Blossom, the miner turned aside and left them
to move on to camp.

A strange, unnatural eagerness filled Thunder
Sam’s eyes as be moved down the new trailxhis
figure and that of his horse hardly discernible
among the thick shadows of night. _

“ Blossom’s a benuty an’ no mistake,” he said
to himself. “ Old Eclipse b’lieves that no fvller
will ever pick her up whar she is, but I’m (iv a
different opinion. You can’t hide gals like
Blossom in the mouhtains ferever. Eclipse
thinks that she’ll always live single fer him. I
b’lieve he’d kill the man er bo .Wllat offered to
make love to his Morgollon aisy. I’Ve heard
’in} say almost ez much. Iwoiider whether he’d
tackle me. ef I tried it?"

And a low laugh rippled over Thunder Sam’s
bearded lips.

The bronzed rough held his way for several

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*_ w-.— _. _. -

miles b the windin trail when he drew rein
in fron of a small 11's, which only keen eyes
like his could see at that hour.

“ [’m hyer, an’ everything's ez still ez death,”
he said, leaning flu'ufll‘d and inspecting the
structure. “ Blossom ('oesn’t look fer a visitor
to-ni ht, much lees does she dream thet Thun-
der} "am would give his very eyes to call her
m e.

How the orbs of the speaker glistened while

’l;-- spoke, and how ea or he was to throw him-

self from his horse an rush into the hut!

“ It’s almost a shame to disturb Old Eclipse‘s
ct, but I’m hyer to see her, an’ by Thunder!
’m not goin’ to Redeye withou; gittin’ a
limpse ov the posey. Bizness is bizness, Thun-
er; so git to work an’ play yer hand.”

Thuncer Sam urged is horse up to the door,
and leaned towar the but for the purpose of
rapping.

“ Hyer goes i” he said, but before his knuckles
could touch the unplaned portal a number of
yells, wild enough to startle the bravest Arizo-
nian, struck his ears. .

Thunder Sam straightened instantly in his
saddle.

“Shades ov Santa Anna? what does that
mean?” he ejaculated. “InLuns, by heavens!
The dirty Apaches hev come ack!” _

Hard upon the yells rung out, distinct and
clear, four shots in rapid succession, fired un-
doubtedly from one weapon.

The miner drew his revolvers and listened.

“ I got hyer jes’ in time,” he muttered. “It
war fortunate thet I left the boys when I did.
The In ins hev tackled somebody up the moun-
tain. ‘har they go ag’inl That last yell war a
death one!”

Certain sounds now told Thunder Sam that
somebody was nearing the cabin on a swift
horse, and that a number of Indians were in
pursuit.

He drew back from the but to the opposite
side of the trail, where, with a revolver in each
hand, he waited for the red-skins.

“Hyer they come, hunters and hunted! I’ll
let the quarry go by, an’ then, by Jehosaphatl
I‘ll carry mournin’ to more than one cursed
Apache wigwain 1”

Thunder Sam spoke with teeth hard—set and
steel-glittering eyes.

, ll at once several arrows cut the darkness
as they whizzed past his face, and then a horse
and his rider appeared on the scene.

At that moment, to the rough’s amazement
the door of the hut flew 0 an and, despite the
scant starlight, Thunder am saw the beauti-
ful g rl who appeared on the threshold with an
elegant repeating-rifle in her hands.

“ Blossom herself i” fell from the miner’s lips.
“Great (‘msarl down cos the white man!
Them Injun arrows did t 0 work.”

A horse and its boy rider had fallen in front
of the cabin door, and in another moment the
red-skins would be upon the scene. .

“Not while I‘m hyer, you red niggersl”
grated Thunder Sam, but before he could lace
himself and horse between the stricken la and
the Apaches the girl sprung out on the trail
and beflan to pour the contents of her rifle into
the ranks of the red scourges. '

Met thus unexpectedly when they were about
to finish the chase, the Indians recoiled With
exclamations of surprise and savage horror.

Every bullet fired by the mountain irl
seemed to prove effective, for the half-us ed
butchers fe 1 from their horses. and when Thun-
der Sam reached her side, the band was in full
retreat.

“This is forbidden ground!” exclaimed the
irl. “ Woe to an Apache who sets foot on it.
0 back to your hunting-grounds and Eplunder

ranches, but keep aloof from this place, on pain
of death!”

“ Thet's bizness, Blossom,”_said Thunder Sam
at the sound of whose vOice the young gir
quickly tamed, unaware until that moment of
his resence.

“ hat! you here?” she demanded, in sur
prise.

“ I kinder reckon so,” was the respOnse, ac-
com anied by a grin which (lid not enhance
Sams good looks. “You kin shoot like old
Jack Hays, Blossnm.”

“I was not shooting for myself. but for the
person those savages were chasing,” said the
girl. “ He. fell with his liors \ at the door of the
cabin. Let us 0 back and see if he’s dead.”

“I hope he is, by heavens, I dol” muttered
Thunder Sam, under his breath, as he turned
back with the eager and anxious girl. “The
only squint I got ov him told me be war a

Gangster, an’ thet kind ov a chicken is the last
{hing I want to see hyer to-night.‘

01d Eclipse, Trump Cal‘d‘thATI

 

\Vithout noticing whether Sam was follow-
ing her, the young girl movedrapidly toward
the but, while he, ending his horse, for he had
dismounted, was at her heels.

" Alive! b Ju iter! The red-skins didn’t
finish him, alter a 1!” said Thunder Sam, seeing
the person who had just risen from undera
horse still struggling against death on the

round. “ He’s a boy—a good lookin’ fellar, an’
ies' the kind ov chap Old Eclipse docsn’t want
yer. I’d do the old man a service by—”

The Arizona rough cut his own sentence short,
for. seeing Blossom, the youth had sprung for-
waid and the young people stood face to face
for the first time.

Under his breath Sum cursed the lyoung man,
and if his looks had been arrows t e stranger
would have been pierCed through and through.

“ I owe you a life, for your rile has preserved
mine,” said the youth, addressing the girl.

“Thet’s more than mine would hev donel”
hissed Thunder Sam. “ It looks as el' I’ve got
to play a lone hand in a new game, curse yer
handsome picter, boy!"

“I did only my duty,” replied the girl in an—
swer to the yout 1's words. “I am glad that I
have been of service to you. Your horse—"

“ He got the arr0ws and not his master," was
the interruption. “He was a faithful animal,
the companion of the one whose loss has
brought me to this lpart of the country. My
words make me tel my story,”he went on,
smiling, before Blossom could respond.

“1 am quite willing to listen. but in the first
Bisce ,l’et me introduce to you my friend, Mr.

ese.

“Thunder Sanil No mistering for me, Blos-
sum 1” growled the hronzed bravo, as he came
sullenly forward, his eyes, full of ill-humor,
fixed on the youth.

“ Thunder Sam, it is?” smiled the girl, glanc—
ing at the youth. "And you are—4’

“ Since nick names are in v0 iie in this
country, you can call me Snap Sho ”

“Snap Shot, eh? Little Snap Shot, I should
say.” remarked Sam, somewhat contemptuous-
ly. “Now that We’ve got acquainted, but not
ez well ez we may be in the future, you kin go
on with yer story.”

Snap Shot eyed the muscular rough from
head to foot before he proceeded, then catching
a soft and eager glance from Blossom, he re-
sumed:

“ I’m from the San Carlos country, and I’m
on the hunt of a band of A aches who stam-
peded and ran off a herd o the best horses
that an cropped Arizona grass. There were
just fifty horses in the herd, but I’m willin to
lose fort him if I can recover the fiftiet , a
blooded averick, as white as snow and as
swift as a bullet.”

“ A boss what is a boss l” ejaculated Thunder
Sam. “And you hope to recover him?”

“I do and 1 will. For White Rocket, that
one horse, I am in this partof the territory, and
I shall not go back to the ranch without my
property and an Indian scalp for each horse the
marauding thieves have captured or killed in
this last plunder raid.”

“Jewi liky! what a contrast!” cried the
bronzed Hercules. “Look hyer. 'oungsier.
The combined forces ov Redeye woul n’t under-
take thet job. You don’t know the In'ins—”

“I’ve known them from childho ,” inter-
rupted Snap Shot. “I have taken an oath to
recover my horso, and to pay Red Heart and
his band for their dirty work. Yes, Thunder
Sam. I know the red-skins pretty well. I have
no massacres to avenge. I want my horse and
a few scalps, that is all.”

“All?” echoed Sam. “It's a blamed sight
more than you’ll get, Snap Shot. What do you
say, Blossom?”

“ I must say that your mission is a most dan-
gerous one.” anSWered the girl, addressing the
young horse-hunter. “You have had a taste
of the danger to—night. I should say.”

“ Yes. The lndians came u ion nie unexpect-
edly, and I had to gallop for it; but it will be
their turn now to run.”

“I hope it will; but were I you, I would go
back to the ranch. und—"

“And let Red Heart ride White Rocket. on
his future forays? Soonor than go MICK WWI-
ont my horse, l’d turn my body o'er t0 the val-
tures!”

h“ Y”ou‘re bound to give the birds a breakfast.
t en.

Snap Shot wheeled upon Thunder Sam, who
had spoken. His dark eyes fairly flashed.

“ I am my Own master!” he exclaimed. “ I
ask the “Hence of no one. I started out
alone to find White Rocket, and find him I will,
by my own efforts. I’m no novice in horse-

zona. 3

 

-._._

 

hunting. I have used the lasso ten thousand
times, and when it comes to shooting. I’m proud
to say I can hold my own with anybody. That
horse has got to be recovered, and the slum-
peders punished, and Little Snap Shot—Little
Snap Shot as you call him—is «qunl to the
task!"

“ I hope he is, by Ju iter, I dol” returned the
man from Redeye, cho ing down the madness
that made him clinch his hands. “ Go nn’ hunt
that boss, but mind I tell you that you‘ve un-
dertaken the biggest contract on Ari-onion ever
had on his hands. I happen to know suthin'
about Red Heart and the kind ov devils he
leads; but ar’ (you sure thet when you find yer
boss you’ll fin thet Injun on his back?"

The horse-hunter started, and for a moment
gave Thunder Sam 9. searching look.

“ I’m sure of one thing and that is that who-
ever i find astride of White Rocket shall give
him up. l care not who he is!”

“ 0v course, ov course! Thar’s a teller in
Arizona called Spanish Jack. I think I saw a
sum do of his work to-night.”

“ ’ve heard of the yellow tiger. I can almost
as that I kiiOw him,” ansWered Snap Shot.
“ on would intimate that I might find White
Rocket in his ossessioni I am Willing it should
be so, though 'd rather find Red Heart on his
buck. IVherever ni horse-trail leads, there I
hunt. Understand t at, Thunder Sam.”

Snap Shot turned to the girl as he concluded;

" My horse is dead,” he said, liavin glanCed
at the animal who no lon er struggle in front
of the mountain cabin. “ “‘illstrip him of sad-
dle and bridle, which may be of use to me in
the fut-to, and give him a grave near your
home if you do not object.”

“ I shall be proud to live near the grave of
the noble animal that bore you in so feiy to my
humble home," was the prom t re ly, and as
Snap Shot moved toward the end orse, Bios»
som walked toward the open door.

“ Curse his piclerl The hull jig is up now,"
fluted Thunder Sam, as his eyes followed Snap

ot with man an on er flash. “Old Eclipse
wouldn’t stan it c! 0 war hyer, an‘ why
should I 5’”

By this time the oung horse-hunter had
reached his arrow-sin n steed, and was loosen-
ing the saddle.

Sam threw a hasty glance at the cabin door,
and seeing that Blossom had disappeared with-
in strode swiftly forward.

In his right hand was a huge bowie, whose
ten inch blade gloomed in the light of the stars.

“ [’11 end his boss-hunt b er!’ literally hissed
the jealous des erado. “ lie old ranch, whar-
ever it is, she] noVer see Snap Shot ag’in, as
sure as my name is Sam Reese!

The horse-hunter did no perceive his danger,
but there was one who did.

A figure glided noiselesst from the cabin,
itind a touch on Thunder Sam’s arm made him

urn.

“ Put up your knife, or there’ll beone man
less in Redeye tomorrow!” spoke a low but
resolute voice. in his very ear. ' -

No wonder Thunder loin recoiled.

He was looking down tho barrel of a revolverl'

CHAPTER III.
THE TIGER snows ms TEETH.

BRAVE and reckless as he was, Thunder Sam
did not attempt to move again upon Snap Shot
or to speak, and the young horse-hunter did
not know what was taking place.

“Go back to Redeye aliVe. or remain here
dead," continued the girl. “You have your
choice, Thunder Sam. You are Eclipse’s
friend, and I do not want to see one hair of
your head blood'stlllnt‘d. but you shall nostako
the life of you boy. Put up your knife and re-
trace your stepsl’

Thunder Sum allowed his eyes to wander to
the youth busy removing the saddle from the
dead horse.

“ 1’“ go, Blossom, but not for thet young boss-
hunter’s sake,” he said in equally low tones.
“ “'liut would Old lltlipse an cf he could see
thet chap hyer? He came to t is place without
the old man’s consent.”

“1 know that; but the Indians fumed Lim
this way," was Blmni’s quick reply. “ l. Vl ill
uswor to Eclinsie for all that has meow-ed,"

A moment later Thunder Sum. bullied, liut
with his evil eyes glaring like a t‘lger’s, turmd
toward his horse.

Standing in the trail, watching him while her
right hand Ifill cllhhed the revolver, was Old
Eclipse’s boo-drill Wee.

“A bad [no- for o thousand,” ripple-d 0ch
her lips as her eyeo followed the retreating
figure. “Th'l enoouma is the beginning of a

 

 

h

 

 

 

4

 

 

tragcd of some kind. Kee your distanm
from ountain Lodge, Thun er Sam. From
this hour you are no friend of mine' there was
murder in your heart to-night,’and the devil
danced in your eyes.”

Blossom went toward Snap Shot, whom she
watched for a short time without making her
presence known.

“ Where’s your friend, Thunder Sam?” asked
the oung horse-hunter, seeing the girl alone.

“ s has gene,” was the answer.

" Not after the Indians?"

" I think not.”

“ Is your friend an Indian-fighter?"

“ He has met them on diflerent occasions."

“ He is not the best Indian-fighter in this part
of the country, then?”

“ No, sir' be is not!”

“Who isl"

“ Old Eclipse."

Blossom’s eyes glowed with pride as she ut
tend the name, and Snap Shot seemed to notice
the feeling betrayed.

“ He is your friend i” he asked.

“ The best friend I how,” was the response.
“ If you hunt your horse through these parts
you may meet Eclipse. He has been as kind
as a father to me ever since the day he
found me, a babe, lying under a wagon on the
Colorado emigrant trail. That was long ago.
All in people were killed in the massacre that
took place the day Old Eclipse came along and
found me. By some miracle I escaped the
hatchets of the red-skins, and when I was found
I was aslee among some flowers. That‘s why
I was calle Blossom. Eclipse never discovered
mv true name, and I uess it’s lost forever.”

Sna Shot listens entranced to the sweet
voice ih which was told the stor of the Indian
hutchery and the finding of t 6 little waif—
now the beautiful creature who stood before

1m.

“ When I run across Eclipse I will thank him
for [hiding you,” he said. “What manner of
man is he?”

“Atall, dark-faced person, with hair long
and fast rowing gray. He carriesascar across
his left 0 eek, the work of an Apache arrow.”

“1 will know him,” exclaimed Snap Shot,
and then, as if suddenly thinking of another
matter, he asked: “Isnt there a place near
here called Redeye?”

“There is. It is a miningcamp of! to the
north, though the men don’t do much mining
now. Old Eclipse is there when he is not here
with me, and the place is Thunder Sam’s
home.”

“ I’m not goin there, because my horse-hunt
doesn’t lead in t at direction " announced the

oath. “ I am pretty certain that White Rocket

somewhere in this neighborhood, and in Red
Heart’s hands, too. How I long to ride the
horse once more, and how my hand itches to
press the trigger in front of the red stampeders l”

“ I doubt it not,” answered the girl. “As I
have already said, I wish you success; but let
me give you a bit of advice.”

She used a moment, and looking into her
face he said: “Go on.”

“Steer clear of the man who has just gone

I,

“ Thunder Sam?”

“Yes, for though one of my foster-father‘s
pards, he is bad medicine.”

" I must have crossed his path in some way
to-night, though I am sure I never met him be-
fore. I will watch him if he needs Watching.
Does my horse—hunt concern him i"

“I think not.”

“ Any way, let him keep his fingers out of my
aflairs. The trail I am on belongs exclusively
to me. If anybody interferes, he will discover
that I can hunt men as well as horses. Hark I”

The sound that had startled Snap Shot had
also reached BIOSsom’s ears—a horse was ap-

roaching the cabin.

“ It may be Eclipse, and he must not see you
here!” cried the girl, grasping the youth’s arm.

“ Why not!”

“ I cannot tell you now. Quick! leave me
alone!”

“ But my dead horse!”

“I will fix that with him: only go! One of
these days we may meet again, then- Heavens!
it is too late. He is here i”

At that moment a horse halted before the
youthful pair, and they were greeted by an ex-
clamation of astonishment.

“ It is not Eclipse!” exclaimed Blossom, start-
in

3 hack.

“ it is 8 nish Jack !" cried the boy.

“Ay, nish Jack it is, my young turtle-

doves. ’ was the nick response. “ By Jove!
you’re a daily pair. This must be Old Eclipse’s

'Old Eclipse, Trump Card

 

mountain bird,” and he fiXed his eyes on Blos-
som's face.

The girl and her companion could but stare
at the speaker.

As they could see, by the light of the stars. he
gas a veritable forest Apollo, both in face and

gore.

A hroad-brimmed sombrero, with a wide
band, the ends of which were frin ed, sat
finntily on his head. He wore a go d-laced

exicanish jacket, which was 0 n in front,
revealingl a rich shirt, broidere with silver
braid. is leggings ware loose~fitting, slashed
at the bottom, and fringed on the outside from
the knees d0wn. They alm05t hid the feet
thrust into the heavy Mexican stirrups.

Spanish Jack displayed conspicuously his
weapons, which consisted of two revolvers and
the inseparable howls of the border.

His garments fitted him well; they seemed to
set elf the handsome face, with its coal-black
eyes and raven mustache.

‘his was the man who was well known up
and down the southern border—the yellow-
faced dare-devil who rode where be pleased,
carrying his life in his hands, and Spreading
terror over the length and breadth of the well-
stocked ranches.

Did he stampede herds?

Was it not Said, and firmly believed, that
alone and unaided this A 0110 of Arizona
could run of! the .st-guar ed horses in the
territory—that in less than five hours he could
have at his back a. gang of men like himself
as able of successfully resisting a hundred
Vigilantes‘i

For six months prior to the date of our
romance, the Arizona Tiger’s name had hardly
been mentioned within the territory. It had
been rumored that he had been killed by New
Mexican ranrhmen: but nobody believed this,
for Spanish Jack was too cunning to fall by the
hands of a half-Greaser—this was the verdict of
the Arizonians.

His sudden appearance, therefore in front of
the hut in the mountains might well startle the
pair whom be confronted.

Blossom involuntarily recoiled from the
piercing eyes of the swarthy desperado.

“ I am ,Eclipse’s ward,” she said in response
to his last sentence.

“ His ward, eh? Caramba! where did he
find you? Ah! I know. I recollect that Don
Domez some time ago told me over his wine
that a certain old mountain miner once found a
white baby under a wagon after an Indian
massacre. You must be the beauty. Santwst-
ma! you’re all that Don Domez said on were.
Don’t know the Don, I guess, my little bird?
No? well, he wouldn’t recognize you if you were
toini’eet, because he’s dead; ha, ha! But, who’s
th 5'.

Spanish Jack cut his merriment short to turn
upon Snap Shot. 7

The young horse-hunter straightened up with
flashing eges.

“ I am nap Shot," he answered.

“ Ho! ho! The boy that wants to find a cer-
tain horse?”

Did the young horse hunter start?

“ Since you seem to have heard of my oath, I
say that I am the person.”

“Have you struck White Rocket’s trail l”

“ I Will strike it.”

“ If you can, my pigeon. Miles from here is
an Indian camp. It lies in that direction,” and
Spanish Jack’s hand pointed toward the north-
east. “ In that camp are fifty of the best war-
riors of the Apache nation. (Ia-rumba! you
will believo me when I say that Red Heart heads
them. on the back of a horse as white as snow.”

“ White Rocket!” ejaculated the boy.

“ Dare you hunt your horso in that red-skin
camp?” continued the Tiger. “ Dare you tra-
verse the country that lies between you and
that spot?”

“ Show me the trail and let my future actions
answer you.”

"‘ Follow me if you mean to kee

With his eyes fixed on Snap
Jack wheeled his steed.

The horse-hunter glanced at Blossom and
hesitated.

“ Can you show me the trail?” he demanded.

“ Did you eVer hear Spanish Jack lie?”

“ No.’ .

“ Then follow me.”

The youth hesitated no longer, but stepped to
the Apollo’s side.

Blossom saw the twain move off, and in less
than a minute they had disappeared.

Snap Shot was conducted by the mounted
man over the spot where the Apaches had been
stopped by the girl’s repeating rifle.

your oath. ”
hot, Spanish

of Arizona.

Not a dead savage was to be seen, for the liv-
in had home them away.

ill at once Spanish Jack reined in his steed
and before even the watchful horse-hunter could
divine what was coming a clinched hand sent
him reeling, while the horseman bounded lo the
ground to seize his victim by the throat with
an exclamation of triumph.

“ Want your horse, eh'i” he grated, glaring at
the strangling, struggling, unconscious yonih,
“ I’ll send you after 1m with a van eance! 1H!
show you what kind of stuff Span sh Jack W
made of. If you stay in this country long you’ll
be hunting something prettier than the while
steed you call White Rocket. It’s Spanish
J ack’s opinion that you’ll|never mount the snowy
horse again, Sna Shot. Caramba! Isn’t the
girl a beauty! ld Domez‘s wildest dreams did
not exaggerate her loveliness.”

Spanish Jack threw the now unconscious

oath to the ground and sprung toward his
.iorse.

He found two homes where he had left but
one: one of the Indian steeds had come back,
probably in search of his master.

“ What luck is better than this?” exclaimed
the stampeder, when he found the new horse in
his possession. “ I will not have to go back to the
girl on foot. The Apache horse Will carry the
youngster straight into Red Heart’s camp. ’

A few words will sufiice to describe what fol-
lowed.

With a strong rope which Spanish Jack took
from beneath one of the broad skirts of his sad-
dle, Snap Shot was lashed to the back of the In-
(lieu horse.

“Now for White Rocket’s grazing-ground!
I’ll send you on your horse-hunt, boy, in a man-
ner you never dreamed of.”

S anish Jack’s hand moved to his bowie as he
spo e, and a moment later the glittering blade
was lifted over the youth’s heart.

“ Take this knife to Red Heart with Spanish
Jack’s compliments. The old chief wil'l recog-
nize the b0wie!”

But the last word was drowned by the ringing
crack of a rifle, and, as the bloodless blade was
knocked from the Tiger’s hand, the Apache
horse went off like an arrowl

“ Heavens! who did that?” cried Spanish
Jack, as he cocked the revolvers he had whipped
from his belt. “ I want the mean skunk to know
that he has interfered in my business.”

“And I’m hyer to tell you that I’ve been
huntin’ fer the man n he sent one dead man
down the mountain to-night With a bowie in his
heart! I’m Old Eclipse, an’ I mean bizness!”

A human figure leaped into the trail.

“ Old Eclipse! The very man I want to see.”

Three arms went up at the same moment, but
there seemed to be but one re ort.

With a wild cry Spanish ack reeled away
and fell tottering against his horse!

CHAPTER IV.
TURNING Tun TABLES.

OLD ECLIPSE started toward his antagonist
revolver in hand, but before the twain could
come to' other the Arizona horse bounded for-
ward and passed the old man like an arrow
from a Pawnee bow.

“ Triggers an’ bowies!” ejaculated Eclipse.
starin at the animal rapid! disappearing.
“ The oss has taken his rider w th him, whether
dead er a aliVe I don’t know.”

A human figure was seen clingpg to the
Tiger’s steed, and while the old miner spoke
both horse and man disap ared.

“ Wal I found Spams Jack an’ lost him
ag’in. I nevar saw a dead man hang to a boss
thet way. The Tiger must hev life in his heart,
fer a person, no matter how good he kin shoot,
can’t hit every time after dark. By Jehosao

hat! I’ll not let ‘im glt away in thet manner.

idn’t I tell the men 0v Redeye thet I’d kill the
man what druv the home to the stranger’s
heart?”

A low and peculiar call brought a horse to the
old man’s Side, and he Was about to throw him-
self into the saddle when a girlish voice made
him turn.

“You hyer, Blossom? I war goin’ ofi! fer a
spell but not to stay long, I hope. What hen
haPQPnei’i’? Do you know who hez been hyeri”

‘ es.

“ Did he ~insult youi—did he touch you!—
Spanish J sex, I mean.”
The mountain beauty seemed to breathe freer.
“ I saw but little of him,” she said. “ To tell
the truth—”
“I’ll listen to that when I git back," inter
rupted Eclipse. “ I only scratched the mean
a ler snake. I’ve got to kill ’im afore awn.
0 hack to the shanty an’ a sit fer me, Bio-om.

 

 

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I‘ll come ez sartain on water runs down hill.
Thar: that’s a dandy gal,” and Old Eclipse
kimed the unresisting creature as he concluded.

In another moment a horse was bearing the
old man away in the direction taken by S anish
Jack and the boy horse-hunter, and B ossom
was left to her awn reflections.

She had not dared to ask Eclipse about Snap
Shot, but she felt that something had happened
to the youth for he was not there.

Would they ever meet again?

She could not dismiss the horse—hunter’s fine :

figure, nor his handsome face, and she won-
dered like a simple mountain flower that she was
whether all the youths in the San Carlos country
possessed his bravery and his deep black eyes.

Blossom soon went back to the mountain
cabin.

Once more she was its on] occupant, and on
the couch which she sought n its gloom she pic-
tured to herself a terrific race for life over the
wildest of trails.

She saw a horse bearing Spanish Jack away
in his gaudy garments, and not far behind him
rode his pursuer Old Eclipse, urging his steed to
extra exertions while his eyes flashed fire.

Blossom's imagination was not too vivid.

Two magnificent steeds were flying down a
mountain-trail and, although half a mile separ-
ated them their riders were unsparing with the

r and the breaths of each came fast.

“ I’d be myself once more if I had a weapon i”
said the man on the foremOst horse. “ ’l‘hnt
infernal bullet that sent me reeling against mv
horsa made me drop my revolwrs; thy n a,-
shot carried off my bowie just as I was ah. u .0

resent it to that young horse-hunter. Caram-
I but I’d like to meet you on an equality,
Eclipse! I’d ride over ou back to that moun-
tain daisy. She’s struc my fancy more than
any woman I evar saw. Ahi Spanish Jack,
are you going to keep ahead of the man who
wants our blood? By the eternal, no!”

The orse stopped as the last word was spoken
and stood panting under‘ his rider's weight on
the lonely trail.

“The mad old fool comes on i” continued
Spanish Jack. “ He hasn’t counted on me
stopping here. 00 e, Montereyi We’re going

He turned his horse’s head toward the animal
that was rushing madly on.

For a moment Spanish Jack lared fiercely
down the trail, though he coul see nothing;

then, with a curse on his lips, he struck his steed '

savagely with the spurs. '

“You and I for ir. E 'lipsl‘l" lte exclaimed.
“You have found and l M. Sianish Jack once
tonight. but you are going to ad him again!”

Di Old Eclipse know that the Arizona Tiger
had turned and was hearing down upon him
again with his whole nature aroused?

If he did he did not slacken his horse’s speed,
but kept on as rapidly as before.

The two mad men were swiftly nearing each
other: a collision—and such a onel—was un-
avoidable.

Spanish Jack was skirting the left-hand side
of the. stai-lit trail, his left hand rasped the
rein, and his body leaned toward t ecenter of
the road, his right hand free but half clinched,
and his eyes-they seemed living coals of fire!

On, on he came, his horse nearing Old Eclipse
by many a bound, and rapidly essening the
distance between him and his master’s foe.

“My Godl the yalier hound’s comin’ backl”
euddenl exclaimed the man from Redeye.

Old lipse looked ahead but could not see his
enemy, eh i. the rapid galloping told him that
be was coming on with the resistless sweep of a
thunderbolt.

“Here is Spanish Jacki” suddenly said a'

startling voice.

At that same moment the two steeds mot.

Old Eclipse tried to strike down the hand that
shot swiftly at his throat, but as well might be
have tried to ward 06 a rifle-ball.

A wild cry of exultution cut the night air as
that same mad hand closed on the old man’s
tri'chea,

Denna his hasty preparation and strength,
Ola Eclipse felt himself lifted from the saddle
and his horse shot on.

Spanish Jack’s fingers seemed to sink into his
throat as the Tiger‘s horse kept up his break-
neck gait despite his additional oad.

All at once Old Eclipse felt himself falling;
mo claws of the Arizona Tiger had left his
thrr at.

He struck the ground at the same time that
Spanish Jack leaped from his animal.

A thick mist swam before the old man’s eyes,
for the fingers of his foe had almost deprived
him of his senses.

C ipse, rump . o o -

“ Spanish Jack sometimes turns on his foes!”
were the Tiger‘s first words, as he glared at Old
Eclipse who had struggled to his feet and was
still gas ing for fresh air.

"So I) see,” “1);. the response.

i what a grip on hev, Spanish l”
‘ “Have li‘ and the Arizonian Tiger supple-
. merited his question with a light lau h. “ My
l hand is as sin-c as my revolwr when it darts at
i an enemy‘s throat. I’ve learnt more tricks than
‘ one by practice, Eclipse. So you fellows found
the man to whom i gave a bowie awhile ago.”

" We found him He j‘iiied us somewhar an'
rode with us almost to Rcdeyc.”

Spanish Jack smiled.

" That man was a fool,” he said. “He
thought he alone was a match for mc. He ac-
cused me of stanipedin his herd, and he left
the ranch, where ha. ha better stayed, to find
Spanish Jack. Well, he found him.’

“ I should say he did from what I saw," said
Old Eclipse, his mind going back to the dead
man who had joined the men of Itcdeye with a
bowie in his heart. “You War about to servo
the boy the same way.”

“That little horse-hunter—yesl” was the re—
ply. “ You would not have treated him much
better if you could have seen what i saw to—
night.”

“ What’s that, Spanish?"

“ He made love to the girl you call Blossom."

The old miner recoiled with a mad exclama-

tion.
, “ A boy—make—love to —-Blossom?” he
‘ flashed. “ I don’t allow that. I have sworn
; that she should live for nobody but Old
l Ecli se." '

“ Vhen did you take that oath?”

“ When I found the girl.”

“ Under the wagon after the massacre?"

“Yes.”

Old Eclipse seemed astonished by Spanish
Jack's knowledge of the past.

“I know something about Blossom’s past his-
tory on see, Eclipse," said the Tiger. “ Do
you t ink nobody will ever get her?”

“ They shall not! By Jovel I will hunt that
boy down. So he made love to her—to Blossom?
I don’t allow tha‘l The man that loves that
girl is Old Fxl’pse‘s ch rnal enemy !"

“ She'll be her own mistress by and by."

“When will that time be!”

“ When thar will be no Old Eclipse tolook
after her.”

The tone in which Spanish Jack’s words were
couched must have disclosed the real meaning
of his last sentence.

“ Fer some people thct time shall never
come!" cried the old man. " You hev seen the gal
to-night. War it fer the first time, Spanish
Jacki"

“ It was, but I had heard of her before. Hc-r
fame has not been confined to the mountains
that hem her in. It has crossed the borders of
territory on the east and the south, she’s love-
lier than I chr dreamed her to be. I‘d give my
horses for her, Eclipse. but I’m going to get her
chea :- than that.’

“ ou ar'i”

It I am."

A moment’s silence followai. ,

The two men stood erect scarcely five feet
apart; Spanish Jack’s sombrero lay on the
ground, and his wealth of midni ht hair no
longer concealed by it fell over his road shoul-

ders.

“I strike for Blossom this time, Eclipsel” he
suddenly exclaimed. “Stand on the defensive
old rd. Spanish Jack has been Well named
the iger of Arizona.”

With flashing 0 'es Old Eclipse braced him-
self as the Yellow iger threw himself forward.

Weaponless—for the old miner's adventures
had cost him knife and revolvers—the two
mountain characters came together for the
third time that ni ht.

Once more the ’ iger’s bronsed hand shot at
Old Eclipse‘s throat; the men grappled like
wrestlers, and ilted strength against strength.

“ Heavens!

 

. They were .glitiug for the most beautiful
lprize the Arizonian mountains ever con-
tained.

The wenttothe ground together, but con-
tinn. the struggle.

“ Blossom shall love none but Old Eclipse. I
have made that my oath an‘ I shall kee it.".

“Not to-night, old fellow. Blossom s all live
to love the Yellow Tiger of Arizona!"

Thirty minutes later a horse bore a man to—
ward the cabin on the mountain trail.

This man wore an embroidered jacket and a
sombrero with a wide fringed band.

"i didn’t licl Sparish Jack you Can go back
and make low. to Blossom, the Mongollon

 

 

' .

‘duisyl” exclaimed the man in a triumphant

tone.

The rider was the Tiger: he had left Old
Eclipse behind him.

He kept on until he rained in his stood in
front of the hunted hut.

“ Here I am at last!” he said.

At that moment the door fiew open and a
startled voice rung in his ears.

“ Aim at his head, and when I count three
firel One—”

The Tiger of Arizona recoiled with a cry of
horror.

 

CHAPTER V.
'rnic noun one Niaw mws.

A near that illumined the intruder of the
cabin enabled Spanish Jack to take h the whdo
situation at a glance.

Not a moment was to be lost, for he was cov-
ered by a ride, at whose triggor was a finger
that. fairly itched to send the bullet on its nib-
Bimi 0! death.

“ One—two-J’

b “Iiere’s for it 1” passed through the Tiger's
rain.

He spoke fii-rcely to hb horse, as he threw
himself forward on the heated neck.

In an instant—the twinkling of an e e—Mon-
terey shot forward, clearing an incred le num-
ber of feet the first bound.

A er of disappointment rose behind him, but
Spanis Jack kept on.

Suddenly the report of a rifle echoed in his
rear, and a bullet cli pad the fringe fi om one of
the ribbons attache to his sombrero.

“ That’s as gond as a mile, my friend i” ejacu—
lated Jack. “ If I had remained in front of the
cabin a moment longer, the Southern ranches
would get a little rest. Never mind 3 I'll win
the irl yc t. I’m Spanish Jack still, and Span-
ish ackKis more than a tiger l"

The Albanian had checked the lpeed of his
horse, and the animal was permitted to ram
forward at hi own gait.

“ I’ve got to have somethin to fight with "
the desperado went on. “Fa has been
against me tonight, and for the first time in
my career I find myself without a was ~00!
so much as a knife. I’ll ride on to eye .14
get a fresh suppw”

To Redeyc ould Spanish Jack ride into
that mountain camp to re-arni himself, gmon
the men who hated him as much as they d
Rod Flash and his Apaches?

Having spoken his determmaflon In resolute
tones, the dare-devil kept“ on and turned III.
horse into the broader trail which led to M

eye. ~

The night was far spent, and the first winds
of morning were dallying among the mountain
bushes that fringed the trail.

Redeye was not far away, and Jack's varied
experience told him that he was likely to find
soniebod awake there.

It is ac dom that the camps of the far South-
west become quiet. ,

\\ here the only inhabitants are men as wild
as their, rough surroundings Iomelndy, owl-
like, is awake alltothrou is. night, not so
much t9 watch as win to. lls nelghhor, it
possible, his hard-gotten dust.

Redeye was no to the rule, all
that the times of which we winto were not
times, and its citinna were com lied toplay
for something else besides gold a silver. '

There were well-worked who: one the a“
but the Apaches—hose wild red children d
Southwest whom no peace can comp—nu
pcstored the Mongllon district for a long time,
running on horses, lunderiag mining-camp;
and keeping the w ites constanay on their

uard.
8 Spanish Jack knew all tit; he know, too,
that he could not enter Redoye without being
noticed. yet he was going thither M the pur-
pose of re-armfn hi 1’.

He strsi t on until he saw the fun- of
the mug cabins in the morning

“ I’m no welcome vidtor herel' he “aimed,
tohimsefl. “ Let me see: Mam, here call-
ed Tuuader Sam; at least he was here last sum-
mer when I stampeded BM Macs.
followxl me two hundred nub-tho clan-t
chase 1 en» ‘iad. Yes, I know you, Thunder
Sam. i as. not likely to forgeta Iunm like

you. «-

Although Spanish Jack was entering Bedeye
for the first time, he guided ht horse traight
toward the place where, above all others, he
was most lil:-~‘v to find some one.

Suddenly a Coarse laugh and an oath struck
his ears. , '

"They’re at iti" Spanish Jack said with s

 

6

 

 

smile, and be halted in front of a large log cutin
whose door stood wide, and be ond whose
threshold he saw the night-owls of edeye.

Alarge rough table occupied the middle of
the room.

Four men occupied seat»: around it, and sev-
eral others stool by, interested spectators of the
game which had been kept up through the
greater part of the night.

8 nisb Jack’s eyes glistened while from his
sad le be surveyed this scene.

He saw the arms his coveted, the deadi y re~
volver and the gleaming bowie.

With them he could go back to the Cabin in
the mountain and meet on an equality the
enem whose rifie had almost sent a nllet
:vhist ing through his brain a short time be-

Ore.

Noiselesslv and-with his eyes transfixing the

mblers of Bedeye, the Arizona Tiger slipped

rom his saddle and glided toward the cabin.

The figure of one of the spectators prevented
the light from falling upon the Tiger. and in
the shadow cast by the burly desperado Spanish
Jack advanced.

From the moment that he crossed the thresh-
old «he had selected his victim—his eyes were
riveted upon the butts of two revolvers that
rested on the man’s broad hips.

All at once the Tiger's hands darted at the
weapons and closed on them with triumph.

The next instanta wild or filled the cabin,
and as the robbed miner recalled and threw the
light upon the despoiler, the gamblers leaped
up with their hands at the butts of their revol—
vers.

“Not so fast, men of Redeyel” calmly said
Spanish Jack stepping back and presentin the
Cooked pfitoio a the startled group. ‘ The
first man what lifts a hand will get his eternal
doom. Ea! you know me, Thunder Sam.
did not know I was paying you back for that
long chose when I armed myself. By George!
I’m glad m see you—glad that you survived
that man-hunt. Of course you men know me
now.”

Yes, they all know him.

Despite his wild deeds of the past, they were
astonished at his audacity.

Thunder M’s eyes glared at him like the
orbs of acornered lion.

“ know you? he exclaimed. “ Didn’t
I fuller you two hundred miles once—theiongest

and mom a I s’pose you evar had?”
“That it was; B I am back again. This
timoou a mat of .to wide: I have at-

'tondod.”-lled to Tiger 1 “ Your
Thunder Sam, w come back to
moof those days. I'm only borrowing

room words were enough to maddon the seven
men hold at ho; in tho hut.

mews-c. . « ....... .

n no . o no
arm try Wadi/era Waoo it oomoo
tab-doom lilo'thlo I’d has scan hill whito
men as rod shins. Stand wbar yoo orol I’m
not here afoot. The hmt horoo lo Ari-one, ox<
cent one. stands in mat of this charity." .

o mapped hack. but the revolvers wero not
lowerod n hair’s M, and. mono than one of
the monaced mven mw that his yollow fingers
W the triggers.

An noiseless as he had enterod tho mbin, tho
Armooo'I‘bora chod the door again; his

that or.“ the threshold. then hh left one
I) owed, and he stood benooth tho smro armod
to tho tooth once more.

oonntil ho was three feet tom tho cabin

no of his am drop.

“ You aha] have your men-killers again,
Thunder—I swoor it,” he said.

“ And no do 1,” grated Thunder Sam. “ I
will foiler you to me Rio Ora-do but what I get
’em back! This time I’lvl not vo n the hunt as
I did before. By hea ens, n' Jack, this
tr! to Bedoye seals our doon ."

e ellow VIflOi‘ ughed defiantly.
Whi e  rung out, the seven reachod the door
on n.

“ his will _ make you remombor my visit to
Itodoye!” said the Tiger, and a shot succeeded.

One of the men threw up his hands and fell
against his oomrsdeo.

“ Your revolvers are daisioo, Thunder Ian !"
filowed the shot, and boforo tho startled men
of Bedeye oould rayoud, :- homo wont down the
only thoroughfare the oamp oould bout of,
boring away the greatest villain in Ariana.

Six men rushed franflmlly from tho oa‘hin,
and the same number of rovolvors l htod up
the night with flashes of fire, and 1 en mio-
sileo sought the heart of Spanish Jack.

,But back from the darkness came a laugh that

thom.

Old Eclipse, Trum

 

 
 

p Card of Arizona.

 

told the men of Redeye, that the king of stam-
peders was still able to keep his saddle.

It was a wild, triumphant, defiant laugh.

“ No more shootin‘!” cried Thunder Sam,
dashing the revolvers d0wn. “Let’s go back
an’ sw’ar over Buckhorn Bill the biggest oath
0v vengeance ever heard in Redeye.’

The six men Went back to the cabin where
the dead gambler lay, and as the rest of the
desperate citizens of the camp] appeared on the
scene, Spanish Jack rose in is stirrups a mile
away, and waving his sombrero above his head
sent u three triumphant cheers.

The I‘iger had got new claws.

 

CHAPTER VI.
THUNDER BAM’S INJUN POT Pm.

THE eventful night—eventful to Redeye at
least—was passing awa at last.

While day was breaking in the east, the den-
izens of the camp stand over Buckhorn Bill who
lay where he had fallen by Spanish Jack’s re-
volver.

The terrible oath of vengeance had been taken,
and such an oath, too!

The stem der had vexed Arizona long
enough; be ad even invaded Redeye. jerks
two revolvers from the belt of Thunder Sam,
and with them taken the life of Buckhorn Bill!

His last deed cried aloud for revenge.

Over the dead desperado, Thunder Sam se-
lected three men who were to accompany him
on his hunt. '

He knew them all: he had seen them tried in
more than one desperate encounter, and they
were eager to come up with the Tiger who had
invaded the camp.

Away went t 9 four in the first gleams of
daylight, well mounted, well armed, and bum-
ing for revenge.

“ Let’s take the shanty in on our way, an’ see
what’s become 0v Blossom,” said Thunder Sam,
when a mile from Redeye.

“ Agreed! Who knows but that Spanish may
hev gone down that an’ insulted 0 d Eclipses
mountain daisy! By heavens! of he hes, we’ll
give him extra punishment!”

8-) the four hunters turned into the trail that
ran past the mountain lodge and urged their
horses on.

As they neared the but, their ears were sa-
luted with the songs of birds, and nature smiled
on every band.

It was just such a morning that deli bts thou-
sands of people, but it possessed no 0 arms for
the quartette, whose revolvers were carried at
full cock in their belts, and whose bonies hung
loosely in the buckskin sheaths.

Thunder Sam glanced at his com anions when
he saw the mountain cabin a s ort distance
ahead, and, motioning them to fall behind, he
rode on.

To the rough’s surprise, he found the little
door wido opon and an aspect of loneliness about
the lace.

“ guess the Ti er ov Arizona has hocn hyer!"
arted Thunder aui’s lips as he approached the
at. “ If he has touched Blossom, woo to his

o’nory hidol I’ll make this territory, big as it is,
too hotto hold him.”

Afew yards further on Thundor Son drew

a.

Onco more he was in front of tho girl’s moun-
tain home, thinking not of how he had riddon
away from the revolver that “ covorod ” him
from the hand of Blossom.

[loaning toward the logs from his saddle, the
man from ftedeye put one hand upon thom and
poked his unhandsome face into tho hut.

“ Hello. Blossom l" he called.

There was no response.

“Jes' on I expected: she ain’t hyor!" be ex-
claimed, whirling upon his companions no they
hastened forward. “I’ll bet my claims thet
Sprnish Jack knows whar the mountain daisy
is.

Thunder Sam threw himself from the middle
and rushed into the cabin, but the noxt oocond
he rocoiled with a furious oath.

“In unsl Injuns!” also rang from his throat.
“ The infernal Apaches—"

His sentence was broken by the sharp roports
of his companions’ revolvers as thoy oponod on
the red skins who were swarming mm the but.

g‘giinder Sam reached his hono, but not the
en lo.

“ Death to the red skunks!” he roared, fool?
the Apachoo with a revolver in each hand. “ o
quartor an’ no surrender. men ov Me!”

Awod b ho dondly fire of tho quartotte’s
wmpons, t e Indians ell bck into tho cabin
and olammod to door in the desperadoos’ faces.

All, however, did not get safely behind the

 

portals, for in front of it lay six who would
never stam e horses again.

“ Heavens! that war a close call !” ejaculated
Thunder Sam. “ 1 bed iis’ got beyond the door
when suthin’ closed on my arm. knowed
what it war, an’ back I went. Now!” and his
eyes flashed exnltantly. “ We’ve got the red
devils eVerlastingiy cooped u ,an’ I’m willin’
to take on will. lhut they’ve died their last ar-
rersl Wu cl: Uvet dwor with yer men-killers,
boys, while I git things ready for the final
scene.”

Thunder Sam saw the door covered with six
revolvers before he moved off. and commenced
to collect an armful of dry twigs which every-
where littered the ground.

When he rejoined his companions be deposited
his collections a ainst the but and produced
several matches mm a pooketin his dirty buck.
skin 'acket.

“ ow look out, pards! They’ll rush for it
when the fire cracks,” he said. “ l'our it into
’em when the door opens. an’ don’t let one ov
the red varmints out. Thar’s nothin’ like an
Apache potpie, an’ I kin git one up to perfec-
tion when I’ve got a chance like this.”

The snap of a match followed his last word,
and then came the crackin of the dry twigs.

Fearless, like all men 0% his class, and with
the utmost confidence in the revolvers of his
Bards, Thunder Sam fanned the flames with his

roamed hands until they had made good head.

wa .

'lyhen he rose, and walking back to his horse
drew his revolvers again, and madly watched
the hut.

As the fire caught the cabin door in its emo
bracc, it roared out the speedy doom of Bloo-
som‘s home.

Yet not an Indian showed himself.

“ They ain’t fools enough to be roasted alive !”
Thunder Sam said. “They’ll make the grand
break in a littl while. Thet old shant ’s
almosttoo hot to old ’em now. Look out or
’em, ho 3. Keep yer fingers on yer triggers.”

The ames crept up the logs, devourin them
as they advanced; a large hole had urned
through the door.

“ It beats me, I swan it does!” the head des-
perado was forced to exclaim. “Didn’t we
jes’ drive more than a dozen Apaches back into
that shanty?”

“Ther war fourteen on ’cm, Thunder: I
counted ’em.” ,

“Fourteen, then. Ar’ they goin' to stay in
that an’ burn up without makin’ a break fer
liberty! That’s LOB Apache grit—not the kind
I’ve seen tried fifty times in my career. Look!
tbar goes the door!”

At that moment the door, burned from its
wooden hinges. fell inward amid a showerot
sparks, and the flames kept outside no longer,
rushed into the cabin with vengeful roar!

The avengers of Redeye drew back from the
terrible heat, and looked at the burning but
with perplexed countenances.

“By thunder! this place is bewitcbedl”sud-
den! exclaimed Thunder Sam. “Thar ain’t
an njun in that cabin, an’ we dmv fourteen
back into it awhile ago. Look! the fire Sweeps
the hull inside ov the blamed place. It would
melt a cast-iron man in five minutes.” ,

klthough the leader of the quartette used
:trong language, the occasion seemed to justify

t.

The mountain cabin was a mom of secthin
firo, and the four men from a distance watch
it with feelings mat cannot be dosch

All at onoe a chorus of wild Indian yells
rose above the roar of the flames.

“ The Apache varmints!” grated Thunder
lam. “By hokey! they’re the some defile we
con up in the cabin !’

e men from Redeye turned to the north as
the Ivan of a body of Indians appeared on the
trai .

“Stand yer round, pards!” cried Thunder
Sam. “ We k n hev on Infin pot-pie yeti
Death to the red skunks 0v Anoona i”

This time tho red-skins wero not awed by the
revolvers toward which they a.

The mountain rung wrt exnltont yells as
pell-mell down the trail on excellent steeds the
Apaches came to engage their foes.

he band was hea ed by a magnificent In-
dian, who rode 3 thdid snow~whito horse,
faultless in limb and with glowing eyes.

“ White Rocket, the youn ‘s bo-l” broke
from Thunder Sam’s lips. ‘ ho couldn’t hunt
snob an animal on thon? By Jove! I'll swap
homes wit that rod-shin!”

A minute minced to bring the combatants to-

gather.
With their deadly revolvers thrust forward,

 

 

few—m, . - .___.____~-...__.....~ _......... ....,

Thunder Sim and his companions met the dash-
ing onset.

“Pour it into ’em!” the former shouted, and .

the battle opened with unwonted fury.

But revolvors, howeVer well aimed, could not
check that mad red mob.

Although more than one Apache reeled from
their saddles, which, for the most part, were

~ well Worn blankets, the others came on, their

wild yells increasing and their hot is, some-
times supplied with spurs, inCessantly pounding
their horses’ flanks.

Into the ranks of their relentless foes the four
men emptied their revolvers. and then, for the
Indians had not been checked for a moment,
they drew their bowies.

“ Make sure work with the heart-picks!” cried
Thunder Sam, and he added under his breath:
“ It looks to me on of the Apaches ar’ goin’ to
make the pot-pie.”

The next moment Thunder Sam spurred his
horse toward the red-skins.

He did not look behind to see whether he was
followed.

“ That whitehoss or death!” he grated. “ Ef
I git ’im, Snap Shot shall go back to ther ranch
without ’im He’s as pretty as Blossom,
blame my skin of he ain’t!”

Tnat instant Thunder Sam reached the In-
dian squadron. Thirty red hands darted at
him, but his gleaming bowie leaped through
them all.

“Thunder Sam forever!” he shouted. “You
rile a hull tribe ov catamounts when you stir
this animile up. Hyer’s the varmint I want.”

The Indians who filled the mountain pass
could not prevent the mountaineer’s deed; his
hand was quicker than their sight.

The red rider of the white horse darted at
Thunder Sam. but the onslaught that met him
half way was irresistible. -

“This boss is worth a gold mine, chief,” he
said. “I’ll settle with you fer stealin’ ’im an’
sava ther b0 the trouble.”

Vainly di the Apache warrior dart at the
uplifted hand. I

Down came the miner’s bawie, and as the red
chief reeled, he was swept from the horse by
Thunder S.m’s left arm, and a. wild yell an-
nounced that Little Snap Shot’a ‘ horse had
chan edowzier !

“ 0W, zit out ov my way!” shouted Sam to
the Indians, as he wheeled the white steed and
drew theoloody bowieback. “ l’m a thousand
grimlies rolled into one. This boss is mine for-
ever! Cl’ar the track!”

The strength of the white horse and the
menacing knife made the red ranks as arate.

“ C line on, pardsl” cried Thunder am to his
comrades as he dashed down the living gantlet,
but he did not look behind him.

“ That’s what I call himess!” he said when he
found himself beyond the foe. “ Who wouldn’t
risk what I hev fer such a boss! He'd bring a
thousand in Prescott, an’ five in ’Frisco; but a
world wouldn’t buy ’l‘n from me.”

Prod? of the rise he had won at the wish
point, hunder am urged the horse on no il be
was satisfied that the red-skins were out thun-
dering at his heels. .

“ This isn’t huntin’ Spanish Jack,” he said
suddenly. “ But what’s the use or huntin’ him
on such a. hose? Let me find Blossom, an’ hung
$51 :1 somebody else can’t avenge Buckhoru

“That‘s what I say, Thunder Sam: but who’s
taken my pet om”

At those words the man from Redeye turned

. and found himself face to thee with the last

person he e to confront there.

H Wal, at it isn’t Old Eclipse himself, shoot
me for a rattler!” he ejaculated.

“Tnat's who I am!” was the answer as the
speaker came forward. nor halted until 9 laid
his hand on Thunder Sam’s leg and looked up
into his face. “I’va been to ther outskirts ov
ctarnity more’n once since I’ve seen 'ou, Thun-
der; but ever time myfivtarmination fetched
me awn. Winr‘s the girl-my mountain Blos-
somi You will go with me back tothe lodge,
won’t you?” » '

Thunder Sam smiled.

fiThar’s no. lodge any more. E05980.” he

as!

" What’s become ov it!” .

" I’m oin’ to play honest. I sot it on fire."

The 0! miner started back with blazing ayes.

“ You? You set fire to Blossoms home?
By heavens! Thunder Sam—”

“ Thar! thet’ll do!” was the interruption.
“ Hear me through. old man. We cooked up
fourfieen 195333 in the hut. an’ I tried to make
an Apache t-pie, but hang me of one war
scorched, an we burned the cabin down.”

 

 
 

’1 _  Eclipse, Trump Card 0 ‘ zone.

“They found the underground trail.” said
Old Ecli Se. ,

“Thets it!” exclaimed Sam. “I thought
Old Nick helped the red varmiuts to git away.”

CHAPTER VII.
FORCED ’I‘O DISGOBGE.
THE mystery 0. the lndiun’s escape from the

burning cabin was now explained, but Thunder

Sam forgot them a moment after Old Eclipse’s
ex lanation.

e was looking down into the face of the
man to whom Blossom was the most precious
object on earth. the man who had raised her
from a child, among the mountains, and who
would shed his last drop of blood in her defense.

Woe to the man who IOVed or touched her
without his consent!

He had always said this, and those who knew
the old miner knew that he would make his
words g0od.

“You say you’ve been nigh eternity!” said
Thunder Sam after a. minute’s silence. “Did
you find Spanish J lick?”

“Didn’. I, though?” exclaimed Old Eclipse.
“ Did I ewr hunt a man and not find him,
Thunder? Wu], 1 found the boss stampeder an
we bed a tussle.”

“ Not since he left Radeyei”

“Has he been that!”

“I should say he has, but go on.”

“ The varmint got the best ov me,” continued
Old Eclipse. “ Thet half—Mexican devil hes the
strength ov a izzly. I w r completely in his
power when I ound myself yin’on the edge ov
a cliff. How his eyes glittered then-worse nor
a catamount’s, Thunder. Fer a half minute he
stood over me pantin’ like a feller prett nigh
played out, an’ then he pounced upon me ike an
ear: e. ' . '

-“ ‘Ef I had a. knife, Eclipse,’ said he. ‘ I’d fix
you like I fixed the man what on tellers picked
up awhile ago; but I hevn’t a nife-not even a

1‘0 .’ ,
ReThe-n I knowed what war comin’, Thunder.
“‘Ez sure cz heaven, Eclipse, ye’r goin’ to

huutfor the bott ov the cllfl,’ thought I.
“All to once war fallin’—-fallin’ down——
away down! It war awful, Thunder. You

don’t know what near things pass through a
felier’s brain when e’s passin’ through the air,
an’ you wouldn’t h’lieve me of I told you.
When I struck I throw my arms out an’ caught
some limbs. Thar I war hangin’ in a. tree-to
a mile above the foot ov thet cliff fer all
know, fer I couldn’t see it. EE 9. man ever
favors” to pay an enemy back I reckon I did
en.

“Oh. others d'tl the same thing to-night,”
smiled Thun ier Sam.

“ Whar!”

“ In B. :deye. over Buckhorn Bill’s carkiss.”

“ Who wiped him out?”

“ The same yellowhound. thet dropped you
over the clifl.” _
Old Eclipse gnashed his teeth for a moment.

“Ar’ you on his trail now i” he suddenly
asked.

“ Not exactly.” '

“ Do you think he carried Blossom om”

“That’s to be determined. Eclipse.”

“Woe to him if he did! I’m worth all the
dead men in Arizony! That girl belongs to me,
an’ I will kill the person what loves er touches
her besides Ecli so.”

“ What w u! you do ef a fellar like Thunder
Sam ell-"old takea fapcy to the mountain daisy i"
asked Rideye’s desperado. .

“ You‘re jokin’ now, Thunder!” exclaimed
Old Eclipse as he started and transfixed Thun-
der Sam with his piercing gaze. “ We’ve been
paras, too long fer you to take a fancy to Blos-
som.

“ Stranger things than thet hev happened in
Arizona.”

Thunder Sam’s seriousness seemed to force a
new and terrible revelation upon Old Ecli e’s

mind. The bronze hand left the leg upon w ich ‘

it bad lain.
- “ You —- do— love — Blossom, than?” ‘ gasped

Eclifise. .

“ 0w you’ve named it,” was the quick re-
sponse, and Thun er Sam seemed to increase an
inch in stature. “You have threatened wrth
vengeance the man what should dare to love
yer wild flower without er consent. I m~thet

man! Since I’ve got the st horse in Arizony.

I’m not goin’ ter stop till I’ve got the best gal!
You kin stan’ thar an’ chaw at me with Iyer
mad eyes, Eclipse. but I’m a catamount w on
I’ve made my mind upas a lot ov Apaches hev
jes’ found out.”

Not for a minute after Thunder Sam paused
did Old Eclipse find his tongue.

 

l

YK

\

The desperado’s first words’xhwd driven him
back sev9ral feet. but now he strode forwn‘d
like a lion ar sod. 0

“Words ar’ words, but bizness ls binneu!” be
said. “I will keep my word Thunder!” .
His hand again fell upon Thunder Sam’s leg,
but the next instant it darted at his revolver.

“ Not etl” he exclaimed dashing Old
Eclkise’s hand aside, for his nick e es had an-
tici ited the movement. “ ow, s r. we will
sett e a part ov our difficult b er.”

He pushed Old Eclipse c as
and though the old miner attempted to recover
he did not until he was ten feet awaly. ,

“I’m at your mercy,”he said, coking into i
the revolver that covered him. ‘“ I never
thought thet the men ov Redeye would fall out
among themselves, an’ that fer Blossom.”

A heartless laugh was Thunder Sam’s first re.

y. i.
p “At my merc inol Ecll . I never had any
ov thet article 1’ he grate . " You’ve come to
the wromz man to talk ov thet. What word her
you fer Blossom?” , '

“ Not by you 1”

“ Why not!”

“ Because you wouldn’t take it to her.” , ,

"Try me! I sw’ar by my soul, to car to
Blossom any word you want to send. or
bad, Eclipse, 1’]! take ‘lt to her. Bo quick with
the message at you hev one.” ' ’

“ Ib’lieve I’ll trust ou.”.said the old miner,
as his eyes beamed w th hope. ' .

“ Be nick, I say, forby he sun thet ldlltho
sky, Eclipse I’m goin’ to make sure ov ossom
this time. lhold the winnin’ hand.” 1

“ Then. tell her never to Meal the big bonan-
za while she is in Thunder Sam’s power; tell her
that this word came from - me. Ah! you will
never tell her this ” , /

H198: Thunder Sam's eyes glistercd before he
Te 1 . ‘
era was the “ big bananas?“ which Old
lclipse spoke? ‘

If it was in Arizona. wh had be not heard of
it? and he had been the o d man’s comrade for
ten vears.

“ Ha! I knew you lied Thun er Sam!” ax-
claimed Old Eclipse. “ on w 1 never carry ,
my message to Blossom.” .

“ I will. So thar is a hidden gold mine?”

The miner laughed. and waned to mean.“ * ' "

head toward the ruined mountain caan
awav. ~ . .
“Toperdition with your bonank‘sl" r 
Thunder Sam. ‘If one cxistsll will find it.‘
Don’t I hear the A ehe bosses down under!
You hear ’em too, cli . Hyer. on your _

last trail; h erI begint etussle that'willglvc‘ j ' -‘

me Blossom. ’

he finished, ‘ '

The revolver seemed to fall a hair’s breade  .
fire at ‘

Old Eclipse’s eyes lost none of their ,
that moment. t , p
All at once a ringing shot awoke the echo" cf
the mountains, and without a or
haired. miner reeled away and f
bushes at his back! . - ,» _

It was the heartless shot of a mouuhin demon *

among

—a shot for which there must be a retribution;

swift and terrible. ‘ ~

’ “Now. Thunder Sam, find the girl. Wfln°5=  ‘.

her from Spanish Jdck, er ther boy, ali’ thar’il
be no Eclipse an’ his threats to trouble ya.
Mounted on ther best animalin ,you
ought to be able to come out on top in any
game you want to play.
red Vermintsl”
hands toward that pointof the comps
which sounds of boots camcto hiacara.
lead you a chase that wichnd whar you’d nth.
er it would not. I’ve

Isfron'

I’ll not rupture mine Oh! come on, an!
mettle ov yer chief‘s white hosts!”
Away went the desperado from

his worm-but with yer hull tribe at mg“.  IV
or v 

M
brushwood was speedily left behind. ‘ t
The white horse seemed to possess t
of the wind in his little limbs. ~ 
It mattered not who he carried, he carried his‘.
ri‘iirlweu' th tchl Whi nacho," ill
1 s was e ma ass to 
horsa to recover whom Little Snap' Shot 
guitted a ranch in the far South and faced the
angers and death-trails of the Mongolian
Mountains. ’

Thunder Sam took delight in man; the  or. "

mal’s speed. . ‘7,

~He urged him over the trail until he want 3,.»
in: past rock and tree with almost iuwnooivo
able Swiftness.

boss !”

\,.

Roda'y'c .
the spot where his victim lay silent  '- 

‘»

heap-ed 

c R

IV

jes’ made one man break. I 

n
l

hissed « A’.‘ 
the amt" 1‘ -£ 

Como own-you moan  5
And be shcok his clinched  ‘ ;_

urn  

r‘

)

 

 

“I don’t hear ’em any more. Oh, what a. A», V; 
The desperng spoke thus miles and II“- S .. 2.

 

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. '5%J*+‘

at.

7A.; ' “Ls

 

i der Sam.
, me for a rattler.

" to you for bringing Rocket here.

 our the boss!" flashed the bamed devil. “
‘ , die with

 

 

: ' '- a I ~ ,__..9¥4.P°,__1,19§92Fr31mp9st? deem“: . .. 

. ......-.,. ..~........ _..._.... ... . .. ....

, . . wane“...
.M.~.........._.....--...- .._ _

from the spot where he left Old Eclipse,
and in the glowing beams of the sun that
felt upon him from.
patted White Rocket's neck and ran his fingers
through the silver mane.

the horse seemed conscious of this admiration
outbe part of his rider for he turned his head
and tried t) look inio Thunder Sam’s face.

i '. All at once a strange whistling sound saluted

toe r ’a ears and to his surprise the horse
attempted to lie own.

In vain did Thunder Sam try toprevont him;
White Rocket carried his point, and his rillé’l‘
r-e forced to leap from the saddle to escape
" “rye

" Who ave that signal!" he growled, as he
wood heal a the horse with his rcvolmrs ready
i'm an emergency. “I knew my boss wara
pet. but hang me of I thought he were trick
nuimilel Bay, on who whistled, jes’ git up an’
snow yerself. proclaim to all the world that
this hoes b’lon to Thunder Sam, au’ thet thar
at” no man vin’ strong enough ter take ’im
from me!" ,

Scarcer had the last word left the speaker‘s
lips when a youthful figure slipped into view a
abort distance down the trail.

‘, “The hoes-hunter himself 1” ejrnculalnd Thun-
"Wal’, of this ain’t a pretty go, shoot

“The man whasays that that horse belongs

' to Thunder Sam'lies liken Mexican 1" came over

the rifle praised against the b0 ‘8 shoulder. “ I
am here to assert my owners ip. Come here,
“'hite Rocket.”

The white horse sprun up instantl .
“No you don’t, my aiayl" cri
8am, springing toward the animal. “1 hev

taken an oath-4'

"So have I l Dro that bridlerein, you yel-
low dog, or I'll an my home-hunt over your
worthless corpse!”

Sam law that these words came over the pol-
ished barrel of the leVeled rifle.

“I don’t really want your life; but White
Rocket is worth a thousand Thunder Sams.
I’ll count four for on. One—two—"

The rein drop from the desperado’s hand,
and a light lau came over the rifle.

“ on re a man of sense, Thunder Sam," fol-
lowed the laugh. “ Zip, zip, White Rocket!”

Thehorle pricked 11 his ears and rushed to-

Thunder

’ 4 - ward the boy with a oyous whinny.
The

face of the rouglr was as dark as a thun-

 . 1'. tier-cloud when he saw the two meet.

‘ “Good-by, Thunder Sam. I‘m much obliged
eat again. Y ’d bette back tovirteedmay
m on r e e.
Bpimiah Jackie in the counts)?” 1 '7
With theagility of a splen id horseman, Snap
Shot had vaulted into the saddle and while
Thunder 8am gnashed his teeth and torgot his
r.vo era in his rage, the recaptured prize was
' him W thescene.
it to edeye without neither the a}
nay boots a: first! When I go back
thar, I’ll rt e that white animal an’ know whar

,Bloarom is! The young chap thinks his boss
" trail has ended.

Blame my skin! of it’s half.
begun! He don’t know me; but he ’11 get ac-
,uuainted afore many hours! I’m amillion cat-

amoonta when I’m riled an’ I’m riled to the

depth no‘w,‘hang me of I ain’tl I’ll re-
kiver that-piece or whitelightnin’: I’ll find the
chin daisy: au’ I’ll make things liwaly.

. min
. Yes, I’m goin’ to ride White Rocket into Red-
._ eye. “

 

calist vm.
FRO! TEE SADDLE.

. ' "I‘ll reader will recollect that when we last
I saw Snap Shot prior to the adventure just re-

corded he was lashed to the back of an Apache

, home which was hearing him from the mountain
, cabin.

. This was Spanish Jack’s work, and if Old

" Eclipse had not interfered in the nick of time
 and shot the [amide from the Tiger’s hand, Little

apap Bhot’s career would hav; ended there and
en. ‘
We Will 50 back to that scene only to say'tbat

  Ernst-h Jack-in his haste failed to fasten the
- joy cedars]
thence" o

to the horse, for a few miles from
his capture he managed to get one
of his hands lease. The rest was easy. and all
at once the Indian steed found his rider astride

' it back and checking his headlong speed.

’ Intenton finding the Arizona Tiger. the young
horse-hunter turned back and reached the cabin

is time to astouiab Jack with a. leveled rifle ‘

when that wtrthy came back after his encount-

:;  m whom Mlpae.
 “_ {Batu we have Ieen, theTiger amped ‘his -

blunt of skies, he

.___,_
w

 

 
 
 
 

deadly aim by prompt action and good riding,
leaving him alone with Blossom again.

From the cabin Spanish Jack went to Redeye
and rearmed himself.

 

“ The lndians have been here, They knew that

Did Eclipse built the cabin and they never liked

the old man whose rifle never fails him.”
White Rocket went flying toward the spot

“A good riddance,” said Blossom, when the v, where columns of dark smoke were mounting

Tiger had escaped. “
demon again.”

It was needless to say that Snap Shot echoed
her sen tunents. ‘

He did not want to have to fight the Arizoni- ‘

an Tiger, but he would not shrink from {he
fray; he had invaded the countr for the pur-

Bose of recovering his stolen stee , that was all; ,

at he was ready to wade through blood for the
white horse.

Mounted on White Rocket once more Little
Snap Shot galloped of! and drew rein a short
distance from the place wLere we left Thunder
Sam cursing his ill-luck.

“ What has happened?" exalaimed a sweet
voice. and a young girl appeared at the white
steed’s side.

“I have found my horse,” was the answer, as
the boy’s eyes shone with triumph. “ Some-
how or other he had fallen into Thunder Sam’s
hands, and it was my chance to encounter the
villain (lOwn the trail. This is the animal 1
have talked so much about, Blossom; this is the
best horse in Arizona l”

And the boy’s hand ran in and out through
White Rocket’s flowing mane.

Blossom put up her hand and smoothed the
horse’s glossy coat, while the youth watched her
with eyes full of admiration. “ . ‘

“ You will go back to the old ranch now?”
she said.

Snap Shot started.

“I have found my horse, that is true: but I
like this country.”

A rett blush stole over Blossom’s face. ~

“ on ave not seen all its people,” shere~
plied. “You have made many enemies here,
and they are not of the kind who will forget
you. our horse will be hunted a ain. Thun-
der 8am may have captured h m from the
Indians; if he has, they will not let the trail get
cold. You and White Rocket will be safer on
its old ranch than hem.”

Little Snap Shot’a gaze wandered toward the
far south. 1

He knew that the girl’s words were full of

truth.
Safety for him and his white steed lay only
where the green grass of the “old ranch

waved in the sun, but something seemed to hold ‘

him back.

Blossom tried to.read his thoughts, while he
gazed southward, but gave up haflled, and wait-
ed for him to speak, as if site knew that his
lvvénrds would prove the turning point of his
1 "a '

He turned upon her so suddenly that she in-
voluntarily started.

“ Why do you live here?” he asked. "‘ It
seems to me that the country I inhabit is fairer
than this. We have no Thunder Sam there.”

“Then you are blessed, indeed. But do not
try to turn me from these mountains, You
forget that Roll 89 likes this land."

“Eclipse?” ac oed the boy; “how I would
like to meet him! I am sure I owe him mv life,
for he shot the bowie from Spanish Jack‘s
hand. But you do not want me to encounter
Eclipse.” .

Blossom’s cheeks seemed to grow pale.

“I dare not tell you what 0 has said.” wlare
her words, while the pallor st 11 remained. “ He
is a strange man in many respects, and is de-
voted to me. 1 can never forge who saved me

v after the Indian massacre, years ago.”

“ I do not ask you to forget your preserver.
W‘O‘lgd Rot Eclipse leave this country ’
a.
“ You are then doomed to remain until his

pleasurcntransfers you elsewhere?”
66

 

 

 

 

“Then,” said the youth, “I shall have to say

-by for the present. I will go back to the

old ranch. My horse-hunt has terminated»

abruptly. I am seated on White Rocket’s hack

strain and this is the proudest day of my life.

You shall go back to the mountain home on the
best animal west of the Mississio ii."

In less than a minute Old Ec ipse’n protegee
was seated with SnaptShot on the white horse,
which started off toward, though the pair know
it not. a scene of desolation.

‘l Heavensl what has ha nod?” fell sudden-
ly from the youth’s lips. ‘ ‘ kl smoke is ris-
ing from the spot where I fear your home stood
when we left it."

. Blossom looked for a moment and then

. attend an exclamation of horror.

"I have no home; but forward," she said.

I

y we never ace the 1 heavenward.

“The dwmons have been here sure enough i”
, flashed Snap Shot, drawing rein in front of the
1 Mountain Lodg «, now a heap of burning ruins.
“As they could not secure the bird the
destroyed the nest. These are the kind of deeds
that will keep me in this country. Villains like
this call for revenge. l have not forgot that I
swore to pay the red chief who took White
Rocket from the old ranch.

Blossom did not speak, but gazed sadly upon
the scenes of desolation that surrounded her.

Not one log had been left upon another; the
flames had done their fiendish work.

“ Now,” said the boy, breaking in upon Blos-
som’s sad revarie,‘ “ now on are ready to leave
this country, are you not Let the offer you a
llOflli!’"WheI'O I know you will be happy; let
me—

“You are very kind, but [cannot accept.
Eclipse will build me another cabin.”

Little Snap Shot seemed to grate his teeth.

“Old Eclipse!” he said, under his breath.
“Why does that strange man cross my path
every time? He may not find you for some
time,” he said to the girl, “and you must be
sheltered somewhere.”

“ I can seek the camp."

“ Redo e?"

U Yes.9

“That camp, yoi have told me, in Thunder
Sam’s lair." ~

“Ah! but: I do n t fear that fellow,” and the

irl smili d. "Yin, I shall go toRedeye until
Ecli =e comes.”

“ n Redeye then!” exclaimed the young
horsehunter; but Blossom’s hand fell warning-
ly upon his arm. '

“ For the last time, perhaps. let me any, ‘ Go
back to the old ranch. You have found your
horse. and to recover him you entered this
country. I can go to Redeye alone, and I as-
sure you I will get along with its citizens, who
are my protector’s friends."

“Nol’ answered Snap Shot, firmly. “ Since
vou have determined to take up your abode in

deye, I shall set you down there. Please do
not remonatrate with me again. My mind has
been made in . I am uite eager to ace ‘Bedge,
the apital c this wil land, and I will not do
for be old ranch until I have seen it. Come,
White Rocket, we are going to Redeye.”

With this the white steed started oil. and
was soon coursing swiftly down the road that
led to the mountain camp.

“Yonder is the camp!" exclaimed Blossom,
pointing down the mountain at a collection of
rough cabins that stood in the sunlight. " Now,
if you will halt here, and let me—-’

“ Not yet!” laughed Snap Shot. “ I am gain
to take vou to your new home."and the spursaen
White Rocket'awifter than ever over thetrail. ,
Not until the bone had home the tynuvig couple
to the center of the wild capital 0 the district
did he- check “his gait.

Then a word, and not the rein, eto d him.

“ 80 this is Redeye. eh!" ejacu ated Snap
Shot, as he turned to help Blossom from her

 

 

 

seat. “ What has become of its peoplel I don’t
See a living soul.” ,
“ I dol Look yonder! Merciful heavenal

you are gonel” .

Little Snap Shot turned Just as- a tall man,
who ahead was bandaged with a bloody rag.
ate-pond from a cabin a few yards away.

“Curse your heart, you’ve touched the girl
without my cement!” grated this indiyidual,
against. whore shoulder a rite leaped madly.
“ swore to kill the man who did thet, an
will!”

Blossom threw herself from the white horse
ands rung toward the man withastartling cry.

“ oputtin' in fer him, Blossoml"rung out
over the leveled rifle. “I’m Old Eclipse, au’
dOu’t ou forget it!” -

A t rilling report checked Bloasom’a speed,
and as she turned to the horse she saw his
young rider throw up‘his arms and pitch from
thu saddle with a 000 cd revolver in his Land.

The weapon fell at. her feet. l

“I’ve met Old Eclipse at last!” gaspnd the
boy, looking up into her fees as she stooped
over him.

Before she could reply a startling voice grated
on her hearing.

“Don’t touch the young vi er” girl! I’m
goinc to finish im, hang me of ain't!” _
“No‘vw‘vile I can defend him!” exclaimed

 

Blossom, whirling upon the speaker with Snap

 

T ‘ 9.19..

 

.._..,..—-.....

Shot's revolver glistening in her hand. “ Though .

you are Old Eclipse, you shall not complete the
work on haVe begun. Halt, and lower our
rifle! f you advance anotln step with t in
that position I will send a bullet washing
through your brain.

 

CHAPTER IX.
a JEALOUS MOUNTAINEER.

“ Iry u dare!" said the girl’s flashing eyes,
the h or lips remained closed behind the
we that ends the preceding chapter.

Snap Shot had fainted and lay at her feet, to
all outward appearances dead; but she stood
resolutely in front of him, menacing Old
Ecli with the revolver.

“ ang me of I ever thought she’d do that!”
murmured the old miner. “She’ll be wantin’
to marry the young tenderfoot of my bullet
hezn’t fixed him for 00d. I can’t march for-
’ard another step.‘ never thought Blossom
would hold a dro on me.”

With this, Old li se ver sensibly lowered
his rifle, amid the am: as of t e rough men who
had been drawn from the cabins by the start-
ling shot. .

Blossom watched him narrowly as he came
forward, a dark cloud on his brow and angry
flashes in his eyes. _

“ Who is he, girl?” he asked, looking from the
unconscious horse-hunter to his otegee.

“ Sna Shot he calls himself.

“ By okey! he’s no tenderfoot after all.
Auybod kin see that with half an eye. J ehosa-
phat! w at a boss!” And Old Eclipse began to
admire the white steed which had not moved
since the fall of his rider. “1 say, Blossom,
you an’ this youngster hev dissolved pardner-
ship. now, bevn’t ye?-

"We never had any interests in common.
He Was bringing me to Redeye, nothing more.”

“ A kind ov escort, he 1"

“Call it what you wi .” ,

“Wei, we’ll hev to’tend him till he mends,
then—then, by Jove! Blossom, he'll hev ter pack
an’ travel. ‘

By this time the girl and Snap Shot Were
surrounded by the entire population of Redeye.

“Corral thet animilel he‘s a dandy l” sud-
denly exclaimed one of the men2 and half a
dozen hands moved toward White Rocket’s
bridle-rein.

But the horse was not goin to be “ corraled,”
for all at once he threw up his head and darted
oi! with a wild snort.

Blouom heard the clicking of deadly locks
and instantly threw herself before the would-be,
horse-catchers.

“Don’t slaughter the horse like that!” she
cried. “That boy has risked his life for his

roperty: give him another chance for it.

wn with your Weapons!"

The last sentence was more a command than
an appeal, and the horse was allowed to disap-
pepr without being stopped by a bullet. ' .

‘Now carry the boy into one of the cabins

‘ and dress his wound,” the girl continued turn-

\ anxiously regarding his

«

ins u on Eoli . .
~ “I‘Mcss I’ll his???) touch ’im arter all, Blos-
Iom; t hang my old frame! ef I wouldn’t

sooner bury him. Grin an’ bear it, Eclipse. It
won't be for long, thank fortin’l” _

A moment later Little Sna Shot was lifted
from the ground, and the ol miner was bear-
in him toward one of the cabins.

The dirty—Shifted roughs followed him with
their eyes: but Blossom walked at the miner’s
side, carrying the horsp-hfunter’s hat, and
e ace. '

Not a word passed tween her and Old
Eclipse until the cabin’s threshold had been
crossed, and Snap Shot in on a rough couch
under the one window hes] e the door.

' “ In the first place. Blossom. look hyer,” sud-
denly exclaimed the old man, pulling down the
bloody bandage about his head, and displaying
to her gene a doe red furrow in which she
of;qu have placed two of her fingers side by
SI 9.

“ Who did that?" ‘

“ Who but the on'riest man in Arizony." was
the answer.

“ Spanish J acki"

“ No. Spanish Jack’s a gentlt‘man compared
to the dew! what marked Old Eclipse for life.
The Tiger would ush a feiler over a cliff; but
ban me, ef I be! eve he’d deliberately shoot a
help man. 'Thunderfiam is the boss demon’s
name." -

_ The girl started. j
‘ He will come back to Redeye no m l" she

, e; :cl'aimed. .

a ,
“ I hope he will, an’ while I’m byer. I would

Eclipse, Trumpgard of Arizona. ‘

e

 

pass in my checks on death’s counter
come back to Redeye only fer five
minutes! He shot to kill, but mthln’ turned his
bail. War it fate, Blossom? You used to say
that fate fetched me to you arter that Injun
massacre. when I found on under the Cocos-
toga. When I recovers arter Thunder Sam
had left me for dead, instead ov oin’ to tier
Mountain Lodge, I came hyer. he fact is,

irl, I didn't know whar I war goin' for sartain.

fell down like one dead in the street, but the
boys dresSed my wound, an’ put me on my ins
ug in. You .kn0w what I’ve alwas said. 0-
body shall. ever love you but Old lipse. Thet
boy war in a fair way fer doin’ it when he
came hyer, but he mustn’t do it, Blossom. He
may never see his white boss ag’in of he decal”

“ He has never mentioned love," said the
girl. “ But we must not neglect him.”

“ I’ll not do that of he’s the bitterest enemy I
ever had.” .

Little Snap Shot‘s wound was now searched
for and found.

To Blossom’s relief, so indicated by her looks,
it wasgonounced not very dangerous.

Old lipse said that the worst thing he saw
about it was that it would keep the youth con:
fined to the cabin for some days, when he ought
abebriding back to the ranch somewhere in the

at .

It was evident that the miner wished that his
shot had proved more deadly.

“ What! White Rocket gone again i” ex-
claimed the horse-hunter, when Blussom broke
to him an account of the white steed’s exit from
Redeye. » “ I will have to begin my hunt over.
There is no telling into whose hands In horse
will fall next; but I will find him! e shall
carry me back to the old ranch, if I have to
fight a thousand enemies single-handed.”

Determination lighted up the speaker’s eyes
and the girl who was his on y auditor transflx
him with an admiring gaze. _

Not once during that long day did she leave
the little cabin in Which Snap Shot had been
forced to take up his quarters.

The door stood wide open to admit the brac-
ing air, and the two young eOple thus strangely
brought together conver until the night ap-
proached again.

“ I don’t care which comes first!” exclaimed
Old Eclipse as he brought his hronzed hand
down, upon the rough counter in the log saloon
and gambling hell of Redeye.

Ten men heard him.

“ I say I don’t care a cuss which comes first—
death to the boy or Thunder Sam back to Red
eyel”he continued. “I hevu’t any choice. Don’t
I know thet if Snap Shot gits well the djlg is up
’twixt me an’ the daisy what I‘ve raise rom a
shooti Au’ to think that Blossom herself should

ide him to Rode e! Spanish Jack? Oh, I’ve

ergotten him! e did throw me over a cliff,
an’ left me to take care ov myself, which I did.
Arter that he came to Redeve an’ armed him-
self, did be? Why didn’t he finish Thunder
Sam instead of Bli"kll0l‘fl Bill? When I go back
to the about what will I see? Thet girl sittiu’
close to the cos-hunter an’ listenin’ to his infer-
nal palaver. . No! no more liquor fer me. I’m
goin’ back to em’ sober.” .

The old Arizonian strode toward the door of
the den.

“ Hyer, boys, take my weepins,” he said sud
dimly, stopping there and disarming himself.
“I’m afraid ov to self to-night, break my old
neck ef I ain’t! f I wont, go yonder an’ ace
Blossom close to_ the youngster I might do
suthin’ desprit. 1V0 man shall ever make love
to the mountain daisy an’ live. Thet’s my old.

willin l
’ f he‘fiiy

oath. ,

Old Eclipse laid his bowie and revolvers side
by side on the counter, and turned to the door
once more. -

He had scarcely reached the open air when he
stopped and listened.

“ Thar’s a boss comin‘ this way like n cy-
clone,” he said, speaking aloud as if addressing
some one, and his eyes blazed as he listened.
“ Hyer ‘I am without a weepin‘. but hang me of
I’imh ggin' to touch the shooters any more to-
n t.

e listened under the stars a moment longer,
lanfd then darted toward the cabin he had just
9 t.
d “ Hosses!” he exclaimed, appearing at the
cor.

The occupants of the place sprung acres the
threshold and halted on the outside with revol-
vers in their hands. /

Every man nomad to hold his breath:

All at once a horse with head erect and mane
and tail‘ streaming in the broom, wentput the
group like a flash of light. ,

 

 

 

 

 

 

“ Great Caesar! that hoss we: a white‘ anal”,
exclaimed Old Eclipse. “The boy’s milky
s hos come back to Redeye, an’-- , .

‘ Hush! byer comes a hull hard!”

The whole camp now run with the noise of
boots, and” twenty horses f owed in the white
steed’s wake. ,

Well might the men of Redeye shrink againu
the cabins and withhold theii‘ Ire. . -

livery horse had a rider, and as they
on after the magnificent quarry 01d
and his companions scarcely breathed.

" Great God! whether them red devils catch ,
White Rocket er not, they’ll come back an’
their respectsto Redeye!’ he ehculated. “ at
the go—~the meanest lot ov lnjuns that ever
sto e a mustang er plundered a ranch.
hevn’t time to stop now, but they’ll come
I say. Git read ter meet ’em, men ov Rad- ,
eye,” and with t is last word on his lips the old
miner darted away. , .

He did not stop until he reached the open
door of a certain cabin.

Darkness reigned inside.

anxious tones.
No answer was returned.
“Great serpents! what her: he

“Blossom are ye tharl‘? asked Eclipse in '

pruned?"

He cleared the threshold at a bound and \'

scraped a lucifer match across one of the 
The next moment a light flashed up in
face, and something that seemed to peasant lib
struck his feet. . ‘
Instanth the burning match fell from an
9

hand and need u thoflgure whose out»
lines he had ust made ‘31:. ‘ " ' ‘ '

“It’s the g§l~BlossomPhe exclaimed.  I " ‘ I
f .

the name 0 seven, what he; happened!”

citement.
“ Whar’s the boy i”
“ Gone!" murmured the girl. .
“Thet suits me.";said Ecli “  .
never come back to Redeye! e young m;
hez ’isened my life fer twenty years ahead.
But a didn’t go of ov his own account; he.
warn’t able.” ‘ '"

A as wasthere l . . .v
Old Eglipse seemgdybeside himself with e&

“No; his horse came back. The white i. ‘4   .

ma! entered the hut picked Snap Shot

swept “

The  l.
as l

‘ .

n w '. ,.
his teeth, an‘ knocked me over Vas he  3 ‘

awaa.” ~ , l , ,
“ ewillikv crickets! what a ” cried 
Ecli 5e. “ Carried the boy cl’ar,
“ ’es; but what does that noise mean!”
“They’re comin' back." . ,
Blossom slid from her protector’s hands ashsf
moved toward the door.
She stole to his side and heard-what!
A thousand Indian
hoofs! ‘
The Apaches were co ing back to We.

CHEER x. ,. a QC "

“wno’s urn—nos on rattan?

Wnn'rm or not the red raiders had ‘  f
tured White Rocket, Old Eclipse could  ‘ "

termine. . _..
Certain be was that tin A hes were ”

ing down upon the mounta‘illnc town um

fury of a. thousand demons. ' 4

“They'll not git through Mays min-4n, . .

ov ’em won’t,” said the old miner. “The ..
I left in front ov Jerusalem's will _ ya M. -
saddles. Kyer they come! Now. out, 1 'v
Blossom.” ~

He stepped back from the door a
holding to thenfiirl's band.
The next onto the red. Bedouin: of the

Southwe‘ border chanted post, uttering J0". \ ' l
undue ' ‘

that almost shook the cabins.
“Jehosaphat! what a herd!”
Eclipse. “ Thar they go an’ without the white.
been an’ his boy pard. ar’ the lien 01 ‘
Redeyei Hev they fled like
holes?” . J
No, Eclipse, the Arizonians were not. cowards
{hen charged by such a whirle at savage
ury. , , »
All at once a thunderous Volley replied to the
wild/yells; the doors of a furnace leaned to
open before the Apaches! ,.
Indians fol headlong and backward, uttering
denth-cfln. or d ying without a groan. .-
Tbey tumbled in every direction.
“ Wipe out the stampeders, boys!
gr Ito t’he redlilgmdks «xedSOuthwestl N
e onnr (W e e :1 er un "
kill the rascals!” ye’ y m d 
' These and other sentences rOse ¢ove the mad

shots the Arizonians poured into the half~naked.‘ . I I

ranks. , ' i
It was evident that the Apaches had not in-

tended to attack the camp, that theycnly l'

,  : A 1‘.‘ ’V ‘

son-m

A C

No  I

yells and  Merciful '

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thought to ride through it at the top of their

" spee , telling the men of Rode s with their

veils that they were in the imm iate neighbor-
ood, and feared them not.

More than one horse-stealing Apache paid
dearly for his foolish daring.

The front of the main body seemed to melt
away before the fire of the mountain men.
Horses dashed on riderless, or with dead riders
clinging to their mass. Few Indians mashed
the round ‘

8 - i

The battle, if battle the attack can be called,
for the A ches did not reply to the deadly
volleys di not last over three minutes.

The Indians rushed on, fired at as long as a
chamber remained unemptied, nor drew rein
short of two miles from camp.

There they stopped and investigated the
casualties.

The inspection was enough to sicken the heart
of the bravest warrior.

'Kore than one raider dropped from the horses
when they stopped, and not OVer half of the
band remained unhurt. »

, instinctiver the warriors turned their horses’
‘ heads toward Redeye a in.

“ Back to the den of t a mountain serpents!”
cried a stalwart Indian whose scalp-lock had
him shot away. “ Let the den be swept clean
hythe arms of the Apaches! Back to the new

' .trail! When the sun comes up let him shine
upon the place where the white edges-stood.”

Am eager shout answered these words.

“ t be foolsl” said a voice at this momen-
tous jun , and the Apaches started back as
they found hemselves confronted b a horse‘
man who had just reined in his stee between
them and Redeye. “Take your dead off and
burv them, and thank your stars that the men
of Bedeye bad to shoot by the light of the
stars. Oorambal this lesson ought to teach
you something.” '

The speaker wore a large sombrero, and the

id lace that' broidered his jacket scintillated
%and there in the starlight.

e animal he bestrode was a magnificent
men of horse-flesh, and champed his bit

 .,w_hile his rider addressed the astonished red.

“ nish Jack l" ejaculated several Indiansiu
glish. “ LetGold Lace look behind the
warriors of the Apache nation.” ./
~ “1 seal The men of Redeye must have tum-
bled one half of your band,” Spanish Jack said
with a smile. “ Now back there on ven eance
bent and they’ll flnis the work. Where 5 Red
Flashi”

“The le-face that took the white horse cut
Red Pia deep with his knife.”

‘“ And killed him!"

“No! Red Flash is getting well in the mouno
 He will live to pay the bowie-king
“He’ll have to get up early if he wants to
settle with Thunder Sam. If you are bound to

hack to Redeye i won’t stand in our

8" y
f whey; but I tell you that it ’11 be theend of you

a .

.Spanidl Jack drew his steed aside ashe flu-
islied‘“ and he pointed toward Redeye as he
gazed into the Indians" faces.

“There’s the road to Redeye l” he continued.
“Wow! I wouldn’t €70 n, moccasin for

chsams if you ride bac . Don’t you think

’1'. waitiia for you?”

e elect the Tiger’s sudden appearance
ahd his words was apparent. The boldest
Indian seemed to shrink from the mining-camp;
theseiwho were most clamorous for vengeance
yen seen to draw back.

“Wait till Rid Flash gets well,” the white
minder motioned. “He wants the dhite
home again and he will lead you down the trail
of vengeance. But {0 to Redeye now if you
want to. By Jovel- ’ll ride behind just tosee
the fun.”

, -' That was enough.

finish Jack’s eyes twinkled with humor

When he saw the redoskins shrink from the

‘Xl'hey’re oing to exhitit good sense.for
and,” be out to himself. “The men of Rode e
wouldn’t let a man rexcape. That’s sensibe;
they’re going to back out. I may have use for
those very red devils one of these days,” and
with a look that expressed his satisfaction,
Spanish Jack saw the Apaches go back snlleuly
to their dead. . .

(I’m the back of his horse he saw them lift
.fhe corpses from the ground, and~ watched the
whole hand move off. I ‘
"‘If wouldn’t £0 (ion to Redeye Pm
not ugh back out, he said in audible tones.
“ I told under Sam that I’d return his revel.

 

Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona.

vers and I might as well fulfill my promise now
as at another time. The Mountain Lodge is in
ashes and the girl must be at Redeye. If the
boy really escaped from the ropes l tied him with
last night, why is he not there. too? Come, Mon-
terey; we're going to Redeye.”

It was dangerous for Spanish Jack to re-enter
the place in which a few hours previous he had
sent a ball through the head of Buckhorn B.ll;
Butdtbis thought probably never entered his

ea .

“ I’m not going through Redeye like the In juns
did,” he said. “I left the town tanner thanl
wanted to when I was here last; this time I’m

oing to leave when I get ready if I have to
ace every revolver in the camp.”

It was not to be expected that Redeye would
be quiet so soon after the Apaches’ charge down
its main thoroughfare.

Its denizens would boon the watch with their
fingers at the trig er and the first enemy to
show himself won! in all likelihood receive a
bullet in his head.

As if anxious to reconnoiter without sub “ect-
infi himself to too great a danger, Spanish ack
all from the saddle fifty yards from the last
cabin in the western Suburbs of Redeye and
cre t forward on foot.

e carried in his hand the ready revolver of
the border. .

From but to but he glided, now walking erect

and DON sneaking forward like a prowling

spéis well known sombrero hung from the pom-

moi of the saddle he had left behind, and his

lgng black hair almost covered his broad shoul-
ers.’

He reached the middle of the camp unper-
ceived and leaned against the logs of a certain
cabin with an expression of victory on his hand-
some ellow face.

“ hat wouldn’t them fellows down yonder
give to know that Spanish Jack is in Redeye’i”
he murmured as sounds of human voices reached
his ears from a spot on the other side of the
street diagonally opposite his halting-place. “ If
I warn’t here on a ii of business, santildoibut
I’d have some rough sport. There go. s that
loud,-,mouth “ranter ofl again! What does he
say
The Tiger of Arizona leaned forward and lie-
tened with much interest.

“ Thar’sa meaner skuik in this kentry than.

Red Flash!” came to Spanish Jack’s ears in
course, mad tones. “ You kin rake Arizona
with a flue-tooth comb of War war sich a
thing in. the territory, an’ on wouldn’t
turn up a blacker devil than Spanish Jack. He‘s
led them very Injuns time an’ ag’in, an’ nobody
knows it better than the pards ov Ruleye.
Thunder Sam an’ the boys what went off to
avenge Buckhorn Bill will never catch the gold-
laced Greaser. He said he’d return Thunder’s
revolvers, but he lied. He’s a coward when he’s
pushed to the wall. He’s nothin’ but acommon
boss-thief, who sw’ars in Spanish an’ does noth-
in’ fair in American. l’ve hed my say. I hate
Spanish Jack worse than I hate the Injuns, fer
Bill an’ I used to be n‘rds. It’s a p ty the yaller
gpg gsn’t hyer‘ to ear Pinkeye’s opinion 0v
m. '

The Tiger of Arizona could not see the
speaker turn from the grou ) he had just ad-
dressed, but his quick ears to d him t..at he was
approaching.
boSpa nish J nck put up his revolver and drew a

me.

With the gliding movements of a tiger, he
moved 'oward the front of the log shanty and
hugged the wall.

” I’ll show Redeve that you’re a liar, Pink-
eye!” he hissed. “ he man who swears in Span-
ish is nearer than you think!” .

On came the man who had just denounced the
stampeder in such uumea red terms.

To Spanish Jack’s joy.’ ‘e came straightto—
ward the hut.

All at once the man with the bowie shot for;

ard.
“Halt!” he hissed. “ 'Who’s the- liar, Pink-
eye ?” ,

Pinkeye recoiled.

“ Great God! it is Spanish J ack himself l”_

“ No—the Tiger of Arizona, and the Tiger
w nts your blood!”

The hand that darted at! the miner caught the
arm that moved toward a revolver already
cooked, and the starlight gleaned on the bright
blade that shot upward.

A second did not intervene between this ac-
tion'and the terrible «"own ward stroke. -

“I‘swesr in Spanish. Pinkeye, but my bowie
Tiowe but, one word .- death!” grated the

‘0'. '

W

' the group at last.

 

With a half-stifled gronn Pinkeye reeled
away, but Spanish Jack's left hand held
him up.

“You’re going back to your comrades,” he
said to the man already dead. “ By Heaven!
I’ll show the men of Redeye that the man ou‘ve
jllxlst’called ‘ coward’ is not such a cowar after
a .

A terrible frenzy seemed to have taken pos-
session of the Arizonian Tiger, and starting 0 —
ward with the strength of a lion, be dragged his
victim after him. -

His teeth ware heard to grate harshly, us he
crossed the space that interwned between the
cabin and the group of rough men, who were
revealed by the light that streamed throu 
the open door of Redeye’s mail: saloon. is
eyes glittered like a serpent’s; he was bent on
mischief.

Suddenly he brought up before the group,
which he took in with a sir gle glance.

. “ I’Ve brought Pinkeye back, men 0! Redo el"

he suddenly exclaimed. as he jerked the end
miner’s lithe figure from the ground and poised
him above his head. “Thar he is! He called
me a coward a minute ago. Let the bowie in
his heart make him out a liar if it will!”

With the second sentence the corpse of
Pinkeye was sent into the midst of theibreath-
less roup with all the power that Spamsh Jack
coulfi summon to his aid.

The miners were hurled back with weapons
half—drawn, and the human thunderbolt struck
the ground with a dull thud. '

“ Thar’s Pinkeye!” thundered the stampeder.
“ Who‘s the liar—him or Jacki” .

At the ed e of the light from the select stood
the spleudi figure of the Arizonian Tiger, and
in each hand thrust forward glittered the bar-
rel of a huge sewn-shooter:

“ Answer my question l” he continued stormy.
“I came to Redeye 0n business. but Ilneves
shrunk from a sport like this. Look at Pinkeye
and then photograph Spanish Jack with your
eyes. Who’s lied—Jack or Pinkeye?”

The question answered itself. »

The man who towered like a giant in flout of
that almost pallid collection of rougbs with
death, in his outstretched bands was the. living
refutation of Pinkeye’s charge.

“You hevn’t lied—that’s sartin!" said cue of
“ But do you expect to git
out ov Bedeye alive. Spanish i’

“ I do. and I will!” was the quick response,
and the next second the run he of Radeye were
staggering from the dead y weapons of the
Tiger of Arizona.

He moved back as he shot; but he killed all
the same! . ,

Such a terrible visitor had never penetrath
the camp before. .

He was worse than the Apaches.

CHAPTER XI.
mssmo Hts CHANCE.

“ Wna'r does all that shootin’ mean? One
man’s doin’ it all as any fool kin tell. In the
name ov thunder, who’s come to eye!”

The speaker stood on a mountain-trail whose
racks were elevated several hundred feet above
the ground on which Redeye was built._

He held a horse. by the bridlerein as if he had
dismounted because of the roughness of the
road and he was listening mtently to the shots
that rung out in startling succession on the
night air. _

Once or truce he thought he saw the flashes
of the deadly revolvers, but the lights were far
awe and might be fire-flies.

“ said I wouldn’t go back to the camp until
I could ride White Rocket through it, didn’t I?”
he went on after a moment’s pause; “I’ve a
notion to break that promise an’ go down that
an’ see what’s goin’ on. Snap Shot—curse :his
o’nery picterl—euchered me out ov'the white
boss an I mustn’t think 0v recovenn’ the uni.
mile to-nighr. This Injun critter is good enough
till I kin git a better one. That other boss shall
go W’hite Rocket as sure as my name is Thunder

am.

The man on the mountain did not listen a mo-
ment longer. . _ ,

Redeye lay at his feet as it were, at the foot
of a trail hardly fit for a horse to travel, but
Thunder Sam did not hesitate.

Down he went, .still gripping the leathern
,bridle,‘ and With his weather-beaten face con.
stantlv turned toward camp.

“I hope they’ll keep it up viii I kin take a
hand in the game,” fell from his lips. “ Hang
me! at I am t sp’ilin’ fer a fight. an’ hev been
ever since the boy got his boss back.”

All at once a wild, tiumphant cheer echoed
far and wide. . \

 

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01d Eclipse, Tru

mp Card of Arizona.

 

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The mad shots grew still.

"Jehosaphati I m too late,” said the desptr-
ado, haltin ' for a moment. “ Arter sec-h shoot-
in’ as that id think thar’d be a dozen funerals in
Redeye. Thar goes that cheer ag’inl The feller
what gave it came out on top.”

While he uttered the last sente ces, Thunder
Sam resumed his journey; he pushed on faster
than before.

A strange stillness hrooded over the camp
when he entered it at. the end nearest the moun-
tains; but voices suddenly struck the desper‘
ado’s ears.

“Somebody’s alive, anyhow.” he ejaculated
with a grin. “ 1’“ know in a minute er two who
did all that terrible pepperin’.”

Continuing on, be passei between two cabins,
and came suddenly upon a scene revealed by a
torch one end of which was sticking in the
ground.’

He saw the moving figures of men dressed
like himself, and recognized those whom he had
left in possession of Rcdeye.

“ Who did all thetl” queried Thunder Sam
halting, and fixing his gaze on a number of hu~
man figures that occupied various positions sug-
gestive of death on the ground.

His question was followed by instant recog-
nition and without being answered, Thunder
Sam found himself surrounded by the mountain
rouzzhs.

“ You've seen me afore, boys,” he exclaimed.
“i asked a question awhile ago. Who wiped
the boys out to-night?"

“The only man in Arizona who could do it
an’ git away,” was the reply. “ He came like
a ghost, but armed to the teeth, an’ went off
like a whirlwind. You know him now, Thun-
der.”

The desperado ground his teeth.

“Did he do it wi h the men-killers he took
from me last night?" he asked.

“ He did.”

“Then, by George! he shall pay for itl”

“ You’ve said thet afore, Thunder Sam.”

“ Thet I did an’ I’ll make it stronger by say-
in' it ag’inl e got away i” .

“All Arizony couldn’t hev corraled such a
devil. Why, he worked yer shooters as of all
he had to do war to pull trigger. Jerusalem!
what shots he made! Thar isn’t a man among
the ten what hez:i’t a ball between his eepers.
Yes, sir, he got away: may I he an rod,
Thunder, of he ever missed a shot. Old Ec ip-ie

8—”

‘5: Old Eclipse?” echoed Thunder Sam. “ Where
is Old Eclipse?"

“ Hyer I am!”

Thunder Sam laid his hand on his revolver as
he wheeled upon the man who had spoken in
language not to be misunderstood.

“You did Come back, didn’t you?” queried
Eclipse, coming forward entirely unarmed, but
with a quivoring finger c0vering the man be ad-
dreswd, “ Thar on stand. Thunder Sam. artcr
tr in’ to rob Re eye ov Old Eclipse. Oh, you
whiterlivered cutamount, you ought to Peru to
shoot better nrter dark. Stand off, boys, an’
look at the meanest man in Redeye—the man
what shoots the pard he has bunker! with, the
pard what drag ed him ten miles through the
Colorado snow- rifts to save his life. Such a.
man is Thunder Sam! Lay hands on him. fer I
won’t touch ’lm. bile ago I wanted ’im to
come back to Rode to spill his blood an’ scat—
ter his brains: now I turn ’im over to the men
be her. disgraced by tryin' to kill a pard. We’d
hang a dog fer doia‘ less than he’s done. What
will you do with Thunder Sam, men ov Red-
e 'e?”

)Old Eclipsa’s words cut to the bone, and not
a movement was made until the last one had
been spoken and the outstretched arm fall again
to its ow 5 side.

“He’s a mean liar!” roared Thunder Sam,
starting toward his accuser, his face dark as a.
thunder-cloud. “ I answer his charges with my
revolver. Stand back an’ glve me a fair show.
This time I will not fail i”

But the maddened desperado was not allowed
to Carry out his threat. _

Several men threw themselves upon him, and
Old Eclipse-men, who feared not the formidable
revolver clutched in his bronzed hand nor the .
explosions of his rage.

A bitter laugh rung from Eclipse’s lips as
Thunder Sam was buried back. and, despite his
resistance, deprived of his weapon and entirely
diaarmed. , . .

“I thought this war Redeye,” the Villain

,d.
“It’s no other place,” answered Eclipse,

 

quietlv. “I’m goin’ to she you achance fer
yer life, Thunder, though thet’s more than you

ave me last night. Arizouy is a. big place, but
it‘s too small fer us. Bring Blossom hyer.’

Thunder Sam’s eyes dilated.

“ I am here already,” said a girlish voice, at
his right hand, and he saw near by the beauti-
ful creature whom he hud sworn to win.

She never looked more beautiful than when
she stood in the glare of the torch with her eyes
riveted upon Old Ecli se waiting for his com-
mands since he had called her.

“ You’ve forgiven her, hevn’t you!" said
Sam. glancingI at the old miner.

“ Forgiven or for what?"

“ For lovin’ the young skunk who came up
from the south to hunt up his horse.”

Blossom’s face crimsoncd.

“ A lie made up on the spur of the moment
is as good as one studied outl” she cried, ud-
vancing upon Thunder Sum whom she regarded
with a pair of flashing eyes. “You can’t turn
Old Eclipse against me, Thunder Sam. You
don’t know what has passed between us since
sundown.”

A cold sneer curled the desperado’s lips.

“ Ohol lie it out ef it’ll do on any good,” he
said, half under his breath, hcn turned to his
enemy again. “Whar’s thet chance you war
jes’ talkin' about?"

Without replying Old Eclipse brought the
girl to his side with a look and bent over her.

“The ropes in the shanty, Blossom—I want
threw," he said, in awhisper, and the girl started
0 .
Three minutes later she reappeared on the
scene with several strong ropes of good len th
which Old Eclipse took from her hand wit a
smile of en istaction.

“ Hyer, Big Hand 1” he said tossing the cords
to a stalwart fellow who stood near by. “ Fix
Thunder an’ me like you fixed me an’ the half
breed chief that time on the Rio Grande.”

“ Thet’s no fair wa ov fightin’l” vociferated
Thunder Sam, recoilmg despite the cordon of
swarthy men by whom he was completely sur-
rounded. “I’ve heard ov er tussle with Yel-
low Jim. I won’t fight the way.”

“ It’s givin’ you a chance, Thunder.”

“A blamed slim one I” and the speaker‘s eye
wandered over the crowd that listened.

“ Tie us, Big Hand," said Old Eclipse. “Thet
mountain coyote bed his way lust night, i’m
goin’ to hev mine now.”

At a sign from the man called Big Hand the
circle contracted and Old Eclipse stepped for-
ward, and placed his right leg alongside of
Thunder Sam’s left.

" Tie us to one another from the knee down.
Now, go to Work, Big Hand.”

The man with the ropes stooped to perform
his task.

“ You want me to think, Eclipse, that you‘re
givin‘ me the advantage by offering me yer
right leg,” said Sam, catching the old miner‘s
glance. “Don’t I know thet yer left hand is
jes’ ez good ez yer right When it comes to
handlin’ the bowie? But 1’“ fight you! This is
Redeye, an’ I’m not Yellow Jim!”

The work of uniting the two men progressed
rapidly. and was completed in a few minutes.

When Big Band rose and ste (1 back, it was
to announce that the duel coul fight.

“The bowies now,” said Eclipse.

Several Were drawn and thrust forward.

“ Take yer choice, Thunder,” said the miner.

Thunder Sam selected one, and straightened

up.

“ Hold the torch in front ov us—thar. Now
ar’ you ready, Thunder-i"

"‘ I am :eady. GiVe the signal!"

The next instant Old Eclipse burst into aloud
laugh that sounded strangely at that time and
place.

Thunder Sam's eyes stared at the laughter,
but his lips did not move.

“ l’m no fool, Thunder Sam,” said Old Eclipse
becoming serious in a moment. “ I only wanted
to see how eager you war to wipe me out arter
failin’ last night—that’s all. Hyer go the ropes!
Look out for yer leg.”

Old Eclipse stooped before the astonished des-
perudo could recover from his astonishment, and
in another instant he stepped back, freed by a
bowie. '

“ You’ve got to die like a. dog!” he cried ad-
dressing Thunder Sam. “ I’ve given you all the
chance you shall have. Why didn’t you ya
me the bowie while I warcuttin’ the cords! het
War yer chance, Thunder. Now a limban’ a
rope shall deprive Redeye ov another citizen.
You war a fool fer comin’ back hyer.”

“ A fool? Yes. an’ etarnal fool i” grated
Thunder Sam. “ I missed my opportunity ’ a“,
I onRht ter die fer doin’ 13:. Men 0v Redeye, do
yer duty l"

 

CHAPTER XII.
non LIFE AND A HOME.

WHILE the events just recorded were trans-
piring nt Redo-ye, the white horse that had en-
tered Old Ev'lipse’s cabin and jerked Snap Shot
from the rough cot on the floor, was plungin
madly along an uncouth road with the boy n
longer hanging from his mouth, but clinging for
dear life to his flowing mane.

Blossom‘s brief account of the singular abduc-
tion was the true one; in Snap Shot could not
realize fully what had happened until he found
himself a ion distance from the camp and the
prisoner of his own steed.

Weakened by the wound received at Old
Eclipse’s hands, the youn horse-hunter with
difficulty chan ed his situation when the animal
stopped fora reathing-s ell- and when White
{tnc‘ket resumed his flig t the boy was on his

ac .

The speed of the white horse had left the
Apaches far behind. They had turned back to
charge through Redeye, and to encounter the
deadly revolvers of the roughs of Arizona.

Need we say that a thrill of joy that through
Sna Shot’s heart when he realized that he ao-
tual y bestrode his gallant horse again!

More than once, forgetful of his wound, he
vowed that they should not be separated any
more.

His thoughts went back to the irl be had
been forced to leave behind, and to or jealous

uardian, who had sworn that for a man to
ova Blossom was to seal his own doom.

The thought of Eclipm heated the horse-
hunter’s blood; it sent needle-like arrows
through his wound.

“ Until this moment I have thought but little
of trying to win Blossom.” he exclaimed; “but
now—now, old madman, i am going to inau u-
rate a new campai n. I have recovered Wh te
Rocket and now am going to fight for the
mountain rose. I give you fuir warning of my
intention, Eclipse. Iwauld prcclaim it boldly
were you here at this moment. My campaign
in this country has but ust begun.”

Little Snap Shot di not notice whither the
horse was carrying him, so busy was he with
his thoughts.

The yells of the Apaches had long since died
away and White Rocket was slow) traversing
a trail dimly revealed by the stars t at glittere
overhead.

Suddenly the horse stopped and elevated the
tips of his creamy ears.

The halt at once roused the boy, and he
thought of his. helpless condition, helpless be-
cause he was unarmed, and in a part of the
count which he belieVed he had never pene-
trated efore.

Stock-still in the lonely trail stood the horse.
with neck craned forward and bend slightly
turned to one side, while his nostrils occaiion-
ally snufled the air.

“I see nothing. Rocket," said Snap Shot in
low tones, after several minutes had passed.
“What excites you, old fellow! Your eyes and
ears are better than mine; but what is the-
matter now?”

White Rocket moved backward nathough a
serpent, the horse’s dread, was creeping for-
ward, and the youth strained his eyes to catch
a glimpse of the cause of the steedssubdued
excitement.

At last the danger seemed to have been
passed, for Whifj Rocket had started on once
more.

“Mr wound—oh! there it goes again i" was
suddenly forced from Snap Bhot’s lips. “It has
reminded me of Old Eclipse’s attemgtlat mur—
der.” And be ground his teeth. “ nd mea
soft place near the trail, Rocket. where I can
lie down and hold the bridle while I aloe . I
must have rest. Your fright has excite me.
I thought I would keep cool, but—”

The horse had stopped again, this time at
what seemed to be the mouth of a cave at one
side of the trail.

“A shelter for me so Soon!” exclaimed Elna
Shot jo ously. “I will accept it, and thank
fortune esides.”

He lowered himself to the ound as gently
as pOSSible, and almost shoutednfor joy w on he
found himself on a carpet of soft grass that
seemed to invite his pain-racked limbs.

Without inguirin into the depth of the. open-
ing in the hil side. he drew the ridle- rein over
White Rocket’s head, and at once composed his
limbs in the opening for a short rest on the
carpet of creen.

The faithful horse stood sentry over his young
master. having placed himself between him and
the trail, and the stars looked down upon one of
the oddest tableaux they had ever seen.

 

 

then

12

Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona...

_ .. ._.  . _..........__.._.__.

 

Consciousness! ft Little Snap Shot almost as
soon as his has touched the rass; but be
retained his hold on the rein, an enjoyed the
deep slumber that closed his eyes. '

the wakeful nature of the

he had
ntghthawk and the keen eyes of that bird,‘.

instead of ti ng at the mouth of the little
hole in the hi ,he might have left his couch
with an exclamation of horror.
ng upon him through the stigma
'oom of that mountain retreat was a lug

nut had the eyes of the panther, though the
‘11 of a man.

he crawl was accompanied by no noise, and

either; h the object dragged itself over the
gran with a painful movement. it advanced
with the certainty of fate toward Snap Shot.

White Rocket suddenly pricked up his ears,
and drawing hacka few inches, removed the
rain from the sleepsr's half-open hand.

What did the horse see?

Stooping over San Shot was a half~naked

’and gaunt Apache In ian, the ogre of the moun-

tain cave, and, without doubt, the young horse-
hanter’e evil genius!

The two eyes of the savage blazed like globes
of fire. and seemed to devour the youth with
mad intensity.

For moment he hung over the horse-hunter,
\rted and fixed his flashing orbs on the
horse, regarding him with equine astonish-

i men
, “ White boy an’ his horse come to Red Flash!”

80:9

muttered the red lips. “ The Great 8 irit bring
the snow horse hac , at

' Red rust!
then, was the Apache chief to whom
shot owed all his misfortunes, the great

, red-skin who had taken White Rocket from the

ems gestures of the old ranch, and trans-
erred im to other scenes; the Indian from
whom Thunder Sam wrem-hed the coveted
prise the night of the destruction of Blossom’s

_ (tabla home, and the leader of the redomen who

fleeherged through Redeyel

i ft in the cavern to recover from the wound
received from Thunder Sam's bowie, while his
followers hunted revenge and the white steed,

 fate‘had brought White Rocket and his true
i. owner to his very

door.
- Is it a wonder that the Apache's eyes blaz d?
Here was victory unexpected, triumph of

 which helhad never dreamed.

. mark on his body!” exclaimed t

'0)

‘eled

" take in the situation at a

ash cared more for the white steed

' F
' which stood before him once more; when be

recognised the animal his red right hand moved
eagerly toward the bridle.
' ut the horse uttered a snort and shrunk

um .
‘f The snow horse shall not escape Red Flash
if tin Apache does carry the ale-face's knife-
Indian. “The
chief of the red warriors will ride him toward

V' the sunrise laud, an’ there let his wound heal.”

. Bed Flash sprung up and leaped no the
was boy. w
A wild cry broke from his throat as he darted

' at the bridle rein.

,He clutchgad {It with? his“?! thavt fillrffi‘gcyltp
eaerness,a cung t pie ' he ate
wig attepts to break awev. s '

‘_“ be white horse is for Red Flash! He will
ride him at the head of his tribe. 0n the war-
trail an’ the raid, he will lead the swift horses
of the Apache bran-s." "

, The struggle for the mastery between the In-
dian'hnd horse roused the youth.

In an instant he was on hlis feet and seemed to
ance.

, “ Back, pale boy!" shou Bed Flash, as Sun
“0t started forward, forgetful of his unarmed
condition. “ He will die under the white hor-e’s
feet if he touches Rid Flash. Beck, white
rider l"

' “Never! the horse is mine, mean dog. You
may'be Red Flash himself. If so, I am glad
that we have met.‘ Look out for your throat,
rod devil!”

Snap Shot’s eager spring made the Indian turn
in self-defense; but his left band would not re-
.“ h the captured bridle.

e horse was too precious a prize, to he sur-
rendered without a desperate fight.

The horse-hunter’s bound cleared the space

* that intervened between him and the red horne-

thief.

He clutched vengeful] y at Red Flash’s throat,
but was thrown 0!, and reeled toward the
mouth of the‘caveru.

"You don’t get. rid of me thus 1” he cried. re-

, V covering in an instant. and before the Apache

‘ thief could turn hisatteution to the bursa again.

- “ My life-blood is not dearer to me than White
, I

' ter the pale w went out
' Red Ii'laeh, an' rode of! on his back.” '

 

Rocket. It’ll be an endless day when you can
call yourself his master." '

Sna Shot threw himself forward againl this
time etermined to end the contest in some man-
ner.

“ Zip! zip!" he cried to the horse, and the next
moment the animal a rung toward him despite
the opposing chief w c was dashed aside and
almost trampled under foot. ‘

A mad yell rose from the A che’s throat for

he had been forced to relinqu sh his hold on the ;

bridle-rein in order to escape death or injury.
“ Pale b.) die now i" he cried.

“ We sha 1 see!" answered Snap Shot, bracing .

himself for the lndian‘s charge.

Separated from the horse, Rod Flash came I

down upon his brave young antagonist with up-
lifted hunting-knife.

“ White horse shall carry the Apache chief l”
he vociferated. “ In the mountain trail he will
leave the pale boy, for the winged wolves of the
skies!”

Ere the two foes could meet a living thunder-
bolt dashed between.

It was the horse himself !

Struck b the tplunging steed, Red Flash was
forced asi e. an sent reelin awe , with the
bloodless knife falling from b s hen .

Snap Shot fared but little better, for he, too,
was hurled back, and tripping on a loose stone,
went to the round.

All this in the twinkling of an eye.

For some moments after the white steed’s in~
tervention, all was still.

The horse turned after performing the deed,

i and seemed to enjoy his work.

Red Flash picked himself up with a growl,
and ran his eyes over the battle-ground.

“ He wants his knife,” passed through Snap
Shot’s mind, and at that moment catching sight
of an object that plittered in the starlight, he
pounced eagerly upon it.

At that same instant the Indian saw it also.

There was a leap on the part of each, and the
gushes—red and white—met over the coveted

a e.

“ I; is not Tor you. red thief!” cried Little
Snap Shot. lacing his foot on‘the knife, and
darting in Iv at the Apache, who was forced
to recoil. “Now, come on and let us decide
the battle for the best horse in Arizona l”

Well might the horse-hunter throw this chal-
lenge into the teeth of the fee; his right hand
clutched the prize of the battle—the knife of
the Apache. ‘

 

CH.‘.PTER XIII.
sramsn Jacx‘s vxcroav.

Ran FLASH was not disposed to disregard the
challenge. ' .
b e sprung with a yell straight at the horse-

un r.
This time White Rocket did not interfere.
There wasa blow, a half-stifled ejaculation of

rage, and the well-matched enemies collided.

Red Flash’s' arms were thrown round the
youth: he grated his teeth like a dying man as
he lifted h m from the ground, and started to-
ward the mouth of the ca Vern.

Had Little Snap Shot’s stroke failed?

The infuriated Apache, still hugging his ene-
my to his breast d ssppeared beyond the for-
bidding threshold.

The white horse sprung forward as if bent on
his master’s rescue; but the Indian had been
too quick for him; no horse could enter the
cave!

Like one who knew the dark trails of the cav-
em, Red Flash reseed on with teeth firm set
and eyes that fa ly flashed, but no longer with
the look they had once borne.

He turned suddenly to the right, and came
upon theglare of a fire which, burning on the
floor of the cavern, illuminated an apartment of
good dimensions. .

“ Down to where the serpents hiss in the
darkness!" fell from his lips. "Red Flash will
yet ride the snow horse at the head of his war-
rior band! The knife o!’ the pale boy is in his
breast, but the Great Spirit will make Red
Flash strong again i”

Snap Shot felt himself being borne forward
swiiftly, but with a certain unsteadiness of
go t.

He could not wrench himself from the grasp
of the red demon that clutched him.

His only hope was that death would seize Red
Flash before he could carry out his dread pur-
pose, whatever it was.

But the Indian’s vitality fought like a lion
against death. , _

' Suddenly Snap Shot felt the hands of his foe
, ,

\

tear him away, and then in the light of the fire
he caught a glimpse of - an opening in the
ground.

A horrible shudder ran OVer his frame as the
indian'e terrible intentions fiashed across his,

rain. ,

“White boy find the poison snakes in their
dens. Red F lash will then go back to the snow
l horse he took from the grama grass where the
| sun shines hot!”

Little Snap Shot made a desperate effort to

3 break from the chief’s grasp, but there Was no

-. one)». .

V ith his breath leaving him in gasps, Bed

, Flash held his victim over the gaping pit, which.
to the boy horse-hunter, looked ike the chasm
of doom. ‘

Twenty seconds followed Red Flash's last
words, and then Inap Shot felt himself falling
through darkness and same.

His brain was activo r one awful moment;
he heard the triumphant ejaculation of his arch
encm like the laugh of a devil incarnate, and
then ow n—down toward the bottom of that
snake-infested pit. .

Red Flush leaned over the edge of the hole
and listened fer a moment: then he went back
to the fire and drew Out a touch. .

A moment later he threw is down the open-
ing, and watched it descend like a fiery arrow
until it struck, apparently a thousand fast be-
low, and sent u ward a shower of rks!

Satisfied wit his victory, M lash turned
away and moved toward the mouth! of the
cavern.

Eagerness carried him forward with mad
bounds, and an exclamation left his li when
his gaze fell upon the horse that waits for his
young master in the starli ht.

“ The snow horse is Red lash’s-forcverl”

White Rocket tried to avoid the red-skin, but
the A ache was too quick for him. and with a
cry 0 triumph that went echoing over the hills,
he threw himself into the. saddle and turned the
horse’s head toward the east! 1,

It was Red Flash’s victory!

Urged from the spot b .the rider, whom he
vainly tried to shake o , White Rocket shot
arrow’like down the trail.

He seemed to strain every nerve, and soon
threw out proof that he was ' the best horse in

Arizona.”

The cave and its prisoner were left behind in
a flash: the stars caught glim of the white
horse that followed that winding trail with the

\ease that a horse follows a straight one at noon-

 

av.

Ou. on! Was there to be no rest for the swift
footed prise?

Red Flash no longer sat upright in the saddle,
but lay forward on the animal’s hoe neck
with one red hand clutching the bridle-rein,
and the other in the inane. .

There was a dark stain on While Rocket's
left fore-shoulder: some of the silver hairs of
the niane were glued to the shoulder by a crim-
son uel

“ alt!” rung suddenly out in distinct tones,
but Staci Flash paid no attention to the com-
man .

On, on went the white steed as though fiying
from a thdusand enemies.

“ Caramba .' it’s W hire Rocket!” and the
speaker lowered his revol
steed darted after the be which had passed
him like a Pawnee arrow. . '

All at once Bed Flash stirred but could not
raise himself in the saddle. . .

He turned his head, however, and heard the
hoofs that thundered behind him - heard
them, and added a new light to he glazing
e 'et. .

3He tried to ruin White Rocket in, but his arm
seemrd t00 feeble for the-task; the horse carried
him on new despite his wishes.

" On, snow steed, tbenl” he cried. “Carry
Red Flashlto the trails which the hawk’e e 3
cannot see. . He will ride you At the head of
A ache nation in!” ,

at desire a ways I psrmest in the red
ghlef’amiad now seemed e only one that urged

m on.

He threw himself forward on the home’s neck,
and the dark stains on the white skin grew
moist a n.

Red a l
starlight. and utted his teeth. ’

Well did he now that it was the best blood
of the bravest chief of the Apache natiom

Suddenly the red hand was ked from
among the silver mane. the chief's .
to one side. his 015' er hand left the bums, and
a moment later White Rocket was rider-lees. ‘

 

'. “’ith nostrils distended, and ‘

l

, and wheeling his'

lash saw them glisten in fie brilliant.

ytottered » v

ems eyeballs. ’

a.

 

C;..i.:....._.._.___.___-_._ _ .,._._....._' ,

the horse rushed en, carry
mountains the blooddaiu on NI eesy coat.

Acoss the rue-new trail lay the bed of the
Indian who had ridden thousands of m ea, and
risked his life for him.

The 3 and eyes rdected in their deptbe the
stars that glittered overhead.

He heard not the steed that plloped from the
west, nor saw the earcering horse that swung
over him and bore his rider on after bite
Rocket.

This last horse wee ridden by a man whose
sombrero was thrown back by the wind, and
whose dark hair "i‘loated behind him like the
pennant of a pirate craft.

He )lied his spurs madly and without cessa—
tion; is whole heart was wrapped up in the
chase.

“ Now or never!” be exclaimed. “ 0n the
back of that white steed I can laugh at the men
of Redeyc. Santissima! but didn’t they stag-
ger from my men-killers to-nightl It cost them
eleven men to learn that Pinko e lived! Aha!
Spanish Jack is yet master of t is situation."

The man was the Tiger of Arizona.

His spurs were bloody and his face was hot.

The horse he rode seemed to know what was
wanted of him, for be stretched away against
the ni ht wind with incredible Fpecd.

At ast the race—the wildest one those old
hills had yet seen—terminated.

Spanish Jack sent up a shout of triumph.

A horse panting heavily, but with are un-
dimmed, was waiting for him on the trail.

The gold-laced desperado leaned forward ex-
ultingly, and his tawny hand clutched the foamy

rein.

“ At last!" he cried. “ By heavens! I’d sooner
possess this animal than rule the world! A
cheer for the victory of Spanish Jack 3” and up
went the big sombrero.

 

CHAPTER XIV.
A MOXENTARY TRIUMPH.

“ CAN it be that my horse-hunt is to end mis-
erably in this horrid place? 1 will not believe
itl Fortune did not ring me into this country
to desert me here with Red Flush the victor. I
will escape to settle with that red-skin the next
time we meet. Ah! the torch that shot astine
awhile ago has gone out, but the fire in t as cav-
ern up yonder still burns.” ' .

Little Snap Shot, the speaker, was in a pen!-
one position.

His surroundings Were dark and gloomy; he
could not see his hand when placed in front of
his face, but some. distance overhead he saw the
feeble low of a fire.

Red gFlash had intended that he should be
hurled headlon to the bottom of the old shaft
in the cava; bu fate as if determined to baer
the mad Apache had interfered strangely in
the youth’s behalf. _

At one day, many years rhaps anterior to
the date of our story, a pla form was built for
some purpose in the shaft. It was aboutflft
feet from the top. The planks had almost to -
ted away, and a portion of Snap Shot s body
had fallen through.

If the young horse-hunter had not thrown out
his hands and buried them in the soft wood, he
would have descended through the gap to a
death t00 horrible to contemplate.

Through this gap Red P lash’s torch went
with a hiss, thus ( eceivin the Indian as to
am Shot‘s fate, and leavmg the boy to hold
his reath and move not until his enemy’s de-
parture. _ .

Perish in that old shaft after being miracu-
loust saved by the decaying platform, he would
notl

There was a trail before him which he would

follow to the and, despite the wound inflicted by !

Old Eclipse at Redeye, a hurt which, strange
to say, did not pain him now.

He tested the strength of the old planks be-
fore he attempted to ascend to the cave above.

“My horse has been lost again,” he said to
himself. “ I have sworn to ride him back to
the old ranch and I shall. I can forgive Eclipse
his shot; but Rel Flash his work, never!"

Ea or to escape, now that he kWW that his
red 06 had departed, Little Snap Shot felt the
dark sides of the shaft. _

Suddenly an exclamation of discovery es.
coped him; his fingers had found a niche in the
wall

“Some unfortunate has been imprisoned here
before me," he said. “ He possessed a knife
which I do not, and he cut a th to the tap of
the shaft. A thousand than , my unknown
kind!” And the horse-hunter at once began to
put his discovery to good use.

 

Old Eclipsajrump Card of Arizona.

N... _-.... ..-__-

 

trig dee 1' into the I The ascent was toilsome and ext-emer dan-

, gerous; to fall back mi t be to dart through
5 the gap underneath, an die at last at the bot-
tom of the shaft.
I But Little Snap Shot’s courage was equal to
, the emergency.
I At. length his hands rested on the edge of that
; loathsome pit, and then he Joyfnlly (rew his
body out, to sink exhausted in the ight of the
l dying fire.
I “ Saved 1” he ejaculated. “Now look out,
Red Flash, if you still live! My horse shall be
found! 1 am going to keep my oath to the
letter!"

The young Arizoniun went forward to the
I opening of the cavern to the spot where he and

the Apache chief had battled for the mastery.

Not a sound now disturbed the stillness of the
bewitchin night.

White ocket, the horse, was nowhere to be
seen, and Red Flash in departing had left no vis-
ible trail.

For a long time Snap Shot stood leaning
against the wall of the cave at its mouth, the
only livmg person on the spot.

“One must have arms to cope successfully
with his enemies in Arizona 1” he suddenly ex-
claimed. “! crime to this place weaponless, and
I am in the same condition now. If Red Flash
was left here by hs warriors, he must have had
more arms than a knife. I will see if the
cave cannot arm me.”

He went buck into the cavern and took a
burning stick from the fire. He was going to
search the place for Red Flash’s Weapons.

The hunt terminated abruptly cvera dirty
Couch composed of several blankets.

The butt of a revolver protruded from be-
neath them.

Little Snap Shot pounced upon the find with
an cm-lamatiou of Joy.

“See what fortune does for a follow when he
deserves help!” and he went toward the fire
again. “ [ want no better ally than this wea-
pon. With it in my hands I feel able to cope
with the whole A )ache nation.”

Red Flash, in h 9 eagerness to catch the white
horse, had forgotten the formidable weapon
under the couch.

He mi ht have thought of it since, but it was
when \ hite Rocket was hearing him swiftly
from the s or, and when Spanish Jack was
thundering n his rear.

Thus armed by fate, Snap Shot wentto the
opening again and mounted guard.

The night air was not cold, but there was a
certain loneliness around him that was not cal-
culated to give a bun ancy to his spirits.

Once or to ice he ell into a light doze, from
which be reused himself, and at last saw the
dawn of another day.

He had a right to wonder what had happened
at Redeye since his dc rture.

Blossom would won or whither White Rocket
had home him, and whether the pursuing
Apaches had not overtaken the white steed and
his master.

Snap Shot knew nothing about the slaughter
of the red-skins by the men of Redeye: nothiu
of Spanish Jack‘s terrible visit to the camp, and
nothing, either, of Thunder Sam’s return and
his apprehension by his former comrades at Old
Eclipse’s command.

These were events of which the young horse-
hunter knew nothing; they had taken place
during the brief interval of time that had
elapsed Since his strange abduction from the
camp.

In the flush of morning he leaned toward the
trail and scanned it. closely.

Something seemed to tell him that it could
not remain deserted lon .

The Apaches mi ht Ee expected at the cave
at any time, and 1 Spanish Jack was still in
the country, why might be not comel

“ Heavens!” sudden! exclaimed the horse-

bunter; “ I have not loo (ed nor wished in vain ;”
and he drew back quickly at sight of the object
which had come in view.
‘ “ I eXpect no friend here, therefore I must
, be repaired,” be continued, looking
‘ gil ion of the revolver firmly clutched in his right
i and.

l A minute showad him the outlinee of a horse
'; advancing from toward Redeye, and he shrunk
to the mouth of the cavern With burning eves.

Another minute were away; be h the
sound of boots on the flinty trail; the horse and
his rider were Very near.

Little Sna Shot waited until he saw the
steed’s nostri s; then he sprung forward.

“ Halt or die l” rung steme from his lips.

A startling cry was the nick response. and
the revolver leveled at the rider instantly fell.

0
l

 

to the con--

~13'

...._......._.... m...  .. .. . . .-........._. ..._-_... .. a

“ Blemm! thank Heaven!” and Snap Shot
went forward with joy beamiigs in his eyes.

“ Yen still live-4 em g! of that!” re-
sponded the fair oung creature, who leaned
from the saddle w th her eyes fixed on the as-
mnished outh. “I did not know what had
become 0 you, and I feared the worst. Your
horse came and left like a thunderbolt last
night but when the Indians came back without.
you, knew that you had eluded them. All!
terrible events have taken place in Redeye since
then.” ‘

” Tell me,” said Snap Shot eagerly.

He stood at the horse's side loo ing up into
Blossom’s face.

Without hesitatlng, Old Eclipse’s protrgee
proceeded to narrate the events we. have al-
ready witnessed; Snap Shot listened like a per-
son amazed.

“ The climax was reached when Thunder Sam
came back,” said the girl. “ In less than
twenty minutes there was a noose about his
neck, and they marched him to the big tree at
the cd e of the camp. They were going to
hang bun for shooting Old Eclipse down with-
out mercy."

“ That was right!"

Blossom smiled.

“ The meanest wolf in the ack has friends,”
she wvnt on. “ It was so wl h Thunder Sam.
His hands \vero tied on his back, but that did
not )rcvent his escape.”

“ he devil got awa , then!”

“He ot clenr off, am sorryto ea . Ji.»t
as Big‘ and was about to give the sgnsl 'o
pull ’ hunder Sam up, a friend cut his bends
and thrust. a revolver into his hand. He jerk» d
the neose from his neck himself, leaped back,
covered his astonished foes for a second, tin n
went otf like a deer. All this was done in u
second of time it seemed to me. Need lsay
that Eclipse and his friends raved? I never
witnessed such in scene at Bede e; the men acted
like demons. Of course they ollowed Thunder
Sam. but nobody knows this country better than
he does. He got away, but sent back words of
defiance and a shout of victor . Eclipse will
hunt him down; he swore to o it under the
tree on which Thunder Sam was to have been
hnn ed.”

Little Snap Shot did not speak for a moment.

“I believe I owe that mountain rough a debt
which I am not loth to pay.” he said. " I am
rather glad that Thunder Sam got away, for it
l»\'_il1”enable me to cancel my obligations to
Hill.

“ H_ er’s another pard what’s jes’ as glad,
Sna hot,” said a rough Voice.

Bossoni instantly raised her head, and the
youn horse—hunter wheeled with a light cry of
surpr se.

“Oh, don’t lift that shOoter, my youn holly- I
hock ” continued the same voice. “ Ef hevn’t
got t e dead drop on ye I never had it on a liv-
iniman!" .

lossom’s cheeks led, for the Ipeeker was
Thunder Sam himself.I

CHAPTER XV.
THUNDER SAM’S DOOM.

IN the most startling manner had Blceeom‘l
account of Thunder Sam’s escape from the
roughs of Redeye been confirmed.

There seemed no escape from the revolver
theiri covered the young couple on the mountain
tra . '

The bloodshot eyes that glared likeatiger’s
behind the wcapon possessed no spark of mercy.

“I guess I’m worth a down hanged men,
eh?” cried Thunder Sam “Didn‘t think I war
in these parts jes’ at this time I guess. We], I
wouldn’t be cf Old Ecli me an’ his ards had
had it all their own way ast night. t’e jes’ as
you’ve said, Blossom: the meanest wolf ov the
pack is not without friends," and the last words
were supplemented with a wild laugh. “ I
don‘t see any thin ov the white been you
forced from me the fiast time we met." contin-
ued the mountain desperado. addressing Snap
Shot. “ Did some chap turn the tables an’ re-
licve you ov the critter! Things ar’ liable to
happen thet way in Arizonyl Do you know,
my young rosebud, thet when I go back to Red-
eye ’ll ride that animilci” ‘

“ ou’ll never ride him if you grant me fair
allayl in this affair of ours,” said Snap Shot

m v

 

“ A chance fer yer life, hey?”

“ If you call fair play a chance, yea.”

“ Thet’e what Old Eclipse said be war goin’ to
give me laet a bi, but when Big Band bed tied
our legs , Io old liar backed out an’
turned me ever to the rope. Now you want me

 

to give you fair play, which means the deed

 

W- m..- .fl‘u
,.

-mwv-’) you“ -w.wusm~.wsw

 

MW-M~...
3‘ :_ s1 U .

 

 

~14 l

Old Eclipse, Trump Card Of‘Afimna' 

 

dro

girl?" , ‘
Bcllossom's eyes dashed and her cheeks col-

ore

“ He asks for what you never gave any one l”
she cried. “He appeals to one who never
gated fair play to an enemy. You shot Old

ii down in cold blood, a d the failure to
kill no, fault of yours. Touc the trigger you
hold at your command and a new avenger will
step upon your trail.”

‘ That means you, I suppose,” sneered the
mountain rough. ;

on Thunder Sam. What do you say,

“ Shoot and seei’” ‘
“ That’s jes’ what I’ll do, my dais .”
Thunder Sam took a step forwa , and Little

Snap Shot read his doom in the desperado’s

eyes.

All at once Blossom struck her horse savagely
with one of her spurs, and a lunge carried the
animal in front of the boy horse-trailer, where

' the r1 instantly drew rein.
TE‘

I

‘ vou’ve laished ’im,.
1 don’t

' :tones' to Blossom.

under Sam greeted this sudden movement
with an oath of rage.
the boy and his revolver!

“By heaven! ef thet’s yer tactics, ou’ll hev
to put up with the consequences. ’m worse
than a thousand catamounts when I'm. riled, an’
riled I am jes’ now! Uncover thet boy i”

Blossom’s look was the defiant response; she
need not to have said:

“ For you! Never!” l

“ The oungster’s a coward, than.”

“ That s a he!”

Out from behind the horse sprung Snap Shot,
as the last word was uttered.

“ I am gore, Thunder Sam! May the best

w n
I The next instant the sharp report of a revol-
ver awoke the mornin echoes of the bills, for
“ her-than a flash t a boy had covered and

The horse was between

. d at his antagonist.

Thunder Sam reeled away; but did not drop

his weapon.
‘ “I‘m hard hit; but what on that! I’m a
thousand catamounts when I’m riled !”

Though struck and hurled back by the snap
shotL the burl desperado recovered in a re-
mar ably brie space of time.

He came forward with his battle-cry rising on

air:
“ I’m a thousand catamouuts when I’m riled!”

 = ' Little Snap Shot saw his danger; but fiinched

m‘l .
Up went Thunder Sam’s revolver, with a

'  . 3. ‘hrcnsed finger at the trigger. .

The young horse-hunter fired again.
This time the man who struck the ground di

not so.

“ You shot in time,” said the girl, looking
into Little Snap Shot’s eyes. “I held my
.hs'dath ashe came toward you, for I could see

’. ‘   /’ ’iw his do was, Here end the life trails
‘~  ' dbgUIderfl. a man without one redeem-

‘ingtraitfi
‘ ~* “What’s that, girl!" ,
' The young couple looked toward the spot
where' e desperado had fallen.
They saw that’ he had spoken, for his lips still
moved, and his eyes were fixed upou them.

Littie :Snap Shot instinctively laid his hand

' * on the revolver he had

ganglia up.
“Do it!” said Thun or m. following the
movement with his eyes. “I’m a dangerous

. use while there’s a spark ov life left. You

should never leave scrip led rattlesnake until
 het’s my advice, an’
a cent or it, either.”

Little Snap Shot did not draw the revolver.
“No.” he said to the girl. “I can’t kill a

. "wounded man, though he is my bitterest foe."

“ He deserves death.”
‘fiknow that; but it is not for me to take his

life. I
‘ - Thunder Sam heard these words, but he sent

‘ no looks of thankfulness toward the boy; on the
' ~ contrary, be said:

' “Do as you lease. horas-hunter. It’s none ov

,' hippest“! at I’d do of I stood in yer

s.

Snap Shot did not reply.
 “ I will leave him where he is,” he said in low
“ I am ready to quit this
spot are you?” - . p
' “I am eager to go, but whither!”

" Name our destination.”

The old miner’s protegee sent a swift glance

, "-4 down the trail tow rd deeye. '

“ Why not back to camp?” queried the boy.

“No, no! not just now,” was. the response.
“I dare not ask you to enter Rodolfo at this
juncture. ~Yoa want so recova- your horse
ahaveallthings‘l” -

“Yes,” eagerly.

“I thought so,” smiled the girL, “We will
follow this trail a piece. Mount and let me
walk. I see that you have not recovered from
the proof of Old Eclipse‘s jealousy.” i

Blossom slipped to the ground while she
spoke, and the horse stood riderless beside the

b0 . . ..

fie would have declined the proflered saddle
if the irl’s glance had not told him that a
declination would not have been listened to.

The excitement of the last few hours had
kept him up, now he felt himself grewin weak.
I accept the saddle upon one condit on,” he
an .

“ Name it.”

“It is that you will receive it back when I
offer it."

Blossom smiled.

“ Mount! I accept the proposition.”

In another moment the young horse-hunter
was firmly seated on horseback once more.

If he had glanced over his shoulder he would
have seen a movement on the part of the man
who had just fallen before the flash of his
revolver.

“Thar go two fools—two infernal tender
feet!” almost laughed Thunder Sam as his wild
e es followed the young couple moving away.
‘ He’ll never forget the da he had this pard at
his mercy an’ spared his life. I’ll set up a cold
deck 0n the boss-trailer et. 0h, l’m a thousand
wild cats when I’m rile l”

Little Snap Shot and his fair companion had
scarcely been hidden around a bend in the
mountain trail when Thunder Sam. pistol in

~ hand. once more crawled toward the cave lately

Occupied b the wounded Red Flash.

“ Hyer kin recuperate!” he ejaculated,
when he found himself beyond the threshold.
“ Won’t I keep my word yeti Won’t I ride the
white boss inter Redeye, an’ pay ’em all back
for the picnic they treated me to last ni ht?
Won’t I came out on top arter all, jis’ as ’ve
always done aforei I’ve been shot worse ner
, this. I’m a thousand—"

He did not get to finish his favorite boast.

A. wild cry like an Indian whoop startled
 he turned back to the opening and lis-

n I

“The infernal red skunks ar’ hyerl” he
grated shrinking away. “ I’m not quite so sure
about ridin’ thet white boss into Redeye now as
I were minute or two ago; but I’ve strength
enough if treat the red varmints to a deadly

rp . .

In the shadow of the cavern walls he crouched
and waited. .

Suddenly a number of horses were reined in
in front of the opening, and a dozen painted
warriors slid eagerly to the ground.

“ The A che braves have come back to Bed
Flash 1” said the leader of the red-skins.

“ That’s a double-jointed lie! You red snakes
hev come hyer to die l”

The opening at that moment seemed to swarm
with Indiana

A human figure blocked their way, and the
followin instant Thunder Sam was emptying
his rev. var into their faces!

“Take what I’m givin’ ye in ayment of old
grudges! Great Cesar! I’d ike ter people
sperit-land with yer hull tribe.”

The savages, taken by surprise. drew back
for a momant, then, with terrible yells, they
rushed forward and carried the cave by storm!

CHAPTER XVI.
CARRIED OFF.

Rnnm once more enjoyed diet—that is, the
Apaches remained away, and panish Jack did
not return to repeat the performance which had
added new foes to his list. .

Blossom again occupied the cabin belonging
to Old Ecli se, and several days had followed
the Scenes etailed in the foregomg chapter.

“ She knows whar thet young hoss-hu‘nter is,
but I’ll not bother her to find out,” said Old
Ecli e more than once to himself. “ I guess
thar s no use in kickin’ ag’in’ fate. but I feel like
keepin’ my oath in spite ov the girl. Snap Shot
hasn't gone back to the old ranch. because he
hezn’t rekivered.the white boss. He’s huntin’
the animile somewhar, en’ I might as well bunt
,suthin’ too.” ,

Thereupon Old Eclipse threw a saddle on a

a horse on which he could depend, and gallo d

from Redeye as the sun was throwing his ast
beams upon the roofs of the shanties that con-
stituted the camp. 
Blossom saw him depart, and smiled as she
watched him disappear. . O
“ I dun‘t care if they do meet now,” she said

 

to herself. ‘3‘ There was. a time when Eclipse

lwould havetreated Snap Shot to‘a bullet on

I

n‘ V ‘- ';   ' \

~ ' Still, he had prepared for a de

«l

sight—be did it once—but now a moctin would
not; result thus. Let him . but find his white
horse and all my fears will end, for he will bid
adieu to this wild country and go back to the
old ranch.” - ‘

A goodly distance from Rode e, Old Eclipse
was giving his stood the spur, an with his rifle
resting on the pommel of his saddle, was once
more among the mountains, down whose trails
he was riding swiftly.

He drew rein so suddenly that his steed was
almost thr0wn back upon his haunches, and the
old man shaded his eyes with his hand, for he
was looking straight toward the red disk of the
declining sun.

“ I uess I’ve lost him, whoever be war," he
said a end, in no leasant tones. “But never
mind. Ef it war hunder Sam, he‘ll turn up
some day when I’m around, an’ then I’ll settle
with him.”

Thunder Sam? No! that worthy would no
more cross Old Eclipse’s path nor hunt the white
horse again.

In the mountain cave which the Apaches took
with a yell and a rush, 'lhunder Sam lay silt!
at the endof his last trail.

The object which Old Eclipse had suddenly
seen and so suddenly lost Sight of wasamun
whom he bated with the same intensity that
characterized his hatred of Thunder Sam.

If the old miner could have 'pierced certain
hills and looked beyond, he would have Seen
this person, whose horse’s head was turned to-
ward Redeve.

The reader will recognize him when we say
that he wore a huge sombrero and gold-laced
jacket, and that his dark hair fell ovu' a pair
of she ly shoulders.

Wit his handsome ellowish face turned to-
ward the setting sun, punish Jack allowed his
horse to carry him toward the camp just aban-
doned by the old miner.

“This dash is for the mountain daisy,” he
said to himself. “ I know where she is. and I‘m
going to possess her. After that the Mongollon
mountains will not see Spanish Jack in a lnrg
time—perhaps nevermore. Not that I’m tired
of a stampeder‘s life—no, no! but with a horse
like this and a wife like Blossom, who wouldn’t
be willing to retire from the sport? Oarajo!
I’ll break a thousand hearts with envy when I

0 back to Santa Fe l” and the Ti er of Arizona
aughed at the prospect he deem ahead.

A brisk gallop soon brought him to the out-
skirts of the camp.

The sun had disappeared and night once more
held sway over the place where so many start-
ling events had taken place within the last few

8V5. 3

After his last desperate adventure in Redeye,
S anish Jack was deliberame reentering the
p ace, this time for a purpose on which he had
set his heart.

Not content with the white horse, he wanted
thepne other beautiful prize the country con-
tained—the late is roccupant of the Mountain

Lo‘dvge.
ith Blossom and White Rocket both, he
could fill the New Mexicans wito envy; he could
afford to ive up the life that had made him an
Arisona iger. r I
Who knew but that Spanish Jack might not
develop into a useful, if not an honored citi-
sen of the far nthwestz I
He was inclimd to believe that the deniaens of
Redeye, who had been so fortunate as to escape
his deadly revolwrs on the occasion of his last
visit there, were off on a hunt of some kind, for

his keen eyes could not catch sight of asingle

figure as he passed the firstcabins.

rate emer.
gency, for one of his hands grippe a cocked re-
volver while the other guided the white horse

on.

Suddenly he stop in front of a cabin, the
door'of which wass ut.

“ I’m at the queen’s palace,” he nuttered,
with asmile, and leaning toward the door be
said in tones Well-disguised, and not unlike Old
Eclipse’s:

“Hello in tbar, Blossom. I'd like ter see ye
fer a minute.”

Almost instantly the door flew Open, and the
figure of the beauty of Redeye appeared on the
threshold.

“ Here I am. You are back— My God i”

Spanish Jack’s hand shot toward the girl as
she shrunk back with the startling exclamation
on her lips. ,

“Fooled you, did I? Carajo I you're prettier
than the stars. Not so fast. my daisy l”

The Tiger’s arm was longer than Blossom‘

thought it was, and ere she could utter a cry:

 

er draw a weapon if she had one handy, the

 

 

01d Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona.

15

 

 

 

bronzed hand clutch: d her arm, and she was
lifted up by main strength. I

“ Not a word !" hissed Spanish Jack. “ I on!
want a quwen tor the biggest and richest ranc
on the Rio (il‘flflilr, and who more fltto reign
there than you? Speak not, if you love life, my
beauty. Men (lull t lie when they call me
Ti er Jack.”

lossom knew that resistance would avail her
nothing,and she was lifted to the back of the
horse which she instantlv recognized.

“ Now for Spanish Jack’s kingdom! If it
wasn’t for certain reasons, Blossom, I’d rouse
the natives as we leave Redaye.”

. He did not turn his horse’s head; but kept
straight on.

“ Who do you think I saw at sundown in the
mountains?” he said suddenly, addressing his
on live. ‘

he girl held her breath as she regarded him.

“It was Eclipse,” continued the Arizonian
Tiger. “The old teller must be of! on a hunt of
some kind. Ahl you ware thinking I saw the
young catamouiit who’d like to ride this horse
ngainl_ I hear that he has recovered from the
wound Eclipse gave him for fetching you back
to Redeye.’

Blossom started, and her look said plainly,
“ Who told you?"

“ He’d better go home. He will remain here
till he gets into trouble. Caramba! if I meet
him. he 11 not have a ranch to go back to.”

How the girl’s eyes flashed as the Tiger spoke
these threatful words!”

“Beware! if he encounters you. on may
never stam ede another herd!” she said:

Spanish ack laughed derisively, and touched
his horse with the spur, which sent the animal
forward like an Indian shaft.

“ It’s farewell to Redeye, Queen Blossom,” he
laughed—“ farewell to .Old Eclipse and the
horse-hunter also.” '

The girl did not reply.

Already the camp ad disappeared and they
were ascending to the trails many feet above
the level where it stood.

Was she to be noon on the ranch where
Spanish Jack’s wor was law?

“Never!” shesaid when she had asked her-
self this uestion. “ I may go to New Mexico,
but the iger’s victory shall never be complete.’

Scarcely had Blossom finished when a stern
command to halt rung, down the mountain

ass. .
fTh: Armenian Tiger replied with a defiant
an . _

bite Rocket seemed to leave the ground as
the s an Were driven home.

“ is, then i” cried the man who had uttered
the command.

There was an eager finger at the trigger of
the repeating rifle aimed at the flying despe-
rado.

But the weapon was suddenly dashed aside
and Tiger Jack 8 foe wheeled upon the person
who had interfered.

“You here? you mean
saved thetdevi ’3 life—”

“ And Blossom’s too, thank Heaven!”

. H No.” .

“My horse carried a double burden. You
saw no one but Spanish Jack.” v

The speaker turned away and threw himself
upon the back of a. horse a few feet from the

young coyote! You’ve

s
p'fiie next moment he was flying like the wind
in the wake of Sganish Jack. .

“'Ef he saves lossom I’ll forgive ’im, hang
me efI don’t!” ejaculated the astonished man
left behind. V

It was Old Eclipse.

 

CHAPTER XVII.
run HORSE-HUNTER WINS.

“ War was Old Eclipse,” said Spanish Jack
to his beautiful prisoner as the white horse car-
ried them down the trail. “ I did not expect to
meet the old fellow here, but carujo I he’s liable
to turn up anywhere new. Why didn’t he
shoot? Ahl he might have seen you, Qllfivn
Blossom. and was afraid to trust his aim. For
ward! White Rocket: you carry a rider braVer
and prettier than the boy who claims you t”

The steed kept on at a gait that seemed dan-
gerous on that starlit trail, and mile after mile
was left behind. .

“ Where’s our hunter now?” exclaimed Span-
ish Jack as he let the home crop the succulent
grass of a plain that lay at the foot of true wood-
ed slopes from
emerged.

Blossom

did not reply.

I

I

among which he had just,

 

__ . his creamy eurs,a
Daylight had broken once more, and White 1 in the ground.

Rocket had carried his two rideme from the
spot where Old Eclipse had attempted to check
h s speed.

There was triumph in the Tiger’s dark eyes
——triumph that gained in intensity wheneVer be
regarded the beautiful girl whose waist was en-
circled b one of his stron arms.

Behin the pair was t e mountain range
ahead a stretch of lovely country that lost itself
against some dim mountains far away.

At once White ocket raised his fox-like ears
as though a sound had reached them.

“ What do you hear, horsei” said Spanish Jack
sweeping the landscape with his eye, and noting
evary object that crossed his vision.

lossom, too, looked in every direction.

“Do you see you moving speck?” sudden-
ly_asked the Tiger pointing toward the moun-
tains they had left behind. ‘ That is Old Eclipse.
He has not givon up the trail.‘ Santiss'i'm! I
knew he’d stick to it as long as possible. Go
back, old man. I don’t want our life.” And
the yellow stampeder waved h hand at the ap-
proaching oh pct.

To Blossom s surprise Spanish Jack turned the
white steed’s head toward the advancing horse-
man.

“.I am goin to warn him that he must not
trail_Spanish ack," said the Tiger, in response
to his ca tive’s inquisitive look. “ He saved

'our life, am-told, therefore I don’t want his;
at he can follow me too far!”

Blossom watched the horseman with breath-
less interest. -

He came forward at a rapid gait which each
moment brought him into plainer view.

If the night had baflied him, he had struck
the trail after all.

Spanish Jack never ‘took his eyes from his
pursuer. His fingers tightly clutched a revol-
ver as he seemed to watch every movement of
the horse that came eagerly on,

All at once Blossom uttered a cry which no
will of hers could su ppresg,

The ursuer was not Old Eclipse, but Little
Snap hot!

At the same time Spanish Jack made a like
discovery: ‘

“Carma it is the boy!” he grated mudl -
:I shill]? nan: warnh hini, but he shall tumhe

mm s orse w en et
heady, » g the drop on. his
Not more than half a mile now sepde the

m.

Little Snap Shot saw that he had been reco -
nized. but that did not abate his speed. 3

“ New or never!" be said. “ I recover Blos-
som and White. Rocket today or never see the
old ranch again! We part to-day forever,
Spanish Jack! Arizona loses one or both of us
where her grass grows longest.” And Little
Snap Shot sent up a thrilling battle-cry which
told how ea er he was to engage his enemy.

With teet firm set and eyes burning with‘
rage. Spanish Jack awaited the onset.

he arched neck of the horse-hunter’s steed
shielded his body from the stampeder’salmiand
ggseconcerted him until a very few rods separated
m.

“I have him now, Blossom l” suddenly ex-
claimed the Tiger. “ Here ends the double trail
of the herder boy l”

The eyes of the girl were as quick as Spanish
Jack’s aim.

The next moment there was a loud re ort.
but the bullet intended for Snap Shot’s and
went whizzing toward the skies, Blossom’s swift
band having turned the shot aside.

“ Curse you, girl!” grated the stampede?-
“ Now mom than ever you shall be queen 01' the
ranch on the Rio Grendel I ride White Rocket;
you forget that 1"

And wheeling the white steed, he drove the
crimson spurs deep into the bleeding flanks. and
went over the grass like the wind. ‘ .

The girl’s eyes fairly blazed with triumph. 85
they regarded the man flying from the enemy
pushing steadily in pursuit.

" Oh, feast youreyes on me if YOU want P0.
my Mongolian bird!” cried Spanie Jack W”?
a tiger’s flerceness. “ We are on the broad trail
that ends by the waters of the Rio Grande-
Who has the better horse? We are leavuig the
boy far behind."

Blossnm glanced over her shoulder and saw.
to her disappointment, that White Rocket was
lengthening the distance between them and his
young master. ..

The short rest had refreshed him. ‘ . .

1Suddenly there came down the Wind a 81m“
w istle. »

White Rocket sto ' instantly, “fligbl'ened

affirmam forefoot firmly
. i ,

 

A curse in Spanish fell from the Tiger’s lips.

Be buried the spam in the white steed’s reek-
ing sides. The annual winced, but did not
move.

“ He thinks to beat me than does he?” grated
Spanish Jack, seeing that White Rocket was
determined to obey Snap Shot‘s call. “New
shallphe feel the vengeance of the Tiger of Ari-
zona :

Quick as a flash the bronsed stampeder
wheeled upon his fee, who was approaching
with a rush that seemed resistless.

Up went his revolver, but two hands caught ‘

arm.

“ You save him, girl! Never!” be roared.

He attempted to shake the fair shackles off.
but in vain. Blossom clung like deathtothe
arm that threatened the char ing boy. . -’

Spanish Jack ground his tee h and summoned
a1! is rage and strength to aid him.

His left hand darted at the 1girl’s throat; his
fingers seemed to bury themes ves beneath the
fair skin, and with another mad oath hetero ‘
be}: 1130” be d l" 1! led “I'll

ow, my y emon e w . '
show you the vengeance of Spring: Jack.”
lThatdinstant the eager boy came charging
8 O ' 6. a V .

Tr umph and reVenge lit up hiseyes. ‘ U "

Be Blood erect in his stirrup with his revolver
thrust forward. , I ,

“ At last for Blossom and White Racket!”
peeled from his throat. ‘ .

Spanish J ack’l revolver met Snap Shot’s bif-
way, but there was but one re _ .

As a human figure reeled from the flasNb.
victor reined in his plunging steed, the

foamy horse did not come to a halt 1mm!)- " 

ment. ‘ .
Little Sna Shot glanced backward.

“ It was a ong. Wild trail, but I am at thofenrh ' ',

at last,” he said, aloud as be turned his bones

head toward the distant mountains. .
Well might the horse-hunter rejoice.
Two figures lay on the grass when

Rocket stood, but only one was dead. ~ " , V
Spanish J ack’s sombrero lay beside his bullet.

bored face and the sunlight glesmed among  

the embroidering of his handsome jacket. »

have rest, and the men of 'Redeye wouldalook
for the Tiger no more.

Little Snap Shot sent up a .110,“ '0‘ ‘ l’ "I ~-_i “y r  L

his hand closed on the bridleof the
in Arizona. ’ .
The long hunt had endodattlast.
Rocket was his once more. v ' w ,.
Blossom soon recovered from the terrible
choking administered by Spanish dachshund 
smiled admirineg as the y
the white steed’s back. -  ,
“Now for the old man hack among“.

tainsi" e‘aculated Snap Shot. ' ~ -- x v ‘j
This true the old miner’s Wom' 
remonstrate; she did not fear t margin“. . "i 

youth would meet with at Old Eclipse . ..  ‘8,

“ I war a jealous old fool i" said amn’ua- -
dividual a few hours
Shot’s hand between his tawny ,

m ht hev knowed that Blossom w bonnetto
fin a younger rd than Old Eclipse. Who .1
shot you in It eye an’ saw that

The girl is vours, boy, of you think she’s wrath

old as

hoss like you hev
I found the critter.”

like Blossom whar
A blush stole over

ed her eyes. '1

The trio went back to Redeye, and hum-,2,»

then 9, after a few days,
Th long joume

ushed southward.

I, .‘l

 White 

I -‘ i
I.
I. “V

cnde -—need we sav flit-Lori" 1‘

White . 

Now Would the ranches of the Southwest '; 

 {is

helped Manor 
 V, fix":

later while” hem: V, 
'  

you W ‘ND' ‘ ,
to git over it, I said the jigwar up. an‘ao it war. r ' ‘,

"tyin’ to. Drat my picter, of I wouldn’t bust a  g t.
I am, to find a‘prila P ‘ 

Blossom’s face. and with  1% .. 3»:
glance at Little Snap Shot, she smilingly amt-a ;-  '

a beautiful and we l-stockcd ranch in. SOmhprn- 7

Arizona, where White Rocket gave in t to‘his  1’, 
joy in many a whinny when he fbun .hIUitelf, , ' ~‘

in the old pastures again.
Red Flash would steal him
bones of the greut Apache chie  on

white lzorse’s back.
V0“ 9 are not always kept.
Thunder Sam did not 
Rocket into Redeye, nor di

tain Loci e.

1

'no in e. fer’tha I . 
the 
inouv-tniu trail where death struck i fromthe . 

t h- 
at to ride White}. 

Spanish Jackwin, . “'23:?
as he swure he would, the beauty of the MOSH-V 3‘?“

Little nap Shot kept his oath in the main; “

for he recowred the snowy steed which. tphim ._ _ 5.,

was now worth his Weight '11 gold, for unite}:
end.of.his trail he found the airest undue)
bride in the Southwest, or, as Old 

9’
sony! ,. m. . 

finxb:’ ,. H  .

wont to say, “ The Jim dandiestllttle'j'gal  V.



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“annals-n1... 310nm
\ “WNW-MM”. Iyld'udL'heeiev.
fl. Inelroehofmghl’ine. By'llllonllyeia.
.IIIOl-oohodcolo. IyJuethMuflr.

 .‘_ r . mmqumnauymm. maul-um

l'.

DI. rue-«them Iyldwd 1.. Wheeler.
e14 woo-u. m m «mum». Iy cm. mam.
7 flow “not. ibelloldevliu- MTnthrheugh.
a. “. kl Bill. the Prinee ei iho “II. I, Col. P. lop-bun.
- .11 m Oroeh-lhoe. Dy um L Wheeler.
on Tiger Ten, 0:, Teno Tenor. Dy Oll Coomee.
file Bound. thoDneliu. By mu, 3. Worm.
“0 To. Ton-or, Seniowo‘ ad Iceman. By Cone. limb.
5' "1 God Inn. By ldwud 1.. Wheeler.
.0 m the Drove Sport. By Col. Frontie- inmhon.

 on our): Alf, In. em. Menuhin. ly Idwerd wmm.

‘m Duhillg Dick. Dy Oil Gov-mu.

' " , not use Choreool. u» 9mm may. 3, ohm. noun.

 

DIG Iuoolor. tho hwy Slurp. By Edward 1.. Wheeler.
"1 Dnoky Dnrroil, Tapper. By I. hereon. I
. I08 Litilo Wildfire. By Oll Ce'omee.
' ebe Uri-lento“. ly cola-.1 rum. up“...
.30 The Yonhee Idol. By C. Donnlo. Clorh.
on Ploehy Phil. om. mum. mu. _ 3y 1-. o. W
eee column-t Incl. a: um 1.. mm.
ID. Joo 3m “Angelo. Dy Albm W. Aiken.

 ‘ on Oil Bkhy’e “Boyeoe.” By Buckskin Son.

> 085 Shodow Son. the Manager My. DyCheflee Monk.

' "IOII'Ayol‘h mu. lyuwerdLWbeeln.
"floultor. iho Cowboy Ooptolo. lyceldemuo.
"Thol’oreen Detective. 'hyOllCoopeq.

“9 Thom-“eke! (i Aldo. DyOopMio Mey'oeleid.
ue Cyclone Kit. Dy lanai-Wheeler.
“WMvonduuBeuPordA atom
MM“BIoodo.” lyfiuleellonle.
"Thoma-Ho. lyOllCeonee.
mm.“ lyldwudLWbeelev.
“Hakim”. lyOelenelheIleelunbe- ’
“Cutie-no. Dynamos-o, .
“fumfllefoh. hCopU‘llllo”Al-I.
“Carole-“em Dylan-u.“

.ero Biiozord Ben. By Copioln Huh Wilton.

 

“9 Mile Honor, the Alinli lieu. Dy Ce”. bed. Whitaker.
.50 The Mldohlpnn‘on matinee}. Dy Col. P. lemon.
"1 Light-hone Ligo. By Copioin J. l'. c. “on;

one Dioh Doehowey. Dy Ola-flee menu.

.58 Biem lou’e Bord. By “word 1.. Wheeleo.

.84 The Half-Blood. By Edward 3. mm.

m Coptoin About“ By 1‘. c. Hubeogh.

“6 Young Kent-ck. By Copiein Huh Wilton.

.57 The Loot “union. By Capt. J. F. c. Adena;

’58 Sierro Son’e leven. Dy I:de 1.. Wheeler.

85. The Golden llorpoon. By Ron Sinbeeh.

I“ Dore-Devil Don. ly Oll Coonee.

IO! rerun l'eornongln. Dy George L. Alt...

“I The Young Slonthe. Dy Charla Honk

nos Deodweod Diok’e Divide. Dy Idwetd L. M.
O“ The llooting Foother. By 001. P. luv-hen.

M5 The Tiger Toner. By Copioln Fred. Wblileto.
.6. Killh’or, the Guide. By help Won-ma.

IO? Tho Buehehin Doteeflve. By 'I'. O. Herbngh.
868 Deodwoed Diek’e booth Troll. By I. l. Wieelo.
M9 The Gold Ship. By Col. Pmiiu lamina.

.71 The Huge llnntor. By new»: 3. mm.

It. Minkokin Mike. By on Coo-nee.

If! Jumbo loo. By Edvard 1.. Wheeler.

QM. Jolly Jim. By Cbulu Myrrh. ‘

I75 Ari-on. Jock. By Buck-Ila Sun.

ltd Merle Monto’e Oruioe. By Colonel Praise inn-hon.
071' Denver Doll. By Edvard 1.. Wheel".

ITS The Threo Tropporo. Dy Mum Levi. W. Conch.
.7. 01d Winch, the Rifle King. By T. C. Herb-ugh. ’

' oso Merle Monto’e mu. 3, Col. rum. inn-hon.

.81 Denver Doll’s Victory. By [dud 1.. Wheeler.

.8. The Typo Doteotivo. By Edword mum.

888 l'ndlon Joe. 3y Melon Lewi- W. Omen.

I84 The Beo Morouder. By Colonel Pream- ingrth
386 Denver Doll’s De y. By Road 1.. Wheeler.

ISO look, the Boy Te¥erfooh ly Oepl. Ink Willie.
28'! Billy Blue-Eyed. y colon“ Prenllee inn-hon.

.88 The Eco], King. By Copioin J. I. 0. “no.

D89 Jolly Jim’o Joh. By Cbulu Motrin

'90 Little Foxfire. By an Coomee.

lOl Turk, the Parr“. By Edvard L. Whale-s

I9. Soneho Pedro. By Mqior l. L. 8‘. Vnin. '

.93 Red (new, the Ono-Eyed Trapper. Dy Cupid: Cooled.
'94. Dyna-loo Don. I: 'i'. C. Hot-bulb. -
eu l'oorloee mm. Iyldword wmm‘. *

l9! Denvor Dell’e Drift. Dy law-rd 1.. Wheelee.

m 'l‘hoToronhloelToee. Dy human...

.98 The Wow-noltl. Dy Cheriee Monk

m A No. 1, 9!» Min. roman. ly um 1. Mo.
.0. The Ky M? Dy on coo-lee.

 . “Idol/lhfiv'rfi.

.
\\'-. i

too The Ion-toll- mum". Dy 1'. c. ilolbee‘h. .
808 ‘Lino Jone. the aid Minn: By I. L. Whaler.
304 The Deod Shot Bondy. Dy Colonel helio- Inn-he-
loo Duhovny. of Dokoto. Dy "hula him
808 Nook-Tie Ned. By Idol ll. 3. More.
80? The Btronge Pol-d. By Beet-bio Son.
808 Keno Kit. the Boy Euler'- Pud.’ Dy Oel. P. knell-
IOO Deodwood Dick’o Bi. Deni. By I. L Meek.
810 The Born-once Wolf. By Jouph I. led". Je.
.11 Tho Roving Iport. By ldword Ville“.
81. Bolton Rube, iIuVl'lle-ierrluee. anon-syna-
818 (Di-om- Joeh. lly hell-rick Dewey.
814 The Myeioriooe liorouder. Dy Gel. P. logo“
018 Ned, the Oobin Boy. By Joel PM
.1. 0M Eelim, Trump Cord olArioeho. I: 'l'. 0. m
81' Pooooeh Pete. By “when. Alfred none. /

|I18 Ker-whoop. Ker-whooi lly Dnehhio Gen.
.10 The Bioeh Rider. By Joseph I. lilo-uh
no The loo loreereee. Iy Joel torrent
.81 Deodwood Dick’- Dozen. lyldwerd km
8.! None. the DMvo. 3! WIN Wino“.
I” Arhonoow Joek. DyH-nvfluud. ‘ ‘
m Dolph Beody. ill Hoiel 30! Deieciivo. I, u. I“
I” gegzygli‘ewzsugompony, nu Sleuth el W

one The 'r... Ford." on, n. mm «mm»... a r. I.
Horbu'h.

3.7 Ming on. the Ooddo. by 15mm: Solo.

.08 The Sky Deteeilvee. By hide! lllehy MI.

.29 Red-Skin Toni. By Hon; Hoard.

.80 Little Quick-Shot. By Edvard 1.. Wheelev.

881 Block Niall, ihe Del-en Rider. ly Dept. bed. WIN-let.
889 Eric Prod. By Buck-kin Ion. -

888 Brimstone B l hi i
tone. By uq3b£.?g.¥.:l:fk I I" a"? on”

834 Km Kiu er. The lyeteriem Miner. by I I. my.
:85 on Double Fist. By Joseph I. W, Jr.

3“ Bio Ben-on. a, r. o. Hothoeah.

ll? Ben Bird, the." King. By W. J. loom-o.

388 A Tough Boy. By Philip 3. Wme.

389 Kongoroo Kit’e Rocket. By Edwud‘l. In”).

no Cup, the Oo-eoruonm. nyldwud wum.

841 Tony Thor-o, the Vang-bond Down“. I, cum. lam
MO The Honnioin Devil. By 11.", um

84. Monhocion lliko. 3! ldwud L M.

m mango)“, ibe‘l'ookuuy. Dy habit 8o-

“8 Pitileee loci. Dy '1‘. 0. Huh-go. ‘

A low bone Ivory Tneedoy-

{mm-Womanhhlolebyonmh
eeoiepereoyynteeniby-dleonedpeetdomeeé.

own an um", rum-u.

 

"WW .9001. I" Y“