;;.f_ 7/ A \ . M .__.. V w ‘ \ ‘ -_ x _ - ~ . ~. \ \ \M w - \\\ MW \ x. \\ W m ‘ ,J' ,_ .-' ' WWW» \mm \« k § WNW I W ‘EQE‘Sfl-b . m s“ x 'fliflil'x‘lilifl{m Mllmmw unwnmuk l ' 1 ‘ = I] i r . ,. A I D 82.50 a year. Entired at the Post prikLF; Y., at Second Class Man Raves. Copmght. 1833. by BEADLE AND ADAMS. June 26‘ 1883- Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BFADLE AND ADAM S, Price, VOL XII' Number- N0. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. NO’ DEADWOOD DIUK’S BIG DEAL: E: The Gold Brick of Oregon. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. AI‘TROR m? “ DEADWQOI) DICK" NOVELS, "ROSEBUD non" NOVELS “m'x‘vzcu m‘u.‘ xuvms, Em, ETC ( “ GREAT ELM-BONE mm mm SOUP mm OLD JUPITER!” om AVALANCHE smnmm. “ wmmv’r um um UP IN mm‘Lm qmzsxsevav gnu?” 2 /; Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal: - ___..___.— Deadwood Dick’s. Big Deal; . on, THE GOLD BRICK OF OREGON. BY E. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR or “ naanwoon DICK ” NOVELS, “ ROSE- BUD nos” NOVELS, “DENVER DOLL ” noans, are, arc. .,.,\ 9 e ' CHAPTER I. ; “aanns'uri” "‘ HANDS up thar, an’ halt!" Stern and peremptory came the challenge in a deep voice accustomed to command. - Through a deep, yet picturesque canyon, a horseman was bisurely riding when the chal- lenge rung out, and being a man inured to the man startling peculiarities of the wild West, and aving on more than one occasion heard the significant order of the mountain footpad, he made no delay in throwing u his hands—— especially when he saw a m ed man with leveled rifle step from behind a huge bowlder. The lone traveler’s horse stopped of its own accord, as if well satisfied that there was no use bucking against the “ drap.” _ The horseman was a stranger in those parts, buthe doubted not that his challenger was a common footpad, who made his “stake " at pounc on lone wayfarers and robbing them of their andy cash. The stranger was a man of rather extraordi- nary appearance, even for that wild section of country, where extremes made up the popula- tion.‘ He was a man of medium stature, and well- molded figure. Every limb and every motion denoted great activity and prodigious strength when necessity required it. His face was one hard to read in the we of feature, because of a luxuriant , long si ken beard of the blackest hue, and a heavy mustache of the same color. , For a more magnificent hirsute growth, man ‘ could not Wish. The nose was well—defined, the forehead high untili pure as alabaster; the eyes dark and mag- ne 0. His well-shaped head was covered with well- trimmed dark hair, surmounted by a prairie white hat of the broad-brim “slouc "order; his hands were small and white as a woman’s; his dress was that ofaprivate citizen consisting of black diagonal cloth, a b’iled s lrt with a large diamond blazing u the bosom; top- boots of patent leather, and a belt about his waist which contained only a single revolver. His saddle and horse tra ings showed the good taste of the owner—all ' of the best material. ass .2': an appearance was roughly dressed, and the tenements . stats trainees-3,? " ~ We“ sions. - the traveler, a bison; then, Warned between'hi when but also In nly and by a li ht- , paces and the stranger, he . ning movemont, dro ' a revolver from his It. The man on horseback uttered a, dry laugh. “A military move that, executed With per- fectionl” he said. “ , resume army has lost a valuable private, while the/public high- ways has found one, eh!” ‘ You are wrong. I never belbnged to the army,” the road-agent said, " y. “On the contrary, I has been an honest miner In my life Cleveland St. Cecil!” ' - . he stranger started. . - Bow knew this man his name! The road-agent noted this surprise, and la ed. “ g on are startled, eh, to hear your name, when you thought yourself a straw. w on are excusable. I know you, as “1]” now m meal hours. Employed by the Ray. mond ' ing and Milling Company, you no new on your way to Right Bower Camp, with somethin like fifteen thousand dollars on your person, w 'ch sum you received from old Far- mer, of Helena who owns the most shares in :36 0;!!! y. jNevsr found out how you came n ’ g. You’re goin' to Right Bower—not?” , “That iswhere I am aiming for,” was the calm answer, for the stranger’s dark orbs were now blazing with surprised anger. , , “Of course you are,” the road-agent vent on, \ rifle and snatc ed ‘ with old Farmer; but, that matters. coolly. “Now, old Farmer, havin’ other busi- ness, can’t get down to the 30wer often, an’, tho’ he has controllin’ interest,a kink in his mind has caused him to believe that, he ain’t gittin’ used squer’; the other tw° tners, Ray- mond and Chester, aire glttln’ ric , an’ old Far-. mer’s takin’ w’ot’s left. 80 thar’s a fuss, an’ a receiver’s sent down to take charge 0’ aflairs an’ see that fair divy is made, hereafter. Ain’t I right?” “ You seem to be remarkably well posted 2” Cleve St. Cecrl replied. “ But, how long do you proppse to talk, here? I am anxious to bemov- in . g‘ Ye need not wanter git to Right Bower be- fore ye arrive thar young man. You’ll not find it a werr healthy place, for thar’s no doc- tors there. s fer my gab, I’ll muzzle that, direct. I knew’d ye was comin’, and came tew hev a tork. Don’t want old Farmer’s money- don’t owe him no grudge.” , “Oh! you don’t. I am somewhat relieved to hear that,” and St. Cecil laughed. “ No; I ain’t no road-agent. I know’d ye war goin’ to Right Bower as receiver for the com- pany, an’ I est. wanted to see ye, first, and ax gs of, yer amily undertaker knows yer size 0’ x. - “ You mean to insinuate that I’ll need one, do oul’ “Jest that. Bf you go to Right Bower, I’d advise your friends to begin tomake u their mournin’ goods. The long an’ short 0 it is, pard. you re onwelcome at the Bower, ’ca’se thar’s them as don’t want no receiver.” “Perhaps not. However, I understood the case before I was appointed to the position. Thanking you for your warning, allow me to advise you that I am fully prepared to take charge of the job, and keep it so long as Mr. Farmer’s interests are to be looked after.” “You’re plucky—I know that better than ’most any living man. I’ve know’d ye many a year. ut on don’t know Right Bower. here ain’t a rder, cusseder, meaner camp on God’s footstool, and a friendless stran- ger there will be in poor uarters. _But that’s neither here nor thar. ve left Right Bower for good. D’ye seethatl” . He took a piece of egaper from his pocket, un- folded it, and hand it to St. Cecil, who scru- tinized it with curiosity. tolt wasarough but very legible map of the wn. St. Cecil examined this with some interest. Egan, do you see what’s on tharl” the man as , “ I .do. I suppose the round marks are an to represent shantise, stores, and 5. orth 1” . “ Jest that. Ye see my shanty, marked ‘ Lee’s caRin’W” 4 “Good. .Kinder b’low town, on the east,you 1” “Exactly.” “Well, now I'll. come to the point. That’s whar I lived till the Gold Brick came an’ stole my heart. I don’t‘ look much like amen who war mixed u in a. love stair, mebbe, but I am; an" as I’ve .larned “ammunt thing, I’v mg up my mind to ‘ oi! thismortal “ glint! therlrezfer one won’t drlye on u m . 4- ’ y “Just nethin’ ’ else. "To-mom- wwI, Craz Ch’et Road will be ’ -u wi’ t 'e angels, 0" at them ill-fig; Bower.” * -. g , l ' fi§oulare mm manI l”; - g. , 0, am ,, ‘ j e as on worst when you tut the gifio theater's; ‘- ehallbedeadasa to marrow.” What does ital! . “,Pshswl of this. “an mt: gins Cleveland St. ~ ore an . . you are; aypgor A t trouble has or file last number of unmanned you,’and-in.yQur,dequ~ate a ts to drown that tron you haveisgouandor a small for- tune. You go to ' ht wer today, With five dollars of your own n your pocket.” ' “Whoever you are, Crazy Chet, I do not know,” the horseman said; “ nevertheless, as a marksman, on hit the bull’s-eye of fact with accuracy. {go to Right Bower literally strap- ” v “Au’ I say it would be worse than madness to do that. You’ll need money there, as you never needed it before. Now listen: when I otthis mortal coil, I leave behindrno person who has any claim uponme as a friend or relative except you.” “ Except me!” “Exactly—«you. You do not know me, haps never heard of me; but I know you. ow having made my pile, I propose to make you my heir. Here’——and he took from his side- pocket 8. great leathern wallet. that was fat to say the least-—“ is In first bequest. It is ten thousand dollars—a1 honestly earned by my own hands, and mine to do with as I please. hereby give it to you as your own, on conditions. Will you take it?” The astonishment of Cleveland St. Cecil was now genuine. It beamed from his eyes, and was expressed upon his countenance. I ‘ Why, man, whatdo I want of your money? I never saw ou before that I know of. You must surely out of your head. Why should you wish to bestow your wealth on me?” “ Because you are every inch a man; because you know no fear of man or beast: because, once given, your word is as good as a bank.” “ Admitting all your laudatory reasons, there are others more in need of money than I -—the poor—” _ “Bah! I am no philanthropist! I’m busz- ness! I give you my money, but I first must have your promise that you will earn it.” “ Explain ourself!” “ I will. on see the grave indicated on the ma 3 Well, there’s none there, now, but there wil be tomorrow morning. My remains will be in it too. Satisfy yourself, on that point. Do on ow how you can do it?” “ disinterring you, likely." “ es—or, I will make it easy. A wooden box-shaped tube will protrude from my grave -—to let out the bad smell, when I decompose. Any time you want to see me, look down that tube, and if you’ve any talent for the doctor trade, you can pick up a hen 0’ ideas ’bout de- composin‘ stifle. But, I’m 0 the p’int again. D’ye accept o’ the conditions?” ” I haven’t heard of ’em, yet?” “ Oh! true enufl. Waal. when ye gittoRight Bower, you’ll encounter Gold Brick, the only woman I ever loved!” “ Indeed!” “Yes—she runs the Palace, where fortunes change hands, every night, on the turn of a card. She plays a squar ame, an’ don’t allow no other kind to he plays , thar, nuther. You will find her a most dangerous woman to meet and resist. She has the fascinating power of a beautiful demon. She\winds men around her finger, literally, at will. In the first place, I want your promise that you will steel your- self a ainst the wiles of this woman l” St. laughed; it seemed so absurd. “ I can safely promise that. I am henceforth impregnable against the attacks of the fair sex,” undisguised bitterness in his tone. A faint smile hovered about Crazy Chet’s ll - x3:.You say ‘henceforthl’ I know why—but, let that pass. Your get is no secret tome. You have made rom Number One. Now, for the second: his mbler queen, on will find, has luck to beat 6 devil, and it simpl impossible to unnerve her, by l' or to break her bank. Of all things, the haughtin ad of this fact. _ Will you halide; me, When at I saw her lose a hundredmllm'ty thou- sen dollars on a' game of draw, and then laughingly'o er to doulfle, or quadruple it, on another gamel” v - . “seem, «like a; hard mouthful to declared. prett swallow, I’ll admit!’ St. “ Did she ‘do it?” , “ No! the feller see’d thar war no use 0’ try- to run her out, and wisely pocketed his boodle, and skide e town.” . “She not how a prints mint.” “ S‘g’hin’zguare aboutit. D’ye kno’ what she “‘32 “,9. . ‘ r. .“Bhe cleaned me out o’ ten thousand, last night. We had been sorter frie II’ I made a reposition 0’ marriage. She Ow’d my pegigree war above" ar, so fur as t Bower were concerned. ~ , e finally consen to do this:—We wereto. la a e o’pokpr, The stakes Were toben') _li can tauthousmd dollars --my hull ile—against her hand in marriage. IfIwon,sewast0 Ifshewon,l was to shell PM cash, an’ we were to meet to-n t,'in a certain place, an’ she put a bul- let through my heart!” “ Well?” ' Cleveland St. Cecil stroked his glossy beard, and seemed greatly interested. “ Well, that eventis to come off. She W011 “1' 9. At the appointed hour the t Eme‘ 'rwillcashm andl throw nil my hand, fer good. I want you‘to promise 0m ' Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal. 3 . _....._ m"re thing—that you will go to Right Bower l nstensibl y to act as recniver for old Farmer—411 reality to break Gold Brick’s bank beyond re- ti-ich—to the last copper!” “ You do?" “ Yes. You’ll find her a desperate. sharp. 0f ‘ money she apparently knows no limit—yet, 1 have taken my oath her bank shall be broke. She has lost me my life—I will lose her her money!” “And you ex ect me to do it?” “ I do! Of a men who ever flipped a paste- board I would choose you for the work!" “You know I have no skill!” “ Bah! you are the devil himself at cards!" “ A flattering compliment, and I must be in league with the old boy, indeed, to hope to break a limitless bank With ten thousand dollars.” “ That is but a starter!” “ Indeed! Where is the rest to come from?” “ From the tomb of Crazy Chet !” St. Cecil started in surprise; but Crazy Chet went on: “Whenever you want money drop a cent down the tube into my graVe, and directly after you will be su plied with money, by an angel, in disguise. I one thousand is wanted, drop one cent; if ten thousnnd, ten cents, and so on in proportion to the amOu'nt you desire. The bank, I think, will prove limitless." “ If the bank fails?” “ Your contract is ended !” “ And what am I to receive for all this?” “What you have ever had, until I got the drop on on, to-day—a charmed life. Do you agree? 0 you swear to do as I will in this matter?” The new! -appointed receiVer of the Raymond Mining an Milling Company was silent several minutes. He was surveying the man before him, as though to read him through and through; but he could gain no satisfaction. To the best of his judgment, he had never seen the fellow before. “It seems like making a verbal contract to serve Satan 1” he said. finall‘y. ' “But it is not. You’ll nd every one your enemy in Right Bower—all exce t_ one—~pven to those who profess the greatest mendship, of course, exce ing this one. Mind, I tell you that you wil have to defend yourself.” “So posing Mr. Cleveland St. Cecil finds the cam ecide ly too hot for his taste?” ‘ “ hen address a note to Crazy Chet, through his individual post-oflce, and results will follow.” “ It is fortunate I am not weak-minded, or I should colla with nervous horror,” St. Cecil laughed. “ understand, however, and will com ly with your demands.” “ on you swear to serve me?” “I do; but understand one thing—this does not interfere with my duty toward Jason Farmer, of Helena!” ‘ “ Not in the least; You will have no reason to alter your arrangements with him! I am, I may add, proud' to note the fact of your intended honesty toward him: but, once more let me say look out for yourself. for I doubt not on will have trouble with Stephen Ray. man and his ne hew, Ralph Chester.” “ I have m o ers. I shall obey them.” “Good! ow, that all is settled, we will rt. 1. may as well tell you that I should have illed you, had you not come to my terms. My will is iron—else I shouldn’t die to-night.” “ You are resolved upon that?” “ Permitting her to kill me—yes. Remember my last words—but for a strange discovery, it would not be so. Here is the money! Good- I) l” yAnd tossing St. C=cil the wallet the eccentric being wheeled, and strode off up the canyon. M...— CHAPTER II. GOLD BRICK. Cmvn 61', (man. watched the man until he was out of sight; then, pooketing the wallet, he spoke to his spirited steed, and galloped away www.msht Bower, the new and prosperous litfleh naming-town, four miles further down the c * v l . guHis mind was busied in wondering what all this 919511100193 Adventure would amount to; he W38, “10“”: m e rienced man of the world. myst “3 he seldom if ever been before; and he he" he had then his assent to a most WT??? °°¥lmch and was in duty bound ono - Who Crazy Chet was he had no power of conceiving, and it only added to his mystifica- , ti n, that the strange fellow should know so l much about him. - | Four months before that day he had saved v Jason Farmer. the bonanza king, from bein robbed by a gang of roughs on t in outskirts 0 Helena, Montana; and so grateful was the mil- lionaire, that he had at once taken St. Cecil into his employ, without even in uiring into ‘ his past history: and a week later ha disputChed him to the far East on a matter of speculation in stocks. There St. Cecil had remained and faithfully discharged his duties until about three weeks before our story opens, when he had received an order, accompanied by a draft for fifteen thousand dollars, and was directed to return West at once, and take up his position in Right Bower, as receiVer for the Ravmond Minin and Milling Company, in which Farmer he] the majority of the stock, but had never real- ized anything to show for it, despite the fact that the mines of the company were in a highly productive condition. St. Cecil had closed 11 his eastern aflairs, accordingly, and set outd rect for Bi ht Bower. He had guessed his reception woul be unfa- vorable even before his meeting with Crazy Chet, for the tone of his employer’s letter had given him to understand his position would be a trying, perha s hazardous one. hinking 0 these matters was he while riding toward his destination, when he heard a voice, and saw a woman, mounted upon a white horse, riding toward him from a transverse ravme. Seeing that she was motioning to him, he drew rein; but was on his guard, in case she might prove a decoy. s she drew near he saw that she was young and beautiful—not over eighteen years of age, and formed in nature’s happiest mold. In face she was equally Eretty. Her features were finely cut, the mout . particularly, wear- ing a most winning expression; her complexion was light, and ah I pure, with hair of blends col’or to match; her eyes, however, were the feature that ut the finish to her beauty, being of a brilliant rown. She was attired in a cool, airy riding-habit, and her jaunty sun-hat was crowned with a wreath of wild flowers. “ Here’s a rustic beauty 1” St. Cecil mused, as she rode up. “Can this innocent-looking child be the desperate gambler queen whom I have to tackle?” Without hesitation the young lady rode nearer. “Excuse me 1” she said, “ but are you not Mr. St. Cecil, the company’s newly-appointed re- ceiver?” ' ‘ “You have guessed correctly: Iam Mr. St. Cecil. I admit that you have the best of me, however!” ' “ Oh! I presume so. I shouldn’t have had the resumption of addressing you only that we have been expecting you; and then too, Mr. Farmer sent a description of you. am Ruth Raymo’nd. My father is a stockholder in the mines.’ “Ah, yes! Iam pleasedtoform youra . uaint- ance. I hardly ex ted to find Right ower blessed with any 0 the fair sex.” “ Didn’t you?” with a'laugh. “Well, I dare say' you won’t be terribl disappointed, for there are but two ladies in t scam . I am one; the enigma, who calls herself the id Brick, is the other. She runs a gambling- lace, how- eve;i and of course hardly deserves he name of al .” “ Pbssibly not, though once in awhile a wo- man has been driven into the profession, by des— pera’te circumstances. Your ather is expecting mei’ “Yes. He has been anxious lest me harm should befall you. Papa will be so glad to be relieved of a part of the business, and it was so considerate of Mr. Farmer to appoint a receiver and business manager.” St. Cecil wondered if she meant it. Perhaps she didn’t know of the reason wh a receiver had been appointed. Perhaps she id not know that Farmer had insisted u n the appointment because Stephen Raymon was getting rich out of the mines, Ralph Chester was getting wild and dissipated—though that was not new —and he, Jason Farmer, was getting—left I Such thoughts darted through St. Cecil’s mind, but he chatted pleasantly, and they soon reached Right Bower. - It wall a rough, canyon town, built of rou h boards or stone and adobes, as the casemig t be. There was but one street, and this was a stage trail, with a row of shantics on either side of it. Saloons abounded, but the principal l one was knowu as the Palacs, being so desig- nated by a large transparency over the door. It was only a one-story structure, but it had a wide frontage, and was a couple of hundred feet deep. Then, there were a couple of stores andofilces, a hotel, and a dance-house, not yet ready for use and a large stone residence, of modern architecture. ‘ Being a new camp, and in the boom of its glory, the town was iterally chock-full of peo- ple, and the one main street was thronged with all varieties of humanity of the male persuasion, as St. Cecil and Miss mond cantered into town, and drew rein be ore the office of the company, which was situated 0 its the Palace, where the gambler queen, ld Brick, held forth. ' A short, thick-set citizen. with a full, board- less face, stood in the door of the office. and Miss Raymond called out, as the draw rein: “Here, papa—this is Mr. St. ecil!” , The fat man advanced, his peering, shrewd Iittle eyes scrutinizing the new receiver Ibup- Y- - “ Mr. St. Cecil, I am right glad to meet on,” he said, offering his chubby hand. “I vs been anxious about you.” , “ SD gour daughter has informed me. Stage travel slow, else I should have been here be. fare. I got disgusted with the time I made, and so took to horse. Everything jogging along nicely, I suppose?" “Perfectly, sir. I am glad you have come, however, as we declare a semi-monthly divio dend to-morrow, and old Farmer is such a queer old hunks, that I want his representative to see that everythi is all right.” “Very well. I w asvmne my position to— morr0w, then.” . “As a matter of course. You bring money with on?” “ es; with instructions to turn it to the use of the firm, for the purchase of a new tract of land;’ providing I believe the investment will a . A faint sneer escaped Stephen Raymond. ' “Farmer is getting mighty careful,” he said. “He acts as thou h be was afraid totrust to my indgment, for ear I would cheat him.” ‘ know nothing‘In regard to that. I simply have my orders. here is the land f” . “It’s a tract lately owned b a mannamed Chet Rossitur, but yesterday IO d by him to a speculator named Finch, w 0 holds it at twen- ty‘iive thousand." “Very well, we’ll go see it tomorrow. I am rather tired, and sowill ask tobeexcuced to. . da .” ‘Y Certainly. Will you leave the money in the safe h , and take tea with us?” St. ecil was puzzled fora moment. 1 His orders from his employer were to keep the money to himself until satisfied that the invest- ment would be profitable. “ You will have to rdon me, Mr. Raymond, but my orders are to cop charge of the money ' at present.” \ ‘ Oh! all right. We of course immaterial .to me. Ruth, I will give Mr. St. Cecil htd our charge and will om you at thchouood ly." 8t. Cecil a ingly accompanied mun. - mond, and they were soon joined in the r y ligigiious parlor by the speculator, who chatted a a y. ' I ll Tea was presently announced and when it was over Miss Raymond favored her guest emu a number of piano solos, which the expected with much artistic skill. - St. Cecil then bade them goodevoniugllhhd set out about town to see the sights and to Ice that oddly-named personage, the Gold Brick, in the bargain. - h“ 2’; He was a man of strikin a pearInoo ’hn'd as it was already known that 9 ad come tonight Bower in capacity of receiver, he became an ob. ject of attraction as soon as he appeared on the streets. v After a stroll in the fro-h air, he countered into the Palace, whose 6 did anything gt resemble what the acne represented itto Inside, however, all was difleront, for both cleanness and taste were there displadwd. There were two apartments, the rst bei a bar-room, well fitted up and stocked, the g it- tering array of decanters, losses, mirrors and ictures reminding St. (Joe of drinking “par- ors ” he had seen in the East. A number of roughs who were drinking at the bar severely scrutinised the yer as he entered and gamed on into thenext _ which was a large, rilliantly-lightod room or can, with matting upon the floor_and blue cloth haug- my . -v- .._; .-.. w. .4»,.-.._. _ x - Avalanche 4 / Deadwood Dick’s Big/Deal. lugs upon the wall and ceilings, while the furni- ture was, for that region, costly. Card-tables, taro-tables, keno and roulette lay-outs, billiard and pool tables, and a wheel of fortune were among the “attractions” oflered totempt the unwary and the wary alike. This salon was well filled, and every game had its devotees a large sprinkling of those present being well-dressed and probably men of means, while the remainder were made up of miners, bullwhackers, bummers, cowboys and roughs in general. A swift glance apprised St. Cecil that the proprietress of this term 16 of chance was not present, the taro game sing dealt by men, all of them evident professionals. At one of these tables sat three men, one of whom instantly attracted St. Cecil’s attention. He was a veteran, evidently, for his long hair and stubby beard were white as snow, while his face, red and good-natured, was covered with “saucers of much rough usage. . One noticeable peculiarity about him—he had no ears! -- They had been shorn ofl! close to his head. He was clad in buckskin, slouch hat and moc- casins, and wore pistols in his belt. Upon a chair beside him, seated in dog-fash- ion, was a vicious looking billy—goat, who, to all intents, was watching the game with as much interest as the others. . The man upon the other side of this veteran was a well-formed fellow, with dark hair, eyes ‘ and :mnstache, and a rather disagreeable ex- pression of countenance, even though he could not exactly be called bad‘looking. The game~keeper was a, man of something the galie appearance, but wore a less dissipated oo . This much St. Cecil saw, and then be ap- lroached the table and, taking his position be- ind it, he watched the game. The ,old scout had his money, fifty dollars, on the queen of hearts. The cards were drawn from the box, and the game-keeper raked in the stakes. 3 “You’re out of luck, Avalanche, as well as Cbesterl’ the game-keeper, Lasker, said. “ The home is in luck.” “Great ham-bone 0’ Honduras, yes,” the old chap granted. “Ye kin bet I ain’t no more luck nor a frog in a snow storm. Hyer I sailed innme an’ Jeremiah—expectin’ ter corral a boodle, an’ then skip back to fur kentr —gseat ham-bone, yes! Jerry, you old, buc , we’re tra pod—d ye know it?” “ a—a l” bloated the goat; “ ba-a-a l” “See! he ’ reciates ther sittywation,” and used comically. “ Make your glare, gents, ef you’re goin’ ter play!” sung out sksr. ' ‘ ’m broke!” declared Avalanche attempt- ,imiio rise; but St. 06011 pushed him down a u go . “flitsttll. old man; I’ll Sput up the stakes. What’s your limit, gents!” t. Cecil asked. ' Lasker and Ralph Chester looked at the stran- gerin surmise. - “ Guess you’re new, hyerways, par ,” the {armor observed. “ That’s no limimer in the Blane. That same we air right to say.” .f‘A pret broad assertion t Has he never nbroken, sir?” ‘lggdlfl isth lit th i?” .“. ow e mi wi you er and; the receiver turned to Ralph Chester, 3%? he knew not who he was. ." .Chester is for as much as any nerallcarestostakeonone game, Lasher‘oannounhed. ,“Then how. do five thousand dollars strike on gen 1“th so. far as I am concerned!” (luster assertedh i windy. Magmlly liketo know w o n 0 game “Gondola. Allow me’to introduce myself, fir, as in on business relations we shall robe- bly meet often. I am Cleveland St. Ceci l” , ‘ ery delighted to meet goon,” returned , ah ,, , with evident sarcasm, th in look and no. He didnh. Omar his hand, nor look at the new Laceiver; so St. Cecil paid no further attention The was. is ed, the stakes ” gatin - mmmnd Kalli". m" g , A the pile! , raked Ago the [)th the same result. " l” in pitted. It I dogs! . A , . , “Bank‘s- oke, the boss/comesi”,hsker. L,‘ I, y .1 .I _ , ‘ The boss is here!” a woman’s voice cried. . \ CHAPTER III. BIG STAKES. A woman’s voice, it was—soft, sweet and melodious, yet, St. Cecil thought it meant “ business.” And the owner? She had just advanced to the table, and was taking Lasker’s place as dealer. She was young, evidently, and well formed, her figure being clad in a quiet but rich cos- tume of combined lace, silk and satin. Her hair was dark brown, and worn in flossy profusion over her shoulders; 11 becoming gold- colored turban of silk crowning her head. It was also noticeable that all her costume was light or dark gold color, and she were some rou h diamonds. or hands were white and small, and the mouth and IOWer part of her face were decided- ly pretty-for no more could be seen, the u per palrt being cowred by a half-mask, blac in co or. St. Cecil gazed at her in great surprise, for a moment; then, seeing that she was taking the same liberty of staring at him, he averted his gaze. “ Yes, ma’am, ye can hev my place!” Lasker said, rising, and giving her the seat. “ I opine ye come jest in time fer ter save the re station of the house, too, fer my limit’s my imit ye know.” "Certainly. So the 1gents have been trying to the bank, eh? ow much has the house lost? “Twenty thousand!” St. Cecil saw a grim expression hovor for an instant about the gambler queen’s mouth, as she turned her piercing gaze toward him. “ That looks like an attempt to run the bank, sir,” she smiled, sweetly. “ I believe your aide remarked that there was no limit, and that the bank had nevsr been burst,” St. Cecil answered, composedly. “Lasker was right. And I may as well in- fer, while I am at it, I suppose, that your mis- sion in Right Bower is to urst the bank.” “ Believe that, 'if you like, madam. Allow- in that I would like that honor, I yet have a sti l more important mission in the camp." “ Yes, this is the fellow old Farmer has sent on to watch Emphen Raymond and 1,” Ralph Chester adde , with a sneer, which he made no attempt todis uise. “ You coul ’t have hit it closer, since you choose to so state it,” St. Cecil answered. “ I am the newly-appointed receiver for the Ray- mond Mining and Milling Company.” “ No doubt the receipts will eep you in funds to gratify your passion for the fero- table,” Chester laughed, lightly; yet St. Cecil knew he meant an insult. . “I’ll remind you of those words, sir, after awhile,” the receiver retorted. f‘ Will the game proceed, madam?” “ Certainly sir. If you came to Right Bower ’ I to fight the ti er, en shall have the satisfan tion of smooth ng own its ruffled hair, or feel- ing its claws. The mdstige iaghe box, gents; m e our game, w on m 2‘ thousand-dollar note floated from St. Cecil’s fingers, and settled down upon the queen of hearts. “That’s my opinion,” he said. Chester won. “You’re in luck, Mr. Chester,” Gold Brick encou . “Ha 1y, with even nineteen thousand out of pocketl’ ‘ Your luck never leaves you, once you strike it.” ~ . “May I examine the box?” St. 09011 asked. “ I a stranger and it into my interest tosee the am fairly salt with.” ' . “ inly. I use no combination aflair,” Gold rick replied, coldly, as she shoved the box across the table. A glance satisfied the receiver that all was square. "Very good,” he said, returning it. “Old gent, can you count?” and be laid a handful of money before Old Avalanche. the whole amount he had won, and what he had received from Crazy Chet, except a reserve ofOflve hundred dollars, which he had no intention of risking tonight. . ” rest ham-bone that stuck in the larnyx of old J upiterl twenty-nine thousand five hundred dollars! Lor’ ,Jerushnl, ye ain’t goin’ ter risk» arm? r ‘.burst the Id, Brick’s ‘ " ,witha tsmile. ‘. ,1” , dim, 22"“ , Bel, , ' tieth went together with a_ pecu .- sort ‘of c ick. . ' V I ’U “ You will have to go higher than that to do it. I haven’t the money on hand tonight; will my check do until to-morrow morning ’ “ Certainly I” _ “ Lasker, write a check for twenty-moo, five, ayable to Mr. Cleveland St. Clean” the gum. Bier queen ordered, briefly. “Mr. Chester, are you oing to join us?” _ “ have first to learn if my check is accept- able.” Chester answered, sourly. A “ That depends upon circumstances,” St. Cecil returned. “You should know if your bank-account will back it.” “ 3 Will indorse his check 1” Gold Brick inter— OS? . “ Great ham-bone that discombobberated ther terrest‘ial ravytation uv old Jonerl” ejaculated Old valanche. “ Thes aire ther kind 0’ rit What tells. ’Mind me o’ ther day:; 0’ ther lack Hills, when old boy Deadwood Dick usetei‘ l’arn ther tiger how ter trim his toe-nails!” “ Mention not that devil,” cried the Gold: Brick, sharply. “Great ham-bone! why not? A better-hearted alqot nevyer rid a horse or swallered cold cad l” averred the old goat owner. . “ That may be, my friend, but they say the devil’s always near when be Is. being talked about, so don’t introduCe any of his lieutenants. There are already enough blacklegs in and about Right Bower.” “ Mebbe thar be mum—mebbe thar be; but. ye’ll allurs notice they hang ’roun’ the mcuhater ruther nat’ral.” The Gold Brick laughed. ‘ “ You are rather truthfully facetious, 01c. gent,” she responded, showing her pearly teeth. Then the cards were slowly and carefully drawn from the box. A little cry of an er' escaped the gambler ueen, as upon the swing of the last card. leve St. Cecil reached forward and raked in the stakes! “ Great hambone! Scoops the pot like a major, does the Big Beard 1” roared Avalanche in delight. “ Lor’ Jerusha! Eighty-eight thou- san’ dollars, 5 uar’, an’ five hundred fer to spare fer pin-money ” A large crowd had collected around the table, and a strange murmur ran rampant at Ava— lanche’s exclamation. . “ The bank’s broke!” some one whispered. shrilly. “ The feller sed he‘d do it, an’ be has!” Gold Brick had been thoughtful] shuffling the cards, her lips compressed tight , but .she looked u with a fiery glance when the words reached or hearing. _ “ Who was' so remarkably brilliant as. to make that surmise?” she demanded. “Whoever has such startling kn0wledge, will, no doubt, he startled to learn that my bank is not broke. Sit still, Mr. St. Cecil. You, Mr. Chester, I presume will withdraw?” - Ralph Chester was white with rage, which he was endeavoring to hold in check. “I am done,’ he answered. “ This fellow’s fingers will unclasp from around my money be- fore long, or I’ll lose my guess.” . “If you regret your temerity in venturing into the game, I’ll lend you a few thousand.” St. Cecil observed. ' “ Thanks. I am no beggar. When you have a trifle of leisure I shall ta e some of the conceit out of you.” ' “I’ll not forget. I am always happy to ac commodate gentlemen.” Gold Brick had turned to Lasker. ' “Law, will yoube kind enough to fetch Mr. Virden here at once?” " If he will come, my lady.” “.Tell him that it is imperative.” ~ The gambler turned and left the Palace, but was back in five minutes accompanied by a well- dressed man. “ Mr. Virden,” Gold Brick said, j‘ yonder gen- tleman Mr. Cleveland 8t. Cecnl, holds in check for eighty-four thousand, five hundr . Will you give me a statement of my bank ac. count up to now, considering the, check?” :: finy others outstanding, me am?” one. Virden took a note—book from his pocket am. made a few figures upon one leaf, which he tore out and handed the ambler queen. Gold Brick Ian at it With an approving nod. and ban ed it to St. Cecil. “Youwillsee I have still sixt -eight thoud and hair ance,” she remarked. “ 'l’hat is 811, ti" night, but don’t consider my bank pm To. marrow after nocntide, by asking Mr. .irden on will learn that I am ready to soc you again. a will play for the sixty- ” ' “One moment, please. l Vefiht. . . Virden, is Mr. : which We Chester’s check good for twenty-nine thousand, fivw hundred i” St. Cecil asked. The banker smiled. “Less sixteen thousand dollars, sir,” he re- .sponded. St. Cecil gazed at Ralph Chester a moment, with a peculiar expression. “Your nerve is unparalleled,” he finally said. " However, I dare say your friend will make it all right.” And he turned inquiringly toward Gold Brick. “ As I indorsed his check, certainly!” was the hen hty answer. “ I believed Mr. Chester bet- ter ed, financially. Mr. Chester, draw St. Cecil a check for thirteen thousand five hull— dred, and give it to him. I will then stake sixty-eight against fifty On a game of poker, which will make up the diflerence. Is that sat- isfactory, sir?" ' And or address to St. Cecil was sharp, to say the least. “ It is not. I would not take advantage of you, meanly. Instead, I will stake my even eighty-eight against your fift , you first mak- ing ood Chester’s deficiency. “ ery well, you are certainly not lacking in nerve, either!” “A nervelem man would scarcely; attem t to break the Gold Brick’s bank!” .and St. ecil laughed lightly. The matter was soon arranged, and Gold Brick ordered a new deck of cards, while they changed tables “ for luck.” ' Most of the other games had now ceased, and the devotees thereof were athered around the table where sat St. Cool and the gambler seen. If was to be a game of interest, for if the Gold Brick lost, er bank was temporarily broken—something that had never been done before since she came to Right Bower, and opened the house to the public. “ “It was to be one game, and all eyes that could get a glimpse at the table watched 'eazerlgéc St. i1 was apparently unconcerned about the game resulted. Gold B ck had been calm in all the other games, but now played a little nervous) , nevertheless she won the game and raked in t e stakes, ’mid a shout that caused a hundred echoes to re‘verberate throughout the room. St. Cecil arose from the table, an .nscrutable smile upon his face. ' “I have lost, ’tis true, and I am not sorry, for I do not want to deprive you gents of a lady mana or for the Palace too soon. Madam, shall pleased to engage at faro with you again tomorrow evening for higher stakes. Until then, au‘rwm' r ."’ “ Hold on, please!” Gold Brick ordered, rising and motioning to Laskel'. “ Mr. Laskel' will let you out. The door has been locked while we were playing.” . “ Indeedl’ and St. Cecil spoke with stinging sarcasm. “ You could have saved yourself the trouble. I had no intention of esoaping with your muggy to-night. I simBly came to see if you play a square game am you deal very nicely, but poker is not your forte, unless an learn to use your'fingers more dextrousl t an the eye can detect. HoWever, I willt'bd you good-evening.” “ Ste ! do you mean to say I cheated at the game 0 poker?” she demanded, deeply moved by passion. ‘ " “ I do, madam. You did 'it very cleverly, or I shtuld scarce! have noticed it. It on’t matter, though; it was only the queen and ace ofAhearts.” ted pad h 1. d a exaspera cry esca er 1 , an a shining, gold-plated revolver fiashe in her an “ You are mad, man, to insult me, of all women. Take back those cowardly words or I’ll send a bullet throu h your heart! ’ “Through my heart ’ he ueried, smiling. “ Yes, through your heart. You are the first man who has ever been insulting enough to ac- cufie me of cheating. Take bac your words or I’ll drive them down our throat l” “ In, you wi excuse "me, but [cannot .Obl you? True, it would have been more “ mnly. without doubt, had I kept mom; a: 11ft? honestfl": h u d “"70 u burst from er ps, an she fired directly at his heart. , As she so, he was seen to make a quick upward movement with his hand and the m- staut following the ' held a small car- "idea-bullet WI! thumb‘and‘ forefinger, «no! a bullshtoo, as could fit thh cylinder of now was , in the woman that held by Gold Brick, gambler queen :- i ' ' , ’ “POLCCWOOd Dick’s Big Deal. 5 A murmur of astonishment escaped the crowd and Gold Brick reeled back with a gasp. “ Enough! Begone, devil that you are!” she faintly articulated. “ Certainly. I merely wanted to illustrate that you do not understand the first rudi- ments of shooting!” he answered, with a quiet lau h. T en, turning, he sauntered out of the Palaco into the street. Ralph Chester followed. There was a greenish, venomous glitter ill his eyes and his dusky face was whiter than was its natural hue. “ See here, St. Cecil!” he cried, the receiver having failed to notice that he was followed, " a word with you, sir.” “ Well, speak out!” Cleve returned, pausing and looking back. “If you want anything, name it!” “ I do want something, sir; what is more, I am going to have it. You have been exercising your lipxtoo much to night for a mere stranger, and in half of myself and Gold Brick, I de- mand satisfaction! “ In other words, you want gore?” “ Yes, if you so choose to ex ress it i” “ Correct! In what way wil you have it!” “ Pistols will do, sir, at fifteen paces.” “.For me the might, but not for you i” St. Cecfi anSWere , uietly. “ I do not care to take advantage 0 a man, no matter how great an enemy, by meeting him with firearms unless he is my equal in their use—and I acknowledge no equal in this line!” “Indeed! Will you let bra 'ng go until another time? Please understan that I am no bab at istol practice!” “ ay enot; but I decline to meet you except I give you large odds!" " Meet me you’ve got to! 80 name your odds, sir!” St. Cecil was silent a moment, asif in thought, a sweeping glance taking in the sea of faces around him—grim, rough faces that possessed more expressions of brutal passion, than of mer%y. " ell,” he said, “if you insist on endanger- ing your life, my man, I’ll tell you how I will fight. We will strike positions fifteen aces apart, and the weapons shall be‘ pistols. will use only my left hand, my right bein tied be- hind my back. You shall use both ands or either one, as you like—shall have the first fire, and after that, take two shots to my one. You must kill me, or I will kill you, very likely! Do on understand, sir?” “ am not dull, neither am I deaf ” Chester anSWered. “Please understand another thing --but, never mind! The boys will fix you if I am hurt!” “ Oh! the boys will?” St. Cecil retorted. “ _If I should chance to have the misfortune to klll ou— " We’ll give you twenty-four hours to skip i" one of the ill-savored miners interrupted. “Very well, Mr. Chester; take your place. This delay is tame.” ' The proper distance was measured om. and the,two men t0ok their positions. One of the bystanders hound St. Cecil’s right hand behind his back, and gays him a pistol. Chester’s arms were free; each hand contained a revolver. » a . “Great ham—bone thet dislocated the brown- kitties uv old Joner!” snorted Old Avalanche. “This aire a wile old serous, fer sure! Git ready, gents! When I sing out ‘Kenol’ let her flicker, an’ go ’cordin’ ter ’greement. Ral h Chester hes ther first bang! St. Cecil hes t e seckond, an’ Chester the next two. Cl’ar to the sides, genzs! Peel yer eye, thar, yeou Je - mire! An’, consarn ye, of ye see either goiu’ in for may shenan, jest make it yer p’iut ter nip it. D’ye twist?” ' “Ba-a-a!” and Jeremiah gave a belligerent shake of the head. _ “Now, then, gents, git ready to sail over (Iordin on a blizzard. One! two— 0!” ng! ' The pistol in Ralph Chester’s right and spoke rather spltefully‘. . St. Cecil laug ed moclnngly. The bullet had passed wide of him and hit a stump in the street. “Great ham-bone! ef yer can’t shuts any straighter ner that, you’re N. G.” cried Ava- lanc e. “ Readyinext man i" ' St‘Cecil raised his left hand; but before he could fire, there was the . ’nnotller won- I: so ' much, that . pistol , of in“ MM rest h“ Lllck fer me !” shouted Chester. “ My next 8 oil’ And he leaped forward with upraised wea- pon, to get near enough his victim to make sure of him. But-— ’ The villain is suddenly foiled. Jeremiah utters an angry “ ba-a-al" and leaps through the air like a projectile hurled from a mortar. His knotty head catches Ral h Chester in the pit of the stomach, and the vil ain as sndd cells 8 and tumbles in a heap to the and. “ a-an!” bleats Jerry and giving heater a couple of hunts that re! him over and over, the victorious goat walks back to the side ofOld Avalanche, now nearly purple with laughing over his animal’s performance. . “ Great ham-bone that made soup for old Jupiter!” Old Avalanche snarled. ‘ Weren’t that did up in reg’lar Queensbur style? Tori: about yer Sullivans—Jerrym re sire ,ther champion, fer ducats. Jerry, ye plum, ye shall. hev elx oyster cans an’ a hoopskirt fer supper tor-night, not to mention a ream 0’ wrappin‘ a er, an’ a pint o’ vinegar! Sarcusis over, el ers! Buy yer chips fer the side-show, next.” The “circus ” evidentl was over. Chester had been knoc ed completely out, and some of the miners Were carrying him into the Palace. ‘ St. Cecil had t a miner to release his - hand and was usied bandaging up his w whgh, although bleeding, was not seriously in: Jur . . “ Aire ye much hurt, pardl” Old Avalanche asked, ap roaching him. it hadn’t in fer ther collegiate thortfulness uv J errynlhe, ye’d be a zephyr among the: cloud; now. - ' “ My wrist is slightlglbenumbed—that’s alll” St. Cecil answered. “ 0 you know where the shot came from old man Iconfess it Wasso unexpected, that I cannot tell.” _ , . “ I jedge it came from over yonder,” the scout answered, indicating ’the 011106 ’0! the Raymond Co. “ Mebbe not, tho’.’i ’ " . ‘ It was a dastardly trick to give the villain an advantage!” the receiver muttered, away. and striding toward the hotel. “ see Chester, tomorrow!” . The “circus ” being over, the crowd dispeer ‘ go {he various resorts, the majority entering the 8 ace. . . Old Avalanche, however, whistled to his coat; and took his way out of the camp.by we of a wild gloomy gorge which formed an arm ._ the main canyon. A “ j The out dogged along at“: heels, d‘ro ‘ angunehther an mal lorf mael’fi :ttggd a som un‘ t e wereamie rom g t wer Avalanc e suddenly ahead, and looked _ Jeremiah did likew so. , " ‘ Both appeared tobe listening. ' I . ' .‘ “ We’re follered, J errymire,” the veteran luf- marked, in a low tone. “Some ’tarnal,skun’k has taken a notion ter see wha'r I live. wheul’m hum! Jest ye squat hyer, Jerry," while randdad meanders back tor lawns to. . ketch ary aloot uv a ’spiclous horrecter, fetch ye bac esculp fer chew on.” ‘ Then, as the goat lay contean do‘wn,_ ' grog“; hundred scgiinmaxi‘eis angle tow ’ ig t ower, ates t i y,pic ng s w y amen“ the huge bowlders that obstructed rect, pug. sage through the gor e. . I , a His hand clutcbe a revolver, and he was ready for a surprise. , He had not far to go. . ‘ The footfalls grew plainer, and he saw the figure ofa man coming toward him. This man was clad in a somber ck. his a mask, and was well armed-z» his bol Id- \ vance did not seem to ladies that he meant mischief. ' , I j t ._ Old Avalanche waited until he was but u short distance away. , , I “ Bait! who comes there!" he then sung ‘ “ A friend!” was the answer, “ that is, if Avallgnche cigaltllanges.”s out h d" ’r I ‘ s mew a oes. W 0 e -. “A specter form framing» from an ash-heals!" , ' _ “Nonsense! ut w‘i’ it, or I’ll drop ye? Great ham-bone. yes!” “ ‘ “ mu said, at the same time advancing. CHAPTER 1v. . , WA moi: . vmcan 0 en. " “Wastes m m a M. sndsllppedoflhisnmk. ‘ ‘ ' “ Great ham-bone! of ~ I’m Deadwood. Dick!” the ' ~ . z e , Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal. There was no mistake; it was the true and onl Deadwood Dick—the handsome. invincible bl Harris of old days in the Black Hills, and looking nearly as young as when Avalanche had first met him. He wore a slight but well-trained mustache l ! and im erial; his gaze was penetrating and; magnetic, as of old, and he appeared to be in excellent health. wi’ old joner’s larnyxl” Old AVuIauche yelled in delight, ashe seized the sport’s right hand, and shook it heartily. "Hr. a I may never ag’in absorb mountin’ dew, 9 this ain’t a sur- l Whar’d ye drap from, boyee? Did ye out down on a corrugated zephlyr, or a. hail- Storm 0’ demolishun—a reg’lar o d blizzard 0’ extinkiflcation?” “ Oh, no! Avalanche- I came in horse fashion. Least of all persons did I expect to find you in thesc arts, until I happened to see you." “D tto beer—great ham-bone, yasl Whar’s ther papery, Dicky —- ther blessed old gal, Calamity ’ A cloud seemed to overcast the ex—outlaw's handsome face. ‘ “ Dead, I could hope, Avalanche—but, alasl I know that hope is vainl” “What? what I Them words from you, boy'se? Speak tip—what’s ther matter, consarn yel Hev ye hed another fallin’ out?” “Not exactly, Avalanche. We’ve parted uud‘sworn enmity forever. Our missmn on earth, henceforth, is to wreak‘vengeanoe on each other!” “ Nonsense, ye darned ijjutl Great anticua- ted ham-bone, I’ve a notion ter git up, an’ wallop ye over the ground!” “ Because on don’t know the circumstances, a? friend. know you well eno h to be cer- n that even on could attach no lame to me, did on know e circumstances.” “ bbe boyee—mebbe. Iknow ethort the world 0’ C'lamity, an’ I‘m cussed 6 it mustn’t a: a shrug p’int as w’u’d drive ye away frum e ' “ all you ma say so, when I tell you that she bore me a. chi d, in which my whole father’s 1°$°d‘3“h'..a°“°d, ii; h a: p a 1 a yes—go a ea m eep interested, an want ter beer about ther hul‘l , “"Y'ou shall hear all, Avalanche—tho’ I would never think of telling an one else. Nor isit a thing I like to think or ts k of. “You see until the blow came, we were living happily in a secluded little home up in the , erras, where I had a snug claim, and also ugoOd gain 1 and hunting patch. Our baby boy Dic , J'n or, here found his way into the orld and there seemed to be nothing lackiczfi home happy. I had a little sum so] am {and was steadily adding to it, and we didn t want forluxuries either. One day, while 'on my way to the Bushwas set upon by a road-agar: and as he the dro I passed over my tlie. I at a glimpse of hispfsce, how- ever an remem red it. Not a week later, I accidental] saw him leaving my shanty, and nw Calsm ty kiss him before he rode sway.” Deadwood Dick paused a. moment, his voice , betraying intense emotion, while his stern gem upon the homely visage, of the veteran scout. £¥luche was grim and silent. ' on may imagine that this much could but arouse eliy husband’s curiosity; still believe me, that kept my own couns , and did not let ‘ on that I knew anything of the matter. ‘ 1, how- ever, kept a watch, and found that near time I went forth tb hunt that man v home. , “Finally, one do , Blendel, the road~sgent ,wssca tured, and rode over to the Bar, and private y identified him as the visitor to my cabin, while publicly I identified him as the man who had robbed the on the trail. The same ni ht of his capture he was released from W made his escape. That same night ity and my boy disa peered. I “You cannot ully ima no my feelings. At grit! made up may mind to let them go: then, grew raven of , and swore to follow them fothe ends the earth but what I would at recover my boy. I had no difficulty in Fainting their.trnil "and began to follow it. b week! d them. no night I came moss an infants skeleton in the mountains, from which the flesh had been eaten by wolves. It needed on inptinpt to tell me it was the re- almost'tcinmui .1 Wond'dadoufnpursuitty—Oucni stoppedforreststsdesertedshanty, and: ring every ted my the night it wnsflred, and I narrowly esca being roasted. A in, I was shot, on the ila river, and nearly illed. At last, one day, a ranchero gave me a letter from her. “ ‘Fool—why follow us longer?’ she wrote. ‘You are but wasting your time, and endangering your life. After what has happened,] am well aware yrou seek our lives, and we must defend ourselves. on are not the only bloodhound on our tracks,— “ Waal great ham-bone that played the divi] ; but we defy them all. you included. Go back—or die. I cannot save you. The die is cast, and fate has sealed the future. Henccforth we must forever remain enemies—or, until death, at least. Go buck, I say! Here ends the trail; here I pray you to for- et 'ou ever knew Calamity June, for perhaps a ifetune could not prove to you that I am innocent. ‘3 CALAMITY.’ " Here Deadwood gas ed for breath, and reeled as if about to fal . gut he seized hold of a bowlder, and steadied himself. “ Is there need to say more? Does any sensi- ble person need more, for proof of her deep duplicity and guilt?” “It’s a. dark outlook, boyee, an’ I dunno w’at ter say—great ham-bone, no! Ye kno’, though, that you doubted her, once before, an’ she provod herself innercent.” “ True, but the circumstances were vastly different, then. She has openly defied me, and announced her enmity. That settles it.” “Well, let it drop, Dick—let it drop. Life aire but a. cobweb, an’ the more ye chaso a. spider, the wuss ye get tangled, no matter how fly ye aire.” _ “ Sensible I’ll admit, for an old throttler like you, Avalanche. But, unfortunately, I find the nwt more intricate, the less I try to ap- proach it!” . “ How do you mean? What brings you here, to Right Bower?” “ Time will show you what. Until that, it is best you remain in the dark. See here, Ava- lanche, who is the Gold Brick, that keeps the Palace?” _ “ Dunno no more about it than ye do, Dicky?” “ Are you sure?” , 1 “Certain, boyee at ham-bone, yas—tho’ she mought be C’lamity, fer all I knows on.” ‘ “Bah! not Shel I’ll swear to that. She Is neVertheless, my enemy.” “ How d’ye know?” “Intuition tells me.” “ See I: er—I see thru the fog, now. You sire the b -whiskered feller, w’ot called hisself Cleveland t. Cecil i” Deadwood Dick laughed. “ Of course. I wondered you didn’t tumble to it, before 1” “Never so much as thort o’ it, boyee!” “Well, you know it, now: so see that you keep ignorant of the fact. Here 18 the money I won for on, tonight.” . “Lor’ erushal ye ain’t gom’ ter give that for me “ Of course; take it; I don’t want it, and you do. I am going back to Right Bower, now. Next time you see me, I am Mr. Cleveland St. il. Do you understand?” “ rent ham-bone, yes.” , “ cry good. I’m off now l” , And uruing, he strode rapidly 03 toward Right Bower. The following morning Mr. Cleve .St. Cecil was at the minin company’s oflce bright and early, ready for usiuess. He looked fresh and‘rested, and though at- tired in the same suit he had worn when he ar- rived in Right Bower, looked scrupulously neat and dashing; Stetghen ymond was already at'the ofice and ey soon got to work at the accounts and gave them an examination. Everythin was apparently straight on the books, whic showed the production of the mines, and the expenses, and dividends that had been declared. St. Cecil, however, noticed that all the books were new, and did not have the appearance of having been used long; but he kept the discov- ery to himself. ‘You see, Farmer is hot-headed and wrong in suspectin any crookedness,” Raymond re- marked. _ “ a would not take a. cent’s advan- tage‘of him for the world. . Hereafter we shall realize more, as we opened a new vein the other da .n Even are 1:, so far as these books tell,” St. Cecil said. “ on are paying. your men two lla n otherm‘inmg “W” ' “in? st; in. .....- s...- 1. rs. . , l ‘ , i The willstrlk'eiu “dual j} - I _ Inten hours I can flood the'to'wn / ‘ ., I ‘ z- 1 . ‘ _ ,,' 1 with men who will Jump at an offal" of twenty— four dollars a week. ’ ” But I insist that ou do not meddle in this matter. St. Cecil. T e men have been getting six, and I don’t see but what they earn it. if you make yourself ofiicious in this matter, I will "guarantee that the men will turn on you. “ If you mean that as a threat, sir, I’ll guar~ antee you that I am not one to be frightened out of a purpose. I have my orders from Mr. Farmer to reduce the wages, if they exceed four dollars or day.” “Very We 1. I’ll give the men to understand that I am not responsible. If you wish to lose your popularity here, you cannot adopt a surer plan than by reducing the wages of the men one-third.” “I’ll take all the chances. We will now get down to other business.” They figured up the accounts and sundry ex» penses; then, after ever thing was deducted, there was a balance of t irty thousand dollars in gold, ten of which went to Stephen Raymond and Ba] h Chester, while St. Cecil took charge of the 0 her twenty. “I will ship this to Mr. Farmer to-day,” he said. “When I have consngned it to the care of Wells and Fargo‘s agent, I W111 notify the men of the proposed reduction. Let me see— what gi’me does the stage pass through Right wer “ This afternoon, at three. Once more, Mr. St. Cecil, I would advise on, as a friend, not to attempt to change e present rate of wages.” “Thanks, Mr. Raymond, for your advice, but my resolve cannot be altered. Two dollars a day on seventy-five men is a. trifle worth look- ing after in behalf of Mr. Farmer’s interest, even if err-despise the saving of it.” Wée then left the office and made his way to ells and Fargo‘s emce, where he made ar- rangements for the transportation of gold to Helena. As soon as he was gone, Stephen Baymowl stepped to sdesk, and wrote the following words. upon a slip of paper: “Be ready, and make no botch of it!" From a cage in a. rear apartment he took a carrier-pigeon, fastened the slip of paper under fits wing, and set it free through an open win- OW. ' Then, putting on his hat, he made his way to idl‘i to the mines. ‘ e meantime. having completed his ar- ra ments with Wells and Fargo’s agent, St. Cec bethought himself of Crazy Chet s threat- Eilegn‘ suicide, and be resolved to visit his c a Csutioned by the suspicion that he was watched wherever he won he left the cam in a course that would take h from ins of toward the claim; but when at a. safe distance from Right Bower, he reversed his route, taking good care to avoid the camp. In due time, With the aid of the rude map, he found the miner’s shanty, which stood among the foothills a mile below the camp. Near the shanty he saw a freshly-made grave, with a. box-shaped pipe protruding from it about a .foot, the pipe being about the sins of a larlge cigar-box. ' . r ing the door of the dwelling; he found it; was ocked; so he turned toward t e grave with no slight feelings of awe. The dirt was fresh and it was evident that the grave had been filled in but a few hours. Bendin forward, St. Cecil peered down the box-tube. nto thetomb. The sight that met his gaze caused him to utter a cry of astonishment. Ata. depth of eight feet was a sort of vault ' some four feet wide by seven in len '12. It con-L tained arough coffin without a d, thecoflin being placed upon the ground. - W t in it la , outstretched, the body of a man. All of t e face except the marble-like forehead and bearded chin was covered with white cloths; the uliar whiteness of the fare- head and folded ands, however bespoke the fact that the man was dead, an not only his ce garments but his whole apgesrance, con St. Cecil hat it was Crazy bet. ,I All this the receiver Saw by the aid of a dim weird light that pervaded the tomb—a spectr light the origin of which was a. mystery, as he could new source from which it emanated. ‘ “Gust Heavens! thisis inoredib. lsf’flt.Ceci1 looking about him to himself that manewasinthovicinity. belt ,. in. ghlsht Bowm- who» this mm is discovered! ero’s some infernal mystery about this blanied sflelr that surpasses my oom~ , \ prehension, and I wish I were not connected with it. Still, I gave my word, and I’ll stick to it, come what ma . I’ll unravel the mystery if it takes me a life the to do it. While l’m here I’ll test one of the strange being’s promises.” Leaving the grave, he gave the immediate neighborhood a thorough reconnoissancc, until he was well satisfied that no one was in the' vi- cinity to spy upon his actions. Then he re- turned to the grave, and selecting ten pennies from his pocket, he dropped them down the tube. Peering down, his astonishment was un- bounded. The tomb was as dark as Stygia! He could not see beyond a foot below the mouth of the orifice. For a few moments he stood there, too much dumfounded to move; then, satisfied that it would be safer for him not to be discovered in the neighborhood, he turned to retrace his steps toward Bi ht Bower. As he di so his eye caught sight of a placard upon the cabin door. Here was another myste l . It had been posted there since he had tried the door a few minutes before. “ Well, I’ll be blamed if this ain’t enough to jar the nerves of an anchoritel” he muttered, grimly, his teeth going together with a click. “I’m not at all superstitious, but it beats my time, I know.” With a hand resting upon the revolver in his belt, he strode toward the shanty-cabin—for it was built army of logs and partly of boards. The poo was ordinar newspa )er, and had been lettered with a mar 'ing-brus follows: to read as “ OBITUARYl “ Sacred to the memory of Chet Rossitur, wholies planted in yonder grave. Peace be to his ashes an’ cussed behe who trespasses on this hyer claim! ’ That was all. . With a puzzled expression of countenance, 8t. Cecil took another good look around him, and then retraced his foomteps to Right Bower. On entering his rftlfim bags theU hotel he forgadha neat ckage upon 9 . nwrappmg e f himself Wiser of a let sum of money in green ten thousand ollarsl CHAPTER V. . m BANK mom Tony that 8t.‘Cecil was astonished, would be but a ludicrously mild way 'of expressing it. He was m more than he had been, be- fore in the whole course of his eventful career. " There’s something rotten about this, or I’m an idiot!” was all the conclusion he could come $0. on deliberation. ” If Rossitur is dead, then he left his human agents to do his work—for I’ll swear there’s no ghost work about this.” Resolved to maintain secrecy in regard to his carrot with Cray Chet, he therefore must n smake no inquiries toward solving what was so variations a mystery to him. d as consideration of the case only served to punts him the more, he resolved to give as little thought to it as possible. After seein the consignment of gold safely off, on the ternoon sta e, be returned to his room, and med a not cc of the reduction of wages of al are employed by the firm, from six to four dollars a day. This he then ted up in a conspicuous place near the meat of the mine, and once more 80g“; the hotel, to await developments. felt sure there would be an uprising against him, in consequence of the reduction, but he was prepared toface the music, fearless- l . yThe camp was very dull in the afternoon, and finding it thus, he took a nap, from which he did not awaken until about dusk. After gettin his supper, he 'sauntered forth to- ward Gold B ck’s Palace, with the intention of again trying his luck, in accordance with his promise to Crazy Chet. ' . The street was filled With miners and rough- looking characters, peculiar to mining towns, and St. Cecil was conscious that more than one ly glance was sent at him. as he sauntered ng; and he heard his name frequently uttered in connection with an oath. He also heard the name, Chet Rossitur men. tioned on every hand, and he concludee that themincr‘s graVe had been discovered No attem was made to attack him, how- ever, and the Palace in safety, when hefcuud manyof the crowd of the pre- vious evening. , \ Odd Brick sat in liar:ch atthe ta ad was playing with Ralph and man boaeappearance was that of a * W wealthy gentleman’me the East. table. .’ \ Deemed mars Big Deal..- He wore a full beard; and a number of dia- monds were displayed about his person. Gold Brick nodded, as she saw St. Cecil but Ralph Chester scowled, and set his teeth hard together. j‘Good-evening, Mr. St. Cecil "‘Gold Brick said, so pleasantly as to cause the receiver to wonder at the striking change in her demeanor. " D0 3’ 01} l'Opose to buck the tiger, to-nigbt?” “ Possrb y, providing the tiger isn’t afraid of my claws,” St. Cecil replied. “ Uhl 1 guess there’s no danger, in your nails. My bank is in easy circumstances, and it might as well be decided to—night, whether you are destined to break it, or not l” “If that crowd comes into the game, I go out!” Chester growled, savagely. “ You’ll donothin of the sort!” the Eastern fintleman said. “ agreed to back you, didn’t ‘_‘S’pose you did! I don‘t know you, and I Opine you ain’t no Vanderbilt!” “ It matters not who I am, so long as I back our staying in the game 1” was the tart answer. “ I may infer that it will be harder to break the bank, to-night, than last,” St. Cecil said, as he took a seat, “ especially if the bank has one or more backers.” “ The, bank has no other backers than my- self.” Gold Brick replied. “I am backed by neither Mr. Chester nor the stranger, nor am I backing them. The full extent of m wealth is readv for business, and the man w 0 wins it, breaks my bank, ou bet.” . “ Very well. - on will deal with no com- bination box?” _ “Certainly not. Please examine it and satisfy yourself.” St. Cecil did so. _ “Itis all right,” he said. ‘: What shall be the game, gents?” . “ see about five thousand on the queen of hearts ” the Eastern man respOnded. . “I’ll back the king,” and St. Cecil covered that card, while Chester, without a word, cov- ered the ace of diamonds. The cards were then placed in the box and drawn. goéld' Eggckpfion. am e y. fan) ii” 1w 0‘" tal l h pod Gold cu ary tan izn lau esca Brick?“ she saw St. Ceci bitegis lip. “ Are you broke?” she asked. “No, not yet.” “ Nor we,” the Eastern man added. “I pro- pose we raise it five all around.” “ Agreeable,” Gold Brick assented. “ Is it forty thousand or nothing, Mr. St. Cecil?” The receiver hesitated a moment. . He held Farmer’s ten thoumnd in his pos- Session, and could therefore play; but the ues- tion thata 'tated his mind was: Whati the graveyard or should fail to respond to the call for funds? , But he had promised there should be no limit to the su ply. . _ “ I’ll p ay once more,” St. Cecil said. Randall the Easterner, forsook the queen of hearts and St. Cecil quickly covered it. The ame was made and draw n. Gold rick raked in the pie with a sarcastic little laugh. ‘ “ Your luck is phenomenal,” St. Cecil de- clared. “If you Will give me a few minutes respite, however, I can keep up my end of the row, I fancy.” He motioned to Old Avalanche, whom he spied in another efart of the room, and the Veteran approach . “See here, old man, ou’re .the follow that was here last night, ehl’ St. Cecil asked. “ Great ham-bone, yes!” “Then can I get you to do me a favor?" “Sartin, Cap—sartin. Allers ready ter ’bllge a feller-human when I kin.” St. Cecil took a memorandum-book from his pocket and penciled a few words upon a leaf which he tore out and gave to the old scout. “Read that and act accordingly,” was his curt order. The paper contained these words: “Go to the grave of CrasyChet, secret] , but in haste, and dIrOp fifty cents down the tube t t ro- trudcs from the tomb. Then return here. at- ever comes mysteriously into your possession while on route, bring at onceto me, without a word to any- A‘} la b noddedafterpemli the , a; 12:.“ gene... to , n‘ “W e ,“ retirefromthe, ,untiithatoldgont returns,” he ramming, and leaviugthe 7 —.. He procured a Cl ar at the bar and then saun- tered about, watch ng the other games. In assin the faro table where Gold Brick, Ran all an Chester were still playing, he made a discovery. The beard worn by Randall was false, al« though it was such a clevcr affair, like St. Cecil’s own, that Very few would have noticed it. Indeed, if they had, they would not have iven the fact a second thought, for 111 Right wer, and nearly all mining-cam s, numerous questionable characters adopt th s we of dis- uisin their identity, and few if any eel suf- ficient y concerned about the matter to inquire into the wh or wherefore of their use. St. Cecil. owaver, had no sooner noticed the fact that Randall wore a wig, than he formed an opinion which he decided to put to the test during the evening. Avalanche made his reappearance in less than an hour, and handed St. Cecil a package, with no ex lanation but a puzzled glance. Elbe receiver then took his place at the faro 8. , “ I’m ready for biz now,” he announced. “Is there still no limit to this amel’ “ None,” Gold Brick rep ied. “ I can see fifty thousand—that’s all,” Ran- dall said. “I’ve not won a pot smoe I began. I will put up twenty-five for myself, and the same for Chester.” — , “ You seem to take really a fatherly interest in Chester, friend Raymond,” suggested Bt. ‘eci . The Easterner gave a perceptible start, and sodid Chester, at whichSt. Cecil laughed uietly. “Bur rised that I penetrated your d guise, eh? W y, I should know you amonga thou- sand. Raymond.” “ You know too much. Go on with the game,” was the only rejoinder. The game was made, and the cards drawn. “ I believe I will take the pot this time, for a change,” St. Cecil observed. “ Are you done, gents?” “We are,” the disguised Ste hen Raymond ‘ answered, as he and Ralph Ches er arose. “ Then, Mr. St. Cecil, we will resort to poker for the finish,” Gold Brick said, as the two men left the room. “ We may as well know who is victor to-nifht as a other time.” “ Certain ,l’ St. il assented. ‘ They then changed 'tions to a card-table in a further corner of be room, where a large crowd of bystanders followed them, anxious to witness the games that should decide who should end the victor. ' “ Madam 1” St. Cecil said, laying a cooked re. volver in front of him on the table, “if I detect any trickery in the ame, I shall salivate you. Do on understand . “I’erfectly, sir. I shall play a square game. g lrepose1 to play you fora hundred thousand o are “ As you like. If you lose-r” , “ If I lose, one more game will dedde the matter.” The cards were dealt, and the glam. began. The crowd watched with hreat less interest. St. Cecil was calm and confident. Gold Brick exhibited seine nervousness, and her eyes gleamed fiery and watchful through her mask. ‘ The game resulted in the favor of St. Cecil, and he raked in the stake. She made no show of anger, further than ask, Igrimly: , “ ow much mone have you?” “ Two twenty-five ” he answered. She counted what money she had in the ail-gran which she had brought from the fare- e. ‘ “ I can make but two hundred and ten thou~ sand,” she said. “ I will stake that and the Palace against our ile.” “ On one co ition accept.” “ Name it.” “That you will remove that mask as Boon, I! I the ame ends.” ‘I‘ 0 which I “ Well, I am 1 stoning. “The conditions are that if I lose, you win fight a man whom I shall pit against 011, in a. duel, the nature of which shall be , to my choice, so long as it is fair to both.” ' 1'11”th m” t is thally mu.» ‘ hen e agre men mu The money was staked. “ roe on c’pnditions." The cards were dealt. , Income began . . ‘ . “£1: greatest silence prevailed, around the With batcdbmaththe macaw 'i f " their \ necks fol-war ', and watched and I :6“ r - a... “a... a .AA... ....-c. .... . I .. \. r --. var-fzw v-.r~ . _- ~ . tr]; if, W‘.*Hr~ax< ‘ I . for o 8 “ Great ham-bone that discombobberated the law of old Joneri” Old Avalanche ejacu— la . “ Whoever scoops the boodle kin retire from active bizness fer life. Hailstarms an’ tornadoes !” 8t. Cecil had won,’and raked in the combined stakes—nearly half a million of dollars. A wild murmur of surprise ran through the crowd.' Gold Brick arose, and staggered from the table like a drunken person. St. Cecil’s revolver covered her before she had fiche five steps. “ alt, or I fire!” he cried, sternly. She faced about, uttori rig a faint, exasperated cr . X What do you want?" she Pj'ticulated, fierce- ly. “Is not everything yours—iz‘hat more do you want?” “A view of your face unmasked l” he an- swered deliberately. “ Do you insist upon it?” she demanded. ‘ “ I do not insist upon it at present, and here,” he responded. “ThenI will see you to-morrow, and show you the man you are to fight?” Then-she turned and swept from the room, with the stately bearing of a queen, leaving the place by a rear door. Even as she did so, a number of men entered the gaming-room, and distributed themselves about different arts of it, while three of the number approac ed St. Cecil. One was a burly-looking-ruflian; the other two were Stephen Raymond, and Miles, the agent of Wells and Fargo. St. Cecil did not notice them until they were closeupon him; but his hand dropped quickly to his revolver, when he noted that they held their Weapons in grasp. ' “Halt! gents! Don’t come any further, ple l” the receiver warned. “ Ifyou have got anyt ing to say tome, I can hear at a good distance.” ’ “ We hev just suthin’ to say for ye!” the burly individual returned. “Yer Clevoland St. Ce- cil, ain’t ye!” ‘ ‘ V“I reckon I am, roviding I’ve not forgotten myself within the ast hour!” "Wail, I’m ther deputy-sheriff hyeraways, an’ in name is Ike James.” “Happy to meet you, Ikey. What can I do 0. . " e‘ kin do me a favor o’ takin’ yer fln’ ofl'm that revolver, an’ throwin’ up your hands!” “ ’gdeed! What for?" ‘f a’se I’m hyer fer the sole express purpose estin’ ye, an’ ye might as well cum to . of Lim rick, fast as last. The hull .town’s ag’in’ system: tain’t nouse fer ye to kick ag’in’ sich “ at do you propose to‘arrest me for, Mr. James?” . - The sport ems with the utmost coolness; but no one could bt but what he was nerved for instant action. _ , “You see, St. Cecil, there’s a couple of hard I charges‘against you, which makes it imperative that on be brought to justice!” the express- n , Mike Miles, interposed. “ You are w with the murder and robbery of Chet tut; you are also at the head of a gen of madfients, that this afternoon at dusk, ha ted and, h bedythe Helena stage. More. you are the notorious outlaw, Deadwood Dick!’ “’Tls falsei I am no outlaw. I am in no way c0ncerned. in the death of Chet Rossitur, nor did Iro'b him. As to the stage~ro-bbery, it is news to me, and I know nothing about the traitors of it!” I ‘ oo thin, Harris. Evidence is dead against you, and you might as well cave without par- . iey. Ralph Chester saw Rossitur’s pocket-book in your possession last night, and you’ve been mblin his money away in the Palace. More t on tha , there is no usc of your denying the road-agent ness, for one of the fellows who attacked the stage was wounded, and captured, an’ on being promised his om. he made a deaubreast of it, charging on with bei at the head of the hull businesle i , ck, as we shall hereafter knew ' “my”? once ved that he was entangled in a not, that ad been cleverly woven around him , w stern and hard,ashe 9 mac . “Gentlemen. this is a plot to underniine me, and 13,0 outof the wa of or thieving m i "‘ refuse’ to sur- .. err We: 4,43%.de w fuflhmdyoubot. Deadwood nick’s Big Deal... , CHAPTER VI. A LYNOKING sromn. Wm! an eventful past record to back him, none but a stranger could have doubted the truth expressed by the words of Deadwood Dick, as he stood there at bay, but apparently as defiant and fearless as though no danger at all menaced him. In Right Bower, however, his name and fame were not unknown, and the three men who con- fronted him were well aware that he would flght like a tiger before he would surrender. “ I hope you don’t infer that I have any in- terest in causing your arrest,” Stephen Ray- mond spoke up. “Indeed, I was struck dumb with astonishment when Mr. Miles, a moment ago, related to me the charges against you.” “ Of course you wouldn’t harm a hair of m head—oh! no; certainly not!” Dick said, wit grim sarcasm. “ You Were so well pleased with my coming to Right Bower, that you were ready to fall down and worship me, despite the fact that I was in a fair way to upset your thieving operations. You are an angel, Stephen Raymond, and so is your nephew, Ralph Ches- ter.’ “You wron Messrs. Raymond and Chester,” Miles declare? “ They are both honorable citizens, and t is useless for you to es any- thing derogatory to their character. W at we want you to do, 'is to 'surrender like a gentleman- criminal, stand your trial, and—” “ And assume my hem en neck-tie like a lit- tle man!” Deadwood Dic added, with a uiet laugh. “That would be a regular old pud in for you gents of Right Bower, wouldn’t it But, you see I am not playing up gentleman, 'ust now, but am fight to the very muzzle! on have worked a couple outrageous charges of! upon my shoulders, knowing that being first- water scoundrels yourselves, I was a man dan- gerousl y inconvenient to be lying around loose, and foreseeing that: could easiestbedis osed of b making me out a murderer and a ro her. a mit you have schemed Very clevorly, but your climax yet lacks the capping, to make it a success. You have first to secure me, before {Eu visit punishment upon me} As I remarked fore, I pro e to look out hvely'for my own interests, an shall help the undertaker’s trade I can, before I knuckle under. So go ahead, and take your changei” ' “ You refuse ter ‘sn der, than?” Ike James demanded. ' y ' ' “ You bet!” was the answer. The; deputy turned'to Miles and Stephen Ray- mon . , “Ye beer him, gents. [He sez he won’t sur- render. Shall‘I order 'the boyees ter riddle him i” ' ‘ “No! he must be taken alivel” the express- a cut declared. “ I belieVe. there is a standin’ 0 er 0’ a bio- reward fer his capture, in this ter- ritory, and bbesides that, Wells Fargo Will pay iomgt’hing handsome fer him, on their own 00 . “ Then we as participates in the capture will, git a bite at the rows , hey i” “ Of course!” ‘ James-turned and signaled to his men, and they drew near. ' ' _ ‘ Boyees, I’ll make ye ’quaint wi’ the notori- ous outlaw an’ pocketbook-lifter, Deadwood Dick!” the deputy said. “ He's ther galoot w’at ole Farmer sends beer to cut down yer wages, an’ run the camp in gineral !” The dark, u ly—expressioned faces of the score of miners, an their growls of disapproVal was the answer. ’ . “Ye parseeve,” James went on, “ that the feller don’t intende gi’n n , wi’out a struggle. an’ we wanter take him a ivo, so as to collar ther reward. So ’cordintl , when I_ yell ‘ go fer him,’ ye’r’ to sail in an capture him.” Remembering I have twelve shots in my grasp, and shall drop that many of you, at the rst hostile movement!” Deadwood Dick sup- plemented. “ Soif you have any worldly eflects to leave behind. you “will do well to appomt an administrator of your aflairs before he enter- tainment begins!” The miners looked from one to the other. The man’s cool demeanor coupled with his dare- d°vil repute of the past, did not exactly inspire them With an over-abundance of courage, nor a yearning to compete for the honor of having him re them fora pine box. - , e trio, Raymond Miles, and Jdmes, noted moi, withaco he ennui-or . ‘ ~' ' i‘dollaisoutof my own pocket, if you take him alive!” Still the men hesitated. Death for at least several of their number stared them in the face, should they attack the sport, and well they knew it, and as each man p seed a higher rate of value, than the offered reward, upon his life, there yet lacked the cour- age to “ sail in.” Matters stood at this stage, when a. cool voice cried out: “There’s no use of setting those fellows on him, gents—I have a bead drawn on his heart; so step forward and secure him 2” It was even so! Gold Brick, the gambler queen, stood in the rear doorway of the Palace, and her eye gleamed along a rifle-barrel, the aim of which covered Deadwood Dick’s heart. Dick saw her as soon as the others did, and a low, bitter laugh escaped him. “ You are right, gentlemen. Where our combined force of human bull pups cou dn’t have taken me, I surrender to the charms of the fascinating mother of sin, woman!” he said, re— storing his weapons to his belt. “Come and take me, before change my mind.” James advanced triumphantly, and put a pair of handcuffs upon the sport’s .wrists, his gro- tesque visage distorted by a grin. “ Gol-durn me, ef ye ain’t the nerve!” he said. “Pity sich a chap as you couldn’t ’a.’ bl’n PM tier better use. Reckon it’s all up With ye now, tho’ 1" Dick made no re ly. The room was filling with the curious cr0wd from outside, who had learned of his arrest. Raymond and Miles had stepped to one side, and were conversing. “What shall we do with him?” the express- agent said. “ He’s a scaly customer, and if he ever onco breaks loose, we might as well order our coflins, immediately.” ‘ “ He must not escape!” Raymond decided in slow tone. “I‘d rather give ten thousand dolo lam ting” He must be- surely and quietly dis- “ What! you don’t mean to hold him for re- ward, then?’ “Curses on him, no .’ a thousand times, no! Do you know that it is vitally to our interest and mine, to see that he is out of t e wayil He has a powerful friend in old Farmer, and Far- mer has a powerful influence with the territorial government. This Deadwood Dick believes. ou - and I to be concerned in the stage robbery i’ Miles started. Such a suspicion he would never'care‘ to have reach his employers. - “ You see," Raymond went on, “~ we'vo got to see that the fellow is quieted, oureeiws.” - “Why not try him, and lynoh- himi. The circumstantial evidence is sumcient.” - “It is too dangerous. The fellow’s been brought up for trial a number of times, and es- caped in one way or another. He may have a plenty of friends lurking about, and I’d not be surprised if Farmer is in the camp, this mo- ment. No! there is but one course for us to pursue. We will sat his trial for to-morrow, and lock him up under James’s care. If he is found dead in t e morning, what is more natu- rtal 3113!). that he committed suicide? Under- s an ! - “Yes. But where shall he be caged? There’s not an empty shanty in the camp.” “ True— Ah! but there is, though. There’s Crazy Chet’s place. A better one couldn’t be selected.” , “B Jove! you’re right. We’d better get him t are, too. I want to see him caged. I’ve too soft a’snap with Wells and Fargo, to court ex are. hey advanced toward Deadwood Dick then. and Ste hen Raymond addressed him: “Dea wood Dick, I have been consulting with Mr. Miles, and have decided to imprison you, until to-morrow, in the shanty of the man you robbed and murdered. At sunrise your trial will begin, and you will be hung as soon as convicted.” ' "You are sure?” Dick cried. “ Certainlyi We shall kc good care you do not escape.” you had better, for if I doescape “And so I’ll make things warm for you I" “Come along ' and shut up!” de 3y James cried. seiain him by the arm, an holding 3 pistol ready or instant use. “You’re woman “W3 entire ‘Ilationedrtbo' w e wwn.»Dendwood Dick was 1039 ~m cabin of the dead miner, Crazy cm. '; . ,. Ben's!!! 6001,”!on opcnfifliolgflscoer m inside, ud‘ m M zr'm be M 3‘99”! RR vingorders to rd ymond - the shanty well, and cogciluded that a 0 oz 1 \ \ I Deadwood Dick’sBig Deal. ~ 9 .m ‘_ ..._.__._.._._._.-.____ .... .. .._._... .. guard had been left behind, for he heard the main crowd set OR for Right Bower. He was unmistakany a prisoner, and charged with aserious crime; but the moment he learned his place of confinement, he felt easier in regard to the future. He was in the house of the very man he had promised to serve. And he had served him. He had fulfilled his promise by breaking the 'aro bank at Gold Brick’s palace! Were, there- fore, his labors for the crazy miner at an end! Would Rossitur give him aid, as he had prom- isedi These questions were foremOSt in his thoughts as he threw himself upon a cot in one corner and reviewed his situation. A hundred times at least in his eventful career had death stared him in the face, and threatened to secure him as a victim, and yet he lived to recall it all. But nothing now seemed more probable than that he was doomed if he could not make his escape, for there were two, at least, who would exert their fullest powers to crush him out of existence—Stephen Raymond, and Ralph Chis- ter. Then, was he expected to look for the friend- ship of any of the citizens, whose influence was plainly turned against him. because of his reduc- tion of the wages of the miners? Truly, it did not look so! On the other hand,rw1th no apparent chance of escape confronting him, be ad no other conviction than that he was in a bad fix. The hours dragged by slowly. Outside he could hear the sentries pacing to and fro. These were the on! distinguishable sounds. As the nig t advanced a thunder-storm came up and raged furiously for half an hour. The thunder pounded along the heavans threaten. ingly, as the lightning played about the lone cabin with blinding glares. . Deadwood Dick was by no means cowardly or superstitious, but he could not but feel a little awed at the situation, and he Re is his eyes rovin about him, wondering if my Chet woul make any manifestations of his presence near his former home. The storm finally passed, and dead quiet rei ned once more. Not even the sentry tramp oou d be heard outside. A weary sense of lens. liness and exhaustion stole our the prisoner, and are he knew it he was of! in a doze. It was not in accordance fivith his habit, however, to nap long, except in safe quarters, and he soon sat bolt upright on the cot, Wide awake and alert. , Some instinctive warning of danger must have aroused him. ‘ He listened. His quick ear caught the sound of a proaching footsteps. “ me one is coming this way, and if I am not greatly mistaken. it is Stephen Raymonr ,” he mused. “Do they mean to kill me out- n t, and thus make sure of me?” 9 had not long to wait. The might-visitors soon reached the door, unlocked an opened it, and entered. one of the number turning on the l ii ht of abull’s-eye lantern. here were four of the party, and they .Were Ra‘vmond, Cheater, Miles. the express- iaglfnlt, anda ruflian of the camp called Hogshead n All were well armed, and looked forbidding enough for any midnight crime. As soon as they entered. all but Hogshead Hank approached Deadwood Dick; be staying by the car to guard against a su rise. “Well, my gay Richard, how rlike 'you the position you occup i!” the elder mine-owner demanded. taunting y. “ One would think you were quite at home ‘here, you take it so mildly.’ “ ould they? Glad you told me of it. Why are on here?” “ or a necessary purpose. We have cometo make a final disposal of on, as, on mature de- liberation, we have conc uded that it will not beadvisable to 've you any show for your money!” Ralph hester spoke out. “ By the way, allow me to relieve you of the fat boodle you scooped in at Gold Brick’s. It will help alon my financial matters at y.” “ ou’ve ‘ot’ terdivy or ’ll blow the horn,” Hogshead ank interrupted. eagerly Pushing forward. “Eh! It’s divy, ain’t it, iles “ You bet!” the express-agent chimed in. eagerly. “ Thar ain’t goin’ to be nothin’ one- sided about ther matter.” \ " Who said there was!” Chester cried ongfll)’. as heva through Deadwood Dick's k9” "Gaming-duck! he hain’t got a, cento money : about’iiiin!l . 'A cry of surprise escaped the others. \ - : Dick’s face also denoted surprise. “See beer. durn ye, you’re too funny, Mr. Road-Agent!” Hogshead Hank roared. “Jest ye sing out where ther swag is!” “ If it isn’t in my outside coat-pocket, I know nothing about it!” Dick answered, ‘t for there’s where I put it a few minutes before my capture.” “ Thar’s not a vestige of money about on,” Chester cried. “ You’ve hid it somew area, you devil.” “ Impossible, when my hands are helpless. ! have been robbed, and I presume some one of you knows by whom."’ “ You lie!” Stephen Raymond cried. “ Nana of us knows a thing about it. But come. boys, we’vo no time to waste here. You are sure the money is nowhere about his person, Ralph!" “ Perfectly.” “ Well. gag him and fetch him along. The spinner we git rid of him, the better we shall be 0 I‘l'I Chester and Hogshead Hank performed the operation, and then dragged Deadwood Dick train the lpli'ison-rocfim. suita 6 tree or lynchin purposes ew near at hand and here the finny haltednand finntposed lariat was thrown over a strong I . Dick was then placed upon his feet, and the noose arranged about his throat. “ There!” Stephen Raymond answered, after inspecting matters. “ I allow that will fix you ofl’ nicely, Mr. Bogus St. Cecil. Are you aware that these are your last moments in this world?” “ No; Ican’t say as I am,” Dick replied, in his old-time half-insolent way. “ Well, know it now, sir. You came here on a fool’s errand, if you came to serve old Far- mer, for I was prepared for you. But you did not come here for that alone—ha! ha! no!” “ You are mistaken, sir.” ' “‘ Not a hit of it. You came here, still on your fierce search for your truant wife, the fair Calamity !” “ Curse you! What know you of herl” “ Everything—one thing especially, and that is that she is irretrievably lost to you, by being in my power—ay, so deeply in my power that she cannot hope to get out. Chester here is her rascally brother. It was to save him from the allows that she descrted her home and fled ere, there and everywhere!” Dick shot a stern glance at Chester. He now began to notice a resemblance be- tween him and the other fellow, Blondel. A‘ rascally brother of Calamity Jane, eh! Then she was, in one sense, not so utterly false us he had at first belieVed! But that this swarthy man could be her brother. did not appear rea- sonable to him. “They came to me!” Raymond went on “ and, being a distant relative to them both. took compassion on them, and took Chester into business with me, and'--” ‘3 Established her in the gambling hell i” Dick cried, bitterly. “You need relate no more to me. I understand all I care to.” “Indeed! But, I must tell you thatI have been backing the bank, and as she has allowed it to become broke, she_has but the choice of two alternaiiVes-one i, to marry me—the other is to quit the camp, or be forced to leave it!” “But, why this explanation to me?" Dead- wood Dick demanded angrily. “It concerns me not what becomes of her. Proceed with your picnic." “Get ready, boys!” Raymond commanded. “ There’s no use fooling with the cuss. ” The three men seized the rope with a will. “Yas, git ready, gents, but by ther great mortal ham-bone, don’t yer pull on that rope, ef yer don’t wanter git struck b a hailstorm o’ destruction!” a stern voice crie , c1090 at hand. CHAPTER VII. THE DOCTOR. THE surprise of the private lynchers was great, as they suddenly beheld Old Avalanche and his goat standing near. the former holdin a pair of huge revolvers in his grasp, one c which was leveled upon Stephen Raymond, and the other covering the three men who held the r0 0 The dim moonlight stealin downward through the tchwork of clou a, made the : scene if anyth ng more drama“ 0. “Hello! who are you. and what do want?” Ra , and demanded. in a rage. you 2 “Wall. in a lo. lanche, their“ and extol-Inim- tor. I’m a sp iler ‘o’ picnics an’ loath prints \ . . m on. an: ' snaps, like this. Goin’ ter hov a darned nice time weren’t ye?” “ You’d better skip. or you’ll find out. You’ve no right to interfere in this matter, and we’ll tolerate no meddling." “ Won’t ye? Waal,_neow by ther muscles 0’ ther great ham-bone w’ot kerflummixed old Joner,I kinder argy diffrunt, me man! I’ve two uv us purty drape as mortal man evyer held; an ’sides, hyer’s my beautiful William Goat, Jorrymiaher, as hev a batterin’—ram ca- pncity o’ sixty tons. Jerr feels in good trim, ~ now, ’ca’se he 'est chawr: up an old set 0’ bar- Hess. a pair 0’ ots an’ a copper Wash b’iler!” “You infernal old galoot! You don’t mean to sa you’ll shoot?” “ hoot? Lor’ yes! Ef e attempt tor tighten that noose about Die y’s neck. some~ body in sev’ral instances is gwine ter crap. I ain't foolin’——I mean biz!” “ What do you say. boys! Let’s itch into the old rascal and lick the blazes on of him," the express-agent suggested impatiently. Chester and Hogshead Hank shook their heads. They knew that the veteran had the I reputation of being invincible in a fi ht, aid. that having the drop as he did, it s to rea- son that he ,would give them a chance to-jom the army of the departed. “Lookee here! that’s all nonsense!” Ch growled. “I for one would like to know what 8 to bedone'i Are we to hang this rnflian or not?” “Em )hatically not!” Avalanche answered promp y. “ Ye’re jest gwine ter turn yer toes, toward Right Bower, and mawg! D‘ye heart I mean it. Ef ye refuse one minnit, down goes the apple-cart of him w’ot hesitates. ‘One,,two, three—git !” ! Stern and authoritative were the Great Am nihilator’s words, and not a man of £19 WWIdr' be lynchers’ quartette doubted that would do as he had promised. v '.' “Boys we’ve gotno choice but to obey” Ste hen Raymond cried, “and I am going. It ‘ wil be an unhealthy thing to remain here. ’ “I’ll fix you if you cher show up in' t camp, old man; and you, too, Deadwood Dick.” Ralph Chester threatened, savagely. ' -- “All right! I shall make it my bininosa to“ hunt you up, you scoundrel, since I’vofoundout who you are said to be!” Dick retorted. -- .' .. - Then the baffled party set out in single meta. ward Right Bower. ‘ ‘ - When he was no longer able to heathen-- footsteps, and was satisfied that they were real.- I K gone, Avalanche approached Dick antitank eropofromhis neck. . . . ' .' ‘ “A narrer esca , boyee—a horror escape. Didn’t much allow ’d akeer ’01:! away lousy.‘ Hello! what’s thick-handcuffs ah?” .. ‘ . “Yes. I reckon I’ll find it difficult to get them off,” Dick replied. ' “Dunno. That reminds me. When I was comin’ beer, foot I know’d I found a key in my. hand. How the ’tarnal thing come ,thar is‘a consarned in story. Some one must ’a’ sh td it thar, but couldn’tseea person around. ’ es' ther same way I cum inter possession 0’ that package 0’ money for ye, arter I’d dn money down yonder tube. Lordyi w’ot’a r mystery about this bimess, Dick 5’.’ l y . “ You know nearlyas much about it as I, Alva. But try that key. . Maybe it will fit the handcuffs.” ' ‘ The trial was according? made, and, to the great so so of both, itd open the handout and?“ hwoo:i Dick {as free h , ‘ not er ece 0 may eta mysterious work,” he muttered to himself. “ e or hit ' agents it must hava been who took the tartan. from my pocket. It so, it was a luckything'. for otherwise it would have fallendnto the clutches of Raymond and his gap ." - .- He turned to Avalanche abrup y. ' “Where were you goingi" “ To Right Bower.” ' i “I; won’t be healthy for .you to 30 than now ’ . " ’ “ ’Spect not. till the wind blows over. I’ve a, snug home up in the mountains, tho’, where I’m comfortable, an’ yo’ie welcome as the day in ion ." . “gThanks. But i shall so earn inBight Bower ‘ yet awhile—in disguise. , on have my heart- felt gratitude for rescuing me, as you have done, not to-night alone, but frequently ham, willseoyouagainuo -n W" . . “ Stop!" cried a ring ng voice. and simian...- o with a sudden of n .m- MW Avalanche, .I wont Deadwood Dick 2” 710 ' \ Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal. As she ceased 'ng, she took her mask 03 , = and dput it in her pocket, revealing her wildly i,’ _ . ban some face and flashing dark orbs. i { Deadwood Dick’s face was calm, stern, and i otherwise expressionless. He showed no sur- ,_ _ prise at the transformation, nor did he offer to p ; open the conversation. ,, o “ Deadwood Dick, I have come to settle with ;' Ivigul” she said, facing him. “You have come : _ ' re when I bade you not follow me. You have 3 a - come here and accom lished one part of your I yen in] mission; I’ll elp alon your chance to ,, I do t e other part. We must fig t. Before God 9 ; weareboth sinful enough, but in your eyes I 2‘.’ ' r am the worst. We cannot live together; an im- ' passable barrier separates us. Your aim is to crush that barrier, but you will have to crush mefirst. It shall be pistols, thirty paces. There , need be no trifling, as we both can shoot!” : .i' . “I will not fight on, madam. My only aim , is to kill the man w 0 took you from my home!” . _. , Dick replied coolly. g~ . “You shall meet me. You shall fight!” she 5 _: cried, excitedly. “ As enemies, on and I can- 1- ; notboth live upon this earth. ne of us must : v. ' make room for the other!” . . “I repeat, I will not!” Dick replied. “ Go 5 ; ; yourwayand rejoice.” i. - “Rejoice!” She spoke the word with intense ' ‘ bitterness, which told that her Ezesent life was ' far more miserable than it was ppy. I i; i V > Dick smiled faintly as he saw her bitterness, F _ but said nothing. i i “Rejoice!” she repeated, after a. moment. 1 a v - “Yes, I will rejoice, after awhile. You * ;- . won’t fight mel” l. ! is No.) “ You are a coward. You dare notl” \ Dick’s derisive smile was the answer, and it é . named to madden her, for she uttered a fierce ~ W raising her revolver fired at him. V , ing she fled from the spot, never once 7, , looking back. to learn the result or her shot. ’ a ’ Dick staggered a little, and then straightened :-‘ ‘ ' uP- ‘ ‘ “Avalanche,” he said, sober]. , “ do you not i‘ - behave she’s crazy?” . {v ' “Great ham-bone, boyee, et do look power- 1 : , . lull that way.” ; ~ , “ not crazy, what power is it that scoursed ,. ;‘_ Chesterholdlovsrher,aswellasStephenRay- mcndt” I, . I “ Wull, Dick, I did promise her, arter she told , meonc’t. lately, not to say nothin’, but seein’ _» '. ‘ it's you I’ll to ye. ’Pears that Chester is real~ ‘, H ' bsrbrother, an’ ilt 0’ half a dozen mur- ; ' era, wi’ as many b ood ounds of the law. arter " , him. Itwere to git him to a place 0’ safety that g,’ " ’ 1 she ’bsndoned‘ygu swearin to clin to him, Q I. until satisfied law had ost tree of him, 3 r and be war outer danger. The cuss sbow’d his ?.~ ’ attitude ter her, stealin’ ther boy, an’ ; :, a sellin’ it to Stephen yinond an’ thet’s how r 9;“ he’s had the grip on her and made her his tool!” 3 : “ Aha! then my boy still lives!” " I “ It do, but whar I don’t know.” i “ We must find out, Avalanche. and 3; L I: \ sessionof him before she does. She never have him!” the sport said, fiercely. “But .j ” ' ' come. We must awe from this spot, lest we " be discovered. I w see you again, when I ,1, ‘ want cu.” .3 ' ’ ' “Afi right. Not hurt, aire ye?” 7;; ,, “Oh! no. Merely ascratch.” 1' ‘ ,’ Theoldscoutwassoon outotsight. --', t , ' Deadwood Dick still stood near the shanty- , I cabin that had served te ly as his prison, 5', “swampy absorbed in a reverie, t on he ‘ ‘ 5 - . approached the grave, and peered - - =. down the tomb. ' All was dark, and a none too pleasant smell 5“ i “I opine some one is dead down that, be it ' Crazy Chet or no,” he mused. “As I don’t ppen to have a cent left to invest in this > ‘ graveyard lottery, I allow I’ll go into the hills, , r and strike a camp.” ' m. . He actediaccordingl ,rzolon lselectiprzg a. guit- ableplacei naseques en,a ttree miles irons Right Bower. acre, heybuilt a fire to keep the wolves away, and tched himselt out for a nap, for on the mor~ new he intended to revisit the mining-town. g s i S. fa? E' Some said this had scared the ex-road-agent away, but others argued that, ten to one, he was not very far 01!. . The excitement was daily increasing in the camp, for fresh and paying leads were being discovered, and the Raymond mine was open- ing up wonderfully, giving employment to many extra men. v The Palace was largely patronized night and day, Gold Brick having resumed charge, and was evidently trying to redeem her former losses. 1 A big shanty-hotel had been run up, along side the Palace, and Right Bower had the pro- spect of becoming a big city, on the quick. But one doctor did the camp afford, he hav- ing hung out his shingle at the Palmer House, the new hostelry which adjoined the Palace. “Dr. Felix Dorking” was the inscription on his sign-board, and when his business became known the doctor was an object of much curi- osity and attention. To all appearances, he was an Easterner; a broad, portly man, who dressed well, but wore his pants stuffed in his boots, and wore revol- vers in his belt, all of which strengthened the good 0 'nion of the “citizens,” of him. His ' board was snowy white, as was his flowing air, and little of his face was visible save his nose, sharp e es, and a fine forehead. Business had been ull, since the doctor’s arri- val, there having been noshooting-matcbes nor stabbing-affrayszconse uently he was surpri d, when he received a cal to v1s1t Stephen y- mond. . He found the mine-owner in the cosey parlor of his residence, attended by Ruth, lying bol- stered u on the sofa. “G -morning, doctor. I heard that you had set up in business here, and so got 8101:, to give you a. gob.” “ Indeed What appears to be the nature of your ailment, sirl” “ I do not know. Stran e feelings attack me, occasional! , which it wou d be hard for me to explain. nce I was bitten by a dog, that soon lwen: mad, and I have had fears of hydmpho- 18. ' “ That is bad. Wh have you_ this young lady attending you, w on you might at any moment go mad, and harm her?” “ I had not thought of that. Ruth, on had better leave me. There’s no telling w at may happen. Doyou think anything can be done for me doctor?” “Nothing,” Dorking replied. “ If you have indeed been bitten by a really mad dog, the chances are against you. It ou’ve an‘y con- science to clear up, why you’d tter do t, and keep as quiet as you can. That’s the best and only medicine.” . ‘ Thank you. If you do not think I am cur- able, why 01 course it will not be necessary to ‘run ug a hill.” “0 ! of course not,” and Dorking took his departure, after which Stephen Raymond burst into a 10313. loud augh. . . a “Mad ogsbehangedl I tooled him Justas eaail as I ex ted. He’s no physician, and I’ll swear to it. He is one of two persons, either of whom is dan rous to m interests. I Will see if he cannot unmask . I’ve a deal of business to arrange, by the way l” He touched a bell, and a Chinaman answered the summons. “Send Chester!” he said, briefly. The gambler made his appearance soon, look- ing in an ugly mood, his eyes bloodsbot and his whole aspect hespeaking the effects of dis- sipation, and late hours. “ What d’ye want!” he demanded sullenly, sinking into a chair. “You called me away from a fat poker hand.” “ Let gambling alone. more important.” “ What?” . “This. I’m sick and tired of this backing you and the girl. You’d ruin me in time. an ’ve made up my mind to shut down, now!” “How in thunder am I to do, then?” “Let her take you and pilot you on. She can do that, or marry me, as she chooses. I’ve an idea it won’t be healthy for you in this ch- mate long, anyhow.” “Pshawi You mean in regard to the blood- hougds of the law. They’ve lost the trail long hg gone back on me, on Widths”? by don’t ya giveitapto \ “maslmyotsbbmumrvomm mmmmamrm ibo- There’s something 8‘ ” “Ye don’t know her. She’s just like me— greased lightning, when set a-gomg. “ Bah! You’re more bark than ite, Chester. OH with you, now! Remember, I supply no more funds to either of you.” “ Don’t you!” A significant voice propounded the question-— the voice of Gold Brick, as we shall continue to call Calamity Jane, she havmg stolen into the room, unobserved. “You don’t propose to supply me or my brother with funds any longer?’ “I do not!” Raynmnd re lied. “I’m too much money out already. on forget, may- hap, what you now owe me.” “ I forget nothing, sir. I propose to pay you back, dollar for do ar, what I owe you. Give me a receipt in full, sir.” Ra mond looked astonished and flustered. “ V 'hat! not now—you are not going to pay all now? I am in no hurry for my money 1” “ Oh, no! .I am aware you are not. You want to hold me In your power by keeping me in your debt. I say no, to that. ’11 pay 'ou all—a hundred and fifty thousand dollars. ive me a receipt.” _ _ With ilhconcealed satisfaction Stgfihen Ray- mond obeyed, and a large roll 01 ba -bills and the receipt changed hands. _ _ Gold Brick waited until the mine-owner had counted the money and shoved it into his pack- ets, then she said sternly: “ Is it correct 3” “ Yes, I believe so. We’re uare.” “ Not quite, if you please. here’s one more little item of interest. I want my child 1” “You’ll have a good time wanting I am thinkin ,my beauty!” was the meckin answer. ” You now on w at conditions I WI 1 restore the boy to you.” “ Monster! Do you dare to think even for a moment that I would yield to those terms! I’d die first! I hate and abhor yo even thou b you are my relative. I deman my boy. 2 you do not. give him up to me, I will appeal to the ' le!” “ I{hal How do you suppose on could gain an thing by that What can be people do? Ba —nothing!” “We shall sea! ,They can make you give up my child!” “They cando nothing! the kind. I am a man of powe in Right wer and the man has yet to come that can gainsay it. By the way 10?” did you win the money you just paid me “ At the taro-table. The old doctor contrib- uted abOut half of it.” , “'Did you have your royal brother-here in the game? r “ I did not. Once more, and for the last, Stephen Raymond, I demand my boy!” - ‘ And once more, and for the lee . you can’t have him without marryin me!” “We shall see!” Gold rick cried fiercely. “ Ralph, tell me where he is!” “ I can’t, sister. I don’t know.” “Then, until you find out and restore to me that which you stole from me I disown and hate you, and it will be better for you to keep from my path.” She spoke fiercely, and there could be no doubtin her sincerity. A v' ainous flush shot athwart Cheswr’s dus features. “ e needn’t be so mighty tart!” he growled. “You remember there’s several parties inter- ested in the kid!” “You’d better never have been born if. through our agency, the boy ever gets into Deadw ' Dick’s possession!” And With these words she swept from the room. “What a fool!” Ste hen Ra mond growled, after she was gone. “%he could have a_ home if she’d marry me. Do you think she Will ever go back to the outlaw?” ~ , “ NO‘ I’m satisfied they’ve parted for life.” “ We what are ou going to do? She has thrown you OK ems atlcally enough.” “glam scin’ to fin the boy. and speculate on “Raymond laughed evilly. “I wish you much success in om- bfind an. dertaking. When 52011 find the y, bring him to me, and I W111 give you more than any one else for him.” “ Humpb! I’ll be apt to sound the math first,” Chester growled, as he took, his leave. As the reader hasdoubtlpss surmised Dr. FelixDorking was was otherthanourbead- weod Dick, cleverly made up and disguised. The disguise had stexiouslycome intchis my \ Deadwood Dick’s Big , _..... ..... ._._._. possession, when he was asleep in the moun- tains, and he had at once put it to use. With the disguise had come a. letter. written in milk or some whitish fluid, which Dick was obliged to warm before he could get at the con- tents. It read as follows: “When on want mone , apply as lwfoi't". Find out if Rut Raymond is gtephon Raymond‘s own child. If possib e, examine her arm, and if you find ‘F. F.’ pricked in her arm, drop a twenty-dollar gold-piece into the grave. Farmer‘s stock in the mine may be offered for sale soon, by the share. Buy it up, unless it goes way up. Run it we up. That may draw out interest. Suy lciyniont ’s, if offered. He has one-third of the whole stock, which lies between him and Farmer, and consists of three thousand shares. all told." So, as Doctor Dorking, Dick had relocated in Right Bower, and was satisfied that no one sus- pected his identity unless it was Raymond; for he felt sure that the mad—dog story was a lie, and that the mine—owner had an object in re- quiring his visit, which was likely to discover who the doctor was. That afternoon as the doctor was sitting by a table in Goli Brick’s Palace, he saw Raymond enter the room. An intuition seemed to warn him that mis- chief was brewing, but he felt less concerned now, than he might have done at another time, from the fact that there were five men scattered about the room, whom he knew he could depend on—men whom he had tried and found true as steel long before Right Bower had any existenca. He had met them up in the mountains, digging at a poor claim, and the were glad of the chance to leave their wet to serve their old- time master. However, Raymond gave no evidence of a disposition to create immediate trouble, for he recently approached the doctor, and accosted im: “ Good-afternoon, Doc. Infernal] dull about town. What say to a quiet litt 6 game of poker?” “ I’ve no objections to help while away time,” the doctor answered, calling for a. fresh pack of cards. “Shall we play for any particular sum ’ “ Ohl I’ll chance fift on a game.” “ Very well. Fifty ollars a side it shall be!” the doctor asserted, put ‘ n his stake. The game was played, an the doctor won, with ease. A second, a third, a fourth, and a fifth re- sulted the some way, the games being quickly rigged ymond was deeply chagrined, for a con- siderable number of the habttues of the place were interested spectators. Then, too, to be beaten five straights, without a “ smell for the money he had lost, was annoying to his pride. “See here, how long is this infernal luck of yours going to last?” he cried, hotly. “I’ve a notion can turn it, and take some of the con- ceit out of you. See! it is five in the afternoon. I’ll play you from now until twelve to-night, for a thousand a side." « wild?“ ‘°°i°“ it: i ‘ ‘ , wasgo ng s ulate n stock but I don’t know but this is upfgir a. chance. l’will take on up at your offer, Mr. Raymond.” “ vo you the meansto back you through until that time, sir, in case of a reverse of luck?” “I believe when gentlemen sit down to play for a certain length of time they generally have their cash handy!” was the retort. “Very well. While you order a fresh deck of cards, I’ll step ovor to my office, and fortify ‘m self,” Raymond answered. 8 had the amount received from Gold Brick in his pocket; when he returned to the Palace he had as much more added to it, which repre- sented the gigolo ofgfis cash capittal. _ d Ste hen mon wasam0s vain an con~ .ceitecf man iny some things. He believed him- self an ex rt at poker, and did not think that in along fight any man could play With him. new that the doctor had money, and he meantto la him until he won some of it, for though at rst suspecting him to.be Deadwood Dick, he had now formed the 1m- pression that it was none other than his partner 3f :3? Right Bower mines, Jason Farmer, in is so. » The news of the forthcoming contest between ' the doctor and the mine-owner, 3 read rapidly, and the Polaob .was soon crow ed, but there was little chance of getting near the table. Gold Brick was on hand, and kept the specta- matonspectablodhmnoe from thoployers, in order to prevent any annoyance or p- “ I propose to raise it to five a side,” the doc- now i tor suggested. for small stakes is too slow work for me. ‘ive thousand a side, and play until one or the other of us rises from the table, broke.” “ Agreed 1” Raymond acquiesced. Then, the initial game was played. The doctor Won. Again the game was played, and again he won. A murmur of astonishment ran through the audience. Raymond looked his chagrin. “ You’ve something like Deadwood Dick’s luck,” Gold Brick ohservod. “ I never was so lucky l” the doctor declared, with a little laugh. “Speaking of Deadwood Dick, I came across a fellow of that name, up in the mountains, on my way here, a fortnight ago. Had a bullet in his liver, an’ was pretty well played out. I couldn’t do much for him and reckon he must have pegged out, after I left him. Your deal on the new game, Mr. Ray- along.” “ here was no possibilit of his getting well!" Raymond queried, at the same time deal- ing the cards. “ _Oh! no, not the least chance!” the doctor re lied, disinterestedly. . be game was played, very cautiously, but With no different result: the doctor again Won. Not only that game, but twenty more in suc- cessmn, Raymond never getting a single stake. “ You’d better quit, while ou’ve money left,” Gold Brick advised, for t e (incitement was intense in the room, and the mine-owner was growin flushed and savage. “ When I m broke, it will be time for you to speak!” no retorted. “ Go ahead, D00 1” “Don’t rob yourself, sir, on my account,” Dorking smiled. “I am willing to play only so long as you desire, as I really have no great likin for cards.” “ our infernal luck would seem to indicate that they have a liking for you,” Raymond growled. It was something wonderful. Twenty-eight games. alto ether, includin the five games of fifty a side, ad been pla. e , and the mine-owner had lost evory one, ma ing {i‘tofal loss of over one hundred thousand dol- us One more game was played, and—'- The mine-owner won! This brightened him up, a. great deal, and he called for a bottle of liquor, from which he took several drinks. “ Raise her to ten 1” he cried. “ The luck has turned at last.” The raise was made, the game played, and Raymond repeated his success. “ I told you 'luck had changed!" he cried, helpin himself to another dose of “ medicine.’ “ oop her up to fifty thousand l” - “Anything to accommodate you—make its hundred if on likel" the doctor said. “ .4 hurt red it is, than!” Aloud murmur of excitement ran through the room. . . This was playing for a. fortune—by no means an everyday occurrence in even the loudest gaming-towns of the West. _ Following the murmur, breathless silence reigned supreme, as the two men began their pla for the great stakes. ., llbt the least sound disturbed the quiet except the fiippin of the 8. Gold Brick watched the game carefully, but was able to detect no attempt at cheating. A shout went any! . The doctor h won, and scooped in the big stakes. Stephen Raymond’s face was whiter than any of the Bowerites had ever seen it before, and his hand was nervous as he poured out another glass of whisky. . “Once more,” he finttad. left. Stake against it. ” The me was played. Again the doctor won. “ I am broke!” _ The words were fairly hissed from the mine- “ I’ve ninety-five owner’s Ii 8. “Yes, r. Raymond, you’re three hundred thousand out, and it’s partly your own fault. '19“. tm, you must know now, if you didn’t before, that you cannot geiay poker. ’ “ I’ll show you yet. sit until I step down to Mc'l‘ill’s, the broker.” “ What are you goin there for? ’If you wish :0!”th of your stoc in the mine, I ’11 buy poi t . “ tomaloononit forholf-on hour. I’ll eitherwin back what I have lost, or I will lose all.” ' “The idea of so long pla ing . “I must refuse to accommodate you then, sir.” “than you do not refuse to play me?” “Not when you come to. me in our sober senses, and do not get excited an rash, my dear sir.” “ Do 'ou mean to insinuate that I am intoxi- cated, Sir?” And Raymond sprung to his feet, hot y. “ You are intoxicated with misfortune-yes. You had better not play any more, for on have lost enough. Allow me to tell you t you have no show with me at poker, and I did not urge you on to play. So I am not to blame for'yopr losses, and will not play with you a in. “ You’re a liar and a coward ."’ A murmur of astonishment ran through the crowd as Raymond fiercely uttered these words. “Did I understand you arightl” the doctor asked, arising and transferring his winning: to an inner cket. “You eard me!” was the answer, savagely. “ You are a coward and a liar! The words were hardly out of his mouth when a sudden and unexpected leap brought the doctor over the table and his left hand clutched the mine-owner by the throat, while his right fist struck him a terrible blow on the cheek. . . “ A liar and a coward, am I?” hocried. “We shall see i” van CHAPTER VIII. rmcnnnr. STEPHEN thuoxn struggled in vain to re- lease the dector’s clutch upon his throat, and struck at his enemy blindly. The doctor, however, dodged the blows, and‘. at the same time proceeded to give the mine- owner’s face a. sound slapping, the crowd cheer- ing), and en oying the sport hugely. ick fin 1y hurled the mine-owner from him, fiercely, and Raymond landed upon the flour, some distance away. He sat there a moment as he had fallen, his face betraying all the evil passion of his nature; then, without a word, he arose and shook his fist at the doctor, and left the Palace. “You better look sharp, doctor—hos don’t mean you any good,” Gold Brick w as she stood near him. “ He’s powerful in t Bower, and can bring down the wholaol rou hs upon you, if he wills it.” , “ hi I am not afraid of him, younglndy. ILm only ,sorry I didn’t give him a sounder t rashing' . “Well, I b you won’t get into trouble“ air. You look ike too old a. man for bottling. “Oh! I am not so youn all onoewaabut it in not every one who can oor me now.” And the doctor was turning away, but Gold Brick caught him by the arm. “One moment, please,” the said, in a low tone. “Tell me one bhm‘;_d0&i my still livel” _ He looked at her With a stare, then laughed, ‘ dr 1 : X Your husband!” “Deadwood Dick. Tellmo labs-till dive!” ‘ ' ’ thin’ certain “Possibly, though there is no about it.” V ' “ Will you tell me where I can find him?” “Want to finish the job, oh? No, I can’t ac~ oommodate you!” “ I don’t want to harm him. I want to join with him in making a search for our child. After we recover it, I will take it, and go so far away that nobody will ever hear of us again in our true character.” ‘ “ I reckon if he gets hold of it. you’ll not be apt to float away with it; not if heflhtlyox‘ pressed himself to 11161” the doctor with so much earnestness that he wondered be: sus- picions were not aroused. “You won’t tell me where he is, than?” she asked pleadingly. , “ Nor a. time marml” now usin the minin vernac or. “You’ve sorter. em ttorad h s feelings toward you‘ll take it an’ “191' further ye keep away (rum im, the tter will be the diagnosis of your case.” . “Oh! I’m not afraid of biml” she cried, her eyes gleaming. “He knows that. He knoWs that we have virtuqu separated forever. I simply wi’ to join with him in moovgring och “Better go it alone, gal. If he gets the child, bug’s going to-keep it, that’s flat, add a. “Bohholl never have it! . I’ll kin firstl” shecriod furiously. “Lima lag , novergnwithhim” r .. ..-. _ . “Well, of course you must settle your own 'I l \ s’ n :_< ., \\ .. {aloha}: "a 1’2 \ Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal. disputes!” and- the doctor, turning away, left the Palace. “ A trying ordeal !" he muttered. when seated in his room at the hotel. “ So she wants to jom issues lon enough to get possession of the child! Ha! ha! t at would be right clBVer, too. I fancy, however, that loan work better alone. If I mistake not, Stephen Raymond will seek me out and try to win back his money. My ‘mly plan is to run him down-to hard pan, and then play him for the child. I expect I shall I /bave to meet him in duel, first, however.” A knock came at the door just then. “Come in!” the doctor ordered, wondering who it could be. There seemed to be a moment of hesitation on the part of the party outside; then the door opened, and Stephen Raymond entered. His face was dark and sullen in expression, and his eyes burned redly. In his hands he clutched a roll of bills of con- siderable siZe. “I am here i” he said, glaring at the doctor. “ I have come to demand satisfaction." “ Certainly,” laying a self-cooker on the table. “What way do you want it!” “Not with weapons more dangerous than poker, just at prewnt. Will you give 1118' a , chance towln back at least a part of what I lost at the Palace this afternoon 1!” “Only on one condition, Mr. Raymond i” “Name it, sir!” “Y3u must retract your words of this after- “ I cannot do that. We can settle that affair at another time.” “By no means. Either retract, or leave the room !” ' . “Then, I take back what I said, if that will suit you, and apologize. Now, then, have you a deck ($31???" m h ‘ ave. at oyou propose tom t 9 object.” “I have twenty thousand dollars here. I’ll stake every cent of it on one game. It shall ’ either be the means of putting me on my feet, or of sending me away from Right Bowers pauper?” " ‘ . “What! you haven’t sold your stOck in the min for that sum?” ‘ r'“ have mortgaged it to Le Clair, the broker, rezone hour?" - - You are foolish. Take your money and go redeem the stock 1” ' “Never! I’ll play you for what I lost.” “I'd'advise you not to—advise you in a friendly way, tool” _ > “Re your advice and put up your money.” The‘ tor covered the hot-headed miner’s ‘ stake, and the cards were brought into operation. . Raymond played as slowly and deliberately as though his life depended on the issue. His antagonist played in his usually cool, 0&- hand manner, not seeming to care particularly which way the game ended. ' But, as usual, luck was with him, and he won! Ashe raked in the stakes. something like a groan escaped Raymond. . face was very pale, and his eyes had a Wild, haggard appear- anu. - “Iam ruined!” he asped. “I am reduced from a rich man to a eggar. But I won’t al-. way’rbo thus. There are ways to get money— yes there are ways!” ‘ to go, but the doctor caught him by “Stayl’l he said. “ Don’t be in too great a hurry.’ There is still a chance for you to win back'a part of what you have lost.” “What do you mean?” “Sit down dud I will explain." Raymond obeyed somewhat eagerly, for a hance meant much to him even though it might (be small. A “Go ahead,” he said. “ Do, not trifle with me or you’ll find out it won’t pay.” , ‘ ‘ is no necessrty for trifling. You heard no mention encountering the fellow, Deadwood Dick. _'Before I left him, he made me remiss to march ‘ for a lost child of his. whi he be- lieved to be in your possession. He wanted me toga”? it and care for it as my own.” “ You have this child?” . "I am non-committal.” ‘mt‘s useless ti‘dgygt. This child islofi ‘no more“ spoon ate on. gin'yon {Gannon to do so. I'll put upthe twenty 300nm I just won of you against the you loco you an to deliver the child myoudody.” : - » ' I the arm. Raymondwauilcnta do- ,immangonwhnnodoc .'. y . If he won he would have a stepping-stone to- ward getting back his old fortune. If he lost—l . ‘ Some dark and evil thoughts entered his head in connection with this latter “if.” “Your stake is too small,” he said, finally. “ I could not think of arcing with m prize for any such money. Ma o it a hundre ?’ “ Never!” “ Well, fifty, then. You surely are not afraid to risk that?” “ If you lose will you give me the child?” “I will. I’ll take you to it to—night, and give you possession of it.’ “ How do I know that I can trust on?” “You can depend on my word. but is good yet, if I am broke.” “ Well, it’s settled then.” The doctor posted his wager, and once more the pasteboards were brought into requisition. The game was played very slowly and care- fully, both men fully intent upon winning. But it was the same old story. The doctor wond and gathered back his stakes without a wor . For a few moments the two men sat eying each other, Raymond’s face corpse-like in its aspect. " Are you man or are you devil?” he finally demanded, “for there is something infernal about your luck.” “So it may seem to vou,.but I assure you I am perfectly human. When will we start after the child ’5” _ . Raymond glanced out of thwindow. It was getting dusk outside, and would soon be dark, for there was no moon and it was raining in a drizzling sort of way. “I will be ready in half an hour, and meet you on horseback in front of the hotel,” he said, rising and leaving the room. 4 “ Scheming knave, what evil plot have you formed in your mind to work me harm?” Dick muttered, when he wasalone. “Some plan, I’ll guarantee, that means me no good is hidden beyond in . resent vision. Ha! ha! you don’t mean to y el that child so readily and I know it. I’ll be on my guard, you can bet.” _ Taking his money from about his person, he did it up in a neatgackage and took it down to the hotel oflice an left it in the proprietor’s care, to be placed in the safe. If Raymond’s object was robbery, he knew this move would baffle him. Had he had the time, Dick would have taken the money to a more secure hiding-place of his own; but he had not, for by the time his horse was brought - around, Raymond was also in waiting. Looking well to the condition of his belt-wea- pons, the doctor leaped into his saddle, and together the two galloped out of the camp to the uorthw . For an hour they rode along. without speak- ing, following the course of the narrow canyon. which constantly grew rougher and more rocky. Finally the doctor asked: A | “How much further have we to go?” . “It’s another good hour’s ride yet,” was the brief, jerky reply. _ "Beware on do not attempt to lead me into a trap, Step en Raymond! I am repared, and watc lug you and at the first intimation of treachery, I’ll send a bullet through your heart l” . "‘,Never fear. You’ll have no occasmn to do so. Then the relapsed into silence. The rain¥lrizzled down heavier, and Dick 0t wet. havin neglected to pr0vide himself Wit a rubber coa like Raymond. , On they rode, speedily branching of! of the main canyon, and ascending a Wilder wooded gorge into rough broken mountain country, heavily timbered. At the end of an hour Dick saw a light twink- ling among the trees ahead, and drew rein, at the same time drawing a revolver. “ Hold up. No leading me into traps. Where does that light come from i" he demanded. “,Pshaw. .It’s only the fire in front of the cave occu iod by old Sol Stryker and his wife. There’s w are thebo is. Come along. No one wants to trick or harm on.” , .. . . Ho rode on, and Bio had no chaice but to follow; but he was never for a moment 03 his Thoy,soan drew rein before a small fire of Blue cones, whiz: tagged 2% shelter fit a . . .9 10¢ ' of? Jews. 9 ‘, into the mountaimghic 'was evidently of 1% size. As the two men drew rein, Dick said in a low tone: “ Remember! I am ready to drop you at an instant’s notice 1” , Just then an old, roughly-dressed and ill-100k~ ing mountaineer hobb ed from the cave, and approached them. “ Is tliet you, Mister Raymond?" he asked. peering at them sharply. “ What in the world brings you out o’ sech a stormy ui ht?” fi‘l’ve come for the boy, Sol. t belongs to this gentleman henceforth.” “ Ye don’t tell me! Won’t ye dismount, and come inside. I’ve a. fresh fire ready for the lighting, an’ there’s a drop 0’ Monongahela in the jug. The old woman’s got the chick put to bed, and I ’low it ’11 take her sev’ril minutes to git him fixed." . “ Just as you say !” Raymond said, turning to the doctor. “ A drop of Sol’s bug-Juice will take of! the chill of the rain.” “ I don’t mind if we do i” was the reply, for having taken acareful look about, Dick had not detected anything sus _icious. Accordingly they ismounted, and entered after the old man, who lit a fresh fire, which cheerin lit the large cave. There was evidently another apartment, for a slovenly-looking woman made her appearance from what was apparently a nature. niche or doorway. “This way, Mag,” old Sol cried, as he brought his nests a couple of stools near to the fire. “ Bring out the jug, an’ a couple of cups. These gentlemen aire wet, an’ want warmin’ u .” The woman courtesied, and did as directed, whereupon both the doctor andhis guide helped themselves. to a portion of the 11 uor. “ Now then, get the child re y, and we will be oing,” Dick ordered. “ es, Mag, bundle u the boy well, for it is damp without," added mond. The woman disappeare , but soon returned,‘ carrying a pretty two-year old boy, who was neatly dressed, and bore the appearance of having been well cared for. Dick could have snatched him eagerly to his breast and rained kisses u n his fair bright face, but he knew that for t 8 present he must restrain his feelings and kee up his deception. “ Come here, my little to cw,” he said, when the woman placed him on the floor. “ I like little boys—won’t you come see me?” ~ Something in his tone seemed to disarm the" child’s hesitation, and it toddled over to him and allowed him to take it upon his knee. “ What is your name, little one?” the doctor asked. . “ Dickl” was the lisping reply. ~ ~ “Dick, eh? Would you like to my “Me want papa—mammal” the chi} eagerly. . _ _' ’ “Will you go With me and find papa, little ’0 “’Es l” was the quick answer. “Me go.” “Then let Maggie bundle you up,‘and you shall go with me.” The woman then took him, and wrapped him in a blanket. ‘ ' Stran e to say, as young ' as he - was, he seemed o comprehend that he was going 'to his papa and mamma. , ‘ When he was ready, the doctor raised him in his arms, and turned to Ra mend, upon whose face was a peculiar smile o triumph. “.Are on ready to go. sir?” Dick asked. “ No, Yarn not," was Raymond’s r§ply. “ I think I shall remain here, awhile. on mm leased to at your boy once more in your arms, cad wood ick?" . And, he gave a mocking laugh. Dick started. Had this man penetrated his disguise, or w“ it only a blufli ' “ What do you mean?” he demanded. “ I mean that you have not deceived me,” was the answer. “Under that clever disgmse. you are Deadwood Dick; and more, a dozen rifles cover you, from without the cave, held by men who are dead-shots. A single move tr attempt to escape or resist, will be your death-warrant! It is b: who hold the winning band, now, you can tl And Dick could but admit to himself that it looked that way! ‘ r spa i" said, CHAPTER IX. . ‘ For: several minim” he said not award, m Raymond, who was wath him with ' , t!!- W his face. J - .v ‘ -- Momma and IW Raymond gave a waist: like a'bird, an at.er six Stalwart mountain roughs marchedlnto \ C the cave, each grasping a repeating-rifle that was cocked and ready for use. “ You see,“ yinond chuckled, when they came to a halt, “them 5 my kings in the mine—four kings and an ace, with a jack to spare. low do you like the hand?" “ A ssiblo winning hand, no doubt, in a skin game. May I inquire what you propose to do?“ “ Why, invite you to partake of my hospitality for awhile——until it gets light enough to yin-l1 you in the morning. You may as well surrender the child, and let it go to bed." “Never!” Dick gritted, standing at bay. " The child is mine; it shall never leave me again while I have a stron ' right arm to defend it." “ Pshawi on talk wild. My will is law here. Put down the child, before I have the. men riddle you with cold lead." " Let. ’em riddle. I can do some riddling niysclfl” For he now held a six-shooter in the grasp of his l‘l"llt hand ready for use. yr . \ Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal. “A good nig t for escape, if I can once get out- side the cave! ' Dick mused. “If they have taken my horse, I can do all the better." An hour passed. He began to get uneasy lest Ra mond should awaken from his drunken sleep. r “131le he saw the sentinel motion for him to ap- pl'Oflc l. Stealthily risii , he tenderly raised little Dick in ' his arms, and sto e toward the mouth of the cave. e well knew Raymond would not give the order j to tire, for four little Dick would be killed, and 110 ‘ “’35 I‘I‘C‘llm‘t'd ‘0 Ina-kc a. des crate resistance in figse they tried to overpower iim by force of num- rs. “ Then you‘ll not put down the child?" 2 “Certainly not; and if you try to take it- from me, I‘ll start a cemetery in this place." btephcii Rziyiiioiid was too shrewd to doubt the Sport’s word. He had heard much of the past his- tory of the Prince of the Road, and knew that. at any time he was a bad man to tackle, even with large odds against him. _ 'i‘hercfore, to set his handful of men upon him was likely to be the means of losing pr. rt if not all of them. Which he was not ready to do when he needed them all. . . “ Well. I suppose it’sbeticr to humor you in this instance,”he said finally, “You’re going to kick the air in the morning anyhow, and suppose you cant ‘l‘iold your kid, if there is any satisfaction ll] I I. “You are kind, on finding I am inclined to have mv own way!" the doctor I‘('lll.’lI‘l\'(‘-’l, seating him- se 1’ near the fire once more. “ You‘ll find ‘ou had b ‘ttel‘ Select a different sort of a man to trifle with, my noble hetrayer." Shut up," Raymond growled. ” Boys, take your places at. the mouth of the cave. and allow no one to pass under penalty of losing yoiir lives l” The men obeyed, taking turns in pacing to and fro across the entrance. Ra 'niont-l turned to old Sol. Who was seated by the re, smoking his grimy pipe. “ ate the matter With you. Old man? Why haven’t you been to work i" he demanded. “ Every stage for two weeks has been fat.” . “l’ve had the rheumatics, so I couldn‘t lead, an‘ ther boys wouldn‘t go it alone. I reckon ye better take charge of ’em, capt’in.” "So I intend to do, temporarily. By the. way." ---and he turned to Dick—‘_suppose you just hand Sverra matter of money which you ivon from me to- 8-.V “Sorr , but I cannot accommodate you, Buy- mond. did not bring it with me, suspecting treachA - eryhon your aiitl" 1 u out escape t to out aw, for such Stehcn Nair, strike Startling We?» a 0‘18 ‘ er in m things for him most of the. time:y “ on are lying to met" he cried, the money Wit you!" 2“ I have not.'_‘ Then it is in your room at the hotel in Right BowIei-i‘l’"In ” t s a. safe lace,“ Dick res nde uletly. “_N ever mind; I211 find out, and goveg’p‘hssession 0f 117‘ fine? you are. safely out of my way. Fetch out your liquor, Sol 1“ T1183"? was forthcoming, and after 811.113“1 down a large g 858 of the stuff, Raymond carried t e jug to‘his pals, and treated them. . Now, boys, remember that fellow is a risoner. and you are to see he don‘t once. from he cave, tWixt now and morning," heéAig. mrglfvs’bmy he gets awe I’ll shoot every mo er 8 50" h A 5; from the men nined that they had eggs: then rocured a blanket and rolled him- self in it, at one sale of the cave, and was soon in a drunken - Old Sol gazed at the fire awhile longer, then 0' into the inner cave, brought back two thick fila‘ggets, and cast them at Dick‘s feet; then he re- treated to the lumen apartment, and was seen no more. Concluding that there was nothing more prac- ticable to do for the present, Dick fixed a comfort- able bed for little Dick out of one of the blankets, and rolled himSelf up in the other. He was in no humor for repose, however, and was on his guard every moment. The hours dragged b slowly, the fire in the cave burned low, and one o the guards came in to add fresh fuel to it. He was a rough, heavy-bearded fellow, who, it struck Dick, had a. familiar look. “Aim ye awake?“he asked, in a. low tone as he piled on the wood. “Be in readiness, and I‘ll get you out of this af0re morning." “ All ri ht!" Dick answered, considerably sur- prised puzzled. The man went back to the cave entrance. and did dut as sentinel. The other men were lying about. evi ently snatching a little sleep while a chance at- d d. ' 1061?th the cove the rain now come down steadily and heavily, while the Wind ’moaned dismany through the pines. ' “ You have In two minutes they were past the dozing guards, and out in the pouring rain, then the sentinel said: "Follow me, now. We must get far from here before our escape is disc0vcred, or there‘ll be fight' ing to do." “ Who are you, that I have to thank?“ Dick asked, wriilyiiiig his child up to keep it from gettingjwet. “. ever mind' I am a. friend. Call me tick, if anything. Shall I guide you to your own camp?" “ Yes, if you know where it is." The other gave a little laugh-lie evidently was Well acquainted with its location. This sur )rised Dick, for he believed its existence known on y to himself and his five men—for it was in a secluded mountain glen, walled in on four sides, and accessible only by a narrow, fissure-like ravine. Here it was his men were to rendezvous when not in Right Bower, and he doubted not he would find “Will there, lo-iiight. - The walk was long' and tedious. but Dick felt as if he could ham walkvd on. for days at a film, now that he had possession of his boy. ‘ Tin-y reached the gln-ii a Couple of hours before daybreak, and found Dick‘s coiiiradrs tln'rc. Tllt'y had built a serviceable cabin. and within this, cosey shelter was found from the rain. Soon after their arrival, Jack, the guide, turned up missing. and inquiry of the guard at the entrance to l “10 R’lcii elicited the information that he had gone, for sure. “ A strange fellow," Dic': muttered. “Something seems to tell me that I have met him before, and yet I cannot tell where.” After arraniriiig little Dick comfortably win-re he. could finish his sleep, Dick glanced at his watch and an : “ I must be off too, at once, for if possible. I wont to reach Right Bower before Raymond does. Re- main llt‘l‘c and see that no one enters the glen or sees my boy. I will return as soon as I can. Look alum} after. the little one, and make friends \vith llll. Then carefully inspecting his weapons, he left the cabin, and the glen. ‘ It was three miles t) Right Bower. and Dick had fears that he would not arrive there ahead of Ray- mond. If he did not, he felt sure that Raymond would expctse him, and then it would be a question how he could recover the money he had left in care of the hotel-keeper. , Swift-1y he hurried along, and succeeded in mak- ing the camp before daybreak. The street was deserted, and the bar and office of the Palmer House were the only places open. Creeping stealthily near to the hotel, Deadwood Dick gained the veranda. and look ed in. Stephen Ra iond had already arrived, and sat no 'ding in a c air in the bar-room. The night clerk was also half-asleep in the office. Dick teck in the situation at a lance. “I‘ll haveto sail in and get t 0 pack _ now or never!“ be muttered. There‘s only two 0 . em, if it ‘Unl s to a. scratch." . k H: stole into the office and touched the dozmg clerk on the shoullcller, at the same time presenting ' six-shooter to is nzc. . ml" ‘Shl Make a. solid. and I‘ll blow your brains outt" Dick hissed warnimrly. “ D‘ye hear me i“ The terrified clerk nodded, glancing toward the bar-room. . “Don‘t you dare attempt to warn him," Dick cautioned. “ Your life depends on how you obey me. Open that safe and give me the package that belongs to me. Quick! I‘ve no time to waste! Death to you if you refuse." The clerk was not old in the mines, and not over- courageous, and be made nervous haste to 0 en the safe and deliver up the package, which ick received with a smile. “Just give m respects to Raymond the road- ngent, there, wil you? ’ he said. “ I‘ll see him when I have more time." and with a. laugh, he leaped out into the night and was oncl This lau h aroused tephen Raymond, and he leaped to h feet, excitedly. ‘ What was that, Dunby i" “The doctor. sir. He came, surprised me, ‘pnd forced me to give him a. package from the safe. . “ son your infernal Btu dityl ,Why didn‘t you 2311 fme thelymone was in t e safegulfiaymond roar , urious . “ peaku , cursey “ I didn‘t know about if sll‘. till he demanded a. package from the safe. he took me all by sur- prise sir." . “ ou‘re an idiot. Clivef inghgoine whisky“ Ill have reven on some one or . He 3w owed a huge drink, and then, without paying for it, rushed from the hotel, more like a madman than a sane person. ” “I‘ll take my ite out on some one, be raved. “There‘s the gir ; she’s nothing to me. and Ive treated her too fine. It‘s time broke her proud i. o A line of light came from .under the door of the little shanty where Gold Brick made her home, at such times as she was not at the Palace. Within, two persona sat at. the table. on which urned a candle One was Old Avalanche, the veteran Annihilator; the othort‘wa Gold Brick, alias Calamity Jane. Grim, somber expressions were upon both faces, .....,.i..., H... . . ,. , .. "no -, \.,. * I ‘ W13‘, 1 the Annihilator‘s being more so than usual, while there were traces of tears about the young woman’s t eyes. “ Yas, thar‘s no two ways about it," the old man was so. ing; “you‘ve bin actin’ up like a darned \ ejit, an no ono‘s to blame but ycrself. Ef thet con. Hariied loafln‘ coyote m7 a brother 0‘ our_n war sunk out 0‘ sight in a Texas quicksaiid, ‘d we all ther §pondulics this old hulk is wuth, an‘ t t ain‘t 3 8w H “Abuse him, if you like!" Calamity replied. cold- ly. “lie is ust what he is, and lie is my brother—— the. only re tive left, of my family. Do you su - pose I am going to see him gobbled up by it ie law "M "Yc'd better it him out 0' this camp, or some one asides the aw, wull gobble him up. I would not blame Dicky a bit if he popped him over, furst op‘icrchunit 'i" alaniin ane‘s eyes snap d. - “ Maybe he had better tryi '. If I am not mistaken, he’s past doing any one harm." “ litllll great antiquated linm~bone that discom- i bobborntcd the larynx uv old Joner! That bullet o' yourii war “0 more than a lion-bite tcr him.“ ” The doctor said ll(' was dying up in the moun~ tains. I tried to find out where, but he wpuldn‘t ‘ tt-ll me.“ “ ‘('a‘sc the doctor and Dicky breathed thru‘ the samcwind-pi e!" “ I don‘t be ic '6 it." “ I do. Ye say the Doc cleaned Raymond out o’ . all he was worth?" _ “True. No man but Deadwood Dick could filay such a game of poker. I‘ve learned since that ay- inond sold his stock in the mine, and the doctor\ scoo ed in the cash he got for that!" “ as, an” ye see‘d ’eni ride off tergether tonight, at dusk l“ hvllm?" i ll ' ’ t t m goat “1’ wager ten ( o are ag‘in ama e 'er y , Jt‘l‘ mialier that they played fer the kidl" Ca amitv anc turned pale. “ Great‘heavcu. It is only too probable. Raymond would never give ii i the bog tho‘l" . “ Can‘t tell. Mel) C the t ng was bindln‘." “Avalanche, you make me nearly crazy; What; shall be done? You promised me to stand y me." “ Ef rc‘d give up that brother, gall" ' , “ We . I have half madeu in mind to do so—un~ less he should restore ms t 6 0y; then I‘m bound to sue him through!“ “ Thar can‘t be no ‘ it’s ’ nor ‘ ands ’ ’bout it, O'lam- ity. I scd I’d stan‘ by ye, an’ not let ye cum ter harm. but. I can‘t hev no sech galoots as Ralph Chester haiigi‘n’ ter yer skirts. Ye opine thar can’t now-r be no reconciliation ‘twixt you an' Dick i" , “Of course not. After what has passed, he'd never have an thing to do with me, and I’d never risk him to. A l I want is my child, and a father's home with you. I'll give up t is wild life." “ Ye‘ll scoot Chester. then?" ' ‘- “Practically, yes. He has his orders, now—never to approach me as a brother until he brings me my boy. I‘ll not see him harme , though. Hush!" ' A knock at the door. Jt was not. like a man’s rap. “ Who’s tl.cre?-—wbat‘s wanted?" Calamity de- manded. ‘ "For God‘s sake let me in!" a woman‘s v cried, in pitiful accents. CHAPTER X. BUG-JUICE BUYS ems. “Ir must be Miss Raymond or else a stranger. 0 )en the door, Avalanche!“ Calamlt ordered. he Annihilator obc 'ed. and adm tted no lets a personage than Ruth ymond. She was a sight to behold. Her dress was torn in sev laces, her nose ‘ was bleeding, as were sev- oral scratches u n her hands and wrists, and her hair was disheve ed. ' “ What is the matter, Miss Raymond!" 09. cried, sprlwng to her feet and ttlnga basin of water. “ ow come you in this p ght?‘ , “ You will be a risedwhen you hear,"wuthe answer. “I will to you, ina few moments." 1“An i110121.101:l of {mar soon stop liter nose from a n,an so enseated one an M' from onto to the other. ’ “Stephen Ra _ and did this!" she said. “He came home aw 6 ago in an intoxicated condition. and ord me to get up and dress. read to’ disobey, I did so, when he were at m not his do. hter, and that he was go man He knocke me down and kicked me I think he would have carried out that I aim led to m{ feet, hit him withachnir, and then i! from the ullding, and wondered here. Oh! what shall I do? I never saw him as he is now. He will kill me if he finds me l“ “Oh! but Ireckon he won‘t, while I’m on form mm! “ Calamity said. "You stay right barmaid will look out fer you." ‘ “Oh! but you are too kind. I am sograt‘efulr to- you; Do you think he will come here in search of me 19 “I reckon not. If he does, I'll send him away mi hty quick. He’s 01'! his base to-night, ‘cauee he los eve dollar he had in the world a cardsl" “th i does he nimble?“ , - “Somethin like hree hundred thousand dollars‘ wor§h yeste k Thai; it if :10? a new day)" hi. “ on so scamn you were not danglinggoom Avalanche 85d. _ “What dd you . mak ofthati" ‘ e » . “I believe it to be true sir," Ru respo ' “ although I have lived with him avg- since Idea, remember I have reason to believed am not daughter,fro I ' mainlyl‘ ’ ‘. r1 '. m the fact that I bearindla7hilr initials, - Juana... , “.5 .x- 5...... -..... ~-A~L_;. . - \ 'be known thro . was was (Etc ed over with court-plaster. were it nworked in my arm, that are different from my present name. . “ I can put you at rest in regard to this matter,” Calamity asserted. “You are not Stephen Ray- mond‘s daughter, nor are you in any way related to him. I know who you are and who your parents are." “ Oh! then you will tell me?” Ruth cried eagerly. “ Possibly I may do so, although I have sworn to maintain secrecy in the matter. You can remain uicildernmy charge for the present, and 1 will con- si er. “ Oh! dear lady, if you will only tell me who I am, and where I can find my real parents, I will be so thankful!” “ Very likely I may do so, ere long. For the present, you had best confine yourself to the next room, so that no chance caller may see you here.” Ruth accordingly entered the little sleeping apart. ment, and closed the door. Calami then turned to Avalanche. who had risen evi entiy to take his departure. “ What! not going?“ “Yes. I must t out of the camp before day dawn, for there might be trouble were seen here. ' “ Perhaps you are right. I shall depend on you to do what you can for me.” “ On course, g3}, on course, but thar‘s one thing ye mustn’t expect met“ 5‘ What?’ “ ‘Bo‘nt the boy—I can’t hev nothin' to do at cap- teriu' ‘iml” ‘ “ y not pray f" “ ’Ca so I’d e gointback on Dickey, and he'd never forgive me. No! no! I‘ll stan’ by ye, gal, but I can’t take no han‘ in capterin’ the kid. ‘ . “You are too conscientiousl" Calamity declared. “ I don‘t see how you are going to serve Deadwood Dick and me at the same t e. “I‘m not sarvin' him—but I don’t keer to do nothin’ ter win his ill-will, which I would be doin' of I had a hand in the kid case.” “Well, I an pose if you Won’t, you won't. Ifancy it won‘t take on to run down the game if the child is in Deadwood ck's possession.‘ Avalanche left the shanty without answering. The next morning Stephen 'Raymond caused it to hout he camp, how cleverly the Right Bowerites ad been swindled by Deadwood Dick as the pseudo-doctor. The excitement was intense, and Raymond found a few to sym thize with him Over his la e losses; but that (ii not subdue the tire, and e drank heavily having sold his house for enough to keep him in 'quor money for a time. Durirgfi the forenoon St. Clair, the broker, hung out a _ flagand notice that the stock in the Bo— nanza mines, latel owned b Stephen Ra mond, would be auction on that af emoon to the best bidder, to re y advances made. When the our came for the sale, the crowd was no is that it was found necessary to hold the sale out 0 doors. AbOut this time there a pearcd upon the street a diversion. as it were, in t e person of a full-fledged whacker. He was a man of but medium stat- ure, but a typical mountain tough in appearance. He was dressed in sto‘gty boots greasy atched breaches, a dirty red shi , and a batters p ug hat, full of bullet-holes. His belt contained hree re- volvers and a knife of huge pattern, and in his hand he carried a dangerous-looking) bull~whip, which he would occasionally crack wit emphasis, and‘give a wild ell for accompaniment. Awhlsky-bot protruded from either pocket of pan and it was evident that he was out on a “ bender. ’ His face was well cavered with reddish and his hair was of a like color. His nose red upon the end and the balance of it eyes and shrewd. 9‘ Auction, hey?” he yelled, as he came rancing along down the street to where St. Clair ad just ted a d goods box. “ What’s in’ ter sell? 8 e out, for yer’s old Bu juice Bi , ther Terror 0 Tombstone,aswants ter ip right inter specilla- tion, an’ then hev a good old fight wi’ sum festive galoot arterwards, e ther’s enny fi’tia’ stock in ther cam . W'at ye ’wine ter sell, capting?“ “ e thousan shares in the Farmer gold mine!" St. Claire laincd. ‘ Gentsal offer for your con- sideration tephen Raymon ’s late interest in the Farmer~Raymond Inning Concern, consisting of one thousand shares. You all know the prosperous ndition of the mines. and I assure on that this fin rare chance toinvest, as this is t e only stock not owned by old Farmer. Were be here he would doubtless gobble it up in short order. To accommodate those of moderate means, I will sell ten shares at a time, with a rivilege of a hundred armors. Now,how much 01 heara share? Bid lively gents—never git another chance like this for a pcfving investment 1” ‘ ' ’ll give ten cents a share!” roared the bull- whacker, clambering up on a flour-barrel. “ Ten cents I start her at—me, Bug-juice Bill, ther Terror O‘FYmbsfil‘lelnnf f by k ing uiet, i ‘ an 00 er a avor cap 3 r. How much did you say, Mr. Dunn?" q “ Fifteen dollars 1“ “ Started at fifteen dollars a share. Who'll make it twenty? Going at fifteen who‘ll make it twenty?" “ lave twenty-five!" shouted the bullwhacker, "PM “who’ll aka it tw nty?" shouted St . w m v e . no no attention to him. . , “T'ventr mIsarr'yenedm . ' here, man. are you going” quot?” St. \ . Deadwood Dick’s Big Don: “ No I ain’t!" retorted the bullwhacker. "I bid twenty-five dollars a share fer ther stock e‘re of- ferin’, an' I don’t want or tor fergit it. bid‘s just as gud as next one!’ “ Man, you haven’t got two hundred and fifty dol- lars to your name!" " You’re a liar, an’ I kin lick blazes outeu yer. I kin buy ther hull town ef I takes er notion!” and Bug—Juice Hill waved a fist—full of greenbacks in the air. "I’m biddin’ twent ~five a sheer fer ther stock' 0‘ the Bonanza mine. oes arygaloot waster see me an’ go me better?" “Twent dive dollars is offered! Who’ll make it thirty?” - outed St. Clair. “This is a cash sale, gents!” “Thirty!” from MrJDunn. “I’ll go ten better!” cried a St. Louis speculator. “Hyer‘s what’ll fetch her a boomin’ u ter fifty 1” cried the bullwhacker. “ Oh! ye needn’t ookfio eyed at me, Mr. Auctioneer, fer Bug-Juice Is {est got ther collateral ter back his yawg, every day n week. Hain’t bin knockin’ round t er West for ye rs all for nothin' you bet !" “ Fifty dollars a share is offered, gents—a 'verylow sum I assure you. Why: the stock would double that on the Eastern mar 'et. You are not offering fort per cent. of the actual value, I assure you !" “ ixty!” from Mr. Dunn. “ Sixty-five!” from the St. Louis party. “Seventy!” from a Chica can. “ Seventy-five!" from St. ouis. “ Eighty!" from Chicago. “ See hyerl” broke in Bug-Juice Bill, “ duz a galoot hev ther privilege o’ the hull thousan’ shares fer spot cash an’ to bid?” “ He does,” St. Clair re lied, eagerly, for he was in a fair way to make a ig thing on his loan to Ste hen Raymond. “ hen jest knock ther hull caboodle down to me for a hundred dollars a share.” There was a momentary silence. St. Clair turned to the other bidders: “Well, gents, what do I hear? Any of you any- thing to say 1’“ The three men shook their heads. “ Last call! A hundred dollars is oflered. Who will raise it?" No answer. “Sold to Bug-Juice Bill for one hundred dollars. How many shares will you take, sir?” ‘ “ The hull thousand !’ “ Then step over to the omce and we will settle.” Bug-Juice William flap (1 his arms to his side, gave dvent to a crow, an gazed around over the crow . “ Feller-citerzens, I shall hev ter tear myself away fer a few minnits; but I won’t be gone long!“ he announced. “ Prisently will I be amongst you, ag’in, an’ of ther’s ary galoot as wants ter climb me, by way 0’ ttin’ ’quainted, I’m est ther gentle Zephyr as wull eha‘ppy to chew OR is nosel‘ An with this remark, Bu Juice dismounted from his rob, and followed 8t. ir into the office—the bro 'er locking the door to keep out the curious. “What shall I make your name. in transferring this stock?" the broker asked, when they ' were seated, and the bullwhacker began counting out the mono . “ Jagson Farmer!" was the reply. “ I bought in the stock for him." St. Clair stared. He had been wondering what it all meant. The transfer was soon made, and Bug-Juice Bill took his de arture. - Almost t s first person he met was Ste hen Ray- mond. The man was wall soaked with lquor, and had the appearance of an n 71y wolf.~. “ herei’Zhe cried, " I ear you bought in that stock of m “ Yer bet! What or got ter say ter it?" “This much— ou‘ll never live to profit by it!" and Without anot er word, he hurried on. Bnifil-Juice Bill continued on up the street, Occa- sio ybursting forth into a boisterous so 3 now and then taking a nip from one of his bottles Singing at the to of his voice, he reached the hotel, when he was su denly given a. slap in .the face, which at once stopnped music, and at the same time caused in to reel backward to the ground. He was on his_ feet in a minute, however, and glanced around him. “ Who ap lied his palm to my mouth, jest then?" he roared; ‘ war at you?” ' And be fixed his aze on Ralph Chester who, half drunk and in a bad umor stood near at hand. “ Yes, I slapped you, and I don’t want to hear any more of your music around here!" the gambler growled. “Ye don’t eh? Yer don’t want ter hear anuthor sq‘uawk from my bud-like beak, eh i“ ‘ No, I don’t.’ “Who ,airc ye? Does ary one know ye around heer?“ “ I reckon so.” r“ Got credit fer a coffin, eh? Waal, hat’s good. You’ve got ter flte. D’ye know whom you‘ve in- sulted? Bug-Juice Bill, ther Terror frum Tomb- stone—ther blood-puddin’ o’ ther Nor’west. I’m bad, and m goin’ ter kill ye!" “Youo'rfina big blatter. Ef you want to tight, square And the gambler aimed a terrible blow at the bullwhacker, which was neatly . and the next minute Bflph Chester lay outstretched upon the ground, ha ng rewived ab 017 full between the 0M .. ' HeWb‘hishetmflyto knocked hack 7 Three times he essayed to stand up before his enem , but each time the result was the same. As 0 arose a fourth time, gras ing a pistol, there came the report of a weapon—bu not from Chester. Calamity Jane had fired from the door of the Palace. The builwhacker turned in time to see her, the bullet havin grazed his shoulder. He smile ,and turned ust in time to escape a bullet from Chester‘s pisto . Sprin ing upon the wretch he tore the weapon from h s grasp, and knocked him down with the butt of it. “Next time I‘ll settle with you for good,” he cried, Burning away. “ Keep your distance, if you wish to Ve.7v He then entered the hotel, and procured his sup er. A terward he smoked a cigar upon the veranda, when he was approached by the man, Jack, who had previously rescued him—for the reader must have guessed that Bug-juice was Deadwood Dick in another disguise. “ The devfl’s to pay!" Jack said, in a low tone. “How do you mean?" “ Raymond’s gang has been reinforced by fifty rustlers, and they’re oing to pounce down on the town to-niight, and re and plunder it. You’re known, an fi'ou want to scoot!” “Bah! I’ not go! What hour is the attack to be made ?“ “About ten o‘clock.” “ All right." He arose, and going to theend of the veranda, began to shout. In a few mmutes be had a large audience. "Gents!" he cried. “ I have just learned through a spy, that a gang of rustlers, headed by Ste hen mond. will ounce down on this camp to-n ght, to plunder and urn it. Immediate action must be taken to give these devils a warm reception. Be- hold! I am the man for the business of taking the lead—I am Deadwood Dick, ever ready to fight for the right! Shall I lead you in this matter?" A murmur ran through the crowd; then a shout arose: Hurrah for Deadwood “Death to the rustlersl Dick, our captain l" And from that moment Dick knew he had scored hi]: biggest dealin the game he had undertaken to P Y- II. THE nncmmo cans. Wrrnour delay he set to work perfecting his plans for giving the rustlers a warm reception. *- Consulting with J uck. he learned that it was their intention to attack from the northern ap roach to the cam and it was likely they would 9 a dash into the ickest part of the cam first. He therefore ordered all ban to arm fully, and secrete themselves in'the shanties borderin on the street, from which they could pour a destru 've and continuous volley into the rustlers‘ ranks as they dashed down into the town. i A number of men were to remain about the street to prevent suspicion being aroused, but were to take to cover when the first shot was tired. Dick had thrown off his ,and was here, there, and everywhere. arranging his plans, and his prompt action was well received. even by those who ad a first been inclined to distrust him. ” Things are working well!” Jack. the guide, said, as he kept close to Dick’s side wherever he Went. “ There is only one thing wrong." “ What?" Dick asked, quickly. “ ymond's daughter is missing." “ What of it? Vi 1st interest have you in her wel- fare?“ and the egport eyed him suspiciously. In; ”great d . I cannot tell you now, but will 1'. “See here,” and Dick laid his hand on the man's shoulder; “you are no longer an enigma. You are Chet Rossitur!” _ Don’t mention the name! Chet Rosamun- is dead—that is, so far as such a man ever existed, Enough of this now, however. You have served me well, and shall not lose by it. I'll be near you dur- ingvthe event? and see you later." hen he h all arranged, Deadwood Dick dro ped into the Palace. But a few men were in the cc, and the were armed and waiting for the attack. Gold rick (otherwise. Calamity J she) was presid- behtiggnglebaljik lid dpaidf cigar u, c one an ora .in the same indiifgrent way as if they had never met before. “Your aim was unsteady tonight," he marked 1 . dqfdid not aim to kill; I merely wished to stop the troll" she retorted. “You’d better hide the follow. I shall drop him at first r0vocation.” She d d not answer, but her eyes emitted a gleam that did not imply good-will. . The rustlers were prompt. At about ten o’clock a party of fifty~flve horsemen dashed down into the camp, to be welcomed by vol- ley after volley of bullets poured into their midst from either side of the street, thinning their num- bers terribly. The riders returned fire, and the air was discordant with oaths and shouts of ven- eance. ' ~ 8 But they were fairly caught, and the further they dashed on into the town the worse they got it, until so t was their loss that the order “ scatter " W88 y out, and they took to flight in every possible Then when the citizens pouredforthintothe street once more, the cryof “BurrshfongdwoodDid-u" .. I \ Deadwood Dick’s {Big Deal; was taken up, and shouted until the wry gulclrwulls seemed to catch the spirit of enthusiasm. and echoed mid res—echoed the cry. A look over the battle-field showed that fully two~ thirds of the attacking party had been shot down. Deadwood Dick came to where Jack was kneeling beside Stephen Raymond, who was’nol yet dead. “ Help me to take him to 0m- sidc. I must find something out ere he dies ” the man said. They raised him, and took h m away. In due time they came. to a dim] inconlit s lot, where they were not likely to be. (1 sturlied. Iii-re they layed Raymond on the ground. He was still conscious and eyed them iinXiously, evidently fear- llll.’,' that they intended to use, violence. ” You Were ll. little too cute, but it‘s all on his ac- count," with a savage snow] at Jack. _ f‘Yes, it’s all on my account," Jack replied. “I Jomed your gang for the sole purpose of bounding you down to death, and I will do so, if I have not, already. Where are you shot?“ “In a fatal place. i’m not long for this world!“ Jack tore the heard from his face. for it was false, lcnvmg a perfectly-smooth countenance, that be- longed to a man of fifty years. Raymond and Deadwood Dick both uttered ex- clamations of surprise. “Jason Farmer!” the former gasped, paling. “1 have long suspected you were not far away." “Then, you were ri ht. As Chet Rossitur. IWfi-‘l here some time ere I hid St. Cecil. am” ,DeadWOOd Dick come to represent me. Rossitur. I 611- tered him into my service, and behold the result, £31111“, ruin, and vengeance for himself, as well as for e Raymond made no answer. The millionaire turned to Dick. . ‘ Mr. Harris, a. little explanation is due to you, whom I have used as a. tool, in one sense, to bring this wretch to his fate. Years 0, Stephen Raymond and Iwere rivals in love, but was the victor by winning the object of our mutual choice. A little girl balify blessed our nmon, and when I fancied myself one o the happiest of men, this man struck me a blow Throu n his instrumentality my wife was murdered, ant my child stolen. Raymond also disappeared, and I never heard of him, afterward. un i about a year 880. When my out sold an interestin this mine, to. him. I then found that I was in partnership With my old enemy, and began to get ready to wreak vengeance u n him. i have that, now. Ruined and run to t e death, Stephen Ra mond, I cannot ask for more vengeance on you. A I want, ism child.” . “ ind her!" was the grim reply. “ Where is she?” “I don‘t know-neither do I care. I drove her from my house, last night, and I care not where she is. The game is up, and I pass." He died without speaking again. Dick and Jason Farmer then turned away. "I must seek my cam now." Dick said. “and if I find everything all rig t, I’ll return to help you search for your daughter. ’ ‘* Very well, sir. But first come with me. You bought in the stock I hear even though I did not give the directions. You did right. You were still acting in my interests. You shall lose nothing by servmg me as you have.“ “Roi led the way to the Rossitur cabin, and they en- .re . I’rocnring a lantern and l' htin it, the-millionaire. mine-owner raised a trap- oor the floor and de— scended a ladder, biddin Dick to follow him. They soon stood in a uge cellar, which extended far beyond the cabln, in the direction of the vs. “The ve." Farmer went on to exp “is really a port of this cellar done off to suit the pur- I intended it far. I found a dead miner. and worked him to answer in my place. I dogged you constantly, and when you wanted money you got “I did. ‘Did you fight with Gold Brick, as you were to do?" “I stood up and let her shoot at me, and pin ed off dead. She never approached me, after I ell. But come; for you know enon h about this. no ' ht in the grave was prodn by prepared phos- phThe .lascended to the cabin and became seated at t eta e. ' “pr, then, to settle up._ How much do I owe “Nothing. Here is the certificate of the stock, and two hundred and twant thousand dollars." And he laid the money an paper on the table. Jason Farmer crammed them into hlsvest pocket, and took a compact package from his coat pocket. “There. Take that. Don’t look at it until you need it " he said. “If ,ou ever need more, you kn in Helena. T0732}: rigid“: he blew out the light and left the cabin Dick oin r likewise. From the cabn Dick struck out for the glen. which‘he made in good time. Everything was all right. and little Dick fast asleep. having Erased a men}: day at play; so Dick mm: 0 up his m d to re- turn the mining-town and aSr'ist in the search for Mr. Farmer‘s dau hter. _ “Tani if 3"" erlng girl should stray this we , take her in” camp and see that she is prOpei-y cared for until I returnl” he ordered the sentry, as he in atrium-iit Of 323mm 6 ° ‘3 Ward town wholly unconscious that he “’39 MW“! the whole distance, by no less 8- m“ J * W03 mango Bower, shgysoggt her cabin. and I on awaiting m“ \ ‘ucome,’ Wang said. 2 s nill know your parentage. i ma ped out. You are to apply for protection in tho ‘ out aws' camp. en all is lot, you are to get the child, and fetch it to me. Ill have the guard (llll‘ll‘d, and we can escape, back here. when you " 1 Hit you will 1th deceive inc?" " No, certainly not, if you do as l (lirI-cl." " Oh: I suppose l have no choice but to obey you, but i can't make it seem that this is right." " l‘shaw! quiet your conscience, on that score. ()oinol we must he, going." We will pass over i hejourney to the vicinity of the git-n, where. Ruth left her com )aiiion, and plishcd on into the fissure, until the c utilenge “halt!” rung out. “ Who comes there?" To”) Dare, c-illwl out. :‘ I am Ruth Raymond, and I am lost in the moun- tains." "Then, come. forward, Miss Ra niond, and you shall be welcome to our camp. uuti morning." And the sentry ushered Ruth into the glen, and to the cabin, leaving the pass unguarded long enough for Calamity to steal into the len, and secrete her- self near the cabin, the door 0 which was open. the in rht; being warm. fter providing for Ruth's comfort, by awarding hora restmg-place on a couch of skins T m Dare returnedw his sent -p0st, his companion rolling themselves in their b aukets. for the night, outside the. cabin, out of respect for Ruth. in an hour the were asleep, and by stealing near, Ciillaniity was re oiced to note that Ruth had fallen as eep. For the eager mother to steal into the cabin and secure her cluld, was now but the work of a mo- ment, and she gained the outside without disc0vory. To get by Tom Dare was the next thing. For unately what young moon there was in the heavens, was under a cloud. and the darkness en- abled her to get quite close to him, without being seen. “Strikes me it's very quiet Over at the Cabin." She heard him mutter. ‘ I‘ve. a notion to run over and see ef everything‘s all right.“ And he trumped off. In an instant, Calamit ' improved the advantage. and her nimble feet ha( carried her far from the glen, ere Tom had discovered the abduction of Lit- tle Dick. and given the alarm. One of the men started at once for Right Bower, and Dick received the bad news, and Mr. Farmer the. good news of his daughter’s safety, as the two were, standing on the hotel steps. “ She shall not have him long!" Deadwood Dick muttered. Knowing well Calamity would return to Right Bower before leaving that part of the territory. he disguised himself cleverly and watched and waited. He also had his comrades on the watch, but all to no urpose. She did come, one night, on the sly an procured some money from the Palace, an then esca led. Dick ha f suspected that she and Old Avalanche were on good terms, and so one da he made a stealthy approach to the old Annih tor‘s cabin, but found only the old scout and his goat there. “Avalanche.” the sport said sternlv. “you have bleed) playing me false. Where are Calamity and t e o ‘3 ’ “Great ham-bone, Dick, I can’t tell you no more'n I kiwell ftohrtinils." ? . ‘ “ ere e are ‘ “Yas. I whatcd her tor give me the chick. but she refused and left.“ I . . “ Which way i?“ H Norl“.est.' “ Do you know of any objective point she had in View?“ m “ Na '. “We'll, I‘ll search. Was that coyote with her?" “Yes. She could 'a‘ had a home wi’ me, but she wouldn‘t discard him. He’s a bad egg l" “ If we ever meet, I’ll try to relieve er of her care for him." , He went back then to Right Bower and getting his five trusty companions together, he faced for the northwest. . For days they rode. until they came to a. newly- €311le miiniug camp. where “ boom" was just get- a . ‘gwgrll 13am i here,“ Dick announced, for he was disguised. " t strikes me this place may pan out what I want." A week'paswi, however, before they made any ‘ raft. albeit it was only by Dick‘s chanclng to drop into a. gaming saloon, and noticing that the red heard of a. newly arrived player was false. - He took up a position where he could watch, and gave his )als a signal to follow, when he left. 'hen he red-bearded man arose and left the place, after winning largely. Deadwood Dick left also. Unseen, he dogged him from the town, and to a newly-built shanty, half a mile. below. - Satisfied he had struck a. lead, the sport then set Tom Dare to watch the place. The next da Tom came in with the report that he had seen C ester andCalamity about the shanty. “We’ll call upon ‘em, to-nigbt.‘ Dick said. “They evidently have no idea we are here." Such proved to be the case, for when the sud- denly pounced down upon the place that ni t, the door was open and the two werenat suppers t the child was not visible. Calamity arose with a. pale face as Dick and his men tiled into the shanty. ‘ “ Sir!" she cried, “in what my sin I indebted for this honor?" “ In no way. further than one thief is indebted to another," was Dick‘s response. “‘Good fortune, it- | .115 \. seems, put me on the right trail. and I. am here to negotiate for the pos‘ieasion of my son." 1 " Negotiate?" She uttered r. hard laugh. iaps don’t catch your lilt'fllullfil." “ Evidontl not. i will try to make it plainer. Of course I cou d have come hem and demanded the child, and if needs be have taken it by force. Such a plan don‘t seem hardly necessary. As man and Wife aseparatlon has taken place between us, and you‘ll ac nowledgc it but natural that each should desire. the custody of our child." “ Very likely. G0 on." “As this matter of abduction is not desirable, l propose we decide here, for good and all, who'keeps the ho , and it is hereby understood as binding as an out , that the other party forever forcgo all claim upon said child.“ _ “flow do you propose to decide the questimi, ? . “I pe‘l" “ By a game of cards." " And if I refuse to agree to this?" “ I shall then have to take the child by force, whereas. by the other way, you hava a fair chance to win him. ‘ “Very Well. it shall be decided so. If I law I am to forego all claim to the child and never cross your path? If you lose you are so todo?" ‘ '“ Exactly l" “ Ralph. bring the child." Little Dick was brought from an adjoining room. Then the husband and wife, in name only, not down at the table to gamble for their boy. The game was eucher, and Calamity dealt that. The game was short and quick, but watched with great interest. Deadwood Dick won. Calamity lost every trace of color as she arose from the table, with revolver in hand, which [he pressed in ainst her breast. ' One of ck‘s men uickly dashed it aside and the bullet pierced Ralph hester's heart. With a wild cry, Calamity fell in a swoon over the body of her evil brother. Dick seized his boy then and left the place forever. Ruth proved to be the lost Flora Farmer. and is now a belle and the. “ catch " of Helena society. Calamity“ Jane—wild, sad-eyed yet reckless and dariii ——is often heard of in the. est. Of eadwood Dick we may hear sin; but one thing seems certain—his and Calamty's paths in life henceforth lead Wide apart. Old Avalanche still hovers about the mines. mm mm. W Nsx'r 'ro muowz—“ Deadwood Dick‘s Dozen: ‘ or, The Fakir of the Forks,“ by E. L. Wheeler. Billlfilwildi The Best Weekly 0! Popular, Entertain- ing and Useful Literature Pub- lished in America! 1 Its Unrivaled .Corps of Contributors, almost all of whom write erdusivdy for its publishers—embraces the following authors of world wide repute- Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Albert W. Aiken. Capt. Fred. Whittaker, Capt. Mme Reid. Joseph ’ E. Badger, Jr., Edward L. Wheeler, Charles Harris. 011 Coomes, C. Dunning Clark. Buflalo Bill, White Beaver, Buckskin Sam, Major Dangerfield Burr, T. C. Harbaugh, Philip s Warns. WilliomR. W. Anthony P. Morris, Latinos Poyntz. - Each and all of whom give to Dunn‘s Wm: their very best productions in all the varied hold. of Border and Wild Warm-noo— Adventure, Exploration and Sport-— ' City Life, Character, Courts and Ways—- Detective and ‘ llwlow’ “WV Stories of'tlio Great mega, etc. So that each and every number. Is Mowing with reading of the most interesting and «citing nature; while in its Special Departments, cOvering. all the needs, and adding to the general interest and usefulness of the popular jam-ml, Dunn’s WEEKLY is the paper of all others for your weekly reading and entertainment. Beudlc’s Weekly 1! Published as the Following Bates: ForFour Months.. . . . . . . ....................,.$Lm ForOneYeIr . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . .. 8.00 TwoCopiesforOneYear. 5m Single Copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . Suppliedmeme :. _ . smut AND MW ‘ u. .. “Williammxew York. / - BEADLE’S HALF-DIME I LIBRARY. Jaek “0 lo. By Edward L. Wheeler. 1 229 (‘rimson Kate. By Col. P. Ingraham. The Blue Sehooner. Roger Star-buck. 230 The Yankee Rajah. By C. D. Clark. The Mad Nliner. By G. Waldo Browne. ‘ ' l Plueky Phil. By T. C. llarbuugh. The llusnar (‘a )tain. (‘01.1‘. lngraham. Gold-Du-t Diek. By E. L. Wheeler. Gilt-Edged Die . By E. L. Wheeler. 233 Joe. Buek, ot‘A ngels. By. A W. Aiken. “'ill Soniers. THE BOY DETECTIVE. Morris. 23-1 01d Iloeky’s ‘ Boyeou.’ Buckskin Sam. ll Deadwood Dlek. m PRINCE or 'rmc Rom By Edward L. Wheeler. 2 Vello'wutone Jaek. By JoR. E. Badger, Jr. 3 Kaniuan King. B ' Bull'an Bill. 4 The \ll'lld-llorne unteru. By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain ll‘rederick Whittaker. N: ‘W'w (G 5 Vagabond Joe,'rm: Yonxo \rVANDERINUJEW. lllnstang Sam. By Jon. E. Badger. .Ir. ; 235 Shadow Sam. By Charles Morris. By 011 (homes. Double Numbrr. lOets. The Branded "and. By Frank Dmnont. ‘ 236 Apollo Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper. By E. S. Ellis. (‘innalnon (‘hip. By l“dward L. Wheeler. . 237 Lore Star, tlIe‘Cowboy Captain; or. 7 The Flying Yankee. By Co .‘1’.Ingraha.m. Phil Hardy, 'rnr. Boss Bov. 5y C. Morris. 1 TB}: Mrs’rmuorn BAxuucno. BY P. Inm'nlmm. 8 Seth Jilllt's‘. 4y Edward S. Ellis. Kiotva Charley. By T. C. Harhaugh. 238 The Parson Deteeiive. ByOll Comm-S. 9 Adventures oi Baron lllunehausen. Tippy,'r1m TEXAN. By George. Gleat-tml. 239 The Gold-seeker Guide: “ml THE Lear 10 Nat Todd. By E. S. Ellis. . Bonanza Bill. MINER. By Ed. L. theeler. ; Murmur. B ' Captain Mayne Reid. 11 The. Two Detectives. By ARV. Aiken. Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris. 1 2.10 (‘yelom- Kit. 3 Edward L_ wmplmx l2 Gulliver’u Travelu. B'l)ean Swift. \l’ild-Fire. Bossor'rma Ron». Bylnunont. ‘ 2-1] liill :ravo an Ills Bear l’ards. 13 The Dumb S iy. By ()1 Coomes. The Young Privateer. Byll. Jayendish. i By T. C. Ilal‘lialluh. l4 Aladdin; or, ‘nr. \VoNnmzrt'L LAMP. Deadwood Diek’s Double. By Wheeler. | 242 The Two ‘ "100.139, By Charles Mo: ['is_ 15 The Sea-('at. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. Deteetlve Dirk. By Charles Morris. , 243 The Dlsgulsed Guide.‘ By 011 Coomes. 16 Robilmon (‘rlts‘oe. (27 Illustrations.) The Golden "and. By Geo. W. Browne. 21.! Sierra. Saul. By Edward L. ‘Wheeler. 17 Bal ill laoy. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahum. The Hunted llnnter. By Ed. S. Ellis. ~ .15 Mel-lo, u... Mmdy, By (‘01, plngmhnnL 18 Sim bad tho Sailor. His Seven Voyages. Boss Bob. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 1 216 (.iaul George. By Buckskin Sam, 19 The Phantom Spy. By Buffalollill. Sure Shot Seth. By Oll Comm-s. l 2-} Old Grizzly and‘llis Pet‘s. By Captain 20 The Double Daggers. By E. L. Wheeler. Captain Paul. By C. Dunning Clark. 3 “ Bruin " Adams. 21 The Frontier A ngel. By Edward S. Ellis. Night-llawk Kit. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. ; Sierra Sam’s seen-t. By 12, L. Wheeler. 22 The Sea Serpent. BV Juan Lewis. The Ilelplehs llaud. Capt. Mayne, Reid. ‘ Milo Bonn-r. By ('apt. Bred. Whittaker. 23 Niek o’ the Night. By 'I‘. C. Ilarhanrzh. Blonde Bill. By Edward L. Whetler. l , Midshipnmn planner“ 1y [um-anal” 24 Diamond Dirk. By Colonel l’. Ingraham. Judge Lyneh, .l r. B ' T. C. llarliuligh. ,. Lfiglnqmuge [Ag-.3 By J. 1.112 Adams, ‘25 The. Boy (‘aptuilh By Roger Starbnek. 2G (liovon lool'. By Edward L. Wheeler. 27 Antelope A beyrm: Bey Union. Hll (‘oomosx 28 Bull'an lien. By Edward L. Wheeler. 29 The Dunn b Page. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 30 Roaring Ralph ltoekwood, TUE Biscu- LESS B/mru-n. By Harry Ht. (Jr-urge, 31 I{ee-n-K nil'e. By Hll ()oomes. Blue Blazes. By Fran c Inimont. Solid Sam. By Blward L \Vlieelcl‘. Handsome. l arry. By Charles Morris. Sear-Fare. Saul. Bv Oll (.‘oomes. Dainty Lanee. Tm: lor Si'om‘. By Badger. (‘aptaiu Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler. Silver Sta r. Tim BUY KNItin'r. By (fooines. “'ill \"ildlire. ByCliarles Morris. Dick Dashau'ay. By (‘hax Morris. Sierra Sam‘s l’ard. By L. Wheeler. 'l‘he llali‘ Blood. By Edward S. Ellis. (‘1: plain Apollo. By T. C. Ilnrhangh. Young Kent uek. By Capt.)1urk Wilton. The Lost llunters. By Capt. Adams. Sierra Saint‘s Seven, By E. L. Wheeler. The Golden Harpoon. ByliStarbuck. ‘Llyigty1truug'nh zocuaww—ccw q unuwmnnnwnwuw av; ' III—I-I—I-l—~)—m~——_-Hl—-HHHHHHHHHHHHfiHHHHHHHH {v .- -' mmu++aa+aaaaawwwwwwwwwunawmmnnwswu--- N~ocmuamawn~ccmqanam§~cwmqmmbwfiuowmqamfiw 32 Bob \Vooli'. By Edward L. Wheeler. Sharp Sam. By J. AlexanderPatten. (ii unre- [Mm u p“ I; ‘ on ('oemes. 33 The "WW" "I""‘lh0“".‘l' 8' ‘V' Home” A (ialne of Gold. 3y Ed. L. Wheeler. i 2(SI Fergus ["ealfilallllalltr. U)’ (10o. L. Aiken. 34 Oregon 501- W ("Ulll- J- 1‘- 0-,“(1111115- Laure and Law“). By (‘a it. Eli'hittakei. i 26;), The Young Sleuths. By (,‘harles .‘lul'l'lS. 35 ‘Vlld Ivan. By Edward ‘L. “ll‘elcl‘r'l‘. Panther Paul. By .1034. in. Badwmx Jil , 2‘“; D‘_"‘|“.00d [)l(.k~s Inviuv. 1“. “mm Inn 36 Th“ "‘35, (‘lo‘vn ' “y 1‘ milk 5‘ l‘mn‘ "wok "NW9 WILL “"“Wllll‘l's 11-“ “23 ('1'. l 201 The. Floating; Feather. Bi‘lrgraham. 37 The Illddfll LUBE“.- BY F-‘(l'v-‘Um'll'llflllzll. \\'I.\'.\'JN(: Aomxsr (inns. By Charles Illni‘l‘ix‘, 265 T]... Tiger Tamar. 3v Cum" whmakwri 3“ 5“" “'3 Ed“ “I” 1"” NWT- I’Y “Kits-“W 53 Eagle KN, Tm: llov Uri-vex. 11.»'C>Ilt‘eem<'=- 2m; Killb‘ar. the Guide. 'By linsignWarren. 39 Death-hare. 'rmc llm'ix-rryrz. By “heeler. 5.1 The, Sword Hunters. ByF.\\'l1itt-al;er_ 267 "1“. Burkskln Detective. By T_ L‘_ 40 “(WHILE “('ll- W J- J- Mill‘SlIIUI- 55 Gold Trigger. ‘rm: Shot-Ur. ' .C.ll:1rhaugh. Hal-hang“ 4' MW" J=""‘- BY?“ "Wilma . 56 Deadwmul Dirk el' lM-dmmd: or. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. B)’ 42 The Phantoln .Vliuer. By L. L. “lleelel‘. THE Pam-2n PARTY. Ily l-Zdward L. Wheeler. Edward L. WINCH“ I’ll'k Darling. By Capt. Fred. \Vhiuukei'. 44 Battling Rube. By llarry St. George. 45 0ld Avalanche. By Edward L. Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 47 Nightingale Nat . By '1‘. C. llarliaugh. 45‘ Black John, Tm: ROAD-AGENT. By Badger. 4l'l (llnalla Oil. By Edward L. Wheeler. 50 Burt Bunker, Tm: ’l‘n.\rri:n. C. It}. Lanalle. “like illl‘l'l'l'o BX(‘llill'l"57'1('l'1"5- .. _ 209 The. Gold Ship. ByCol. P. lngrnham. Faney Frank oi t‘olorado. Builalo l'ill. 70 Buzzard up“. By (iu mun Mark “11pm. The law! (‘HIHIIIII- lli'lllmmlwi The Huge. Hunter. in BdwnrdSJilliS. 'l‘lle Blaek Giant. By J. F... Iadger, Jr. Minkakin Mike. By Oll Comm-s. N‘WV .‘ 0"“ N“ll- BY 1'3. L. \\ heel-r. Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wimeler. “’ill “’ildiire in the. “'oods. Morris. Jolly Jinn. By Charles )[1i1'1'i:;, lliflle 'rPMIM UV ml (“'“lllm- Arizona .laek. By Buckskin Sam. Dandy ltoek’s Pledge. “y (l.\\'. Browne. Merle [llonte‘s Cruise. By Ineraham. Ocmqawsww—c$zq unnawnamnu dflufldflddq craaehww— 5] The. Boy lClileH. By Arehie (‘. Irons. Billy Baggage. By Charles Morris. nmnor Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler. The \"hite Bullalo: By C. E. Lasalle. [lickory Harry. lly llarry St. George. Th.- 'I‘hree Trap-perm By Major Carson. «'33 Jun Bludfiocs J"'- I?’ Ed‘f‘ml L-“hWIV‘V AMI Scott. THE S'l‘i:.\5mo.\'.rBoY. By Willett. "Id \VHIMI Tm; RIFLE KING. By T. G. {9‘} Evil illlfli'ifl‘lo Hi“ (LN/‘1; i. Atlalllg- Deadly Dash. By Jos. l‘l. ladLrel‘. 1-111 llarhatnrh. , .va (91H if ‘aVF- ).l' U111” '1 - ‘ ' . Tornado Tom. By T. C. llal‘lmllgl- 280 .Vlerle. Monte’s Fate. B'Col. In raham. 5" Nlck “ nun“? 1:”. (A'ill‘t- J- 1' ;( - Adums- A Trump (‘ard. By Charles Morris. 23. "on"... DonsM Victor“) B . Whaler. 57 Pead‘vood Duel. u Eagles. ‘l.y Wheeler. 1 Ebony Dan. By Frank Dmnont. 25:; The. Typo Deteetlve. By Edward Willett. 58 I IN! Border Kl'llg- BY 011.9“0m03- 2 Th underbolt'l‘om. By Barry St. George. 233 hunul‘. J00. By Major L_ w, Cal-son. 59 old Hiekorv. Ly Ha St- Ut‘m‘ll’e- 3 Dandy lloek‘h‘ Rival. By(l.W. Brown(.-. 23.; ' he Sea Marauder. By Co], Ingralmm, 60 'l he \‘ bite ‘llldlfllly f'nllt- J- F- Imam-“- 4 Bob Roekett, 'rur; Boy Donorn. Bylllorris. 23,; murm- nolh,‘ new)” BV 1.1L. V‘thtlvr. ql Ruckporn Bill. by Edward L). Wheeler. 5 ('aptain Arizona. By I’lailipS.Warne. 236 Jun. the Boy Tenderloin; or, Tm; w 1 " . . I[No b Ne o'Nevaua. . ieeer. c -£'- . . . iral. . 6‘! "and Jud" By T' (7‘ Hurha‘mh- 8 Old hyolitary. By Ollt‘oomeg. 2.87 Billy Blue I y. H By COI I”: mm 9 I‘(H.k0tt’ THE BANK Ihjrmgm Max-rig. 'l‘lle St'lllp Klllg. J. C. J‘ilflms 0 The Sea Trailer. By Lient. H. D. Perry. 289 Jolly Jinl’s Job. By Charles Morris, 1 “'lld Frank. By Edward L. Wheeler. 290 Lune Foxfire. By 0“ Gnomes. 2 Little llurrieane. B ' Oll Comnea. a , . 3 The [Ildden llalid. By Chas. Morris. 29‘ Turk, “10 FN'I'N- By L If Whedel‘. ' 4 The Boy Trailers. By Badger,Jr. 292 Saneho Pedro. By Major L. L. St. Vrum. 5 Evil Eye. By Frank Dumont. . n .d flu“. THE ONWEYED TRAPPER. g). 6 (looll Iliespiougl. élyé'iOl. Sara. 293 Ca‘pmin Cong“... 7 Fret [a yam . y ‘mres . oms. , 8 Ned Tenn ble, mrzBoant BOY. Harbatigh. 29“ D3 "'“nlu‘ Dnu' By T- 0- Harbaugh' 9 Bob Roe ett, THE CliACKSfiiAN. By Morris. 295 Fearless Phil. By Edward Willett. 0 D""“ Dark“ BV Wm' ' Eygter' 2 6 Denver Doll’s Drilt. By E. L. “'heelor. 1 Buil‘a 0 am . By Capt.Ta lor. U. s. . 3 _ . 2 Captain Klt.yBy Lleut. H. D. erry.U.S.N. 2 7 an“ Taraunua 0" T309- 135’ BUCkSkm 3 (‘aptaln Mask. Bty Philip S. Warne. *- m- . I 4 Buil'alo Bill’s Be . By Captain Taylor. 298 The Water-Hound. By Charles Moms. 5 Deadwood Dick’s Drealn. By Wheeler. 299 A N.» l the Danna“ Tonaraker. 6 Shad0\ved. By Charles: Morris. By Edwma L. Wheeler_ '1 Little Grit THE WILD RIDER. By Ingmham. 8 Arkansauz. By T. C. Harhaugh. 300 The Sky Demon. BY on 00011188- 65 Hurr cane Bill. By Jon. E. Badger, Jr 66 Single Hand. By W. J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-leather Joe. By l'hizip S. Warne. 88 Border Robin Hood. By Bntfulo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle. B Edward L. Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’n (lab n.’ By(‘apt. J. F. 0. Adams. 71 Delaware Diek. By 011 Coomes. 72 Mad Tom ‘Vestorn. By W. J. Hamilton. 73 Dead‘vood Dick on Deck. By Wheeler. 74 Hawk-eye Harry. By 011 (homes.- 75 The Boy Duelist. By COL P. Ingraham. 76 Abe Coltyrmc CROW-KILLER. B A. W. Aiken. 71 Corduroy Charlie. By E. Wheeler. 8 Bi uo Diek. By Captain Mayne Reid. Sol Ginger, Gm TRAPPER. By A.W. Aiken. Rosebud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler. Lightning J o. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. Kit liaretoot. By T. C. Harbaugh. Rollo, the Boy Ranger. lay Oll Uoomes. ldyl the Girl liliner. By . L. Wheeler. HHHI-lb-IhlI-ll-lI-IH-ll-ll-lhl-lHill-Il-I—HI-H-II—I-l—Il—I-I-lh-II-I-l—II—I—I—I-n—I—n-I—u-I—i ———~ 5¢3=95¢3¢¢®ww®1wm¢IZQQ‘IQQQQQQQC3:3:::=::3';IDI wwmmmmmmmqq mqamx-wtauco 3"“ B““""“"° B Ca.”- J- F- 0- Adams“ 9 Featllertl‘eight. By Edward Willett. 301 Leadville Nick, mu: BOY 3mm. By Maj. Rand l‘ock' By ;' Waldo Bm‘me' . 2.00 The Boy Bedouind. By Whittaker. E. L. St. Vram. "M “d P"““‘“- BY Um“ Mayne 36"" 201 The Black IIllls Jezebel. By Wheeler. 302 The Mountain Demon“. By T (a Photograph Phil. 11E. L.Wheeler. 202 prospect Pom. By 0110mm“. Hurbaugh. . 89 1‘13" J ' By Bruce Wag“ Hemvvnm 203 The Boy Pards. ByJos. E. Badger. Jr. 9 ‘ J m G M P E I 90 The Brena Rid?" B (" Waldo Browne 204 Gold Pllune. Tm: BOY BANDIT. Ingrahmn. 303 I} 1“ “"09 ‘RL m- '5’ J- 91 The captain 0‘ "'0’ (V "b; .0" THE YOUNG 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Wheeler “ heel"- RN‘I‘ ATmms' By Bracelmd‘z“ Hmnyng' 206 Dark Paul, TEE Tram KING. By C. Moms 30-1 The Dead Shot Dandy. By lngraham. 92 canadu Chet. By Edward L'Whedflj' 207 Naval" N191“ B 'T' 0' Harbaugh‘ 305 Dauhaway 01' Dakota By Chas. Morris. 93 The Boy Mlneru. By Edward S. Ellis. 208 The Boy new“ (.3. By 011 Coomes_ ' -k i I; - Tl B 94 M‘dn'gh" Jack' By T'-C' Harmugh‘ - 209 Fritz Till: BOUND-BOY DETECTIVE. Wheeler. 306 Ne“ 'T c 9d; THE LAR‘I/cr uwwmz. y 95 The Rival Rovers. Lieut. Col. Hazeltme. 210 Faro ’Frank of High Plum By E ster. Major Henry B. Stoddard, lax-Scout. . 96 Watch-Eye. THE SHADOW. By E. L. \Vheeler. 2‘ l Crooked Cale. B Jog. E. Badger, r. 307 The Strange Para. By Buckskin Sam. 97 The Outlaw Brothers. By J. J. Marshall. 212 Damnw Dave. {3y Charles Mm... 308 Keno K“ THE BOY Mums mm By 33 gig: 3:51:12)? 3‘1!:l‘fgslfioflngdWflfd?Browne 2 I 3 Fritz ‘8 the Front‘ By E‘ 1“ Wvfieelcr' Colonel Prent’iss Ingraham. ’ ° ' ° ‘cr . OF THE RINK. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville: or. A 214 1‘3:2.33:5:$9m£§cgla§£§§aken 309 Deadwood nick’s Big Deal. By Ed. ‘ STRANGE STROKE FOR LIBERTY. B ’theler. 21 5 captain Bullet. By vn C_ Harbaugh ward L. \Vheeler. 101 gacfiggtr§:\vfly 1“ New 0l'k- By 216 Bison 131]], By Col_‘1’renBtiss Itigiaflfian}. 310 The Barranca Wolf. By J. E. Badger. 0-» race 1: m 'ng. , - -shot. E. L. ee er. s m . y ‘. 103 The Lion 0f the Sea. By (‘01. DelleSara. éls Dczpard the Duelist. BV I). 8. Wayne. ’ ~ ‘ 104 Deadwood Diek9s Devlee. By thder. 220 Tom Thane“ By Charles Morrig_ 3] 2 Redtop Rube, THE VIGILANI‘E PRINCE. By 105 Old RUbC‘s THE HUNTER. (3%pt. ll. IIOlillt’S. 2 1 sugar Coated Sam. By E. L. Wheeler. Major E. L. St. Vrain. - 106 Old Frosty. THE GUIDE. By .C. Harbaugh. 202 Gr“ the Bravo sport. BV Ingmham, 313 noadw'ood Diek’n Dozen ' or. Tan: { g gnfiEycg shn' BByfiImnessIg“(§%w§§' 223 021nle Alf. KING or THE llloux'rm. By Faun or TEE Forms. ByE. L. \V leelel‘ . arng av. y arry .er‘. , - . l gnck as Detective. By 224 fig‘fifllmug‘t'ck. B.v on Cmmes_ A new mm every week. b Edward 1" Wheeler‘ 225 Sam Charcoal. By Charles Morris. The "alanimc Library is for mu; by an 1 l l 0 The Black Steed or the Prairie” A 206 Snoozer THE BOY Sm. By E. L.Wheeler. Newsdealers, five cents per co v or Sent by mail on lrlo‘l‘hfil‘lgm ffirfig‘vffnfifigfinfiufifiyhflm 2247 Dusky Darrell. Tum. By E. Emerson. recei t of six cents each. [BBADLE & ADAMS. 2 The 5:... num'er. By Bum' nSaxe. . _ 228 Little wnqng-g; By 011 Coomes. Pub sum, 98 William Street. New ‘xork. 0 0 09 Deadwood l l l