a“ VI [.df’r <. y . FIFTH EDITIOR WNW“ . . IIHII.‘ [Ill-l \ H_i, ; _otin’-irons and be friendly.” .ccciving no answer, he cautiously peeped in and saw that the OCcupant of the room had lowercd his weapon, but was still standing in the same place. For a moment he hesitated, and then, nerving himself for the leap, he sprung through the door, rushed on the other and seized him before he could raise his rifle, when they both stumbled and fell to the floor. __\_ CHAPTER IX. A FORGED NOTE. FOR a moment Kit stood as if frozen into im- mobility, and could not have moved, and the written words seemed like flames of fire dancing before his eyes. The words were these: “ DArN'rY :— “ My horse stumbled, and threw me heavily a short time ago, and I am unable to move. (‘omc to me at once. KIT.” The writing was his, the signature was his, and had the note been one he could have writ- ten, he would have sworn to the writing and the simature. i“But it was a forgery, and the note had evi- dently been sent to her for the purpose of lead- ing her into a trap. “'ith an oath which was surely not recorded against him on high, he dashed from the room, and hurried down-stairs, bursting into the office like a tornado. “At what time did that note arrive for my wife?” he demanded of the landlord, who trem- bled like a leaf. “ I—I can’t say, sir.” “Did you not see the messenger arrive?” “ N-n—no, sir.” “ But you surely saw my wife go out?” “ I thought she was up—stairs, sir.” “And what reason had you to suppose that?” m .‘ .‘lw’. “ Why, you told me yourself, sir, not fifteen minutes ago, that she was asleep, when I asked you if she Wished anything.” “ I told you! You asked me I” “Why, yes, sir, not a quarter of an hour ago, when you looked in.” “Either you are mad, or I am dreaming. I have just this moment returned, having been absent over an hour and a half.” “And I’ll swear that I spoke to you, not twenty minutes ago, as you stood in the door. You had on the same suit you used to wear the last time you were here, the velvet one." Like lightning the ex lanation flashed upon Kit as he remembered that Daint , just before he eft, had unpacked the suit 0 had once given her and in which she resembled him so exactly that it was impossible to tel! them apart. No doubt the girl had put it on, merely for amusement, and was thus dressed when the message had arrived, and thus decked had left the house, saying a word to the hotel-keeper as she passed, that he might not go to the room during her absence. Without another word, be turned from the landlord, and bounded up-stairs, three steps at a time, and, entering his room, began to change his clothes as rapidly as he could, dressing himself in the velvet suit which had formerly made him so conspicuous. Completely dressed and with his wide hat on his head, and his god spurs glistening in the lamplight he again descended the stairs, and leavm the house without being observed, he hurri to The Broadway, where all the games were in full blast, in search of Worthington, whom he had not seen for some time. The old gentleman, he knew, was very fond of alittle ame of poker, and being a retty stiff player, eld his own very successf y a ainst he strong game that was nightly in sess on in Faro Frank s. Charle was sitting in one corner, reading the lates newspaper thathad arrived and en- tirely unconscious of the noise and confusion about him. To Kit’s hurried inquiry regardin Worthing- ton, he replied that he had seen noifiiing of that gentleman since about seven that evening, when e had .come in and remained a short time, and then, having been in the back room. and com- ing out, hearing Pete say that Kit had taken his horse and ridden away, he had expressed disa pointment at not having seen him, and left t e room. “ But what is the matter, Kit, my boy? You look as ale as a ghost.” And barley, rising, looked at his friend anxi- “ h, nothing at all—a little tired rha s, 11 late last night. I wish you won (1 ta e nk’s place at the table for a few minutes, I want to see him particularly.” “Certainly, always ready to do anything in the world for you.” . And relieving Frank, Charley continued the deal while Kit and Frank went into the private room, which was fortunately unoccupied, and closed the door carefully. When Kit had confided to his friend what had hap ned, he pulled the note, that had caused algal; Ie trouble, from his pocket and handed it to I1 {. “ Why, Kit,” the latter cried, as he glanced at it; “this is (your writing!” “ It is an it is not.” “ How do you mean?” “thy, that it is enough like mine to be my writing, yet I never wrote it. “ It is a forgery.” “And a ma ificent one at that,” cried Faro Frank, admi ngly. ‘ A ‘9 The man who wrote that could cause decided trouble in a city among the banks. “ But that is not the question. “ How do you explain this matter?” “ That is just what is driving me mad! “Which way to turn I know not, whether north, south, east or west. “1 only know one thing and that is that this is nothing but avile plot aimed at our happiness and rhaps at Dainty’s life. “ ut I Will search the four quarters of the earth for her, and woe betide those who have abducted her even though not a single hair of her head has been banned!” “ And I’m with 0d, Kit!” “I know it we] , Frank, but I shall, at first, endeavor to learn her whereabouts alone. “ I only want you, in case I do not turn up, to be ready to come to my assistance, if I can get, word to you where I am. “Nothing can be done to-night, so I will re- Kid-'Glh'velKi/t and sad. main here until daylight, with, your permission, and then start out. “ Let no one come in, please, as they all think at the hotel that I am in my room, for I locked the door, and came out without being noticed. “ Should those who have led Dainty into this plot become aware that I am out and probably in search of them, it would put them on their art . “ All ri ht. “ You s iall not be disturbed, and I’ll tell that nigger, Pete, to have your horse ready for you at the first streak of dawn.” “ Thank you, Frank. “And, remember, should I need assistance, I would rather count on you Charley and Dan than on any one in the State! ’ “And you would not be disappointed, and in answering for myself, I know that I am answer- inrr for them!” nd leaving the room, Frank closed the door which Kit locked, and then sat down to wait impatiently for daylight. CHAPTER X. THE WEIRD CANYON. As Jordan and the unknown rolled over on the floor, the rifle held by the latter was dis- charged, when suddenly Jim roso to his feet with an expression of disgust and looked down at his late antagonist somewhat as though he was ashamed of himself. For he had been wrestling with a dummy! So admirably had the figure been constructed, however, that at first glance any one could have been mistaken. ‘ Carefully stufled with dried grass, the suit of clothes in which the figure was dressed seemed to fit it perfectly, and on closer inspection J or- dan saw that the face was composed of a wax mask and that the arms and legs were held in place by bent branches of trees that admirably counterfeited the man they were intended to re- present. The figure had been placed imposition exactly opposite the door, an , as J or an shortly dis- covered, had been securely fastened to the floor. A system of wires, running to the arms to a. point near the door, was so arranged that any one stepping on the top step outside, would cause the arms to raise the rifle held by the dummy to a level with its eyc. And if the person who entered should step in- side, a second loose plank would discharge the wea n, and the ball would almost surely strike the intruder in the chest. , The whole arrangement was decidedly in- genious, and the formerloccupant of the cabin ad evidently prepared the figure so as to 've a warm welcome to any one who might visi it in his absence. Leaving the guardian of the glace lying on the floor, Jordan hunted about, an finding an abun- dant 83(1))eg of matches on a. shelf and a store of dry w in a closet at one side, soon had a blazing fire roaring in the huge chimney. In one corner of the solitary room which com- the cabin stood a cot, with a. half a dozen lankets a read over it, and the whole place {lowed as the owner had not been absent an our. But Jordan cared little for that, and did not bother himself a moment with the thought that the proprietor of the place might return at any minute, and find him in possession. Takin ofi.’ his clothes, which were wringing wet, he ung them before the fire, where they steamed away, and, wrapggg himself in a blan- ket, seated himself on a l and began to ex- amine his quarters. There was not a single window in the place but the sun was shining so brightly outside that everything was distinctly visible by the light which streamed in through the open door. He saw that the latter could be fastened b a heavy iron bar, which fitted in sockets on eit er side, that were shod with iron,’ and the door it- self, being massively constructed, could bid de- fiance to almOSt any blows that could be show- ered on it. . The next thin that attracted his attention was a half a zen iron levers, restin in crotches ainst the wall the use of who he could not ine, so walking over to them he pulled on one, and it yielding readily, he pushed it back and forth a. number of times. But he could not see that any effect was pro- duced by this action, until he. happenedto lance out of the n door, when he saw that wit each motion of t elever all of the skeletons in sight raised their right hands above their heads, and then, as the lever was pushed back, lowered them to their si es. The nex lever had the same elect on their left arms, while the third caused them A, vance the right foot as if about to step forw . Trying the fourth he found that on movinghiti the left foot of the skeleton advanced, while on fifth caused them to nod their skulls gravely. . But on moving the fifth, such an unearthlyr noise broke out on the air, sounding like a thou- sand screeches and yells, that he dropped the bar in terror and stood there tl't mblin Soon recovering from his fright, e examined ~ further, and found that all of the levers could be moved at once by attaching an iron bar to their ends, and trying the effect, and pushing and pull- in rapidly, the result was awful. ior all of the skeletons he could see, and doubtless the others, seemed to be dancmg and throwing their arms about, and nodding their heads, while their fieshless jaws opened and shut and at the same time the horrible sci‘eeches and elling sounded out, as if Pandemonium had )roken loose and was holding its revels in the rlade. “l‘hen he had worked the mechanism to his satisfaction, Jordan, his clothes now being per- fectly dry, dressed himself and continued his ex- lorations, which resulted in his finding a cup- goard filled'with all manner of food, from abar- rel nearly full of flour to an abundance of canned goods. A square trap in the middle of the floor, on being raised, disclosed a. cistern, which was full of water being supplied, evidently, by a trench leading rom the creek. A ladder, nailed against the wall, led to the roof, where was a square tower, built of heavy logs, pierced with loop-holes, and containing a perfect arsenal of weapons. Here the occupant o the cabin could station himself, and defend his house without the slight- est danger, his elevated position enablinghim to command the surroundin glade, while the solid walls of the tower wo (1 protect him per- fectl . A Knob set in the floor and projecting above it an inch or two, was a prominent feature of the cupola, and curious to see what it was intended for, Jordan placed his foot on it and pressed heavily. In an instant a bri ht blue flame shot from each of the fifty trees, rom just above the skulls of the skeletons, and, although it was w broad daylight, the effect when darkness sh. ld have come on could readily be imagined, being doubt- less weird in the extreme and well calculated to chill the stoutest heart. From this point also could be worked the sys- tem of levers below, so that from above the skel- etons could be set to dancin and nodding and tossing their arms about, w ile the pale blue light could be made to cast its weird glow over a1 Should any one be caught there at night, and the awful spectacle burst out on them they would either be driven insane or would flee from the spot, never to return. But how could the occupant of the place leaVe' the canyon? . That was another mystery, and Jordan set * about solving it. __ CHAPTER XI. TRAPPED. WHEN Kit had left his wife pard, while he proceeded to his “den,” to replenish his some- what depleted pocketbook, she had just un— packed rom a chest left at The Gulch when the went East, the velvet suit she had worn. or pastime she had dressed herself from tip to toe in the striking costume, drawing on the boots and placing her hat jauntili on the side of her head, and was smiling at erself intlie ‘ lass when there came a sudden tap on the oor. . Not wishing that any one should see-her thus- ‘ attired, she opened the door only an inch orso whgn a hand was thrust in and a voice outside . sai : - ~ “ note for Mrs. Barton. “ Ve important and to be read at once. “ I wi w 't for the answer.” . ’_ Sick at h rt, and trembling With an un..- known dread, Dain tore 0 en the note and read the words that it had ound a short time after. . ., For a moment she felt weak and faint and , her hand dropped to her side and the paper flat» tering unnoticed to the floor. v , But in a few seconds she again became the‘ brave girl who had been Kit’s companion in 80‘ many scenes of danger and death. Not sto (ping to change her dress, she slipped. on her ing habit, or rather the skirt and wrapp' a uge cloak about her, opened door looked out. w ,‘ I 7; means, or—l” ( . I . i if it [Kid-Gloyei-KitandDara. and waiting patiently, was a man ‘ om she had never seen before, tothe best of . her recollection, dressed in the garb of a miner " with rough beard and long, black hair, who sa- luted her awkwardly, and awaited what she might have to say. ‘ You came from my husband?” “ Yes, marm.” “ Where is he?” mygdout five miles from here, near the ‘Faith- “ Is he badly hurt?” “ Not much, but I reckon his leg is broke. ” “ Then let us hasten to him. “ Go to the stable, please, and get my horse. “ I will speak to the landlord.” And' as the man disappeared in the darkness Dainty went to the oiiice, and drop ling her cloak on the floor, put her head and s oulders inside and spoke to the landlord. The latter evidently thought that it was Kit who was talking to him, as was proven shortly afterward by his conversation with Daintys husband. Closing the door, and again wrapping her cloak about her, the girl stepped outside and 'cined the messenger, who was waiting for her, olding the two horses. And mounting, they rode away as rapidly as the darkness would admit in the direction of Dainty’s former home. Passing the ruins of the cabin, they kept on for some distance, when they struck the path that led to Colton’s house, when a thought flashed throth Dainty’s mind and she stopped her horse sud enly. She had recollected that Kit had told her that he was oing to his den, and its location having been ascribed to her by her husband, she remembered that to reach it he must have ridden west instead of east, in which direction she hadbeen riding. As she stopped, the man who was riding be- ‘ side her also reined in his horse, and awaited whatever she might have to say. “ You say that my husband is at the ‘ Faith- ful ’ mine i” “ Egozackly l” “ And how came he there?” “ He rid thar.” “And how does it happen that he came here at this hou" of the night?’ “That’s his bizness; how do I know w’at he wanted.” « And the man spoke grufly and seemed deci— gedly uneasy under this continued flow of ques- ons. “ How came you to be in the neighborhood and how did this accident happen?” “I’m a-watchin’ ther mine fur Ca ’n Col- ton, an’ as Mr. Barton cum ridin’ up. is crit- ter ste onto a loose stone an’ fell on him before ‘t could get outen ther way.” “ Was he alone?” “All alone, mum.” “ My friend,” returned Dainty, quietly, “ I be- lieve that you are falsifying.” “ Cum up an’ see for yourself;~ it’s only a bit awa now. But on account of the manner of her guide, on account of the knowledge that there was absolutely no reason wh Kit should have come inthis direction, when errand lay in a contrary one, Dainty’s suspi~ cions were now fully aroused. Determined, however to put the matter to its fullest test, she loosened the skirt of her riding habit from about her waist and allowed it to slip tothe ground, tossed off the huge cloak she wore and swinging her foot over the saddle, sa squarely erect and turmng, faced the man. She was the perfect picture .of Kit as all the dwellers thereabouts knew him, and nothing was wanting in her costume to complete the re- semblance. . _ . . , The velvet coat, With its shining buttons the . frilled shirt with pricelessdiamond,the broad hat ' with gold band; knee-breeches, patent-leather boots, with gold urs, the sache hung at the _, ‘ side, all were comp etc, and the man, uttering a ’ ‘ cry of astonishment, drew his horse and . in amazement as the rising moon flooded face. , “ A ver pri little plot to lead my wife in- .toatra , uta ailureasyousee. “An now you sneak, tell me what this all * And with an action that spoke louder thin ,words the speaker put hand to belt to draw a Weapon and extort a confession. _ But she had no belt on, and was entirely un- 'ust been about to at the bdt when the knock sounded e had told her that his D on the door, and in her excitement had forgotten it. At her motion the man, who was eying her closely, quailcd visibly, but seeing that she wore no belt, recovered his nerve, and rode toward her. But like a flash Dainty turned her horse and galloped furiously down the path to the main road, and then, turning to the right, fairly flew in the direction of The Gulch, where she knew she could find protection from Faro Frank. But well as she was mounted, her pursuer had the better horse, and just as they reached the forks of the road, he galloped alongside of her find leaning forward, grasped the bridle of her orse. And emphasizing his remarks by pressing the muzzle of a pistol to her temple, he said: “Come, my young friend, the jig is up, and you might as well surrender 1” CHAPTER XII. A HITCH IN THE SCHEME. THE minutes )assed with snail-like rogress, while it seemc( to Kit as if the nig t would never end, and the laggard sun never rise. -, But at length a faint streak of gray stole dver the East, and in a moment Kit was on his feet and had left the room by the window, closing the latter, which fastened with a spring. Hurrying to the stable, be there met Pete, who was Just coming out, leading his horse and, thankin the faithful 01d darky, he leaped into the sad 6 and rode out in front of the saloon. Here he stopped and began to think what he had best do, and in which direction he had best commence his search. “Dainty could not have come in this direc- tion or I should have met her. “ he she must have ridden the other way. “The uestion now is: Did she keep straight on, or di she take the other road at the forks, and so on to the stage-road? “That question may best be answered by riding to the forks, where I may obtain a. clew. So, without further hesitation, he turned his horse’s head east and set off down the road at full speed. He as not long in arriving at the forks of the road and there stopped, and dismounting, be an to examine the road carefully. e walked up the main branch for three or four hundred yards, without any result, and found that the road was so dry and so stony that it was doubtful if a horse, ridden or led along there, would leave any trace of his hoofs. Retracing his steps, he walked back to th‘ forks and in the direction of Dainty’s ruined home, when suddenly he leaped forward with an exclamation, and stoopm , picked up a small scrap of something from t e ound. This he examined careful y, turning it in every direction, and, although it here no mark of writing, he seemed perfectly satisfied with his discovery. Yet it seemed but a trifle being on] the end of a finger, torn from a aven er 'd—glove, which had been stained and soiled with some- thing that left a dark-red spot upon it. And Kit recognized it as a iece torn from a glove he had worn on a nig t that Dainty’s ather had been murdered, and which had been soaked with the dead man s blood. She had kept it as a sacred memento of her only relative on earth, and had promised Kit to send it to him whenever she might be in trouble. This she had never been compelled to do, but had lpreserved it; and now it was serving the exce cnt urpose of afl'ordin signs by which Kit could earn the direction 8 e had taken. Realizing that she must be in trouble, or she never would have thus mutely ap led to him, Kit, leading his horse, walk ra idly along the road, finding, every four or five ginn- dred yards a scrap of the glove, which. fact as- sured him that he was on 6 right track. Suddenly he came to the 63th which branched of! to the left and led to e “ Faithful” mine and Colton’s former home, and here he hesitat- ed an instant. But only for an instant. , For, twenty yards up the mth, a patch of color caught his eye, and wa 'ng up to it he found the remnant of the glove lying by the side of the stonylpath. Placing it in is Becket, he now felt not the slightest doubt that 'nty had been entrapped Into going to Colton’s house. lloped on‘ So, leaping astride his horse, he up the path, entered the valley, an regardless I J of danger, dashed up to the door of the stone hut unchallenged. Throwing himself to the ground, he lifted the latch and tried the door, but it was fastened, and he could not move it. Stepping back a pace or two, he gave a tre- mendous bound, struck the door with both feet fairly in the center and as the building shock from the shock, the hin‘es gave way, and as Kit fell to the ground, 0 door flew inward with a ‘crash. On his feet in an instant, Kit dashed through the open door, and glam ed around. Scath in a chair was Dainty, fast bound, and unable to move; and with a cry of “Kit, my husband!” she tried to rise and stretch out her hands to him, but was so firmly tied that she could not move; so she contented herself with smiling lovin rly at him, while her eyes fairly beamed with evotion and pride. In a second Kit’s knife flashed in the air, and the keen edge had severed the bonds which held the girl so cruelly tight, and then they were clasped in each other’s arms, Dainty sobbing with joy and breaking into a thousand endear- exclamations. Vhen she was somewhat quieted, she related to Kit what had hap ened, telling him hcw she had thought of the r ove, and how, unperceived by her captor, she had succeeded in tearing it into strips and dropping them one by one. The man who had invciglcd her into the snare had offered her no indignity, but was evidently assured of the fact that it was Kit he had cap- tured, and not Dainty, and secn’ied much vexed at this sudden terminatlon of his plans. But he had ridden off, telling her that he would soon have company for her in the com- panionship of her Wife, saying also, that he would soon return. In one corner of the room lay Dainty’s riding- skirt and cloak, they havin been pic ed up by her captor as the Ieturnc , he evidently fear- ing that they mig t furnish a clew to his pris- oner’s whereabouts. And as they caught Kit’s eye, he grinned as if amused beyond ex ression, and still holding his wife close to him, c said to her: “ I think I will try a little masquerading my. self. “ This unknown man who captured you.’ has probably returned to The Gulch in search of my wife!” And Kit laughed outright. “Your riding-skirt is of such a color as not to be striking, and as he only saw it at night, he probably would not recognize it a ain. ‘ I’ll put it on, as well as the cloa , and ride to the forks, conceal myself, and when he comes back, will overtake him, and give him a sur- rise. And you, darling, come with me, and when I leave you, to follow this man, ride straight to The Broadway, send Pete for Frank Francis, and ask him to stay about the hotel until I re- turn. “ Tell him what has happened and he will understand, and will see that no harm comes to you while I am away. “ You can depend on that.” So, Daint ’s horse being saddled, Kit disguised himself an they rode away, kee ing careful watch, lest they might encounter t e abductor, Dainty looking like the husband, while Kit was the image of his wife. CHAPTER XIII. DOUBLY TRICKED. THEY had not long been concealed in the thick growth of underbrush, which, although now stripped of its leaves, hid them perfectly, with- drawn as they were, a hundred yards or sofrom the road. when they heard the t of a horse’s hoofs, m ming from the direction of The Gulch. “ That must be our unknown friend,” whis red Kit to Dainty. “ I will let him pass, and then. pushing through the brush to the other road, will gallop down to the fork and overtake him. “ You of course, will remain here, until we are We] out of sight and will then hurry to The Broadway and give your message to ank. “ He will doubtless be there by this time. '3 “Now, Kit, do be careful!” pleaded Dainty, laying her small hand, gloved with the same v sort of covering that had won Kit’s name for him. on his arm. _ .. “ Don’t fear, my child.” returned Kit, “I am well armed, and will doubtless have the “Hun at my mercy‘ before he realizes what has hap- ned. Take good care of yourself 1” ' And the horseman by this time havin passed y‘ them, Kit wheeled, and soon reaching 6 other road, struck east at a rapid pace, and soon ever took the man riding ahead. The latter, who had heard him coming and who turning, had perceived that the new ar- rival was on the other road from the one he had followod, drew rein, and waited till Kit came : u . pAnd as Kit drew near, he muttered to him- self, exultingly: I ' “The girl is riding straight into the trap. “ And now for a little di )lomacy.” As Kit came alongside, t 6 man spoke to him, saying, in as friendly and pleasant tones as he could assume: , “ You air out early Miss Barton.” “Yes: my husband being away, I thought I would take a ride, as the morning was so pleas- ant. “ Did you just come from The Gulch?” “ Yes marm.” “ And did you see Mr. Barton there?” “ No marm; “but an hour or so ago, I seen him ridin’ to’rds the path leading ter ther ‘ Faithful ’ mine, an’ s’pose he’s thar. ‘ “ Then I’ll ride on and meet him. “ Are you going that way?” “ essum. I’m ther watchman thar, sence Capt’n Colton hez stop workin’ it.” f I understand that t e mine is to be sold to a Mr. Worthington, soon.” “ Thet’s w’ot they say.” . “And he’ll make a good purchase if he buys it, I ' dge from all accounts.” “ Ther s no better mine in ther kentry.” During this conversation they were winding slowly on and had new arrived at the path which led abruptly u the hill to the left. Here the girl—for it appeared to be his wife, so great was their resemb once—stopped, irreso— , lutely, and then, taming her horse toward the said: » “ Ibelieve 1 will ride up and see if my bus-- band is at the mine. “ £16 may have gone there with Mr. Worthingv ton. ' . “ Jest w’ot I war a-gein’ ter propose, mum. “ Thar war sum one with him, though I c’u’dn’t see eggzactly who it war.” “ Then. you ride on ahead. “ Your horse certainly knows the way better than mine, and will choose the easiest path; I will follow close after you.” “ All right, marm,” replied the other, having no suspicxon that things were otherwise than they seemed, and not wishing to arouse any by ob 'ecting. And so the rode on into the valley and up to the house, ut there was no one in sight far or near. Before leaving Kit had so fixed the door that it presented no ap )carance, from the outside of having been torn from its fastenings, and as the man dismounted, he was unaware 'that a visit had been paid to the dwelling during his absence “ 1 fear that I shall not find Mr. Barton here,” said Kit, in his most winning tones; “ but I will dismount and ask you for a cup of water.” “ Sart’in, marm.” “ An’ maybe,” as Kit sprung from the saddle which he had taken from his pard’s horse, and replaced with his own, thus riding in a side-sad- dle “ ye’ll 0 inside an’ rest a, bit. ‘2 I thin ',” with a malicious grin, “ thet mebbe thar’s some one in thar as ’11 be glad ier see you.” . “ And who is that?” asked Kit, slipping his hands under his cloak. “ Come in an' see." And‘placing his hand on the latch, he proceed- ed to take a ke from his pocket, with which to unlock it k 2 ar- eye on Kit, ready to seize 'the'girl she he: Stufnicions be aroused and she attempt to escape. _ But as he inserted the may, the pressure on the door pushed it inward, and it fell to the floor with a bang. - _ Looking ate the room, where the supposed Kit was yet seated and tied firmly, he saw that his prisoner had esca )ed, and with an exclamation of rage he turn on the other. But he looked into the muzzle ofa gleaming revolver, held by a tall, slender youth, who had thrown oil? the cumbersome drapery that envel- oped him and now stood, the fac-simile’ of the prisoner who had escaped. And then came the stern command: “ Throw up your hands!” And mechanicall he obeyed. “ Who air you?” 0 stammered, gazing at Kit, in utter astonishment. ' “ I am Kid- love Kit: now who are you 3‘” “ But I left on here tied, not two hours ago.” " That was my wife. “ You have been doubly tricked. “First you thought you had captured Mrs. Barton, but soon came to the conclusion that it was her husband who was in our power. “The first impression was t 0 correct one, but she outwittul you completely, and convinced 1 you that she was I. “ Then you thought that she was in this dress and you find me instead. “ Completely outwitted by a woman at first, you are now her husband’s prisoner. “I will not take you to The Gulch, for they would hang you if I told them of your plots. “But I Will leave you here gagged and tied, and trust to luck to find you here when I return to—night. “,1, need you, and don’t want you to die just 'et. And, still keeping one reVolver pointed at the other’s head, Kit disarmed and then marched him inside, where he did as he had promised, afterward standing the door in its place and then riding oil’ to The Gulch, where he. found Dainty safe and sound, while Faro Frank seat- ed on the top ste. of the stuirwa which ed to her hall, decline( to allow anybo y to pass, not even the landlord. And as be enforced his remarks with a fierce- lookitiéirevolver, every one acquiesced and none ms1s CHAPTER XIV. A CONSULTATION. RELIEVING Frank, and thanking him for his attention, Kit, asking him to await him down- stairs, went to his rooms and announced his safe return to his wife, and then, telling her that he wished to talk with Francis, he left the room again. Rejoining his friend, he went with him to The Broadwa , and found everything in full blast, as, indee( , it always was at that hour of the night. odding to several acquaintances, Frank e1- bowed his wa through the crowd, followed by Kit, and led t e way to the famous back room, which was always the scene of their various consultations. Seated here, Kit gave a detailed account of what had appcncd to him, Dainty having a1- rcady told iim of her experiences. And having finished, he added: “Now, Frank, what does this mean? “How do on account for these continued at- tacks upon aint and myself?” “ Kit,” said