i E. ‘ i k i UiI’EW-Ea we mun... .. .. .. L1 1.1 III IIHIl nu’ “Ii! :ifiil'lillilmlu .. . \ $2.50 I year. Entered at thigh“ Office at New York, N. Y., as Seopnd Class M? Rates. Copyright. 1883, BXELDLE AND ADAMS. December 11. 188‘s; V01. XIII. xii: 2;. PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMb, Price, No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. NO- 333. BRIMSTONE BOB,And His Lightning Horse uuanene; "'vMaiWass'use to Tombstone. BY MAJOR E. L. ST. VRAIN, .‘ 1.! AUTHOR or “mono PEDRO, THE BOY BANDIT," “RED’I‘OP RUBE,” “ LEADVILLE NICK,” ETC., ETC. ,/,, 7’ 17,76 .' I" W .> h V _ -_ ' ; ~ 2 . 1' llvé,’ ’1»; I ’ f /¢4 )/1 fl ' .1 ' “4", I OUT ON THE DESERT WENT THE BLACK HORSES AND THE WAGON; OUT ON THE DESERT WENT BRIMSTONE BOB: '2 0—._.._._ Brimstone Bob, ‘ _ And His Lightning Horse Quartett‘e; . on, . Major Brag-3‘s Ride to Tombstone. BY MAJOR E. L. ST. VRAIN, nurses or “ammo? liven." "LEADVILLE NICK,” “sascno PEDRO, ran BUY ass Drr," ETC., mo. . 9 ' CHAPTER I. run nnomsmo or A nanomaons JOURNEY. " I WANT to hire a. man to drive me to Tomb- stone. . ." Reckon you can’t get him nigh here.” “ And why not, sir; why not?’ “ Because ther Apaches are-on ther war-path; ther Ginger Trail fa’rly bristles with them; ha’r is bein’ raised freely an’ ther ver dickens is ter pay in gin’ral. With that urned reds slaughterin’ ever white the kin“ smell out, - none ov us is anxious ter stan up as a terrible exam le. No, sir!" » “ hat’s the villainous Apaches to me, sir? Idon’t care a cent if. every grain of sand in Arizona has been turned into an Apache. I’m going through to Tombstone, sir, if ninety-nine men out of every hundred are killed, sir. l’ll ‘hire the hundredth. Yes, sir!” “What if he won’t be hired?” " What if— Thunderation, sir, I’ll hire him if I rob the United States treasur todo it. I’ll 0 through to Tombstone if I eave a driver (“lead at every turn of the wheels. Yes, sir!” Thisvconversation took place in front of the 'Western Hemisphere Hotel, Digger’s Delight, Arizona, and was carried on between the man who wished to go to Tombstone, a stranger to all there, and one of the residents of the town. Digger’s Delight was not a large place, but it was active and bustling, possessing a population 'of solid, brave men who were supposed to risk their lives as coolly as an Eastern man would the chances at a game of 0!. When Major Artemas ragg came to Digger’s Delight he did not doubt his ability to get a man to drive him through to Tombstone, but we have seen what luck awaited him. ~He was an old army at Vicksbuag when Steele’s division made the assault at rave ard Bastion but twenty ad- ditional years he turned his hair gray and he _ disliked saddle-riding. _ . _ He wanted ‘a man to drive him to Tombstone, but theman was not forthcoming. This was not 3 , for the Apaches were on the Wand t e reader k ows that this restleujtrlbe ' made more trouh e in the last few. years than all the other Indians-in the. United States. _ y ' On the particular occasion of they had struck hero pad there, killing and outragin inn promiscuous. way, and the nhab- itantr Delight were keeping close wi‘t’hin _ , allo. .- I , eryd ' it was considered-to go out- side and ’ wasaposeibility that the town mi ht beattacked. - - Major Bragg was upset b his ill-luck. He was very anxious to go rough, but hope see‘ tonnth Growing angry,¢he ed y-fora while. and when he saw that it was in vain he fairly begged that some one “#3. amid“ ed 1 h tried ' a . was rov assess e the 1m resdrt. p ' v “I’ll ve five hundred dollars to the .man who’ll ta e the across the plain,” he said. , The er named a very areas one, but dead once reigned among the men of Digger-’3 Delight. No one raised his voice to accept. “ Perhaps you think I’ll double the sdm,” howled Major Bragg. “ but I won’t do it to save this onehorso town from instant destruction. I’d see it overrun by locusts and other .Bible plagues, first. Yes, sir!" . en the men prOceeded to remark that the hero of Vicksburg misun them. They were not influenced by mercenary motives; in fact, the major hadn’t money enough to m- fluence them; but as for going out on the Gin r ~Trail at that particular time, to be scalped g Apaches, they would see Artemas Bragg plan ed heels up before theywonld stir. ‘ Bragg‘had stormed until he could storm no more, and his y face was looking the ture of despair, w n a light and musical w 10 Brimstone “Bob, and His qflcer and had lost a leg ' which we write , one theré expected to ever again see him Lightning Horse” Quartette. broke in on the momentary silence, and a new- comer appeared on the scene. He wasa oath of about nineteen years, but so too heneg by the wild life of the West that‘ he he the form and ener y of email. He was not handsome, for his eatures were rather coarse _and cOVered with tan and freckles at that; but it wasa face full of honest , frank- ness, cod-humor and resolution, an thou h be mi ht bea border boy, no “tough” wou d thing of asking his co-operation in an unmanly WOI‘ . ' . This young man was no stran :- in Digger’s Delight, and he was at once bantegroingly- greeted. “I’I’ello, Brimstone Bob, here’s a job for you! The speaker’s finger was leveled at Major Bragg, and the eyes of the youth turned the same we . Braggosaw how bold and frank they were an took a fresh start. “Youn man, I’ll ive you five hundred dol- lars to ta 0 me to ombstone in a coach, or some other vehicle.” - “ Can’t be done,” Bob tersely answered. “ The ’Paches would have your scalp in fifteen minutes.” “ I’m going if I travel in a balloon!” shouted the oflicer. “ I’ll go to Tombstone if ten thousand earthquakes stood loaflng around in my way i” ‘ . _ Brimstone Bob’s face grew more Serious. “ Is the case reall so serious?” he asked. “ Serious? Are oath and robbery 'and arson Serious? I~ think they are, slightly. -My bro- ther, Abe, has died, and left amine and a daugh~ ter, but what does his rascally nephew—not my nephew, you understand—do, but swear Karah was not his dau hter, and not the heiress, and that he, Miles B and, is the next of kin and heir to the mine and other property. I say is that serious? Is it serious to see an orphan deprived of her rights by a great, lubberly fellow like this Bland? Bland! a more appropriate name would be Hang-dog. I’ve seen him and I know.” The major paused, panting for breath, and Brimstone Bob took up the conversation. “And this is why you want to go to Tomb tone?” “ Isn’t it enough—” “Quite enou h,” the youth interrupted, in 0001, business- e tones. “ You say on want to go to Tombstone. The best way is y saddle. Get a horse and I’ll pilot you across the plain, ’Paches or no ’Paches.” “ I .can’t sitiu a saddle. I’ve t a wooden leg and I’m used-u generally. must go by stage. Can’t you ve one?” c as.» I “I’ll give you five hundred dollars to take me through.” - “ It’ll cost you more than that. No man will loan a carriage for such a trip, for they don’t banker to furnish fire-wood for the ’Paches. You must buy Sam Seavey’s stage.” “I’llndo it, of course, and the necessary orses. “No; I’ll furnish. the horses. ,li’ye got four as intense as ever rapped a hoof in rizona, and we’re going to'need them all. - ere’s sand in our route where'two horses would find it hard ' pulling, but the four will send us a-flyin . Get ready, and I’ll be around. My name is here Grover, sometimes called Brimstone Bob.” It was five hoursvlater when the adventurous Pair left Digger’s Delight; went well armed and isioned, and I h the four spirited, coal- lack horses on the sta named on ableof doing-almost anyth d d. at, the men of the town he farewell to Brimstone Bob in a most melancholy-wasting“ el Bisonrlin , .brown. hair seemed destined for use at a Fara Apache’s'belt. ! , The odest inhabitant declared that it .was impOSSihle to,go through alive: he had never seen a worse time along the Ginger 1. Yet, the outfit went out of townwit a good deal of style and flhurish, Brimstone Bob sitting on the box and Major Bragg beside him. The latter was delighted with his turnout. The wagon was Sam Seavey’s, stage, and, hav- ing been but two weeks in use, was in the best ible condition. 9 horses were magnificent allows—four st'ro g, fleet animals, coal-black but smooth-coated and shining, young, fleet- footed and high-spirited. Major Bragg was at once captivated. , “ If that tenuern't do the work no team our»;i h?hgdeclared.~ ,“ They are beauties, sir, r u es The youth’soyesrflistened. , f‘ Bight, majOr, ght; they‘lcan’t be beaten in - ..4,.., - . .__.._._. Arizona. I’ve owned them for a year and wouldn’t art from them, anyway. I call them my ightning Horse Quartette, and when we take the road the spokes just hum.” All Bragg‘s admiration was not given to .the horses; he saw and duly appreciated the ease and skill with which Brimstone Bob handled the reins, and it became evident to him that he had secured a good Outfit.- If he failed to reach Tombstone, it would be bfciause the Apaches were truly the lords of the p a n. The young driver settled down to a steady pace and the horses held it to perfection. There was no urging no holding-in, no fancy work or wo. in of the horses, but at that even ace whlc to is in the long run, they bowled a ong toward Tombstone. ' Me or Bragg’s s irits arose, and he spoke confi ently ofreac in their destinatiOn and punishing Miles Blan , the “young villain” who had wronged a helpless girl out of her for tune. Brimstone Bob said nothing, for he was less sanguine. He ho to see Tombstone again, but he was better Informedas to the real danger than the ex—soldier. Even as straws show which way the wind blows, so the travelers had/ a disagreeable en- counter five miles out of Digger’s Delight. Two horsemen were observed riding toward them at full speed, and Bragg got out his Rem- ington rifle, but as they came nearer they were seen to be' white men, and unarmed, hatless, coatless, and badly frightened at that. They had a woeful story to tell. They were all that remained of a dozen cowboys Who had been at a ranch on a branch of the Gila; the Apaches had scooped in the others, and filgir scalps were dangling from the red bucks’ ts. Again Major Bragg was warned to 0 back. “Go back!" he roared. “Not if ecumeeh and all his braVes come to life and bring trees down here from behind which to fight us. Iio, sir!” “ But—” expostulated the cowboy, only to be interrupted by the irasclble veteran: “There are no ‘buts’ about it, you cowardly villain!” he thundered; and as he snatched the whip from Bob’s hand, the cowbo s hurriedly resumed their flight toward Digger s Delight. CHAPTER II. THE FIRST NOTE 0]“ ALARM.. Tm: sta 6 rolled on toward Tombstone. The first nove ty of the trip had woeray, and silence had fallen between the men. Bragg had tired himsslf storming at the well-meaning on the wide plain he began to look more care- full at the situation, as a good soldier should._ e studied the face of his driver as though it were a barometer but-Brimstone Bob remained perfectly cool and at bioease. Yet, the ma 'or was shrewd enough to suspect that it was - cause he a, brave nature; he noticed that the young man bitch and keenly scanned the lain. ' p He had taken the risk, but he Was not indif- ferent to danger. The sun was near the meridian when they reached a small stream whose advantages they did not neglect. An hour’s belt was made, men and saline 8 ate and drank; and then the jour- ney was resumed. ‘ a An honr passed, and Bragg, who had taken to scannln the plain with a gene as careful as , _the drive s, suddenly pointed ahead. . “ Horsemen, by George!” he exclaimed. ' “Wrong, major, this time. Were they such I should not be heading, for-them. Those are sand-hills. A little fur her on we strike a belt of villainous soil, if that’s what. you call sand. There isn’t a drop of water, are green thing for ten miles.” V “ A regular desert.” “ Exactly, but nothing compared with what we’ll find further on. But this small desert, as l was about to say, is covered with sand-hills. The fine grains move almost like feathers when 1hr re?s a wind, and they gather in hills, rows and other shapes.” They apprOeched the dark ob acts, and the .major found them no worse than oh had said. The traveling. hOwever. had become wretched. The horses sunk to the ankle-joint at each step, and. the heavy stage out even deeper. This wasa more trifle for the four sgirited horses, but the old soldier began to 396 w at an Arizona desert was like. “ Almost as bad as Yszoo mud,” he said, his mind gomg back to Vicksbur . ' cowboys, and how that they were fairly adrift. . l ._.4._ . 1y _ -s- c.4— Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning They were soon among the sand—hills, some of which ware twenty feet high and others mere piles of wayward grains, which had failed to cling to the larger ones. In observing them Bragg forgot to look for anything else, but he aroused as the young driver suddenly pulled in on the reins. " What now?” Bragg asked. Bob pointed with his whip toward the south. “Genuine horsemen, this time,” he calmly observed. The veteran looked and saw a number of black spots against the sky. They were of such vague and insignificant prOportions that he looked a little doubtful. “Are you sure they are horsemen?” he asked. _ "Yes, and Apaches, too.” “ How do you know?” “Perhaps 1 spoke too strongly, but they are horsemen and the chances are nineteen out of twenty that they are Indians. MoreOVer, they are coming this we .” The major helps himself to a large chew of tobacco. ' . “What are we going to do about it?” he asked. “ Simply remain where we are. TheSe sand- hills are our best friends. If it were not for them we should be visible to our neighbors, so here we stay, ready to flee at a moment’s notice if such a thing becomes neCessary.” The wisdom of the course was apparent to Brazg and he made no objection. They re- mained on the box and watched while the horsemen approached. As they came nearer ’ all doubt as to their character vanished. Even the major could see they were Indians, and Brimstone Bob unhesitatingly pronounced them A aches. ut this wasn’t the worst of it. The red wars riors were heading [directly for the sand-hills, and there was cause for grave fear that they would not pass without discovering the white travelers. Bob admitted all this when Bra g mentioned it, but what could they do? N 0th ng, exce t to remain quiet and await the result. To eave the hills was to court certain discovery, and a stage and four horses could not be concealed in earth or air, even if no tell~tale trail existed be- hind them. ‘ Nearer came the red lords of the plains, and even to Bragg, who had won glory all the way from Bull Run to Appomattox, they looked warlike to an uncomfortable degree. They were well-developed fellows, and if there was .any weakness of limbs common to “horse In- dians” it was not visible to the naked eye. They were armed with weapons furnishedby the United States Government in some moment of sentimental “gush,” or stolen, as the case might be. _ ’ Bragg looked well to his weapons and repar— ed for warm work. His jaws worked th ma- chine-like rag-alarity on his tobacco and the spirit of his military days was well to the front. Brimstone Bob was more quiet, but he was alive to the demands of the occasnon. He was using his eyes to better- efl'eot than Brass. ‘700, ' for he had discot'ered that one of the horsemen was not an Indian; more, that he was a prison- er. This‘discovery he communicated to the old soldier. but it was no time for useless words. The Apaches entered the sand-hills, and Bob saw with grave fears that there seemed little ho of their missing the trail of the stage. If th s was seen it would soon e a race for life and then Bra g would see why his driver had declared four rses necessary A new move on the part of the paches averté ed the danger for the time. They halted, disa mounted, and camped where the sand-hills threw out shadows which would protect them from the hot sun. ' ‘ . Bragg felt a thrill of hope and believed the time ad come for them to "silently steal away," but he was soon undeceived. Red pick- ets Were posted. and a mouse could scarcely have approached or left the “sand-hills unseen, but the white men, shielded by the piled-up grains, remained undiscovered. Brimstone Bob felt a good deal of interest in the Apaches’ prisoner, for he know only too well what the Apaches plans must be. Since he had been saved from the first slaughter, it showed that a worse fate was in store for him. He'falt a strong desire to aid him, or, at least, to take the first steps toward it by takinga closer survey. He mentioned thefact to Bragg, expecting opposition, but the old veteran was by no means selfish. "'90," he said, “ and I'll standby the horses. * If there is any alarm, run this way and I’ll have them all ready for work.” And SO, after a few cautions, Bob glided to- ward the Indian camp. It was an easy matter to move silently, for he could not have made much of a sound in the sand it he had wished, and he was able to devote all his attention to kee ing out of sight. e soon reached a mound which overlooked the camp, and ascended the eastern side. He was, however, too wise to show his head above the crest. Instead, finding the mound to be of a conical form on one side and concave on the other, be stretched himself out in the hollow ainid proceeded to dig a hole through the thin s e. ‘ This was soon done and the Apache camp lay before his vision. They were eating dinner, but as this was a fa- miliar sight for him he gave immediate atten- tion to the prisoner. The latter was a young man, not- much older than Bob, but he had a considerable hirsute rowth on his upper lip, and, with his powerful orm, looked 01 or than he was. The observer, Seeing his dress and general appearance, pro- nounced him a typical cowboy and miner, and that was all that was in his appearance to at- tract attention, unless We say a looked like a rough-and-ready, perha , reckless young man. Bob admired the none lance be preserved in his danger, for it was folly to suppose he failed to comprehend it. Being no stranger to West— ern ways, he must be aware that death awaited him unless some very singular chance inter- fered in his behalf. Naturally the watcher’s sym thy went out to him. 9 was of his own co or, and no one who had ever lived in Arizona has an friend- ship for the Apaches—the fiercest Ind an tribe now on United States soil. The camp was a picture of indolence, the sig- nification of which was clear when one marked the condition of the horses. They bore every evidence of hard riding, and there were other signs that the Apaches had been eagerly seek- ing for victims. A‘t their-belts were human scalps, the hair of which was fine and short. It was that of stock- men or miners. Once, one of these terrible tr hies was slapped in the face of the risoner. e smiled back at his insulter, and rimstone Bob felt a thrill of pride. A man with such nerves ought not to die like a do or at such base hands. Bo did not forget Bragg and the stage, but as they could not leave the sand-hills while the In- dians remained, he paid no attention to the major and kept his place. In this way an hour passed. The red-skins’ dinner was completed but they showed no signs of gain . Bob saw this and came to the de- cision t at they would not leave until the sun was down. Then, in the cool of the evening, they would probabl push for some isolated stock-ranch on the t butaries of the Gila, or to %. mine which they had marked for destruc- ion. ' - - He left his t and explained his viewa to Bragg. The tter, with all his noisiness at times, was far from'being foolishly rash and though he was in haste to go through to 'r’omb- stone, he had no desire toth out on the plain until the Indians were out of the way. Consequently, he agreedwith Bob that they had better remain where they were, but he was not so ready to agree to rescue the white pris- oner. “It’s a pitiful sight, b Geor e, to see a hu- man being in the ban a of t ose cut-throats, but what can we do? If we should get roped in ourselves in trying a rescue, we'd not Only be burned at the stake and served up on the half- shell, but that infernal villain of a Miles Bland will centinue to frolic around with his stolen money.” “ But, sir, humanity—” v “Humanity demands that we go on to Tomb- stone and right the wrong done Karah Bragg. That’s what humanity demands—yes, sir!” CHAPTER III. ran aoasn collan ours IN MOTION. Tm: afternoon wore ‘awa without any change in the situation. The paches listlessly kept their camp and our two friends were ob iged to keep theirs. Had the Indians taken to wandering, discovery would have been cer- tain, and the case would have been. the same Eat: :ng Brimstone Bob’s ‘hones‘been' so well ra n . I r The wind was blowing toward them from the Apache camp and they knew theother horses Horse Quartette. ' l i 3 ' kicked for allowing it. ,stone Bob, gazing into the, 'warrior. - '\ were there, but not a neigh betrayed their own presence. , . Bob had not given up the ideaoi’ rescuing the white prisoner and he saw darkness row near with pleasure. He had pretty cleary gauged the major and felt sure he would not allow the (young man to under where he might be save . After the sun went down be renewed his ar- gument. He was not disappointed. ‘ “ Have your own wa ,” said the veteran, “but you‘re ,etting us to aconfounded flx, sir; a most vi lainous fix. We can’t absorb that youn heathen like so much dew, nor turn our vehic 6 into a balloon. Result. we’ll soon have themwhole pack howling at our heels. Yes, 811‘. “ My quartette can outrun them.” “ I s’pose the can outrun greased 1i htning,” was the irasci le reply. “Never m nd, how. ever, never mind: we’re not going to turn piv rates here in the desert and leave men to roast and be served on the half-shell. No, sir!” And so it was settled, and as darkness gath- ered Bob prepared for immediate work. The Apaches were liable to move at an time—in- deed, Bob was surprised at their pro onged halt“ -and then they might as well try to capture a shooting-star. The youn man explained his plans to the major and t on glided noiselesslv away. “ He’ll never come back alive," the veteran. “ We rank suicide, and ought to be enin of the brain. Confound my weaknesses!” Bo reached the edge of the Apache cam and there paused to‘ survey it. The scene he not changed; the grim warriors were as before and the prisoner lay with his back to a mound, outward y wholly at his ease. ' It was 9. art of-Bob’s plan to tunnel thrng this moun ; indeed, that was the only we open to him. To attempt to move around t would be very dangerous, to say the least. ‘ He went at his work in earnest, using one of the stage-seats, which he had secured for a‘ spade. There was no resistance: the sand was easily moved and he went ahead like a bur- r rowing animal. He was \half-way through, and wholl inside his tunnel, when there was a sound 0 “voices just behind him. He recognized the guttural, harsh tones and, looking back, could see a pair of Apache legs. . ' - ’ _It was a moment of thrilling suspense, for discovery seemed certain, but dam er was tem- porarily averted by an unexpee occurrence. here was a motion of the sand behind the youn adventurer and then it fell down intohis tunne , shutting out his view of Apache la and starlight at one and the sometime. e was, of course, buried by the slide, but it did not trouble him in the least. He had plenty of elbow room in his _ vicinity and, resuming work, soon had fresh air from the other side. This opening gave him a plain view of the risoner. Indeed, Bobnearl thrust the board into his back by accident, a ay of announcing his presence‘ which “was scarcely cautious enough. - < - ' ’~ He tried another way. . "‘I say, stranger!” y - , ," He spoke in a subdued voice, but Itihayoun man could not help hearing him; astart slightl , but, showing good nerves, turned his head 8 owly. ‘- ‘ ' " ' 0" “Say nothing,” continued Brimstone Bob. “I am a friend and a white man, like ourself. I‘ll cut your bonds, and then do you to low me. Of course you know your life depends on your ’ own prudence.” The stranger nodded and ut his hands nearer 7’ the breach. One sweep of ob‘s knife ii tel! ' them-end those on his ankles followed. 11 was . free, but'not-yet "out of the woods.” ‘, ' ‘3 With admirable skill he turned and war ed -' this way after Bob inside thev'mou'nd. he vacant s ace was barely large enough to hold ‘ them bot , and the leader lost no‘time in turn; ing to the work of removing the sand which had caved'in on him. ' ‘ , ~ A ' ‘ “ You’re a brick,” said the resened'man, " “ and I’ll do you a good turn aome'day. We . need bosses; jest watch‘me gobble up acon' lo." “No; I have other means of oiug. at, iiczn’zt talk now. My scalp is not or saleorto: e I . As he spoke 'his impromptu through the sand, a lit is” light onto , «and then a fresh lot of the fine ins cametum ling down, leavin a considers le hole, and Brim-‘ coking through, found" himself ‘ glittering-eyes of an Apache. ' I believe I’ve got soft- _ went ‘I ._ :‘fiifi‘ A"; #343? 3:55;}, If 4 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. A brief pause ensued, for the red-man was clearly a good deal astonished, but Bob knew that delay would be fatal in his case and he soon moved. With one long, agile bound he shot into the open air, and in another moment the A che was lying flat on his back. Bob’s hea had struck him in the pit of his stomach and knock- ed sense and life out of his body for the time. So far, all had gone well, but as bad luck would have it, the warrior’s former companion was but a few feet awe and all this scene had been 0 n to his ama eyes. Ano her moment and his wild yell tele- graphed the alarm to his companions, but it was not repeated. ' Brimstone 'Bob snatched the knife from the belt of the fallen man and, castin it with won- derful speed and accuracy, buried the blade hilt-deep in the warrior‘s body. We a foolish man that dailies with an Apache on the war-path. The stric on man fell to the ground, but by the time he was fairly down the white youths were in retreat, led by Bob, and the other red— skine came swarmin from among the sand- mounds like prairie- gs making for their bur. rows. .Instantl y, a chorus of angry yells arose. They saw the two prostrate warriors and the fleeing whites, and the scene needed no interpretation. T v0 or three bullets whistled t the fugi- tives’ heads, but they ran on un isturbed, the late prisoner throwing back defiant yells. “Shoot ther varmints° I’d like ter hev a Henry rifle now. You’d see me settle their bash in short order.” Bob did not answer. but be was too wise to wish to face a score of Apaches. His only fear wbas that such a thing would become unavoid- a la. The distance to the stage was soon traveled, and they found everythin ready for departure. Major Bragg was in pos tion on the box, the reins upheld in his expectant hands, and even the horses seemed to know the critical state of affairs. Brimstone Bob gained the seat with a flying leap, and the rescued captive, seeing no other chance, bounded inside. Then Bob caught the reins, a single word was ven the Horse Quar- tette, they straightened t e straps and were of! like a shot. Then he an exciting scene. Bob gave at- tention o to his horses, and it needed all his care to naVIgate the sand-mounds successfully. Near together as the were, it required a cool head, a quick eye an a steady hand to avoid upsetting the coach. Bragg, excited but fearless, unded his wooden leg on the footboard as t ough to fur- nish music for the occasion, and complimented Bob freely. “Well done! well done! You turned that mound beautifully. There’s another; look out! Excellent! You could handle a Parrott gun. Good boy, good boy i” The ex-captive had been shouting defiance: but his tune suddenly changed. The regular and vicious cracking of a repeating rifle showed that he had found the weapons inside the stage, and was practicin on the pursuers. The major sni ed disapprovingly, and mut— tered something about firing without orders, but it was no time for quarrels among them- selves. The race was beginning to assume an omin- ous Fleet and gallant the Horse Quartette cer- tainl was; but it remained a fact that a coach- “1d- our could not be navigated among the sand-bills as fleetly as a sin le horse. All this became clear w en the pursued saw shat they were being slowly but surely run own. “ What are we going to dot” Bragg de- mended. “ What more can we do than this!” “ But the ’re gaining.” “Some 0 them are, at others are sto ping by the way, never -to get cg again, than s to our new recruit. Then— ut, hurrah! here we leave the sand-bills and it’s a straight road after this. If we don’t hold our own I’m greatly mistaken.” . g _ Evidently the Apaches were of the same opinion, for there was a sudden- change in their tactics. Bullets began to fly freely, and only the fact that it was ni ht saved the coach from being riddled. The ate ca tive handled his Own rifle with a good deal 0 noise, if not with effect, B pounded the footboard With his wooden leg 1: increased applauds, and the fugi' tives went on rapidly. Brimstone Bob did not once look behind him; all his attention was given to his team, andto the route, and he handled his horses like a veteran. The gallant blacks, on their own part, had never been in better spirits and the went well. Once free from the sand-bills, Bo ave them the word to do their best, and t e wheels bummed like machinery as they whirled around. Footing had im roved, and, no longer annoyed by the sand, t ey Were going at race-horse speed. The ex-captive clambered over the seats to his com nions. “ t’s a bit,” he said, in high glee. “Those durned varmints are gwine ter git left. Keep atight rein on them horses, young feller, an’ we’re all right.” “If you don’t like our style, get off. and walk” said the major, crustily. “ I ess you and can’t teach this young man how drive a coach. Not much i” “I kin sling ther ribbons ekul ter any man in Arizona,” was the boastful re ly. “Go and do it, then, but eave us alone. We’ve got you out of trouble, and now if you‘ll sitl dovgn and sing low, we’ll try to save our- 88 V05. CHAPTER IV. THE won TURNS ACROBAT. IT was clear that Bragg and the rescued man were not going to be bosom friends, but the lat- ter didgnot seem to desire trouble. He stood be- hind the men on the box and watched the scene with a‘degree of attention broken only by the zi ping of Apache bullets. rimstone Bob, who was looking. at ovary- tbing in a thoroughl practical ligI t, saw that the chances were in avor of their olding their own, if no mishap occurred, but a long race must ensue if the Apaches bung to the trail. Bragg saw the wisdom which had made his driver take four horses and applauded the flying Quartette freely. The extra passenger grew communicative. He said his name was Dirk Daniels, and that he was a cowboy from Texas, but a. miner in Arizo- na. He showed a disposition to boast of whatfhe could do, but as he really seemed to be without fear it was in a degree pardonable. He had been captured white crossing the plain and held as we have seen. The race continued, three miles were quickly made and the pursuers began to look less omin- ous. The poorer mounted ones had fallen to the rear and only eight or ten Were near enough to be seen. Daniels had fired at these with poor success, but Bob, who was an adept at sh00ting by night, wasjust thinking of Exchanging places with him when a. new complication occurred. . Several dark objects x-uxldenly loomed up in front of them, and Bob wasjust on the point of reining out to avoid what he took to be bowlders when he discovered that each and eVery dark spot was made by a mounted Apache warrior. They had fallen on a second party! Bob‘s resolution was taken in a moment; it would not do to sheer off and run a neck-and- neck race with those red cut-throats; so he kept the Lightning Quartette headed as they were and cracked his whip once over their heads. The sound was as good as a blow, and each splendid brute made a tremendous leap and plunged forward like a shot, their facss straight for the Apaches. “Let her bowl!” roared Major Brag , wild with excitement. “Boot and saddl ouble- quick 1” There was a sudden pause on the part of the Indians as they saw the cn-coming team, but it was just what Bob had calculated on; that moment’s delay gave him his only chance for escape. . “ ire into them!” he ordered holding his reins fast. “Give them lead to kill.” . . Major Bragg caught at the idea and at his revolvers at one and the same moment, and as the team sprung into the midst of the redaskins he stood erect and began flring right and left. He was dimly conscious that Bob called to him to sit down, but he was fired with the ex- citement of a scene as wonderful in its way as the charge at Graveyard Bastion and he did not heed the warning. All, or nearly all, his attention was on the Horse Quartette. They did not ease their wild pace for even a moment, but as tho-v want they managed to get in a ood deal of quick work by the way, using both th and bee «. _ . Bragg saw one doughty warrior plucked from his saddle by a pair of strong jaws. and he :lfiought the occasion worthy of “ three times roe. “ Hip, hip, hip hur-r-r-r—” His cheer died away in mid-air as the stage- wheei struck against a roaring Apache pony. for the shock was sumcient to raise the incan- tious major from the box and send him like a cannon-ball through the air. In the language of the West, be “swapped ends” once or twice in his aerial flight, and when he alighted it was on top an Apache cen- taur. He struck the latter like a bowling-ball on a rampage, and out of the saddle went the red buck. Somehow—candor compels us to admit the major never understood it—Brngg came dewn astride the brute, all right except that he was facing to the rear. - Almost at the same moment the frightened pony gave a scream of alarm and, dropping his ears on his neck, shot away like an arrow over the plain. Poor Bragg was nearly unhorsed by the mis- hap, but chance enabled him to catch at the pony’s tail, and be clung as tightly as though he was working at a dollar an hour with his board thrown in. The pony, however, was fully convinced that a j iguar or some other deadl foe had settled on his haunches, and he pursu the rapid tenor of his way straight toward the equator. Now ensues a confession. Bragg’s real object in going to Tombstone by stage was that, though a military man, he was no horseman. He had Served in the infantry when among the cannon’s roar, and after he had passed the rank of lieutenant had not done any active fighting. He was the Worst rider in the army, but in the discharge of other duties was so exact that he had won a major’s commission. Now, he was taking a wild ride under cir- cumstances which filled him with horror, and almost made his hair stand on end. Brimstone Bob had gone through the roup of Apaches like a flash of lightning, and Without turning a hair, but when it looked as though victory was won. he was dumfounded at seeing Bragg receding in such a fashion. Bob, however. lost little time. Quick as he usual] moved, be turned the head of l.i.~ Quar- tette or the runaway, and swapt away in pur- suit, followed by a volley of wild lead from the Apaches. “Obi thunder an’ tarant’lersl” yelled Dirk Daniels, “see ther old bcyee gol Whar’a ther circus-folks what hires star acrobaters?” It was a timely inquiry, but the major was more interested in knowing where he was, and what was to become of himself. The p01- was flying, and the faster he went, the tighter rag clung to his tail. That worthy man he char ed bravely at Vicksburg, but be after- war admitted that he “ would be hanged if he hankered to break in a Maud B. gone mad.” .“ Jump ofl—jump, old man i" The words floated to him from Dirk’s lips as they swept along, but they only brought orth a snort from the veteran. _ “Jump?” he roared, longing to shake his list at the younger man. “ Do you take me for Sam Patch, or Hole-in-the-Skyi Shoot this infernal horse, will you?” His prayer remained unheeded, and the stars looked down on an animated scene; a race in which Major Bra g took the lead, and made time which would ave won him the “ brush ” of any fox in England. At the rear—bis novel mode of riding gave him a good view in that direction—came the staie with the Lightning Quartette at a break- nec pace and Brimstone Bob at the ribens; while in the stern of all, the Apaches who had combined forces, swept along in the c see. On the whole, they might be termed the tail of a most eccentric comet, which was repre- sented by the hero of Vicksburg. Bragg would have g'ven a pile of money could he have alighted from the horse, but he Could do neither that. nor turn about; he could only hang on and bewail his fate. ‘ Why don’t you shoor. this blamed mule?” be bellowed, addressing Bob and Dirk. “Fire, you infernal rascals or I’ll have you court- martiaiedi Do you think I barker to be a John Gilpin or Mazepna'l Where is the Western man who does the creasing ? Trot him out. and give him practice. Oh! you diabolical mule. I wi-h l was t’other side to; I’d cut your villainous throat!” The threat was an empty one, but his roaring served to keep the ny in fresh terror and he fled on like a wo f-pursued wild steed of the prairie, or any other romantic figure-bead. “ Here’s vour modern Tom O’Bhanterl” howl- ed the major, in an ecstasy of fear. “Come and see him. Compare him with the original Brimstone’Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. 5 g and see how he pans out. mule!" “Zip I” A bullet whimd dan erously near the rider's ears, causing him to dog , and again he shout- ed his anger to Bob and irk: “ Hold on, you diabolical impsi Who’re you shooting at! Crease the horse, not me. I’ll ban you both arrested when we get to Tomb- stone. I say, you, Brimstone Bob, can‘t you V et those horses out of a walk? Lick ’em, I say; ick them, or I’ll—" The remainder of the sentence was lost as a bullet grazed his ear, and, unconscious that all these favors came from the Apaches, he again delivered an opinion to his innocent friends. Minutes passod in this race, and though Brim- stone Bob urged his blacks to the utmost. he failed to diminish the distance; the pony im- agined he was fleeing for his life and he Went in a lively style. A change was at hand, however. Unknown to an of the whites. they were ap- Eroaching a. smal river which flowed between anks ten feet above the water-level. It was not hard to cr0ss, the water being less than four feet deep in some places, but speed was not desirable. Brag ’s first warning came when his pon $11558 the earth, but he was not surprisc . aviag seen so much of him, it was not strange that he should arise and fly. He did not fly, however; he descended, strik- ing the water with full force, and the major nearly lost his breath and quite lost his seat. The moment he realized the situation he re- membered he had not swum a stroke for thirty years, and not feeling in a mood to renew his practice, he clung all the tighter to the pony’s tail and resolved to let him take him out. The animal, discouraged b the steep bank eyond them, turned his hea down-stream and began swimming iustily, while four feet behind be towed the major, who did not forget to hold hard even while he spluttered and blowed to clear his mouth of water. “If this is the way to Tombstone,” he thought, in utter despair. “I wish I had gone by some other route or else let Karah‘s fortune go to thunderl” CHAPTER V. BRIMSTONE BOB FACES THE cnown. THE sudden disappearance of Major Bragg was not lost on Brimstone Bob, who had kept watch for traps along the trail. He distinct y heard the splash when the veteran struck and looked ovor his shoulder. Onl half a dozen Apaches were in sight. “ e‘ve got to fight, ’ he terselv said. “ Looks thunderineg like it," Dirk admitted. “Swing your horses around an’ we’ll use ’em fur a breastwork.” " No we won’t, not while I handle the ribbons. If on take them for Creedmoor targets on maze a big mistake. Let me engineer this th ng and do you look out for time and be sure and come in on the up-beat. Here we go!” h saw an'l marked the riVer With a keen and critical gaze. Somewhat of a lead had been obtained over the Apaches, and in that lay their salvation if they pulled through the pinch. The young driver was about to take a deeper- ate chance, if he wished to save the Horse Quar~ tette from Indian bullets, but it was the only one open to him. With 8 Sharp but aceful curve he swan the stage around broad do to both river and pa- cbes, and one glance down the bank gave him a thrill of exultation. It was not so steep but that it might be de- scended by the horses. Bob an Dirk went 01! the box like twin flashes. and almost before the wheels had ceased to turn, the antlng animals Were clear of the le. Then ob cauzht the Ni“. swung the nartette once more, this time to the right and directly behind the wagon. and in a moment more his cherished blacks were knee deep in the bed of the river with a f0ur—foot bank as a 'breastwork. ' _Their master merely had them pause, then, flinging the reins loose, he caught n his rifle, :plunged under the stage, and WIN! t e weapon resting on a spoke, began work on the advanc. iilig Indians, who were by that time dangerously c ose. Dirk was not behind. His wild yell arose as bravely as though the odds were not terribly against them, and the two rifles began to act as one. Some strange gift enabled Bob to shoot better in the dark than many men could by day. This gift he called a thorough acquaintance with fire- Oh, you villainous arms, but as other men, equall as expert by day, could in no degree approac him by night, the qualification must go unnamed. The Apaches sampled it to their cost, and there was a ripple of surprise as the three men at the lead went down in succession, and the horses went flying wildly where they saw fit. The true Apache warrior is no fool if he is a hard fighter, and in the present case the band had a call to pull the rein before getting nearer that deadly rifle. With their halt came achance for the besieged to breathe. “ Hurrah i” cried Dirk, “ we have ’em this time.” “ Don’t be premature," Bob coolly answered. f‘Fiye to one we lose our scalps before morn- ing.’ “ Whatl against them sneakin’ coyotes? Bah! I‘m good fur ten, all alone.” “ Don’t make any mistake," said his more reasonable companion. “ The man who takes an Apache for a chicken, usually finds himself left in the end. They have prudently sheered off for awhile, but what's to hinder them cross- ing the riVer, and taking us on all sides?” ‘ It’ll be a. costly job to undertake." Bob did not answer, for be deemed such empty boasting mere follly. He was sensible enough to see and acknow edge that they were in a close corner, and he had no disposition to close his eyes to the facts of the case. As he saw that the Indians had really fallen' back for the time, be turned his thoughts to Major Bragg. What had become of his adven- turous patron he did not know, but it was his business to find out, reluctant as he was to de- sert the ost of defense. He le t Dirk on guard and crept away along . the rivar~bank. The cowboy looked after him duhiously. “Like ez not he means ter slip away an’ leave me ter bear ther brunt o' ther danger- it‘d be jest like some folks. But never mind; kin hold ther red imps in check for awhile an’ l‘ll do it. Dangnationi I’d like for see one now.” The youn fellow fingered his rifle nervously and watcheg for a chance to use it, but the Apaches seemed to have vanished in earth or air. Finding that he had no immediate work before him, Dirk began to use his mind in an- other direction, and the result was that he began to cast wistful glances at the horses. It occurred to him that if he should cut one loose from the others and make a dash, he would haVe a very good rospect for escape. He hesi- tated to do it, not ecause his conscience would trouble him, but, because, with all his boastful- ness, be had a duo regard for his personal safety, and he rather wanted to hang to his companions while the red flag of danger was out. Before he had fairly decided, Bob‘s sl nal sounded from the water, closely followe by himself. He was not alone at his heels came Major Bragg, pumng and blowing, and his disconnect- ed remarks were plainlv audible. “Narrow esca :luck that mule’s tail was riveted tight. onfoun edest country for ad- venture ] ever saw; beats Vicksbur clear out 3f sight. What comes next! Probab y a prairie re ’ “Scarcely, major, for {here isn’t any more rass than our horses cou d eat. Sand Wouldn’t um. nLl know.” “ course I know it, but Arizona ain't slow in other ways. Expect an earthquake, or bliz- zard, or plague of locusts every minute. Hello, here we are 1" They had indeed reached cam , and Bragg was not much the worse for h 5 adventure. True, he was wet through. but that is a more nothing in the dr air of Arizona. Bob had found him on the nk floundering about like a stranded fish where the frightened mule had left him after making his escape from the water. Brimstone Bob lost little time, but proceeded to “size’.’ the situation. The inaction of the Apaches was proof enough that they Were medi- tatin mischief, and the youth was not long in decid ng what it was. H They are sending men across the river so as to take us in the rear. Then there’ll be a grand rush and they will pile in from all sides at once.” . “We’ll exterminate the whole villainous Well.” the major said, wringing his wot clothes wrathfully. ' “ If they don’t send ponies in advance,” Dirk maliciously added. “Hang it!” ejaculated the veteran, with dangerous loudness, “ perhaps; you think I sad- 2 dled a bloating calf or a antic-eyed doe when I straddled that confounde mule, but there was enou h diabolism in him to run a Government ring rom penur to afluenee. If on banker to play John G lpin or the playfu Mane you may swing your foot over the first In mule we meet: I don‘t. No, sir!" “ We had better all swin out of here," inter- rupted Bob. “ It is clear t at the A ches are tryin to get into our rear, and t at mean! sure estruction. Our sole hope lies in another dash down the river-bank.” “Good! Swing our cattle into the traces," said the major, in ell ht. It was done, and t e nimble fingers of Bob and Dirk‘secured the animals in place with commendable quickness, after which all re- sumed their places inside the vehicle. Brimstone Bob swun the team around and the start was made. he footing was 00d along the stream, bordered as it was by ve vet- like grass, and the wheels gave forth no sound of importance as they whirled away. The mbment was one of extreme suspense. Perhaps the next instant would see them run headlong into a fiang of A aches who would overpower and kl them, at even Dirk Danjels showed a little anxiety. I “ Suddenly, howwer, his face fime‘ned. “By thunder. I know where '. Half a mile below is a ford whar we kin cross an‘ only dip ther wheels to ther hub.” “We’ll cross there then,” Bob “coolly an- swered. They went on and Dirk soon announced the ford, aided by a culiar tree which grew on the river-bank. PE indulged in a few exultant ex iessions, but Bob was not so sure of his gr p; be had his doubts about that ford being a safe place. If the Apaches were lurking near them, it was not likely they would leave the ford un- watched. He resoIVed to take it at full speed and swung his horses art-und to strike the water in the most favorable way. The Horse Quartette had never been feelin better, and they neared the water at a spank ng pnce. Not a word passed between the three men as the. rolled on. Bob clung to the reins in his one , systematic way, and his com nions held their was a ready for use, w ile all eyes watched for e lndians. The gallant blacks swept down toward the river at a lively pace. Along its bank grew several dwarfed trees which, to other with the natural darkness, served to ron or their course obsciiire, but the young driver did not slackers spec . The leaders touched water the stage poled the trees and, reaching the river, served to in- creasopthe flying spray churned by the homa’ heels; but this advance di more. As the trees were passed the? saw a series of black F is which, in Eastern c ties, might have been m staken for equestrian statues, but which had a striking resemblance to Apache warrior. in this remote land of old. An instant commot on was visible on both sides; red-men and white aroused simultane- ously; and then a bullet whistled past Bragg’t ears. It was the signal for general warfare. The blood of the veteran took fire. and his revolvers began to play rapidly and steadily. He was no novice w th the weapon and a dull s lash soon followed; and amid all this uproar rlmstcnc Bob guided his Quartette through the stream. At the bank a single horseman appeared. as though he had been drawn to the spot b the firing, but, in some way or other, the backs went over him, steed and all; and with a jolt and rattle as the stage did the same, Brimstone Bob‘s outfit rolled away in the darkness. CHAPTER Vi. max DANIELs‘s moaamvnn. NON]: of the fugitives ventured to express confidence for some time. Two, at least, of them knew the typical Apache warrior too well to expect him to let a marked victim slip through his fingers: but it came to pass that they‘rolled on two miles in the darkness and no red enemy appeal-ed. It was then unanimously decided that they had made good their escape or at least, won a move in the game. Probabl the Apaches had not for a moment, ex cte them to make a break for liberty, an the boldest plan had proved the best. Major Bragg wassoexultant that he shook hands all around, forgetting his dislike for Dirk Daniels. . I “It was more than life With me,” he declared. l | . «‘4‘. A Wu. ._ 433%,... .A'Tpn .. .-.. ., ,, . ;,, . _ _-‘~»W\ m“ l . ~ . ‘ ‘mgl _ A,,..,a~ . a—..-.~—.-».‘-— V—r ...-..-- ...........‘4-,-.. W...*--. -. ~- .. _._—_.. A \ “I’m bound to get through to Tombstone if I kill everyA he in Arizona. Confound their ugly hides, t ey don’t know what they’re trying to do when they delay me. Harkee, youn man, do on happen to know a young scoundre named iles Bland?” The last question was addressed to Dirk, who , started rceptibly, robabl y because the ques- tion hadpgome so sudgenly. - “ No,” he then answered. “Just wait till I tmy hands on him and I’ll make him well nownl” declared Bragg, pounding his wooden leg on, the foot~board in the old way. V "t‘What d’y’e want on him?” Dirk slowly as ed. “ I want to hang the infernal rascal l” fumed the me or; “hang him so_ high, sir, that He- 2:13 11 go completely out of history. Yes, i . . “That’s cantankerous, I should say. What‘s ther owdacious varmint did 1" “Did!” echoed Bragg, catchingatDirk’s arm. “ He‘s committed theft and d poiled the orphan. Ain‘t that enoughi—ain’ti too much! I say he’s a scoundrel, and when I g t to .Tombr stone he shall hand over the mono , and right the wrong. Kareh shall have her own.” Mr. Daniels seemed to see more clearly. “ P’r’apsthis’ere Bland will leave it to ther sixes ” he observed. “ 0, he won’t! .We don’t leave the case to any, packed committee of his choosing. No, sir! “ Who said anything about a committée?” “ You did.” . “No, I didn’t.” “ Didn’t you say Bland might want to leave it to sixes?” roared the veteran. Dirk burst into a responsive roar, but his was of mirth instead of tag». 6 seemed to be strangling from some greatjo e which Bragg could not understand; but just as the latter was ras him by the throat, in just indig- nation, D rk ound speech. , I “ I didn’t mean leave at ter six men, but to er six;sbooters, which is called sixes fur short. hat’s ther creed in Arizona, an’ hyar’s as ‘ thinks ther winner will be him as is quickest on ther trigger.” , “ Wh , I’ll kick him out of town i” “ I’d ike tor see yer do it l’lcried Dirk, al- most defiantly; and then. w'th a sudden change of manner, he added: “ Ef he’s like other Ari- zona boys, he ain’t to be oh cked around like a bag 0’ wool.” V ‘ “ I’ll butt his head .against a rack!" decl Bragg. with his usual prodigality in the line of threats. . , Tbereisno knowing to what a pass this in- cendiary convorsation’ would have one, for ’ Brimstone Bob hem interfered, meta orically pourin oil on the troubled waters, and a calm succeeded the storm. Dirk, Danie however, 'had little more to say. He remained s lent in his place, chewing his to- bacco as though it had been so much steak of boarding-house solidity, until Bob asked his ad- vice about camping for a couple of hours. Strong and host as. were the home, their 'areat efforts had told u n them, and it was even rest. Another it been reached, and the stage pulled hardtbrnughtheaand. ‘ s . . Dirk unhasitatingl declared that a rest ought to be taken, that we a course was safe, as he Apaches were robably miles behind: and that hewould watc until day and then make it up by sleeping in the coach at or the journey was manned. _ This idea was voted ood. The belt was grains and watered from the to y in the wagon, and then Bob and the ma or lay down and were soon asleep. Dirk Daniels remained on guard, and for ‘ nearly half an hour he was as silent as the sand A under his feet, .but he then approached the stage. , Bob and Bragg .were breathi regularly. ~ He pronounced t eir names, but ey. did not answer. They were asleep. The manner of the cowboy then became de- cided] ominous. He drew his knife, raised in thesta e-step and bent inside the vehicle. h and t e me or lay slee ing side by “what dark as it was Dirk con d distip- m. Bragg lay nearest bim,‘extended efully on his back, his broad bosom rising and alling as he breathed. Dirk raised the knife above it ' . him. A better mark than that unprotected breast was never shown. Dirk'meant to strike home: there was a devil- ' Jab glitter in his eyes, and’murder in his hearts Brimstone Bob, and? His Lightning Horse Quamette. He intended to kill the sleeping veteran, and yet he did not strike. Instead, his knife slowly de- scended to his side. A pause ensued: the knife went up again, hung stationary above the major, was impa- tiently withdrawn, and then he c amber-ed dorm . from the wheel. “ I’m a mean critter, I suppose,” he muttered, “ but I can’t do that.” Yet it seemed that his conscience had not been very vividly awakened, for he went straight to the horses, selected One, and led him apart. Then he drew his knife again, and looked at the other three. “ One leetle sweep o’ ther blade,” he mut- tered, “ an’ I kin fix them so ’t the never take ther stage inter Tombstone. Shall do it? No; I’ll go straight ter Bush Brady, an’ of be an’ his gang don’t stop ther outfit I’m a liar.” He thrust the knife back in his belt, walked to the side of the selected horse, and sprung upon his back. The animal had some reluctance about leaving the camp and his companions when requested, but it was soon over, and Dirk disappeared in the darkness. Brimstone Bob did not awake until the first rays of the sun fell upon his face through the open stage-door. Thesi ht of that gleamaroused him fully and at once, or he had directed Dirk to call h m at daybreak. He s rung up and out of the vehiclehand looked or the young man. He was inv1sihle; Bob could not see him anywhere. He did, how- ever, see something which aroused him from what little lan uor remained. One of the orse Quartette was missing. .Bob looked all around, but by the time he had discovered the horse to be beyond eyesi ht, he had connected his disappearance With t at of Dirk Daniels. Soft earth leaves a legible trail, and Bob has- tened to investigate. His task was not hard. He found where Dirk had prepared the horse and afterward rode-away, and then his suspi- cions became convictions. Th9 ungra ful cowboy had robbed him of one of his cheri bed horses, and left the locality never to return. ' He aroused the major and explained the case, and then the veteran roared his wrath like an angry lion. Such ingratitude had never before been heard of, he declared. and he heaped upon Dirk’s head every opprobrious name he could call to his mind. . Bob remained silent for some time, but his acute mind was busy and be finally interrupt- ed. - “ Major, ‘1 have an idea,” he said. “ Fire it out!” gently roared the veteran. “ Dirk Daniels is Miles Bland !” The major leaped backward in.such astonish- men an so sudden] , that his wooden leg fails to keep w th his more nimble limb and body. and he fell flat in the sand. He briskly arose and brushed the stuff from his e es. y“ Why in blue thunderation didn’t you say :0 before?” he howled, in great excite- men . “ Because it has only just occurred to me.” “Perhaps you haven’t heard me mention Miles Blandl’ roared the veteran. “ Perhaps lIl’ve foizgotten to whisper his name to you! Per- a s— ' ‘eNo air; on the contrary, you’ve spoken it every ve minutes. We’ve breakfasted, dined andsu on the name and if had been.more durable we might have built a steam Tailroad to Tombstone and used the name for steel rail}. i Bpttlp up your choler, major, and let me exp a n., "Button up my collar?” cried the major, in wrath. astonishment and a little deafness. “What in thunder ails my collar, I’d like,to know i” ‘ “ I said ‘Bottle up vur rholer,’ and it’s ad- vice you Should take. ou’ll bu’st yet, in some spasm. Youput on too much steam and you’ll lose your cylinder-head.” - Bob had taken net the right means tosub- due his bot-head em loyer, and underare- turn fire the hero of V cksburg came down to common-sense and cemented to bear that Bob merely slispected that Dirk Daniels and Miles Bland were one. Led by Bob, the major remembered the con- versation which had taken place when he first mentioned Miles in Dirk’s presence. Then the cow had said so 0 rather suggestive things, and remem that he he started when first asked if he had ever heard of Miles Bland. It was buts suspicion, but both men agreed that“ looked reasonable to suppose they had a ._. a..." _.._._.__._ _..»-..._. met the identical man who had wronged Kamlz Bragg out of her fortune. Whether such was the fact or not. he had robbed them of a horse at the moment when his services were most needed, and there was a fire in Bob’s eyes which spoke just as emphati— cally as loud words. ‘ Besides the financial value of the animal—— which was not less than three hundred dollars— the young driver was deeply attached to him, andit was clear he and Dirk Daniels could never again meet as friends. Not a great deal of time was lost, for Bob ex— pected every moment to see the Apaches appear on their trail, but the three horses were ar- 1' rinsed in position and the journey to Tomb— stone resumed. It was a gloomy ride, however, for the loss of the horse was keenl felt. A wide desert lay before them, one which it was wise to as over quickly. Neither grass, water nor ood was there, ut there was to be found the red-banded Apache on his grand hunt for the scalps of people with white skins. CHAPTER VII. THE TRAVELERS MEET NEW FOES. THE day, which had been very hot, came and Went without new advantures. but the progress of the outfit was not rapid. Even Major Bragg, anxious as be was to reach Tombstone, lacked the hardness of heart to ask Brimstone Bob to urge the horses over the glittering sand in the hot sun. The remnant of the Quartette was ready to do all that man could ask, and as Bragg looked at their foam specked sides he once cautioned Bob not to injure them. ‘ As for the latter, lie was filled with an in- digpation which momentarily increased, but which, as he was a young man of deeds rather than of words, was not made apparent in its full degree to Bragg. In Arizona no man is more detested than be who turns horse-thief, and Brimstone Bob had his own (Einion of what Would occur if he eVer met Mr. irk Daniels. About the middle of the afternoon a ball: was made which was to answerfor a night’s rest. Bob had declared that they must hereafter utilize the cooler hours for traveling and sleep during the middle of the day. Bragg easily fell asleep as soon as they came to a be t and Bob attended to necessary matters. He was beginning to fear that food and water would run out before the desert was passed. and the last-named article, in particular, was sparingly served. Thls dilemma had been forced upon them by the haste With which they had crossed the river. There they should have refilled the vessels con- taining water, but the chance had not been 31' lowed.them and Bob looked grave as be marked the thirst of the homes. , To be can ht on the desert without Water for any length 0 time was a catastrophe too tei-ri- ble to contemplate. . Bob gave the me or over half of the sleeping time and then “'0 8 him and exchanged posi— tions. Bob lay down to sleep while Bragg arose to watch. 886d and darkness be 1) An hour and a half to settle. Bob 83m ’ ept- He was to be ca led at a certain time. then an hour distant, and the journey resumed. The major, tiring of doing nothin , and being no longer able tosee through the dar ness, sat down on the box, leaned back and began to think. “ There is no longer danger.” he muttered. “ As long as I can’t see any Apaches, no A has can see us.” his looked like wisdom and truth, but up- pearances are not always to' be trusted. It came to as that the major acridentally fell asleep. hen be awoke a terrible din sounded in his: ears, and, under the momentary impression that he was before Vicksburg and about to charge on Graveyard Bastion, he raised his voice in a tremendous shout: “ Forward, Company D! Double-quick, Ch'l‘h 61!” t d d t e as wor seeme very imel for as his head cleared he saw that a cbargg'was goin on; horsemen were darting here and there an a most hideous yelling rung in his ears. Suspecting that they were attacked by Apaches, he drew his revolver, and at, that moment two men staggered into view in ’front of the vehicle, clasped .in each other’s arms, but in agrasp far from friendly. One of them he recognized as b, and. comprehending that his young friend as in danger, he sprung down and rushed to his rescue. Unluckily, the Wagon pole was in the way, "5 and as the major’s flesh-and-blood toe caught on it his wooden leg failed to catch him and he went down in a heap, once more filling his eyes i with sand. He was soon up, but by the time he could see I clearly the scene had changed. The fight was over; Brimstone Bob was invisible. and the Apaches were dimly to be seen rushing away in the darkness. Bragg comprehended that through a lack of numbers or some other cause they had seen fit totake a hurried departure and he began to look anxiousl for Bob, expecting to find him with his hea neatly haIVed by a hatchet or minus the hairy growth nature had planted ere. - He failed to find him; be searched the whole vicinity, but not a sign did he see of his friend and uide. “ t’s villainously “They can’t have— Bobl I say, Bob!” There was no answer. “ Hello l” Even echo scorned to answer. “Bob! Thunderation and fiery pitch-forks, where are you, Bob?" Impressive as was this call, it failed to do any good. Profound silence fOIIOWed, and when be ad once more made the circuit of the camp he could no longer doubt but that Brimstone Bob had bcen carried oil! by the Apaches. _ _ “It’sa villainous shame!” he cried striking his clinched hand on the wagon foot- ard as though that were in some way to blame for the affair. “That young fell0w is a thoroughbred and it’s a villainous shame, I say, that the Apaches have got him. I’ll mount a horse and go to he rescue.” He ad taken half a dozen steps when he topped short and uttered a fresh roar. ‘ life ueerl” he commented. ut, no; he must be near. s t richo and jim-jamsl the horses are gone, 00 4 So they were, though he had but just, noticed the fact. The charge of the Apaches had left only the wagon and himsclt; Bob and his horses were risoners. " Bragg sat own on the pole, q-iite overcome. Where, then, was hope of reaching Tombstone? Hewas in the midst of a desert which even Bob, with all his experience. had dreaded, and_noth- ing in the world except h's legs was at his dis~ posal as a means of getti g out of it. And Tombstone la far away. “ It’s all my own aiflt,” groaned the veteran. “If I hadn’t gone to leep on duty, it’s likely it would not have happened. I feel that_ Bob’s blood is on, my head. The older men at Digger’s Delight warned me that no one could pass over Gi ger Trail alive. but I tempted young Bob wish my villainous money and now he must sufl'er for it.” , It was a peculiarity of the good man ssorrow that be tho ht only of Bob. He had taken a fancy to tbgfi'rank and brave, but quiet, young fellow and it seemed to him that he had com- mitted a criine in tempting him to venture out where the Apaches'roved rough-shod. Naturally), however, his mind wandered granny to is own situation after a while.. H0 a card Bobsa that they would not lpass the desert until irty-six hours later. ow long would it take him to walk it? i In propounding the in iiiry he momentarily forgot that he was an 01 man with a wooden leg. When he remembered it he felt a thrill of fear which Graveyard Bastion had not occa- sioned in the old days. ‘ He arose hastily, entered the wagon and looked at the supply of food and water. There seemed to be a plenty of each, but how was the water to be carried? He could not draw the wagon nor carry the barrel. and the flask which he held would not last more than half a ag'Fiery pitch-forks!” he ejaculated, “I’m in . It’ll take me four days to a most vil ainous fix. "get out of the desert, and I’ll die of thirst before then. Thunderation! I can’t walk it: 'I might; as well try to fly. I don’t know the direction, I haven’t a compass; I can’t ,see to hold a dime; course b night and the hot sun would turn me over if tried it to-day. I may as well settle down and take what comes, but 1 do reckon I ve found my Graveyard scion.” . . ~ The idea was nature and the major was in a bad and dan erous situation. He had not over- estimated alfthis, for stronger men than he had died in that desert and left their bones unburied to bleach ‘in the broiliug sun and gun. at the more fortunate traveler as he passed. “ I am like a shipwrecked mariner "thought Bragg. “ This waste of sand is the wide ocean; 'this wagon is my frail boat. I am adrift, rud- \" : derless', wi‘hont compass, none too Well smoked l with tool: and almost without hope of being plckf-‘g up ly another craft. Pleasant, by Jer- lcllol ' 'l‘lie innjor's gloomy mood lasted for some time, but he finally aroused and tried to busy his mind and feet at one and the same time. He made short journeys about the we on and pretended to be waiting for Brimstone ob. But Bob did not come; the hours and the night wore on and there was no sign of him. Toward morning Bragg grew sleepy and ven- tured to lie down in the wagon. When he awoke the sun was an hour high. ' As he turned out his likeness to a shipwrecked mariner became more than ever evident. As far as he could see the desert stretched without a break and. except where the wayward wind had changed the surface, almost as loud as a hilliardtar-le. No_other wagon, or horse, or man. or tree was in Sight. He was literally alone on the desert. And the (yellow sand glistened and seemed to burn an writhe under the sun which was creeping up the eastern sky like a great ball of fire. . “ Fiery pitch—forks, but this isa most villainous fix,” he observed, gloomily. “ How the dickens am I to get, out of it alive, I’d like to know?” Many others, similarl situated, would have propounded the same inquiry and have been e ually at a loss for an answer. be forenoon was passed in irresolulion. If he had lpossessed the means of carrying water, be won d have pushed on and taken his chances, but as the half-pint flask was his only vessel of the kind he lacked the courage—or, more pro- perly, the rashness—to hit the wagon. As the hours were on is mood vacillated like a pendulum. At times he assured himself he should soon be chanced upon by white men and maimed; anon, he grew intensely gloomy and be lieved he should die in the desart. , In either case, however, it seemed best for him to remain b the food had drink. The warningshe had received at Digger’s De- light came back to him. He had been told that it was sure death to go out on the Ginger Trail at that time, and up to that time all had gone as he had been warned. Only the last act in the drama was wanting. Unknown to him, a new crisis was approach- ing. _The wanderer on Western plains soon finds it difficult to escape the notice of two things—the keen-eyed vulture, who never mama to look for his prey, and the equally keen-eyed A che, who is of much the same disposition. be present case was no exception to the rule, and it came to pass that, as Brag lay sleeping in the wagon, a little before dar , a dark ob- ject appeared at the western horizon. . It advanced, grew larger, assumed form, and revealed itself as being of a dozen parts, and each part an Apache warrior. They were ad- vancing straight taward the wagon. , CHAPTER VIII. MAJOR BRAGG 'rALxs APACHE. Tn]: map of horsemen drew nearer, but Bragg s ept on, unconscious of their approach. The had seen the wagon and were making di- rect y for it for though - it seemed deserted, tilililarei might be a chance for some species of p u er. They arrived, halted, and dismounted, butthe major knew nothing of it. Red faces peered in at the stagadoor, but he saw them not. He slept and knew not that his Graveyard Bastion was bristling with danger. when he awoke he is as under the momentary impression that the Horse Quartette was drag- Eing him over the desert h the legs, but when e got his eyes fairly open t was to see that he was being pulled from the wagon by grim Apa- che warriors, heels first. H . He was deposited 09 the sand, where, as he showed no signs of resistance, he was allowed to sit upright. It was plain that he was not to be instantly soalped, and as he had his own private opinion as to the best way to‘ get along peaceably with the noble red-man—every one east of the Mis- sissippi has a clear, logical. and infallible o in- ion on this subject—he proceeded to put it nto eflect. ' - . “ My dear sir,” he said, extending his hand to the nearest warrior, “this is an unexpected pleasure. ’ “ ah!” observed the modern Tecumseh, but be neglected. to take the hand; an oversight pru euttoarise. . , “When did you arrive in town?" be con- tinned. B g did not try to correct, nor did he deem it ‘ Brimstone Bob,'and His Lightning Horse Quartette. 7 “ Tl'ah!” tersely answered Tecumseh. '_‘ I am not sure I understand.” , . _ “ TVah!”-—-merely this and nothing more. “ He don't undersiand English," thought the major, who then gave himself up to thou ht. _He did not understand Apache, and be con] n’t see how they Were to coriVerse. His next idea may have been occasioned by seeing his neighbor finger his knife. Bra gs hair seemed to arise, and he had a. brilliant theory. _ ‘ " Perhaps he understands Latin and French. I'll try him!" It was Certainly a reckless decision, slnue the veteran‘s sole knowledge of these langua es had been gathered from the back of his dict onary, and he was far from bein a roflcient. A ain, it was not likely Poor Lo a ever enjoys the blessed privileges of Webster’s Unabrid ed. , “Apache 3 pluribus unum ; ct tu, rute I" he said, with his most winning smile. No reply. , “Je suls pret, man anti 3’” . .Still dead silence from Mr. Lo. Latin didn’t. affect him, and he was proof against the lullingt influences of French. he major might have spent the time wasted on “the languages” to just asigood advantage b surveyin the ice tured ags of nations w ich embelis the n» abridged. This fact dawned upon him, and as his neigh- bor-——the rest of the gang were ransacking the wagon—had drawn his knife and was feeling of its edge, the perspiration started freely from every pore of the em of Vicksburg. “The mountain won‘t come to me; I must 0 to it," he thou ht. “He don’t understand a- glish, Latin or ‘rench; I must talk Apache!” A more reckless decision was never made by an old soldier, but with the same warm blood surging through his veins which he had felt at Graveyard Bastion, be wiped away the perspi- ration and went.in. “ Heliogabulus, tee. faw, fum. Mother Hub bard went to the cupboard; six times six are thirty-six”, . Bragg looked anxiously to see if this extract from what he knew about the Apachelanguagc would hit home. His anxious eyes were raised from the carving-knife to Mr. Lr ’3 face, and he studied it as though he were wrestling with the I 4 inscription on Cleopatra‘s needle. Oh! for one gleam of pity! Ha! the mouth of Mr. Lo opens. He is about to speak! The major leans forward to catch the soft Apache W0“. 8. i “ You’re an infernal fool I” So 5 aka the anle red man. and Braga’s eyes grew arger than evar. No A ache. nor Latin, nor French, was that; tut pain, though gut- tural, English. The noble red-man had not been ' ou Uncle Sam’s reservation for nothing. What would have come next is uncertain for the flask of whisky was just then discovore and all rushed to sample it. Bragg thought of ruiming, buthis wooden leg was against him and he sat still. . , Anon, the warriors turned to his ido and Brrceeded to pluck him like a fowl. no took is hat, a second his coat, his pockets. were gone through and his watch and other tr" keta admired and ap ropriated, and then they aeti led down u n his ots like locusts. .n The rat came of! all right, but the second stuck. There was a good reason for this, which the ma 'or would have explained if he had been allovve time, but in a frantic effort to saute . the boot he was-nearly pulled in two—and then he gho held the boot suddenly sat down on the san . ' He had secured the boot, but he also secured somethin more. Two-third. of the major’a le was n his gras , the ortion below that w ich the cannon-be] [of ’64 ad left him. A long. open-mouthed silence followed, dur‘ ‘ ing which the Apaches stored in blank amne- ment at the wooden leg. Nothin like this bad i ever occurred in their experience fore. bad man of his habits. his ideas and his vir- tues. W en they went on the war-path they killed white settlers with guns furnished them by Uncle Sam; they drank the whisk of the white man. they swore his pct as 8. they't talked his language after a ashion; and in many ways they had become Americanized. But never before had they soon a man pulled apart like a fishing-rod, nor had they sent wooden legs grow on men, or men grow on wooden le 8. ‘ No won er they stared. _ When the recovered their mental equili: brium a litt 9, they decided to hep their dis- tance from the major—and did so. They left \ l They had mixed with Uncle Sam until ghey‘ ‘ 8 Brimstone Bob, and His LightningVI-Iorse Quartette. him alone, but took his wooden leg, and at the other side of the wagon, in the gathering gloom, held an earnest inquest over th s new marvel in natural history. The major id not venture to interrupt them. They had left very little that belonged to him, but he felt that he would be fortunate if he got out of the scrape with his able-btdied leg and his hair in their place. During this pause night had fully fallen, and the surrounding desert was indistinguishable, except immediately around the camp, but while Bragg sat there in the sand, there was a tre- mendous chorus of ells, and several horsemen emerged from the g com. ' Unable to run and without a weapon, the major crawled under the wagon. From there he saw the new-comers dash upon the Apaches like so many thunderbolts, and as the attack was a surprise, there was but a brief strife be- fore the red-men were all gone. For.the new-comers were white-skinned; and when Bragg saw that they really held the field, he crawle from under the wagon. One of the strangers seemed to be looking for some one, for he saw him at once, and he no sooner saw than he burst into a loud laugh. His shout attracted the attention of his com- panions, and then all lau bed in concert. Really it was no won er. The major’s sole attire consisted of his shirt, pants and one stocking, while one leg was gone at the knee. His bald head learned in the darkness like a billiard-ball on i a green cloth. Bra g, however felt like anything rather than an hing. He had recognized the first of these 300 ers; he was Mr. Dirk Daniels. There was no need for Bragg to introduce himself, as was soon shown. “ Thunderation! you look like a scorched ratl” cried the cowboy. “Nothin’ left on you ’Cept pin-feathers, by George! Hal ha! ha!’ The other men roared in concert, and the major saw that they were all young, rough— looking. devil-may-care fellows, doubtless cow- boys, like Daniels. “ Where’s the horse you stole?” he tartly asked. " Over yonder,” replied Dirk, pointin to the oup of animals and not in the least a ashed. ‘Didn’t expect to see me back, I suppose?” “ Yes, for ou left some plunder behind.” “ Where’s her other horses?” Bragg briefly ex lained what had become of Brimstone Bob an his three black steeds. “Sorry ter lose ther horses,” said Dirk. “ Es fur Bob he’s romany out’n his mis’ry afore now. is sku p would be oncommon precious ter a Tech.” He grirnaced at the ms or, but the latter for- bore to storm as usual. 8 realized that if Dirk was Miles Bland, as be suspected, he mi ht not be in safe company, and the wise man es low when the blizzard is out. For some reason or other the cowbo s did not wish to lose much time at the camp. hey pre- pared to depart and take the major with Riem, and he assumed to be pleased at the prospect. He was glad to get out of the desert, but he felt the same doubt in regard to the company in 'which he was going that he would have felt to {came with a half-tamed jaguar; The used im w th a sort of bantering roughness, ut he pretended not toobserve it and mounted the ex- tra horse the had. The fact t at there was one seemed odd to him, and he more than half-suspected it had been intended for him, but how could iheyhave knowyn the other members of the Quartette were gone When they rode awa Bragg went in a sad pli ht. The Apaches ad taken his hat, coat an boots, and without these and'with his un- covered wooden leg, he looked so forlorn and broken-up that Dirk roared again. “ I say, Old Rat," he facetic usly observed, “ you’ve got a close clip this time, eh? Burnt prairies ain’t nowhar ter see. Boyees, won’t be en by it ter-morrer'i” he boys seemed to think he would, or, as Bragg suspected, that they would enjoy it; and at ihe thought of the blistering sun beating do? on his uncovered head he began to de- spa . The men of Digger’s Delight had not ex- ag erated when they described the Ginger Trail. nfiuenced b the gloomy outlook, the major would have ta en to his horse’s heels, or, more properly, have made a dash, had it not been for is poor horsemanship. This has before been referred to in its proper place. Slow as the cowboys went it was tor‘ure for the veteran, and he was not sorry when Dirk fell in by his side and opened conversation. “ Old Rat,” he said, in his very impolite way, “ I’ve got something to say to you.” “ Speak on,” said Bragg. “I reckon I’ve got a clew ter whar Miles Bland hangs out, or, at least, whar he now I “ Where is that?” the major eagerly asked, momentarily losin his suspicionS. “Right hyar 01 Rat!” Bragg came down to a practical basis. “Meaning ourselfi’” “ Yes, sir: ’m ther rooster; I’m Miles Bland; I’m your brother’s nephew an’ ther man that heired his property when it was showed that that thar gal, Karah, warn’t his daughter.” “You’re a villainous liar!" shouted Bragg. “ Fiery pitch-forks! I’ll thrash you if you dare say pt’hat again. You villainous scoundrel, ou “ Soft an’ easy, Old Rat. I hold ther ribbons in this hyar case, by Bush Brady’s permission, an’ you want ter fly low.” Bragg aimed a blow at the cowboy, but the latter caught his arm and held it with a tena- cious grip. “Bottle up yer temper, Old Rat, or I’ll do it fer yer. Nary blow will I take from you, but 'est let us it out o’ ther desert an’ I’ll show you arah. e needn’t go ter Tombstone ter see her fur I’ve got her hived elsewhar. We’re gwme thar now. Smoke that l” So saying, Dirk, or Miles Bland, to give him his real name, rode to the head of the column and the major was left to pick the confusion out of his min and try to get the tangled web straight. CHAPTER IX. . BRIMSTON’E non TAKES THE TRAIL. NIGHT! At- one point on the desert a dozen men were in camp. It did not seem to be a halt for the night, for they had made none of the prepara- tions which usually precede such a halt. It was no more than a temporary halt; one to en- able the men to eat their sup r, after which tliie t would journey on in t e cool of the n . hey were those Bedouins of the American plains, Apache warriors. Near them their orses ate of the forage carried along with them, for the desert furnished none. All were not copper-skinned: one though bronzed, was of white skin and American blood. ' He was Brimstone Bob. Our young friend had been twenty-four hours in capt vity, and, though he had been subjected to no reat injury, he was tired of it and was even t en planning esca ‘e. The Indians had untied his hands so that he could eat, but as his feet were tied with thongs which they knew it would trouble him to untie in less than half an hour, they paid little atten- tion to him. On his own part, he realized the nature of the knot and did not meddle with it. Instead, he rolled over. The motion was not noticed by the Apaches. He rolled over again. No atten- tion was given him. He rolled the third time. By that time he began to feel hope, for if he coulde‘get a little away from the cam his escape seem assured. True, he was rol ing away from the horses,‘but in that fact lay his hopes. Had he been rolling toward them, he would surely have been stop (I. With great caution I: worked his way until he thought a prdper distance had been peer-zed. and then he arose to his feet after some difli- cultv. . A moment more and a shrill, culiar whistle rung out on the air; a sound w ich caused the for-once-negligent Apaches to arouse from their feeding and look about for the cause. It had another effect. No sooner did the whistle sound than the three black horses stolen at the same time Bob was captured, erected their ears, drank in the sound and then shot toward their master. Past the Apaches they went at a hard gallop, straight t0ward Bob, and he saw his chance before him. It was to fling himself upon the back of one of the blacks; a work few people gould have thought possible when his feet were ound. These doubters would have been astonished had the seen the result. The horses came down si e by side at a hard gallop, and with an unerring grasp he caught at the nearest, fling- ing his arms about his neck, and in a moment more was on his back. Then way in the darkness sped the trio, and the ta ting laugh sent back By Bob assured the Apaches that their bullets h gone wild. They mounted and pursued, but they saw as more of Bob that ni ht; the gallant blacks were not to be run down y any ordinary horses. When Bob saw that he had really distanced them, be moderated his pace and ave his at- tention to freeing his ankles. Th 3 was the work of a good deal of time, but it succeeded at last and he rode on in a more cheerful mood. Still, there were dangers and pitfalls in the way. He hadn’t a weapon up0n him; not even a penknife; and this on Ginger Trail where the Apache roved red-handed. In case of an en- counter, he would be without any hope except what lay in the heels of his horses. Again, he was heading straight back into the desert, and as there wasn’t a spot of grass, or fountain of water, for miles, his hope of escap- ing actual suflering la in happening upon the we on he had desert without his own leave. or was it all; Bragg’s life might depend on this same chance. He hoped that gentleman Would not stray away from the stage. He shaped his course by the stars and rode hard all night, covering far more ground than his late. captors had done in the same time. Chance is a curious thing, 0an working in our favor and often against us. In the morn- ing, Brimstone Bob looked and saw his wagon not more than a mile away, He was soon beside it. Until the last moment he had hoped the major might be inside, but it was deserted. It had nearly been even more forlorn; there were signs that some one had tried to set it on fire, and though Bob did not know who, the reader will easily see the handiwork of the'cowboys. _ b now iound himself in possesswn of all his valuable property except one horse, and had it not been for Bragg‘s absence he would _have been quite cheerful; but the major was missing and he knew his duty. He must be found. Experienced in trail-reading, he soon made out One fact. A number of horsemen had a few hours before left the s a little west of south, and them. The marks of his wooden leg, where be mounted his horse, were as plain as a written account. Why his leg had been bootless, and a good deal else about the place, Bob could not under- stand, but one thing appealed straight to his comprehension. In the sand he found a fine breech-loadin rifle, and though he lacked ammuniticn beyon what was in it, the fact that it was a sixteen- shot revolving Weapon made it most valuable. He looked~in vain for a knife or revolver, but finding neither, attached his horses to the stage and rolled away on the trail of Bragg and his com nions. “fianced not follow him in detail. t and rode awe ragg had gone wi Enough that he ushed on brisk] , only takin a neces- sary be t in the [ionic the day. he ni ht which followed was dul improved until wit in four hours of day. hen another belt was made, and Bob lay down for just that amount of sleep. When he awoke day had dawned, but no enemy had come near to molest or make afraid. Looking ahead. however, Bob saw that he was near y out of_ the desert. Dirrctly ahead, was a lov g, low line of reen which marked a wood. Further to the right was a dark; brown- ish line, a good deal higher, and this he knew to be a mountain. He believed he recognized the place, though he had never seen it nearer than then. If so, he was north-west of Tombstone—a sul'POSI' tion which seemed likely from the direction last traveled. _ He now began to feel the need of caution. If the major’s companions were captors, as he sus- pected, it would not do to ride boldly into their midst. Actin on this idea, he once more get in mo- tion an mOVed briskly for the base of the moun- tain. He reached the fringe of trees at its foot without seein a living creature. Having gained the cover, be left his team somewhat concealed, and started (-3 to investi- gate tb' trail he had_ abandoned, but no more than a quarter of a mile had been passed, when he suddenly stopped. Several horses were in sight. grazing among the trees, and having an air of being at home which impresard the young man a good deal. He also saw evidence cf such occupancy of the grove on former occasions, and he drew a con- clusion at once. The men he had followed were in the wood; more, the had made it their home on more than one occas on, if not regularly. Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. 9'3. All this served to show the need of caution, for it was a painful fact that the Apaches were not the only marauders on the Arizona plains. Perhaps a regular road-agent band lived. in the wood, though how they could get a hung off the immediate country was not clear. Brimstone Bob went cautiously on, and at the end of a hundred yards he saw a building before him—one little more than a cabin, but spacious enough and evidently occupied by hu— man beings. . Nor was this all' a man sat Just outside the door, his back against the wall, and slowly and contentedly smoked his ipe. Bob surveyed him crit cally. He was young, but there was a free-and-easy, lawless air about him not especially inviting. The watcher, see- ing no more just then, lay down in a thicket and prepared to watch. Perhaps half an hour elapsed, and then the door 0 .ned and several other young men came out, al of whom scattered about the immediate vicinity, produced their pipes and began to smoke. _ Bob still looked, and with two results. First, it was his opinion that these young fellows were, or had been, cowboys somewhere; and, secondly, he recognized one of them. It was Dirk Daniels a in. . The discovery cleare Bob’s mind. He. had believed Dirk to be Miles Bland, but even if he was not his true character had apjpeared and he could not doubt but that he ad led the cowboys back to rob him (Bob) of what Dirk had’ not been able to take when he stole the horse. The fellow’s ingratitude was great, but Bob had seen such cascs before and did not stop to moralize. “ What I want is to find if the major is here,” he thought. “If he is, I must contrive to get him away, for he is beyond doubt a prisoner, and if he is not here, then I don’t care to linger. I’ll look into it at once.” He suspected that the cowboys had just had their breakfast. and that few if any were left in the house. By gaining the rear he might able to look the place over and himself remain unseen. Acting on this idea he lost no time in attempt- in to make the change as planned, nor did he fai to succeed in the first step. He a reached the rearin aslow and cautious way. ith the exception of one thick group of small mesquites. the horses had browsed down all the underbrush, but the larger trees gave a degree of shelter and he managed to gain the shadow of the wall. The building did not boastpf a light of glass, but there were various openings, and Bob pro- ceeded to use one of these. He gained a view of the interior and was not surprised at what he saw. Major Bra g sat in one corner of the room, which was fittle more than a pen, and was engaged in eating, but the circumstances under which he ate, menaced by a stout young fellow of an evil appearance, showed him :3 Prison"- CHAPTER X. rm: cowaors’ LAIR. Bnnssromi: Ben was not in the least surprised at- what he saw, but' it showed him that he had done wisely to proceed with caution, and that . he must use the same caution in the future if he wished to get the major out of trouble. The men in Dirk Daniels’s com any were un- doubted] of the same stripe as t at young ras- cal, and f he showsd himself to them it would render Bragg’s chances very small if not get himself into serious trouble. He must watch his chance for liberating him. He still stood at his post when the cowboy raised his voice. _ “Come, old man, hurry up," he said. “ I can’t spend the whole day in getting your breakfast into you.” ‘ “ Who in thunderation asked you to?” de- manded the veteran, in his usual manner. “ Go outside and begin gambling again; that‘s what on banker after, and l’m able to feed myself. our room is better than your company. Clear out ’ , “Let up, here 1” cried the cowboy, “or you won’t get anything more to eat.” “Just as you say; take it away. The sight of our face spoils my appetite.” ‘ How about that?" The young ruiiian doubled his fist and thrust it close to Bragg’s face. “ That’s a slight improvement.” Bragg un- waveringly answered, “ but I advise you to wash it and resume occigiation according to the homestead law; there’s irt enough i” What would have been the result of this rash speech is uncean, if nothing new had occurred, but somethin new did occur. From one of the side-doors a ght, fairy-like form ran out and toward the major, who was in a moment more folded in a lov1ng embrace. Brimstone Bob looked in amazement. The new-comer was a young and beautiful girl, youn er than the watcher and dazzlineg prett , and seemed wholl out of place in that abo e of wickedness. But oh gained light even while he wondered. “ Don’t you do it, Karahl" Bragg exclaimed. “ Keep those white arms away or you’ll weaken me, and the Lord knows I need stren th now." Bob started. The girl had been cal ed Karah, and as that was the name of the veteran‘s niece it was pretty clear that it was she whom he saw. How this came about he could easily see. Dirk Daniels had discovered that the major aas moving to “fit his plans to rob Karah, and he had taken 3 id stand in the matter of abduct- ing both. . lose behind the girl, however, had followed an old woman of most unprepossessing looks. and she now took a hand in the scene, ordering Karah to return to the other room. But the major clasped one arm around her and thumped his wooden le on the floor as vig- orously as though he was earning to play the base drum. “Get out of this, you witch l" he roared. “What do you mean by coming between me and my New? If you wasn‘t a woman, I‘d double you up and chuck you out of the win- dow. lear out, all of you. Karah stays with me after this.” The cowboy coolly stepped to the door and called to some one. Brimstone Bob knew how the rebellion would end, but the time had not yet come for him to aid the major. To appear then would be to bring ruin upon both of them. . Daniels soon entered. He had wholly thrown off his mask, and his lawless swagger became a hautal menace when he heard of Bragg’s stan . “ Look right here, old fellow,” he said, shak- ing his finger at the ma or, ‘.‘ I won‘t have any such nonsense as this. I m rulin’ this hyar bone- ard, an’ while I‘m at it you had better lny ow. Gal, go back ter ther other room, straight- wag I” ragg thundered out an indignant epithet, but the girl was evidently wise for one of her years, and though she showed no signs of fear, she at once stooped, kissed the major, and beat a retreat, followed b the old woman. A violent quarrel ollowmd between Dirk and the major, but it amounted to little. The latter was powerless, and Dirk was so confident in his war that he often laughed even when storm- n . BrimstOne Bob was a most interested ob- server of all this. Matters began to assume a new aspect. Karah Brag was the prisoner of a man who intended, at t e most moderate es- timate, to rob her of her fortune: and honor and chivalry, as well as his enga ement with the major, demanded that Bob 0 all in his power to rescue her and her uncle. But how was this to be done? This was the question which Bob asked him- self, but which was not easil answered. He was one against a score, andy it was probable neither Bragg nor his niece would be left un- guarded. How, then, was the rescue to be eff'ctedi Karah having cut short the altercation inside by oing back through the door from which she ad come, the major flnall submitted to having his hands bound, and air became quiet on the surface. Brimstone Bob. hOWever, was not in a placid mood. He was resolved to rescue the prison- ers, and to do it called for no small do as of effort and shrewdness. He felt that t e old woman would be a more zealous watcher than the volatile cowboys, so he planned to rescue the major first. Daniels soon went out, leavin the same man as a guard. The latter settled 5mm in a chair and began to smoke steadil . while Bragg kept his corner in a mood not ar from sulky. Bob devoted the next half-hour to considering how he could best accomplish his object, but we need scarcely say that he decided to wait for nightfall before making any movement. If he could overcome the cowboy, as matters then were, it was not likely it could be done without an alarm reaching the other cowboys who loi- tered outside the door. Better wait until night and strike under more favorable circum- stances. The next thing was to retreat from his posi- tion something not easily done; but he man- ag so well that he was not seen, and ulti- mately reached the place where his horses had been left. He did not neglect his chance to gain a little necessary sleep; but promptly lying down, was soon oblivious of a 1 around him. Strange dreams haunted him while he slepti but when he awoke he felt refreshed and abe to cope with his enemies. The sun was nearing the horizon, and he only delayed to make a li t supper, and then started for where he had le t the cowboys. The scene had not changed', and Bob began to feel a good deal of hope. He gained the shelter of the mesquite bushes before mentioned, and then awaited darkness. It soon came, and though it had the unfavor- able result of gathering the young roughs in the shanty, he prepared for work. Creeping along to the wall, he soon had a view 0 the main room. What he saw was not pleasing. Daniels and his followars had settled down to “make an evenin " of it, evidently, for ever; visible man was p aying cards, smo - ing an keeping watch of the black bottle which somehow had a part in their game. In this same room was Major Bragg, bound as before, and so situated that it seemed im- possible to get him out uns en. Such being the case Bob decided to look for Karah, and to lose no time in doing so. He moved around to the rear of the building again, and guided by a light at one )oint, van. tured to raise his head above the all , and look inside. He saw an em ty room, but beyond it was an open door, and e plainly saw the girl. She was sitting in a drooping pesition, and her expression was melancholy; but it onl Served to increase Bob’s soul. He felt that t would be a great thing to save so faira girl from her persecutors, and as he could not ex. pect a more favorable opportunity, be resolved to act at once. With arms so strong) as his it was not hard to draw himself up to t e aperture which served as a window. Once there be for a moment, and then lowe to the floor. It now became a vital question whether Karah was alone in the next room. f so, it would be easy to get her away; but the chanCes were so against it that he did not dare to attract her attention. Cautioust he lided forward until he reached the door. are had not changed her position. Except for her occupancy, umed to listen himself softly He glanced inside. the room was empty. It was a chance for which he had scarcely dared hope, and with a new light in his eyes, he hurrietliily, but softly}, crossed the floor. Speaking arah’s name, e drew her attention without an alarm, and in a moment more was at her side. “Have no fear.” he said, quickly]. “I am Major Bragg’s friend and yours. 1 ave come to rescue you—” He paused as a strange look crossed her face and directed his game in the same direction as her own. There he saw ample cause foralarm; the old woman was again on the scene and her eyes were turned on him in a most suspicious wa . ‘yHoity-ioity l” she exclaimed, “ what are you doing here, my young fiailowsiirdl" Reading her manner n c ly, he knew he had been mistaken for one o the band, and he re- solved to make the most of the chance. “Ther cap’in wants for know of you can’t fix some sorter mixed drink,” he explained, in the rude language common to the cowboys. “ He dees, eh? Hang the youn sarpentl Of course I can. You can’t stump 0 d Bet on any such rock as that. Thar ain’t a drink knowed ter the West which I can’t mix. Same time, I hate ter do it fur such idle, good-for-nothing critters as you. But I will.” She moved toward the door, evidenti to ask Daniels what he would have mixed ut as it was not a port of Bob’s plan to have the whole gang or cowboys on top of him, he prepared for active work. Catching her arm as she was passing, he thrust his revolver close to her nose. “ Hold, therel" he terser said. “Dare to give an alarm and I will make it a fatal indis- cretion for you i" CHAPTER XI. A CLOSE CALL. Tun turn of affairs plainly astonished Old Bet a good deal, and for a moment she lacked power evan to make a reply. Brimstone Bob M «Wm...— sg, 11-201». ,-.~1—r (f . ii. i i F, » .1".:r7:::\'., 7..- rx—-——.~.—. -‘ :‘fir'rr if ,‘c. ' \ ,... _ flc‘._...u_._,.j...-,,;. a- . I \10 - bring the strings I see yon ,’ \ . a... .......A .. -....... w..-._.__ «*1..._...~.m .— BrimstoneBob, and" His Lightning Horse Quartette. improved the chance to increase, the impression be ad made. - “ I’m a desperate man, old lady, and I won’t have any slip-up here. You are my prisoner, and as such I mean to holdyou. Don’t dare to make a cry, or to resist!” Old Bet had by this time recovered her wits, and she demanded to know what he meant, her language being more forcible than polite. “ All in good time,” Bob serenely answered. “Just now we’re not giving full statistics. All ou’Ve got to do is to be sharp and sa nothing. oung lady,” to Karah, 3‘ I’ll tron le you to or. The prospect of being bound enraged Old Bet. She was wise enough to read Bob’s expression and not to risk an alarm, but she snapped her toothless jaws and made some appropriate re- marks about cuttin him into mince-mes throat Bob beard wit unwavering coolness. Karah looked pale and frightened, but she obeyed his directmnyroniptlg and brought the cor a. He then ask her to old his revolver, keeping the muzzle turned on Bet, and applied the cords to the old woman in a scientific way. A ag was his final gift to her at which her eyes bed in a way which made Karah turn her head swag. Bob shows his prisoner into a corner whey) she would not be found at first glance, and th 11 went again to Karah. “l’va got a little something to say, and I‘ll come right down to business ” he remarked. “If ou've had any talk with ajor Brag you mus know he set out for Tombstone wit one uich” _ “ He did say so,”.interrupbed the girl. "I’m the chap,” said Bob, coolly. “ Well, I now hope to get you two out of this, but if I ' ‘ try for the major right away I’ll most likely lose the advanta e 1 now have. First thing of all is to get you c ear. See?” “Do what you think best. If I could help nnclg—i But I can’t. Do what you think best. 5 “That’s sensible,” said Bob, approvingly. “Well, just follow me and I’ll take you out of this in a jifly.” » He proceeded to keep his promise and led the way to the other room. The then went through the window. Under t e trees the night was dark, and as all remained silent there seemed ground for hope that they would make good their escape. . They had gone but a few yards, however, when Bob, who never failed to‘use his eyes discOVered some creeping thing in advance and at Once halted. ’ Biddin‘g Karah kee her lace he went for- ward to nvestigate. e bel eyed he had seen a. man, but the improbability that one of the cow- boys would be sneaking about in such a way led him to hope other and more honest men were on the scene. The creeper was no longer visible, but he be- lieved, it was behind a certain lar e tree and set out todiscover if such was the For this work he.was well fitted and he wormed toward the tree almost noiselessly. He began to think the creeper had been a ancy of his mind for not! sign of him was then visible. Still he abated no degree of caution and went steadily on. Not ng. direct! to the tree, he made a little and vanced to where he could view it at anafer distance. He raised his head and looked. The outline of a human form, of a man crouchin behind the-tree, was plainly visible, but be ore Bob had time to inves igate further something also occurred. Rough and stron hands seized him from be- hind. He was. jar ed to his feet 'and an iron grasp closed over his neck. ' Then he was whirled around, backed up against a tree and given the use of his eyes. Other men werevislble. A full d n stood before him' wild, lawless-lookin fel ows who needed nointroduction to one filke Brimstone Bob. He recognized them as Apache warriors; fresh tron-hie had come to him by the road. H awaited for them to address him, but. in- stead, they muttered among themselves 8 k- in solow and guttursily that he could d stin- glfiab only an occasional word. What they ‘ I were saying soon became clear. re was a sudden change in their manner, which'then became freshly hostile. Bob was ilemmed closer to the tree and one brawny fel. =0w stepped before him,- spear in band. The prisoner suspected what was coming but stru - led in vain. The ar, was drawn back fgr are fatal stroke an then came ‘darting for- Brimstone Bob, wholly helpless in the hands of so many fees, did not for a moment suppose hehad any hope of esca ; he had resigned him- self to his fate with t e silent calmness of a brave man; but much to his surprise the spear missed his flesh, and, passing between his body and arm, struck the tree with a dull thud. Even then the youth had the presence of mind to see that one hope, and only me, was his. He resolved to feign death. Accordingly he allowed his head to fall forward and his body to become limp in the hands of his captors, and when the spear had been withdrawn and their hold relaxed, he fell to the ground in the most orthodox corpse-fashion. Very much to his surprise no further attention was bestowed upon him. The Apaches mut- tered gutturally, their movements were audible {€518 brief space of time, and then all became S . lHe opened his eyes. Not an Apache was visi- 8. In a moment more he was again the cool Brimstone Bob who had won a name from Austin to Yuma, and be, bounded to his feet with his thoughts fixed on Karah. Unless he calculated wrongly, the cowboys were about to suffer an attack, and the sooner the girl was cared for the better. He hurried toward where he had left her and bricfiy ixplained that a rapid retreat had be come advxsable. She asked no questions, but, taking his hand, glided away in the darkness. It was a moment of deep suspense to Bob. He expected any moment to hear the yells of the savages. and, what was far more to he dreaded, to encounter some of them in his path. It had become the ruling paSsion of his life to save Karah, whose touch thrilled him, and he would have made a bad enemy then. No foe barred their way, but the drama at the rear was not long delayed. There was a shout, a rifle-crack, a chorus of yells plainly Apache, and then other rifle-shots burst out and a tre- mendous tumult began. ' ' “What is that?” Cried Karah, with a little feminine scream. “Hushl” warned Bob. “Have no feanhut trust me and I will bring you through. “But some one is fighting, and those yells were like these of Apaches.” “ So they are, but I trust we shall go through them. Keep up your coura e!” Bob was looking anxious y for the cowboys’ horses. “Rte indiscreet cry from Karah had been as penetrating aswomen’s voices usually are and he feared for the result. He had just discovered the horses when a pattering of foot- steps showed him a fresh danger and be him. The Apaches were at hand a sin. He placed himself in front of arah and drew both his revolvers. Once he shouted to the red demons to keep back, but the order was as use- less as he expected it would be, and then he be- gan work in a style he had seen practiced all along the Arizona border from Yuma to Tomb- stone. ' - Working both revolvers at the same time he sent out a stream of fire, and something worse, from each hand. and the lead whistled into the Apache group in a free anlnital style. Men went down before that fusilade never to rise again, and With anythin Bob would have cleared t a ground. But the chance wasn’t his. It almost seemed as then b the trees of the wood had turned to Apac es. They were everywhere visible; they pressed forward from every point, but centered toward Bob: they pressed ‘bim hotly and when one fell, half a dozen seemed ready and anxious to take his place. Matters were looking very dubious for the boy hero when there was a new tu of events. A cud, shrill scream-seemed to end the air, alarming even the red-men, and then some- thing darted into their midst like an avenging lightning bolt. _ Rl ht and left the new-comer laid about him knoc ng the Apaches about like ten-pins, an then with'a glad n'igh of' recognition a coal- black horse darted to Brim tone Bob’s side. lt was one of the Ho Quartette the one missing since Dirk Daniels deserted on the desert and be had nobly shown that he was true to his former master. With hoof and teeth be had fought his way through the Indians to where he had heard the familiar voice. once turned to Karel: and ‘bade'her mount. Luckily, she had not once lost her presence of 'mind, and as Bob sent. his last shots home she v. sprung on - the animal’s back. The Apache: wheeled to confront the dark forms closing in on ' like a decent chance ' It was a glad recognition for Bob. and he at g were still a little dazed by what had occurred, and Bob lost no time. With a yell which would have done credit to even the sava es, be followed Karah and gave his black steed the word to o. A second com— mand was not needed. ith what almost seemed like a derisivo and triumphant shout, and regardless of his double burden, the noble animal sprung forward through what remained of the Indians. They tried to stop him, but one went down under Bob’s revolvsr and a second receiVed an iron hoof in his temple which sent him coursing into the by-and-by, and then away sped the black horse. ' ' Oi: course there was some show of pursuit, but it amounted to but little. None of the pur- suers had their horses ready, and those who started on foot soon gave up the chase. As for Bob, be decided not to tarry in the vicinity any longer. He had done lar better than he had really dared hope, and with Karah’s arms around him be resolved to devote every energy and resource at his command to the attempt to baffle her enemies. CHAPTER Xll. namaroxn non rams scam. Nor until all sounds had died away behind them did Brimstone Bob direct his [lack steed to go at a slower pace. Excited as the gallant animal was he would have kept on until utterly exhausted. but Bob did not allow him to lose his wmd. He reined him in at last. and looked-back. . “ Are we pursued?” Karah asked, With a s ver. “1 see no sign of it, but in any case I have no fear. We have a horse here which can’t be beaten by any in Arizona.” “ But there are so many of those dreadful Apaches. Ugh! I believe they turned my blood to “va r.‘1 I ' “ Let us hope the and the cowboys will chew each other up—thoug from the way in which I was so oddl saved from the spear, at the tree, I suspect thei‘: , s one, at least, among them who is not all ru ’ v “ But my uncle—what of him?” Bob did not answer at once. " I'm a little shak about him,” he finally con— fessed. "True, Dirk aniels don’t seem inclined to hurt him just now, but the major is rash, and there is no knowing what‘ll be the result of his habit of speaking his mind.” t" Miles Bland swears he, shall never see Tomb- ' B one. ’ “ I su ipose Bland and Daniels are one?" “Urce Bragga called him Daniels, but his real name is Miles nd." “ I see”; Well, he‘s a desperate young ruffian, in any . . i " He indeed, as I well know. He-had a nod mothen— iis .father died years ago—who trie to- de him anght, but he was born bad. He might ave had an ace and peaceful life but he was crazy for the wilder] e around him—an for misdemean- ors. i believe that if the law claimed all who break {it herein Arizona, Miles Bland would not now be at 1 er y. . . She spoke with a mixture of sorrow and natural indignation but Bob was looking for the place where he had left his team, and made no reply. Having placed the horse with his mates, and pausing or moment to witness the pleasure of the quarto to at a reunion. Bob conducted Karah to what he hoped would be a secure place. There was no sign that they were pursued, and as he did not dare to push out on the plain, there fiengggtno way except to settle down and nape for e . . Once at t ir ease Bob heard the story of the rl‘s mlst unes. Miles Bland had always hated r because she stood between him and a fortun and a short time before he had put measures on foo to prove that she was not the daughter of the'late Mr. Brass. Knowing that aunties was not alwaysto baked in Tombstone, had sent for her uncle, the major. but before Bland‘s claim was decided he at into trouble about another matter and bad to ee. taking rage with a part of depraved 70MB fellows. W cm usually ruled when he saw fit to has their company. T ese were the so—called cowboys. It was immediately after this t at Bland met Bob and the major on the desert, and the encounter so alarmed him that, rdless of the fact that they had saved his life, e stole one of b‘s horses, hastened .to his allies and arranged for Karah‘s ab- duction, and then returned to the desert as we have n. All this became clear to Bob through Karar’s. explanation, and he saw that the had a dangerous foe m Bland. Be ond much don t he had repulsed. the Affaaches, but no degree would this benefit our frien s. The Indians would still be left in such numbers as to wander about and use their eyes altogether to E311; and Bland would miss' no chance to new!)t 9 Knowing all this. Bob finally said as much to his companion, addin : . “ I believe it is advisable for me to seek to rescue the major at once.” I The girl started eptibl . ‘ “ You surely wl not venture into the midst of ' those terrible men l" she exclaimed. “ You forgot what is at stakeJ’ I e “ But they will kill you." “I trust not. In an case, it would be hardly manly for me to neglec Major Bragg.“ "I should be the last person to wish you to de- sert the uncle who has come so nobl to my aid. but you must not forget yourself. on are young—" Karah paused with perceptible confusion, evi- dently not wishing to give all the reasons which led her to fear for the youth‘s safety. Bob felt his heart beat quicker, or he had not esca ed un- scathed from the power of the lrl‘s brig teyes, and it was pleasant to feel that 810 cared for his future. “ I have forgotten nothing in making my decision," he said gently, “ but I must not be deaf to the calls of humanity. I must try to help the major. So far as I am concerned this amounts to but little; I have been accustomed to danger all my life. It was be- cause I was such a wild fellow half a dozen years ago that I got the name of Brimstone Bob, and it ha to me. Now my only fear is for you.” M Yes'fil Karah laughed. “ I hadn‘t thought of that.” “Of what?“ “ 0f being afraid." “ Exactly,“ said the young man, triumphantl . “You are as brave as any one when yourse f is concerned. Then why will you try to make me afraid?“ “I won‘t," she said, im nlsively. “If You think best, you shall go, and I‘ l pray for you; but you‘ll be careful?" “ Yes, but there’s no one to mourn if I fall. I‘m without a relative in the world. There‘s no one to mourn for Brimstone Bob.“ “ You must think very poorly of me to say that. You have done so much for me, and been so brave, and—“ She used in evident confusion, but Bob‘s eyes twinkled with satisfaction. He was old enou h to desire the good wishes of this pretty girl am old enough to read her embarrassment. lie. felt a ood deal of satisfaction at the situation, but grave- Fy answered: “Well, I haven‘t any desire to leave my bones in the desert for the buzzards to clean, and I'll try to take good care of myself. Now, I‘ll leave you were and try to do something for the major. I advise you to keep quiet, even though the A aches come prowling around, but if the worst rea lyrconies, to mount one of the horses and make for ombstone as fast as possible.“ “I’ll do so,“ she cheerfully answered, “but I ex- pect to see you safely back.“ And so it was arranged. Nature. had thrown up a quantity of rocks and bushes around her hiding- place, and he hOped she. would be secure unless he was absent until after daybreak. Their parting was delayed even after'all was ready, but he went at last, and was soon gliding toward the shunt . _ htfing aside the thoughts of karah,whicli seemed resolved to haunt him, he devoted all his skill to making a safe passage. There was need enou h of caution. He had not gone far before he saw t ree or four Apaches in a group, and from that oint he had to be constantly on the alert. Luckily, ie coni- bined courage with experience, and he Went on With a satisfactory degree of success. Escaping notice, he soon neared the shanty. All was quiet there, but the place was lighted and it was clear the cowbo s had beaten of! their ene- mies, and were on t e alert for further hostile moves. Bob knew it was not a favorable time for work, but he dared not delay. With the coming of day there would be no hope for Major Bragg until ano- ther night, and there was no knowing w at tragedy ht occur before then. e resolved to move at once, Gaining a favorable position, be surveyed the field caref and laid his lans. In so doing It must be con eased he used the recklessness of his younger days more than the caution of his latt r ones but bold measures often succeed better than timid eflorts. Leavin his rifle in the thicket, he made sure his knife an revolvers were in place and then dro ped flat on his face and began crawling toward) the shant . Theyshclter was Poor. and he knew he stood a good chance of getting a bullet through his body, but, he went on, slowl and carefully, taking advantage of every nook an tuft of grass, and finding the dark- ness a ver good friend. In due t me he reached the wall of the shanty. He had pur el chosen a Side where there was 11’) window, aiiltiois e knew all such places would be guarded, he prepared for a bold undertaking. His previous knowledge of the shunt made him aware that it could be scaled, and to th s end he di- rected his efforts. If any of our readers imagine there is pleasure in climbing the side of a building with a deadly foe within and a more deadl one without. exposed to the fire of both if (3er by them, let them lace themselves where Brimstone Bob was and try t for selves. waive ashe was he felt the force of his danger when halfway up. Every moment he expected to hear the whistlehofdni. lbullst, but he had cast all on and e 1 no waver. . thaliililfiilige steadily he went on successfully until the roof 0 the building was reached. Then. drawing himself up‘ he sat astride the ridge-pole to regain his isten. Ngrfifiigfldsiund was to be heard. There were Brimstone Bob, cowboys inside and Apaches all about, but all were on their good behavior just then. Bob‘s next move was full of dan er' he must make an opening through the roof, an though this was easy enough in itself, it might lead to speedy discovery. He be an operations without much do- lay. Shingles an boards were not a part of the shanty, for there was no way to get them there, but the mud-chinked poles were more easily moved, and Bob soon had an opening made. Looking down he used to listen. The lower and up r parts of the s anty were separated by. a loose 9 floor, and through this light ascended in little fire, but unless he was greatly mistaken there were no men above. “ 1’" risk itl“ he muttered grimly; and then ll, lowered himself and cautiously trusted his welg on the floor. Finding that the lower side of the poles had been flattened, he experienced a good deal of .relief, as they were far less likely to roll, and promptly pro- ceeded to gain a view of the main room. Cautious y enough he moved the poles a little and looked down. The scene was what he expected. The cowbo swere there, weapons at hand, but with the exception of the guards, all were lounging on the floor and smoking. Dirk Daniels was as much at ease as any of them. In the same old corner Major Bragg sat as Bob had before seen him, but something like a melan- choly look was on his mg ed face. Dirk arose and went to is side. “ I want ter make that offer over ag'in." he said. “ Will you fight fur us an‘ take freedom as your re- ward? The veteran sniffed contcni tuously. ' “ Still snlky, eh i“ added Dir ' with a profane tenni- nation. “ Dnrn your ole. carcass, I‘m a good mind ter take measures ter make on cacklel“ “ Don‘t you get the idea can‘t talk, you young hound l” burst forth the major, " but when you tal about my being your allv, that sort of chaff won‘t catch me. So it‘s freedom for my fighting, is it? Bahl I‘ve seen such creatures as you before, and know just how farl can trust you. Your promise ain‘t worth a picayune. If i helped you and we beat of! the rasca ly reds, you would then vo back on your word and hold me all the same. lil I know *ou, in“! I‘m not going to make a fool of myself. i o, s r!‘ Hardened as Daniels was, he was plainly affected at seeing his word held in such complete, though just, contem t, and a red flush was visible through the tan on his check. “ Be mighty careful, old man!" he exclaimed. “ Don‘t fly too high. Remember you‘re in my way. an' don‘t tempt me to put you ou o‘ it.“ “ if you do it, my host will haunt you!" shouted Bragg. “ I'll bring misfortune to 'oil, anyway." Dirk‘s hand dropped on his revo ver and he looked at the major with eyes that were full of cruel threatening. Brimstone Bob was alarmed at the veteran's rashness, but the latter was too furious to take counsel of prudence. “ Ohl ou black-faced cut-throat, don’t you think I‘m afra d of youl“ he howled. “ You can‘t scare anybody that has fought men. in his da . Go to Graveyard liastlon and ask its bones f l was there. ‘ The young rufflan laughed in a strained way and turned aside. “ Have your own way you old idioti“ he. mut- tered, sourly, and then picked up his pipe to smoke again. But he had no sooner placed it in his mouth than it flew into a hundred pieces, while at the same ino- ment the crack of a rifle brought every cowboy to his feet. Then u on the air arose the well~known, terrible yells of t e Apaches, and the guards at the win- dows became busy as the red tigers lea. forward in another mad charge. dashing at the entrance in a way which would have terrified men less brave than those who defended them. CHAPTER XII. mssmo. No one was more surprised by this attack than Brimstone Bob but, like all Pie who live on the frontier, he had learned to ta :e t iings as they come, and in a moment he was as cool as ever. The decisive attack. folloyved closely on the shoot- ing away of Dirk‘s pipe, and then every defender was busy. Bob looked with longinF eyes at Major Bragg: the chance to interfere in h s behalf seemed at hand, but to do this he must venture into the very jaws of Danicls‘s tigers. Realizing that nothing except prompt action would avail him anything in this emergency, he moved accordingly. Lightly as a cat he drop (1 to the floor below and stood in the midst of his ene- mies. It was a great risk, but he did not falter. Every- one of the cowboys was busy in battling against the Apaches, and though he knew they would quickl turn if they saw and recognized him, he- hoped th s would not occur. He ran to the side of the major, who was too mucdh surprised to say anything, and cut his a s. "Follow me at once!“ breathed the youth. “Delay now will be fatal. Follow mel” Bragg caught the idea and was wise enough to obey. He cast a glance at Dirk Daniels which showed how his mind run but for once he. was will- ing to keep out of a broii. Bob ran into the rear room, but there the fight was raging as briskly as anywhere. Only one chance remained. A rude ladder led to the upper and His-Lightning Horse Quartette. ., 11 floor. and this they ascended as quickly as Bragg‘s wooden le would admit. “Now, t ien, major, you may take charge if you want to—“ “ B Mars!" interrupted the veteran. “ I don‘t. A man hat can carr out the scheme you‘ve just put in force is the kint I follow, not lead." “ But I want your advice. Let me help you to the roof. Here we 0!“ Bob suited t .e action to the word, he] ed the veteran u and then followed himself. ey sat safel on t e ridge- ole, while the fight raged below. “ ow.“ resumed ob, “ the nest on arises, shall we stay here and run the risk 0 being as bad off as ever, or slide down and make adash with the chance of getting our heads 8 Mt open?" ‘ I say make the das ," promptly answered Bragg. “ M wooden leg ain‘t so nimble as I could wish. but the lood of Graveyard Bastion is still here—what I didn‘t leave." “ Down we go, then!“ No more time was wasted. Bob slipped one of his revolvers into the ma or‘s hands and descended like a eat. We can‘t 'ive r g that credit, but he passed down safel untl nearly ialf-way. Bob was watch- ing him w on a chill and something else fell over him. Aipair of stron arms were wound around him, am he saw his open of an uninterrupted escape seriously nipped in the bud. A guttural exclamation proved his captor an Apache, but before he could ry to twist away there was a clatter above and the major‘s heavy form came shooting down. Neither of them saw it in time to stir, and in a moment more the veteran dropped s narely on the lndli‘an's head, and all three went to the ground to- get er. Brimstone Bob was up almost as soon as down and prepared for hot work,but when Bragg struggled up tie pache lay still. Bob bent over him. He was 0 the trail forever; the major‘s Weight had broken his neck. Other savages were near them, but all were too much engaged to heed this little side-drama. Bob- caught his emplo er‘s hand. drew him away, and the darkness soon id them from view. Not until they had gone several rods did the pause to look back at the shanty. The fight was sti i going on, but it lacked its old force, and Bob sus- gegted the Apaches were doomed to suffer another 0 eat. " Let that be as it may." he added. after stating his views, “we Want to get out of this speedily. Karah is waiting for us—" " Karah i“ “ Yes." “ Have you rescued her?" “ Yes.“ “ By George! ou're a trump, young man. If ever we get out of th s I‘ll make the accountsquare if it‘s necessary to elect you Governor of Arizona. Hang it, I {olil-got that this one-horse place was aTerritory, ut 1 “it “I don‘t doubt it in the least, ma r, but let us go on. Karah will be anxiousl await ng us." It was a good idea and t ey went as fast as the. major‘s wooden leg would allow N o Apaches were- scen on the way and they neared the place where the girl had been left without Adventure. Reaching the refuge itself Bob paused and spoke her name. “Karahi” There was no answer. “ Karah i" He spoke again, but nothi was to be heard but. the faintly rustling leaves. ruck b a sudden fear he pushed his way though the thic at and looked about. The irl was not visible. Next he looked for the wagon. hat, too, was not to be seen. With fast-increasin uneasiness, in which Bragg began to join, he aga n cullul her name, and when there was no answer be an a more systematic search. He came back to ilhe major at the end of a. few moments. “ She is gonel" " Gone where?" " That I don‘t know. I left all as l have told you. but now Karah is missing and soare my four homes and the wagon. I told er, in case of danger, to take one horse and make her esca e, but I can‘t be- lieve she has taken the four and i e stage. Conse- quently, ] believe she is captured by the A ches.“ "it s the infernal. villainous, d abolica luck of this rufflanly country!“ fumed the veteran. “If I had an enemy i hated so much I didn't want him to die I‘d iit h m here and make him live.“ liob id not hear these words; all his thoughts were on the matter of Karah's disappearance. There was a pain in his lzeart which told how much he had become interested in her, and he feltadegree of demoralization new to him. Where was Ka rah? “We must have a light, ma or.“ he suddenly de- clared. "It‘s dangerous, In we may discover somitatliing. We must find which way the stage wen . A dry knot and matches soon gave the desired light. but no reat discovery resulted from it- The stage had leg the place in a due south direction with all the horses attached, and its pace had been re. id, the horses having been at once started into a a lop. From this Bob argued that Karah had fled rom some danger, but it was not sure. Why had she taken the entire team along? “I believe some other Kart es took the team "' Bragg finally decided, “an I‘ll bet Karah is still in the woods. She may even have heard our voices, but mistaken them for those of enemies." “ I give her credit for more shrewdness than that “ Bob prompth remarked. “She is a girl of remar ~ l '7 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. - ' ' - ability, and if she heard any one calling her she .i.l wart to find out who it was before she gut r lingers in her ears in feminine fashion. he . .r‘t near here." Bragg yielded to this argument; then stormed awhile at the “luck " and called himself a fool for v nturing on the Tombstone trail, but finally came down to business and threw himself wholly on his yuun friend‘s judgment. “ \ but are we to do?" he helplessly asked. Bob meditated. ‘ I can see but one way,"he finally said. “ Of course we can‘t consider any lan which does not in- clude a prompt move in Kar ‘s behalf. We believe she want in the stage, so we must follow the stage. How? Not on foot, certainly. We must help our- selves to the horses of our enemies. Now follows‘ another point. If we take but two, they will have the means of following us. What follows?“ “ Kill those we don't need." " Perhaps your plan Would be the wisest, but in this country we hate to kill a horse. No; we won't «do so in this case, but we'll take every hoof we can find with us." Bragg voted the lan a ood one, and they de- layed no longer. aking t eir way toward where Bob had last seen the cowboys' horses, they found the animals still there, and their hopes ecarne strong. Desulto firing was still going on near the shanty, ry tel that the A aches, beaten oi! again, had set- tled own to a cge, and it looked as though they would get the animals clear unmolested. They began o erations at once. None of the horses were ti ,but lariats were found hanging from alimb and these were ressed into service. in this work Bob had to ta e the lead asusual, but he was equal to the demands of the occa- sion, ang the work went on as rapidly as could be e to . - due time the animals were fastened to ether in a way Bragg couldn't understand, but whic he ap- roved of, and then Bob bade him mount and take is half in tow. The retreat from the vicinit began in good order, andallwent well until the ge of the wood was reached. There Bob paused to search for the wagon- trail, leavi his horses with the major. He did no find the trail at once, and time passed until Bragg became uneasy. Once he heard a sort of mufl'led cry from where his young friend had gone, and answered it, but utter silence followed. The pause had grown ominous, when he saw gflgure appear in the darkness and stride toward m. “ Well. I’m lad ou‘ve come," he said, with asigh of relief. "I gun to think—" He paused, with his mouth and eyes wide open, for in the stalwart form before him he recognized not Bob but an A be warrior. The latter laid is hand on one of the horses, but the act aroused the major to desperation. Not doubting but that Bob had been captured and pod. be resolved to part from such dangerous corn n . W th {celerity born of his militari experience he drew his revolver and fired. and as t e Indian fell to the round followed it up with a yell which put all the arses r11l mfatign at 0308. tam to Aw nte rnesst ey , ngapace suit tnl‘iyemselves and makin “if: telling one, while the major soon found tha he was only a pass sen er. A% first he en oyed the rapid going, and regarded it as a triump on his rt; but when he realized that he was leaving Bob hind he looked around, and, seeing no pursuer, tried to stop his caval- cede. He might as well have tried to bridle a blizzard. The horses were thoroughly alarmed, and though they kept together well enouzh to make the con - lings hold. they cared not a fig for Bragg’s feel) e strength. On they went, regard cos of everything. Bragg began to feel like an unhung murderer. The idea of deserting his young friend was obnox- ions to a man who had fought at Graveyard Bas- tion, and be resolved to turn back. He cast away the ropes by. which he was hurting the animals. but this di not elp matters. He was in their very midst, complete] surrounded, and as they were tied together he cou d not fall out of line. He must go when- they went. " Great Pompey!“ he groaned, as he hung fast to his horse in terror, “ I'm in for it again. I‘m a Ma- :eppa this time with a vengeance, and I shall be trampled under their boots. I‘ve read of such things and now i see it. Oh! tearing wild-cats! wh didn’t I keep off the Tombstone road ?" t hisregrets cametoo late; he wason the road with a full head of steam on, and hemmed in by the uncontrollable horses he was hurried away to an un- known fate. CHAPTER XIV. W’s anvsmnss. All-ran Karah was left alone, she proceeded to obey Bob's orders to the letter. This was simple enough at first, for it consisted inkeeping still as .10 as she was unmolested. . 0th alarming occurred for some time after Bob wen away. During this time she nestled in the cover of a go and awaited the result. She felt a little lonely, and she might possibly have been afraid had it not been for the Horse Quartette. Those noble animals Were near at hand, and as she shared the admiration nearly all people vs the noblest of the brute race, she was not of d while ear. 8 e had agood deal to think about, in reviewing what had occurred since she was stolen rorn Tomb- stone, and the gallant young man who had come to her aid naturaly played an important part in her thoughts. She admitted, to herself, that she had never seen any one who pleased her so much on short acquaintance as he, and. she began to wonder if she would lose sight of him forever when these adventures were over or not. Crackl It was the snapging of a dry twig and at a point which roved it to ave been made y other means than t e feet of Bob's horses. Karah held her breath and looked and listened. Then she distinctl heard a stealth moving amon the bushes, and I: almost seem that asubdu breathing reached her ears. She waited with a fast-beating heart. Nearer came the sounds, and she could no longer doubt. Some prowler was in the vicinity. Nearer still, and she made out the outlines of an Apache warrior, who looked grim and terrible. Karah was a brave girl, but she had lived long enough in Tombstone to know just what an Apache was capable of, and it is not to her discredit to say she was too frightened to think of Bob‘s direction to (slicure one of t e horses, and take to flight in case of n er. Li 9 one fascinated, she watched while the red buck peered inside the wagon and then came nearer. He found the horses, an grunted his satis- fiactlion at having come upon such choice horse- es . - All this while Karah was hoping she would escape detection, and like a f , htened fawn she hovered under the shelter of the edge; but without a pre- monitory sign he suddenly leaped forward and seized her arm. Poor Karahl she had been overcome by the cun- ning of the serpent, and in the grasp fastened on her she struggled in vain. He drew her out of her covert, and seemed to sur~ vey her as critically as though it had been broad daylight. On her own part, his eyes seemed to burn her, and she shivered painfullg. “Ugh!” he finally said wit a species of English, “ who. white squaw, an what do thunder she do here?‘ “ Oh! don‘t hurt me!" cried Karah. “ I won‘t do you harm l“ The idea seemed to please the Apache, for he uttered a guttural sound not unlike a chuckle. But he did not reply directly to what she had said. “ Where men i" asked. The question did good deal toward restoring the girl's coolness. ' “ Two of them went away a moment ago but the others ought to be here now," she answer , experi- mentally.e I iMeb they come back; me scalp!“ declared the ii. an. “ You can speak to them about that," Karah re lied, trying to appear at her ease. ‘Sqauw lie; no so many men here. How many, den? Mebbe ou tell?" He ran his t ngers through her hair suggestively; but though a good deal frightened, she did not waver. “There are twenty if there‘s one," she persisted. The Apache began to be uneasy. He had no desire to face so many foes, while on the other hand he did not want to lose either the girl or the horses. He meditatcd for a moment, and resolved to run some risk rather than lose them. “ You stan’ here; nebber run step else me kill. Cut throat, scalp, bur-n! Unncrstan Y“ “Yes, yes!" gasped Karah. “ Wal, you stan‘ still like tree, else look out!" With this warning the red man proceeded to carry out the plan he had formed, which was to ut the four horses on the st 9, and drive away in t um h. Now, this feat would ave been far beyond the ll of many red-men, as well as white, but this par- ticular buck had once been a hanger-on at a certain ofllcer's quarters, where he had learned to harness, to drink, play cards, and other manly arts. He began to harness the team, occasionally paus- ing to look at Karah and bid her stand still as before directed. . She did stand still, but her brave little bra’n was busy and she was reparing an act in the drama not put down by Mr. on the programme. He accomplished his work in due time and the Horse Quartette stood in place around the pole; nothing remained to he done except for the driver to mount the box and move away. Karah had been watching her chance and as the A ache paused and looked toward the shanty, from w ich point suddenly arose fresh sounds of strife, she moved. With all her force she shed the warrior forward, moving so quickly be ad no time to evade her rush, and as he went crashing down the ascent she sprung for the stage. Toa person in peril the mount- ing is not hard, and in a moment she was on the box and the reins in her hands. . The Quartette had been a little exerted by the crashing in the bushes, and when her voice rung out in a command to go they were ready. There was a forward movement, a straightening of straps and traces. and then awa went t 9 team with Karah in the driver‘s seat an the reins in her pretty hands. , The girl was far from being at her ease, for though the rattling speed they suddenly assumed bade fair to take her away from the Apache, she could not but feel a large-sized fear that the stage would strike a tree and wreck the whole outfit. In thus thinking she was not aware that she was handling the ribbons over the most intelligent horses in Arizona. Wonderful indeed were the 9 stories told of Brimstone Bob and his Horse Quar l tette. and those who knew them best would have laughed at the idea of their colliding with a tree. On they went, and as Karah saw their admirable work she soon abandoned all thoughts of guid Ir them and merely clung to the reins as through h r it; on. until there was a sudden break of trees : . 1 she rolled from the green sward of the oasis ulna the sand of the desert. She went a hundred ards at full speed and then began to think of the uture. Her unpremeditated flight had taken her away from Bob and the major, and she knew not what to do. Her first thou ht was to keep on toward Tombstone and make he trip as soon as possible, but as she recollected that she had her young '3 team she abandoned the idea. Reming in the blacks allttle she looked behind her. There she saw something of interest. Barely Visible in the dim light a single figure—that of a man—was. speeding alon atagood pace and evi- dentl tryrngtoovertake or. Be] eviug that it was Brimstone Bob, she tight- ened the reins on the ever-obedient blacks, and the came down to a slow trot; a pace very much to heir liking, as the wheels were cutting deep in the sand. The runner then gained rapidly and came near. Karah, however. had her doubts. If it was Bob, would he not be likely to speak and reassure her? She looked as keenly as possible and then whee'ed and spoke sharply to the Quartette. She had recognized, not Bob, but an April .9 warrior. Her cry was not thrown away. The noble her is heard and knew its meaning, and with one new ‘d they leaped forward, and the sand flew high in ir from both their feet and the wheels. The slackening of speed had been a great misfor- tune, however. Stron as they were. they cor'ld not at once resume the r old speed, when the war 11 was so bound down by the sand. And the A ache shot forward like an arrow, 9' cr- asing the sad at every foot. *‘ i Karah was seized with consternation. Again ire spoke to the blacks, and the wheels began to row v'e at a tremendous rate—but too late. ' Straight forward came the pursuer, and the g ‘5 heart sunk ashe laid one hand on the rear of re sta re and mounted like a cat. The race was his, an the fair fugitive had a most dangerous passon- er. - o She looked back and saw his gleaming eyes almost at her shoulder, and she almost dropped from the box with fear. CHAPTER XV. nocon mess on rm: TRAIL. WE left Brimstone Bob searching for the wagon- trail after he had prepared the confiscated homes for flight and left them in charge of Major Bragg. The oung man had no idea as to the directior in which he ate had gone except that gained from the direction t had at first taken. Judging by that, it must have emerged from the wood near the point where he then was, and he began a systematic search. i He had ne nearly a hundred yards when he found the esired si i. It was not hard to discover the wheel-tracks in t e sand; one brief examination was enough for tha' : and he only paused to discover by the length of the horses‘ stri e at what pace they were gomg. Misfortune is often abroad when we least expect it, and without any warning; as he was hen .' g near the ,round, something li e the coil of a serpnnt fell over is head and he was jerked backward 2nd left sprawling. a: He recognized the touch of a lasso and raised ' is hands to cast it off, uttering a mrzfiied cry as he id so to warn the major, but e was in the clutches of those who w0uld let no chance pass. '- He was drawn backward rapidly for sevmal yards, and then several men pounced upon m and he saw Agaches all around. He did not we -r. even then. an succeeded in ( rawing his revo’ i‘r but it was knocked from his hand and the {on n ) numbers not only held him fast but prevented “.r- thor outcry. a With a celerity the inhabitant of civilized plsi'es can scarcely comprehend, bonds were applied to re prisoner 8 arms and he was thoroughly el less if The Apaches were seven in number, ut a' y might as Well have been seventy, t then, so fr"? as Bo 's prospects were concerne . He looked at them long enough to make sure they were of the regular order of red-men and then relapsed into rio- rcrsm. He said nothing, nor was he addressed. The majority of his captors drew to one side and held abrief consultation. Then Bob was marched back into the wood and in the direction of the cow- bovs‘ cabin. While bearing his captivity with outward calm- ness, he was not blind to the fact that he was in rent peril. If there is a merciless wretch on the ace of the earth it is the Apache warrior when he is on the war-trail. The btnes of white men bit 11 from California to Texas to boar witness to the f .. For some reason Bob had been s red for the time, but their intentions were not to doubted and file did not see any hope of aid. ,. He was taken near Dirk Danieis‘s cabin. Fig s -g was no longer 80108 0n. The Apaches had ""1 13 been repulsed by the little garrison, who were «in e if n0t WOWhY. and though they hovered near'w ‘ly did not care to try a third assault. " Bob was given It mail-5e of two warriors an: 't to his thou hts. He h food eno h for m, 8,. tion. The as pearance of Karah. t ewhereal u oftBragg and t e intentions of the Indians We; at in eres . n.--- I“_‘ .a.___.. ‘AAA -a.‘ Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. 13 C Half an hour passed. The surprises of the night were not past. however. and the fresh one came with the suddenness charac- ' ‘stic of the others. The Apaches were loungin nt in a listless way when a chorus of wild yel st upon their ears, dark forms shot into view . m ever quarter, and with a cracking of rifles several of he warriors went down. Bob was not at a loss to understand it. The cow- boys. probably afraid that the would be left home- less in the desert, had carried he WM into the ene- my‘s camp and done it in a dashing manner not likely to fail. In this emergency]. Only one of the savages re- membered Bob, but e sprung forward to end the Puth‘s career then and there. The latter saw a ' 'fe gleaming in his hand and wisely turnedto flee, but the stroke could not be avoided. Down came the wee n, causing a smarting sen- sation along Bob’s bac but it was well for him the red-man struck. His hands fella art and he knew the stroke had severed the co 8, while it barely scratched the flesh. It was the warrior’s last blow, for even as Bob re- alized his od luck the fellow went down, killed by a chance 3 ot. Bob was in the midst of the fray, and as his own life was in peril, and he could not extricate himself just then, he caught up a fallen rifle and prepared font defense. is was not called u n to strike a blow. The af- fiuzy was soon over. he cowbo s, hard fighters at aL times. had made a tremen ous effort and the Avaches were fleeing in all directions. u'Follerl“ cried the voice of Dirk Daniels. “ We ain't going to let them chaps steal our houses. Fol- ler sharp. Here, Jones. keep close to mei“ e 0 er on v n or Th last rd parti larliterestedBobf it was he who had been addres . He knew he had been mistaken for one of the band, but it made no (1 uence and he quickly laid his plans. Kill ev'ry, hlamed varrnint ou kin i" ordered D,_. c. as they ran. “ They’ve go ole Bragg an‘ ther gsqan; they sha‘n't take ‘em away; not cf 1 know ml- re ." )b had his own opinion as to this statement, but he bade no words. may soon found they were getting the best of the prhes in the race and unless they reached their horses soon it would again be hand to hand and a peer chance for the red ucks. The crisis soon arrived. The horses were reached, but the Indians had no time to mount and escape. Some tried it and found a double we ht in their since. The cowboys yelled and fou ht e veritable emous. They (1 men from air horses and Du chered them—w on they could. For the flghtin was not all on their side. The A ache warrior 3 a bold, hard fighter. In this case, th their lives at stake, they ve blow for blow and the strife ra ed even more otiy than at first. Brirnsto e Bob 'new the time had come for him topart from such dangerous company. Da was no far awa , and when t arrived he could no onger passforl“ ones.“ he was moving away when the battle surged hot- ly in his direction. Men upon him and wea- pons learned in the air. estruck down an Apache. and t on fell himself with a dim idea that a moun- tain had fallen upon him, and lost consciousness. When he opened his eyes he first saw that it was daylight. Next trees became visible; then, voices were audible. en bent over him. ‘ Here‘s one that's alive," said a voice, “ but who th dickens is he?" 1 '7 rare was a pause; then a hearty, triumphant at ' . n by thunder it‘s Brimstone Bob!" “10 Youth was turned upon his back and saw the cow-boys, blood-stained and bandaged, around him. Ne res stood Dirk Daniels, still laughin loudly. ‘ ~ Wal I‘ll be shotl" he continued, “i I expected th . I say. h, how long since you j'lned ther A; wheel" .- is man addressed raised himself on his elbow w “immerses .I on't n at com a ," wered. or, .-e been a rlsouer of thegdiogshgyuafinlsfought for mu to-nir t. as I‘ll trouble you to ’mcouect,’ i’ {'hat‘a‘lieti"th Y 1 it's t e ru . ou mstook mefor m ne niav 13d Jones and we the Apachessosldeeoby B C I ,4! ' Mebbe you‘re right." admitted Dirk a: _ “ mayoea, look fur Jones. Young teller, whuvgg‘gr H or an instant Bob did not know what to my Daniels was talking withOut much show of hostility but he knew his nature b that time. and if he wafi aware that made rescu Karah-and there seemed 3,0 room for him to be ignorant of the fact—he w” a 0 one Yet he received to a bold hand and got u the and made justifiable. He therefore denied all knew of Bragg ma claimed to have been ca u . on the desert to the north and held until td: f. . . nirk made no more m then, but ordered a h. 0' the Wood. while not thorough the stage. did m 6 ~11 the that whue the cowboys had se- am Apache homes they had lost their own. ' way the rou h renown raved when this be- oertain would Va 311 ha many 9, man who ad to be Melted hlmse . There was an instant r a Duran“. and Dirk was by no means reluc- . .h,; k d Bat, from some reason or other had told him My, had been taken away by m Apache, so he or cc on V ca c; t a .- ta x.‘ a, ed thatsheand the horse. m.gone nwayin charge of a very few bucks, whom it would be easy to vanquish when found. The ursuit was according] begun. Bob gan to be uneasy. e knew Bragg and his horsemanship well enough to feel positiVe he could not long kee out of the wa of these rough riders: and though b was to go ong he would be of no use. The future did not look promising. Dirk and his men started off as ast as the sandy Soil would allow. and the wood was soon left he- hind. A long ride was expected, but as a timber belt a mile to the south shut out their view in that direction, they had no means of foreseeing the end. It came quickly. They had not quite reached the timber when from its cover burst what at first seemed to be a troop of wild horses. Bob, however, quickly recognized them for he saw that they were tied together and that t 1e form of a single rider arose in their midst. It was Major Bragg and the stampeders. The cowboys were not much behind, and a cheer arose as they saw t eir horses once more in their grasp. as it were. ey spread out like a fan, pre- anring to envelop them, and there was no doubt as the result. - Bob was bitterly disappointed at seeing the major again in trouble, but even then he could not help smiling at the ridiculous figure out by the hero of Graveyard Bastion. He kept his seat because he could not do other- wise. but no creation of a humorist‘s pencil could equal the look of utter misery and demoralization on his face. His , unfettered b his hat which was lon since lost, floated in the Wind, and he used his han s to raise himself a little from the, to him, terrible backbone of the horse. So unhappy was his position that Bob even thought he watched the movements of the cowboys with a hope that their plans would succeed. CHAPTER XVI. cmnrnnss ms MARTYRDO . Dmx Dams and his men made a ort work of the task in hand. The horses which had been “ fiery, untamed steeds " to the major were as noth- ing to them in their stain ing mood. and in a short time they were secu and subdued. Bragg esca ed by scrambling over his steed‘s head and Dir burst into a loud laugh ashe saw that he was barely able to stand. “Isai, ole rooster you need some lie on your j‘ints,“ e coarselyo rved. Pain gave way to wrath with the belligerent “ on im rtinent oung hound!" he roared. “I may be a ttle stiff n m knees. but I'm able to wring your neck yet. To e your villainous horses; I‘ve seen enough of 'em i" Long and loud laughed the cowboys:i but Bob managed to get the ma or's attention an signal to him to be careful wha he said. The hint was not thrown awav, and when Dirk asked regarding Karah, her uncle eclared he had not seen her since they were together in the shant . “ Wal we'll go back to tier woods an’ look right inter t s matter," said Daniels. “l‘ll sift it out ef it takes a year." Bob remained silent but he wondered that the wagon-trail had not a ready been seen. With his knowledge of the direction in which the Quartette had gone, he had already been able to discern the track made b them. He kept his eyes to himself, however. and he return was begun” t'lll'he prisoners were allowed to nde beside each 0 or. “ Have you had a hard time, major?" Bob asked. “Hard! No. sir; it has been s inrly heathenish. The melt. wheel and thumb-screw o t e Dark Ages fades into nothin beside it. Those villainous horses we“ mm. 811‘; c can mad. You might as well have tried to “govern a steam—en us with a piece of “fine. e infernal brutes w isked me around just 8-8 they saw fit. and the backbone of the one I rode was worse than a concaved razor." :2 He looks lump," Plum?! ou could cut beef-steak with his back- bqllmP—fi “5" 1'": cut in two." or cu s eas er t " irk, who was um laughing.lmn beef, interpolated D "Takes 3 1’08 to find it out!“ retorted Bragg. “Hang the 110'” and hang this whole villainous country. I was a fool to ever come into it. When I see the man who warned me not to o to Tombstone 1‘“ agree to fumiSh him with a andsome head- stone when he dies." “EM , old chatterbox; you needn't hev no spite ag‘inst ombstone. for You never‘ll get there; an‘ as 1;» illila egg-5‘0“. belief keep it for yourself. ou‘ n “ I know them that'll get a rope," Bragg asserted. Quarreling thus. Dirk and the major went on with the others to the WOOd- The prisoners were laced in the shanty under guard. and the searc for Kai-ah began. Brafigetried to bribe their guards and ttilled. Even Oil ‘5 turned a deaf ear toward them, and showed unusual spite against Bob. She had not forgotten what part he took in the rescue of h ' ma or. It was half an hour later when Dirk returned, ac. companied by his men. One look at his face was enough to show that all that was ugly in his nature 1'“ in some way been arou HO flxod his a on Bob. and, prefacin the "9. 3'8?" 5 an ep thet too coarse for record, 3 00: m. m seed: 2: Youmggh’gldggl you‘ve b‘en lyin’ ter me!" him: about? B0 alized his danger, but he s ke coolly. ed villaini You . P8 ‘ About ther gal, you calf-ch69 J tried ter pull ther wool ever my eyes, but l‘ve got. 0 down fine. Your ramshackle old w on has; 'en in lher wood, an‘ Karah went away in t.“ “ Is that so?“ “ You know it is, you— ‘ ' “ I know nothing of the kind," Bob coolly inter- rupted.- “lam w lling to admit that my stage has been here and that Karah was last night M ii. near it by me. retumed and found her gone. also wagon and horses, and everything else. Why they went, where they went, or where they now are, I haven‘t the. remotest idea.“ His strai vhtforward manner impressed Dirk and made;I him elieve, but it did not serve to abate his. wrai . “ How did you come. b ther gal l“ he demanded. “ Called here for her,‘ Bob nonchalantly replied. Dirk turned his eyes threatenineg on 0 d Bet. “ You‘ve lied. tool“ he snarled. The woman began to make voluble excuses, but. he cut her short and called for a lain statement of' the facts. She gave them, am he be «in to see more clearly; but as he realized wha Bob had done, he turned to him in a manner decidedly omi- nous. " You‘re too smart, you be!" he exclaimed. “I ain‘t sce‘d a chap fur some time who got in my way so much as you have. Noun I reckon you're goin‘ to et out on’t. I‘ve home it as Ion as I willl‘ I 0 young rufflan aused and loo ed at his rival in a way which woul have terrified many an older man; but Bob's smooth cheeks kept their color. Bragg was more alarmed than he would have been if his own life had been in dan r, and he began a plea which both youths interrup d. “ Save your breath major.‘ said Bob in an un- dertone. “ You can't help me, and he shall not see me waver." Dirk knew the good of striking while the iron was hot, and be promptly ordered every one out-of- docrs. w By his order a rope was brought and noosed, after which one end was thrown over a strong branch. “ Give this dog his collar,” Dirk then said, tryi to be facetious; and Bob‘s neck was duly encircle . f‘ Ef ther major feels like sheddin‘ tears, 1‘11 (4: v ter him that you ain‘t lost, but one nfore. He'll take his turn right after you. ll hnng‘you boll). higher than Human. Now, then, is all runny?" ‘ Everything an‘ everybody except ther wietims,‘ remarked one of the men at the re )0. “ They can prepare t'other side t for range. Rm: this critter u'pi“ Dirk s ke triumphantly, and with a smile or ‘ ' face, an at the Word the men pulled slrm'ply L t u- rope and Brimstone Bob swung in mid-air! 9 W‘- The progress of our story now rerauires nst oft 1, Lil Lil“ turn for a time to Knrah, whom we pleasant position. The Apache havin gained the body of the stare, was crmvling orwar toward the girl \Vln- “in. t. 0 much terriilod just then to recollect that she Lad a. revolver in her belt. Forward came the l‘t'il buck, and then one of his hands was is“ on her shrinl.ing shoulder. .“ While squaw mighty heap tine driveri" She recognized the voice; he was tl e same man who had intruded upon the refuge in which l ob left her; and she sincerel re'rottcd that she had not paused then to put him orever past the power of mischief. “ Rx‘ckon dis wa bes‘." Without mount ng to the box the buck ran an arm along each side of her and. taking the reins in front of her own hands, swung the team around in a graceful curve. “Now, we go back,“ he said. in the same placid way. A rebellious mood came over the rl and she tried to thin: of a way out of her tron le. Her revol— ver was partial] concealed b the folds of her dress and had thus ar escaped h a notice. but it was no time touse it. Such an attempt would merely re- sult in her being disarmed. She thought of leaping from the box, but the idea, wild under any circum- stances, was impracticable while his arms were about her. He brought the horses down to awalk, gravely remarking: “ Mighty few times me go to ride wid pooty gal dis wa . We go slow; hab better time.“ “Ge out, you red villain!" cried Karah with a little scream at the idea. “I wouldn‘t look at you," “Me like look at you' do Leaping Jaguar‘s eyes good. Pooty gal; me like her!“ He raised one hand and caressed her hair, where- at she screamed several times in loud an on, but it only served to make the Apache laugh. For the time being he was a good-natured vagabond, but the uluglineasjs of his nature had once been shown and we u up ar. Seemin :gbe arraigned with his attempt at love- makin e took a.u filrmer hold on the reins and u e ho sea a tt e. IEgg-ah was driven to desperation. She was being returned to captivity. and that means a good deal where man or woman falls amon the A ches. She resolved to risk all in an attemp at gain ng her freedom. As she was about loosening her revolver she gloticed that the wood was no longer visible in ront. “ We are not going to the camp!“ she half-uncon- scious] e laimed. “Regkoficnot. much. Whago derei Go. have to divide wagon, bosses. g1; s y, keep dem all. Hub . e . squaw of own; sell t'o r things l l l Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse WQuartette. Again did Karah lose her self-possession. llorrified at the idea she struck the Indian full in the. face and then tried to leap from the box: but he. easily frus. tinted her and then closed his brawny hand around her neck and shook her in a most brutal way. “Bes’ learn right away," he unfeelingly said. “Get dat eber day when take you for squaw. You sit still now, e se me choke ng‘in.” Karah sat gasping for breath and found it no easy matter to recbver it. His grip had been almost crushing and her delicate throat seemed on fire. She recovered gradually, and with the gain begun to feel the resolution for which border heroines are noted. With life and honor at stake she would be foolish to hesitate longer. Carefully she drew the revolver from her dress. It was ready for use—all except cocking. She won— dered how she could do this and then use it before the Apache could stop her. but it must be tried. Wit one motion she pulled back the hammer and raised the weapon to a level with the broad breast behind her, and almost at the same instant she pulled the trigger. There was a flash, a re ort, a heavy fall, and then no one was near her on t 9 box. The horses, fresh- ly startled, were going like the wind and she dared apt look around at the dark object in the bottom of 6 stage. How'long she rode in this way she never knew. She was like one in a nightmare, for her young na~ ture was not hardened to such scenes. It was not until she suddenly recollected that she was going wholly at random that she aroused. Then, a little thought convinced her that she must conquer all repugnance and proceed systematically. She brought the Quartette down to a walk, laid aside the reins and proceeded to get rid of her cargo. Examination showed that the Apache bled freely, but it also showed one thing wh ch pleased her a ood deal. He was not dead nor likely to die The ullet had ranged along his skull, stunning hii , but doing no serious injury. He was even then givin signs of returning consciousness, and it was wel 811 had moved when she did. 8 dropped the huge form out of the wagon and felt much easier as she receded from it. All her attention then became directed to trying to make out her exact situation, but the attempt was a iailure. Without a known star to guide her did not know one point of the compass from an- 0 er. Still, it would not do to hesitate; she feltafeverish anxiety to st awa from the lace which had given her so muc troub e, and she at the black horses go on at their easy walk. The situation had not changed when night fell back before the advance of day, but when the sun arose she had the means of shaping her course and did not neglect it. She had not gone far, however, before she halted the Quartette and sat gazing doubtfuily ahead. CHAPTER XVII. max DANIELS’S noun or TRIUMPH. Kama had been brought to a halt by the sight of a wood which arose before her in a prominent and suggestive form. There was nothing familiar about it ut she remembered that the lair of the cowboys was in ust such a wood and for a moment she was afraid t was the same. The next moment she laughed at her fears. “ Nonsense! I have driven not less than ten miles since I started, and it isn't very likely Iani at the same lace. I am well on my road to Tombstone, and i it wasn‘t for uncle Bragg and that young man I should feel perfectly safe. This wood is di— rfctly in my path and I see no reason for avoiding I H Alas! oor Karah! She had yet to learn that it is all too 0 ten the lot of the inexperienced traveler of the plains to wander in a circle. Had she known wha that wood contained she would not have gone on so easily nor have smiled so brightly. She entered the wood and drove at a gentle trot. taklgfi advantage of the greensward. H the wood had been passed when she sud- denly pulled on the reins; a signal which the Quar- tette promptly obe ed, and yet a weak, irresoluto effort in keeping With the look of horror which over- spread her face. A terrible scene had been resented to her gaze. She saw a group of men—t ie well-known cowboys - —and in their midst an elevated human form which dangled from the end of a rope. Before she had time to discover more, a hoarse, trium hant laugh arose from the group and Dirk Danie s’s well-known voice arose. “ Lower ther prisoner! Another chicken has come home to roost and we'll cook ther hull lot at a b’il- in'. Down with him!" The last order was superfluous; already the half‘ hanged man had been lowered and Brimstone Bob stood gasping from the eflects of a choking which had done him no lasting harm and, certainly, no ‘ good whatever. The coming of Karah, unfortunate as it might prove for her, bad temporarily saved his life. Dirk sprung forward and caught one of the horses by the rain, and as his men seconded his effort, looked at Karah with a mocking smile “ So ou’ve come back ter him that loves ye best, my litt a lady! That‘s as it should be. and I’llsee that youdon t go away again. This is a joyful re- union. Down on come, in sweet Karahl ' Standing at he step of t e wagon he put n his arms as confidently as though he was to rece ve a willing est. Kara could not reply. The brave spirit which had sutained her through so many dangers was for the time quelled. She saw Bob and the major in as great trouble as herself, and she had not a word to say. She sat staring blankly, her face white and ( uiVering, and when Dirk drew her down she lacked t e strength to resist or protest. He led her to the side of Bragg and Bob. The latter had almost recovered from his choking and full§comprehended the situation. " on see how it is," observed Dirk, triumphantly. “I’ve got ther winnin‘ cards in this game, beyond a doubt. Hyar you all are, like fishes on a string, aii‘ you’re all mine. Do you hear, my venerable tramp?" He addressed the hero of Graveyard Bastion, who could no longer restrain his indignation. “ You diabolical dastardl" be roared, “don’t you think this combination wavers. Don‘t you thin it once! It‘s luck has iven on that lead, not any brains of yours. Bra us! on haven't enough of them to feed an angle-worm, and what you have are trash. Don’t you talk to me, you villainous scoun- drel; I won’t hear it. No, sir!“ Dirk was laughing loudly. “ Wh ', my babe in the wood, how innocent you are! but can you do? You’re as helpless as a fly. I hold the game in my hands and I‘m going to make ye smart. D’ye hear me?" The major broke into another roar, but it was not so confident as before. “ As i said," pursued Dirk, “ I‘m goin’ for do some fine business now. I‘ve decided ter marry Karab, an' thar are two men I don‘t want at ther weddin obsequles. Them is Bragg an’ Brimstone. Result, B. and B. go on the scene." He shifted his gaze to Bob and continued: “Ef’there hadn’t b'en no interruption I'd had you fixed before now, but as it is I am goin ter do ther job up a leetle browner. Your Iloss uartette, as you call ‘em, has got back, an’ 1 shall make them useful. You set a great slore by ‘em, an’ call them ther best boss-flesh in Arizona. For months they‘ve been your constant companions. When you hev gone, they've gone; when you hev come, they’ve come. You‘ve in ‘em good usage an' sech. Now, we'll see what t iey‘ll do for you. Aii’ ole Bragg an’ ther gal shall see, too!" His voice and manner told of a fixed and villainous lan which only one of his nature could conceive, But not one of the prisoners lifted a voice to turn him from his purpose. The tempt would be useless, an young brute too well. He went awa ' to perfect his plan and the cap- tives, though sti um er guard, had a chance to la] . “ What’s afoot?" Bragg uneasily asked. “ It is impossible to say,’.‘ Bob calmly replied, “but 1 have a resentimeut that Miles Bland is now about to end th s feud. He has the power and the will, as you well know." “ He’s a villainous wretch!" fumed the major. “When they told me at Digger‘s Delight that the Ginger Trail bristlcd with danger I laughed at them, but I blame my stubbornness now, my poor Bob. My money tempted you to take me through to Tombstone. and it is to end in ruin. For myself I care little, but you are in the prime of life and it is terrible for you to be cut 011'." “Never mind, inajor,"said the youth, cheerfull . " I don't want to die, of course, but regrets won't 0 us any good. As for your share, give it.no_thought. You gave niea job and I freely took it, just as I have taken many others like it. 'Tis my trade. If I die at it, why, that‘s luck. That’s all." Karah sobbed audibly. “ Poor child! she feels for you, too," Bragg mut- tered, huskily. " Oh! what shall we do, uncle?" cried the girl. “ He has helped me—he has helped us both. We must save him; we must!“ Bob’s own lips quivered for a moment. Such sympathy, from her, was very welcome, but it had a chastencd element arising from what seemed his nearness to death. “1 think we all understand each other," he then said in a calm voice. “ We have been together, and worked together, with a common object, and good will has been between us. If any should esca this peril and live to be happy, let him. or her, 100 back go tliis episode with kindly feelings for those who fall y t ie way.’ " We had better all die together," moaned Karah. Bob felt a keener pain as he sus ected that it would be better for her to die then, bu the return of Dirk reventh further conversation. “A l is ready," he briskly said. “ Mr. Brimstone Bob, we are now about ter give ye ther biggest kind 0‘ a ride ye ever had. Mazeppa, John Gil in and that crowd fades clean away afore it. on, ole Bragg, an' you, Karah, notice how B. Bob goes a- hummin' ter nowhar.” The entire party, prisoners and all, went to the ed e of the woods and no more time was wasted. Brimstone Bob was bound, hand and foot, and a fag fastened in his mouth, after which he was utter- ' ielpiess. Being unable to resist he submitted to all without a word. The plan then began to assume form. The stage, with the horses still attached, was drawn up at one side. Then Brimstone Bob was led forward and his enemies proceeded to bind hzm to (he ’ll‘lPH’lS on one side. “We’re a-goin' to make you of some use," Dirk ex lained. “I have often wondered whys. wagon di n't have a side-rod as well as the w eels of a locomotive. Wishin’ to experiment in this line, I now make use 0’ Mr. Brims one Bob fur that pur- ose. Put on ther human side-rod!” The men had the idea, but it was no easy matter to bind the prisoner exactly right. He was lifted and laid against the two wheels, half we from the hub to the taboo; and there bound a syste- knew any such at- it would please the matic manner. Daniels intended that he should be borne over the desert in a position at once painful and free from immediate danger; he did not want him to die at once, but to suffer until hunger or other means carried him off. The bindiii was therefore a delicate and ingen- ious task. I ad he been tied to the outer rim of the wheel, a few revolutions would have ended his career, but, placed as Dirk had planned, he could ride for miles, like a veritable human Side'rod. and still preserve the breath of life. in order to keep him in place, spokes were used as the case demanded, and when it was done, Diik felt sure he would not slip toward either hub or felloe. ' “There you be, my daisy!" he then said, “I re- spectfully ask your happy family ter take note of you." Karah and the major were taking’notc of him and the pallor of their aces showed ow deeply they felt. Bob was bound with his face toward them, and though a smile of contempt seemed fixed there, they knew his case was desperate: they did not see how the wagon could whirl over the desert as Dirk intended, Without lacing Bob on a veritable rack. The young villa n lt'ft nothing undone; be even remembered that as Bob went over he would strike against the hub if bound ti htlly, and so arranged him and so covered the hi5), t at it could do no fata injury. . l was ready exce it the means of making the team assume the rapid speed with which Dirk de- sired them to set out, and i0 soon arranged that. , The Quartette had been standing quiet] , champ- ing their hits, but sudden] ' a fierce grow l'Plu'l ed their ears—a sound they did heard before and of which they had a horror—and look ng around they saw what appeared to be a grizzly bear running to- ward them. _ _ Really, it was only a man in a dead grizzly’s Fklll, but the loud and well-toned growls he uttcrt d. (ou— plcd with his appearance, were too much ior them. With one accord they sprung forward to tit-2pc the seemingineril. Then Be am seemed let loose. The Cowboys yelled in Concert, some of them struck the ht-rscs with whips and otlreis threw clubs at them; and then away went the black horses, and Brimstone Bob was whirled to his fate. There seemed to be no ho )e for him. Karah and the major, lco 'ing 1 i'ter lim, saw him whirled over and over at each turn of the wheels, and their hearts sunk within them. Out on the desert went the black horses and the wagon; out on the desert went Brimstone Bob. But how fared it with the 'oung man? It was a ucstion he coud not at once answer. Des ite Dir "s assertions that he would revolve easi y, be had expected to be twisted and crushed almost at the first. Nothing of the kind cccurred; Dirk had done his work well. There was not the slightest tangling of the cords. and only that at each revolution he experienced a dull thud in m the hub he felt little pain at first. _ I _ Still, it remained a plain fact that his condition was precarious. He was alone on the desert with- out any means of stop ing his team. Dirk had thought of that when 6 gagged him; with his power of spt-ech unimpaired he could have stopped the noble blacks with a word. Over and over he went, as the Quartette sped for- ward like the wind, a shower of sand being whirled over him by the fast-turning wheels. Dizzuiess, too, attacked him, but through it all he was looking to- ward the future. He was not to die at once; that was certain. What, then, would hap )en? The horses would soon recover from their fl'ig it and moderate their speed. It would ultimate] become a walk. What then! With no hand to gu le them they would wander on an indefinite period. Their instinct would lead them to seek water. The would not be likely to suffer, but what of himse it By no means could he eat, and the wagon might stand by a spring and be not gain a drop of water. If a river was crossed he might quench his thirst—or be drowned. On the whole the outlook was horribly ominous; the ycung adventurer did not possess one chance out of a hundred. The hope that the Quartette would head for Tombstone was not to be considered. On that road lay the desert. while by keeping west they could find water and asturage. Brimstone Bob seemed 1 oomed. It was not many minutes before the horses slack- ened their speed, much to Bob’s relief, and then he began a systematic effort to burst his bonds. Again and again he wrestled with each, or tried to eject his ag, but the cowboys had not blundered in a wor peculiarly their own. Bob was brave and hopeful, but .there seemed so little chance for the last qualification that he paid no attention to it, t ing rather to icconcde himself to the inevitable. I e even wished that death might come speedily. _ _ There was something peculiarly bitter about being home to his death by his own team. Each one of the intelligent, noble animals loved him and had always obeyed his slightest word. They would do so now as readily as ever, but he could not give the word. The were his unconscious torturers. Straight on t ey went, over the desert, and on to his fate went Brimstone Bob. CHAPTER XVIII. 'rnn man or ran ROAD. Havmo sent Brimstone Bob on his journey, Dirk marched his force and the prisoners back to in.- shanty. Karah was weeping and the major stonr id in his usual way, but this only pleased the y: u lg Brimstone Bob, and His. Lightning Horse Quartette. is rufflan the more. Their mental pain was his enjoy' ment. ' “You shall take your turn in good time, old man,“ he said to Bra rg, as he lased them in the main room. “ As I sai before, in goin‘ ter marry my pretty Karah, an' I won’t have you turnin‘ up likeaghost at ther banquet. You saw fit ter go on ther Ginger Trail, an now you must take ther consequences." "(lo your length, you su eriluous dastard," said Bragg, trying to shake his st but failing because the bonds held him fast. “ Whenl ask mercy of you. just put it on record, will you i’" p “ l'il make you howl et," Dirk declared. “Not if I know it. he survivors of Graveyard Bastion don‘t howl easy." “One of them will stop howlin‘ nii hty soon." Dirk arose, walked to the side of rah, and put his arm around her waist. She ave a little scream and struggled to release hersel , whereupon Bragg arose in spite of the two cowboys who held him. Wild with indignation. His hands were bound behind him, but a thrust 3f his wooden leg sent one of the' ruffians to the oor. Before the veteran could re eat the stroke, he was felled by a blow from a thir enemy, and lay dazed and nearly stunned at their feet. “Good for you Drake," commented the cowboy “That'll show ther old reprobate not tei‘ kick up a fuss, but you‘ve hit so hard that I opine ther critter won’t et his wits back right away.’ Such was found to be the case. and Dirk was obliged to Eostpone further work for the time. He gave Kara in charge of Old Bet. SW95” that the woman should die if she again allowed er ‘0 88‘ cape, and then he began to mature a plan for the last act in his drama. Due meditation gave him What he believed was the best we. . One of his men was dispatched to bring a ce in minister of whom Dirk knew, and knew to be thoroughly unscrupulous at that. When he arrived, Dirk pro to wed Kai-ah. whether she said her part in the ceremony or not. After that, a tree and a rope would send Bragg out of the way forever. The major did not recover readily from the blow he had received. He lay for hours in the same dazed condition and the cowboys had nothing to do but idle away the time. ‘ It may be mentioned, parenthetically. that they were running; good deal of risk by lingering where they were. espite their late victor , here was no safety for so small a‘party when the Apaches were on the trail in force. If Dirk thou ht of this he probably remembered that he woul not be much'safer at Tombstone. ,Every one of his followers. though still clinging to the title of cowboy. was an outlaw.me Civilized parts because of sundry crimes. Night drew near and twilight fell over the wood. Dirk posteda sentinel on each side of the shanty andhwith his remaining men, prepared to the evening agreeably: Li nor was produced from the store-room and, With to acco and cards, became the rullfrjof tge hourimd his a or r g recovered mind full .but when he reglgized that proceedings were delayyed on account of his supposed condition he kept in the showand no one sus ted the truth; it even gan to he s pected that. e had sustained a fracture of the skul , or something of the kind. No one made an examination, and even then the bonds had been left on his hands. If he saw fit to die the cowboys were willing. ’ he veteran had seen rough times when he fol. lowed the fortunes of the army from 1861 through, but never one quite so bad as that in the shanty. The cowboys. deep in their whisky. cards and to bacco. and cursing like demons, s ocked even the old soldier. _A.s he lay he worked at his bonds. his hands. What he would do if he succeeded was not clear, for the odds were strong against him, but bl: dssui? Ivies natural. ’ o 'e . a s twisting and t in amounted to noth‘ lug; he failed to free himselz 8' As the liquor worked on Dirk Daniels his mood be- came more vicious and da erous. “ What’s ther use 0’ our evin’ this icnic alone when there's female campany near? 0’s in favor o' bringin’ out ther gals!‘ A general yell arose from the youn rufllans. The prccilposal was just what each oneo them desired an the noise with which they greeted it settle Dirk’s mind. He called on two of is followers and trying to free the s cred into the next room. 'or rang ironed aloud. but he was not heed. ed. Ji‘he thoug t of mgretty Karah, in such company almost maddened im and he wrestled furiousw With his bonds. Vain attempt! hBack came fie trio Wltlgl‘ Farahdanghgd Bet in t eir p. c you r was on y and GVt‘Il et looked troublth pal " Three cheers for ther women!" dimctedth, and the room rung with the responsive yell. “ Now begins ther unrivaled minstrel scene," con. tinued Dirk. " First thing on ther bill is a dance b signers Bet Fairy-tom. Go it, Bet: shake ther ligth fantastic toe l" The woman saw wherein lay her safet . and forc- ing a. good-humored smile to her face 3 e began to dance. Never accomplished in that line, her weight now affected her so that she was about asgraoe- ml 55 a cow and the oung villains rivaled each other in unearthly shou ng. The uproar was at its hight when anew sound broke in on the orgies; a clearer, shriller, more effective sound; and through every ,wmdow came pouring Apache warriors, weapons in hand, until the cowboys were hopeless] outnumbered. And not fora moment dela ed t e red bucks, but with blood-curdllng yells t e sprung upon the mo- nicntarll dismayed and ushed cowboys. Major rag ’s brain reeled but something soon occurred to c car it. A light, lithe form shot to his side, his bonds were severed, and he saw the face of Brimstone Bob. “ p, and prepare to follow me!" breathed the youth. Another moment and he was gone, but by the ' time Brfilg was on his feet he was back again and holding rah in his arms. “ The windowl" he exclaimed. The major forgot his wooden leg and went out with commendable agilit . Bob ' ed Karah to him and then followed,{eavlng e cowboys and Apaches in a deathgra 1e. 3 etly biddin the eKlp Karah‘s am an they hastened away. few paces they went and then the stage was seen with the Quartette attached. A sin le figure was near it, and seemin i that of an Apac e, but Bob looked to him as to a r end. Before the major bad time to think clearer, he was inside the stage, and, with Bob and Karah on 31s they were fleeing at the utmost speed of the uar e e. The Apache figure oddly, enough was following beside them on horse ack. “ What does it mean?" Bragg blankly asked, as they emerged from the wood. “ it means that I didn‘t take a very long ride when ’ Dirk Daniels bound me to the wheel. I ran straight into the Apaches. who took me in. l tho ht at first it was a bad matter made worse, but I‘ve ound out different. When the reds were re ring for this attack, yonder man." pointing to the mmman. “ came to my side and released me. Once before in that very wood he saved my life b feigning to spear me, and making a false stroke. e was the unknown friend of whom I before told you." “ I am a white man," said the rider, is aking for himself. “ I have been wild and wick enough to become a renegade, but my conscience wasn‘t equal to it. I have done one good deed to-night b saving on, and I’ll do another by clearing out and lving an onest life after this." ' “Come with me and I'll place you above want," the major declared. " No. I begin an honest life as a poor man. When I am sure you are safe from pursuit. I shall say good-b forever." By t is time they had gone beyond all sounds from the shanty, but when the reponderance of Apache numbers was considered t was not hard to surmise how the light would end. nor what would be the fate of Dirk Daniels. Our story is done in detail. Our friends reached Tombstone in safe , their unknown friend bidding them farewell h an hour before the place was reached. The never saw him again From that night, too, they never saw Dirk Daniels. A report was brought in which told how a dozen white men had been butchered at a certain point by the maraudin Apaches. That was the obituary of the man who ad caused them so much trouble. Major Bragg gut all of Karah’s property into ready money an took her to Austin. Texas. Bob accompanied them, for the major thou ht there was not another boy like him in the worl . The latest news from the three reports Bob, now called Robert Grover. to be the most promising voun man in his section, and it says, too, that in a ew ays retty Karah becomes his wife; The me. or is deli hted. He is getting a little old, but he is all boun up in his sounds their praises on all poss ble occasions, and when he hears any stranger make admiring remarks concerning an outfit of our s lendid black horses which is now and then seen on t e street, he likes to tell of his ride to Tombstone behind Brimstone Bob’s Hards‘e Quartette and their many adventures on the ro THE END. THE Sunnyside Library 1L1u.u Roots. ByThomasMoore..'.... . 10c 2Dox JUAN. By LordByron . . . . . . . . . . . . 20c 3 Forums: Last. By John Milton . . . . . . . 10c 4 Tan LADY or ran Lana. Sir Walter Scott... . 100 b Looms. 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Alexander l’uttvn. 149 A Game of Gold. By Edward L. Wheeler. 150 Lance stud Lasso. liy Qiptain Frederick Whittaker. 151 Panther Paul, the l‘rnirie l‘irnto. By Jon. E. Badger, Jr. 152 Black Bola, Will “'iidflre’s Racer. By Clinrles Morris. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. By Oil Coomes. 154 The Sword lluntura. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 155 Gold Trigger, the Syn-rt. By T. C. Harbuugh. 156 Deadwood Dick 0 Deadwood. By E. 1.. Wheeler. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Charles Morris. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado. By Bnanlo Bill. 159 The Lat-'1. Cuptnln. By Cnptnin Frederick Whittaker. 100 The “lock Giant. By Joseph E. Bridger, Jr. 161 New York Nell. By Edward 1.. Wheeler. 162 “'ill “'Ildflre in the Woods. By Charles Morris. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustang". By Oll Coomes. 164 Dandy Rock's Pledge. By George Waldo Brown. 168 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. By Charles Morris. 166 Hickory llurry. By Harry St. George. 16'! An. Scott, the Steamboat Boy. By Edward Wills“. 168 Deadly Dash. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 169 Tornado Torn. By T. C. Harbaugh. 170 A Trump Cord. By Charles Morris. 171 Ebony Dun. By Frank Dumont. 179 Thunderbolt Tons. By Harry St. George. 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival. By George Waldo Browns. 174 Bob Roekctt, the Boy Dodger. By Charles Morris. 178 Captain Arizona. By Philip B. Warne. 176 The Boy Runaway. By Lientsnsnt H. D. Pmy, U.S.N. 177 Nohby Nick ofNevadss. By Edward L. Wheeler. 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. By Oil Coomes 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. By Charles Morris. 180 The Ben. Trailer. By Lieutenant H. D. Perry, U.S.N. 181 “'1” Frank oi’Montann. By Edward L. Wheeler. 189 Little llurrienne, the Boy Captain. By Oll Coolnes. 188 The llidden llnnd. By Charles Morris. 184 The Boy Trailers. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 185 Evil Eye, King 0! the Cattle Thieves. By Frank Domini. \ 186 Cool Desmond. By Colonel Delie Sarn. 187 Fred llnlyard, the Life Boat Boy. By Charles Morris. 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T. C. Harhaugh. 189 Bob Rockett, the Cmcksmnn. By Charles Morris; 190 Dnndy Darke. By “'iiiinm R. Eyster. 191 Buifolo Billy, the Boy Buliwhncker. By Capt. A. B. Taylor. 192 Cnptnin Kit, the Wl.|-o’-tlis-Wisp. By Lient. Perry. 198 The Lady Bond-Agent. By Philip s. Warns. 194 Bill-lo Bill’l Bet. By Captnln Taylor. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By Edward L. Wheeler. 196 shadowed. By Charles Morris. 197 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col. Prentiss lngraham. 198 Arkansaw, the Man with the Knife. By T. C. Harbnugh. 199 Featherweight. By Edward Willstt. 900 The Boy Bedouina. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 201 The Black llilla Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 209 Pronpect Pete. s! the Boy Brigade. By Oil Coomes 908 The Boy Portia. By Joseph E. Bndger, Jr. 904 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit. By Col. Prentiss Ingrshm 905 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Edward L. Wheeler. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. By Charles Morris. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. By T. C. Harbangh. 908 The Boy Hercules. By 011 Coomes. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 910 Faro Frank of lligh Pine. By William R. Eystsr. 211 Crooked Cole. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris. 218 Fritz to the Front. By Edward L. Wheeler. 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. By Capt. Whittaker. 918 Captain Bullet. the Raids: King. By T. C. Harbaugh. 916 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reins. By Col. P. lngrsham. 917 Captain Crack-Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler. 918 Tiger, Tons, the Texan Terror. By 011 Coomes. 919 Deepard. the Duelist. By Philip 8. Warns. 990 Toll: Tanner, Soainwag and Scapsgraee. By Chas. Morris. 991 Sugar-Coated Sans. By Edward L. Wheeler. 999 Grit. the Bravo Sport. By Col Prentiss lngrahaxn. 298 Ozark Alf. King of the Mountain. By Edward Willstt. 924 Duhing Dick. By Oil Co umes. 225 Bans Charcoal, the Premium Darky. By Charles Morfil- 226 Snooler, the Boy Sharp. By Edward L. Wheeler. .97 “ll-ll! Dorrell, Trapper. By E. Emerson. 228 Little Wildfire. By Oll Coomss. 229 Crime“ Kate. By Colonel Prentiss Inn-ham. 980 The Yankee Rajah. By C. Dunning Clark. 981 Pluoky Phil. of the Mountain Trail. By '1'. C. Harhaugh. 232 Gold-Dust Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 988 Joe Buck ofAngels. By Albert W. Aiken. 984 Old Rocky's “Boyees.” By Buckskin Sam. 988 Shadow Sans, the Messenger Boy. By Charles Morris. 986 Apollo Bill. By Edward 1.. Wheeler. 987 Lone Star. the Cowboy Captain. By Col- Wv 988 The Parson Detective. By Oil Coomes. 989 The Gold-seeker Guide. By Captain Mayne Rsid. 940 Cyclone Kit. By Edward L. Wheeler. .805 Dashuwny, or Dakota. 941 Bill Bravo and "is Bear Fords. By 1‘; C. Harbangh. 242 The Two “ llloodss.” By Cimriel Morris. 948 The Dilguiscd Guide. By ()1) Coouies. 944 Sierra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Mlddy. By Colonel Prentiss lngrniiam. 246 Giant, George. lly Buckskin Stun. 947 Old Grizzly and Ills Pete. By Cnpt. “ Bruin " Adams. 948 Sierra Sam‘s Secret. By Edward 1.. Wheeler. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King. liy Cnpt. Fred. Whittaker. 950 The Mldahlpsnan Mutlnecr. By (thi. l‘. lngrnhnm. 251 Light-house nge. By Cnptniu J. F. C. Adams. 952 Bit-k Duuhuwuy. By Clmrlu Morris. 258 Sierra Sam's Find. by Edward L. Wheeler. 254 The Half-Blood. By Edward 5. Ellis- 955 Captain Apollo. By T. C. linrbnnuh. 256 Young Kcntuek. By Cnpiuin Mnrk Wilton. 957 The Lost Hunters. By Capt. J. F. C. Adnml. 958 Sierra Snus‘n Seven. By Edward L. Wheeler. 259 The Golden Harpoon. By Roger Starbuck. 260 Dare-Devil Dun. By Oil Comics. 961 Fergus Feurnaught. By George L. Aiken. 269 The Young Hleuthn. By Clisrles Morris. 968 Deadwood Dick'n Divide. By Edward L. Wheeler. 964 The Floating Feather. By Col. P. ingrnhsm. 988 The Tiger Tumor. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. 266 Killb’ur, the Guide. By Ensign Warren. 9137 The Buckskin Detective. By T. C. Harhnugh. 968 Deadwood Dick’s Death Troll. By E. L. thslss. 269 The Gold Ship. By Col. Prentiss ingrsharn. 27° Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton. 971 The Huge llunter. By Edwnrd 3. Ellis. 979 Minkakiu Mike. By Oll Coomes. 978 Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. thsler. 274 Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris. 97‘ Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sun. 976 Bier-1e Monte’s Cruise. By Colonel Prentiss lugrlhlln— 977 Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler. 976 The Three Trappera. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 279 old Winch, the Rifle King. By T. C. liarbaugh. 280 hierle Monte's Fate. By Col. Prentiss litgruhsln. 281 Denver Doll's Victory. By Edward L. Wheeler. 989 The Typo Detective. By Edward Wllistt. 288 Indian Joe. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 284 The Ben Marauder. By Colonel Prentiss lngrahsln. 985 Denver Doll‘s Decoy. By Edward L- Wheeler. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes. By Colonel Prentiss lugrsham. " I 288 The Scalp King. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. . 989 Jolly Jiln’s Job. By Charles Morris. 290 Little Foxilro. By Oil Coomes. 991 Turk, the Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler. 999 Sum-ho Pedro. By Major E. l.. St. Vriiin. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trnpper. By Captain Comatoch. 994 Dynamite Data. By ‘1'. C. llsrhuugh. 995 Fearless Phil. By Edward Willett. 996 Denver Doll’s Drift. By Edward L. Wheelsr. 997 The Tarantula of Time. By Buckskin Sun. 998 The Water-Hound. By Charles Murril. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. By Edward L. tholsr. 800 The Sky Demon. By Oil Coomss. 801 L, udvillo Nir' By Major E. L. St. Vrain. 809 The Mountain Detective. By T. c. Harbsugh. 808 'Lizo Jane, the Girl Miner. By E. L. “'heslsr. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy. By Colonel Prentiss inmhum By Charles Morris. 806 Neck-Tie Ned. By Major H. B. Stoddard. 807 The Strange Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 808 Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler's Prod. By Col. P. Ingrshatu. 809 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal. By E. L. Wheeler. 810 The Barranca Wolf. By Joseph E. Bsdgsr, Jr. 811 The Roving Sport. By Edward “'iilett. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrsh. 818 Cimnrron Jock. By Frederick Dewey. 814 The Myetfl'lous Harauder. By Col. P. lng'rsharn. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. By Jack Farragut. 816 Old Eellpfle. Trump Curd of Arizona. By T. C. Harbsugh. 817 Peacock Pete. By Lieutenant Alirod Thorns. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whool By Buckskin Sun. 819 The Block Rider. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 890 The Ben Sorceress. By Jack Farragut 891 Deadwood Dick‘s: Dozen. By Edward L. Wheeler. 899 Nemo, the Detective. By Edward Willstt. 898 Arkanaaw Jack. By Harry Hazard. 894 Ralph Bendy, the Hotel Boy Detective. By Lou Morris. 825 Keile llieke JLCoIn n theSl ths {Philad i hl . By 5.13:": L.W mu. m y’ °° ° ' p ‘ 826 The Ten Pardlt or, The Terror of Take-Notice. By ‘1‘. C. Hurhnugh. 897 Creeping Cat, the Cuddle. By Buckskin San. 898 The Sky Detectives. By Major Micksy Fm. 629 Red-Skin Tons. By Harry Hunrd. 880 Little Quick-Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler. 881 Block Nick, the Demon Rider. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 882 Frio Fred. By Buckskin Sam. 888 Brimstone B d III L htn tette. ByMainor ..L'.|St.Vr:in.i. h" "’m 0""- 884 Kangaroo Kit; or. The Mysterious Miner. By E. 1.. Wheeler. 885 Old Double-Fiat. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 886 Big Benson. By '1‘. C. Huhaugh. A New Issue Every Week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by an newsdesiers. s. cents per copy, or sent by mai.‘ on receipt of six cents each. 3mm: AND anus, Penn-ken. 98 William Street. New York.