l'lfll IEI IIIIIAI—I—l [A ., ‘ x J ’1 r I ‘ ___. - I _____.______.__ \mem I“! I“ J: . VJ.vl. u H I Entered at the Post Office at New York. N. Y.. at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright 1889, by Bunu um ADAIB. August 13, 1839. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price. N 0' a Yelr- No. 98 WILLIAM s'rammx NEW YORK. 5 Cents. VOL THE JUBILEBORiT JAUKTUWN. BY WILLIAM G. I’ATTEN, AUTHOR OF “CAPTAIN MYSTERY,” “DAISY DARE,” “OLD BOMBSIIELL," “ IRON FERN,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. A CHAMPION WANTED. J ACKTOWN and J aSpeI- City were rival camxils. Jacktown wins the older place, but had not t e push and VIII) _of its rival. Jasper City hpd sprung mtg eXIstence in a remarkably brief space of time. and being backed by a set, of boomers, had Swiftly ushed ahead of the little town in Paradise Gu ch. Before Jasper City had existed, Jacktown claimed to bathe liveL liest camp ofi its size in Colgrado, and it was, “BASTE ’m, VIOLETS! HAIN’T THET DEELIGETFULI on, nosns! RAIN“: THIS A JUBILEEI” therefore, with feelings of mingled rage and re- "2 Violet Vane. gret that its inhabitants saw the place robbed of its glory. But one by one the good men of Jacktown deserted the camp and took up their abode in the rival settlement, and slowly the state of afl'airs in the unfortunate place grew worse and worse. “ Sumthin’s got ter he did,” was the universal decision of the men of J acktown. Many of the solid citizens of the camp in Paradise Gulch believed that the only thing which would save the place was the appearance of a capitalist who would be willing to invest a large sum of money in opening up some of the promising lodes which had been located in that immediate vicinity. The “ Mountain Queen” was the only mine in operation, and the com- pany who were working it was said to be far from solid, causing a feeling of insecurity, de- spite the fact that the mine was paying fairly well. There were others who believed that could J acktown secure some peculiar attraction which would draw the attention of the surrounding country, its merits would soon become known to the world, and once more the place would boom. Jas er City had been built by boomers who knew t eir business well, and when these unscrupulous sharks had filled their pockets, they would steal quietly away, and Jacktown’s rival would suffer a disastrous collapse. One of the first things which the boomers of Jas er City did was to induce the best men of Jac town to desert that camp. Among the men thus secured b Jasper City were 3qu S ot, the champion dear-shot of that section, an( James Carnes—“ Hickory Jimmy ”—-a wonderful wrestler and athlete. High Card Harry, said to be the best short-card player in the State, also took up a residence in the boomers’ camp. Jasper City sneered at Jacktown in an open manner, and the men of the new camp would smile with scorn whenever the little town in Paradise Gulch was mentioned as a rival. J ack— town. they declared, was doomed. This scorn on the part of the men of Jasper City exasperated the citizens of Jacktown. and kept the two camps constantly at sword’s points. Residentso the rival camps could not meet without an exchange of hot words and a pitched battle, in which the Jacktownites al- most always sufl’ered the most. Day by day the hatred of the two camps waxed more in- tense. Of course, among its inhabitants Jasper City could reckon a few women, but they were mostly of a. class of which the camp could not be very proud, and there was not one genuinely handsome woman among them. One day the stage brought a strange woman —or rather girl, for she was not over eighteen— to J acktown. The crowd which was present at the arrival of the stage, stared at the girl in breathless amazement. They saw abewilder- ingly handsome creature with dark hair, blue eyes, red lips and a peach—like complexion. Her form was a trifle petite and as graceful as a. fawn’s. As she descended from “ the hearse,” a. glimpse of a small, round ankle and prett foot was obtained by the staring throng. ome- thing in the appearance of the gawking crowd seemed to amuse her, for her ips parted in a faint smile, exposing a gleam of white teeth and some delicate dimples. Then she passed lightly up the steps and disappeared within the Silver Bell Hotel. “ Good Lawd!” gasped one of the throng. “ Wazn’t she er stunner I” Then every man drew a long b: eath, and al- most as one person, responded: “ You bet yer boots!” Then there was a stir in Jacktown. It was not long ere every man in the camp heard of the new arrival, and all were desirous to know who she was and how long she was going to stay. They were delighted when they learned that she mIght remain in that place for weeks, or even months. Judge BIOWbugle, who took upon himself the honor of representing Jacktown, called 11 on her and learned several things of interest. er name was Luona Haward, and she was search- ing for her brother, whom she supposed to be somewhere in the West. She was tired of movmg from place to place, and was willing to settle down and wait for her brother to come to her. The pompous judge did his best to make Jacktown appear likeaParadise on Earth, and succeeded in causing her to say that she‘would stop there. When the judge reported to the crowd in the saloon below, it was with difficulty they re— strained their enthusiasm. _“Stay? To be course she shall!” cried one big fellow. “Jasper City ’ill hav’ ter haul in its horns now. Hooraw fer ther Queen 0’ J ack- townl” There was no repressing the wild cheer which the delighted fellows gave. Then Dandy Dirk, the proprietor of the hotel and saloon, sprung upon the bar. “ Attention, pards!” he shouted. “The very attraction that we have been longing for has come to us. You have given her the title of Queen of J acktown, and a veritable queen she shall be. From this hour her word is law, and let him who dares disobey look outl While she remains beneath this ruot',everything I possess is hers, and not one cent shall be charged. We will make Jasper City hang its head with shame. But, from this hour all rews and riots must be settled beyond the limits of the camp, and the first galoot who creates a disturbance beneath this roof, I will call to account.” This speech was greeted with applause. The strange girl seemed quite at home in the rough camp, and had a smile and pleasant word for every one. She seemed overflowing with high spirits, and more than one rough fellow declared that her laugh was the sweetest music he had ever heard. She soon became known as Laugh— ing Lu. Despite her familiarity with the men of the camp, there was a certain air about her which warned them to keep at a respectful dis- tance and constantly guard their tongues. Every one seemed to feel that it would be as milich as a man’s life was worth to offer her in- su t. The news of the addition to J acktown’s popu- lation soon reached Jasper City, and in a short time the latter camp was boiling with rage and envy. Wonderful were the tales told of the beauty of Jacktown’s Queen. The men of Jas- per City quickly decided on a bold move. It was high noon one day when into Jacktown camp rode almost every male citizen of Jasper City. Every man was armed to the teeth. and all looked desperate and determined. Jack- town was taken by surprise, and found itself unable to offer any resistance. While the men of Jasper City held the citizens of Jacktown quiet, a delegation of the beat-a peering citizens of the boomers’ camp called on IIlaugliing Lu. An hour later the men of Jasper City rode out of Jacktown, with Miss Howard mounted on a fine horse in their midst, a smooth-tongued member of the delegation having induced her to leave the camp for its more successful rival. As they left the camp in Paradise Gulch, they sent back a parting cheer of mingled derision and delight. It is impossible to describe the excitement that ensued in Jacktown. Not a man of the camp worked during the remainder of the day, and the citizens gathered on the streets and in the saloons to discuss this last great outrage heaped upon them by the boomers’ camp. The bar of the Silver Bell Saloon did a rushing busi- ness, and Dandy Dirk did his best to fan the flame of fury to a larger blaze. The day passed, night came, and still the ex- citement showed no signs of abating. But, at last, the citizens were overcome by fatigue— and Dandy Dirk’s liquor—and forced to lay themselves awa until the following day. It was a har -looking crewd that gathered in the Silver Bell the next forenoon. Bleary eyes and swelled heads were numerous, and nearly every one was thirsty. The only man among them who seemed to have stood the racket in good shape was Judge Blowbugle, and he was as fresh'asa flower and as lively as a grass- hopper. The judge had an established reputa- tion for his ability to “ unish” bad liquor. Gradually the crowd ‘ fired up," and their in- dignation at the outrage of the day before seemed increasing rather than diminishing. figally Judge Blowbugle mounted a small a le. “ Feller—citizens,” he cried in a loud tone, “ give me yer ’tenti on fer a short time.” “ Fire erway, jedge,” cried Blizzard Ben, the bully of the camp. “ It is needless ter. call yer ’tention ter ther recent diabolical outrage heaped onter this hyer camp by ther skunks uv Jasper City,” pursued the judge, throwing back his shoulders and waving aloft his right hand. which held a red bandannn handkerchief. “ Ye all know uv thet. Ther lyin’ critters stole our queen. How they dun it I don’t purtend ter say, but I’m willin’ ter bet er gallon uv Dandy’s ‘ kill ’em quick’ thet ther before-mentioned skunks made out thet this camp was infested by boss-thieves an’ cut-throats. :I‘hey scared ther gal inter goin’ with ’em. Are we goin’ ter stan’it?” “ N o!” shouted the listeners. “ Right!” and again the judge waved that red “ Right! bandanna. We will not tamely sub- mit to ther insults heaped upon us by ther skunks uv Jas er City. But, in Jasper they hav’ Saul S 0t, fiigh Card Harry and Hickory Jimmy. ntil we hav’ a match for each an’ ever one uv them, we’ve got ter take er back seat. W’at we want is er man who kin down ’em all—one man who kin wipe out ther champions uv Jas- r. W’en we secure thet man, Jacktown will ift its head proudly to ther skies once more. an’ heaven will smile upon us. Prosperity will re- turn; Jasper will fade like ther mornin’ mist before ther sun; Jacktown will be all thet is rand an’ glorious. We want er champion—er ercules—er Sampson to pit erg’in’ J acktown’s foes. Whar’s ther man?" “ Whoo eel I’m thersweet-scented posey w’at yer lookin arter. Jest turn yer rosate mug this deerection, an’ allow yer o tics ter scan ther woolly-headed man frum ’ ay Back. My name is Waggl” The speaker was a stranger in town. CHAPTER II. THE “WOOLLY-HEADED MAN.” JUST within the doorway he stood, his dilapa idated hat in one hand, bowing and grinning in a comical manner. His clothes were decidedly ragged, and a pair of enormous boots covered his feet. His face was beardless, homely, but good-natured in appearance. The crowning curiosity about the stranger was his hair, which was white and curly, closely resembling the wool of a sheep. “ Pilgrims,” grinned this strange individual, “ allow me to interjuce merself: I am E. Wagg, Esq., offen called ther ’riginal woolly-headed man. My front name is Erastus. I’m er hard crowd ter rassil with, an’ whar I cum frum they call me er big chief. Ef this hyer town’s look- in’ arter a champion, I am ther tulip ye wants.” With these words, he tripped into the room, and executed a clumsy shuflle in the middle of the floor. “ Whoopee!” he squealed. “ I’m ther cham- pion poker- player frum ther town 0’ Red Hot! I’m er luller with er shooter, an’ er Swunger with mer dukes. Trot out yer b-a-a-d men an’ let me git at ’em! I’ve cum down ter see ye, an’ I’m hyer ter stay. Ef ye want er man ter clean out ther sports 0’ Jasper City—weal, I am yer huckleberry. Yoopl” Cries of derision came from the crowd. “ Fire him out!” shouted a hoarse voice. Judge Blowbugle frantically waved the red bandanna aloft and roared a command for si- lence. It was several minutes however, before he could make himself heard. Gradually the tumult subsided. “ Feller-citizens,” cried the judge, winking with the whole side of his fees at the crowd, “it is not best ter judge a man allus by his ’pear- ances. P’r’aps this stranger kin make good his claim. Ef so, he’s ther very man we’re lookin’ fer.” The judge hoped to have some sport at the woolly-headed man’s expense. “ Thet’s ther kind 0’ tork as tickles my hearin’ organs,” declared Wagg. “ Allus give er man er show, is ther right kind 0’ motter. I kin rove thet I’m er big chief with ther paste- )oards. I’m reddy ter play with ther best man 0’ this hyer camp. Whar’s ther galoot as will back me an’ sheer half ther boodle?” Dead silence followed this question. “Don’t speak all ter onc t,” implored the stranger, in a hoarse whisper that was heard in all parts of the room. “ Nary man,” muttered the vagabond, after several moments had passed. “ Too bad! Guess they don’t know E. Wagg, Esq., in this byer camp. Ef I had called fer er backer in ther camp 0’ Red Hot, er duzzen w’u’d ‘a’ jumped forrud, passes in ban’. I’m er stranger in er heathen country. Excuse me while I weep er few.” A hoarse murmur of disgust ran over the throng. The men of Jacktown were in no pleasant mood, and the actions of the ragged stranger angered them. They had “Sized him up” as a bragging bummer, who would run at the first sign of danger. _ “ Bounce him Ben,” crled one. _ But, Blizzard Ben shook his head in aversmn. “ S’pose I’d lay my claws on that thing!” he snorted. “ Whar’s Timmy, ther Rat?” Timmy, the Rat, was the smallest and most cowardly man in the camp, Inquiry soon d9. velOped the fact that the Rat was sleeping off the effects of an overdose of free drinks obtained during the excitement of the day before. Judge Blowbugle descended from the table where he had made his speech, and slowly‘ . re... ,_ 0"- 1 my“... ,_ 1 , "v Violet Vane. 8 walked around the stranger twice, inspecting him from head to foot. “ An’ so you’re or big chief, are ye?” asked the judge. “ You bet yer dirty socks!” was VVa g’s prompt reply. “ I’m or high bowler frum ' op Notch.” “ I’m happy ter make yer ’quaintance,” de- clared the judge, extending a fat hand, which 'Wagg promptly grasped. Then Judge Blowbugle, who was unusually stout in his hands, gave the man from Top Notch a fierce grip, but, to his amazement the squeeze was returned with interest. “ Partner,” grinned Wagg, as be vigorously shook the judge’s paw, “this duz me proud. Northin’ makes my buzzum swell with pride like ther hearty rip 0 an’ hones’ man’s han’.” “Ouch! h! Let go!” Squawked the judge. “W’at ther blazes— Ouch! Thunder an’ Mars!” With a look of amazement, Erastus Wagg re- leased the hand, and the pompous citizen of J acktown danced around in a decidedly undig- nified manner, holding up a. hand which looked crushed and bloodless. “ Ding ye!” growled the judge. “ Did ye mean ter squoze it off?” The crowd looked a trifle surprised. Perhaps there was more to this bundle of rags than they had suspected. “ Beg pardon,” he entreuted. “But I ’shoor ye thet waz jest er baby grip. I ginerally double ther dose w’en I shake with er man.” Blowbugle was not a courageous person, and did not offer to resent the open insult. Suddenly the stranger jerked out a pair of long-barreled, rusty revolvers, and without a. moment’s warning opened fire on a. clock which hung against the wall behind the bar. With remarkable rapidity be emptied both weapons, completely shattering the face of the clock. “ Whoopee.’ ” he cried. “ I’m er terror w’en I let merself loose! My name is Wagg, an’ I’m or hard man ter crowd! Stan’ back an’ give me room!” Jerry Day, the barkeeper, looked startled for a moment, then he flushed with anger. Dandy Dick was not in the room at the time. “ You dirty bum!” shouted Jerry. “ You shall pay for that!” “ I allus settle my bills,” declared Wagg, as he thrust the revolvers out of sight and strode toward the bar. “ Hyer’s me last red. Give me credit fer that, an" charge ther rest.” And he slapped a battered dime upon the bar. Jerry Day uttered an oath and vaulted over the bar. But he returned uite as swiftly, for the vagrant caught him by t e collar and a con- venient part of his breeches and tossed him back. A great crash followed, as the barkeeper landed in the midst of a mass of empty bottles. “ Yoop!” shouted the new—comer. “ I’m er b-a-a-d man ter tackle! Cl'ar ther way hyer an’ make room fer Erastus Wagg.” ' Blizzard Ben had seen ,enough, and could re- strain himself no longer. With a roar like that of a mad bull he charged 11 on the intruder. Wagg saw him coming, and bo ted for the door, through which he swiftly disappeared. At which moment another stranger stepped ‘ into the doorway and confronted Ben, who halted with an ejaculation of amazement. CHAPTER III. THE DANDY TENDERF‘OOT. “ Goon Lawd! W’at is it?” The Blizzard seemed suddenly paralyzed with surprise and astonishment. _ o I In the doorway stood an indiVidual “the like of which” had never before been seen within the limits of Jacktown. “ A dood l” gasped Ben. The man in the doorway was attired like a dandy from head to foot, He was slightly be- low medium hight, but his perfect-fitting clothes revealed the fact that his build was as near Pei“ fection as a man of his stature could be. Every limb was rounded, full, and muscular, and ev1— ‘ dently was full of suppleness and strength. His appearance. as be surveyed the staring crowd, was that of languid surprise. The dandy’s clothes were of black velvet. Hi5 feet were incased in patent~leathers. Upon his head he wore a handsome “ Stovepipe beaver.” The bosom of a handsomely polished and im- maculate “ b’iled ” shirt was exposed by the cut- away of the vest. A standing collar and tie of the latest style adorned his neck, and aflrst- water diamond gleamed from the midst of tilt tie. A small bunch of fresh mountain violets was fastened upon the lapel of his coat. Not 3. Weapon was visible upon hls person. The dandy’s face was attractive — almost handsome. His hair and eyes were dark, and a handsome, pointed mustache shaded his mouth. A phrenologist would have said that he was not a man to be crowded, despite his foppish ap- pearance. There was something strangely at- tractive about his magnetic, piercing eyes. “ Aw—is this the hotel?” he drawled, seeming amazed and startled at having so suddenly at— tracted the attention of the rough crowd. For a few moments there was no reply, then Blizzard Ben grasped the situation and hastened to say: “ es, pard, this are ther hash-shop 0’ this hycr camp. Cum’ in.” The dandy hesitated a moment, then ap a- rently decided to accept the invitation. lfie walked slowly in, appearin for the time both awkward and frightened. ith nervous haste, he began removmg the gloves which concealed his small hands. An audible snicker ran around the room. “ W’at hav’ ye foun’, Ben?” inquired one of crowd. Ben turned toward the throng, a look of utter helplessness on his face. “ Pards, I can’t name it,” he declared. Judge Blowbugle came bustling forward, hav- ing rubbed his crushed hand until the blood was circulating treer and it once more felt natural. “Ah! A stranger in camp,” he remarked. “My friend, you are fortunate in flndin’ yer way ter our geelorious t0wn. e welcome you, an’ exten’ ther han‘ uv hospitality.” Just as Blowbugle extended his hand, the woolly-headed man stuck his head in at the door and shouted: “ Look out for or squeezer, ole man I” The judge jerked back .his fat hand, without having touched the oaudy’s delicate fingers. He had no care for a repetition of the dose which Wagg had given him. The crowd within the saloon gathered around the velvet dandy and inspected him with great curiOSity. They did not attempt to repress their amazement and contempt. “ Whar did it cum frum?” “ Barnum has met wi’ er big loss” “ Looker ther J ohnny-jump-ups in its button‘ hoel! Waal, I swear!” “ Looks like it growed in them clothes.” “ Shoot ther but!” - The stranger seemed to grow more and more alarmed, as he glanced around as if in search of an avenue of escape. His apparent fear amused the crowd. “Hi! Head him!” laughed one. “Don’t let him slip ye!” “ Gentlemen,” faltered the stranger, “if this is the—aw—hotel, I would like to be shown to a private room.” His speech and manner created a burst of hoarse laughter. “dAin’t he or dew-drop?” chuckled the Bliz zar . “ Say, sonny. duz yer mammy know yc’r’ out?” inquired Tiger Joe, one of the little “ fire- eaters” of the camp. “ Gentlemen, gentlemen,” cried Blowbugle, “ stun’ back an’ give it air! The pore thing looks reddy ter swoon.” . I “ You better git outer ther ring, Jedge,” cried one of the crowd. “ Ther tenderfoot may git r’iled an’ pull er pop.” “ Pull or pop !” snickered the factotum. “W’y, he’d be skeered ter handle er toy pis- til! ’ “ Don’t ye be ser shore 0’ that now,” cried an- other. “ ’Pearances air mighty kinder decep- tive once er twicet in or while. Ye may run erg’in’ a snag ef ye fool ’roun’ ther velvet dandy, Ole Wobblejaw. I’m bettin’ he’s wus— sen condensed chain-lightnin’, an’ my name’s Wagg!” . The woolly-headed man had ventured back into the room. “ Stranger,” said Blowbugle, planting him- self in front of the dandy, “ whar are ye frum?” “ Bawston is my native city,” was the reply, as the little fop lifted his head a trifle proudly. “ The Dickens! Ye don’t say!” ejaculated the judge, as it greatly astonished. ‘ Wal, n0w, Boston must be quite er town—’most as big as this hyer place, eh?” The stranger almost smiled. “ Well—aw—it is very neah as large,” be ad- mitted. “ How’d ye happen ter cum out bygr?” par. sued the inquisitive judge. “ I came to see the countwy, e knaw.” “Ah. exactlv! 1 hope it. ul y meets yer an- ticipations. You are not disapp’inted? " The dude hesitated. “ Yes, I am somewhat,” he finally confessed. “ You are?” thundered the judge, scowling blac’kly. “ W’at’s ther matter with ther ken- try? “ Oh, well—er—that is—nothing,” faltered the dandy, trembling visibly and glancing around. “ The countwy is all Wight—it is the people, ye knaw.” The judge seemed to grow still more furious. “ Ther people!” he roared. " W’at’s ther mat- ter with them?” “ I find that they—aw—lack something.” “ Lack somethinL-w’at?” “ Bwains,” was the astounding reply. For a moment dead silence ensued, then the wooll ~headed man squealed: “ hoopee I Score one fer ther velvet tenderfut! Go bag yer head, Ole “Tobblejawl” Then a scene of wild confusion followed. Some laughed, some were angry, and every one tried to talk at once. A few, whom liquor had made decidedly ugly, drew their weapons and tried to crowd nearer the rash dandy. “ Shoot him!” yelled one. Then souie one emptied a six-shooter into the floor. “ For Heaven’s sake, gentlemen,” gasped the velvet dandy, “ what have deone to awouse your anger? I am suah— ’ ‘ But his voice was drowned by the tumult. Mr. Wugg looked alarmed. “ Ther durned critters may take it into their heads ter lynch ther posy,” he muttered. “The ’re in an ugly condishun. By gum! There s goin’ ter be or sarcus!" The woolly-headed man was right. of Jucktown felt themselves insulted. “ Let me git zit ’iuil” howled Tiger Joe, as he pushed forward with clinched lists. “ l’ll chaw iin up! Cl’ar ther track!” But Blizzard Ben caught the little fire-cater by the collar. “ Hole on, Joe,” he commanded. “ Thcr ten- derfut has ’sulted ther hull camp. He’s got ter ’polergize tcr ther crowd, ur settle wi’ me.” “ Silence in ther court!” bellowed Blowbugle, After a time, silence was restored. Then the judge turned and faced the stranger, throwing back his shoulders and glaring straight at the cowering tender-foot. “Young man,” he said, impressively, “you hav’ ’sulted ther people of this great an’ geelori- ous kentry, an’ you must ’polergize to ther citi- zens uv Jacktown.” “What have I done?” stammered the dandy. “ Oh, heavens! what a dWeadful place this is!” “ Done?" thundered the judge. “ Didn’t ye say as how we lacked brains—hey?” ' “ Yes; but weally—” “Thar liain’t no iccally ’bout hit. ’polergize?” “ Why, surely, I haven’t—” “ Stan’ back, jedgel” commanded the Blizzard. “ I’ll bring 'im ter law in double~quick time.” Then the bully seized the velvet dandy by the collar and dragged him through the crowd to- ward the bar. “ Cl’ar ther truck!” he commanded. “ We’ll see of ther dood ’ll ’polergize fer thet insult. Make way ter ther bar!” A moment later the bully of Jacktown lifted the tenderfoot from the floor and stood him up on the bar. “Now we’ll see if ther galoot’ll ’polergize,” said Ben, as he faced the crowd for a moment, at the same time drawing a revolver. But, apparently with the intention of making a break for the open door, the dandy sprun from. the bar. He landed on Blizzard Ben s shoulders, fairly astride the bully’s neck. The men Do ye CHAPTER IV. A BLIZZARD IN MINIATURE, BLIZZABD BEN uttered a shout of amazement, and came near pitching forward upon his face as he felt the full Weight. of the velvet dandy upon his shoulders. In hlSfiui'prise he dropped his revolver, at the same time lunging forward several steps. The dandy uickly locked his feet and grasped the bully’s ong hair, in order to keep from falling. “ Oh, gracious!” gasped the tenderfoot, who appeared almost overcome with terror. ‘Jeehocusl” snorted the woolly—headed man. “Looker that. now! Beauty an’ ther beast! Say, pard tenderfoot, how d’ye like ridin’ er jackass?” Blizzard Ben uttered a bowl. “ Let go my ba’r!” he bellowed. Holy poker! You’ll hav’ mer hull skulP in ear Jilly.” The crowd seemed to catch the comma] view of the situation, and nearly every man burst into a roar of laughter. ‘ 4“ ‘ ' 4 Violet Vane. “ Dump ’im Ben!” shouted one. “ ’Fore I’d be tooken’ fer a boss!” “ Help!” cried the dandy faintly. “ Let me— aw—descend.” “ Durn ye! I’ll break yer dinged neck I” snarled the bully. But Ben found it difficult to dodge the little man, who was evidently afraid of hurting him~ self by a fall. Suddenly the dandy seemed to lose his hold and topple backward, uttering a cry of terror. Just how it happened no one could tell, but the little man appeared to turn a complete back-somerset and alight upon his feet, with his tall beaver in his hand. “ Hoppin‘ hemlock l” cried Erastus Wagg. “ Did ye ketch onter thet leetle trick? Hanged of he hain’t goin’ ter pass roun’ ther hat!” But the velvet dandy was, seemingly, as bad- ly fri htened as ever. “ ill some one show me—aw—the way out of heah?” he entreated. “ I wish to gracious I had nevah left Bawston!” Blizzard Ben wheeled and faced the trembling dandy. There was a terrible look of rage on the bully‘s countenance. “ So ye straddled mer neck, did ye?” he snarled showing his wolfish teeth. “ Durn yer hide! I’m goin’ ter paralyze ye fer that.” The tenderfoot retreated, extending his hand appealingly. “ Pway don’t!” be gasped. “ I assuah you it was quite unintentional—weally it was!” The crowd surged forward to see the sport. “ Go for ’im, Ben !” cried one. “ Give ther dood er show!” shouted another. “ For heaven’s sake, haven’t I a friend in the place?” wailed the little man. “Bet er boots!” shouted the woolly-headed man. “ ’m reddy ter stan’ ter ver back’s long’s it’s safe, an’ my name’s Wagg! ’ “ I’ll settle with you w’en ’m done with ther dood,” observed the bully, scowling at the tramp. “ on’t be in or hurry ’bout settlin’; I‘m will- in’ ter give ye thirty days,” grinned Erastus. Once more Ben faced the little man who wore the violets. “ You’ve got for fight me,” declared the big bull , scowling blackly. “aood gwacious! I cawn’t!” wailed the ten- derfoot, his teeth chattering with presumed terror. “ I nevah did such a—aw—beastly thing in my life—weally I nevah !” “ Then it's time ye began.” “ Brace up ter ’im, Sweet Violets!” chipped in Mr. Wagg. “ I’m reddy ter bet all mer wealth that you kin smooch ’11:). I’ve seen leetle cusses like you afore.” At this moment a tall, rather handsome, yet sinister-appearing man pushed his way through the crowd. It was Dandy Dirk. “ What’s the row here?” he demanded. The velvet dandy surveyed the proprietor of the Silver Bell sharply. A light of satisfaction seemed to flash in the little fellow’s eyes. Had he recognized Dandy Dirk? If so, it was quite certain that the Hercules did not recognize him in turn. Dandy Dirk was the only man in J acktown whom Blizzard Ben feared. The handsome owner of the Silver Bell was, in fact, the best man in the camp with cards, fists or pistols. The Blizzard only held the position of chief by the consent of Dandy Dirk, and it was said that the bully was ready to do any piece of “un- pleasant work ” which his master commanded. In haste Ben explained the situation. Of course he made the tenderfoot’s words and ac- tions appear as insulting as sible. Dandy listened until Bill had finished, then be surveyed the veIVet fop with ill-concealed con- tempt. “ And this is the thing that thought Western peo le lacked brains, is it?” he inquired, sneer- ing “ her very thing,” declared Ben. “And you wanted to fight with it? Ben, I am ashamed of you !” The bully hung his head. “ I’m er leetle ’shamed moi-Self. boss,” he ad- mitted. “But I waz r’iled. All I ax isther permit ter spank it once.” “ Well, spank it eas , Ben,” laughed Dandy. “ I'll make ’im thin 0’ his mummy!” grinned the bully, as he spit on his hands. “Whoop! Hver goes I” n madea rush for the trembling Dand , who turned and ran around the small ring ma e by the interested spectators, crying shrilly: “ Help! help! Oh, gwacious! I’m mur- dared!” Just as the bull ’8 hand touched the terrified tenderfoot’s sho der, the latter wheeled and clinched his pursuer. Then ensued an amazing scene. For an instant there was a fierce strug- gle, following which both men appeared to sink toward the floor. Then a wild yell of astonish- ment went up from the astounded spectators. The velvet dandy had sunk upon one knee, and, in some astonishing manner, had thrown Blizzard Ben across the other, face downward. Then the little man’s hand rose and fell, and the bully was the one who received the spanking, every blow being delivered with the full force of the dandy’s strength. “ VVhoopee!” squealed Erastus Wagg, danc- ing up and d0wn in his excitement and delight. “ Didn’t I tole ye! Baste ’im, Sweet Violets! Hain’t thet deelightful! Oh, Moses ! hain’t this a "ubilee!” he bully uttered a roar of piin and rage, and succeeded in squirming out of the dandy’s grasp. He rolled over and over upon the floor, and finally sat up to see the little man standing with his tall hat in his hand, carefully brushing it with a white silk handkerchief. It is impossible to describe the amazement and excitement of the crowd. They could scarcely believe their eyes. It seemed impossi— ble that the little man in velvet had really spanked the bully of J acktown! And probably no one was more astonished than Blizzard Ben himself. "W'at’s happened!” he mumbled. “ Seem’s like I felt sut in'.” “ Guess it made ye think 0’ yer mammy,” ob- served the irre ressible Wagg. The Blizzar slowly arose to his feet, glaring steadily at the dandy. “ You’ve played it kinder slick,” said the bully, slowly; “but you’ve got ter settle with me. I’m goin’ ter wipe ye all over this hyer floor.” “ Oh, don’t, sir—please don't!” entreated the little man, swiftly tucking his handerchief into a ket and replacing the hat upon his head. “ Inga) weally frightened !” “ Let up on thet!” snorted the Blizzard. “I’ve tumbled to yer leetle racket; but of you’ve cum in hyer ter buck erg’in’ ther galoots o’ J ack- town, ye’ll find yer han’s full. I’m goin’ ter knock ther linin’ out 0’ ye l” VVhereupon Ben threw off his coat and rolled up his sleeves, exposing a pair of brawny arms. Dandy Dirk stood with his back against the bar, watching the scene With increasing interest. “ Come!" cried the bully, “ strip, greeny. I’m comin’ fer ye in erbout two jiifs.” “ Weally, if I must, will some one hold my— aw—hat?” “ Hyer ye go!” cried Wagg. promptly. “ I’ll hole it w’ile ye down ’im. I’ll bet two ter one on ther leetle galoot! Who takes me? Two ter one on Sweet Violets.” But no one paid any attention to the hilarious vagabond. “ Are ye reddy?” demanded Ben. The velvet dandy nodded. The bully, with a shout, charged upon his guny foe, determined to crush him at the start. ut the little man was worse than a flea to catch. Round and round, here and there he dodged and the heavy blows which Ben aimed at the dandy’s face were wasted on the empty alr. “ Fifty thousan’ dollars on Sweet Violets!” bellowed Erastus. “ Who takes me?” Suddenly the Blizzard seemed to be struck by a blizzard in miniature. A perfect hailstorm of stinging blows descended upon his face and neck, while, right and left skipped the little ten- derfoot, constantly changing is position. “Ding ye!” snarled Ben. “ Stan’ still an’ let me git or crack at ye l” Suddenly a heavy blow behind the bully’s ear, fairly knocked him off his feet. He struck the floor heavily, but sprung up instantly. “Jcehocus!” shouted the. woony-headed man. “ Wazn’t thet beaucherful?” Blizzard Ben saw the little dandy standing with folded arms and a quiet smile on his face. The sight made the ruflian fairly furious. With a hoarse shout, he again charged on his insig- nificant-appearing foe. Down went the velvet dandy’s head, and the bully’s rush carried him fairly astride the little man’s neck. The next instant the tenderfoot shot upward, and Blizzard Ben was hurled head- long to the floor. The unlucky man struck upon his head and shoulders, and lay site still. “ Good Lawd!” gasped the woo y-headed “ Broke his neck, or I’m er Chinaman!” CHAPTER V. A muse IN JASPER crrY. Fnusnnn with triumph. the men of Jasper City rode homeward with Laughing Lu mount- man. ed on a handsome black horse in their midst. Judge Blowbugle spoke the truth when he said that the smooth-spoken committee had pictured Jacktown and its inhabitants in no enviable light. Indeed, they had caused the girl to De- lieve that the camp in Paradise Gulch was a perfect nest of law-breakers, horse-thieves and cut-throats. The Silver Bell Hotel, they de- clared, was simply a gambling—hell and drink- ing-hole, the name “hotel” being given it to di