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Entered as Second Clan Matter at. the New York, N. Y . Post Office. Copyrizhted 1894. by BEADLE AND ADAMS- Jub’ 31. 1894. '

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NO  $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price.  
O O I l

a Year- No. 93 WILLIAM STREET. NEW YORK. 5 cents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1"

 

 

 

 

{— HE 

High Hustlng 13¢ Dead Latch

BY WM. R. EYSTER,
AUTHOR OF "THE TIE-TO SPORT,” “FARO
FRANK,” “ DANDY DARKE,” ETC.

CHAPTER I.
THE GAME OPENS.

MONTE SAUL came down the road which
led from the Break of Day mine, just at the
end of the gloaming, when the shadows be-
gan to melt into darkness.  w ».

He was as “the as aleopard, 9-3 keen-eyed “ BACK! YOU INFERNAL RASCALS!” EXCLAIMED AMES.

 

 

 

 

 

     
    
 
        

 
  

     
      
     
        
       
      
     
    
       
      
    
   
   
     
       
        
     
     
    
    
    
    
     
       
    
   
   
   
    
    
    
      
      
    
   
   
   
   
    
     
       
      
       
      

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him first.

V , ' that’s the wa
 _ look around or a new boss.
_ about equal, but he has the luckof the

2‘ I ~ ‘ i l
r : ffflever mind that. I'll plan my luck»

i'r

Meagan; the " 

 “3:21 "V'l', "

 

as a con air, and had the reputation in Dead
Latch o caring for neither man nor angels. .

He had been tried in the crucible, as it
acre, and found to be as good as they make

em.

It was doubtful if any one man had any-
thing to do with him when it came to draw-
ingrfor the drop, or playing chief.

et, he was not given to brawling for its
own sake, and never yet had he fired a shot
which the most partial of frontier juries
would have been willing to say was in any-
thin r but self-defense.

.0 course, with such a title, he could hard-
ly: be anything else but a gambler, and yet it
was a misnomer.

He never played the game of monte at
Dead Latch but once, so far as was known,
and that was the night he opened a bank,
and won the right and title of the Break of
Day, after cleaning its proprietor out of all
his available cash.

The title was not worth very much then,
but afterward, when the work necessary to
hold the claim for the next year had been
done, its value had been enhanced ahundrcd
fold. There was pay arc in sight, and the
chances were the vein would widen as the
shaft went deeper.

After that, he spent more of his time on
the mine, and less over the card-table. and it
was even hinted that he was losing his grip,
but they didn’t say it when he was around,
and when he did sit down at the tables he
made‘the game as interesting as ever. He
knew the value of a band. and was not afraid
to put up the money to back his judgment.

Besides, he always had the. luck of the Old

y., . . .

All this evening his usually clear face had
been clouded and he was in something of a
brown study as he glided along, making not
a sound which might give notice, of his ap-'
proach.‘ ' I

The noise of voices recalled him to himself;
and as the veins were in an undertone, as.‘
though not intended to be overheard, it was
natural enough for him to halt and listen for,
a moment, if only to locate the speakers.

“ How it is to be done is a matterl will
look after myself. 'The old man is in the
way and will get out of it.”

“And stay out. ‘He’s a littlehard to get
at, but the thing can be worked. How
about the little daisy of a daughter? Is she
to go in the same boat?” ' v ‘

" Hands off, there!” answered the- first
voice, in a little louder key than before, as
though the very mention of the daughter
had riven a shock. ‘ ‘

“ mean it too. If any harm comes. to
her there will be music in the air. I'll- at-
tend to all that. ” .

“All right, if you will have it "so, but I
woulcllfn’t mind taking the job of consolation
m 86 'n .

'Y‘ Look out that Monte don’t get into that

' before on both,”'said a third voice.-

“I on’t'know that he is going to go
ahead in earnest, but I’ll. swear l thou ht I
saw him making sheep’s eyes in that irec-
tion. If you mean sport you better down
It will have to come to that any-
how, and the rest of the work would be a
good bit plalner sailing with him out of the
We '." . ' .

3That's one of the things we are here
for," interrupted the first speaker.

“ All Dead Latchknows there is war be-
tween him and me, and if anything happens
folks would look my way. so it oughtto be

’ all fair and above board, and I’ll undertake
to turn the trick m self.

He's not the ohly
innit who can ban is a shootingfironmurse
1m " ' ‘ ‘

“.More' pluck you than judgment. If,
you are beginning to, talk I'll
The shmtingjlig '

.M’onte Saul’s hand was simultaneous.
.had noticed Clark’s presence as soon as he

 

 

against his pay .day in the ear. But,
come. along.‘ Number Four on’t appear,
and we’ll have to do without him for to-
night. We can talk the matter over, and
have it all cut and dried when he shows up
to-morrow night, as he must.' After that
there must be no more delay.”

Monte Saul did not follow asthey moved?

away.

“That‘s enough," he thought to himself.

“ The calculate on attending to me first,
and I'll e ready for them when they come.
It is hardly worth while troubling Miss Amos;
and yet,'1t might be as well to send her a
word of warning. Something might happen
to me. That was Clark Bruce, and a couple
of his gang—I wonder who the fourth man

u-
m

Then an idea seemed to strike him, and he
gazed keenly in the direction the party had
taken.

“I wonder, too, if by any chance they
saw me. If they did the chances are they
willcome back on me mighty sudden.”

He heard nothing more of them, however,
and finally ursued his way to town with the
same noise ess tread, and swung around
amtlmg the boys after his usual careless
sty e. '

Nothing did he see of the man he had call-
ed Clark Bruce, and the owning went by
without any startling event.

Between Clark Bruce . and himself there
was somethinglilre war, though in the only
preliminary skirmish which had yet occurred
the advantage had "been all on the side of'
Monte Saul. J v .

Bruce was a man but-little older than-bim-
self, and apparently builtmuch after the
same fashion, though he was an older in-
habitant of Dead Latch, and possessed of a

larger crowd of personal friends.

, {He had ,mining'interests-not far from the
Break of Day, and had a finger in a good
many other. pies. In fact, .he‘wasone of the

rich young men~ of the cam , "and dieing ter- r

ribly handy’ with his revo' vars, was a bad
one to go against.  ; .  _

It was something of a surprise to see him
wilt when Monte Saul had h m lined: but it
was reasoned-that the end was not. yet. and
Saul had been feeling that way himself...

He thought the matter 'oVer the day after

overbearing the conference'of the cabal, but
came to no particular conclusion as to what
was his best course. Other things finally
drove the matter almost out of his'mind. and
it was only whenhe was entering the Head-
quarters Saloon he remembered he was on
the peculiar stamping ground of Clark Bruce,
and if any scheme was to be carried into
effect that night it was not likely to belong
deferred. . _ -
I It was still daylight, but those long sum-
mer evenings the crowd athered soon, and
there were a dozen men rinking at the bar
when he entered. ' ‘ , .

“ Evening, Curly,” he said as he made his
way up to the bar.

“ Seen anything of Ed Ilazen around this
evening?” ‘

At the same time he laid his hand careless- v'

ly on a decanter which was sittin there in
solitary grandeur. Bruce and h s friends
wereat the other end of the bar, altogether.

“ Haven't seen him to know him,” anSWer-
ed Curly, the bartender. as he twirled a glass
along the bar with professional precision.

' “ If he turns up I’ll let him know ou’re
hunting him, and he can tell ,whet or he
ought to want to see you."

“That’s about right,” nodded Saul, as be
poured out a moderate potion. ‘
v. “ Don’t know'that it is,” chipped in Bruce,
making a step forward, his hand dropping
toward his hip.

TbeVmovement was almost in advance of
his words, and quick as it was the motion of

' the men facin

He

shot. anyhow. . - ,

“ I'm willing to argue the matter with
you," coldl responded Saul. - r

“ Don’t orget, though,-that we are starts

ing fair and even, and whateverline of argu~
meat you choose to follow I may get there
just a shade the sdonest.” , ‘
i “ You’ll get 'to a hole in the ground if you
undertake to wring ourself in on this party
for drinks. , I told“, urly to set them up for
gentlemen, andthat bars you out.”

“And I notice you're not drinking your-
self. Perhaps he didn't sling a tumbler your
way—and hedld mine. Curly is a blamed
ugood 'udgc of human nature.”

“ on are aliar and a horse-thief if you
want it in strong language; and if that ain’t
mild enough you are a piker that would eat
sand and chaw dirt to wring yourselfin on a
party of gentlemen for the price of one little
drink. I’m saying it; and that you haven’t
got the nerve to’ shoot a man when his hands
are out and his fingers are empty. See?"

He extended his empty hands, and stood
looking at Monte Saul with a sneer on his

’11 the face.

“What are you working for. Clark? If
you want me to pull trigger it’s a clean case
of suicide. 1'd have you down and dead
beforelany one of your gang could 'get a
lilammer back. I’ve been watching them
a I.
know. I’ll have a sight for all my wealth
'f you raise over it by a million. ome off
the roof and get down to business. What

do you want?” , I . ,
“ I want to give you a chance, to make a
man ‘of yourself. 'All Dead” Latch knows

there is bad'blood between us, and the sooner
friend, and follow me. no of us won’t
come back, and the other will be a chief in
town.” - .

and from‘what Saul had overhear the night

before he was not able to say "f it was, in

good faith or not, but he ;did t hesitate to
take the chances. There wasOpe man there,
standing at little apart from the. others, and
Saul imagined, from whathe , had seen of
him, thatlhe was a man; of nerve, and sat?-
ciently‘ honest. . q ’

“All, right,’L was his quick response.
“Dick Trcdgar is good onoughfor me. I
put myself in his ands, and your seconds
can arran e with him. Curly, of course,
will keep ark till the fun is over.”

 

CHAPTER ' II.
LEFT FOB DEAD.

“ One!”
“ Two!"

Between them there was time enough for
each other to take a final look
at earth and u y before the master of cerew
monies spoke again.

“ Three! Fire!" . -

There was a double report, the sounds al-
most blending as one. ' .

Then, the younger man threw up his arms

away.

men flungpback: '

I always keep my word to friend or foe."
ther cake.‘ Oh. my 1”

uttered, as. a boy crawled out of the bushes,

ter the retiring’ figures.

 

crossed» the; threshold, and after that felt that, _

They were but diml seen  this E'tiin
yet the boy. crouched ow. I. It was-319ml;th

' ' a  a

' ,, W . . l ‘" .3“ , j a
if he wasn’t ready for him he ought 'tovbe

lips that was harder to be borne than a slap i

And if it’s a big bluff, you oughtto .

'we have ‘it out the better. ‘Name. your.

It Was a regular duel he-‘was roposing, ' ' V -

Very deliberately the words were uttered.

and fell in a heap, while the four, after one ,' 
keen glance in his direction, to make sure . ‘
he never stirred again, turned and strode' V
But, as they left the spot, one of the marks». 

“I said, Monte Saul,’ I’d shqot, you, “(1'3 

It was just in a whisper those words were "i

and,waiting on hands and'knees, gazed afs '_ ;' "

    
     
    
    

       
      
       
     
   
    
     
    
     
       
    
    
     
    
   
      
          
     
      
    

- "it '11
“‘ I'm a bit ov a liar meself, but, that takes j  ~ * w >

    

 

 

 

   

\

Monte ‘Saul, the Sport.

 

 

I V . . . . - u
their hearts might soften a little,‘ and they
' . return; or again, his figure might be revealed

-against the glow in the West, should they
iha pen to give a backward‘glance.

gut no softening of heart or purpOSc was
*there in the party. They passed on till the
diminishing sound of their foot-falls was
'lost in the distance, while the body of the
fallen man was left to stiffen on the plain.

Then, the boy crept nearer still.

“ Ye’r’ a born liar, Mister Bruce, an’ I’ll bet
yer done it ag'in. He lies mighty still an'
quiet, but bet yer ten ter one yer lead didn’t
touch his heart. I seen ther flash, an’ yer
bullet went . igh.”

“ That's so, my boy, but for heaven’s sake
:keep cool a minute longer. If they saw you
mussing over the remains, they would come
'back to drive you away. Clark Bruce
means me to lie hereas food for the wolves,
but I’ll fool him now, and even up with him
hereafter. Curse him, has he gone?”

No need to tell Harry Carter to keep cool.
He was always cool. Even when a corpse
half turned on itsfside and spoke to him'with
a very much-alive voice, it never turned a
hair. o

“ Cool goes, an’ you kin take yer time for
comin’ ter life a ’in. I’ve nothin’ better ter
do, an? ef it ma es yer feel good, I kin be
watchin’ by yer dewy couch ther hull night
through.”

" I believe you, my boy. You are one in
a thousand. I was half afraid you would
give a whoop when you heard my voice,
.and bring the hounds back to see what was
the racket. And they had it all set up for
me. If they had come, I would either have
had to give leg bail, or I would have been
a dead man in earnest."

“Kerrict you be. It takes nerve ter lissen
to a voice from ther tombs."

“ And you have it. "

“ You bet. Ther nerve ov a meat-ax.
Oh, my, ain‘t I?” ,

The supposed dead man gathered himself
up a little and assumed a sitting posture.

The four were gone now beyond danger
of recall, and it was time for him to look af-
ter himself. He squirmcd uneasily, and felt
of his left shoulder with his right hand, ut-
tering something which Was not a prayer,
‘under his breath.

The boy heard him, and came still closer.
- “ Nicked yer after all, did he? Let me
git asquint at it. I’m jist old blazes at a
lease ov that kind, an’ from ther way ye’r’ a-
'twistin’,I reckon it's at a place yer can’t
.reach. Blame lucky I happen terbe ’round,

for e’r' a-bleedin’ a heap-sight free.”

hile he spoke, he also acted. His fin-
gers were busy around the spot where the
wound was supposed to be.- He helped the
young man draw off his coat, and then
applied a bandage With askill and swiftness
that was remarkable. ,,

At first the patient was inclined to give
:some directions, but he soon saw none were

required, for the boy understood his busi-
.ness.
“Really, it was a piece of luck to have
you around if it turns out that you can be
trustedl’

“Trusted? Well, I should inquire, why
not? With ary thing an" fur ever thing.
Et .don't look, though, ez if it w uld be
strainin' yer gizzard much ter ’stablish a
confidence with yours truly. I’ll tic yer up,
an then you kin go on yer way rcjoicin’.
Do yer want ter loan me a quarter, or did
'er think ov sellin’ me a, half interest in ther

reak ov Day Mine? Ef er doubt me, don’t
crowd yerself too hard. kin still navigate
.alone.” ‘

» rThe oungster was talking for the sake of
'talk. e had a half formed idea the young
man, was thinking of refusing his services
and was in haste to et done with them, but
mean time he desire to divert his thoughts.

“You don't understand me," answered
Monteflsul, wincing just a trifle as the lad

drew tighter the knot he was making in the
bandage he had applied.

“1 would leave Clark Bruce in ignorance
of the fact that I am still living, and fear the
temptation to tell how for once his aim was
not deadly might be too great for you."

" Now, look hyer, Monte Saul. You
don’t seem ter know me, but I’ve bed a eye
on you fur some time, an’ I’m s’prised. It's
a bad gang ter buck ag’in, but I didn’t think

ou'd be quite so much afearcd 0v Clark
ruce. You kin shoot a leetle, yerself."

" As close as Bruce can, when I have the
fair show, but to-night it was assassination
they meant, and nothing else. The fellow
who came out with me was in it as big as
any of them. They took our weapons from
us, and gave us those guns with only one
barrel loaded in each. And the barrel of
mine had no bullet in it. If Bruce had miss-
ed, some one else was to shoot me down; or
if I had closed in on the fellow who fired the
cravcn shot. my second would have been the
first to hand him a gun."

The lad uttered a low whisper of surprise.
He knew something about the men, and the
fracas which led to this duel, and he did not
for a. moment doubt the Word of Monte
Saul.

“ An’ so yer wants a chance ter lay low
tell that hole in yer arm gets all right, an’
then wade in lcmmons fur him. That's
right. That’s business. I'm dumb cz a
clam, an’ you play yer game at ycr leisure.”

“ Thanks, my boy. You have it down
fine enough to be near center with yourshot.
When things get straight .l’ll settle accounts
with him or break a wheel trying."

“Bet yer. Now. what yer goin’ ter do?
Kin I help you ary further?”

“ Not at present. 1 will go over tolIoney
Dew, and—could I depend on you?"

“ Ef it’s ary thing ter break up (.‘lark
Bruce you kin.”

“ You seem to know me, but I declare I
do not remember eVer having set eyes on you
before.”

“Nothin’ sing’lar in that, boss. I ain’t a
old settler hyer, but it don’t take me long in
a place ter git things down fine. I got your
record long 0v ther first, and I bin waitiu' a
week tcr see you an’ Clark lock horns. I
reckoned it would be t’other way when yer
did j’ine; but yer can’t most allers sometimes
tell what‘s goiu‘ ter happen. Better luck
next time.”

“ There was nothing of luck about it. I
was fool enough to put myself into the hands
of a man I thought would be square, even
if he was not a particular friend.”

“ And he sold yer out. Next time you
jest shout for Harry Carter, an’ you’ll have
a pard ter tie to.” -

“Perhaps; but meantime I want you to
undertake a commission for me.”

“I'm ther lad fur commishuns. Spread
it out, an’ I‘ll take hold ov all four corners."

“I want you to take a note to Miss Amcs.
You probably know where to find her, and
if you don‘t, it will not be hard to‘ discover
where to look without exciting suspicion.”

“Know her like a book. Also her dad,
Angus Ames, moreover. Fork over yer let-
ter an’ she’ll git it ther fu'st thing after
breakfast. lif tbnr are ary answer, what’s
ter be did with it?" '

“ There will be no ariswer. If it was not
a matter of vital importance, I would not
venture to address her. It was largely to
prevent the possibility of my speaking that
the game of assassination was set up on me.
Like a fool, I fell into the trap, but when it
was sprung it did not hold, and gave me the
name of the fourth man. Wait a minute
andI will write the little I have to say. If
she is wise, she will take my warning.”

“An’ if she ain’t, an‘ goes buttin’ head-
fu’st inter danger, I’ll look after hc-ra bit
myself, till you git ’ronnd on ther carpet
 M 0

 

“If'you only would. She seems to have

 

no friend she can trust. And if you could
keep an eye on matters you con d give me
an idea of how the land lays when I get out
again for business. I only expect to take a
day or so off; but in that time whoknows
what variations of his scheme may be
hatched up by ClarkBruce?"

“Thet's so. Au’ cf arything mighty im‘
ortant klms up, cz I can’t wrestle with
neself, I'll come over for Money Dew an
hev a consultashun.”

“ All right. That will suit me to a charm,
and you may ,be sure I will make it worth
your while to serve me. Just now, Monte
Saul ma be below arin public estimation
at Dead atch; but t 10 time will come soon
when it can judge between him and Bruce,
and I have no fears of which will get the
decision. Here is yourlctlcr. Of course, if
you should be asked any questions by ont-
sidcrs, you know nothing about Monte Saul,
or his whereabouts."

As well as he could the young man had
been scribbling with a pencil on a few blank
leaves of a mcmoranduni-book.

It was a one-handed sort of work, for his
left arm was in a sling, and the hand which
protruded could furnish little assistance.
The writing was almost a scrawl, but he
took pains to render it as legible as possible.

Carefully he turned one corner over and
over, so as to keep the lcaVcs together, and
then handed the writing to the boy, who
took it, gave a nod and a word of adieu, and
then started at a jog trot for the towu of
Dead Latch, which lay something less than
a mile away.

 

CHAPTER [IL

'1‘” l“. WA It N I N (l .

Tm; conversation with Monte Saul had
occupied some time, and it was not likely
the boy would overtake Clark Bruce and
his friends. A

So he thought, at least, and he swung
along the trail with a steady, careless step,
thinkling over what he had just seen and
heart .

“By jinks, it war ther purticst trap I ever
heared on, an’ Monte waltzed rightinter it.
They give him a fair show—tar own six foot
by two in a grave yard—an’ lcftit ter charity
ter do ther plantin’. I wouldn't allowed
thet Clark Bruce would ’a' done sick 9. trick,
though. He mi ht ’a’ knowcd it would be
mighty lonesome ur the corpse, all by itself,
out thar on the prairie. An' kiotes around,
too thick ter shake ’a' stick at. Guess he
tho'rt they‘d save ther expense ov a
funeral.”

He had not . ot to the latter end of the
train of thong t which had been started.
It had not yet struck him that, as there
seemed to be a woman in the case, nothing
connected with it could be strange.

And he was destined not to reach that con-
clusion for the present.

From the direction of the town a confused
sound of voices told him a party of men
were approaching in haste, and that they
felt there was no necessity to conceal their
coming.

Harry was on the look—out at once.

“That's a wrinkle above me, by jinksl
IIc’s gone fur a corryncr's jury, an' are a-
bringin’ ’cm terview ther corpus whar it

fell. Didn't da‘st tcr touch it tell ther law,

allowed. Guess I ll see what ther court looks
like More I lays in fur a job on a witness.
When I know who’s jedgc I'll know cf it’s
good fur me ’hulsome ter stand in ther box."

110 had left the trail the moment the first
sound reached his ears, and at a little dis-
tance threw himselfon the ground.

The strag ling procession went by, and the
boy retaine his position. The foremost
man in the lot was one of those who had
stood by Clark Bruce, and Harry did not
tlgigllzl‘it was altogether advisable to be seen
0

  
   
   
   
  
   
   
  
     
   
   
  
    
  
  
  
   
 
   
    
  
  
    
  
    
  
  
   
   
  
    
   
    
  
   
    
    
     
  
   
  
   
  
   
    
  
   
   
    
        
        
          
     
         
         
          
        
        
        
      
   
    
         
       
     
   
       
     
     
      
        
      
    
     

 

         
     
        
        

law” \— o- "pa—am"... ..__..........~..-r

Monte Saul. the Sport. h

...._'— fl...»- rm ... ,_

 

For that matter, he decided that if he
made his appearance it might be suspected
he knew something of the matter, and he
would be open to questions as to the dis-
appearance, concerning which he chuckled
to himself as he thought: -

“ Won‘t that fun’ral come to a sudden
sto ? Au’ef Monte Saul kin hide his trail on
we 1 as I reckon, thar will be wonderin’, an’
consider'hle doubtin’, done afore they git
back ter Dead Latch ag’in."

To make sure he would not meet a second
section» of curious ones when he arose, the
boy made something of a detour, and so
found his way to the town without further
interruption. ' .

By and by the searchers came back in no
very good-humor.

Clark Bruce was not with them, nor was
he to be seen at his usual haunts.

If he had been he might have heard vari-
ous remarks which would not have seemed
com limentary.

‘ “ t was a1 very well for him to shoot
Monte Saul after an orthodox fashion—if
he was able—but to say that he had done
it and then leave, or produce, no actual
proofs, was too much like a game at the
expense of their credulity, and a good part
of the town was ready to kick. '

What made the matter worse‘was, every
man felt that he had been defrauded when
he was not invited to the show. Such a
meeting ought to have been public property,
and to think it had been carried through
without a man being the wiser made them
ready to curse Clark Bruce, Curly, or any
one else who might have published a hint
and had not.

“Clark knows enough ter git in when it
rains," thought Harry, with a shrug of his
shoulders as' he listened to various com-
ments. / ‘

t“ Ther question are, whar are he one to?
Mebbe it might be ez well ter do out. I
don’t reckon he could keep outer mischief of
he tried, an' ef I kin locate him I kin see
what’s goin' on.”

That was easier thought than done. Clark
was not at the hotel where he boarded,
though some one said he had been seen en-
tering the door. Harry climbed u to the
window of»his room, at some ris .to his
neck. and made sure that there was no one
.wlt‘nin. '

' ‘f Blazes! He can’t hev gone back an' get
on ther trail ov Monte. I never thought ter

ive Saul me popper, an’ I might ’a' knowed'

E ’d need it wuss her I would. Ef Clark
mounts him, an’ be not heeled, he'll make an
end ov him this time, sure.”

He was a little puzzled how to act. .1 ,

A horse was beyond him, unless he was
willing to risk his neck. He knew the
danger when it came to an unlicensed ap-

propriation of horse-flesh, and that an irate
owner would'be willing to hang even a
small boy without giving him a chance to
explain.

“What’s ther matter with tryin’ ter see
Miss Ames right off ther handle,-’thout wait~
in’ till mornin’? Then I kin lope right oi?
tor Honey Dew. an’ ef my man’s thar I kin
post him how ther land'lays, and how public
‘pinion are a-runnin’. EE he Was hyer, now,
he’d be jayhird, sure.” v V

it Was not so late in the eVening that the
idea of seeing Ethel Ames was altogether
hopeless, and he put it into action at once.
Angus Amos lived just fairly beyond what
was considered the limits of the town, and it
would not take long to reach the place. He
set of! at a jog trot until he reached the bank
of-rthe river. . . - '

Angus Amos was a man of some ‘import-
ance in Dead Latch, though he did not
mingle much. socially, with its inhabitants.
He lived in a cottage on the other side of the
river, and owned the only mill in all that

‘ , " re on.
- » gait avmile back of the mill this choppers

i

 

found the timber to keep them busy, and
what lumber did not go to the rival camp at
Honey Dew was easily wagoned across the
ford. The location was convenient for both
the towns, and the trade in either direction
was about equal.

That he was making money no one
thought of denying, but there was a great
difference of opinion about the man himself.
He kept to himself out of business .hours,
and the sports of Dead Latch had waited in
vain to see him turn up at their popular re-
sorts.

As they could not understand how a man
with means at his command should care to
lead the life of a. hermit, there was a good
many who looked upon him with an eye of
suspicion, and were ready at any time to
hear that a sheriff from over the mountains
had arrived in pursuit of the mill~owner.

Others, however, gavegthe credit 'of his
reticenee to his daughter. From what little
they had seen of her they were willing to ad-
mit that almost any man would stay at home
with such good company.

Miss Ethel was a beauty, there was no
denying that; and the general opinion was,
she was as good as she was handsome.

For once, general opinion was not far
wrong.

She was not a frequent visitor of the town,
but was occasionall seen in the stores; and
there were two or ree young citizens who
had found opportunity to speak with her
%uite outside of the line of business, though

ead Latch knew nothing about it.

Arrived at the ford Harry could see a light
twinkling in the distance. which he knew
came from one of the windows of Angus
Ames’s cottage.

“ Good b0 i Thar’s some one afoot around
ther house yit. Ef it’s Miss Ethel I kin git
through with ther business in A Number
One style. Ef it ain’t, I'll see that no harm’s
done. -I only wisht I hedn’t bin so blame
honest. I’d give a nickel right now ter know
what’s in this b er note, an’ I never thought
ter look while bed ther chance.

“ But, no. Dog-gone it, I won’t look. of I
bu’st meself in ignorance. I'll trust ter lack,
an’ mebbe Sport Saul ’ll tell me."

He rolled up the bottoms of his pants,
waded the river where it was shallowest, and
took up his line of march to the house at a
lively pace. » ' ‘

As he drew near he saw the light begin to
move about from one place to another. He
was ust in time.

“ mebody’s ’round shettin.‘ up afore
goin’ ter bed, an’ most likely it's ther old
man. r'Wisht I ‘knowed what his idears are
’bout shootin’ small boys ez come rowlin'
’round after ther sun goes down, ’t out in-_
quirin’ fu'st ef they are in good an’ regular
standin’ in ther Baptis’ church. Coder sich
circumstances I’ve knowed a~keerless man
ter ketch a deacon in ther draws—but he
war black, an’ a hen-roost most amazin’
near.”

He ave a sigh over the depravity of man-

kind ln general, and stole along more softly
than ever; The some one had come out ’on
the covered porch in front of the house, and
stood looking down the road.
, ’i‘he some one happened to be Miss Ethel
herself. She gave a start as a little figure
popped up not a dozen yards from her, and
a voice, which evidently belonged to a
youngster, inquired in'a low tone: ,

"Evenin’, miss. Are ther old man ter
home?” ,, , ' -

“ Who are you. boy? and what do you want
with my father?” '

“ That ain‘t answerin’ to
I’m williu' ter go yer so

conundrum. but
ur on ter say thet

I'm a young man from ther city, bringin’ a«

letter marked private an’ confidential. Like-
wise. in haste, moreover.”

J“I am so _ . then, since my father is not
here. He-went .over to Honey ‘ ew\ this

morning, and has not . yetreturned. He ex-

 

pected to pass through Dead Latch on his“ ’ .
wa back. He may be there now.” ' "

he appearance of the boy had startled
her, but s voice and manner reassured her'
almost as soon, and she spoke in a Quiet tone;
and without much curiosity. Letters had
been delivered by special messenger from the
town before this.

“ That's all right, fur ther letter ain't fur
him. I war afeared he might be a-inter~
ceptin’ it an’ so war feelin’ about ter see of
he‘war around. Hyer you be, ez you kin
see. Freeze onto it an' it'll do er good."

He advanced a few ste s, ho ding out the
letter as he came, and iss Ethel had ac-
cepted it before she knew what she was do-

in .

fi‘hen, it was too late to temporize. The
boy gave a nod and a spring. Before she
had made up her mind to call him back he
was almost out of sight in the shadows.

“ What does it all mean it” she thought to
herself.

“ Is it a letter from some almost orgotten.
friend in the East, forwarded in th 8 way by“
Glenn, the postmaster; or, could it be—?”

She stopped short. So far, no one at Deadf.
Latch had ever attempted to open a cor--
respondence, but she was woman enough to
know such a thing might be on ,the carpet.
She turned and went into the house. She:
would know what it wa, and then could de~
cide whether to read it to the end.

The scrawl was short, and none too easy
to read. ' ’

MISS Amnsz—I have reason to believe your
father is in some danger, and would beg you;
to warn him to be on his guard at all points.
You may not be altogether safe yourself.. If,‘
the worst comes to the worst, remember‘you: ,
have a friend who will reach you in danger... _
even if he comes a little late.

“ A Fnrnnnt?"

And in one corner of the missive she-notedi I
a little spletch of blood, freshly dried.

‘ While she pondered over the warning...he, ~ ” :-;

heard in the distance the dull report ofi’ fire..-
arms, and after a minute, when shI- 
out of the window, all was still. .

CHAPTER; IV.
run near a'r ran roam

So far HarryCarter’s mission seemed to
him to be a success.

He had delivered the missive, 'and‘ if he»
knew anything about such things he had:
aroused Ethel’s curiosity. There was little
doubt in his mind she would read the letter
without waiting for the return of her father ;.
which was what was wanted. 4 _ f‘.

Afterward. she might do as she chose. ~

‘ .

'The fincipul point had been gained, and the? 1:44!

boy elt himself free to look around after:
Mdnte Saul, though the danger to that in-v
diVidual did not seem as great as it did a.
while before. 1
He hustled along at a lively rate till he»
came to the ford at the river. 
There be halted a moment'and listened. ‘
He could hear the birds; of the night, th

ripple of the water. as. it swept past’ him; he; I

and in the distance the roar of the dam. I
seemed, ,too, as though there were othe
sounds. Horsemen were abroad in the dark-ft
ness. and they were coming toward him. '

“ B‘rhaps that's ther old“ man now. Mob
ble it‘s some ’un else. Best continner ter go,
8 ow." > , V .

As he had done once beforethat night, he,
slid off to one side. though this time 
selected adpost of advantage, where the risv’
ing groun ' enabled him 179 look down upo
and ‘eommand the trail.

The horsemen came
cautious gait, until th . '
fog an ’ pee hits

' ere they natur. step  
animals drank,..and  low spoken‘ con

ily on' at
entered I '

 

 

 

   
 

f...‘

‘n  til-“Pa r-Q-Wv? 4s---
_ t

_. y '
mw’v—w
‘ .

 

 

 

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  

WM Monte Saul, the Sport.

6

 

b‘tion came quite distinctly to the ears of the
oy.

-”Here's as good a spot as an . We can
halt him just as he comes out o the drink.
He can’t get past us very well, and if he
:turns back one of you can plu him as he
comes. Jimmy can stay on this side and
look out for breakers." 

“Sure, an’ av Oi kin do that whin he's
comin' back whoy can't Oi do it whin he’s
goin , an’ save all the thruble ‘2"

“Because, if he don’t cut up rusty we
may not have to do any shooting at all. You
work to orders, Jimmy, and ask no questions.
You’ll live longer, and draw a blamed sight
more pay. Fall back, now, and the rest of
you follow me." \

The horses came splashing out of the river,
and were drawn. up a few yards from the
road. They were effectually screened from
"the view of any one making the ford, and
were as quiet, well-behaved a set of horses
as Harry Carter ever saw. They did not
even try to give notice of his presence by the
snort which ordinary, every-day sort of
horses would have done.

The dispositions were just in time, too.
Hardly had they been completed when the
clatter of hoofs was heard in the direction of
Dead Latch. and some one approached the
ford at headlong pace.

“Silence, all! Not a whisper," was the
low order of the leader, while Harry Carter
listened eagerly.

Down into the ford came the horseman,
and his horse stopped just as the others had
done.

The animal drank greedily, as though it
had been warmed by a long and hard ride.

Had there been the slightest sound from the,

bank the man had the best of opportunities
to hear it.
But the men in ambush were silently bid-

’ing their time, and the boy behind them was

as quiet as any of them.

“Come up, Jacki” finally exclaimed the
solitary horseman, becoming impatient. -

“It’s just like you to want to drink the
river dry. You can have another try at a
gorge when you get me home. At present I
am in too much of a hurry."

The (grumble was finished as the animal
emerge from the water and began the as-
cent of the shelving bank, and as his words

ceased another voice took up the strain, in a

somewhat difierent key.
“Hands up, Angus Ames, and don’t you
make any mistake about the doing of it. If

a bushel of buckshot comes your way some

of them will hit you, sure ”
Half adozen sharp clicks followed, the
sounds rising with terrible distinctness on

the midnight air.

"Hands up, 1 say!" continued the leader
of the foes in ambush.

“ And don't you forget we have you right
where we can see every move, and if the

don’t come up empty, good-by, John! e

can find just as much min in the pockets of
a dead man as in those of alive one."

It was true enough, that the moon shone
brightly through the break made in the

‘ fringe of trees by the trail; while the speaker

was invisible in’the shadow.

Angus Ames eould understand that if a
couple of double-barreled shot-guns were
turned loose in his direction it would be
gtrange if some of their contents did not find

1m.

But at the same time, there was something
reassuring in the very threat. Robbery was
apparently the end inlview, and there was a
tacit promise that if he submitted quietly,
he was in no great danger. Had murder
been meant, they would have shot him down

> without any of this parley.

“ Sorry for you, boys,” he said, in a voice

I which showed little, if any agitation.

“ If I had known you were coming out to
meet me, I might have tried to have my

pockets better lined. It won‘t exactly be a

\

LBS!»  i}: 1,;  (. ‘.  :

little more explicit.

 

water haul, but with the exception of a few
papers and documents of no particular value
to any one but their owner, I have very little
about me. Perhapsa hundred dollars will
cover the amount. Better luck next time—-
for one side or the other.”

He gave a little, short laugh as he spoke,
and raised his hands above his head with a
careless case that seemed to say, he did not
care much whether school kept or not.

“ Never you mind whether the haul is
worth the fishing for or not. Just shell out.
Maybe we can judge better than you whether
those same papers have any value or not.”

“ Shell it is, but I wish you would be a
If I am to turn my
pockets inside out for yourinspection, I can’t
very well keep on holding my hands over
my head. l’ll hand over first what I can
find, and if you don’t think I have done the
square thing, then you can look for more.”

One of his hands dropped naturally and
carelessly to his breast pocket, as if in search
for his wallet, and kecner eyes, even, than
those which were fixed upon him might
have been deceived by the movement and
words.

But, an instant later, the careless case
was gone. The hand which dove into that
breast-pocket came out armed with a revol-
ver, and at the same time Ames drove his
spurs into the flanks of the already fretting
steed.

Ames was nothing more than an average
marksman, but he had located the sound of
the voice pretty accurately, and never hesi-
tated to send a bullet straight in that direc-
tion; and he was cool enough to note that at
the report there was an answering one
froma spot considerably in the rear of his
challenger.

At the same time some one shouted:

“ Sock it to ’em, Pard Ames. We got ’em
in a box, an' ef they don’t git a leg over ther
ed e, we’ll shut down ther lid, sure. "

‘he interruption was as startling to the
ambuscaders, as it was unexpected, and as
the first shot was followed by others, and the
bullets came hurtling in among them with a
closeness more dangerous with each report,
attention was caller in that direction, while
with a great bound J aek took his master well
past the ambush.

Ames turned in his saddle as he flitted
by, and sent a shot or two across to where
he hoped the most good would be done, but
he was far too cool and careful to entirely
em ty his Weapon in such chance firing.

6 could not tell what dangers he might
come face to face with when he had gone
further, and so saved a bullet or two for an-
other emergency. At present, he knew he
was tearing along the road to his home, with
nothing in front of him, and did not believe
there was anything could stop him unless
his horse was first shot.

The boy in the bushes knew all that, too;
and something more.

It was not likely there were two angs ly-
ing in wait for the mill-owner that n ght, and
bar an accident the escape of Angus Ames
was a certainty.

The next thing for him to do was to lock
out for number one. It would not do to
lurk there any longer, since it would not
take long for the men to discover they had
but a single antagonist to deal with.

After that, a resolute charge, or, crhaps,
a stray bullet, might do the rest. Io start-
ed to steal away, reloading his revolver as he
went.

It was fortunate for him he knew the river
as well as he did, or he might have got an
ugly fall at the steep bank, down which he
slid so lightly. Below the ford the water
deepened, and Carter took to it like a
spaniel. Noiselessly he swam out into the
stream, and then floated away on his back,
with nothing but his nose above the surface.
He Was getting a very complete ducking,
but at the same time was eluding the

 

search which was being so greedily made

on shore.

In safety he crossed the stream, and finally
drew his dripping figure up the shadow-
hid bank on the other side. He would have
dearly loved to have a closer view again,
but was too wise to Venture near the ma-
rauders. Without waitinr to watch them
further be started for Dea Latch.

CHAPTER v.
HOLD UP CIIARLEY MAKES A CAPTURE.

E'rnm. Aivms was leaning out of the win~
dow, listening with breathless earnestness,
when her father came clattering up to the
house, and she gave a glad little cry as she
recognized the horseman.

"‘ What was it?” she exclaimed, opening
the door which she had. taken the precaution
to lock, and stepping out upon the porch.

“ Something has happened, for I heard
shots down about the ford, and if there had
not been trouble you never would have
pressed Jack so hard when so near home.”

“ It is all ri ht, little irl. Nobody has
been hurt, un ess they (eserved it, and I
think the racket is over for the night.”

He slipped off his horse, opened the knots
of the cinches, drew oil the bridle, and turn-
ed Jack loose to graze.

The animal would come to him at a whistle,
and there was little danger he would wander
be ond hearing.

evertheless, when they entered the house
to ether, Angus Ames carefully locked and
bo ted the door after them, and led the way
to the room he called his study.

There was an assortment of weapons there,
and he wanted to be where he could have
them ready to his hand. It was possible, if
not likely, there would be pursuit, and with
plent o ammunition he would hardly object
to a l ttle long ran e practice.

Ethel was not 0 the die-away order, and
Angus Ames knew it. He told her without
hesitation, of the the attack at the ford, and
that some erson, to him unknown, had ex-
ecuted a d version which had perhaps saved
his life.

“ Did you notice anything peculiar about
his voice i" asked Ethel.

“ I did, and that is what has been puz-
zling me. It seemed to be disguised, for
it was shrill and piping. Probably it was
some one known either to them or me,
and he wished to conceal his identity. What-
ever ma have ,been his object he seemed to
accompish it. Perhaps I should not have
deserted him altogether, but I believed then,
and I believe now, his intention was that I
should ride on. After I was once past the
toils I heard no more of him or his gun. He
must have retreated in cod order. Had he
bgein harmed or capture I would have heard
0 t."

“ Then there is something in the warnin .
after all. Can it be possible the boy himse f
is the friend who wrote the note? Hardly,
though he seems to have come in the hour
of danger, and come a little late. He just
fairly had time to reach the ford. It must
have. been he."

She spoke more to herself than to her
father, and there was a little frown of thought
on her brow as she considered the question
she had raised.

“ I do not understand, but something must
have happened, of course. To whom do you
refer?"

For answer to the question of her father
Ethel put the note she had received into his
hand, and watched him carefully while he
read it. ' .

“Strange. this. My secrets seem to be
known to more than one; and for once it may
be as well to lay some stress upon an anony-
mous letter. I was certainly in some danger,
and if things are as you say the boy bearer

of this probably came to my rescue. 0h“,

 

 

-.. m... h u. .

l

Monte Saul, the Sport.

 

 

 

    

t well. A mouse may help a lion when the
conditions are right, and I won't blush to
own up. What sort of a fellow was he,
large or small. well dressed or disreputable,
honest or a rogue, judging from appear-
anecs?”

As accurately as she could Ethel described
the appearance of Harry Carter, and struck
pretty nearly an average between the ex-
tremes of the different sections of her father’s
question.

Amos shook his head. ‘

He had never noticed such a boy in Dead
Latch, nor could he imagine who he might
be. It. was a mystery he would have to un-
ravel at some future time. Certain he was,
there had already been proof ‘the warning
was worth taking. If the boy Was only an
agent he knew how to work for the interest
0 his principal, and some da Angus Amcs
intended to thank him; if he t id not reward
him more substantially.

“ The strangest thing is, how they came to
know I had papers of any Value, or that they
should desire to capture them. Perhaps
they wanted to make me pay for them twice
over. If not, to what use could they put
them? The boy may know something about
it, or could put me in communication with
his prinei al. I think it would be well to
place the ocuments in a safe spot, and then
go see if I can find any traces of him. Had

known it was only a boy I would not have
abandoned him to his own resources. The
more I think of it the more cruel it seems.”

Ethel offered no objection. though she did
not believe the effort would result in any
thing worth the trouble.

As to danger, the hawks had made their
swoo , and Were probably far enough away
by th s time. _

When she Suggested he should wakcn
John, a trustworthy man of all work, who
slept in'the cottage, Mr. Ames said he pre-
ferred to leave him where she could have'
him in case any supposed need should arise.

He threw. a Winchester over his arm, saw
that his revolver was handy, and quietly set
out for the ford.

It was a late start, but it was better made
late than never. Harry had made a tem-
porary escape, but he was not alto ether
done with the highwaymen who woul have
,. halted Angus Ames.

.5 There was a fellow who had been called
Jimm by the leader, and who had been sta-
tione on the other side of the river to pre-
vent a possible retreat. ' - '

After the sharp re roof he had received,
be determined to fol ow his instructions to
the letter, and so, though he heard the hitch
in the proceedings, patiently awaited the re-
sult, very well satisfied that if business did
not come to him, on his side of the river, he
wouldn’t hunt for it on the other.

a Of course he heard the shouting and the

f» shooting, but he listened to it perfectly un-

I.' -l

i533.- moved, and heard Angus Ames dash away,
-T  with a chuckle of satisfaction.

13' , A little later he thought he understood
"’1" matters, when he caught a glimpse of

Harry, just after he had taken to the water.

“It's there yez are, are yez? Sure, an’
ye’ll hev to d’ale wid Jimmy O’Brien now,
 av yez comes moi way. It’s too schmall a
mark be the moonioight, but av yez lands
on this side the crake, it’s moi mutton yez

-; are.” He crept along quietly, keeping as
3 good a. watch on the river as he could, and
. trying to make out where the person in the

water intended to land.

It was not easy work he had set himself
to do, and after the first sight, had he not
. _ ‘ known the boy was there, he would not have
% been able to locate him at all.

' Even then, he made some little mistake
in his calculations as to where Harr would
"é- land, and the boy had drawn himself out of

 ' the water, and started on a, trot for Dead
J .. ,Latch before be fairly realized it.
;. Unfortunately for Harry Carter, he struck

 

toward the trail at once, and that brought
him nearer to O’Brien, who silently started
at an angle, with the intention of intercept-
ing him. Harry had forgotten all about the
man left on that side the river, and the first
intimation he had of his danger was when a
hand suddenly grasped him from behind.

Harry, was sharp, and shrewd, and strong
for his age, but he was no match for a full
grown man who had him at a disadvantage.
Before he could swing his pistol hand around
he was on his back, and a heavy knee boring
into his chest.

“ Arrah, ye little spalpccn, Oi have yez,
an' I’ll kape yez sal‘c tell the captain comes.
VVe‘ll see phat he has to say about yez.”

Harry gave a futile squirm or two, and
then lay still, while the Irishman gave a low,
thrilling whistle, by way of signal.

“You’ve got him?” shouted a voice from
the other side of the stream.

“ Oi have some wan. Av yez 'wants him,
say so, an’ av yez don’t Oi’ll lit him go.”

“ Hold on to him, then, and We’ll be with
you in a minute. It’s the bound that spoiled
the fun, and we can play to get even with
him, anyhow.”

Jimmy had pretty well taken in the nature
of his capture, and was rather ashamed of it,
but it was too late to turn him loose. He
twisted him to his feet, and brought his
wrists behind his back, where he held them
with one hand, while he urged him on.

By the time the leader and his men had
crossed the river, Jimmy and his captive had
reached the trail.

“ Sure, an’ it’s ownly a shmall b’ye,” said
Jimmy, apologetically, “ but Oi thought az
he wor thryin' to git away, Oi had betther
take him in."

“ Right you are. Small boy or not he did
the mischief, and he’ll do more if we don’t
put him where the do 3 won’t bite. If you
had rung his infernal ittle neck first off it
would have pleased me all the better.”

“ Sure, an’ it’s not too late to do it now,”
w as the cool response, as Jimmy shifted his
fingers from wrists to neck.

Harry shivered in spite of himself.

He had lived among this sort of men long
enough to know that when they talked that
way it was more likely to be earnest than
jest, and that if Jimmy was what he seem-
ed, a boy more or less on his conscience
would not trouble him much. He was not
certain what they suspected, or how much
the 'thou ht he knew, but he believed he
ha seen immy before. and unless the Irish-
man was utterly reckless, and altogether
given over to this sort ofbusiness, Harry was
in an u ly position. On the face of the. mat-
ter, be new altogether too much.

Besides that, there was no question but
what he had fired a number of shots at the
road-agents and some of them might have
come uncomfortably close.

He said nothing for the
just as well to try and fin
wbuld be the best to follow.

“ Hold on a trifle,” said the captain; and
then turnin to the boy he continued:

“ Where ( 0 you come from, and what are
you doing here this time of night?”

“I come frum ther river, last; an’ ef you
got two good eyes in the head of you you
kin see that I’m a-shiverin’. Better let me
run along now er I might ketch cold.”

“ You’ll ketch cold enough to 'make you
stiff as a wedge if you try any of your check
here. Do you belong up at the house of
Ames?”

“ Not regular like, but ez fur oz a meal ov
cold wi’ttals now an’ then, er s’uthin’ ov that
sort, on might count me in.”

“ ' ow many men are there about the
house at night, and what sort are they? See
if you can tell a straight story.”

" Three men not countin’ a boy when I’m
there. All or us heeled, an’ mighty desp‘rit
fighters. Be you goin’ tcr call on us
now, er wait tell you git a bigger gang?

resent, It was
out which line

 

Don’t make a diffabitterence. You’ll always}5 I
find the old man wide awake, an‘ his guns "

ready fur biz.”
" ’ou infernal little liarl There’s only
one man on the place besides Ames, and he’s
better suited to wear petticoats than the
handsome daughter. Chuck him in the
river, Jimmy, and leave him there. He may
as well be drowned as hanged; and that last
is what he's aiming for.”

“ Come along wid yez. Ye know too
much to live, an' av ye dhrowns this noight.
yer own mother won’t be sorry."

Never once did the Irishman relax his
grip as be dragged the boy away, and before-
Harry made out what was really intended he-
was flung far out into the water, to the ac-
companiment of a laugh from the outlaws.
in the distance. "

\Vhat was to come next was the important.
question, for there were two senses to be:
taken out of the order. Jimmy seemed bent
on assuring him as to what he intended.

“ Sure, an’ I wor tol’ave yez thar. There’s
ownly wan way av doin’ it. phor er shwims
loikc a doock. Howld stiddy a b essid min-
nit tell Oi can get a b’ade on yez, an’ yc'll.
bob down sayrenc.”

He drew his revolver as he spoke, cocked‘;
it, and aimed toward the little tow head,
which bobbed out of sight on the instant.

On the night air his words carried far, and.
were heard, not only by the captain, but by
some one else. As he stood there in the-
moonlight he was not a bad mark, and he-
heard the sudden report of a Winchester,
and the angry hist of a bullet, whizzing with-
in au inch of his head.

“ Howly Mosesi” he exclaimed, sprin ing
backward into the shade, while the boy kept
on swimming gamely for the middle of the
stream.

 

CHAPTER v1.
CLARK BRUCE IS DISAPPOINTED..

CLARK BRUCE thought it might be as
well to keep out of the way of the men of
Dead Latch for the present.

Monte Saul was not an especial favorite,

nor did he have many enemies among the in-1
habitants, and as far as a melee could be, it.
would appear to have been done all fair and,
square, according to the code.
_ Still, there were several weak spots which
might come to light, and until he was certain
what view would be taken of them it would.
be gust as well to play modest and keep out;
of s ght. .

He had other reasons, also, which will be
developed at the proper time. If Dead.
Latch took a notion to make a hero of him,
and started for a red-fire celebration it would
not be so easy to get away when ,thc honr
came. a -

. Ostensibly he retired to his own quarters,.
but, as Harry Carter discovered, he did not.
remain there ion .

He wanted tofitnow what the deputation.
to the battle-ground found, and to be sure
that his bullet had gone just where he.
thought it did. Without being seen of any
one he made his way out of the house by the-
rear entrance, and got around to the little
cabin occupied by Dick Tredgsr, the trench—-
erous second of Monte Saul.

“ What in blazes ,did you come here for?"
growled Dick, as Bruce silently entered 0hr
finding the door was not locked.

“ It’s like enough some of Monte’s friends
will be asking whether my man had a fair.
shake, and why the thunder I didn’t stay by
him, even if he was dead. You’re sure he
is, by the way? When 1 saw him drop I
took it for granted your lead had gone where

you said it should, but I begin to think I .

ought to have made sure.”

“ You'll find the hall right through the‘
center of his heart—if he had such an organ,
and it was in its right place. I took In time

to it, for you must have seen, Monte red 8' (

  
 

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Monte Saul, the Sport.

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If a paper wad carried
as far as .a lead ball, and as true, I would
have had it right through the bridge of the
nose.”

“Ughl Don’t speak about that. Idon't
care to hear anything about the work of the
doctor. I saw the pistols loaded, and it's all
I want to know. They will be bringing
him in soon, and I suppose I ought to go out
as one of the chief mourners, but I swear I’d
about as soou go to my own funeral.”

“And that’s right where you will go to
if you don’t dry up on that nonsense. You
know if I turn my hand thumbs down you
flicker out in the draft I can set to blow-
ing. I’m not standing any of that nonsense,
and it’s the last warning.”

“That’s all right. I guess you’d sooner
I said my little say-so to you than anyone
else, and if I can’t have a chance to let a
bit of steam off there may be a regular
blow-up. A fellow has got to die once any-
how, and when he gets as far as I have on
the wron track here I’m not sure but what
it would 0 as well to start fresh, and see if
he can’t do better the next time.”

There was an air of gloomy desperation
about Dick Tredgar which did not altogether
please his seeming master.

“If there was any use to reason with you
I would say you are on the down-grade now,
going pretty fast, and if you gota sudden fil-
lip you’d go down all the faster. You want
to let well enough alone, forif Istartin you’ll
go by lightning Express, and find it a mighty

, long time of waitintr before you get to the

top of the hill again. Hands on the board,
now. Are you really oing to kick or not?
and it’s the only time 0% asking.”

“You know you have me foul. Imay

:‘tnnble; but it’s not likely I really mean to
flick. After all, who wants to be hung?
What are your lordship’s orders ‘2”

The sharp warning of Clark Bruce had
taken immediate effect. and it was with an
air of thorough recklessness Dick Tredgar
answered. ‘

“ That shows you know how to level your
head again when it gets off of plumb. 1
want to know how they found him, and
what they did with him. Some of the boys
had the office to bury him right there; but
there may be some fools who will insist on
bringing him into town witha whoop. You
can’t always tell. If they do it may make
some trouble."

“You might have put the job on some
of the other oys, but I'll do the best I can.
I’m not asking any questions myself, if I
can get out of it, but Hicksey can do it for
me.”

“Fix it to suit yourself, but don't put it
off too long. I want to know how things
stand as soon as possible.”

Tredgar went out without further delay,
but as he went he grumbled to himself:

“Curse him, he wants to show his au-
thority. He had better .not crack his whip
too, loud. He has the cinch knotted mighty
tight, but what good will that do him if he’s
not there to ride?” 4

A noise in the distance showed there were
some arrivals, and Clark Bruce did not have
long to wait for intelligence.

Before long Tred gar came bursting in.

“There was a hitch in the programme
somewhere!” he exclaimed.

“You better go out and explain to the

ng. For a man who was shot through the

cart Monte Saul turned out a lively sort of
a stiff. He’s skipped."

“ Skipped l”

“Lit out. Get up and dusted. He was
nowhere to be found, and some of the boys
say it was all a fake, and that he never was
“there at all.”

“ What sort of e es did they have, then?
With a moon like t at ”-—-he jerked his hand
toward the window, through which the clear
light was streaming—“ they ought to be able

 

to lift the trail without spectacles. Some
one has carried him away.”

“Some of them thought they saw some
sign, but the rest don't know whether to
laugh or get mad at the rise they say has
been taken out of Dead Latch. Let them
think so if they want to. It will make it all
the smoother sailing for us. Maybe he will
never turn up again.”

“If he’s alive you'll see him to your sor-
row. If he’s dead there is a chance he will
be planted, and no more said about it. See
that you don't chatter too free, and I'll look
after things myself.”

Without any air of caution, yet, without
being such, Clark Bruce left the town alone,
3nd retraced his steps to the place of the

no].

He found easily enough the exact spot
where he had been Standing when he pulled
trigger, and after that it Was not hard to lo-
cate Monte Saul’s position.

He paced across as methodically as Dick
Tredgar had done when he was helping to
place the men; and then bent over and nar-
rowly examined the ground.

“The fools!" he muttered.

“Their eyesight must have been as poor
as their intentions. There is blood on the
grass; how much of it did they expect to
see? A (1mg) would be enough, for he
might have led inwardly. Now, to strike
the trail of the man or men who carried him
away.” '

Bruce professed to be something of a
trailer, and he had followed the craft in
places where his life depended upon it, but
it struck him he had come across seine one
who was as wily as a red Indian.

It was almost by chance he found signs
which let him a little-into the true history of
the case.

“ They have run all over the trail, curse
them, and I‘ll have to make a bigger cast
about to find it, but it looks as though he
might have been sitting here a bit while
some one tied him up. Those little feet-
prints showed their owner stayed too long in
one place to be only looking around for a
body that was missing. It’s a boy, sure
enouo'h, and he knows more than the rest.
If I had the time I. Would follow him in and
choke the truth but of him, Wonder if it
was the same kid 1 saw about the head-

uarters, early in the evening? If I saw his
ace again, I would know it. He has struck
back for town, and I wonder what sort of a
yarn he will tell, A boy can be mighty
dangerous when he's not trying." ,

IIe seowlcd as he muttered, and then,
with an angry gaze in the direction of the
town, he turned aWay, and began to circle
around the spot. In spite of the sign which
he read so truly. he could not believe his aim
had failed him, or that Monte Saul still
lived. ‘

" No use.” he said, at last. .

“ If he had been carried away there would
have been something to show the fact. And
if he has gone away on his own feet, he is a
better man. and a gamer man,’ than Igave
him credit for. It would be like him to
dra himself over to Honey Dew—if he
cou d—to refit, but I've no time to follow
the road to make sure. He couldn't keep
this up forever. but I’ll have to let him go
for the present.” '

lie was consulting his watch. by the
moonlight, and the hands showed the hour
was even later than be supposed. Without
delay he left the trail, and strode away at
right angles to it.

Half an hour of vigorous walking brought
him to the spot which he had evidently been
aiming to reach. Casting a keen glance
around. he gave a grunt of satisfaction, and
threw himself down to await developments.

“He ought to have been here by this
time, but I’m as well satisfied he didn’t have
to wait. There is no (lan or that he failed,

 

and. I wouldn’t like to give him too much.

time to think it all over. He might imagine
the job was worth paying for again, espe-
cially if there was no solid lining to the
pockets of the old man. It seems to meI
hear him now. Better be cautious, though.
It would make a high time in Dead Latch if
they knew I was out, holding a eonfab with
Hold Up Charley."

A little band of horsemen came sweeping
up, and Clark Bruce crouched lower on the
short grass.

 

CHAPTER VII.
'rua s'raANrum AT 'rim GRAPEVINE.

“ In you are there show up without fool-
ing!" exclaimed the leader of the outfit, and
who was none other than the fellow just
name by Clark Bruce as Iiold Up Charley.

“ Go a little slow," promptly replied Bruce,
rising upon his elbow.

“There seems to have been considerable
work of one kind and another done around
Dead Latch to-night, and it’s just possible
some one may be about to catch on to who
were the workers. Mention no names, but
give us the good word as soon as you have a
mind to.”

“ The good word might be a heap better
without any one being hurt. \Ve are here
and alive, which is about all we can say for
ourselves. If you want to curse the matter
ever let drive. I can stand it as well now as
any other time.”

“ \Vhatl You missed the game?”

“ And the game missed us, which is about
as much as one could ask under the circum-
stances. IIave to pick your (lint and try it
again. He said he had only a poor hundred
in his pocket, and it wasn't worth while to
run much risk for that. I‘ve known the
time when he had ten times as much on
hand, and thought nothing of it, either. I’ll
wait, now, till 1 kan what I am going for,
and then I’ll be read ' to hold straight.”

“ Curses on it! I e escaped you, did be?
You don’t mean to say that one man carried
too many runs for you and your gang?"

“ lie and a boy. There was a little shaver
came into the game, who barked as loud as
a full grown bull-dog. I-Ie kind of seared
us off, Iguess. We picked him up after-
wards, but the blamed little cuss got away
after all, and I don’t know but what it was
justas well. Ever body will know it was
the work of Ilold p Charley.”

“A boy! There seems to be a boy every-
where to-night. There was one chipped in-
to my game, if I am not mistaken. What
was he like? I’d sooner have a full-grown
man on my trail. Luck never helps him like
it does the kid, and he’s twice as careful
about his fool neck."

“ Ask Jimmy. He had the contract to
drown him in the river, but while he was
trying to get in his work some one from the
other bank began a remonstrance with a
Winchester and he threw up the job. Of
course, that was the last we saw of the kid.”

“But how did 'ou come to fail in the
first place? You ardly mean that a boy
bluifed you off.” ’

Hold Up Charley told the story rather as
a joke, than as a matter to be angry about.
He admitted that for once he was taken by
surprise and off his guard. To the question
wh he did not follow on as soon as Amos
hm broken past he said that he knew too
much to leave an enemy in the rear, and that
by the. time he had rousted him out Antes
was at home and behind his fortifications.
There was no chance to take him by sur-
prise, and they were not exactly ready to at-
tempt an assault, which would be more than

likely to fail, and thus put him doubly on his.

guard. By leaving him go the chances were
that in a day or so he would have ceased all
caution on account of what would be an ab
most forgotten incident.

” Perhaps it waéfor the best," said Bruce,

  
     
   
   
     
  
  
  
  
   
    
  
   
  
  
  
    
   
  
   
   
     
     
     
   
     
    
      
     
  

  
     
   
     
     
      
       
      
      
     
    
     
      
     
    
   
    
      
       
     
          
        
     
     
     
          
      
      
      
    
   
       
      
 
        
        
    
       
      
         
         
     
      
       
      
    
     
     
   

   
 

“111.4 syn ,.

.. y.‘ 3/.“ _‘ 2

 

v‘I‘.
?
‘5

‘trail behind him which could be read, and

 

Monte Saul, the Sport.

 

 

thoughtfully, when he had finished his
story.

" I lost m man too; and I sent lead as
straight for iim as it ever went anywhere.
The worst of it is, I can’t spare the time to
gianthim up, and it wouldn't look well if I

l .l

“ Sort ofa bad night for men, anyhow,”
laughed the outlaw.

“ It might be worse. If he is alive, as I
think he is, he has probably struck out for
Honey Dew, and it won’t be in his nature to
stay under cover a bit longer than he can
help. I’d give five hundred if some one
would drop him before he gets back to Dead
Latch, and save me the trouble. I can’t
wrin the same game in on him twice.”

“ edad, an’ av it’s l’ave av absince the
captain will be afther givin’ me Oi’ll take the
job mesilf,” interposed Jimmy O’Brien.

“ Not sayin’ I wouldn’t give half the coin
to the mon who hilped me wid the worruk.”

“ If our friend here chooses to trust you
with the 'ob you can have three days to do
it in. A ter that I need you myself. You
will have to meet us at the station by early
candlelight. Thursday night. And I’ll
vouch for it that there couldn’t be a better
man to put on the case.”

“ Will ou vouch for it that if he is pinch-
ed he will’never squeal?” was Clark Bruce’s
question.

“ Anybody could do the job after a fashion,
but it’s not every one who would be smart
enough to get awa .”

“1’11 vouch for jimmy being solid every
time, besides having the cunning of the Old
Boy if you only let him have his own way to
show it. "

“Good enough then, I’ll have a little talk
with him, if you are not objecting, after we
have settled what is to be in the matter of
you know who.”

There was considerable conversation
carried on in a low tone with the captain,
and as much more with O’Brien. When
Clark Bruce turned back toward Dead Latch
matters were once more arranged to his lik-
ing, and he'hoped the failures of the night
would be recouped before long.

Monte Saul had not altogether believed his
disappearance would puzz e Bruce complete-
ly, but he had not expected it would be so
promptly and shrewdly dealt with.

The wound in his shoulder was not at all
dangerous, but the pain of it had turned him
alittle sick, and the fact that he had been
foolish enough to turn over his revolvers to
hDiick Tredgar took some of the steel out of

m. it

He fancied that until located Bruce might
or would 1postpone his attack on Angus
Ames; and e wanted to be in his best shape
before taking the hand he expected to in the

. me.

g“IIIe had a friend in Honey Dew with whom
he could rest, and perhaps there was some-
thing further to be learned there about
Clark Bruce.

The distance to the town was not so many
miles, and the walking was good, but Saul
found the tramp harder than he had ex-
pected.

At,first, excitement kept him going, but
by the time he had decided he had left no

that for the future no care would be needed,
he began to feel the effects of the strain.
When he came banging against Diamond
Davcs. \l.)01‘ it was not so far off of daybreak,
'and he was almost. exhausted.

Aday of rest toned him up wonderfully,
‘and a plaster which Dave fixed on his shoul-
dcr held the edges of the wound together so
‘well he hardly knew it was there. When

evening came the two went down to the
Grapevine.

Saul was heeled now, and felt he would
have no particular objection to meeting Clark
Bruce over again.

 

L, He had no intention of (doing more than

stroll around alittle, and take in the sights.
Some word of it might 0 over to Dead
Latch before he got there himself, but he had
recovered so rapidl he had no objection.
He never cared to hit a man when he was
unwarned, and would just as soon Clark
Bruce had some notiCe before they met
again.

As he entered, halfa dozen sports looked
up from the table at which they had been
gazing.

“ Just the man we wanted!” shouted one
of them.

" lIyer’s a game'that we don‘t have much
show against. This galoot knows the cards
by name, he does, and if you don’t come up
to help against the mighty, he‘ll kerry off
the whole boodle of the camp. Chip in,
Saul, an’ the camp will give yer the funds to
kerrg, but we're bound to beat it somehow.”

“ Iuch obliged for the offer. I always
reckoned to buy the box at my own funeral
when the time came, but this is a game I
have no use for.”

“ You cannot win if you do not hot,” said '

the man at the table with sententious preci-
Slon.

“AndI can lose mighty much if I do. I
know something about the habits of the ana-
mile myself, and he can bite worse than the
tiger. Besides, I’m in a bad streak just
now, and I wouldn'twant to win if Icould,
so I guess you boys can just keep on rus-
tling the game till you get tired. To-night
I'm not mhamed to confessI haven’t the
nerve.”

The Mexican behind the table cast a little
glance of scorn at the laughing gamester,
and then proceeded to throw out his lay-out,
and turn the deck to deal them out of hand.
He knew nothing about Monte Saul, but he
saw it was a surprise to those who did when
he took water. ~

The game went on all the same, and the
icarais on the table were pretty fairly patron-
ze . “‘

Saul was not greatly interested in the
game, but he would not have been himself'
at all if he had not keptacasual e eon it.
The dealer was a stranger to him, an almost
one to the town, but he handled the cards
with the grace and skill of an adept, though
not with the the unvarying ood fortune
complained of to Monte Saul y his friend
when endeavoring to induce him to takea
hand in the game.

The betting was lively? but it was not
large, and though the anker was on the
average a winner he was not likely to make
a fortune at the rate things were progress-

in .

[It was not very long before Diamond
Dave fell a victim to the seductions of the
game. and was banking his coin with the
rest of them, in spite of the friendly warn-
in Saul attempted to convey by a pressure
of HS albow.

There was some rou h talk, now and then,
but that was part 0 the game, and the
dealer went on with his work as though he
was deaf, and whether he lost or won gave
no sign of excitement.

The thing might have kept up all night,

for it was something ofa chan e to the boys,-

who enjoyed it though they id not care to,
strike it too hard. The interruption, if there
was destined to be any, bad to come from
the outside, and in due course of time it
seemed to be arriving.

Through the open door staggered rather
than stepped a little stranger, who tried to
prance up to the bar, though the attempt
could be looked upon as a rank failure.
He “as an Irishman, if looks and brogue
went for an’ything, and he was on the war‘
path from the word go.

He had a battered old plug hat, set jaunt-v
illy on one side of his head. a short clay

. pipe, almost as black as the hat, was in his

mouth, and in his hand he flourished a stout
stick with a knob on the end of it.

 

” Phor the love-av the blessid saints sit
’em up, barkeep. ' 0h am Phelim McGrana-
ghan, out pho a lark, an! whin Oi sphread
mesilf Rhome howls."

He brought his stick down on the bar with
a great whack, and then began to caper in a,
most extraordinary manner. executing what
he might have intended-as a war-dance, but
which required a drunken man to execute
the figures.

“ Go slow, thar, sonny, er that will be
trouble in the church," said the barkeeper,
with a glance to see that his revolver lay
ready to hand under the counter.

“This is no dance-house, an’ don’t you
f urgit it.”

CHAPTER VIII.
BOLLIVAR BEN AND HIS BABY ELEI’HANTS.

AT the sternly uttered words of the bar-
keeper the Irishman braced himself up, but
not in any apparent terror.

He gazed at the speaker with a ludicrous
stare, while he slowly drew from his panta-
loons pocket a handful of coin. Then, he
covered the one hand with the other, and
shook the two till the musical jingle of gold
against gold could be heard all over the
room.

“ D’yez moind the sound av that, me b’ye?
An’ w’ad yez foire out a custhomer loike Phe-
lim McGranaghan phor a bit av loiveliniss,
Whin he's joost foive minnits in the land av
love, an’ ownly sthopped long enough at the
infayrior places to take an idge off the ragin’
thourst phot has been gatherin’ phor thray
long wakes. ”

“Now you begin ter talk a little closer to
ther line. You kin eat an’ drink hycr, but
yer wants ter be blamed keerful how yer go
about bein’ merry. Reckon you ain‘t near
ez drunk ez you ’peared ter be.”

“ Dhrunk! Phelim McGrana han dhrunk!
An’ him ownly snx or sivin hrinks to the
good, wid a good, long thray wakes av
thourst to his cridit. But av it’s the rule av
the house, sure, an' be ki be doumb as a
clam—more loss to the jintlemin who love
illegant conversation, sthraked wid intertain-
mint. ”

The milder tone had its effect on the bar-
tender, who thought he had succeeded in
taming the intruder at the first effort. He
had seen such cases often before.

When he noted that the potation poured
out by Phelim was not more generous than
the avera e he was satisfied that all present
danger o a riot had been averted, and he
was tacitl awarded the run of the house.

Nor di it take very long for the Irishman
to get on speaking terms with a good many
of the habituea of the place. If he did not
let off his effervescent spirits in a wholesale
manner he could talk in a rollicking under-
tone. In ten minutes he had won the hearts
of the loungers, had made them laugh half a
dozen times, and drink almost as often.

And, withal, if looks went for anything,
he was less under the influence of the " cra-
tur,” as he called it, than when he came in.

All this could not go on without attracting
the attention of Monte Saul, who generally
had eyes for everything; but he had no part
in it.

Diamond Dave was still interested in the
game, and Saul was standing at his friend’s
shoulder, with coldly scrutinizing eyes
watching the play.

The dealer seemed to be aware of the fact,
for he looked up more than once, when luck
seemed to be going rather against him, and
the stakes were heavy; but always to meet
that fixed gaze.

Saul noticed the fact, and smiled. ,

“Looks as though I had some particular
attraction for him," he thought to himself.

“ \Vonder if he believes I will hoodoo his
luck? More likely he wants to work his ad-
vantages, and is afraid I may catch him in
the act. He hardly expects me to join

‘ them. "

 

     
 

 

 

 

 

  
  

    

'.?~r:’-,‘,'~ " " 21H“:
. , .

Monte Saul, the Sport.

   

 

 

'He was thinking of this when the second
wave of trouble arrived at the Grapevine.

There was a rough trampling of feet, and
four or five burly looking ruflians came
stamping up to the bar.

Phelim was regaling an admiring auditory,
and had just poured out a glass of whisky
when an immense paw reached over his shoul-
der to settle on the tumbler, while a duplicate
paw thrust him aside with a rough wave of
strength.

Phelim went tumbling one way, his hat
flew another, and his pipe shivercd on the
floor where his feet had been standing.

"‘ Git out ov that an’ let room fur a man
all over. That’s Bollivar Ben’s benzinc, gn’
hyer's Bollivar hisself ter drink it."

The tumbler went up into the air, lingered
an instant around the mass of unkempt hair
which almost concealed Bollivar Ben’s face,
while its contents disappeared in a twink-

mg.

But Bollivar had not come alone, for there
were two or three more like to him in ap-
pearanceif not in size, and they were all
strangers in Honey Dew.

Without wasting any time they had cor-
ralled, each man, a glass, and between them
captured the decanter. The evaporation of
thiz fluids which followed was almost magi-
ca.

“Hoop la!” shouted the leader of the

. strange gang, as all the tumblers came back

'\

to the bar with a simultaneous crash.

“I’m Bollivar Ben, ther big elephant of
ther Brazos, an’ these hyer be ther baby ele-
phants 0v ther perairie. Take yer change
outen that.’.’ ‘

He threw down a gold flow; and then
turned with a grin to meet helim McGran-

a ban.

At first, the little lifishman had stood as
though spellbound, h s red face growing
redder, and his eyes almost ready to po out
of their sockets, after he had mechanihally
gathered himself from the floor. His short,
bristly hair rose like that of an angry wolf,
and his jaws moved savagely, though no
sound came from between them.

As Bollivar Ben turned he sprung at him
like a tiger.

The fracas arose so suddenly the barkeeper
had no time to remonstrate. ut, as this ap-
peared to be a time when talk had to have
something behind it, he was about to dive for
his weapons when he was aware the drop
was already on him.

“Hold off, Johnny. This are a case ov
pure fun, an’ you don’t want ter try ter
sp‘iie it. Han’s on ther bar, an’ fingers
empty, er down yer go.”

One of the “ baby elephants " had him
lined, and was talking as though he meant
business. -

Straight for Bollivar Ben the Irishman
sprun , clutching with one hand and strik-
in with the other as he came.

en's head went back, enough to break
somewhat the force of the blow which other-
wise would havc gone fully home.

As it was, there was a resounding whack
which told the Irishman knew how to hit,
and how to hit hard; and he dodged back
with scientific speed from the returnwhich
cai‘se slowly booming along.

By that time Phelim was cooler; but all the
same, he went in for a hurricane fight, per-
fectly unmindful of the fact that the “ baby
elephants” had drawn their revolvers, and
were keeping the ring with more regard to
Ben‘s interests than ‘his own, one of them ex-
claiming:

“ Stiddy. t-llm‘. all you! Give ’em room
'fur their size. When Bolly hits I jest want
ter see him drive ther kid inter ther ground.”

Ben did not exactly succeed in doing that,
but when one of his blows chanced to con-
nect, in spite of a skillful dodge, and a
scientific guard, Phelim Went flying back al-
most to the opposite wall, driving three or
four of the men of Honey Dew to this side

 

and that, or upsetting them altogether. It
was a hard stroke, judged by its effects, and
it was quite a surprise to see McGranaghan
come flyin back again to the attack.

Ben ha lowered his hands; and they did
not come up in time to ward off the sudden
attack. Two or three times the assailant ap-
peared to get in sharply on body and brow,
and Ben actually began to give ground.

Then, one. Tthe “baby elephants ” threw
out his foot, and tripped the following Phe-
lim, at the same time exelaiming:

“ Set down on ther leetle runt!
in’ more time her we kin Spare.
in’ his guns new!"

All this had passed more rapidly than it
can be told, and the men of the town had
been giving the strangers the floor. Phelim
appeared to want to look after his own in-
terests, and as long as there was fair play
every one was willing he should do so.

But this began to look too much like mur-
der, when the whole gang made a movement
for the one man, and he down.

Honey Dew, in the persons of half a dozen
of its fighters, started a rush, and just then
Phelim sprung from the floor, shooting as he
sprung.

It did not seem as though he had begun
his work any too soon, for the “baby ele-
phants ” were coming as well, and it looked
as though their intention was to tramp him
into the ground.

Bollivar Ben leaped lightly to one side as
the Irishman pulled trigger, and there was a
suppressed exclamation, and the sound of a
fall near the monte table.

IIe’s kill-
IIe's draw-

 

CHAPTER IX.
MONTE BAUL mmns THE LATEST.

THE exclamation was from Monte Saul,
and it was the sound of his body striking
against the floor which had been heard.

At the same time, he was perfectly un-
hurt, though amazed at the sudden and
seemingly causeless attack which had sent
him down, just in time to escape the bullet
which went hissing over his head.

“ Stiddy be jerks!” whispered a youthful
voice in his ear.

“That’s one 0v Hold Up Charley’s men,
an‘ he's doin‘ Clark Bruce's dirty work. He
hed yer lined when Icracked yer j‘ints an'
tole er ter sot down.”

A ittle paw on his shoulder held Monte
Saul steady while this revelation was being
made. Then, the boy dodged under the
table, though, before he had gone, Saul had
recognized him as his youthful friend of the
night before. Hurry Carter.

If it was true what the lad told it would
be just as well to act with caution, for he
had heard the hist of the bullet as it went
along through the point in space lately occu-
pied by his head, and could understand that
nothing but his involuntary tumble had
saved his life

If the party who shot believed his first
shot had done its work it was not likely he
would try another, when the attention of
every one had been drawn that way. Monte
remained motionless for an instant, and then
suddenly threw himself around, pistol in
hand, and looked in the direction of the
bar.

There was where the‘shot came from; and
there was where there was now a confused
medley. Men were dodging this way and
that; some trying to get to the center of
the fray, and others trying to get away from
it.

“Bedad, av it’s double tame yez are af-
ther Phelim MeGran‘aghan prefers a foot-race
to a foight. Kim afther me av ye wants to
foind where 0i live.” '

Ashe spoke he whirled a chair around
him to open the way, and came bursting
out from the throng, and made for the near-
est window. One spring—the chair still in

‘ menced that shootin .

 

front of him—and with a crash and jingle‘
he went through the breaking sash, Bollivar
Ben and his allies following close at his
heels.

Monte Saul sprung to his feet in time to
see the vanishment of the Irishman, and
Bollivar Ben and his “ baby elephants "
streaming away after hiin, some by the win-
dow, and others by the door. If their cries
were to be taken in good faith it would go
hard with Phelim if they caught him.

“ Great Scott!” exclaimed Diamond Dave,
looking up at a jagged little hole in the
wall

“ There is heap more in luck than in judg-
ment or you would have been elected fora
hole in the ground. The infernal fool had
you lined.”

“ Looks like it,” said Monte, hesitating a
moment, between a desire to follow the
fugitive, and a curiosity to hear what other
news Harry Carter might have to tell him.

“ And, unless I'm away off, he didn’t hold
a bit straighter than he intended.”

He did not wait to give any further ex-
planations, for at that moment he saw
Iarry slipping through the crowd, and mak-
ing his way to the door. There was noth-
ing to keep him there any longer, and he
followed at once.

“ Be you lookin’ for them fellers, er did
yer want ter see me?"

Harry had slipped in behind the Sport, ii

and flung the question at him in a way that
was a surprise, for up to that moment he had
not can rht sight of the boy outside.

Still, Ionte answered promptly enough,
though in a tone which was not loud enough
to be overheard by the men who were near.

" You first, of course. After that I may
want an interview with the party who com-
Men can make a mis
take sometimes, ant that is all right;but
mistakes done on purpose ought to go over
again, with the advantages the other way.
Are you sure that was straight goods you
gave me in there?"

“ Dead sure, beyond ther shudder ov a
doubt, an‘ when yer hears what I got ter
tell 0, you'll see things ther same way.”

V ith that he began the history of the pre-
ceding evening's entertainment.

The reader is already acquainted with
what happened up to the time when Jimmy
O’Brien was about to dispose of the boy. and
Angus Ames opened on him with his Win-
chester. from the other side of the river.

Harry found littleptrouble after that in
making his way to the opposite bank, but he
did not think it worth while to go near
Ames, since that gentleman might begin
asking questions to which he was not cer-
tain he knew the proper answers.

He satisfied himself, however, that it was
the mill-owner who had come to his aid, and
then, after making sure the outlaws were not
attempting to follow him, roceeded down
the stream for a little, an finally crossed
again to follow them.

Captain Hold Up was in no great hurry,
and there were advantages for concealment
which the boy was prompt to use. He
managed to creep up so close that he heard
somethinr of the conversation held among
them, am though no names were mentioned,
it was not hard for, him to catch the mean-
ing of the most that was said.

“ Pretty long tramp fur me mammy’s eld-
est orphan, but if I ain’t thar ter hear fur‘der
d’velopments, (‘lnrk Bruce kin call me a
baldheaded leetle liar. With a short cut an’
limber legs reckon l kin beat even lloid Up
Charley.” .

He had heard where the trystmg-place was,
and knew the spot well enough. When
Bruce made his appearance, Harry was there
before him, and heard, not altogether to his
surprise, the arrangements which were made

for a further raid on Monte Saul.

How, he made his way to Honey Dew, and
how he got track of O‘Brien and his assis-

 
   
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
   
   
   
   
 
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
    
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
     
  
  
   
    
    
   
 
    
 
   
  
   
 
   
  
  
  
   
   
    
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
 

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:i‘
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if
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arrest ‘

   
 

if! I

10

 

. 3».  r .711,“ 1.6,; ~ 7 .,

Monte Saul, the Sport.

 

 

tants, turning up at the Grapevine just at
the right time, was briefly told, and Monte
Saul warmly returned his thanks to his lit-
tle ally.

“ That settlesit, then,” continued Saul, af-
ter he was through with his thanks.

“ They are after me, now, and for Some
reason or other that I do not altogether un-
derstand. They seem to want to get me out
of the way first, and then follow up with
Angus Ames, as closely as may be.”

" That’s ther program. You fu’st, Angus
next, :tn’ ther lady last 0v all. It’s a kinder a
puzzler ter Charley, hisself, but it don’t
keep him awake ov nights. Now, pard, of
it ain’t askin’ too much, What yer goin’ ter
do "bout it?”

“Move on the works of the enemy, my
boy. They have failed again, and that gives
me time to lay out the campaign. Until
they make the rifile with Monte Saul it looks
as though Angus Ames and his daughter
could sleep serenely at night.” '

“ Thar’s jest whar you’re out, pard.
Jimmy didn’t stop ter see yer crawlin’ out
frum under ther table, an’ ez he shoots con-
siderable straight he’ll go back an’ sw'ar ye'r’
ready fur ther bone-yard. Don’t fool yer-
self on ther outfit. Hold Up Charley ain’t
stayin’ too long in one place, an’ he’ll git in
his work to-morrer night—cf he don’t crowd
ther mourners an’ try ter hev ther funeral
afore daybreak.”

“ There is somethin in what you say, and
it is a pity perhaps I d d not send in a shot
to tell them I was alive. Only, if I had, he
would have never got back to his headquar-
ters to re ort. Clark Bruce must be a big-
ger rasca , even, than we thought, to have-
been able to bring the road-agents to help
him in the game.”

“Yepi Shouldn’t wonder of he used ter
b’long to ther gang. But what yer goin’ ter
do ’bout it; an’ what yer want me ter be
doin’?”

“I will waste no more time here. The
mark left by Clark Bruce's bullet has turned
out to be but a flea-bite. To-morrow I will
be as well as ever, and as fit for a fight. I
will go back to Dead Latch, go back to the
man who has sworn to rid the world of my
presence. With him under my feet the game
against Angus Ames comes to an end—and
I’ i put him there, no matter what the act
may reveal. With his life to my credit
Angus Ames ought to—forget, if nothing

~ more.”

It was pretty certain there was a meaning
in his words beyond the boy, but that
troubled him little. What he cared to know
was his own part in the game. He repeated
his question, with a little different wording,
and this time got an answer, though it
was not altogether to his liking.

“ For what you have done you have made
afriend of Monte Saul; but that may be a
doubtful blessing. It will be work that is
dangerous for a full grown man, and it
would be a sin to assign a part in it to a be .
Best stand to one side—if there is no way In
which I can reward you now. When the
battle is over I will see that you do not re-
gret the part {you have already taken—if I
am livin . I Iam dead a word to Angus
Ames WI 1 make him your friend if I mis-
take not. And that word I will put it in
your power to say.”

“ Thankee, pard, but I kin gen’rally find
words ter say fur meself, an’ bein’ ez luck
Seems ter hev dealt me a hand I don’t per-
ppse ter jump ther game tell ther last keard
are played. Ef you can’t find me a place in
ther scrimmage I’ll jest slosh ’round on me
own hook. Ef I do more dama e ner good
1yiller kin blame yerself. I’ve roze on ter

onte Saul fur a paid, an’ I erpose ter
stay with him ef ther last horn b ows.”

“ Shake, little man i” exclaimed Monte
Saul. extending his hand.

“I have never gone back on a pard yet,

.and I won’t begin_with you. Meet me in.

 

Dead Latch to-morrow—or, better, out at the
Break of Day. I think I can see a way to
use you without putting your head in much
danger, and yet give you a chance to see the
fun. Go now. I must get back to Dave
and let him know I am off for the home
base.”

 

CHAPTER X.
CAUGHT NAI’PING.

THE two shook hands and then separated.
It might not be well for them to be seen to-
gether, since there was no telling what spies
Clark Bruce might have in Money Dew.

Monte went back to the Grapevine to find
his friend, while Harry Carter, having slept
the greater part of the day, determined to
utilize the night by getting back to Dead
Latch under its cover. He thought it possi-
ble he might be able to get his eyes again on
the principal villain of the plot, and if he did
so he beliCVed he would be able to obtain in
formation which was worth accumulating.

It would take him a couple hours of easy
traveling to make the distance, and for a boy
in perfect health and training that did not
amount to much. There was bright moon-
light to show him his way, and his revolver
was loaded and ready for any foes who might
appear along the road. In very good spirits
he frolicked along, with only the hazy glim-
mering of a suspicion that he might meet
Hold Up Charley or some of his gang.

That idea had no particular terrors for
him, since he had escaped them already, and
(lid not see why the performance should not
be kept up ad libitum.

He had covered a good part of the dis-
tance, and was congratulating himself there
was so little further to go, when the remem-
brance of the interview between Clark Bruce
and the road~agents popped into his head,
and he looked wistfully in the direction of
the spot where it had taken place.

“ It’s quite a piece out ov ther road, but
what are legs fur? Like cz not I‘ll find ’em
bunched thar, waitin’ fur Jimmy ter come
an' report. I wouldn’t mind hearin’ that
same report mcself, an’, by mighty, I‘ve a
noshun ter do it.”

Without waiting to argue the matter with
himself he turned sharply aside, and aug
menting his speed hurried toward the spot.

He knew the lay of the land well, and
there would be no trouble in approaching it
without being discovered, so that in case the
outlaws were there he did not think he was
running any great risk.

He might learn something in regard to the
matter on foot against Angus Ames; and,
what was almost as important, he might hear
something which would enable him to locate
the den, of which he had heard something;
and of the nature of the work that was on
hand for the following Thursday night. The
nearer he got to the spot the more reasons he
found for his little side journey, and he was
quite disappointed, as he came within hear-
ing distance. that the murmur of voices did
not reach his ears, That was what he had
been confidently eicpecting.

He did not lose caution for all that.

This was as good a place as any to rest,
and he dropped noiselessly to the ground,
stretched himself at full length, rested his
chin in his hands, and listened.

Everything was silent around him. There,

was not even the note of a night bird to be
heard, and if he had been given to nerves he
might have found the loneliness oppressive,

There were plenty of other thin s for him
to think about, however, and final y he was
so deeply engaged, turning them over in his
mind, that he was almost taken off his guard
when he heard a low, trilling whistle, which
sounded almost at his side. '

Some one had approached, as quietly as he
had done. and was giving a signal. It
sounded so like to his own style of work that
he came near giving an answer himself.

‘ 4 . .:. within]  '

 

He soon saw that all of his caution had not 7

been thrown'away. There was sileDCe; but
it was only for about the space of a minute.

Then came an answer. There had been
someone within halfadozen rods or so of
him, all the time.

“It’s there yez are?” exclaimed a voice
the boy had no difficulty in recognizing as
belonging to Jimmy O'Brien.

“ Sure, an’ Oi began to think Oi war all be
mesilfalone, barrin’ the baby elephants at
the Brazos. Roight out av the din av lions
we are, wid heads up, an' troonks a shquir-
mm'."

“It’s time you were coming. What’s the
best word?” ‘

“ Sowld ag’in, an’ another angel made
happy, av me eyes didn‘t desave me.”

“ No mistake about it this time, is there ‘3”

“Not onliss he’sacharrumed loife. We
kicked up the most illegant bobbery, an’
thin Bolly shtipped out av the way an’ Oi
hild sthraight, crooked me finger, an’ saw
him dhrap. What more wad yez have?”

“His scalp, of course. With a man like-
Monte in the case there’s nothing less will
go for evidence."

“ Yez kin have it an’ wilcome, but you‘ll
have to go an’ git it. Wid all Honey Dew
comin’ phor me, an’ Johnny racin’ ondher'
the bar phor his two revolvers Oi lift in the
fourst boat; an' be the same token, Oi’v.e the
sash wid me. It’s a bahd place to hit the
wrong man, is that same Ghrapevoine, an’
Doiamond Dave wor there to haul on the
rope.”

“I suspect on were more afraid Monte
would come to ife again; and that is what is.
troubling the court here. He seems to be a
pretty hard man to kill. I had a try at him
Once myself."

“ Sure, an’ Oi won't ask paymint phor the
job till it’s sure we are that he's wint over
ther range. We’ll know whin Andy comes.
Oi lift him to bring the news. phor he didn’t
go into the Ghrapevoine at all.”

Hold Up Charley, who had been carrying
on the conversation with the Irishman, gave
a short laugh,

“ All right if you called the turn on
him; but if you and your little army missed
it I’ll put you all into the rear rank and
try my hand at it myself. Our friend is too
everlasting careful about how he gets his
man out of the road. When Itakeahand
I'll do it, and there will be no more foolish-
ness.”

Jimmy would no doubt have had an an—
swer for this had it not been for a sudden in-
terruption.

“I’ve got you, kid. Don’t yon kick or
you are a dead duckl”

That. was the exclamation which came
sharply to their ears, and it was followed by
the sound of a slight struggle, and the
gurgle of a cry that was cut off at its
ver commencement.

It aster Harry had been so interested in the
conversation in front of him he had forgotten
to guard his rear, and had been taken in
with a neatness and certainty that admitted
of no resistance.

“ Steady, there!” continued the voice.

“Here's some one who can give you all

the news, and I reckon you’ve’seen some- .

thing of him before.’-’ .

“ Bring him in, then,” answered the cap-
tain, who had recognized the voice; and
Harry Carter was dragged, unresisting, out
of his cover, and into the immediate presence

of the men who were squatted around on the .

grass.
'1‘ Mi hty Moses! It’s our boy of the .
ford! e must live around here. What’s .

the little whelp after now? You don’t mean
to say he has been getting int the road
again?”

" Looks a heap like it. Jimmy must have
tripped up his shot, for I saw Monte and
this kid co e out of the Grapevine to~
gether. They had some chin together and

‘» u r..~.';<"i'w".r
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it

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fi-..‘ 35.-....-

    
 

 

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Monte Saul, the Sport.

  

  
 
 

    
 

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in": .u‘v i “,‘NIJ J.

1,1

 

then Monte went one way, and the kid an-
other. I dodged after Monte, to see if I
couldn’t get a shot at him, but he dodged
under C(Wer before I had the chance, and as
I Could see the fat was in the fire, and
couldn’t hear of any one else beingdead or
badly wounded, I lit out for the home
base.’

" And how did you come to strike him,
after all? If youtrailed him in, you let him
have a comfortable time listening before you
gave us the office.”

“ All pure, hog luck. I thought I’d see if
I couldn't hear a. little of what was going
on, so that, maybe, I’d have a chance to run
Jimmy. I catne up mighty quiet to where I
thought I could hear you buzzing, and
dropped on the kid before he knew I was
around. He’s notoverly big; but he’s aw-
ful nasty. What you going to do with
him ?”

“Get rid of him on the spot,” growled the
road-agent, his hand dropping to the knife
at his belt. “He’s had medicine, if he is
done up in a small package.”

There was no smile on the face of the
dashing road-agent now, and the ho be-
lieved he meant every word he sait. It
looked as though he had a very short lease
on life, and so perhaps he would have had
but for an interruption that came as a sur-
prise.

IIe had not guessed Clark Bruce was in the

1party, for he now heard his voice the first

time.

“Not much, if you please. I don‘t 'want
acorpse lying around here. It’s not likely
any one saw me come out, but who knows?
If they found him, there are always infernal
idiots to put one and one together. Take
him along, and when you get him off my
stampin ground, do as you please. Right
here I (on’t want the thing done, and I
won’t have it."

“ Good as wheat," responded Charley,
without showing the least sign of anger at
the interruption.

“ Here, little boy, run along heme. You
don't know a thing anyhow, and pard, here,
will be glad to see you in the morning. Let
him 0, Andy."

“Igfyou can stand it, I guess I can. There
has been a botch all around, and I don’t see
he can make it any worse. "

Bruce spoke carelessly, but his hand
dropped to his hip, and he watched the boy
narrowly.

“Perhaps you are right," said the cap-
tain, thoughtfully. “Jimmy, I’ll give you
one more job, and see if you can’t do it
right. Take him to the den, and have him
there when I come in.”

“ Aloive or did?” asked Jimmy, anxious-

y“ Alive for choice, but it makes little dif-
ference.”

Jimmy took possession of his prisoner and
turned away. He knew that his carefully
laid scheme had been a failure and he want-
ed to hear nothing more about it.

Had he lingered a little he might have
heard the particulars of the conversation
which Andy had managed to listen to,
though it did not seem of much importance
save for the fact that Monte Saul had made
an appointment for the next day at the Break
of Day Mine. with the boy.

“That's business, at last!” exclaimed the
captain.

“If you say so, Clark, we‘ll lay for him,
and'down him somewhere along the road.
I was sort of saving the gang up for the
grand coup, but a man more or less won’t
make much difference to Dead Latch, and if
he gets away with the whole of us that will
be the end of it.”

“ Thanks, but I prefer not. It all depends
on how he goes to the Break of Day. If he
cuts across the country. and crosses the
river; at the ford, I’ll be ready for him my-

t
f

  

 

 

CHAPTER XI.
THE WORK on AN ASSABSIN.

CLARK BRUCE had rapidly run the matter
ovm' in his mind, and come to ' a quick con.
clusion.

From what Monte Saul had said it seemed
as though he did not care to pass through
Dead Latch on his way to the mine, and
though that might be a mistaken idea, yet
Bruce saw how he could take advantage of
it if it was correct.

To go direct from Honey Dew to the mine
by way of the ford would save several miles,
and for a man on foot the trail would be
about as easy as the one leading through
Dead Latch. There was one place where,
to take the shortest cut, the way would lead
up from the river by a narrow path along
the face of the bluff, but for a man who
looked a little to his footing it offered little
of danger.

He said nothing further of the plan which
had darted into his head, but continued:

“ Let Monte alone unless I set you on him
again. I began the racket, and I’ll finish it
up Where want you is with the old man;
and this time there will be no failure. I’ll
double the wages and be on the ground my-
self, to show how the thing ought to be
done. Win or lose in the game for Monte’s
life, the time will soon be here to strike.”

And as. an hour later, Clark Bruce turned
away from that midnight conference he
shrugged his shoulders, muttering to him-
self:

“ There’s aheap sight of gratitude in Hold
Up Charley. I saved his life once and he's
willing to take half a dozen to make up for
it—provided I throw in a proper consider-
ation for bent. He’s not a half bad man to
have for a friend; but I’d hate awfully to
have him on my trail as an enemy.”

Bruce had made no mistake about the
probable intentions of Monte Saul.

For the present, the sport did not care to
be seen in Dead Latch, and the way by the
ford to his mine was the shorter course.

When he left Honey Dew he‘followed the
trail for the mill, which branched off from
the one tothe town, and swung along at a.
lively pace. There was a mark on hisshoul-
der, and over that a patch, but he was Mac
the worse for either.

The revolvers with which Diamond Dave
had supplied him were convenient to his
hands, and he had no fears that his progress
would be interfered with.

When he reached the river be halted for a
moment, and looked toward the cottage of
Angus Amos, and the mill in the distance.

What were they thinking about there?
How much did they know of the danger he
believed was threatenintr them?

His gaze was wistful but he shook his
head, and murmured somewhat bitterly:

“ Now. now. A man who bears the name
of Monte Saul would hardly be received
with a welcome by straight-laced Angus
Ames, even if he came with a warning on
his lips that was worth the hearin . Some
other day, perhaps. Yet I won er, if he
really suspects. 1 might have told more of
the truth in that letter—and only made mat-
ters worse.”

He drew himself up, turned his face, to-
ward the river, and slowly made his way
across the ford.

Ifight there the water ran over and be-
tween rocks which, by daylight, gave him a
footing, and save for a little moisture on his
high boots he could hardly tell that he had
been in the water.

His course now led along the bank of the
river, and it took him altogether closer to
the cottage and the mill than he cared to go,
but he was screened somewhat by the tim-
ber, and near the dam he turned a little and
struck into the path which took him up
tll)ie timber-lined bluff, toward the Break of

ay.

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It was narrow, and fairly clung to the
edge of the steep incline, winding its way
upward over it. led e that cropped out bare-
ly enough to furnis 1 a good foothold. There'
was little danger, yet one wanted to guard
his footsteps somewhat, since a stumble
would most likely mean a fall to the level of
the river, with either broken bones or a cold
bath at the bottom.

As he began the ascent Monte glanced ups
ward.

The wa scetned clear, and he hardly re-
memberet that the path wound in and out of
sight, as it went upward.

Twenty feet or more above the level of
the stream he paused and looked over to—
ward the mill and the cottage.

The mill was quiet and deserted. Men
were back in the timber, cutting logs, but.
they were too far away for him to hear the:
strokes of their axes. So far as he could.
see, no one was in range of vision.

“ All the better,” he thought, and then——
as he turned an angle of the rocky walla.
club came swooping down on his head with.
a force there was no resisting.

Monte did not even stagger.

He threw up his hands with an in stinctive‘
motion of defense, but at the same time
went pitching downward from the path.

As Clark Bruce bent over the ledge there‘
was a splash; and as he looked a little longer
the body arose to the surface, and he uttered'
asavage curse as he saw that Monte Saul
was paddling after a mechanical fashion,
with just enough life in him to keep him-
self afloat as he slowly drifted down the‘
stream.

“Brought him ther fu’st clatter!” chuck-
led a voice immediately behind him, and its.
owner crept out from the niche where he and
several other men Were crouching.

For answer Clark Bruce pointed at the‘

- body in the river.

“Curse him, will nothing kill him?" he
ground out.

“ The clip would have sent you or I over'
the range, and he goes swimming away as
though nothing had happened.”

“ Ef he don't put on more steam, he won't.
swim very fur," replied the other.

“ Iie’s gittin’ ther force ov ther current.
now,an’ afore he knows arything he'lltake
ther shoot over\ ther dam. By that time
thar won’t be much ov him left ter bury.
lieekon yer rid ov him now.”

“ There will be enough for Dead Latch to
recognize Monte Saul, and it’s too to oneLthe~
body will float right along down to the town
and then lodge on the bank to rise up in
‘ud ment against us. Quick! We must.
itea it off,drag it out, and bury it some-
where. It would be too risky to bring it.
back and sink it in the dam with a stone to
it. Follow me!"

He darted down the narrow path; and yet.
paused once, as he caught a view of the
river. and the body with upraised hands,
trembling on the breast of the dam. It was
a sight to haunt one's dreams, and yet his.
only thought was that it was fortunate the.
mill was deserted, and the man away.

Deserted the mill was, yet the spot was.
not so secure from observation as he had
deemed. »

It happened that Angus Ames and his
daughter were abroad as Monte 88111 was.
making his way up the bluff. Though they
did not recognize him, the saw his figure
and aimlessly followed it With their eyes.

When he reached the an lein the path they.

saw him throw up hishan s and pitch back-
ward into the river.

“ Heavens! There must have been some:
one lurking there. He fell like one who had
received a blow."

Had Angus Ames looked upward then he-
would have seen the crouching form of Clark:
Bruce, but his gaze was on the form that
seemed scarcely to~have strength to struggle:

, with the water.

“v.

    
   
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
     
       
         
     
     
     
         
     
       
     
       
   
     
     
     
         
     
       
     
   
   
     
     
       
         
     
         
         
   
     
    
  

     
  

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and it was

12

 

Monte Saul, the Sport.

 

 

“ He will go over the dam!” exclaimed
,Ames, taking in the situation like a flash.
“ He may catch on the bank, but I doubt it.
’Stay here. I will cross at the ford. I may
save him yet. ”

Ile dashed away as he spoke, and was
hardly conscious that Ethel was skimming
along in his rear. When he had crossed the
‘river she had gained a place at his side.

They Were too late to avert the plunge, but
as yet the body had not passed them. An
eddy had flung it in to the bank, and they
came upon it with head on the sand, face
above water, and heels swinging gently to
the current.

Angus Ames drew the body up from the
water and allowed it to rest upon the shore,
while Ethel tore open his collar and felt for
the beating of his heart. Very white and
still was Monte Saul, at there was no mark
of bruise or blow, an the water might not
have slain altogether.

N0 flutter of the heart did there seem to
be, but her hand fell upon a little locket, se-

cured by aribbon around his neck, and at

this she gave a glance before she covered her
face with her hands, while Angus Ames
s rung to his feet with a sharp exclamation.
our men came bursting out of the shrubber
at his back, and suddenly halted, as muc

surprised at his presence as he was at theirs.

“ Back, you infernal assassins!" exclaimed
Ames.

At that moment he knew no fear, though
he stood facing them without a weapon.

Clark Bruce was in the lead, and the others

turned to him as if awaiting orders.
Bruce did not lose his presence of mind,
though a red flush of anger crept over his

'face.

“ What do you mean,Mr. Ames?” he coolly
asked.

“ It looks as though, if any killing had
been done you were as a t to have had a
finger in it as any one. “ye were hastening
to his aid—do you want him to die on your
hands?"

” You know what I mean. I saw this
poor boy ascending the path over the bluff,
your hand which struck the blow
that hurled him into the river. "

He pointed full at Clark Bruce as he spoke,

and the hand of Dick Tredgar crept into his
side pocket for a pistol, wh
-ed to Clark Bruce for their orders.

Ie the three look-

 

CHAPTER XII.
THE nor AT THE WINDOW.

IF Angus Ames had only known it his life
hun as it were onva hair.

A ter what he said the Companions of Clark
Bruce hardly expected to see him leave the
place alive, and if all things had been ready
perhaps he never would have done so.

But Bruce could he as cool as the coolest;
and so long as no one else heard the charge
he did not feel that much damage was done.

,He faced Angus Ames steadily, an expression

of indignation rising on his countenance as
he Seemed finally to take in the magnitude of
the charge.

After a little he seemed to find words,
though sn'iotheriug his wrath by an effort.

“ Heaven forgive you for the charge you
have made. it means murder has been done
and those who know me best would tell you
what answer should be given to the charge.”

While he spoke he was thinking rapidly.

It did not seem possible that Ames had
actually seen the blowr struck though no
doubt his eyes had been on Monte when he
fell. If he had only been certain he would
have known exactly what answer to give.

But if Angus had got the merest glimpse
of him denial would do no good, and a
different line would haVe to be taken.

80, he made up his mind to confess and
avoid, and as Ames dropped his pointing
finger Bruce continued:

 

“ You are wrong altogether, and yet you
may not understand. There has been had
blood between this Monte Saul and me, and
he had sworn to have my life on sight. Yet
I would not have taken an unfair advantage,
or fought him in any way that the public
opinion of Dead Latch would not have al-
lowed.”

“Say no more. When war has been de-
clared Dead Latch justifies the assassin
who is the quickest to draw. A blow
or a thrust is no worse than a pisto -shot,
and alike the villains who give them may go
unhanged.” "

“I tell you, you are altogether wrong.
He came suddenly upon me, and when I
reached for my pistol he sprung back, for-
getting where he was. He was my enemy,
but when I saw him go down I would have
done what I could to aid him. Is he so
surely dead? If not, tell'me how I can give
him help and see whether it will not be
heartily estowed."

Angus Ames glanced at the body. He he-
garr to realize this was no time for recrimina-
tions.

Monte lay just as he had placed him, and
there was no color in his check or life in his
face.

And yet he did not altogether seem the
dead man. He was here with these men,
unarmed, and hampered by the presence of
his daughter. He stooped and lifted the
wrist which lay almost at his feet.

“ I know not whether he is dead or alive,
but this is no place for him to recover. My
house is not far away and if you are anxious
to prove your words, help me carry him
there. If he is dead I will assure him of
decent burial.”

“No, no!” exclaimnd Ethel, excitedly.

“ He is not dead. I felt a faint flutter of
his pulse. Bring him to our home and we
will nurse him back to life again.”

Clark Bruce seemed willing enough to un-
dertake the task, and his men nodded as be
winked. Under the direction of Ames they
turned the body face downward and then
raised him from the ground.

"He hasn’t the weight of a dead man,”
said Dick Tredgar, as they bore their burden
lightly down toward the ford.

“It’s ten to one he will be ’round and
kicking before sundown an’ I’d just as soon
be awa when he comes to. He’ll be apt to
pull his guns and begin shooting mighty
sudden after he gets his eyes open.”

It was a fair hint to draw Monte’s teeth,
but Clark Bruce paid no attention to it. He
did not believe the seemingly dead man
would come 10 life very soon, and at present
it was not so easy to search the body. Ames
was watchin them as they walked and it
would take dittle to arouse his suspicions.
He was satisfied the way things were going,
and he believed that by the time they
reached the cottage there would be but little
hope of reviving Saul, even if he were not
asFet altogether dead.

t made quite a little procession.

The four men carried the body of their
victim while the mill-owner walked at the
side, and Ethel brought up the rear, watch-
ing every movement of the men even more
closely than her father.

The steady tramp, slow though it was,
brought them to the cottage at last, and as
they neared it, the elderly man who was
known as J ohn—and seldom any thing else—
camc out and stared in amazement, and some
fright, at the unexpected sight. When he
had seen that Ethel andher father were of the
party he went back in haste, and when the
six entered through the door he had left
open he was nowhere to be seen.

“ Place him on that lounge," said Ames,
hurrying on into the next room.

He was gone but a moment, and when he
came back he carried a bottle of brandy in
his hand; but he had hastily thrust a re-
volver into his hip-pocket, and did not feel

quite as nervous as when he was unarmed
and introducing into his house what might
turn out to be a pack of wolves.

He knew that he could not guard himself
at all points while attempting to revive
Monte, but there was at least a chance for
successful resistance should the time come
when it would have to be made.

With a stern look on his face he went
about his work, and certainly he did his
whole duty by the unfortunate Monte.
\Vhether Clark Bruce helped or hindered
most it would have been hard to say, but he
started back and gave a quick glance at his
companions as the first sign of a flush ap-
peared upon’the checks which had been so
pale until now.

“He must never wake again, was the
muttered thought. “ If he does we may as
well have it out here and new, dangerous
though it may be. If I could only give one
of them the wink to look after the old fool
who saw us coming and then get out of the
way. With him living to give the alarm the
cake would be all dough.”

Ile glanced around and caught Dick Tred-
gar’s eye.

With a scowl and a shake of the head he
managed to convey something of his mean-

N

any one else Dick managed to slip from the
room.

“He is coming back to life!” exclaimed
Clark, as he stepped forward again. “ It
seems like a blessed miracle. 1 will not feel
so much like the assassin you tried to make
me out to be.” ’

But at the same time his hand went back
to his hip in search of a weapon. The crisis
appeared to be at hand.

Angus Ames saw nothing of the movement.
His attention was altogether centered on the
deathlike face which was turned up to his
own.

There was a gasp from between the white
lips, and Clark Bruce’s hand began to leave
his hip, while two more hands were suspi-
ciously near to the place where they carried
their weapons. Ames had admitted the
tigers to his home and it looked now as
though they were making ready to spring.
The catastrophe might have come had it not
been for a sound at the open window at their
backs.

That sound was made by a pair of ham-
mers being drawn sharply back. It was
familiar enough to ever one in the room,
and though Clark Bruce believed it was from

much startled as he might have been, he
glanced that way. .

No Dick Tredgar was this, but he saw the
grinning face of a boy whose arms rested on
the window sill. and whose either hand
clutched a revolver, the muzzle of which
was pointed uncomfortably straight for Clark
and his friends.

“ That’s right,” chirruped Harry.

“ That’s my pard ye‘r’ workin’ at, Mister
Ames, an’ you’re a-bringin’ him over ther
rifiie aecordin’ ter Gunter. \Vhen he gits a
good an’ ready he’ll clear this ranch ov these
hyer hyeners so quick it’ll make yer head
swim. But till he does, Clarky, I’m a-hold-
in’ 0v ther drop meself, au’ of you b’lieved
what Ilold Up Charley told yer you know
I‘m mighty lively on ther shoot."

The interruption wasa double surprise,
for Bruce had been sure this boy, if not dead,
was safely imprisoned at the road-agents’
“den.”

Yet not the least trace of it appeared in
his face.

“Who is this young lunatic?” he coldly

 

asked of Angus Ames.

“Does he belong in our family? If so
he can play his antics 1n tolerable safety,
1 though he ought to be whipped and sent to

bed.” '
i “I know little about him,” was the short

‘ response, given without a glance from the

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face in which the color of life was still rising
higher.

“ He hasagood position from which to
see the show, and he had better stay there
till the play is over, or there is a shift in the
age. He can do no harm, and may do
g .n

” You bet I may; an’ I kin; an’ I will.
An‘ as fur yer pard, Clarky, that ye’r’ ex-
pectin’ ter side around an’ pick me up, he
showed his teeth too soon, an’ got left.
Uncle John hez him treed ’round ther house,
an' are watchin’ him with a double barrel’
shot. an. Ef I know ary thing about
Dutc you better git yer baggage checked
an’ leave on the fu'st train. Monte are
comin’ 'round fast, an‘ when he gits a glim p’
ov yer hyer thar will be blood on ther
moon.”

Monte Saul himself could not have reeled
this off with more sang froz'd, and at the
same time kept the party so thoroughly
covered.

One of his barrels devoted its attention
exclusively to Clark Bruce, while the other
appeared to take in the rest of the party.
Hold Up Charley might have taken chances
and tried to break the dead-lock, but Clark
Bruce occupied a different position, and
neither could or would be as reckless.

He knew now that Monte was still alive,
and nothing which Angus Ames could sav
Would seriously harm him. The necessity
for quick action was over provided this in-
fernalboy could be silenced, and at the
moment he saw no way of doing it except
by the wholesale slaughter he wished to
avoid.

It was plain that for the present Angus
Ames was desirous of having another wit
ness, and that he would resent any attack
on the lad, however mildly it might be
made.

All this Bruce thought over like lightning,
and his decision was made even before
Harr was done speaking.

“ he boy is an impudcnt little brat, who
deserves trouncing, yet there is a grain of
truth in what he says. If Monte found
me here when he came to his senses he
would be apt to shoot first and ask for ex-
planations afterward. He is cruel as a tiger,
and deadly as a snake, and the less a cutie-
man hYs to do with him the better. have
done a l and more than I intended on the first
impulse, and am free to confess I would feel
a great deal more safe had he never revived.
Yet you may give him my compliments and
tell him w at I have done for him. My
friends and I will retire. Good-morning.”

f‘ An’ ef yer wants ter take yer pard along
Mister Ames hed better hev a gun in both
fists an’ go out ter git him outen ther tree.
Johnny means hizziness, an’ ef he saw him
a-gittin‘ down ’thout orders he’d be apt ter
let both barrels go."

Bruce and his men had filed out of the
door, and as he spoke Harry leaped lightly
in, through the window.

“ Go,” said Ethel, to her father.

“The boy is right. 1 will watch here till
you Come back.”

There was more truth than poetry in what
Harry had said. Dick Tredgar had been
neatly captured, and had not Ames come to
his rescue it. might have gonehard with him.
Still covered by the shot-gun he slouchcd
away to join his friends, and the four took
their departure, somewhat to the surprise,
but decidedly to the delight, of Harry Car-
ter.

“That leaves ther coast clear fur me an’
my pard, an’ ef we can’t hold ther fort we
o’rter lose it. That‘s all. Stiddy, pard.
Ye’r' comin’ ’round ther curve, with steam
up, an’ no slack couplin'S.”

Sure enough, Monte opened his eyes,
looked weakly around, and after a bit of si-
lence murmured:
“Back, you villain.

Turn your wrist and
. I’ll blow you cold.”

  

 

Monte Saul, the Sport.

CHAPTER XIII;
Ln"an BUT Goon;  ,

Mon'm evidently thought he was still fac-
ing his assailant, and his hand made a mo-
tion the boy understood well enough. Had
the sport been a little stronger he would
have been training a revolver in the face of
Angus Ames.

" Go slow, Pard Saul. Bruce an' his gang
hez skipped this ranch. an’ these hyer are
friends. Shut yer eyes, take a weenty bit
more ov thcr oh be joyful, an’ in five min-
_utes by ther clock you'll be up an’ shout-
in'.”

Monte understood the words, recognized
the voice, and fell back with a sigh of relief.
He was recovering strength with wonderful
rapidity, and his mind was becoming clear
as well.

" I'd ’a’ bin hyer sooner, pard, but Hold
Up Charley mounted me ag'in, got me foul,
an' started me off fur his den.

“1 went alon with yer friend Jimmy
peaceable oz 8. amb. Speshully ez afore
long he got me on hossback with him. But
when I made out about whar that same den
orter be I reckoned I had bizziness some
other way an’ give him a kcerless heave
that sent him outen ther saddle an’ come
nigh tcr breakiu’ his neck. Efl hedn't
turned that crittur loose fur fear ov hein’
hung fur a boss-thief of I struck ther real
man ez owned it I'd ’a’ bin 1) 'er sooner; but
Iarrove early enough fur (Jiark Bruce, an’
which accounts fur everybody bein’ right
sideup an' ther enemy a-runnin’.”

“ But what has happened? Where am I?”

Monte had grown stronger yet. llis voice
had something like its old ring of determina-
tron.

“I dunno ez I know, an‘ Idunno ez I
want ter know what hez happened, but e’r'
safe in ther house ov Angus Ames. est
yer weary bones. take a good long Snooze,
an’ then you'll be ready fur what’s ter come
next "

Monte slowly drew himself up, and stared
around.

Ethel was behind him and he did not see
her, gut Angus Ames was near him, a stern,
unre ognizing look in his cold, gray eyes.

“ Not in this house,” muttered the sport.

“I am stron r enough to work my way to
the Break of Day if adozen Clark Braces
stood between it and me. Stay here and
put them on their guard. Tell them all the
truth as you know" it.
when the time comes. I am going nOW.”

He was staggering awa as he spoke. bl“
his strength was return ng rapidlyu and
though Harry followed him a little, and
looked wistfully after him, he saw that
Monte was almost himself again, and finally
he stood and gazed after him till he was out
of sight. -

Then he turned and came back to August
who had neither moved _nor spnken While
the sport Was so abruptly taking his de-
parture. '

“ Who is that man ?” asked Ames, as the
lad reached the doorway.

"Bless yer soul, yer don’t mean ter tell
me yer don’t know him? That are Monte
Saul. what owns ther Break ov Day Mine,
an’ arc ez fair an’ square 9. sport ez ever
drawed breath. He ’pears ter be moultin’
ther last few days, an’ sorter onder ther
weather, but when he’s in good order an’

va—ob..-

they crowd him, he kin make ther feathers I

fly—oh, my !"

“Monte Saul? A gambler, of course.
with such a title. \Vhat is his other name?"

“Blamed cf I know of he’s got one.
Leastwtse, it don’t appear in general use.”

“ But you say he owns the Break of Day
Mine. Is it worth anything, or is it simply
a hole in the ground, salted to sell?"

“ It’s hissen, sure enough; and they do
say he kin cut out ther Solid chunks ov ore.

He ain’t bin gamblin’ much sence he got in- ._
. ter that, an’ ef Clark Bruce don't down him, _‘

I will find you again ’

 

 

13

an’ jump his claim, he'll soon be stiddy ez a-
jedge, an’ fit ter go in double harness."

” What is the trouble between these two'
men ?" .

“ Hard ter size it all up, but firstly, Bruce
hez a claim right along side 0v hissen, what
ain't wu'th shucks, an’ they do say Bruce
are goin’ ter take it by ther tail an’ swin it
'round till it laps over Break ov Day. A ore
he does that he’d jest ez soon hcv ther owner
ov it outeu ther way. Monte ain‘t ther man
ter stand sich."

“ But what right has he in another man’s
property ‘l” .

” Oh, he’s ’rangin’ that ez he goes along.
He seems ter want ter have a back at you,
an’ that’s a-worryin' Monte a heap sight:
more than his own affairs."

” At me?"

“ Yes. He told me. I should tell yer how
ther land lay, and I reckon he meant it. It-
war him ez sent me out hyer t'other night.
with a warnin', an’ him with Bruce's ball in.
his shoulder at ther time. If’t licdn't bin.

' fur that, Hold Up ()harlcy'd tooken yer in.

out ov ther damp fur sure. ”

“ Thank you, in boy. Iwill try to make’
up to you for it. X on struck in nobly, and I
have been troubling myself ever since that I.
did not stay by you closer, though I saw out
make your final escape fromvthe river. er~
haps Ihelped you somewhat in that.”

“Helped a heap, and I’m yourn truly.
Jimmy had orders ter leave me there an’
he meant ter do it."

“ And as for this Monte, as you call him,.
I desire to have little to do with such men,
but you can tell him that if an attack if ever'
made on his title to the land it cannotaliurt'
him as long as it does not come through me,.
——and while he or I live that willtnevcr be.”

“Eh? Arything fishy about that hole in:
ther round ?"

“ ever mind about -it. I‘ had been ar-'
rangingall that when the mad-agents met:
me. 1 they had cleaned my. pockets as they
threatened, they might have got apaperthati
could render thin s awkward for your-
friend, though I ha , and have, no intention
of using it against him."

“ That's squar' an’ noble. Looks like you
war kinder takin'aint'rest in other folk sea
afl’airs too." .

“ It was simply justice, say no more about
it. Yet,—can it be that the road-agents in-
tended to get possession of that very pa—
per?"

“ Betcher sweet life. Clark Bruce ’d give
a ,dollar fur it, an’ Clark and Hold Up
Charley are thick ez thieves, which they be.”

“ And who is this Clark Bruce?”

“ That’s your riddle, an' I ain't good at
conundrums onlcss I know ther answer."

The boy had little more to tell, save what
was patent to all of Dead Latch, and on
those matters Angus Amos showed himself

‘to be pretty well posted. When, finally,

Harry announced that as he had been on the
rampage all the preceding night, he wanted
to go Somewhere and take a snooze, Angus
first placed him outside of a hearty dinner
and then installed him in a bed, where he
Was soon in the Land of Nod.

When he awoke again it was after sun-
down. .

“ Great Scott!” he exclaimed after he had
hunted up Amcs.

“ I on’y wanted a snooze, an' you let me
sleep tell I don t know ther day afore yes-
terday frum the night after to-morrer. It’s
too late ter hunt up Monte now. an’ef I war.
n't afeared they’d come an’ burn ther house
overour heads I’d camp right down hyer tiil
to-morrer.”

“Camp then,” answered Angus, with
something like a smile on his stern face.

“I will guarantee your safety while you
sleep,” ‘ ,

“Yes, but, my gracious, who’s ter look
arter yourn? Guess we’ll both keep our
eyes open, fur soon ez Monte goes up ther“

 

 

 

Monte Saul, the Sport."

  

 

"flume they'll come back hard on you an
Miss Ethel. An’ who knows whar Monte
are now ?" '

“ Monte, as 1you call him, ought to be able
to take care of imself. If he can’t I wouldn’t
think your guardianship would make his
chances much better.” ,

“ I'm little but I’m good. Ain’t I, oh, m l
Ef you’re dead sure you kin manidge 110 (1
Up Charley of he comes this way I ain't sure
1 better not go try find Monte, anyhow. He
warn‘t in no condish’ fur snap shootin’, an’
suthin' tells me in me bones thet he needs
me."

Ethel had said little to the boy, and noth-
"ing at all in regard to the Monte concerning
whom her father had questioned him. She
was listening keenly, though; and as Harry
started up she endeavored to induce him to
remain. o '

It was no use, though.

He was much obliged to them for their
hospitality, but it seemed to him that he was
needed more at another place. After the
fiasco of the morning Clark Bruce would be
apt to defer any attack there—if one was in-
tended—until Angus should have time to
,get somewhat on his guard.

80 it appeared to him, and he gathered
himself up, feeling of his pistols with a
flourish that might be pardoned in a young-
:ster of his size and attainments. ,

“ I‘lf I hcdn’t bin so dead tired I‘d ’a’ bin on
‘ther trail aforc this. but even a boy kin grow
weary, an’ last‘ night I hcd no slouch ov a
time of I say it meself.”

The more he had discussed the matter the
more positive IIarry grew about going. He
knew the short cut to the Break of Day, and

‘.intendcd to take it. He could hear the latest
news of Monte there, even if he did not find
the sport.

As he skurried along he almost laughed at
his owl'u anxiety, but for all that never waver-
ed in iis purpose.

“ Wouldn‘t be a half bad plan ter look in
on Clarky ez I go along,” he thought to
.himsclf.

“ Don’t want much ter put me head in the
mouth 0v ther lion, but it wouldn't hurt ter
know of he’s at borne. They bed a move on
foot fur Thursday but it might be 02 it's bin

shoved along on ther schedule. Wisht I
knowed jest what it war. I Could tellbetter

when they’d be apt ter try ther rifile.”

He did not intend to spend much time
over the effort, and it would not take him a
hundred yards out of his wa . When he
was passing the spot where ‘lark Bruce’s
shaft had been sunk he turned aside in that
direction and approached it carefully.

It was not hard to reach the place under
cover, andbefore he had gone far he learned
the caution he had used was not wasted.

He heard the same whistle that had been
used by the read-agents the night before;
and then, some one came out of the shaft,
and spoke in guarded tones.

IIarry dropped instantly to the ground,
but at once began to crawl forward. “0
was afrzud he was too far off to hear the
conversation he would not miss for any-
thing.

But the answer came in tones loud enough
'to reach his opened ears:

“ Ther boss says he’s good an’ ready, now,
an’ he’s goin’ ter finish his work ter-night er
never. You better do yourn.”

Then, he lay still and listened to the rev-
elation which followed.

CHAPTER XIV.
THE BLAST AT THE. BREAK on DAY.

MONTE SAUL was nodding in spite of
himself, though he held a istol in his hand,
and faced the shaft which ed down from the
upper world.

As yet, his mine was not a very big hole
in the ground, but enough work had been
“done to show what might be ex ected, and
where was not a man in the istrict who

 

    

 

v

would not have fought for the property’
tooth and nail, had he once been put in pos-
session. The only wonder was that Monte
had not raised money on his ex ectations,
and pushed faster the work 0 develop-
meat.

It was ver lonesome down there, and
somewhat coo and damp. Under other cir-
cumstances the sport might have found it
hard work ,to get to sleep, but he had not
altogether recovered from the different ways
death had come against him, and rest was
what he needed.

He was settling himself into what would
have been a dreamlcss sleep whcna boy
came sliding down a rope, and dropped
lightly to the floor of the mine.

“ It’s Monte, sure enough,” he thought, as
his quick eye caught sight of the sleeping
man.

“ Seems tcr be waitin’ ter shoot some ’un,
an’ of I don’t wake him keerful like he may
kill me. Say, Pard Monte, wake up! IIyer’s
news by ther bucket, an’ IIarry Carter’s 8.
bringiu’ ov it."

He dropped at full length when he had
spoken, and the one candle threw no light
on his reclining figure, while Monte, wide
awake, sprung to his feet, exclaiming:

“ Is that you, my boy? They have left
me here alone, like a bait in a bear-trap, and
it‘s no safe place for on, but I‘m glad to see
you, all the same. ’Vc a message to semi,
and you can carry it better than another.”

“ Message nothin’. Thar ain’t no time fur
messages. Clarky bought yer men out, an‘
that’s why ye’r’ hyer alone, not countin’ a
boy ov my figgcr an' dimenshuns. He’s
comin’ right in on yer, him an' his pards, an'
when he gits through with his job you won’t
never be heard 0v no more."

“ Let him come. There will hardly be
enough of them to fill that shaft, and I can
stand the corpses till morning.”

Monte was becoming something like his
old self, and the prospect of a fight with his
enemy did not give him as much uneasiness
as the boy thought it should.

“ Oh, you don’t sabbe. IIc’s goin’ ter
bu’st in on yer somewhar along ther level,
an’ of yer don't know whar, four te‘ one'll
make long odds when you kerry ther amp.”

” Ah, I know the spot!" exclaimed Monte,

with a start. “ It must be so. If they give
me five minutes yet they will never come out
of the mine by that track.”
. “Then, it’s blamed doubtful ef they git
out ter-night by ary other. When they
drawed their heads inter their shell I jest
give ’em time tergit settled an' then cut ther
rope. It would take blamed good climbin'
furs. monkey ter rise out ov that shaft, an’
Clark Bruce ain’t no monkey.”

" Good boy! We have them,” said Monte,
and he led the way back into the drift.

He knew almost as much about the ground
in both mines as Clark Bruce did; and if
that worthy had been running a shaft to tap
the Break of Day he believed he knew its
exact location, There was a certain rift in
the rock which offered a natural course,
though it Was only a crevice at the point
where it ran into his drift.

“If they haven't broken in already I’ll
swear to it they won’t come through this
night, unless they can carry more stone than
I think their backs are able.”

Monte carried several cartrid es of nitro-

glycerine, and he was certain he new where

to place them to do the most good.

The be watched him with interest, hold-
ing the light above his head and ready for
instant retreat. He hoped in his soul Clark
Bruce and his gang were about to be buried
beyond hope of resurrection, and it was a
disappointment when he heard the voice of
Monte, calling into the crevice:

“ Back, you hounds, if you are there«
You have iust thirty seconds’ lease of life.”

. Then he and the boy fled away.
They had not far to go until they had

 

    
 

reached a point of safety, and at the moment
of halting they heard a horrible roar and
crash, and the earth around them appeared

to be shaken to its foundations, while the
passage grew full of the peculiar nitrous

or.

Their light went out from the concussion
of the air, but for that they did not care. It
was soon relit, and they went back to the
place where Monte had fired his blast.

If looks went for anything, Clark Bruce
might be half a mile off. The explosion
had shaken off a thin shell which had masked
a small tunnel, but that tunnel was full to
the top with broken stone and dirt, and
Monte felt sure it was choked up for yards,
if notto the further end. '

“ If, as you say, you dropped- their rope
into the shaft, they will be apt to stay there
till some one lets them out; and I’ll hardly
be in much hurry about doing it.

“Now then, on have some other news.
What is it? Was Angus Ames all right
when youleft him?"

“ Right side up, but I won’t swear how he
is now, though fellers like him is hard fight-
ers when thugr gits ter goin', an’ most likely
he's a jaybir .” ‘

“ What do you mean? Was not Bruce in
there, after all?”

“ He’s thar, right ernough. Hold Up
Charley hez ther other end 0v ther contract.
Fact are, he hez two ends, an’ Bruce are
somewhar about ther middle. What I’m
dyin’ ter know is, which end he’s goin’ ter
take up fu’st, er of he’s goin’ ter work ’em
both tergether.” '

“NeVer mind that. Angus Ames comes
first of all. You can tell me the :particulars
as we go along.”

“ It’s quick told,” was Harry’s answer.

“They’re goin’ ter raid ther town and
scoop Ames up, all in ther same moshun.
Ef you thinks one man an’ a boy kin stop
’em—sail in.”

“ But where will they begin?”

“ You tell; I can’t.” ‘

“ At the town most likely, yet, who
knows? And it must be almost time for
them to begin their work."

“Jest about, far they wanted ter hev a
fair start afore mornin’.”

“The town, then, for choice. I will go
there and put the men I can re on on their
guard. You hurry to Ames an tell him to
be on his guard. Diamond Dave and his
friends are coming to Dead Latch to-night,
and if they are in time I can use them. Half
a dozen men will be out at the cottage as
soon as possible after I can give the word.
Now, off with you.”

This was not exactly what Harry had bar-
gained for, but. there was no disputing
Monte when he used that tone. He did not
linger; and Monte went away in a direction
nearly at right angles.

It only took a moment or so for them to
get out of sight of each other, and then the
boy halted.

“ Looks ez though there might be a con-
side’ble ov a muss ter-night, an’ no tellin’
who’ll git wiped out,” he muttered.

“Don’t seem jest right ter leave them
villainscooped up ter starve—pervidin' that
blast didn’t blow the’r livers out, ez it ort
ter. An’ then, of they should git out, an'
"ine in the mix, they might git wiped out
long with ther rest, which would save a.
heap ov trouble in ther herecomeafter. 1 11
give ’em a show fur the’r white alley, an ef
ther rope ain't long ernough the'y kin blame
theirselves an‘ not me."

He slidquietly over to the Windlass and
listened.

Nota sound was there from below. but
that went for nothing. They mi ht not yet
have recovered from their surpr so. There
was still quite a coil of rope on the windlass,
and this Harry rapidly unrolled and let
down If it reached the bottom the caged
rascals would have a way of escape, and he

 

 

 

 

Monte Saul, the Sport.

15

 

 

hardly thought they would improve the op-
portunity to attack the Break of Day.

Then, he hurried on in the direction of the
cottage.

A number of hours had elapsed since he
set out to search for Monte and in that time
much evil might have been worked. He
hardly knew what he expected to find as he
crossed the ford and made his way toward
the house.

So far, he heard no suspicious sounds, and '

all was dark when he came near the building.
He began to think he was in time, and to
wonder how he could best arouse An us
Ames without making too much outcry. 10
came up silently, and there was John, seated
on the steps, fast asleep, with his double-
barreled shot-gun over his arm. .

The moonlight shone directly in his face,
and he made no very charming picture, for
his back was humped up against the wall,
his chin was hanging down, his mouth was
wide open, and he was snoring like a steam
calliope with the nightmare.

Harry had a spice of mischief in him, that
would show itself at times no matter what
the risk. .

The man had to be wakened up before
anything could be done toward cautioning
the inmates, and the boy took his own way
doing it. He picked up a. small pebble, and
cast it into the open mouth, at the same time
crouching quickly down at the edge of the
porch. /

John awoke with a yell, and without wait-
ing to see what- was the matter raised his
gun and fired both barrels in the air. Then
he executed a rapid retreat into the house,
slamming the door behind him as a window
. opened, and the voice of Angus Ames was
heard, HXClttllllngi

" What is it, John? Who is there?”

“ It’s all right, Mister Ames, it's jest me.
I found Monte, an’ he sent me back ter tell
yer ther news. Git a hus'scl on an’ let me
in, far I reckon thar ain’t much time ter cut
ter waste.” .

Ames recognized the voice in a moment,
and did not delay. Before John had rc-
covered his wits the door was open and Harry
was in.

He came quickly too, and pushed the door
shut behind him.

"What is it?” asked Ames, as the boy
stood silent, and in an attitude of listening.

“ Ef I hold on a minnit I reckon I kin save
my breath. Hold Up Charley an’ his gang
are a-comin’ ter make a scoop, an: from what
I heared along ther trail frum ther ford I
should jedge they war almost hyer now."

“ They would never dare attae t the house!”
exclaimed Ames, only half convinced the lad
was in earnest.

“Dare nothin’. Takin’ in you an’ Miss
Ethel ain’t common amusement fur sich or.
him. Why, they’re goin’ ter raid ther
town!"

The window was still open, and through
it came the sound of clattering hoofs, while
from behind them rose a little cry of alarm
Ethel had come gliding out from the other
room and heard the news.

 

CHAPTER XV.
TIIE RAID or run mon'r moans.

THE cottage of Angus Ames was won
calculated for defense, yet for a moment its
owner trembled. _ .

He had the courage of a hen when once
actually face to face with danger, but he
was not a fighter from the love of it, and his
experiencein such matters was'hardly equal
to the boy’s. He was uncertain how fax-1t
-, would be safe to rely on the others for aid in
his defense, and he knew he could not be on
all four sides of the house at once.

And if rumor had not belied him, Hold Up
Charley was a terrible fellow for just such
aflairs as this promised to be. He. had cap-

tured two or three rich men in his time, to

 

 

hold for ransom; and held them, too, until
the sum demanded had reached his treasury.

Ames had hardly thought himself of sum.
cient importance to induce such a raid, but
if it came he knew it had to be fought to the
bitter end.

“ Steady,
order.

“If you are going to run at all, run now.
If you are going to stay by me, load your
gun and obey orders. We will give them a

there, John," was his stern

hotter reception than they dream of if they

are really coming.”

“ An’ what yer s‘pose I'll be doin'?" chip-
ped in Harry. “ You better plug it to ’em
at long range, an' John when they gits
moderate near; but when they get close
ernongh fur my droppers ter reach ’em
they'll begin ter talk.”

Then Ethel spoke up.

“ And I have not been handling fire-arms
the last six months for nothing. It is a
terrible thing to do, but they bring it on
themselves. We will beat them off if it
costs a dozen lives.”

“ That's ther way ter talk it. An’ of we
kin hold ’em level for a. bit 1 s‘pect we'll
hev help. Monte started out on ther war-
path, an" he won’t leave ther trail till he
hcz ’em all a-runuiu‘. Lay out ther work,
Mister Ames, an’ we’ll git riddy fur ther
doin’ ov it."

“Ethel will keep out of it until the last
minute, and then take charge of the window
to the rear.”

Anies was deadly cool, and spoke deliber-
ately, though the clutter sounded not far
away.

“ We three will watch in front, and do
what damage We can until they divide.
Then, John will take the north side, and you,
Harry, the South, until we can see at what
point the most serious attack is to be made.
I will hail them first, and shoot soon after.”

“An’ reeomember thet shootin’ at night
ain’t jest a sure thing onless ye’r’ used to it.
Blow yer born!”

The crowd was in sight, and coming on
with nnslackened pace. Angus Ames wait-
ed no longer but called out sharply:

“ Halt! Who goes there? Speak quickly
or we let drive.”

“Hold Up Charley and his whole gang.
We know you have a little sack in the cellar,
and this time We mean to make clean work.
Step out of there, all of you, with your
hands up. If you don't come in sixty
seconds by the Watch we blow up the house,
and cut the throat of every creature we find
left living." '

The captain spoke as though he meant it,.

and though the party pulled up somewhat at
the challenge, which had been unexpected,
they came on at a slackened speed.

“That for our answer!” shouted Amos,
and he pallet trigger as he spoke, while
John iet fly with one barrel of his shot-gun.

Like an echo came a dozen shots, and had
not the three dodged at the first flash some
one would most likely have been hurt.
More than one ball came tearing in through
the window.

“ Swing low, and forward,.boysl” shouted
the leader. “There is no time for nonsense,
now, and the fools must take their chances.”

Every man swung head downward, Indian
fashion, along the side of his horse, and the
charge swirled on, while, from a window in
the rear arose a jingle of breaking glass, fol-
lowed by a cry from Ethel. -

Some one had arison at the side of the
house, and threw something with a burning
fuse attached through the window,

The girl flung herself headlong from the
room, while the thing lay hissing on the
floor, and as she Sprung to the side of her
father there was a terrible explosion, which
rocked and tore and shattered, until the cot-
tage seemed ready to collapse. while under
its cover the outlaws. leaping from their
horses, swarmed against the house.

 

The explosion unnerved Ames, who sprung
to meet his daughter. John tumbled head-
long out of the window,and 1a with his
heels up in the air, while Harry ‘arter sud-
denly stretched himself at full length on the
floor and rolled under a table. He had seen
ablast fired once before that evening and
knew what the result was like.

The rusohad been only too successful.
That moment of indecision ruined everything.
Through the broken window, and the drift-
ing smoke, came half a dozenof the outlaws,
who hurled themselves upon Angus Ames,
and bore him to the floor.

Three prisoners they made in a twinklin ,
and then the house was over-run. Hold p
Charlie had sure knowledge of a certain bag
of coin, which he intended to have. Fortu-
nately he know nothing of the presence of
the boy or he would have had him first of
all.

The coin could scarcely have been said to
be hidden, since it was in a plain chest of
iron, and a glad shout arose as a key from
the pocket of Ames was found to fit the
lock.

“Victory, beauty, and plunder
the outlaw captain.

“ Attend to the prisoners according to or-
ders. Then, bring up the horses and be
off. Save the young woman, anyway, but
if the old fool makes any trouble, choke
him. We ought to do it anyhow, but this
ain’t the place for it, and we’ll give him a
show, first.”

“ Bedad, an' av ye don’t do it hyer Oi’m
donbtin' av yer. do it ilseWhere,” put in
Jimmy O'Brien, poking his head through the
window.

“It’s a hornets’ nest ye sthirred up in
town, an’ it‘s coming phor you they are, in
good earnest.”

There Was no looking for further booty,
and Harry Carter continued to be over-
looked. The men troopcd out, taking two
prisoners with them, and were soon in sad-
dle, leaving John bound hand and foot, ly-
ing helpless in the shadow of the house.

“They are coming in 00d earnest,” said
Hold Up, looking licsitatingly in the direc—
tion of the river.

“I would stay here and fight them, but
they might get more help from the town be-
fore the thing was over. We'll give them a
chance later on. Oil and away!” .

lie sprung into his saddle, but the mo-
mentary hesitation had its price. The men
put spurs to their horses and were in the
act of dashing away when some one, the
knew not who, fired two shots with a revo -
ver.

And with peculiar wisdom be aimed, not
at the men, but, at the horses on which the
two prisoners had been placed.

The shots went where they were meant to
go, and one animal went down, while the
other wheeled, gave an awful plunge. and
went galloping madly toward the ford, Ethel
Amos clinging to his back.

“ Stop her! After her!” shouted the cap—
tain, setting the example, and fully half the
gang of road-agents went tearing down the
trail. ~

115 Hold Up Charley had taken an instant
for thought he would have hesitated about
giving that order, or else seen that his whole
force went with him.

There was just one boy in their rear, and
when he had fired these shots he fell back
with a silent speed that tOok him out of the
range of their sight before the men who re-
mained behind located the spot from which
his bullets hail come. They fired two or
three times in theldirection where the skulker
was supposed to be, and then made a.
charge, which found nothing.

Ang'us Ames came down on his feet when
the horse fell, but unfortunately had no
chance for escape. One of the. men immedi-
ately covered him with his revolver, and or«
tiered him with an oath to stand still; but

'Il

laughed

 

A

 

,1:-

 

  
 

 
    
 
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
 
  

 
       
     
    
   
    
    
     
    

 
   
  
 

 
 

a w—o 4-.....

 

. over.

16

'4‘" 1- . . .- i’   rrt': ‘. 

Mente Saul, the Sport.

 

 

that took one more from the fightingdorce
which found more than they bargained for
between them and the ford.

The force the met was small, but every
man in it was a ghter. Diamond Dave had
come over from Honey Dew, with a few of
his friends to help till the trouble with Clark
Bruce was over. They were on horseback,
and were going direct to the Break of Day
when Monte met them.

Dave told something of a band of men they
had seen at a little distance, and when he
had mentioned the direction in which the
were going, Saul did not hesitate. He too
one of the horses, and sent its rider on foot to
warn the men of Dead Latch. Then he led
the way to the river, and recognized Ethel as
she came tearing down toward the ford.

The little party opened out to allow her to
pass through, and then put spurs to their
horses. though Hold Up Charley and the men
who followed him were but a rod or two
away. They knew that in a charge the
chances were with the hardest riders, pro-
vided the shooting was equal.

They did not see that several men on foot
had crossed the ford just behind them, or
that one of them sprung at the head of the
horse which was carrying Ethel Ames.

It was a bold thing to do, but Clark Bruce
had courage enough of his own wicked kind,
and though for a little he was swung clear of
the ground, and carried on by the frightened
animal, yet at last he threw the horse back
upon its haunches, and held it in its tracks
with a grip of iron.

Hold Up Charley was a straight shot with
the pistol, and up to all the dodges and wiles
of frontier fighting, but he met men who
were his equal, and who knew they were
battling for a righteous cause.

As the two forces came together, every
man disappeared from sight, swinging be-
hind his horse, and firing from under its
neck if he fired at all.

But Diamond Dave and Monte fired first,
and their bullets bit sharply, while the re-
mained unhurt. Before they could c eck
the rush of their steeds, outlaws and
avengers had passed each other, and then
there followed the sound of a single shot.

Ethel had recognized Clark Bruce in her
would-be rescuer, and when he held out his
arm to seize her as she slid from her horse,
she darted away. And just then there was
the sound of a pistol-shot, and Clark Bruce
went down' in a huddled heap, while Hold
Up Charley, not knowing who it was he had
struck, wheeled his horse again, to face the
men who were closing in on him,

His ears had been open to the sounds of
shooting near the cottage, and now the noise
there began again. He could see that only
one-half of his men were with him, and
from the way these new-comers went to
work, he knew they would be hard to whip,
and no coin in pocket when the fray was
He gave a rallying shout, fired two or
three shots, and then with half of his men
behind him, was riding away like mad,
closely pursued by Monte and his friends.

The outlaws turned in their saddles to re-
turn the shots from behind, but they were
in full retreat, and as they passed the cot-
tage the men there joined them. Two or
three had been hit by an unseen marksman,
who fired and fell back, and it began to look
as though for once a panic had seized the
road-agents.

Monte had a graze, Diamond Dave a slight
wound, and the others, on their side, were
mcre or less damaged, but no one was seri-
ously harmed. When they had cleared the
road in front of the cottage Angus Ames
ran down to seek his daughter, and Monte
Saul followed him. .

They found her bending over Clark
Bruce, but that man was too far gone to tell
the meaning of his plots and schemes.

Seeing Ethel once more safe in her father's
arms Monte would have turned away, but

 
  

»~..,'.

1. , 1s  ‘L;  ‘32., i

v.

 

gready answer.

 

she saw him, recognized him, and called him
by name.

” Who are you?” she asked, as he came
toward her, a strange look of hesitation on
her face.

“ That locket you carry by a ribbon
around your neck! How does it come to be
in your possession ?”

“ It is the portrait of my mother,” was the
“She placed it there with
her own hands, and there it will stay as long
as I have life. After that, who knows? It
may come to you.”

“And your mother was my mother, and
you are my brother, lost to us all for so many
years. Forgive him, father! The world has
not been wide enough to keep us apart, and
now that we are together it would break my
heart to lose him again."

“I have little to forgive,” answered Ames,
calmly.

“ I doubt, too, if he has much to pardon.
He left his home of his own accord, though
not, perhaps, without provocation. \Vhen he
wants to return it is open for him to do so.
He has at last been trying to redeem him-
self, and I have had an eye on him since I
discovered he was near us. The Break of ’
Day will prove a little bonanza, I firmly be-
lieve, and as I have bought, and will give
him, the only opposing title to the mine, he
will enjoy it undisturbed.

“ And Clark Bruce. Who was he?"
asked Monte, glancing at the fallen man,
with a pitying curiosity.

“ My unworthy nephew, and after you
and Ethel, the only heir I have living. He
would have stopped at nothing to obtain the
wealth that has lately come to us, though he
thought he wished to spare Ethel. Glad
am I that he came to his end at the hands of
one of his tools, and not by yours. It was a
mistake, of course, but Hold Up Charley has
done you a service, though one you scarce
dare express your thanks for." '

“ Ain’t I ot no relatives nowhar. er did I
jest growe , like ther darky gal in ther
play? This sorter work are fun amazin’ fur
awhile, but in ther end I reckon it'd be apt
ter make me tired.” '

Angus Ames placed a hand on the head of
the boy as he answered;

“ You have found a father, a brother and
a sister, my lad, if it is only by adoption. A
boy with your skill and courage certainly
must have some sterling merit behind his
rough exterior, and ours shall be the task to
bring it to light."

After that, the dead and wounded were
cared for, explanations were made to the
men who came out from Dead Latch, and a
little family reunion, which included Harry
Carter, was held at the cottage, and it lasted
till the sun came up over the mountains.

" An’ of I hedn‘t let that rope down inter
ther shaft Clark Bruce wouldn’t_ ’a’ bin on
hand fur ther shootin’, an’ all this circus
would ’a’ had ter bin done over ag'in.”

So chuckled the boy to Monte—who was
henceforth known as Parker Ames—and with
that the last mystery was explained.

THE END.
0

 

NEXT HALF-DIME LIBRARY, N0. 889!

New York Hath-Deadly 11.3.1;

The Unknown: Ferret’s Snap-Shot.

BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM.

A Deadly Deal indeed! The noted “Unknown”
takes a very ugly bull by the horns, and has the big
fight of his wonderful career; but, that FIGHTING
Na'r AND ms Fromm Brooms: don‘t lower colors
the reader may well surmise. It is a story of the

 

season! Don’t miss it! J

Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. 7 f

BY WILLIAM R. EYITER.

190 DnldéDnrko; or, Tho “gen of High Pins.

910 For. rank 3 or. Dandy Duke’s (Io-Down Psrds,

818 The llnstler Rogue-Catcher.

888 Poker l’ete’s Double Dod e.

851 The Tie-To Sport; or, Hixhfilusuing st Sinnsrs' Fist.

BY EDWARD 1.. WHEELER.
Deodwood Dick Novels.

1 Deadwood Dick: the Prince of the Road.

20 Dendwood Dick s Defiance; or, Doubis Daggers.

$8 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or. Build: lien.

85 Doodwood Dick in “is Castle.

43 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; 0:, The Phantom Miner.

49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or Omsns Oil.

5? Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or,’lhs'Psrds oi Flood Bar.

78 Deadwood Dick on Deck r-or. Calamity .i \ntho Hsrolno

7? Deadwood Dick’s Lust Act: or. Corduroy Chsrlis.
100 Dondwood Dick in Lendville.
104 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Double Cross Sign.
109 Deadwood Dick as Detective.
l9” Deadwood Dick’s Double; or. The Gorgon's Gulch Ghost.
13" Deadwood Dick’s Home "use; or, Blonds Bill.
149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike or, A Game oi'Gold.
[Ml Deadwood Dick of Dcndwoo l or The Picked Psrt .
196 Deadwood Dick's Dream: or The lilvsls ortho Ready.
20] Deadwood Dick’s “'nrd; or, The Black Hill’s Jssehel.
205 Deadwood Dick‘s Doom: or, Cslslnity Jons's Advoutnrs.
2i? Deadwood Dick’s Dcud Dcol.
221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant.
233 GoldJiust Dick. A Romance of Rough! and Toughs.
868 Deadwood Dick‘s Divide or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake.
MN Deadwood Dick’s Death ‘rlil.
309 Deadwood Dick’s Deal: or, The Gold Brick oiOmzon.
3'3! Deadwood Dick’s Dosz OthIO Foil? Un‘hlanFllu
8-1? Deadwood Dick's Ducotsx or, Days in the Di gin s.
85! Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or,’l‘hs Terrible {San stilo

 

1 i262 Deadwood Dick’s Claim.

405 Deadwood chk in Dead City.

I 410 Deadwood Dick's Diamonds.

421 Deadwood Dick in Dew York; or, A "Cuts Cass."

430 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; nr,The Chained Hand.

 llzcufiwoodl mck‘.  wfil‘ha Crimson Crescent Sign.
on “'(NN U . I‘. I c “"00-

45a Dcudwood Dick, Jr.'-' Full "and.

459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. llig Round-Up.

465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Rocket at Claim 10.
 Beadwom‘il  gm, 1 gen-1b]; or,3osemsn Bill.
em woo c r. s o ctee ve.

4st Deadwood Dick: Jr.. in D‘e'ndu ood.

491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Compact.

490 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s. Inheritance.

500 Deadwood Dick, .Ir.’s. Dig lugs.

508 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s. De (vernnco.

515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.‘s. Protegec.

598 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s. Three.

529 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s, Danger Duckl.

584 Deadwaod Dick. Jr.’s. Dentin "out.

689 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. in Texas.

544 Deadwood Dick. Jr., the Wild Wont Video;

549 Deadwood Dick, In, on Ills Mettlo.

554 Deadwood Dick. Jr., in - othnrn.

581 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in ] stow.

507 Deodwood Dick, In. In Phil-dolphin.

579 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Chicago.

578 Deadwood Dick. In. Afloat.

584 Deadwood Dick, In. in Denver.

590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s. Decree.

695 Deadwood Dick Jr.. in Beellehuh’s Basin.

600 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. at Cone Island.

608 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s. Lesdv ie Loy.

iilfi Deadwood Dick. Jr., in Detroit.

618 Deadwood Dick. Jr., n Cincinnati.

(“34 Deodwoo ic . Jr.. in Nevada.

"80 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. in No Man’s Land.

686 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. After the Queer.

642 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. in liufl’nio.

 Rengwoo: Diet, fir.'s.AChnse Atfirogsthe i'iontinont
en woo c ' r.. noon 9 mo ers.

660 Deadwood Dick: Jr.'s III-ugsnce Cong:

666 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. hook in the Mines.

6?! Deadwood Dick. Jr.. in Dursngot or,“Gsthsnd in."

a: ll°ti$m as at: steamer-W'-
c . . . .

690 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s. Dollars.

6935 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. at Danger Divide.

100 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Drop.

704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jock-Pot.

I(l0 Deadwood Dick Jr... in San Francisco.

716 Deadwood Dick. Jr. it, “till llunt.

7.93 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dominoes.

798 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s, Disguise

784 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s. Double Dell.

740 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s. Deathwatch.

74‘? Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Dou let.

752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dent blow.

153 Deadwood Dick. .lr.’s, Desperate Strait.

764 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Lone llund.

770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’~. Defeat.

7‘36 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s. Resurrection.

7H2 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Dark Days.

71-32 Deadwood Dick Jr.. Dolled.

792 Dcudwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device.

797 Deadwood Dick. Jr’.s. Desperate Venturcd

802 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Diamond Dice.

80? Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s. Royal Flush.

31$ Deadwood Dick. Jr.’ll. llcud-oif.

816 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s. Rival.

829 Dcndwood Dick, Jr.'s, Boom.

i328 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Scoop.

S84 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Prox .

840 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Clutc .

S45 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, llifh llorse. .

852 Deadwood Dick .lr.. at l cvil’s Gulch.

858 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s. Death-llole Hustle.

868 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s Bombshell.

870 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. in Mexico.

Sf. Deadwood Dick. Jr's, Decoy Duck.

88. Deadwood Dick, din. in Silver Pocket.

LATEST AND NEW ISSUES.

886 The Five Points Lod ing llousc Janitor; or, Monk
Merry and the lililnll. By 0 Pierce.

88? Battery Bob, the Dock Detective; :or, Rounding-up
the Western Sharps. By J. C. Cowdritk.

888 Monte Soul. the Sport; or, High Hustllng st Dud
Latch. By Wm. R. Eyster.

889 New York Nut’s Dead] Deal; or, The Unknown
Ferret’s Snap Shot. By Col. P. ngnshnm. .

vs
I
o

a
on

 

 

890 The Rnce Track 8 ort’s Shake-up; or, Western

Union Messenger 999, By 0 Pierce.
A New lune Every Tuesday.

The Holt-Dino Library is for Isis by sli muscles-,1".

“wavy,” unuy msil on rsosipi oi sixesnuush.

READ“ AND ADAHI. Publishers.
.98 Willio- Street. New York.