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Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York. N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1891. by BEADLE AND ADAMS. ' July 10, 1894. \
$2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY DY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price. 
NO~  a. Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET. NEW YORK. ‘5 Cents" an' V'

 

 

 

 

 

 

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"BAD-SHOT RALPH’

Ten-Strike ;

0R,

Marlo, the Gold Ghouls’ Chief.

..__——

BY COL. PRFNTISS INGRAHAM.

.———-

CHAPTER I.
A DOUBLE LIFE.
Two men were riding over the plains of
California in the early dawn of day.
Both were striking~looking men, tall, well-
formed and with handsome faces as far as
the perfection of features was concerned. _____.__

One W88 dressed in the garb of a Mexican BUT THERE was ONE MAN WHO DID NOT GO OVER. THOUGH 111s HORSE m1).

 

-H

 

 

 

 

D

2 I , Dead-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike.

 

priest, except that he had a belt of arms
buckled around his waist. .

His face was dark, his eyes expressive and
he had a fearless look that amounted to reck-
lessness.

Ilia companion, riding close to his side,
was attired as a well-to-do rancher, and was
unarmed. ‘

In fact, his hands were manacled and
bound to the forward horn of his saddle.

Ills face was very pale, and his eyes
moved uneasily about. ,

“ You intend to give me up to these cow-
boys of Senor Samoa, do you?" asked the
prisoner in a tone of anxiety as they drew
nearer to the group of cabins.

“ I certainl do,"

“They wil hang me."

“That will be your misfortune, not my
fault.”

“Will you not name your price and let

'me 0 free?"

“ on are not able to pay it. ”

“ I might be." >

“ No, for I wish you dead and out of my
way, and I can get more by your death than
I can by allowing you to livo, for alive you
would be a dangerous man on my track.” _

“ You are afraid of me then ‘1”

“ Yes."

" You acknowledge yourself a coward ?” '

a “Where you are concerned, es, Fuentes,
for you would strike at my bac .”

“ How can my death serve you?”

“ Just this way: I'll wed the fair Senorita
Lulita." ‘

“ Bah!”

“ It is true, for I love her, loved her when
I saw you kidnap her in the old ruin, where

I, an unfortunate wrecked mariner, had taken -

refuge when Iwassearching for some ranch
to get food and shelter. ‘ -

“I heard all you told lier—how,although
considered a ranchero. you were the secret
leader of the band of outlaws known as the

Gold Ghouls, and would force her to wed'

you” if she refused. -
“Unarmed though I was, I struck you
from your horse with a stone, and, with her,
escaped from your men.
“ Her father treated me royally, but as she
dared not tell him who her kidhapper was,
. I, disguised as a padre, went to your house,

of your secret life by what I saw and;

ot a
geard, and made you a prisoner.

“I shall deliver you within ten minutes to -

the cowboys of the Samoa Hacienda and tell
them that nchero Marco Fuentes recently
an outlaw leader,chief of the Gold Ghouls,

is the one who kidnapped the Senorita Lulita

Spmos, the beautiful daughter of their em-
‘p oyer. ~ , ‘ I .
“.1 shall suggest that they send» you to the
roper autho t es, but hint that t will be

Just as well to lose you—lose you, you under- V

stand—upon the way thither. Se »
I “. Yes, I see that you mean, they shall kill
me.” ’ .
“ Exact] .” .
a . "‘ And w o are you, and why do you hate
me so?” 7 A
‘ “ I am a poor wrecked sailOr, whose yacht
was struck y lightning and dashed ashore,
I bein the sole survivor. ‘
“I 0 not hate you, but you are in my
way. “car you and so you must‘die.
. “Your ranch I wish to purchase. of you,
for I will step into your shoes, and as you
will have no need of old where you are go-
ings—in fact cannot ta eit along with. you—
I ,I will pay the meney. for» your ranch to any
one whom you may designate."

“ I can do no more than sell it to you upon _

. such. terms. I Sillipose,” 4
' “Whom shall pay the races to?" -
' ,“"l‘here is a woman, Elfri a Lamar in

{A ' Santa Fe, that I wish you to. pay the money. ‘
 "’Y ' ‘n’ "fire aw ' f 'll'listen’
.  1 “- as. as   a . or we .’
l I” halos-rs pay her thejmoney.     v y '

a . ~ ' 1‘ -.

to,-.andr give her a letter which I'su

  
 

 

_ will be allowed-to write to her?" ‘

.'gvh-'Mr the letter. ,", ..

.~ It .

   
  

T:£,l‘f"i’ards.“ I want‘tdtalk with you.”

They had now reached the edge of the
timber, and the cabins, a dozen in number,
were before them. ‘

A score of men were visible coming out of
the cabins, and all regarded the two men at-
tentively as they approached.

Riding up to the chief of the dowboys the
pretended padre said: ,

"I am Senor Julius Marlowe, the guest of
your employer, senor Samoa. I have here
with me one who, though known as Senor
Fuentes, a ranchero, is none other than the
chief of the Gold Ghouls.

you to take him to, the proper authorities for
safe keeping, but my advice to you is that it

ment.” '

“The chief of the Gold Ghouls? He
shall die!" came the response of the cowboy
chaff, and the prisoner’s face turned ashade
w ter. ~

 

CHAPTER II.
a LIFE FOR GOLD,
THE prisoner in irons saw not one atom of

him. 1

He had come to the vicinit some time be
fore, bought an old ruine hacienda, and
was known as a ranchero for he had horses
.and cattle, with a few borders.

He had rescued the lovely daughter of a
wealthy ranchero from an outlaw band
known as the Gold Ghouls. and thus had
sought to win the fairmaiden. who refusing
his love, he had kidnapped, and frankly
confessed that his rescue was from his own
men, and that he was the Gold Ghouls
leader. ,

She had been saved by the wrecked sailor
who had passed the hi ht in an old ruined
Mission of the South alifornia Coast and
this same man, Julius Marlowe he called
himself, had “afterward cleverly entrapped
her captor, and- now wasrdetermined to get
rid. of him for reasons ofrhts own. '

' Arriving at the cowboy camp, the pris-
oner, had been given 'pen. ink and paper,
and filled out his dead of sale to his captor,

cattle to. be paid to oneElfrida Iamar, who

dweltin Santa Fe. ‘ * ' ,
Bidding his prisoner farewell, with the ex-

pressed wish that “

on' his way- back to the Samoa hacienda
have breakfast with the Senor Samoa an
the lovely Lulita, after. which he had in
view the carrying out of a plot which will
*soonbs made knovvn. » p .

In the meantime the prisoner had been
given breakfast by his keepers, the cowboys,
who held a' consu tation as to what should be
done with him. ' ‘ I

Some were in favor, of not putting the

do the‘work’tbemselves. .’ i . a I
‘ “But. cooler .headsxwon, the day, and two
men were selectedto carry the prisoner to
the nearest“ settlement where there :Was a
constable, but to go on and report "that he
had tried to escape and had‘besn killed. ‘-
This had .the semblancestleast of trying
to carryout the .law as far as lay in their
power. v ' . .  ’
The two men who were to act ss‘guards
were secretly instructed to, take the prisoner
to the authorities,3un1ess;he * attempted to
escape. '_s.j,, l'.'.' _Y
So the: start. was made, the prisoner hem
tied to his. saddle and the lariat of he
’ horse placed tortilla-hands of one of the men.
The bad one  ,
when helout awgranehsro said:

we '

 

one‘ us.  1' .  'v ’4" ‘1 '
~ f‘quhaveiyour- orders regarding me i"

“The Senor Sainos sent me with him to,

would be well if he never reached the settle- ,

mercy for him in the faces of the men about .

the money for the purchase of his ranch and -

‘ Heaven would, have.
mercy upon hissoul,” Julius Marlowe went

State to expense to try and hang him, but to the constable you t

annals: upon their way v

   

 

“ We has.”

" You are to take me to the constable at

Dies of”

“ ‘hem is our open orders."

“ Well, that means that I'll be tried and
hanged ‘2”

“ If you is tried, you’ll be hanged.”

“Well, I don’t wish to die.”

“ More than likely.”

“ I wish to escape.”

, “ Maybe you will be so reported.”

“ Well, you are not rich men, I take it?”

“We has only our pa as cowboys and
What we picks up gamb ing, and we lose.
quite often.” _

“ Then a few hundreds of dollars would
go well with you.”

“ A few what?”

“ Dollars." -

“ Where is the ?"

" Well, I coul get them for you.”

“ How?”

“ Never mind how, but if you pledge
yourself to let me escape I’ll give you your
money."

“ And my pard ‘2"

“ I mean him, too." -

“ How much is your life worth?”

“ we will say two hundred to each of
you!”

” Has you got more money?”

“ Well, yes.”

“ INt must be no use to you, if you hangs.”

H o.”

“ Well, set the price higher.”

‘ “ I will give you three hundred each.”

“ Any more?"

" Is not that enough ‘i”

" Hardly.” '

“ What do you ask ?”

“ Call it five hundred each."

" It will be every dollar I have, but I will
have to go you." '

“ Now you are talking sense.

a Yes.

” And we’ll act square by you.”

ll

“ That is right.” ' ' ‘

“ Where is this money?"
“ It is here, in a secret pocket, I have."
“ We’ll halt for dinner soon and then you

count it out, but, mind you, no bogus mon- f

’1

ey on us. . ‘
“ No, indeed,.for it 18 as good as can be
mad 9)

v -- Soonafter a halt was made and the prison- 
.er’s arms were set_ free, while the two men '
stood regarding him closely and with their

revolvers covering him.

egtOOk from an inner pocket 9. roll of bills" ‘
’ and Counted out one thousand doll

ars.

“ That gives each of you five hundred,
and, as you see, leaves me two hundred.

“ New I am to go free.” ‘

“Let me tell you something, pard.”

" Well?” . v

“ We had orders to lose you and save the 3,;

count expense.
" cwas to ha.an

Oll.

Y , 
“ But our pards must think We kilt you, 80"; 
we’ll just dig a grave here, and put‘a cut]

rope over the limb of that tree, so as to show:
’em whar you is buried. ‘

“We must take your horse back, but"

we’ll give you some food and then you are

to li ht out—satay?” ' ‘
"‘ understand perfectly, but I dislike i to

30 on foot.” ‘ . ' ‘
‘? Better Walk than lie vin‘the grave.”

“ You are right,” was the eager answer. M

and soon after the prisoner, with several
day’s food and a revolver and a mag» set but
upon his lone trail of escape, his 11 e
by gold.

v' CHAPTER 1.11., ,
7mm: onmw Business. 5:

 

 hacienda or Senor flames was,  f
the 'largestand'iinest in the. State‘ot ,

wish to do what'is right by you.” 1 

on and g“) on and ten» ‘
.to escape and we kill?)

bought;

 

 

- .‘Q—J. 'g" -_

   
      

I

- , r 'Vrr-- ."v .

Dead-Shot Ralph’s! Ten-Strike.

 

 

,. ,

1 30min, and had been built generations be:

~ : ore.

‘ There the senor lived with his only child,
the Senorita Lulita, whose mother had been
an American lady. -

There were servants by the dozen and the
herders, whose camp was a few miles distant,
were numbered by the score.

Neighbors were few and far between and
the Senor Fuentes, after his fraudulent res-
«cue of the Senorita. Lulita from his own
‘ routlaw band had been a welcome guest

*there. .

But he had won large sums from the
.s‘enor, for which he held notes, and at the
time of the rescue of Lulita by the wrecked
.sai‘lor, although she had a fortune in her
own right, her father would have been
ruined had the outlaw ranchero demanded
his ay.

T e second day after the taking of the

risoner to the cowboy camp, Senor Julius

rlowe, as the sailor called himself, was
again a guest at the Samos Hacienda.

He told the Senor Samos how he had pur
chased the ranch of Fuentes, the outlaw
rancher-o, and would return to make his
home there, but then duty called him to the
'northward.

The Senorita Lulita was a beautiful girl
«of eighteen, and had traveled much with her
father.

Although the outlaw ranchero, though be-
lieved to be an honorable man, had made no
impression on her heart, it was very evident
'that Julius Marlowe had deeply impressed
.her, and she bade him farewell with' re-
_gret.

He started upon his journey northward
mounted upon the splendid black horse he
had taken from Fuentes at the time of his
"rescue of Lulita, and led a pack-animal well
loaded with all to make him comfortable up-
on the way,

. Claiming to be a plainsman he had de-

:' clined a guide, so started upon his journey
{escorted by Senor Samos and Lulita, who
"were to o a few miles with him.

, He sai nothing to them of having to over-
take a bandof men ahead of him, but after
farewells 'were spoken went on his way
alone, and at a' more rapid pace.

, (It was toward sunset when he came upon
"a camp by the side of the trail. ‘ ‘ ‘

He saw there the tracks of three horses,
.and a fire that had burned out. ,

' Then over the limb of a tree hung the end
«of a lariat.

.One end was tied around the trunk of the

_ *tree, and the end over the limb showed,tbat

'it had been cut by a sharp knife. '

, ’On the ground lay the severed "end, and
utthere was a slip-noose in it. ,

A short distance off was a new-made

I . .grave. .
' _ ', f‘Ah! this is surely the grave of Fuentes,
:00 his guards did their werk well.
“ With Fuentes dead I will have nothing

,‘to fear now, and can wed the Senorita Lulit '

' and et her fortune. ’ =

 .“ ut.‘ then, I love Pearl Kenton.

~ , . “Bah! she is young yet, too young, and

_ ', ssheshsll be my bride ater, when I have got-
fl tenrid of Lulita andher father in some way,

but have their fortune, and can also get my

worst foe Dead-“Shot Ralph, out of the way.

“ The coasters think, I am dead, that I wasi

« killed On, my vessel, and I saw them, from
my hiding-place, bury my dead crew. -
, . " When cast ashore I found that old‘ruin,
j . rescued the SenoritayLulita and then ste ped
- A into her regard and her father’s, while Ipwill
get! a large fortune, too. . I

_ “But, I need money just now, to letSenor ‘

.1 'ifielf‘ to be, a wealthy yachtsmaa., I

'/  {“Icangct money on the, northern trails,
,_ and with itmy revenge. . , ,
“Those men J will anon Overtake believe

'  ' Samoa feel that lam what I represented my-

that I am the friend of their chief,

‘” :‘my'stor
 readily fellow my lead as captain.

‘ money,

“Well, Fuentes the outlaw ranchcro lies
in this grave, and I have stepped into his
shoes, but with far better chance of success
in the end.

And so musing to himself, as he stood at
the head of the grave, Julius Marlow mount-
ed his horse and rode on his way.‘

It would have been far better for him had
he looked into the grave and seen if it held
the body of the man to whom he had, a.
couple of days before, so frankly confessed
his fear of him.

But this he did not do, and he went on his
way believing Fuentes the outlaw rauchero
dead, and plottin for the future triumphs
he had determiner should be his.

That night, just at sunset he rddeintoa
camp of fifteen men. '

They were a wild-looking set, mostly of
Mexican blood, and dressed as cowboys.
while they were armed completely and
mounted well!

They greeted the rescuer of Lulita Samos
with a cheer and hailed him as the new
chief of the outlaws known as the Gold
‘Ghouls.

CHAPTERl IV.
THE GOLD onouns 0N 'rna: TRAIL.

“ WELL, Sanchez, I am glad to have over-
taken you," said Marlowe as he rode into the
camp.

“ And we are glad to see you, captain, for
we feared you might have gotten into some
trouble. ”

"‘ No; all. went well with me, Sanchez."

“Any more news of Chief Fuentes,
senor?”

“ No more than that he was hanged, and
I saw his grave.” , ‘

“ I am sorry, senor, for we all liked the
Senor Chief."

“ Yes; he was a noble fellow; but now,
Sanchez. tell the men to come near me and I
will give them my plans, and I assure you
on will all make far more gold out of my

cad than you would had on, remained in
till]? lfoyver country and had enor Fuentes as
c e . ’ '

“Yes, captain, for thewtrails did not pan
out very well for us of late. "

“Well, I shall neglect nothing, Sanchez,
for I will keep the men n on the stage-trails,
the wagon-trails, and r d settlements and
ranches when Ican. ,

“ There is considerable wealth on the
coast trails, and some ranches that I know
well, and where we can get a good haul,
only we must go by night. We will make
nchez, never fear.” .

“ All ave confidence in you, senor,” was
the reply.

That night the men assembled around the
camp-fire, and the new chief, a man unknown
to them until two days before, said: ,

“ Men, I told you that I would lead you
to the]?1 Northern country, and would enrich
you a . I a

“I know a secret retreat where we will
degy attack, where none will dare follow us,
an where, under 'our old name of the
Gold Ghouls, we wil; sally forth to strike for
our fortunes. ‘ . ‘

“There is a settlement upon the coast
known as Point Desolation,'and where dwell"
several hundreds who are both sailors and
,ranehmen. 7 ~

“ They have their homes on the coast, their
vessels and. are rich. They have'thoir ranches,
back in the mountains half a dav’s journey
and number their cattle by the thousands.

“ The stage trails run not very far from
the ranches of these people, and rich tra velers
often go in them from their homes _to‘- San
Francisco and back. . ~ '  .
L “ Government wagon trains, frei hted with
valuable supplies also pass alon t ‘ ese trails,’
and in time we can enrich-bursa ves‘With the

old and booty, we can etgwhile‘ now and

 

 

enwe can run pains V of cattlefromfltho

ranches of these coasters and sell them, and
droves of horses as well.

“ I shall demand of you implicit obedience
to my orders, and going against my authority
shall have death for the punishment. for we
can only be successful by acknowledging
one hca . ‘

“Now the man who does not agree to the
laws that shall govern our outlaw band let
him now speak or forever after ‘hold his
peace, for we wish no traitors in our midst,
none who are not with us for life or death.
Who speaks?" V

Not a dissenting voice was heard, and the
band seemed wholly satisfied with their new
chief.

They believed that he had been the friend

of Fuentes, little dreaming that he had been‘ ,

his destroyer.

Not knowing the' truth the outlaws were
glad to acknowledge one as their chief who
pledged himself to enrich them, and bright
and early the next morning followed bislead
on to the retreat where they were to lie in

wait to strike a blow for gold.
l

CHAPTER V.
THE coAs'rna CHIEF.

‘ Tm: people of whom Julius Marlowe had
spoken to his outlaw band, as Coaster
Rancheros were indeed strange ones. '

They dwelt upon a rugged oiut of land,
had their fleet of little vessels n a protected
harbor, were fishermen and traders along
the coast, and inland had their ranches where
they raised horses and cattle for the markets.

Suspicion had fallen upon them as leading
a lawless life, of smuggling, and also of
being outlaws ashore, but no roof had
fallen 11 )on them of guilt, except n the case
of a Wilt young sailor b the name of Mario,
who. had been jealous y in, love with the
young daughter of the Coaster Chief, Karl
(eaten, and who, when he saw the chance
gt (gravin g a rival, at once began to go to the

a. . .

He had sought his rival’s life by unfair
means, had turned his fleet little vessel into
a smuggler, and had then been chased to his
doom by that same one of whom he was so
insanely jealous. '

The chief’s daughter was known as the

A

Pearl of the Sea, and was a beautiful little,

maiden not yet fifteen when this story opens.

The chief, Captain Karl Kenton, was‘the
a'cknowleSged head of the settlement, and
was obe implicitly. -‘ ‘

His w to was as much beloved as he was,
ailid Pearl was the idol of the strange peos

e. . ' r
One night a vessel, a lar e barque, had
been driven upon the reef o the Point,’and
had it not been for Pearl going outwith a

all would have been lost. \ l , ;
Among those saved was a youth who had
risked h s life to carry a rope to the little
schooner, and he remained at Point Desola-
ton, adopted by Captain Karl Kenton and
his wife as their son. \ ,g
It was this onth who came to be known
as Dead-Shot lph and who was the rival

, of the' oung man .Marlo, but not one act!
'had Ra ph been guilty of to bring it

n him‘
the ill will of theCoastcr Ranchmen, and so

all sided against his rival—the hopheaded r  

Marlo. -, .
So matters stood—Marlo being considered

hisinountain home for a few months, accent--

. panied by his wife and daughters, and width

others of the settler who had also gone to

, crew in her father’s schooner; the Sea Pearl, v ‘

‘ .

:dead, when Captain Karl Kenton went to  

their ranches on the mountain range; F , '
a; ran-

Dead-Sbot Ralph had gone to
place to purchase‘another vessel, in place of

the one which Marlo had taken' flight in and I ‘

which was wrecked—the captain and-all
were ex ectipg, him back daily
The t we entons were‘be

homaenjoying the superb monochrome?“ ,.,

a. theirlcabim ‘ '

 

1-"'Jm r' r _

.t e .A Ain'- ..» 
1-.7‘ ,.g.»._gy~v~.f»_.< A. 

 

 

4 .

 

Dead-Shot "Ralph’s Ten-Strike.

 

 

before them. and of which they never tired,
when suddenly Pearl called out:

“ Oh, papal There comes Ralph!"

Pearl was swinging in ahammock, read-
ing, when she discovered the coming of her
adopted brother.

The. oung girl was daintily dressed in
bucksk n, bodice and short skirt, elaborately
embroidered with beads and gold thread.

Leggings covered her limbs, and mocca-
sins were upon her tiny feet.

A sombrero was taken from the ground and
put upon her head in a jaunt wa as she
arose from the hammock, am in twas a
large, crimson plume, pinned in with a pearl
of large size and beauty.

A silver-mounted revolver was in the
sash about her waist, and a rifle stood
against a tree within reach

Coming up the hill on horseback, and
leading two well-laden pack-horses, was the
ifuth whose life had been attempted by

arlo, the Coaster Renegade, and whose
chase of his rival had driven him, as all be-
lieved, to his doom.

Upon Ralph’s temple was the scar made by
his enemy’s bullet.

His dress was that of a sailor, except that
he wore a silver-embroidered sombrero.

A rifle hung from his saddle'horn upon
one side, a lame upon the other, and al-
though a sailor, he sat his horse like a
Texan.

He waved his sombrero as he saw that his
approach was discovered, and seen after dis-
mounted before the door of the cabin.

Such was the Coaster Chief andhis family
at the time of the opening of this romance.

 

CHAPTER VI.
A TIMELY WARNING. ‘

A MAN stood among a group of bowlders,
and his look indicated one who was skulking,
as though he expected some one, or was there
for an evil purpose. I '

But, whatever his appearance might indi-
cate, in this instance appearances were de-

ceitful, for, the man was theretomeet one‘

whom he had done a great service to. .
But his manner was nervous, his face anx

us. ,v
He looked like a Mexican, and yet when he
mused aloud his words were uttered in Eng-
lish free from all accent.
‘ “ Well, I did my share when I met Dead-
Shot Ralph on the trail home and warned

him.

“I well-nigh dropped him from my am-
bush before recognized him, and glad am
I that I knew him in time, for the chief gave
me orders to kill and rob all who came by
my 0st.

“ would notharm a hair of that boy’s
head for all the'gold in California, for I have
not forgotten how he saved my life that
night in San Francisco, when the crowd
would have hanged me for murder.

“I told him'I was innocent and he be-
lieved me. , -

“ He told the crowd it was better to let a
guilty man escape and suffer what his con-
science would make him feel, than to hang
an innocent man. ‘ .

“Then, when they would not heed him,.«

he called to his crew, took me from the
crowd to his vessel, and landed me far down
the coast.

‘.‘And that is the one I so nearly shot
down. - .
“ utI acted ri ht, for I told him I was
one of the Gold houl gang, and that they
intended to attack his house, kill the Coaster
Chief and run off with the girl. .
“.Now I am waiting to know the result,
for he promised to meet, me here. ,

“ Ah! there he comes now.” .

As the man spoke. ‘rRalph, the young,

. - Coaster Ranchero, came in sight, riding down
. theme tain. ‘

  

I ‘am gladtoseeyouhere,

 

and I wish to tell you that your timely
warning saved us. ”

And dismounting the youth grasped the
hand of the self-accused outlaw.

“I am awful glad, Master Ralph; but did
you capture any of the men?" anxiously
asked Tony.

“Not a soul, for it was a clean sweep.” .

“I'm mighty glad of that for my life
wouldn’t be worth a peep if they knew I had
turned traitor.”

“There are none to know it, Tony; but
I frankly tell you had you not met me
here on m way home and warned me, the
result wou d have been terrible for us.

“ We 1; the men of our vessels together
and had ome in the cabin and others scat-
tered in groups, lying in ambush.

“ It was then I held back and dropped out,
Master Ralph.

"‘I rode rapidly away to come here and
await you in hiding.

“ But I heard the firing and it told me the
fight was a hot one.”

“ Yes, when they found that instead of
surprising us they were in a trap, they fought
hard and several of our men fell.

“ The outlaws did not know about the
eliif, andthose who did not fall under our
fire sought to escape and men and horses
went over the precipice to destruction far
below. ’ s

“ Not one escaped."

“ Then I can breathe free again.

“ But the chief?"

“He went with the others, or was killed
by our fire, though I was not able to pick
him out in the fight.”

“ You would know him if you saw him, a
tall man, fine looking, with a white plume
in his sombrero.”

“ Ah! I saw such a man by the flashing ,of
the revolvers.

“ He went over the cliff with the others. "

“ You are sure?”

“ Yes, there is a fringe of shrubbery along
the cliff and they did not see it until too late
and went over at a rush.

“ I heard the horses and men strike the
water far below, and the shrieks of some of
them as they went down to their doom I
will. never for et.

“ It was ap lling. Tony.”

“ Yes, Master Ralph; but did2you see the
bodies below, for lwish I knew about the
chief ?" _

“ How ?" . .

“ Whether he was dead or,alive?"

“He‘ is dead, for there is a rocky torrent
far below and they fell in that.”

“Then that should be proof that they

were killed.” ' I '
“ N 0 man could go over that clifi and live,
Tony.”
“ And the dead who did not go over the
cliff?” '

“ There were six of them.”

“ None. wounded ?”

u Not one.» Y

“ And the chief was not among them?”

“ There was no such man as you describe
among them. ”

“ ThenI suppose I must believe that the
chief is dead.

' “ But we of the band did not believe that
he could be killed, for we all thought he had
a charmed life. I '

“ In the few months he hasbeen our leader
he has never been harmed, and though am,-
bushed several time,b[v)v soldiers and scouts

.he always escapes nn urt ' ' r’

. “ But every man dies when his time comes,
only we did‘ not believe that Chief Marlo
would die with his boots an.”

“ Chief Marlo?” cried the youth in a tone
that startled 1‘0an ‘ _ .

. “ Yes. Master 1911. that was his name,
‘ Chief Marlo.” _ ,. '

‘fTony. I must know all that you can tell

me about that man,” said the youth earnestly.

_.

 

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"'  I .".f-..;1‘§¥§i‘ ‘ £5,911 sings-15a "  .  91:4 ’ ‘3' «'

“ The Gold Ghouls rode up to the cabin—” I

 

   
 
  

CHAPTER VII.
, BEYOND DOUBT.

THE man Ton was impressed by the earn-
est manner of alph, and after a moment:
asked:

“ What can i tell you about the chief,.
Master Ralph?” ‘

“ He'was a tall man, you say ?”

“ Yes. ”

“ With broad shoulders?”

“Very broad and a fine form.”

“ What kind of a looking man was be?"

“A dashing fellow, and a face as hand--
some as a picture on] he had a smile that.
was full of the Old ick.”

“ Even teeth?”

"Yes, sir. and white as snow.”

“What color of hair?”

“Black.”

“ Did you ever see him shoot a revolver?”

“ Yes, and he was a dead shot.”

“Had he a tenor-like voice?”

“ No, sirha deep voice, and one that rung'
like a trumpet. ”

“I see. Now tell me how long you have
known him ‘2"

“Some four months.”

“Where did you meet him?"

“Away down the coast, sir."

“What were you then?”

“ One of the Gold Ghouls, but under anw
other chief.”

“What became of the other chief ?"

“He was captured and banged.”

“ And how did you meet this secondJ
chief ?” v

“ We were at our chief‘s ranch, for he was
not known as an outlaw, and we went there-
as he had attempted to kidnap a young lady‘
and expected an attack from her father, a.
wealthy ranchero living near.

“We were not attacked and were sent to-
our retreat, where we were recalled to the'
ranch and found Chief Marlo there.

“ He was dressed as a padre, and said he
was our chief’s friend, and we had to mourn
him as dead, for he had been hanged.

‘_‘ He. then told us that we were to meet.
him at a certain rendezvous and he would
lead us to the north, to this neighborhood,
where we would make our fortune raiding
ranches, and holding up coaches and wagon-
tmins. '

“ We came here, or rather to the coun-
try some leagues below, and we have laid up
a snug some of money. and what is more,
Master Ralph, I know where it was hidden
and we’ll o and get it.” ,

“ It is not that I would consider bad
luck to touch, ,‘ony.:,’ ‘

“ It don’t belong to any one now, sir,
as the Ghouls are all dea , echpting me,
and I am the heir, you know . ‘

“ Veil, you can take it, Tony, and Iain
ve glad that you have determined to live ‘a

M
e

di erent life and join our people, for only '- '

Chief :Kenton and his wife and dau hter~
shall ever know that you were an out aw.”

“I never would have been one, Master
Ralph, only hard luck fell upon me, after
you aided me to escape, and I fell into the
clutches of the Gold Ghouls and joined them
to save my life. ” A

“I believe you, Ton ; but, now tell me
more about your chief, Iarlo.

“ Tell me just where you met him?” .

“ At our chief’s' ranch, a four days’ ride'
from here, some ‘ twenty miles from the
coast.” , '

“Iknow the spot well, for just off that:
coast one of our vessels was wrecked.

“ It was commanded by a young man of
our people who had gone to the bad, be-j
coming a smuggler.

“‘He lost hscraft, and came to Point

Desolation, then coming up here in the "
mountains with his 'crew, for be supposed hee ,

would be followed by Government officers. ‘
“ He came down by night, challenged me’

not

 
  

  

and my 

, ' fir“: .

 

to fight aduel with him. and my, semi1 did ,. . '

s 1 *\1’« _v r

 

  
 

 

 

 
 
 
  

- uni-unfi-A.‘- ..~. ..‘-> .. . ...

Dead-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike.

 

 

“ Here is where his bullet struck me, and I
was left for dead.

” Chief Karl Kenton, the noble man who
adopted me as his son, came here after him,
but Mario and his crew doubled on him,
reached the coast, cut out the captain's schoo-
her, which I was skipper of and fled.

“ I ursued in the Idle Wings, a'nd Cap—
tain Ixarl also came in chase.

“ When in sight of Marlo, when near Bon
'Secours, we were caught in a terrible storm
and his vessel was struck by lightning,
caught on fire and was driven ashore and
wrecked.

“ I buried the crew the next day and sup-
posed Marlo was among the dead: but what
you tell me now proves that he escaped in
some remarkable manner and reached the
ranch of your chief."

“ You think there was no mistake, Master
Ralph?” ,

“ No, for your description of your chief is
the counterpart in all things of Marlo.

“ Especially does it appear to be Marlo
when we know that he planned an attack on
our home, as you said, to kill CaptaiuKai-l
and myself, kidnap my adopted sister, Pearl,
and rob the cabin.

“ Yes, there is no mistake, Tony; but,

come, you will go home with me now and
see what Captain Karl says as to your chief
being Marlo'or not. Where is your home?”

“ Yonder. Master Ralph,” was the answer,

and mounting, the two men set off for the-

mountain home of the Coaster Chief, while
Ralph muttered: '
“ This time Marlo is dead beyond doubt.”

V CHAPTER VIII.
TIIE ocrmw’s TREASURE.

THE youth returned to the chief's cabin
with Tony, and the latter appeared to feel
Considerany embarrassed at his position, as
he knew that both Mrs. Kenton andPearl
knew all that he had been.

But the kindly manner of Captain Karl,
. and his earnest thanks for the services he

.had rendered them all, added to the very
. pleasant greeting of the mother and daugh-
' ter, soon made Tony feel at home.

“I wish to make known to on, father
Karl, just what I have hear from my
friend Tony” here about the chief of the Gold
Ghouls, and see if I am not right in my sur-

i' - misc that he was no other than Marlo.” '

Even the chief started at these words of
Ralph, and both Pearl and Mrs. Kenton
turned pale, while the latter said:

“Tell us what you know, Ralph, to lead
you to believe that the chief of the Gold
Ghouls was Marlo?" .

In a few words Ralph told just what Tony
had said, and when he had finished, the

' coaster captain, 1118 wife." and Pearl were
convinced that the fugitive of ‘Point Desola-
tion had really turned outlaw, and had de-
termined to avenge himself upon them all.

- “ Well, there is no doubt now as to his be-
ing dead,” said Captain hark

“None, sir, for he rode over the clifl with
the rest of his men in that mad fight/3 Ralph
added. , ‘ , ‘

~ -’ “ Did not Marlo know the cliff was there,

, Ralph?” I
The question was asked by Pearl.

“ Yes, for he has been here often, as you

know.”

, “ Then why did he ride to

< the cliffs?” _ i
' “ Well, he was cut off from retreat and
' knew what his fate would be if he was cap-

' tured and recognized, so preferred death n

‘ the manner in which he met it." ‘

'  ' "I: do not believe that Marlo is dead,”

« firmly, said Pearl. '

. V “ ell I have not the slightest doubt-of it

 I i

his death OVer

, Captain Karl remarked. ,
""5! saw this men dash for the cliff and go

 

“ I therefore am sure that he is dead.”

“ Yes, and I feel as you do now," said Mrs.
Kenton.

“ We can find out for ourselves, Master
Ralph, if you will go with me,” Tony re-
marked.

“,1 am ready, Tony, but where will we

0? ’

“ To the retreat, sir, for if the chief is not
dead he will go there and seek to get the
treasure which belonged to all the band in
common."

“ls it far from here, Tony?"

“ We can camp there to-night, sir, and re-
turn to-morrow.”

f‘ All right, We will start at once.”

So it was decided and soon after Ralph and
Tony well mounted and prepared for a long
ride, rode away from the cabin.

Tony led the way and t went at a brisk
pace, readily following the rail ‘of the ma-
rauders on their way to attack the Coaster
Chief's ranch. '

After some distance they came to a stream
and from there on the trail had been COVered
up most. skillfully.

But Tony knew the way well and they
held on as rapidly as before, for the ex-out~
law had scouted all through the country
here in search of victims and booty.

Straight into a canyon, the entrance to
which was concealed * by trees so as not to
have its presence there suspected, rode
Tony, Ralph following closeat hisheels.

OnCe through the undcrbrush they found
themselves in a canyon that widened into a
narrow but fertile Vale.

A ride of a quarter of a mile' brought them

to a narrow pass, which was almost choked

up by bowlderswhich had split ofi from the
cliffs upon either side and falling into the
cadyon lmdmlmo’st blocked the way.

~ Beyond was a basin as fertile as a garden,
and a barrier of ’poles across the narrow
pass prevented the straying of the cattle
and horses which were there.

Several hundred cattle there were, and
some sixty horses, allof them good ones.

“This was where a sentinel stood, for
there is no ther entrance to the canyon,
Master Ralph, except by foot,” said Tony.

“And there is no human being here?” '

“ None, sir, unless the chief or one of the
men escaped and .is here; but I will soon
know. ” -

With this he rode his horse alongside of
a rock in the shape of a s uare.

Standing upon his 59. dle-horn he drew
himself upon the rock and instantly called
down:

“ The treasureis safe, sir, so that I am the
only one left of the Gold Ghouls.”

.-——

CHAPTER IX.
, me not!) euoan’ RETREAT.

Tan voice of Tony rung out with joy as
he called to Ralph that the treasure Was safe.
Then he explained to the youth that the
top of the rock was hollow, and stepping

down into this space there was an opening,

like a cavern large enough to contain con-
siderable Booty in it.
The cavern had been the receptacle of the

booty of the outlaws, which they, held in.

common. , ‘ l
- No one would suspect the rock of being
hollow, and the receptacle was a secure and
good hiding place.

Ral h did» as Tony had done and drew
himse f up to the top of the rock, when his
eyes fell upon the outlaw’s treasure.

~ “Ah! there is no doubt now, for I know
this belt.” and he picked up a large leather

belt which had been made‘ for carrying 3°“

and valuables about one's‘ waist. .
. “You know that beltt’~'_Mast6l' Ralph-
“ Yes,‘ it; has the name of Mario on it,
marked with thread—see!" ’
“ I do indeed, sir, and the chief put it here

\with treasure in it, as his share for us all to
divide, for he had no claim upon the common
fum .”

“ Yes, Mother Kent made the belt for him,
and he has in it a watch and chain.‘I rc-
cognize as having belonged to one of his
crew.

“Yes, Tony, your chief and Marlo were
one and the same, there is now not the
slightest doubt of that, though I felt sure of
it before. ”

, “Well, Master Ralph, what is to be
done?" ‘ ' -

“I suppose, as you said, Tony, you are
the heir to those who were your follows, for
you are the last of the band, so pack up your
treasures and we will take them back with
us.”

“ But the cattle, Master Ralph, should be
cared for. ” ~

“ That is true.”

“ You might divide them among those of
the ranchers who were in the fight against
the Gold Ghouls.” '

“ That is a good idea, Tony; but how are
We to get them to our range?"

“ It will take half a. dozen men to get
them there, Master Ralph, so I say that you
had best return to the range and get what
herders you need, While I remain here as a
guard.”

” The very thing, Tony. I will start back
the first thing in the morning and the next
afternoon we can get here.” '

“Yes, Master Ralph, and I'll have all
ready to start, when you return," said
Tony. >..

So the two went into camp for the night
and after enjoying a good supper they
wrapped themselves in their blankets and
retired for the night.

Early the next mornin Ralph started alone
upon the back trail, and as he rode through .
the narrow pass, did not see afierce pair of
eyes glancing upon him. ,

Nor did he see a revolver twice raised and
leveled at him as hedrew near, was within a
few feet of the hidden man and then passed

on. -

“No, I dare not miss, for that would bring
sure death upon me," muttered the man in,
ambush, and he crouched down among the
rocks and watched the youth ride on out of
sight down the canyon. '

And on went Ralph toward the range, ar-
riving there late in the afternoon when he
made known to Captain Karl the result of
his trip to the retreat of the Gold Ghouls.

“ We will start back early in the morning.
for I will go with yen, and we will takea
dozen of the men with us,” Ca tain Karl re
marked, and after a moment a dad:

“Since you have found what you did in
theoutlaw camp. there is not a shadow of
doubt but that Mario escaped death at sea
and turned road-agent.” ‘ '

-———p

_ CHAPTER x.-
‘ A MYSTERY.

CAPTAIN KARL went with the force the
next morning, that were to go to the retreat
of the Gold Ghouls, and drive back the
horses and cattle, which were to be turned
loose with the herds of the coasters on the
ran '

K -

fie ,
~ lph found a good guide and they went
rapidly on their way, turned into the stream
and then into the canyon. v,

Up through the narrow pass they went to

the cam of the outlaws where all 9! the
Coaster Ranchmen drew rein. _

And no wonder, for there lay poor Tony
near the still burning 'camp-fire and in the
Very center of his torchead was a small

wound. ‘
“ He- is dead!” cried Ralph, springan '
from his horse. I, ‘ ' -’ _ 'v
“ Yes, he has been shot through the head,“‘
the Coaster Chief said. -.  »‘

 

l

 

 

.ti

 

Isl
' ‘ v {satiny found volunteers to accompany,
 m." .' ' ' ‘i ’
~ 5:. «“i'l’hree ates will go and

6 , .

“ And robbed—sec!"

And Ralph pointed to where the belt of the
dead man had been taken from his waist,
while a ring had been cut from his finger and
his watch and chain were gone.

“ He was shot over the top of yonder rock,
father Karl," said Ralph.

fl “ Yes, and while he sat here by the
re.”

“ It was done last night.”

“ Without doubt.”

“ He was shot by one of the outlaw
band.”

I “ Wh do you think so, Ralph?”

“‘We 1, who else knew of this home of the
outlaws, unless he was one of the band 2"

“ There was no one here when you
came ?”

" Not a soul. or at least, I saw no one.”

“ It must have been one of the Gold
Ghouls then.”

“There is no doubt, sir, in my mind, but
that it was one of the outlaws.”

“?Then the whole band was not wiped
out ” '

“ Tony said that the whole hand went on
the raid against the Coasters’ ranches, sir.”

‘ a “But some one must have esca ed.”

“ If any one escaped that slang ter it was
Marlo.” ‘

“ Why do you think so, my son 7” Captain
Karl asked.

" He has escaped so often before, I begin
to feel sure that he was not born to die ex-
cept upon a gallows. " -

“ He deserves the fate, Ralph."

“ Indeed he does, sir.” ,

A thorough search was now instituted for
some clue to the assassin of the unfortunate

ony.

But all in vain, for nothing was found other
than that the murderer had fired his fatal
shot from the rocks and then robbed his vic-

m. .

The horse of the outlaw was there, but his
saddle and bridle were gone, and Ralph no-
ticed that a beautiful iron-gray which he had

seen in the drove of horses the day before

was no longer there.

Also a bay mare which he had observed
was not to befound, and there was no chance
of the animals’ escaping from the valley with
the narrow pass closed up with the barrier of
poles as it had been. r

I “ I will see if’he knew where the treasure
was hidden.” ' .

" Yes, Ralph, that will tell the story as to
wizether the man was one of the band or
no .’ ' r ‘

Riding up 'alongside the large Treasure

Rock Ralph stood up in his saddle and drew

himself up on the top. ' ,

“ There is little here. I He has made a
clean sweep, father Karl," said the youth as
he dropped from the rock to the ground.

“ And you are convinced that it was one
of the outlaw band?”

, ‘f It could have been no other.”

" And if so, where has he one now ‘2”

“ He could only go away rom here with
all speed. trying to place as great a distance

4 between him and this iplace as he could, sup-
posing that his ,foes m ght come.” ~
' " But, if he was an outlaw why did he kill

' Tenv ‘2"

“ He must have suspected him of being a
traitor.” - ' .
, At last Ralph went off alone and after'an
hour’s stay returned to report that, he had
found the trail of two horses leading out Of

' the canyon and gomg northward.

' w The men had not been told of Tony’s posi9

tion with the outlaws, and when, the youth

d that“ he Would. follow the trail" he

criminalj the murderer,” aside

;:.;.»,aey warrant: tarm‘rrpm the News"
_ 33-year! started at once; bI‘QWerfqfimp'

nowadays, ,i‘ftneed be

  

hapswe'can‘ ran e.  - , . I
 Ralph. and ' w  visitedth a dozen houses of the ‘
oun _
 seryiees‘sheclair‘ried, fort e ,_ .
.  , ,.;ma'.rouowins.the  

 

 

Dead-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike.

CHAPTER XI.
PEARL ON THE TRAIL.

THE body of poor Tony, who had starttd
in so late to lead a better life, was buried in
the canyon, and then Captain Karl set out
upon his return to the range, driving the
cattle and horses slowly ahead on the trail.

He had camped in the outlaws' retreat all
night. starting at daybreak the following
morning as he knew that he would have an
all day’s n'de before him, as the cattle would
go very slow. .

But the men he had with him were all
good borders and understood well how to

rive cattle and horses, so that they went on -

their way smoothly.

It was just growing twilight when they
reached their own cattle ran e and turned
the herds in with their own, a ter which the
Coaster Chief so'u/ght his own home.

"Why, where is Ralph, father?” asked
Pearl, as she saw the Coaster Chief return
home alone.

"He has gone off on a trail, my child,
hoping to catch the murderer of that unfor-
tunate man Tony, for when we returned to
the retreat of the outlaws we found him ly-
ing there dead,‘a bullet in his forehea .”

“ This is terrible, Karl. and after what he
did for us. ' '

. “ Who could have done so foul a deed?”
said Mrs. Kenton. ‘

1 “ Well, people believe that it was Mar-
o'l’. ..

“But Marlo went to his death over the
cliff.” ,

“Yet some one of those midni ht mau-
rauders escaped, and it is just as 1i ely that
Mario was that one as any of his men."

“ More likely, father, for he seems to get
out of harm’s way continually,” Pearl- re-
marked.

" But did Ralph go alone, father?"

“ Oh, no, two of the men went with him.”

“Do you really think he is in danger,
father?”

“I would feel better if he had half a
dozen men with him instead of two.”

Pearl said no more then and soon. after
bade her parents good-night and went to her
room.

The old couple also retired and were

uickly fast asleep, little dreaming what

earl was about.

That young miss had gone to her room, as
hasbeen said, but not to sleep.

She had speedil made her toilet for a
ride, and sittin own at a table wrote a
short note, whic‘ she left where it could be
readily seen by any one coming into the

g room.

What she wrote was as follows:

“ DEAR Farmaz— ~
“Do . not feel angry with me, you an
mother, but as you admitted that Ralph
should have more men I have decided to fol-
low on his trail with half a dozen bravo fel-

' lows I go to the ranches to ask to go with

me. , a . .
“ I hope to overtake Ralph before he gets

,into any trouble, or if he has already done so

to helpghim out of it. ‘ t .
" Look for me back soon and Ralph with
me. ' '- ,
~ “Lovingly, ’
- . ' “ PEARL."
“P. S. I shall car "pack-horses with
plenty of rovisions, an al to, make myself
comfortable
me." 1 i g ' , ,
.1 Such was Pearl's letterand after writing it
she dropped a large bundle out of the win-
dow Jeaped- out erself and went to the
stabies where she saddled and brid’led her
ownfavoritehorse and rode away along the

 Ranchmen and not: a single
. , 1mm gown ha. 

so do not be distressed about],

   

t

  
  

In fact they were all only too anxious to
accompany the beautiful young girl, he the:
danger what it might. 1.

So a couple of hours after bidding her , i5...
parents good-night Pearl was at the head of' iii _
half a dozen brave young cowboy trailers, “,g‘
well mounted, armed an equipped for a» 
long journey, and with a couple of pack- V  '-

horses in lead. ,
There were several along who had been v 3:37?

with the Co ster Chief on his expedition with
Ralph to t e cam of the outlaws, so that,
as Pearl requested it, they guided her to the

retreat. , 
It was just before dawn when they ar. g 
rived, and Pearl ordered allyto go into camp V  ,
for a couple of hours’ rest, as she wished to-  '
see the place by daylight. ‘ 
When the two hours had gone by, they had:  5
breakfast and then mounts and started up~ ‘ ' ,2,
on the trail which Ralph had followed, and 
whose tracks made it doubly easy for the 3;!
last trailers. W; is.
“We must push on, boys,_for remember , 5% .
Ralph has a long start of us,” said Pearl, and . 4;; 
she set the pace for them to travel and it was '  "
a brisk one. _____ I ,’ '
CHAPTER XII. ,  7,
THE THREE TRAILERS.

RALPH was as good a trailer as he was a

seaman. » ,,

He had taken the idea that the murderer , i,
of Tony would not expect pursuit, and so
would not ride at a very rapid pace.

If not; he would, by pushing briskly along
be very apt to overtake him.

There was the thought in his mind all the
while that when he overtook the murderer
he would find, Marlo.

' As Marlo had shown himself so persistent
in his hatred of him, so merciless toward the
Coaster Chief and his wife, and determined
to get Pearl into his power. Ralph felt that a
he was a man who shouldbe captured and
an end put to his evil deeds if still alive, for . '3‘
there was no telling what he would not do. » r 

80 Ralph and his two companions pressed , i, 
rapidly on, following the trail of the two
horses.  
_ The came to where he had camped the. . . ,:
night fore, and he appeared to have taken
his comfort and been in no hurry; .

The tracks of the two horses were there, I
and from the camp on they were more readily V 
followed than before. owing to the'natnre of , a
the ground. ‘ ‘ '

As nightfall approached, the trail led‘ .
around the base of a mountain. and bus ‘
following the tracks, they [did not loo .‘
above them, so failed to see a man watching: '
them from a cliff over their heads. , '.
iSoon after, they Went into camp for the: ‘
n ht. ' "

 

 

ot expecting any foes near, no watch.
was kept, and when the morning came, I ,3
they discovered to their horror that their. ’
horse's were gone, , ~ ' .e .3,-
They hastil went about looking for-H 2g; t"
some trace of t e animals but in vain. ~ " . 

The tracks showed that they had gone.
in different directions, and so it'was de- '
cided that each'man should follow 11180an ‘3», 4 a
horse. returning to the'camp it"he failed. - we  s»
to find the animal within a iven time. . ‘
Off they started, and Ra ph came, Within _
half-a-mile from, the camp,,to a stream where ‘
the trail entered‘and from there was lost. ,
He'followed down the stream hoping my ' . _ 3,
find where. the horse had come out, and came
upon one of his comrades ,ascendingjthe

 

.bgnk. having'traeked his horse tothemameag 1%
I) see. I , v _ __. VI  {a

;The two compared‘ notes, and decidedgr; i},
to go up and down the stream for [severat  

   

miles and then meet in the camp.  .. a 

Ralph went on past where thetrail he,
followed entered the stream. and thereibm ,
held his other companion coming-to ,  ~'

    

 

 

 

    
    
   
  
   
    
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
 
   
   
  
  
  
  
    
  
   
  
  
  

 

.1 '\

  

 

Dead-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike.

 

 

   
 

He had tracked his horse also to the stream
and lost the trail there.

Up the stream the two went for several
miles, and then discovering no trace of where
the horses had left the water. they decided
to return to camp and hoped that their com—
rade had met with better success. ,

It was late in the afternoon when the
reached the camp, and one glance was an -
cient to show them that some one had been
there in their absence.

Their saddles, bridles and blankets were
gone. as were also their provisions. '

, All that they had were the weapons that
they carried. - ,
In a very unpleasant frame of mind they

. sat down to await the return of their com-

panion, hoping against hope that he had
een successfu an found the horses.

But, just as darkness fell he was seen com-
ing‘lwearily along on foot.

e had the same story to tell, that he
could find no trace of where the horses had
left the stream, and when he knew that
their camp had been robbed in their absence,
it was a bitter blow to him.

Without food or blankets, they could only
remigxrwhere they were during'thc night,
passing the long hours as best they might.

 

, CHAPTER XIII.
’ IN TIME or NEED. ‘

THE night passed away on lcaden wings to
the three dismounted, hungry men, with no
blankets'to keep off the chill night air.

They hnrdly slept through the night, and

‘ were glad when dawn came. -
After a consultation it was decided that-

they would still press on the trail of the
horses they had been following.

They had no breakfast to eat, and pressed
on as rapidly as they could for several
hours. ~

It was nearly noon when they came to], the
camp which had been such a misfortune to
them, and Ralph had all that he could do to
urge his two comrades to continue on their

wa . .

vWith hunger. fatigue and suffering they
were about willing to give up. I

But he kept on until nightfall, and then
the three once more sought what shelter and
rest they could get. ,

When morning dawned Ralph found one
of the men too ill to go on any further and

, the other was stubborn and indifferent.

In vain he urged, and then, as no game
had crossed their way he said he would go.
out and try and get a shot at something that
would appease their‘in‘tense hunger.

He was 'ust leaving camp when the sound

 of hoofs ell upon his ears, and in another

moment a party of horsemen dashed into
view. _ .
No, one was a horsewoman, for at their

' head rode Pearl Kenton.

Another moment and they had drawn mm
by the side of the half-starved men, two of _
whom were in despair overthe misfortunes,

‘ ‘which'had overtaken them. =

Explanations soon followed, tofwby Pearl
was there. and how it was that Ralph and
his comrades were found in such a plight.

 , Itiwss then decided to remain in Icampi
- ‘ for the rescued men to recuperate by rcst‘
, ,and food, while there was a search instituted
 .further for the murderer. 
 .Having' partaken of food Ralph said that
I "I he was fullyable to go onto the lace where.

the ‘had lost! their horses and a ven up the‘

 tn 1 of the fugitive, and, with six of the men'
~  and Pearl they did so. '
,  .' uBut no'trace of be missing horses could.

The found, and after‘plckin up the trail of

if the fugitive and following or some distance
r ‘. it was completely lost.

“ I Wish we had come prepared to go on

.—  ranch which Tony said Marlo had

 ‘0”. Mid." met the Gold‘ythulgy', mg

p» \I  .n ,,.;.,

  
 
  

fore them, and supposed that safety for them-

‘over, though his horse did.

the outlaws.

~ dropped to his knees as though weakened. by

“Well, some time you may do so, Ralph,
but I am sure if the man who escaped and
killed Tony is Marlo he will keep away from
the Coasters now, for he has lost his vessel,
then the Sea Pearl and his crew, now his out-
law allies, and he surely will take warning,
after his escapes from death, and know that
fortune will turn against him.”

So said Pearl, and whether she thought
there was cause to fear Marlo further or not,
she kept it to herself just then, for she could
see that Ralph was in no condition to press
the pursuit.

So back to the retreat of the outlaws they
went, and Ralph made a thorough search of .
the place for his own satisfaction.

The Coaster Chief and his men had buried
Tony, and the grave was a silent witness to
the tragedy enacted there.

From the retreat they rode on to the
ran e and the valleys where their horses and
catt e pastured.

There was considerable anxiety felt b
Captain Karl and his wife about Pear ,
though they knew that she was in safe hands
with the people who had gone with her.

There was reat relief felt then when the
party returne and rode up to the home of
the Coaster Chief, though at a glance the
haggard face of Ralph was noticed by both
Captain Karl and his wife, and they knew
that he had passed through some severe
or ea .

 

CHAPTER XIV.
THE sunvrvo 11.

THE Coaster Ranchers had been in dcadl
earnest when they attacked the Gold Ghou s
on the night of their raid upon their chief’s.
cabin. ‘ ,

They were determined to kill or capture
all‘ of them, and their plans had been well
laid to carry out their purpose.

But'the iii ht of the hemmed-in outlaws
toward the cliffs had fairly startled them, for
where they had expected them to surrender,
the ranchers saw that they were rushing to
certain death.

There was one man in the midst of the out-
laws who had been readin picked out as
leader. ,

Be it was who had led the the retreat to-
ward the cliff, or rather the wild flight.

If it was Marlo who was the leader it seem-
ed strange that he should do this. .

Not an outlaw, unless it was the chief,
had the slightest suspicion of the dangers be-

sclvcs lay in flight.

So on they wentina wild stampede, though
they rode abreast at an order of their chief.

To their eyes beyond the fringe of low
bushes it seemed there was an open plain
and not a fall of over a hundred feet.

Mounted as they were,in the short distance
they had to ride they rapidly left their pur-
suers in their rear, and no shotfollowed them,
thou h the coasters did followas fast as they
couk on foot. ‘ f '.

" Before the flying outlaws was the row of
bushes, andbreaking through this, unmind-'
fill of danger, the-next instant horses and
riders , went hurling down to their doom,
while a cry of horror went up from their
pursuers on foot. ' .

But there Was one man who did not go.
It was the one who had been the leader of

He had slipped back of saddle over the
haunches of his horse and grasped the bushes
jusft lals the animal went through and began ’
to a .. r l ‘ 4' -
. The impetus almost carried him ever, but
the bushes saved him, and for an instant ’he’

his, narrow escape, and clasped his hands

cliff turned, and he plun ed forward among
the rocks and trees in in esperate flight.

Down the ridge he went, across the val-
ley, and up into the range beyond, until he
at last fell utterly prostrated. I

It was broad daylight when he awoke
from the exhaustive slumber into which he
had fallen. .

His face was white, his eyes sunken, and
he achcd in every limb. ‘

Taking a flask from his pocket, he took a.
drink of liquor.

This revived him, and he arose and walked
away further into the mountain fastnesses.

After awhile, like a hunted stag, he sunk
down among the rocks, feeling thathc had
found a safe hiding place.

Shaking his fist, he said savagely: -

“I yet live, and I live for gold and re-
ven e.

“ sent them all to their death; but it was
in self-defense, for after my failure, after
having been defeated in my lans and lost
half my band, the others woul have turned
upon me and killed me.

“ Well, it was a strategy on my part that
panned out well indeed for me. ‘

“ But it was a close call, for I nearly went .

over the clifiI myself.

1 “?But who gave the warning of our com-
"S

” I believe that accursed boy, Ralph Rollo,
bears a charmed life, for I shot at him again
and again without even wounding him, as I
could discover.

“ Well, I must hasten on to the retreat and
get the booty there and a couple of good
horses and escape until Ican return prepared
for another blow. ‘

“ Now I am the only survivor of my
band, for I saw none of them wounded, for
those shot were instantly killed.

“ Yes, I alone survive the terrible night.”

 

CHAPTER XV. ‘ -
THE FUGITIVE OUTLAW.

THE man who had escaped with his life,
as the reader has surmised, was Marlo the
Smuggler‘. ,

Havmg decided to go to the retreat
set off at" a brisk walk, skul‘king: through
the timber and not daring to follow the trails.

Before dawn he was once more on his
way and at last turned into the canyon. at
the head of which was his retreat. "

straying, when he sawvcoming down) the
canyon a horseman. '- ‘ "
It was just davli ht, but he saw th
form of a horse and ’r. der. . ‘ I
Inaflurry of haste he sprung tosheltcr
among the rocks. ' r ' I
Crouching there he drew'his revolver and
rested it upon a rock. ‘

him.

Who could he be?

As he drew nearer the man started.
, .Hc recognich the horseman.‘

There was his enemy, the one hen-lost
range of his revolver. r K

It was Ralph Rollo, the youthwhom'-.he
had sought to put out of his wa . ‘ 

A. look of fiendish
Marlo's face. ,

Now his enemy Was in his ower. »

and his flask of li uor 'was'empty. ._ '
Then it flashe throu‘gh’his mindthat he
.had but one bullet in his retrolver. : -

 

ugon' his ears to shut out the wild 'shricks pf
11 comrades. . ' ' ‘ ‘

 

‘

Soon he gained the pivoodlsnd, 'wbere the ',

‘er upon the rockgandprc'pare'to‘fire,   . , _
v .Nearcrland nearer came ‘Rsl-oh the 909.992.:

5.

  
 

 

 

 

l

 

He had reached the narrow pass, where' V
the barricade was to keep the cattle’frmu ‘

The horsemanwent past, within ten feet of , , ‘ "

hated in the world, coming, within easy“ .

hatre came eye! _‘ H

,gil

Then he saw‘ that his ham was unsteady; . K
He had had ,no food for thirty-six hours.) ‘

All others had been harem'gndmis’  ,.
weapons had gone'pvor' the cliff with Ma- y.

horse. ., ..  _ . a    ; .
“ Still he had the daring tofrcsthis revolt, .; .

  

 

    
     
            
        
      
      
         
       
          
   
          
       
    
       
         
     
    
        
         
           
   
 
  
    

 

 

    

    

,3 Dead-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike.

-

my“ ’ ’ ‘

 

 

and his worst foe rested his revolver upon
the rock to take a deadly aim. -

All unconscious Ralph rode throu h the
pass, while the nerve of the man faile him,
for did his revolver not go off, did his aim
failito kill, he knew that his rival was his
superior as a shot, possessed greater strength
and his life would end then and there.

And so, all unconscious of danger Ralph
went on his way, as has been seen, while
Marlo, the sweat upon his brow, his hands
in a tremor, dropped 'back almost pros-
trated.

‘f Want of food and all that I have gone
through have unnerved me.

“ Another time, yes, another time we will
meet again and then I will strike for your
heart, Ralph Rollo.

“ Hal what a fool I was!

” That boy is not here alone, and if I had
killed him his comrades would have been up-
on me in an instant.

“ Wh , I have just saved my life because
my ban was unsteady, for those devils of
his would have made short work of me.

“ My God! how my life has changed.”

CHAPTER XVI.
STRATEGY.

THE fugitive outlaw appeared almost mad-
dened by what he had passed through and in
recalling his evil acts.

He laughed in a bitter, triumphant way
and then bent his head upon his hands and
went to sleep almost in an instant.

He slept but a short while, but it seemed
to refresh him and he awoke in a 'calm
mood.

_ f‘ Ah! this will not do, to drop off to sleep
and foes all about me, for Ralph never came
here alone. ‘ ,

“ Ilow was it that he knew where our re-
treat was? .

“ He certainly came from there.

” Can there have been a traitor in our
band?

“ Ah! now I recall it, what became of the
man Tony?

“The men said he was in the rear, when
'we rode up to the Coaster Chief’s cabin, but I
do not recall seeing him again. '

“ I certainly did not see him fall and
he surely did not go over the cliff with the
others. ,

” Can he have been the traitor?

“The more I think of it, and recall that I
do not remember seeing Tony after we rode
up the hill trail to the cabin, the more I am
convinced that he was the traitor.

“ Some one played me false, for they were
' Espared for an attack, and' now I find

lph Rallo in our secret retreat, and he Was
surely guided here.

“If he is alone, well and good; but 1. will

0 on to the retreat and know, for 1 can get
t ere unseen.” ' . '

So musing he glanced down the can on
and saw that Ralph had disappeared. an (he
could see for half a mile. .

, Then he came out from among the rocks

and went along the edge of the cliffs, keep-

:fig out of sight in the bushes that grew
ere. ‘

At last he reached the little basin-like I

valley ' where the outlaws had had their
camp.
i He crept up among the rocks and peered

' ver. . .r »
l He started at what he beheld and his face
glighted up with a malignant smile.
y Seated upon the round within thirty feet
of him. was Tony t e traitor.
v He had all the valuables from the hiding-

place in the tall rock, and was going over
them and, placing them in packages easy to

» ca . , 7
'7 ..IrIii3 saddle and :bridle were near him,’but
’, fhéhadtumed his horse out to pasture with
them?“    , . .

y , I  I

   
 

The camp was otherwise as the Gold
Ghouls had left it when starting upon their
ill-fated raid two nights before.

There were their tents, extra saddles and
bridles, blankets hung upon ropes to air,
and other things useful” all left with the
firm expectation that the owners would soon
return.

The sight of Tony there, with the outlaws'
treasure before him, that Ralph Rollo had
just ridden away, was proof positive to the
outlaw chief that the man was indeed the
traitor.

He felt that he could kill the traitor where
he sat, yet hesitated to fire, not sure that his
revolver would go off, and with Tony armed
and he weakened by his long tramp and
fasting, he was not so sure that he could get
the better of him. \ -

” I must take no chances,” he muttered.

After a moment more of thought’he de-
cided upon his course. ' I

He crept back from among the rocks. after
satisfying himself that Tony had unbuckled
his belt of arms and that they were lying be-
yond his reach.

Then he passed in around the rocks and
cried:

“Thank Ileaven, Tony, you are another
who escaped death.”

Tony sprung to his feet with a startled
cry. and stepped toward his‘ revolvers.

But he saw, as lie-supposed, that the out-
law chief did not suspect him, and he said
quickly: I

“()h, chief! so you escaped too?”

“ Yes, Tony, but I am more dead than
alive. for I had to walk all the way here and
am famished.

“Give me some food!”

Tony hastened to obey and got some of
the breakfast which he and Ralph had left.

He quick] concealed the extra tin plate
and cup. an with trembling fingers served
his chief, while he said:

“ I never had such a close call in my life,
Captain Marlo, and had my horse not fallen
.dead from a bullet wound at the first fire I
would never have escaped. .

“Pretending to be dead I watched my
chance and got away; taking my saddle and
bridle with fine,” he added as he saw the chief
glance at them. “ .

‘f I got one of the coasters’ horses and made
my way here.” '

“ Did you see any of the coasters?” asked
Marlo as- he ate ravenously-

” Not a soul I am glad to say, sir.

“I came here to get our traps together,
for fear they might pursue us and find, us
here, and I was going to hide among the
rocks and watch to see if any of our band
got away. _

“I am so, glad you escaped, sir, I am in-
deed.” ! 

“I know that. Tony, and you may be sure
of one thing, that we are al that are left."
and the chief smiled blandly as be regarded
his intended victim against whom he was
playing the deepest strategy to save himself.

 

CHAPTER xvu.
THE ASSASSIN.

THAT Tony was considerably unnerved by
the unlooked-for appearance of his chief
there was no doubt. . ' ‘

It was like an apparition coming to him
from the grave. . .

He had aided Rel ,h to search the grounds
about the Coaster C ief’s cabin, and he ’felt
sure that Mario had gone over the cliff with
the others. _ a

When, as he believed, he saw that Marlo
did not suspect him, he began to feel more at
ease, and asked: . s,

" How did you escape, sir?” ' r '
. “ I knew the clifrrwasrthere, so did not fgo
or

  

   

 

over with the men; but, I bays a surprise
you.” j-  _ , ' '

I

      

. Tony dropg

 

“ Yes, sir. ”

“ Ralph, the Coaster, has found our re-
treat.”

“ No!” asped Tony, in dismay.

“ Yes; or I saw him coming out of the
canyon as I entered it.”

“ You did?” ‘

“ Yes.”

“ Ralph, the Coaster?"

(l ch')1

“ Why, how came he here?”

“ I do not know, but suppose he found the
wa .”

“ I don’t see how he could do that.”

“Nor I, but he was here.”

“ Strange I did not see him.”

” Maybe he did not come up this far.”

“ He could not have done so.”

“ He was alone." . .

' “ Alone?” and Tony was be inning to suf-
fer agony in spite of the indi erent manner
of his chief.

“Yes, alone.”

Neither spoke then for full a minute, Marlo
enjoying the terror of Tony, the latter suffer-
ing acute misery, for it began to dawn upon
him that the chief suspected him of treach-

At last Marlo asked, with a yawn: ‘

“ By the way, is not that the one who once
saved yoiir life in Frisco?”

“Yes, sir.”

“ I heard you telling the men about it."

“ Yes, sir. ”

“He is the one I hate above all other liv—
ing beings.”

“Indeed, sir?”

“ Or, rather, I did hate’him.”

“ You do not now. I don’t understand
exactly, Captain Marlo.”

"‘ Well, after I have been avenged on a fee
I let up on him.”

” Avenged ?”v gasped Tony.

“Yes, for I shot him."

“Shot him?” and Tony turned livid and
quivercd all over. ‘ -

“ Of course."

“You killed him?” and Tony could not
articulate above a whisper. _

“ Yes, I’ll show you how he rode into my
tmp.)’ '

“Yes, sir.”'

“ I am here, say.”

“ I see."

“ And he was coming right along there
where you are.”

“ Yes, chief.” ' -

“ Now I took my revolver so, as you see,
or I should say your revolver, for mine is

empg.”
“ 0 saw cyou ?”
“ No, he id not expect death."

“ You were in ambush then, sir?”

“ Yes, and he came along as upsuspecting _

as ygp are this minute of dying.’

3‘ es.” I

“ When he was about the same distance
from me that you are, I knelt as I do-now,
rested my revolver on a rock, so, ,and—"

“Killed him?” and Tony was all in a tort
ror.‘

He was seated about ten feet from Marlo,,
ng.

and his face was livid, his form trembli

Did the chief suspect him or not?

He had‘ probabl cast aside his Weapons
and these the chic now had. ,

His revolver was in Mario’s hands, the
muzzle covering him.

“ You killed him?” repeated the frightened

Tonyf
“ o, f? I had but one shot in my revoi~
ver so I ared not risk it. '

“I let him go by, but I new that he.

had come from this spot, I new that you
had guided him here, so I came after the
game I wanted and as sure of. ‘

“ I came to kill yo , traitor.” 
“ Mercy! Have mercy, Chief Mario!” and
ed upon his
betrayed.

     

man be h

'r.
v

, p “'I have sworn-never to"? show mercy? '

    

knees before the 

 
      

. 1. .__ a '3
_A.p..r_¢..,.,r‘. .,

"-T_.i~;i.m.a~:i.:..v:.;f, ,_ -.

 

 

 

 

 

  
 

The words were uttered in a cold, cruel
voice, and Tony saw that the man would be
as good as his word.

With a sudden fear, and hope of escape,
he started to spring to his feet and fly for
his life.

But tne crack of the revolver, his own,

came quickly and h? dropped dead, the bul~
let burying itself in IIS forehead.
' ‘2va to see if that one shot would have
failed me,” said the assassin, coolly, and Mar
10, the Merciless, drew his own revolver,
took deadly aim at the forehead of the dead
man and drew trigger.

The weapon missed fire.

A grim smile swept over the face of the
man, as he muttered:

“ Not to have attempted to kill Ralph, the
Coaster, was the narrowest escape of my
life from death. . '

“ I have close calls, indeed, and begin to
fglnk with my men that -’I bear a charmed
1 e.” t

 

CHAPTER XVIII.
A FUGITIVE STILL,

MARLO, the Merciless, for the reader has
seen that he justly deserves,._.the name, up
peared well pleased with histork. ‘ .

He stood gazing down at the dead man
and smiling complac0ntly as he contemplat-
ed what he had done.

But suddenly he started and an anxious
look swept over his face.

“ I am a fool to stand here and that boy at
large. ‘ .

“ I did not find out whether he was alone
or had comrades near.

“He may have gone back to the ran e,
or he may have gone to bring his comra es
to drive these cattle home. ,

“ And in his absence that traitor intended
to play him false also, secure the treasure
and run away with it.

“ I must not linger here, for I do not wish
to be caught like a rat in a trap.

“ First, I will pick out for myself two of

_ the best horses in the drove.”

This he did, and one was saddled and hri-
died, the other kept for a pack-horse.

He then got together the treasure and pack-
ed it on the led horse, along with some food
he took'from the stores of the band.

. He also took a rifle from his own tent, some
ammunition, and his own treasure from its
hiding-place. ‘

This took him over an hour, and he was
about to mount when he saw that he had not
robbed his victim of what valuables' he pos-
sessed. , I .

This was the work of a minute, and mount-
ing his horse he rode’ away from the secret

' camp. ‘1

 off of the booty.

  

‘ of the ridge and so on its way;

' Out of the canyon he went, and once upon’

.the southward trail he breathed more freely.

He did think of stampeding the horses and
cattle, but not until he had gotten some dis-
tance on his way and he dared not‘return to

0 s0. '
The, thought that he would be followed
did not impress him, for he did not believe
that there would be any knowledge of
his going to the retreat and escape therefrom.
The idea was in his mind that Ralph be-

lieved him dead, and if he went back to they

.outlaws’ retreat he would not connect him
with the murder of Tony and the carrying
-‘ So it was that he felt little dread of
being pursued, and consequently allowed

I ‘ his horse to o slowly along.

. At one p ace the trail ran around the
edge of -‘a’ cliff, then wound up to the top

. . He had decided to-camp for a good rest,
being in no hurry, and so left the trail

and. ’ a lit dumping-place on the summit
  ,

1‘

gran or woman, and you plead in vain, trai- '
,, or.”

   
 

Dead-Shot Ralwh’s Ten-Strike.

Staking his horses out, he had gone to
the cliff and looked down the valley back
on the trail he had come.

But one glance was sufficient to cause him
to start and change color.

His eyes fell upon three horsemen, and he
uttered an oath as he recognized the one in
advance. '

“ Ralph Rollo, as I live!" he cried.

“ That boy knows me as the Chief of the
Gold Ghouls, through that traitor Tony, and
he is certain of my escape and so is pursuing
me.

“ Surely there was no mistake about Tony
being dead.

“ My bullet could not have glanced on his
head, as it did on ltalph Rollo’s when I shot
llilim the night of our duel, merely stunning

1m.

” No, Tony was dead, for he was cold
-when l robbed him an hour after. ,

“ The boy is on my trail, that is sure, and
what am I to do?

“ If he was alone I would ask nothing
more; but with two comrades 1 could not
hope to kill all three even from ambush.

” Ah! they are going into camp for the
night, and that will give me a chance, for
little do they think my eyes are upon them.”

CHAPTER XIX.
A PnAN'roM.

WHAT Marlo had determined upon, to
throw Ralph the Coaster and his two com-
panions off his track, he set about accom
plishing as soon as night came on.
as soon as night 11 slipped in and got one
of the horses. -

/ He led him to a stream some distance oil",
and leaving him standing in the water, fast-
ened to an overhanging limb, he went after
another, and the same thing was done with
him], only he was not taken by the same
trai . '

The third horse was also taken there by a
separate trail, and riding him down the
stream, he took the other two in lead.

A distance of several miles he went, and
then came out into a well-worn trail.

Here he fastened the horses, and climbing
the mountain, went along the ridge back to‘
his camp. ' ‘

It was nearly dawn before he got there,
and hastily mounting. be pressed on.

The way that hevhadrto go mounted he
was well aware was over twenty miles to
where he had left the captured hors08.
though over the mountain on foot it was not
one-fourth the distance. '

He rode on leisurely after longing his
camp, Well aware that on foot his f0 s would
never overtake him.

He reached the place where he. had left
the three horses and to his surprise found
them gone.

He tried to track them. but was unable to
do so, for their trail ended in a stream.

“Some one has stolen, them, but who?”
lie muttered, considerably angered over his

oss. ' .

At first he feared that Ralph might have
tracked’them, but this he soon discovgl'ed
was next to impossible on foot. as the 8 we
could not have been covered without know-
ing‘ the way over, the mountains. '
x earful that whoever had stolen the horses
might then be lying in ambush for him, he
'went on his way quickly, and did not halt
until nightfall. ‘

His slumbers were not disturbed and the
next morning he resumed his way, knowing
that his journey would end during the ,fol;
lowingbenight‘ as he intended to reach his
ranch fore awn.

The day‘ assed away, and be ad not
used his orses, for he knew t at he

  
 

 

Samos .

1

He made his way down the mountain, and’
c

was drawing near the hacienda of Senor

  
  
 

. -up. wnp—u. - »...... .. .

42- .

Night found him on the trail some score of
miles frOm the Samos Hacienda, and be de-
termined to press right on only with short
halts, to the ranch which he had recovered
throu h the death of Marco Fuentes, whom
he hat turned over to the cowboys to long).

He knew that the trail he was on would
lead him by the grave of the dead Fuentes,
for he so regarded him, but that did not
trouble him in the least, as he had taken life
too often to regard his victims with horror.

At rest in their graves they had no terror
for him.

It was an hour or two before midnight
when he drew. near the place where the
grave was, and so indifferent was he that he
decided to halt there for half an hour’s rest
for his horse, for he still had a twenty-mile
jaunt to the ranch. ,

The moon was new but was yet above the
horizon, and it shone upon the timber which
sheltered the grave.

As he rode nearer the spot his horse sud-
denly halted with a loud, startled snOrt.

This caused him to quickly drop his re-
volver, gather his reins well in hand and
look ahead. of him. .

What he saw caused a cry to break from
his lips, one of fright and horror, for stand-
ing upon the grave of the outlaw chief was
a tall form clad in white, and the moonlight
falling full upon it revealed that it was
either Fuentes the Gold Ghoul in life, or his
"host. 0
a The outlaw was so appalled at the sight
that he trembled violently and-then, with a
yell of horror, turned his horse about and
fled, the led animal following as though‘also
frightened.

For a mile the man did not draw rein, but

‘ coming to a branching trail turned into it

and made his way by a wide detour toward
his ranch:

He rode up to the hacienda walls, hid his
bundles of booty, and then called loudly for
Carlos.

An answer/soon came, then the tall form
«of the keeper appeared, and, the gate was
opened for the master, who was given awel-
come by the cowboy chief of the. ranch. v"

 

CHAPTER XX.
HAUNTED.

* “ WELL, Carlos, how goes all on the

ranch?”  , ..

“ All goes ’well, Senor Marlowe, I am
pleased tosay.” A

“ I am glad to hear that."

“ I trust the‘senor’s trip has been a pleas-
ant's one?” \ 1
_ “Well, yes, very, though
had was captured and killed." .

“ Great Heaven! senor, this is terrible.”

“'Yes, Carlos, for it left me without a
man.” * ,

“ Then I am glad to say, senor. that what
I did will benefit you,.for'l found a band
of Indian herders and
the ranch.” '

“ Indeed t” ‘

H 1768' sir.” |

“Indians?” - .

“ They are, sir, and the best ropers I
ever saw.” - .. d, .

“I am glad\to hear this.

" How many did you say ‘2”

“ A chief and twenty braves, senor.”

“Just what I Want, and glad am I that
.you picked them up.” .
\ “They said they were tired of their wild
life and were on their .. way in search of
herders on a ranch; but all Wereafraid of
them, to ‘ whom they went, and I,ka
them." a  - ' . \ " ‘
_ t‘Good!”‘ . V. I  ‘
“ Even Senor Samoa let them go by.”
“AM how is the Senor Samoa?" . "
“ Well, senor, when last I heard.” v ‘

every man I

   
  

      
  

 

“And the Senorita. Lolita?

put them to work on ‘

  
   
   
  

   
  

 

10,

Dead-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike.

 

 

“She passed here two days ago, senor,
with a cowboy escort, and looked as IOVely
as ever. v ,

“ Now, senor, let El Cinto give you some
su; per, for it is yet an hour before dawn. ” -

“ No. I will satisfy myself with some
liquor and then retire for I am very tired,
and do not call me until late.”

"Yes, senor.”

“Now take the horses to the stables, for
I will look after myself.”

While talking Carlos had opened the door
of the wing which the chief occupied, and
had li hted a lamp, and spread the bed.

“ ow, dismissed by Mario to look after
the horses, he led them away.

As their hoof-falls died away in the dis-
tance Marlo slipped out of the hacienda,
quickly went to the gate,. unlocked it and
took up the bundle of booty which he had
hidden outside.

He carried it into his rooms and hid it
away in a lock-closet, then unfastening a
cupboard in the stone wall proceeded to help
himself to some of the li uor laid up by the
owner of the hacienda, arco Fuentes. -
' He indulged in a drink to his satisfaction to
steady his nerves. and throwing himself up-
on the bed, all dressed as he was, blew out
his lamp, and sought slumber while the in-
fluence of the liquor was upon him.

He was still nervous about the white rob-
ed form he had seen at the grove and fear-
' to behold it in his sleep. , - ‘

He did drop off into. a seemingly quiet
slumber, but became restless and in half an
hour awoke.

He opened his eyes tobehold a sight which
filled h m with the same degree of horror he

:had known when he approached the grove
on the side of the trail. ,, 5

What he beheld was the same white-robe
form which he had seen at the grove.

Then it stood between himself and the
anorning light streaming in through the win-

ow.

The arms were folded upon the broad
breast, the eyes were turned upon him and
his attitude was that of stern reproach.

f There was no mistaking that face and
arm.

Chief. ,

The prostrate man tried to rise, tried to
fly from the room, to escape that dread pres-
' once, but in vain.

When he recovered consciousness, the sun
was shining brightly in his windows.

He was wet with perspiration, and yet
his flesh was cold and clammy. x

“ My God! what a nightmare of horror I

“ I really believe I fainted in my sleep, I
feel so strange. ‘

" Right there it stood, and it seemed so -
real, so life-like ,

“ Great God! am I a haunted man, or was
it but a nightmare, after all?” ‘

So saying he sprung from his bed, seized ,,

a the decanter of liquor and drank long and
_ deep to regain his nerve. ‘

CHAPTER XXI. ‘
~ run sneer or THE HACIENDA.

WHEN Marlo arose from the bed upon
thiCh he had again thrown himself it was to.
find Carlos knocking at the door. ‘ 1

He let the man in and was told that it was

 

~- noon, and El Cinto hada tempting break-

. fast prepared for him. .

He entered the breakfast room, when'he

» had made his toilet and asked Carlos in an
’ofl-hand sort of way: - I , ' .

 , ‘t‘YThis is a very old hacienda, Carlos, is it

no "I g . . V I 1’ .

 L "ers, senor, it, is a‘ couple. of. hundred

/

 
 

It was Marco Fuentes, the Gold Ghoul I
/

     
    

“Did you'evcr notice any strange sounds
at night?”

“Time and again, senor, for only after I
left you to put the horses up, I could have
sworn that I saw the ghost of Senor Fuen-
tes. '

“ You did?” gasped Marlo.

“Yes, senor, and I was that startled that
I ran across the Plaza to my quarters.”

” Well, the place looks like an old ghost
haunt, and I am half sorry I bought it.”

h ” No spirits will disturb you, senor, I
ope." I

“I trust not; but here comes El Cinto with
my breakfast.” ’

As Marlo s oke El Cinto entered.

She looks very handsome in her neat:
fitting costume and saluted the r'anchcro
most cordially, while he arose and offered
her his hand.

“ You appear happy, E1 Cinto." . -

“ I; have cause to be happy, senor, and I
thank you. -

“ I trust the senor will remain at home
some time now ?”

“ I do ,not exactly know how long, El
Cinto.”

“I put his- quarters in perfect condition
for him.”

“Yes, I noticed that; but you did not see
an ghosts, did you, while going over the
ol rookery '2" ~ '

“ Senor, I did not intend to speak of what
I saw, for I did not even tell Carlos; but are
you sure that the Senor Fuentes is dead?”

“ Be and all doubt.”

“ W 0 killed him?"

‘ “ The cowboys on the Samos Ranch.”

” Then he should be dead.”

,” I have twice seen his grave, El Cinto.”

“ You have, senor?”

“ Yes, ‘he was hanged and buried near the
spot.”

“ Well, senor, if the Senor Fuentes is
dead, then I have seen his host.”

“ You?" shouted the out aw in a tone that
startled the woman. I

“ Yes, several times have I seen his ghost,
Senor MarloWe.” , ’

“My God! can this be true?

“ It is as I tell you, senor. ” .

“ I told the senor that I had also seen the
same apparition last night," said Carlos,’ who
had heardxall that had been said.

And then. in spite of the tempting break-
fast brought him by the woman, Marlo arose
, from the table with the food untouched.

“Come, Carlos, we \vill'ride over and see
your red skin ropers," he said, as he passed
his hand. wearily across his forehead, while
to hi self be repeated several times:

“ aunted! I am a haunted man! '

“ That was no nightmare, but reality.”

v

CHAPTER XXII.
run RED-SKIN norms.

THE truth was, Marlo did not feel well.

The defeat he had met with, his escape
at the edge of the cliff, tramp and fast on
the way to his stronghold, and all that foly
lowed, with the apparition at the grave of
Fuentes, his nightmare and hearing what
both Carlos and El Cinto'had to say about

' the ghost of the hacienda, altogether came

near shattering even his strong nerves.
He wanted to get out into the open air,

. the sunlight, and to take a rapid gallop. 2

, 80 Carlos soon had their horses read
and they last 03 at a swift gallop, Marc
leading-the pd'cc, for,the.camp of the red-
skiniropers, v ' ‘ '- ‘ ‘ .
V ,It was a milefrom the hacienda, on a‘hill
in a' clumpof thick timber, and on the banks
of a stream. ’ " '
The Indian lariat-throwers had pitched
,their; campweli and made themselves, com-
,fOrtabier ' ,. 'W, , >    , .
aH vingl'et the other borders iof the ranch

 

 

j;  “It must-be haunte ,Carlos,?”."  ,3.  ‘

 .-‘f.':,1ts*-wt°.~;m., r: n  v .

 

 ,0",
 i

I aWXfi

the Indians, though hethad been anxious
at first. fearing that they would burn the
hacienda, kill his wife and himself, load

cattle to the mountains. _

But he soon began to feel that he could
trust them, and was very proud to show
his red-skin cowboys.

He led the way to their camp, and as the
two approached they saw that the borders
were doing their duty, for half of them were
away with the cattle.

The chief was a muscular-lookin young
himself with, and went fully armed.

He answered to the paradoxical name of
Red Raven, and reeted the Senor Marlo
with a few wor s of welcome, while he,
placed his hands to his lips, when Carlo
said the master had come, and gave vent to;
three calls that would have made aloco~
motive engineer green with envy.

The call was answered by the immediate
coming of the Indians in the camp, and by
return notes in the distance from several:
different points.‘

It was not long before red-skin herders:
were seen coming at the full speed of their
p nies straight for the stronghold.

(1 Raven had sounded his note of alarm,
and they were coming at the call with fight
in their eyes. ,

As they drew up their horses Red Raven
made them a sign and they all gathered
around him and gave the senora salute which
pleased him greatly.

The salute was a waviu of lariats around
their heads and then toss ng the coil at the
feet of Mario.

80 pleased was Marlo with the red-skin.

he at once took off his belt of revo vers and
knife, splendid weapons which had belonged-
to Fuentes, and gave them to Red Raven,
while he drew, from his pocket a number of
gold pieces ahd handed one to each of the
braves. ' '

drums of his ears. and he was glad to get
for a talk with the young c ief. _
he could learn from Re Raven was:
that the Indians were Utes who had decided
to follow the calling of the white men'and.
went in a body to get work. ' .
They had found it, and were content», even
though their pay was not of the largest. ‘
The chief also gave the Senor Marlo to un-

were ready for any other work, from scalp-
taking to horse-stealing, raiding a ranch or
robbing a coach.

em.

“Still 1 wish you to have other herders.
near in case the red-skin ropers should
leave, or I‘should need them on the trail."

“Yes, senor, I can

long ride, a good dinner and noticed that all
was going well upon the ranch, Marlo made

set ofi for a visit to the Hacienda Samos.
He arrivedjust at sunset and beheld the
joa‘ing the helm;’ evening from the case. '
hey recogn ‘
made welcome, Lulita blushing as be warm»
ly pressed her hand. ‘ '
“ Andrwhere‘ have . you ‘
time, Senor Marlowe?” asked Lulita.‘ '

thence East, for '1 have come to loVe

” I am glad to learn this, issuer, for we at
Ways’like to welcome good-men to our coun—

 

i‘i'ig'? W1 15°“ the cutest the 'cattle'fto -

'try," said Senor Samos, cordially,-whilefLug
rimmed, sex:qu WW ‘ 'mv

themselves with plunder and run off the '

man who were all the finery he con (1 adorn

derstand that they were fond of herding, but '

“They are 'just what I want, Carlos, and.  _
I thank you for having the pluck to engage  _,

get half a dozen good 
men in half a day,” was the reply of Carlos. ' ~
Having seen, the red-skin ropers, hada ‘-

his best toilet, mounted his finest horse and . ’

Senor Samos and his beautiful daughter en— _ ~

zed him and'soon he‘ was,

been this long,

ropcrs, whose faVOr he wished to sin, that , ' ’

The yell they gave at this nearly burst the- 

“ I have been to San Francisco, and'from, “ A ‘
our“ 
beautiful California so much, senofita, -t at I _,
“sold out my interests there and' shall make
my home here for the future.” , . " ’ . ,

   

 

 

 

 

an»... “y < ., .- a

J‘-

Dead-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike.

11‘

 

 

 
 
 

villain that he was, had begun to hold a warm
place in her regard.

Urged as he was to remain all night at the
hacienda, Marlo accepted. and not until late
the following afternoon did he start upon his
return home.

“ She loves me,” he muttered complacent-
ly as he rode away, “ but I must go slow
and not alarm her.

“ I can wait. ”

CHAPTER XXIII.
CIIABED BY A PHANTOM.

THE outlaw chief was in a good humor
when he left the hapienda of Senor Samos.

He rode on at a canter, his fine horse seem-
ing anxious to go, and was congratulating
himself that he would reach his ranch soon
after nightfall, when down went the splendid
animal with a heavy fall.

The horse had trodden in a hidden hole,
and the master had been thrown with stun-
ning force.

At first Marlo thought some of his bones
were broken, but after a thorough examina
tion he discovered to his deli ht that he was
mflistaken, and after awhile t e pain passed
0 . .
Then he sought to catch his horse, but the
' animal, expecting punishment for his tumble,
, kept just ahead 0 his master and did not

'take the direct trail homeward.

After a long chase Marlo was about to give
up in despair when the rein of the bridle
faught on a bush and held the horse secure-

"‘ ‘ “- i" 1‘ _‘ « 'tu
‘Vggwn ', -  v "
‘-'<—.<_' .'

»

brags-6'. .5» .
-.. ,A-

'S'.
we»,

“#3...
 “A

an,

     
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 

y.
Quickly he mounted, and as it was now
nearly dark. he spurred the horse savagely in
unishment, and started home at a swxft gal-

  
    
 

o .

It was all of ten miles to the hacienda and
he did not ’care to be out upon the plains at

’ ni ht, for now, as darkness began to fall he
7 fe t a fear of once again seeing the ghost of
Fuentes. ‘ ,
‘ - The moon lighted u the scene after the
» sun Went down and arlo drew his horse
down to a slower pace, determined to yield
'no longer to his fears.

He was yet five miles from the hacienda
when something coming up behind startled
his horse, which gave a bound and started
ofl at a run. ‘

Nor did Marlo check him when he dis-
covered just what it was. v

Perhaps it would be better to say just
what it appeared to the. i

It was a white horse and 'a rider clad in

_' snow costume which floated off on either
-‘ sidel keashroud. ' ‘
' The moonlight revealed horse and rider
‘ and the teeth of Marlo chattered together, as
he recognized the form he had seen at the
rave the night before.
.. , “It is the ghost of Fuentes,” he groaned
,- j and deep into the flanks of his horse sunk
1.  ‘ the spurs. ‘. V ,
‘ He turned in his saddle new, yelling like
a madman and tiring his revolver. ‘
But in spite of his deadlylaun his shots
,, - made no impression and'the white steed re.
1 Imained in the same position, a score of
" ‘ len the behind him. ' _
.» ak' g his‘ knife the frightened man prick.
, . '. ed his horse on the back and the tortured
5“: - animal fairly flew along, While he snorted
-‘ with ra e and pai
i 3111:: a lin vain,
at same , cc. .
  At last nil white walls of the hacienda
..  ‘ glimmered in the moonlight aheadmndralight
“ _, .wasvisible; , g r V ‘
w ~ 2' .' The place he had shunned, the man now
j 'welcomed as ahaven of refuge. .
 a [ASL last he took courage and glancedbe-

-hindhim again. , -  ,.
derhad‘disa
‘1  le

  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
    
  
  
  
 
  
 
  

n.
for there hung the phantom

 
   
  
   
 
  
  

   

.g’l‘he‘horse and red. '

Eeinearl J .fell‘from the

  

in the re- '
‘ butt-mastering his feeling .

center and approached the gate slowly, _while
he gave a loud call for Carlos.

As he reached the gate, Carlos threw it
open and he rode in.

“ Carlos?”

“ Yes, senor.”

“ Anything to communicate?”

“ No news, other than that your supper
will soon be ready.” '

“ Well, light up for me."

“ Yes, senor; but your horse does not
seem to be well, senor—he is dripping with
sweat.”

“ Yes, I rode back in a run."

.“ And his flanks are swelled and bleed-
ing.”

“ Yes.”

“ He must be in a bad shape, senor, for
he never needs the spur.”

" He did to-night.

“But Carlos?’

“ Yes, senor. ”

“ Have you seen the ghost of Fuentes
again ‘2”

“ Yes, senor, it crossed ' the Plaza last
night. ”

“ And I have seen it.”

“ You, senor?”

(‘ SVeS. H

“ Last night, senor?”

" No, to-night."

“ On the prairie?” '

“ Yes, it chased me home, Carlos, I frank-
ly confess, for though I would fly from no
man, I do fear thesupernatural.”

Carlos looked frightened, and he, withou
being told, li hted another lamp. '

Then he le the horse away, and El Cinto

The man ate it like one who did not know
whether he wanted it or not, and then
turned for comfort to the decanter and his

pi e.

file drained the bottle and sunk to sleep,
from which he was awakened by a severe
blow as from an icy hand.

He sprun to his feet, the lamps were out,
the moonlig t was streaming into the room,
and it revealed again the tall, white-clad
formof Fuentes.

The fright was again more than he could
stand, and he swooned. ‘

 

CHAPTER XXIV.
'rrm BED nornns ON THE TRAIL.

‘ WHEN the outlaw came to he found the
lamps lighted again, and examining the door
it was locked‘ as he had left it.

“ Never will I again sleep in this haunted
In'i'crno,” he cried, savagely, and goinglout
he crossed the Plaza and aroused Carlos.

It was after midnight and so he said:

“Carlos, mount your flectest horse and
start at once for those herders whom you
said on could get here within half a day."

“ 'es, senor." ‘

“ Ride with full speed, and - be here by
noon to-morrow.” ' ' : .

“ I will, senor, but have the red-skin
ropers behaved ugly ‘2" I /

“ Oh, no, but I am determined to start on

they, are to accompany me. .
’ "‘As you pass their camp send the chief
Red Raven over tosae me. ”
.“ IWill, senor.”
Carlos was off within
an hour after Red Raven rode
hacienda. n ,
The wing was ablaze with lights,'for the
moon had set, and Marlo was walk 3 up
and down his room ‘whcn the chief entered.
“You sentafor' me, chief?” he said, in
good English. . " ' | '-
” Yes, Red Raven, I wish to have a talk
\Witb you.” , ' ' . y
“ I am ready, :chief, to hear”;

fifteen minutes, and
up to the

 

  

Limalsi'onoffl .' ling

   
  

 

rewi  horse; down to a,

    

 

p.” Well, I havedecided to take the. trail to
,‘ihe northward to4morrow."’- " . _ ’ ,

   
 
 

came in soon,after with the master's supper”

an expedition I have in view at once. and

- brain.

 

The Red Raven merely bowed his head.

" I have sent Carlos after some herdch to
take the place of your men, for I wish you
all to go with me. " -

“ Yes, chief.” ’

“ )arlos arranged to pay you thirty dol-
lars in gold, per month, and your braves
twenty each.”

“Yes, chief.”

“ He gives you your food as well.

“ But I wil agree to pay you, to go with
me on this trall, a hundred dollars a month.
and our braves fifty each."

“1 ed Raven is gla .”

“ And our warriors?”

“Will all be glad, chief."

“ I will find your provisions for you,
too.

“In return on are to obey my orders,
and when I ma e a raid you shall also share~~
in certain booty."

"Red Raven is glad, chief, so glad.”

“ I did not expect to return there for-
sOme little time yet, but I have now decided.
to go at once. "

“ Red Raven and his men are ready now.”

“ Yes, but We will await the return of
Carlos and the borders he has gone after,
and then start at once.”

“ Yes, chief."

Marlo now looked at his Watch and saw
that it was ct an hour to daybreak.

He must nd some way to ee ' the Indian
there during the darkness until awn, and so-
he told him they would get ready. for the.

tri .
He called El Cinto up and told her what.
to prepare for them to take with them, then

‘OVerhauled the armory which Fuentes had.

athered together and told the chief to help:
himself to what he, or any of his braves:
mightneed. . .
he Red Raven appeared delighted at this,
and helped himself most generously, puttin ‘
111111 in a handle to carry back to camp wi
1m. . ‘
But not until the sun peeped over the east«
ern skies‘ did Marloallow the chief to take:
his leave; . '- v ‘ _ I ,
Then, with the day’s dawn he regained his.-
nerve and threw himself down to rest.
, El Cinto brought in a late breakfast for
him, and at noon Carlos returned with four
Mexican cowboys.

In the mean while all had been gotten “

ready for the journey, and the pack-horses, a.
dozen in number, were loaded with provisions.
and the traps which Marlo had wished to take.
with him to make himself comfortable:

About We o’clock he bade farewell to Car-
los and El Cinto, leaving them in charge:
again’of the hacienda, and once more set out.
upon the trail.

He went b way of the Samoa ranch, and
while his reL -skin ropers had'madc «detour
of the hacienda to await him on the trail be-

yond, he went in to have supper'with the l. (I ~

senor and Lulita. : .-' a -
He found a cordial welcome, and 'Lnlita '
looked really distressed when "he said'th t a.
messen or had come to his home calling im
to San “mneisco, where he would be gone ‘
for an indefinite time. ’ . . '
Ile found his red-skin ropers' awaiting
him a couple of miles from the hacienda, en- I
camped upOn a stream. . ’ '. '
Once in their'midst, his courage revived, .
and he decided to take the trail that led by. ,
the grave of Fuentes. ‘ ‘ ' .

' He had an irresistible desire tosee it, and >

without giving his routines to Red RavenJ‘OdQ'  ‘t

on that trail. a, », I V . . -
It was just midnighat when he'reachcd
there, and tellin ,Red van that it was 
grave of a very ear friend, the former own.
or of therancthe stopped and gazed upon ‘
it . 'with strange feelings filling haircut and

i The rode. onto-go intois‘everal. 
miles. ’ ' ‘ -‘ A. '

eyond. , , ~,  . ; .
' Thatinight theéghostg _of- Fuentes innit.

  

  
  
  

 
  

        
 
          
      
   
   
    
    
   
    
    
    
       
 
   
    
    
   
    
    
   
    
      
    
    
   
   
     
     
   
 
        
     
   
   
      
       
 
    
 
   
      
    

 

312

,‘him, and a
‘ ' traced to him.

 Mutants
. “z‘ s.‘ v

 

peed-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike.

 

 

appear to the outlaw, and he began to hope

that it would no longer haunt him.

The next mornin they started again upon
the trail, Marlo lea in , the chief either by
his side or following cfose upon the heels of

hiw'horse.

CHAPTER XXV.
DEAD-sno'r RALPH means A STORY.

IT is now time to turn ‘to the Coaster
Ranchman after the attack of Marlo and his
outlaw band upon them and the unsuccess-
ful pursuit of the murderer of Tony, by
Ralph and his comrades.

Captain Karl saw that his wife was
nervous over the attack, and so he decided
to return to Point Desolation where Marlo,
if still alive, would not dare attack them.

So, after a few days’ longer stay they pack-
ed up and started for the coast. v

DeadShot Ralph now began to feel more
and more impressed with the belief that
Mario was still alive. ‘

From Tony, Ralph had learned all about
Mario’s life at his ranch, and of Fuentes be-
fore him, and his reported end.

He had heard of the rescue of Senorita
Lulita Samos by a wrecked sailor, whom,
however, Tony and the other outlaws never
knew to be Marlo, for the cunning outlaw
captain had kept this secret to himself, al-
ways avcrring that Fuentes was his bosom
friend.

As Tony had been among those who gave
chase to Mario and Lulita in their escape, he
described the " wrecked mariner ” to Ralph,
and the latter felt sure that his old foe had
been playing a double game clear through.

The youth, learning all that he had from
Tony. had come to the conclusion that if yet
alive, the hacienda home of Fuentes was the
place to look for Marlo.

Ralph had determined to go there by wa-
ter in the new vessel‘which had been pur-
chased for the Coaster Chief, and which
would be fully fitted. up and ready in a week
or ten days.

So the Coaster Ranchers went back to
Point Desolation, and several days after their
arrival there, Ralph sailed [for , San Fran-
cisco. ‘

He made a pleasant run of it, and had his

own trustworthy crew for the new schooner,

which Was a perfect beauty, and was to bear
the name of the Sea Pearl. '

The cabin was very large and handsomely
fitted up. and having been a yacht, which
Captain erger had heard of, it was a delight
ful vessel to take a cruise’in.

While being fitted for her cruise, Captain
Yerger. of the revenue cutter Rush, came to
see Ralph, and asked him tocome into the

cabin with him, as he wished to'have a talk

with him. , . -

“ Now, Ralph, I wish to say a few things
togou; and have you hear me through to the
en .

“ I believe you know somethin of my
life, that I had all that wealth coul‘ buy as
a young man, and was devoted to m father

and sister, for that was all we h in our.

little family.

“One day I met the man. you now call
your adopted father, and whom you know as
Karl Kenton. '

“ He won me from the first, as he did my
sister. and in fact she learned tolove him.

“We believed him to be a poor man, but
that made nodifference to us. -

“ At last uglfy rumors otafloat regarding

orgery fo lowed which was

“ He disappeared and some time after my
father’s secretary was killed, but before he

v' died he said that Kent Carleton was his inur-

derer.
“At the some time ‘rny sister was sup-
osed to be lost in a storm while out in a
7 t on the river. “ ,
“Not “lung since, when I went to Point
081ml”,
I

M93“ ‘P" §°Wbor

 

Smug ler, I found, in Karl Kenton’s, really
Kent ‘ arleton’s, wife, my sister, and Iheard
how they had hidden from the world.

“ I' also heard that Carleton had not been
poor, but a rich man, that my father's private
secretary had loved my sister, and that he
was the half-brother of Carleton.

“ He had wronged Kent as a boy, after-
ward as a man, and be it was whohad placed
the charge of forgery upon him.

“ He had surprised Carleton and my sister .

talking together, had attacked his half-
brother, and only to save his life had Kent
Carleton killed him.

“Such is the story about them, and they
will only remain at Point Desolation until I
have given the proofs of Kent (,‘arleton‘s in-
nocence to the court and have his name
cleared of the stain now upon it.”

“I hope it will be soon, sir, for he is one
of the noblest men I ever knew. and I have
often felt that there was a stain upon his
life, but not of his making,” said Ralph.

“Well, all will pass away soon, the clouds
will no longer cast a shadow upon him.

“ But, now to yourself.”

“ To me, sir?" asked Ralph with surprise.

“Yes, for I have made a special applica-
tion to the President to appoint you as a
naval cadet at large, so that you can enter
the Navy of. the. United States and win a
name and fame for yourself. ”

“ Oh, thank you,'sir, thank you.”

“But I find that there is an obstacle in the
way.”

“ An obstacle, sir?” and the expression of
Ralph fell below zero.

CHAPTER XXVI.
AN nnm 'ro’NAME AND TITLE.

 

“DON'T look so blue, Ralph, for though ‘

yet may have to give up your cadetship at
the "aval Academy you may gain far more
in the end,” said Captain Yerger, as he saw
Ralph’s face change at the sudden thought
of losing what he had hoped to obtain.

“ I would prefei’a cadetship in the navy
to anything else in the world, sir.”

“ I am not so sure of that, Ralph.”

“ But I am, sir.”

.“ Well, we shall see, when you hear my
story.” .

“Yes, sir.”

“ I am a member of the Army and Navy
Club in San Francisco, and we are at present
entertaining as a guest a lawyer of con-
siderable fame who was once very kind to
our otlicers when abroad. .

“ Last night he told me why he had come
to America, and I will let you hear his
story.” i _

“ Thank you, sir.”

“It seems that he is attorney for a large
estate in England, and the heir to it is miss-
lng. ,

“As there is also a title with the estate,
and the next ‘heir is anxious to step in
should . the direct one not be found, this
Lawyer has come to America in search of the

611.. n

“ Yes, sir.” , y

“ The heir, it seems, is a youth who disap-
peared from En land so‘me half dozen years
or more ago un er strange circumstances.

v " He was picked it 'at sea just off the
coast, by a retired 0 car while out'yacht-
mg. v -

“ He was a baby boy and no clue could be
obtained as to who he was.

“ The officer adopted him, and as he rew‘

up, those who knew who he was, and ear-

ing that he would some day be told and,

claim his title and estates, sought to put him
out of the way. .
“There were three of them in the plot.
and the boy was 'dared 'by an old coastman
to go to an old haunted house.
' " He went there. and the heir, in whose
way he stood, and his gamekeeper, went
there to do awayrwith him. ~

r 9‘ The boy heard them coming, and not

 

 

 

knowin that he had yet arrived, they talked
over the r plot to kill him.

" He had with him his shotgun, and as
they discovered him, in self-defense he fired,
killing the gamekccper and wounding the
man who most wanted him out of _ the we .

“ The boy then fled, cut out a fishing
smack, belonging to the man who had sent
him into the trap, and put to sea.

“ A short while since the old coaster died
and confessed all, and said moreover that the
boy had sent him full payment for the craft
he had taken. ‘

“ The heir who had tried to rid himself of
the boy committed suicide. when the old
coaster also confessed that he had been paid
a large sum to kidnap the boy and had placed
him in the boat in which he was picked up.

“Upon this confession and testimony the
attorney acted, and traced the boy about the
world until he found that he was lost at sea
in the barque Rainbow, wrecked on this
coast.

“ Now, Ralph, I know that‘this brave boy
was not lost at sea; I know that he is now
known as Ralph, the Runaway, when in
reality he is Lord Ralph Redmond of Bar-
courtIIall,‘England, and that with so proud
a title and vast wealth at his command he
will not wish to become a midshipman in the
navy of the United States.”

Ralph had known from the first that Cap-
tain Edgar Yerger was telling the story of
hisilife, and he had listened calmly unto the
en . . '

, Then he said:

“Captain Yerger, I did fire upon those -

men because they intended to kill me. and
believing that I would be hanged I ran
awa '.

“ I am indeed happy to‘ know that I have
honorable parentage, but let me tell you that
I am heart and soul an American, and'though
I may have to go to England to withdraw
my claim to my title and the estates going
with it, in favor of the next heir, I shall re—
turn to the United States and claim from you

our promise of a cadetship in the navy.”

“ Well said. my noble fellow, but you
must go to England and understand just
what it is that you are throwing satay.”

“I will do that, sir; but does this lawyer
know that I am alive?”

“Yes. for I told him to give me ashort
while to find you."

“ Well, sir, he must wait, for I am going
on a cruise.” .

"When ‘2” ' .

“ You know that I have also been in th
chase of Marlo the smuggler?" .

"Yes, and ran him to his doom.”

“No, sir, Ihave a story to tell you now
that will interest on." r

“ I shall be del ghted to hear it, Ralph.”

Then Dead-Shot Ralph told the story, as

the reader knows it, of their going to the

range, and all that followed.

He told all that he had heard from Tony
about Marlo. and then continued: , -
. “Now, Captain Yerger, I cannot divest

my mind of the belief that Mario yet lives, I

and the place to look for him is at the ranch
where the Gold Ghouls had their re-

treat, for after his defeat there he will go,’

as he claims to own the ranch, Tony told me.

“ There is a young lady there whom Tony“

4said Marlo hoped to marry, and this must
not be.”
“By no means.” . ,
“Now, sir, I am determined to get. fully
thirty of our best people and run down the
coast in the Sea Pearl, and visit that ranch by
night, for it is but a few hours’ march from
the coast. , ' I
h “I hope to find there Marlo,‘and capture
im." ' ;
“And I pray that you' may, Ralph, for
that alone would, get you yopr cadetship,
and it would be a feather in your cap,to
‘enter the service fan a gallant deed done}?

was Captain; Yerger’s response,

 

  

  
   
  
    
   
  
   
 
  
  
   
  
 
  
  
   
  
        
   
   
     
       

   
    
      
    
          
    
   
      

  

   

CHAPTER XXVII.
RALPn’s CRUISE.

[THE next day, as the Sea Pearl was about
to sail from San Francisco, Captain Yerger
came on board with a grip-sack in his hand.

“ I say, Ralph, I ave taken leave of
absence for a short while, have cast aside my
uniform, and am going to ask you to take me
as a passenger in the Sea Pearl, as a private
individual, without a word to say in the
way of interference, only to go along on
your expedition.

“Don't say me na , Ralph.”

I " No indeed, sir, will be only too glad to
have you along, for I am going unofficially
you know, and I will be happy to have an
officer along to call upon for aid if I get into
a scrape.”

“Only on those terms do I go then,
Ralph,” said Captain Yerger.

Then he added:

“I saw the Eu lish attorney last night
and he told me, asgI requested it, he would
await my return in San Francisco, for I told
him I knew that I could find the lost heir
for him. " ‘

“ You were very kind.”

“ Not at all, for I was looking to my own
interest you see, in being the friend of Lord
Ralph Redmond.”

The Sea Pearl soon after set sail and went

. flyin down the coast on her run to Point
Deso ation. ‘

Ralph intended to stop at the Point for
more men'for his crew, and then to sail for
Bon Secours.

The Sea Pearl made a remarkable run to
Point Desolation and was welcomed as she
ran in' with the booming of guns, and the
flying of flags and wild cheering.

The pleasure of Mrs. Kenton at finding
her brother on board was shown by her
greetin of him, and Pearl and the captain
also be e him a cordial welcome.

Then the proposed cruise was talked over
and Ralph set to work to pick his men.

" The Sea Pearl, the second da after her ar-
rival, started upon her eventfu voyage, and

. "received a grand parting salute from the
\ people of Pomt Desolation. ‘
, Captain Yerger went along, ashe pleasant-
1y Igut it, as "‘ master’s mate.”
own the coast ran the beautiful craft,

 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
   
     
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
   
    
  
  

_ "_ to run in to the coast toward sunset. '
- A smallhaven was found, after a short

   
   
 

armed.

They then began the march inland, follow-
ing the trails laid down on a map which
; Ralph had drawn from Tony’s description of

_ i’ the way to reach the Fuentes ranch.

. . ' It was a night march, but the moon was at
-' its full and the way was fairly well marked.

The ranch was reached before dawn, and
'_ Dead-Shot Ralph quietly surrounded the
" , hacienda and awaited for the coming of day.

en at sunrise Carlos looked out he was
started to that extent that he gave a yell of
suiprisc and alarm. -'
10ti ea c quickly to his side and she,
too, was alar ed.’
. But'Ralph addressed under a flag of truce
and Carlos met him at the gate.

“ Is this the hacienda of Senor Fuentes?”
he asked. ‘

“ It We. the ranch of Senor Fuentes, sir,
but it is now the property of Senor r10.”

“ Where is the Senor Marlo?”

.' “He went North , a month ago, senor, on
tagg'some important business.” I .1
ii . “ Did he go alone?” p
 .' “ o, senor, he was accompanied by his
,3 herd rs, the red-skin ro ers." '
 “How many Went wit him?”

_“'Twent -one, senor.”
*‘ -" And w "

  
  
   
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
   
  
 
  
  
  
 
   

are here? » ' i
1' fMy' wife, myself and five cowboys, who
renow on a round-up.”  -

 
  

\

   
 

 

and Ralph shaped his course and time so as I

search, and the crew landed, all thoroughly .

and surrounds

 

,~ n.0,. w

Dead-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike.‘

“ When do you expect the Senor Marlo
home?"

“To-morrow night, senor, I heard from
the Senorita Lulita Samos who passed here
yesterday, for she had received a note from
him by one of the red-skin ropers.”

“And the herders, when will they re-
turn?"

“ To-night, senor.”

“Well, my man, I must hold you and
your wife prisoners until after the return of
the cowboys, for I-want them, and to-mor-
row night the Senor Marlo will come into
my trap."

“But, senor, what has the Senor Marlo
done?”

“You may, or may not know, but you
shall be well treated, and of course your
wife will be.”

“ Now tell me how far it is to the Hacienda
Samos?"

“ Twenty miles, senor."

Ralph now called to Captain Yergcr to
approach, and the two talked together for
awhile when the youth said:

“I will have you, my man, go as guide to
this gentleman, and a dozen men to the
Hacienda Samos, and I will remain here to
await the coming of the herders to-night,
and the Senor Marlo and his red ropcrs to-
morrow night.”

“ You know best, senor.”

This arrangement was then made, and, as
Carlos furnished horses for the party, Cap-
tain Yergcr and his men rode away for the
Hacienda Samos, while Ralph and his de-
tachment occupied the ranch, where El Cinto
did all in her power to make them com-
fortable.

 

CHAPTER XXVIII.
DISAPI’OINTMENT.

MARLO left his ranch with his Indian
allies, feeling that at last, he had his revenge
near at hand upon those whom he now hated
with all the bitterness of his evil nature. .

Like others who go wrong be blamed
every one but himself for his evil deeds.

He loved little Pearl, child though she
Was, and that was the only redeeming point
in his make-up. ‘

But in spite of his love for her he was
angry with her and soughtto punish her,
because she did not return his ‘love.

His only way to punish her was to strike

a blow at others.
h H: hated Ralph with all the venom in his
ear . '

Marlo hated Captain Karl because he had
taken the part of Ralph against him, as had
Mrs. Kenton also.

He hated the coasters, his own people, be-
cause they had turned against him when he
became a smuggler.

Now. with his Indian allies he had the
means of revenge once more within his grasp,
and so he decided to strike his severest blow.

He would capture Ralph, slay the Coaster
Chief and carry off Pearl, leaving Mrs. Ken-
ton to mourn the loss of her husband and
daughter. .

Ralph should be put 'to death‘ in the end,

’by means that he would invent to show his

greatest hatred of him. - '

Such was the plan of the revengful traitor
Marlo, as he rode on his way up to the
mountain range. '

It was days before he arrived at a secret
camp within a short distance of the home of
the Coaster Chief, which would be the first
to receive the blew.

It was a dark night when he at last decid-

ed to strike, and he moved out of his retreat“
‘With his redskin ropers, the chief Red

Raven by his side.
. They crept u the mountain stealthtly,
d the Coaster Chief’s cabin.
There was no alarm given by barking dog,
and it seemed that there. was no one to warn
the inmates of the cabin oftheir danger. '

 

    

i.

He saw then that the cabin was locked, b
padlock and chain on the outsidc,,and the
showed that the inmates had gone.

/ Indications showed that it had not been
recently occupied, and Mario said: ,

“But we will run off the cattle into the
Indian country.” 3

But the cattle were not to be found, for
the coasters had driven them nearer to Point.
Desolation.

All the houses were deserted on the range,
and so Marlo was content to let them alone.

“They Will come back in rood time, and
then we can strike our blow, or I will never
give it up.

“ Now we must hit the ranches to the
southward, and hang upon the stage trails.
to repay us for what we have lost here.”

Feeling, however, thatthe soldiers wcnild‘
soon be upon his track, and that he must go
off and hide for a season, Marlo started upon.
his return to the haunted hacienda, where
he knew that he could conceal his Indm
allies until they were again needed for thei'
red work against the pale-faces.

Deeply disappointed as he was, Marlo felt
that he was only postponing his blow of,
vengeance against his people.

CHAPTER XXIX.
MARLO'S cm’r.

SEATED upon the piazza of her home one
lcasant afternoon, reading aloud to her
ather, who Was reclining in a hammock,

Senorita Samos looked up from her book to
discover a horseman approaching the‘
hacienda.

” Father, some one is coming, and as well

as I can discern it is an Indian,” she said.

Senor Samos arose from his hammock, got-

is spy-glass and turned it upon the horse-
man.

“ Yes, it is an Indian, so doubtless one of‘

the haunted hacienda herders that went off
as a guard for Senor Marlo in his Northern

tri .

The father and daughter watched the
coming red-skin with interest. -

He was admitted into the grounds and rid-
ing up to the hacienda dismounted, ascend»
ed the steps and said: -

“ Talking paper for the white: maiden.” P

“ Ah! a letter for me?” I

“ Yes.” ‘

“ You are one of the Senor .Marlo’s.
borders?"

U Yes."

“Where is he?”

~ “ Talking paper tell." .

He handed over a note as he Spoke.” -

It was written on a couple of pa es of a. ,
notebook and with lead-pencil, beng sent“

 

without envelope.
Lulita‘ took the note and read aloud as
follows: , . -

0‘

~ “IN CAMP, Sunnar.’
“MY DEAR SENORITA:—- ~.

“ I send this message to yon. 38km! if -
you will not, in one of your long rides, pass.
near, or send a messa e, to my home to
notify my chief herder, arlos. Of 111? °°m’ .
mg, so that all may be prepared for me.

“ I have been East on a business we I"
was a most successful one, permit me to say:
but I left my red-men in camp ' to await my
return. ‘ '

“The Indian messenger who will hand
you this will head me of! on the northern
trail, and I will be more than happy if

on will vouehsafe a few words in rep y to

1m. ,
“ When I have rested after my long and
arduous trip, I will take the greatest plea- ‘

sure in a visit to Hacienda Samos, whereI‘
have been made so welcome. '
“While East I took the liberty of 'pural
chasing for yous trinket; which I be your."
acceptance of before my return. an send- 1 .
bythe bearer. . ' ' . ~' "

   

é. .

  

    

    

l
.
..
‘2
‘y

.

,
l
1.4


l
,.

 

W, .l.‘ V I,‘ . V .. , ' ,...,....‘,.., ..

J: ' Dead-Shot

.. -u...,.. .m .  , .n .   ..  V— . ,, , to “v H ‘44. . ‘ . .‘u

.w‘

Ralph’s Ten-Strike.

 

T

“ It is but a slight token of my esteem for
‘ on.

“With my kindest remembrances to
your good father, believe me, my dear
senorita, Your devoted friend,

” Mannown.”

$1 ueh was the letter. and when Lulita had
af'ead it there was a bright flush upon her

ace.

The Indian now handed over the “ trinket,"
with the look of one who would like to
keep it.

“Oh! how beautiful!” cried Lulita.

“ That man loves you.”

“ Oh, father!”

“ 1 do not blame him, my child, for who
could help it, who knows you 7”

Lulita was silent and seemed not to know
What to say. ‘

“What should be my answer, my‘ child,
should he ask me for my daughter’s hand ?"

“ Father, I do not love Senor Marlowe, as
I know that I am capable of loving. Let‘
inc see more of him than I have and perhaps

may."

“ And now about this bracelet?"

“ Shall I accept it, father?" .

“ Keep it until his return,” Was her fa-
ther’s answer.

Then Lulita went oil and wrote an answer
to the note, and a couple of hours after the
red-skin messenger started upon his return
to join his chief on his trail homeward.

 

‘ CHAPTER XXX.
or: THE HOME TRAIL. ,
THE five borders of the haunted ranch

[returned from their rounding up the cattle

to discover that they were in a trap. .

Ralph had laid his plans well, and the
herders were captured without a struggle.

Carlos had vouched for them that they.
were innocent of any crime, that he had
lately received them from the herders’ camp
many miles awlafy, and that they knew noth-
ing of Senor arlo or what he was, only
supposing what he was what he professed to
be, an honest ranchero. - ,

The men were frightened, however, at
finding themselves in durance vile, and sup-
posed that they would be punished whether
guilty .or not.

They offered no resistance, and were
secured in a room of the hacienda to await
the coming of the master.

’- Within the hacienda Ralph had stationed
his men at osts to command the Indians
when the s ould ride in.

Carlos aving ame- with Captain Yerge
to the Hacienda mos, El Cinto was told to

be ready to open the ates at the coming of '
i

Mario; and his red-sk n ropers, and thus let
themienter the grounds,when she should close

_ the gates behind ‘them, while the sailors in

the porters lodge at the. side of the gate-
wa‘yf, should prevent their rushing out again.
ithin the rooms of both wings, and’in

the ruins, as well as in the foliage'of the
arden upon the open side of the Plaza, the
casters were stationed, so that the incoming
party would be held under fire in every.
direction. ' _ '_
So the men in the lodge stood ready to
openthe gets, one of them being dressed as

' a cowboy and told to reply in broken English

that he, was one of the. newly emplo ed cow-
boys and .Senor Carlo was absent mm the

' hacienda. '
. . Ralph also. took up his position in the

I lodge. the best position for him to demand

the surrender from, and to face Marlo it it

 came to a combatrbetween them. , ,

' ~ In themean while Mario, and his Indian

rnodplers were/on their way back to the haunt- ‘
1a »

cicada. - ..

7 , ' ’ The messenger'sent totherSenoritaLnlita,
" ~ ,. met the. returningnparty uponltbe trail, ust,
‘  ember/wares? a into campyand .arlo'

 eagerly-create.  I p ';  .-’

.  g0
|«,. v 4' ,

“ Well. Red Raven, did you reach the
Hacienda Samos?"

“Yes, Senor Chief.”

“ You did well, and I will make you a
handsome present when we return to the
hacienda. for your going.” . ,

“The chief "3 good ’to the Red Raven."

" You saw the Senorita Lulita ‘2"

u  ‘i‘ I

“ And her father?”

“ Yes. ”

“ And gave my letter?”

“ What did she say?”

“ She looked glad."

“ riled you gave her the bracelet?"

H res. H V

“ And did she look glad ?”

“. Heap glad, and so did senor."

“ Ab! and sent me a letter?”

“ Here talking-paper.”

Marlo ,took the note handed him by the
Indian. '

, It looked ,the worse for wear, as though
the Red Raven had not been very particular
about it.

In fact, had it been brought by a white
messenger, Marlo would have had a suspi-
cion that it had been opened and read.

Now, however, he said:

“ I only hope that my note was not as badly
soiled and crumpled as this."

Opening the envelope, which, with the
paper, was scented, he read the letter. '

“ Cool,
reading the brief epistle, “ for I can read
between the lines. '

“ Yes, I will win her;" and placing the
m'issive in his pocket, he had in it food for
thought. .

The next day be pressed on to reach the
haunted hacienda that night as soon after
darkness set in as possible.

He little dreamed who awaited him there!

 

CHAPTER XXXI.
,A caravan CAPTURE.

A'r last the hacienda came in si ht, and
Mario began to congratulate himse f upon
his return to the home he had so strangely
come into possession of, though he could not
but haveafeeling of dread that again he
might be haunted by the ghost of Marco Fu-
entes. v
, In spite of his Indian guard, he gazed
somewhat anxiously about him as he drew
near the hacienda, lest the visionof the dead
outlaw Ranchero vFuentes should confront

him.

“.Well, Red Raven. here we are,"'he said,
as the drew near to the gateway.

” es.”

“ Now we can rest.” ,

[6 Yes." I

l“ I will give you and your braves a labs
to sleep in the room next to mine,” said r-
lo,“tl§nk,ing of the ghost. '

o. ,
“ lay not?f’ - ,
“ -men no sleep under roof. ' Sleep
near chief, but not in hacienda.” '
“ $11! the nights are too warm for you ?”
u, es.» 1 g ,

' “I believe you are right, and I guess I’ll
cigar? out in the groun s with you also, to-
n t.!’ I ‘
g“ All right.” , , j
~ .Disa pointed in getting Company in the
hacien a. to keep off the ghost of the ranch-
ero he had so to his death, Marlo was not
long in deci ng that he would spend the
first night‘in the grounds. ,

If Fuentes did' not haunt him there, the
next night he would occupy his rooms. .

As he was now quite near to the] gateway“ ,

he raised his voice and hailed:
."Ho,‘Carlosi 'Carlosl’i" ' '

yet warm,” muttered Marlo upon ,

, captured him. while

he called again and again. .
At-last an answering call came, and soOn
after a man passed across the Plaza as though

just aroused from sleep.

as the man opened the gate.

“It is not Carlos, senor."

“ Ah! who are you?” .

" One of the new men, senor, who is stayr
ing‘at the hacienda while Carlos is away.”

“ Carlos not here?"

“No, senor; he'has gone to the Haciend
Samos, senor.” .

‘V‘ Why has he gone there?"

“ To ask the senorita about you, senor, for
the messenger could not make himself under-

stood. "

“ Ah, yes, I understand now, forI told the
senorita in my note to send word over here
of coming.

“ Well, my man, arouse E1 Cinto, for we
are all hungry and want supper. I am sorry
we were not expected.”

He had ridden into the Plaza meanwhile,
and the red-skin ropers had filed to the left
by him, to go into camp in the rounds.

But at his words, the gate ha been closed
behind him by the man who had opened it,
and the large iron key was withdrawn and
thrust into his pocket.

Then came the words of Marlo, and an un-
locked for reply:

“ I am sorry we were not expected.”

“ But you were expected, Marlo the Smug-
gler and outlaw.” V

The words fell upon the ears of the out
law ranchero in a voice that sent every drop
of blood from his face to his heart. -

In moments of surprise and dan er a man'
thinks with lightning rapidity, an Marlo’s

was behind him. ,
He wheeled quickly in his saddle, his
hands hardly capable of reining in his’horse,

in sailor garb; a revolver leveled at his cart.
The moon shone with silvery light full up-

} on the scene, and Mario also beheld men com-

ing out of the lodge with rifles leveled.

In dismay, his eyes turned quickly over
the Plaza and still other forms were seen. '

Before he could utter a word in reply, he
heard the command:

“ Hands up, Smuggler, or die!”

toward the gate again to break throu h,
when, as he wheeled, there came a whizz n-

sound in the air and a lariat whirled over h ‘
head, the noose encirclin

two.

would escape, for he knew not that the‘gate
was locked, he snddenl threw his lasso and
e at the same time
threw his hands above his head and cried:

f‘ Don’t fire upon me, senors, ‘or my men.
for we surrender!” V . . ‘ \

 

CHAPTER xxxix. ‘
Tan BED RAVEN UNMAsan.

sailors did not .flre upon ‘them. , simpl clos-

ming them in near the Igate.
A single shot woul have.

 

 

l? (Weaver, was.“ mull? Wad? . 

 

 theirchief, theRed Bayonne , 

l
v’,

But on he rode and reaching the gateway  .

“ Ho, Carlos, you sleep sound,” said Marlo "

first thought was that the ghost of. Fuentes ,

when he beheld standing behind him a outh . 

Into the flanks of his horse he sunk his '
spurs, terrified at what he saw, and to dash '

him. and he was .- ..
dragged heavily from h s saddle, and with 
force enough to stun' him for an instant or r ,

The one who had thrown the lariat was y‘ ‘
.none other than Red Raven, who had sud-l: 
denly dis00vered that the ranch was occu-' ‘ ,
pied by armed men, and fearful that Mario f 

- THE red-skin ropers had ‘wheeled their ,5
horses quickly, at the sound of loud voices in. f _ 9 3;
their rear, and when they saw their chief-f 7‘ ’
alone, as itwere, with strange men about: »,
him, back they had comeat a rush, but the: 

ing in upon themlfrom all sidm. a): heme; ,,
precipitated. 

desperate combat in an instant; forthe red- j
‘ ,skin ropers would have fought to the death,

    
  

 

 

  
  
   
    
  
  
   
  
 
 
  
  
   
 
    
  
 
  
   
  
   
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
      
    
      
       
     
   
   
   
     
   
    
    
      
     
    
   
    

  

Dead-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike.

 

 

 

 
 
 
 

But, instead, they heard his warning cry
ihot to resist, and saw that he had unhorsed
‘ . with his lariat the one whom they had look-
! ed upon as their pale-faced captain.

' i The words of the Red Raven and his atti-
tude showed his braves that he intended to
yield without a struggle, and following his
command they at once halted near him and
raised their hands above their heads in token
of submission.

The Red Raven, when he had uttered the
words that followed the fall of Marlo, had
not spoken like an Indian; his voice had
13sec clear as a trumpet, his English per-
ect.

, Now, when every eye was upon him, he
threw himself from his horse and quickly
ran to the fallen ranchero.

In an instant he had disarmcd him, and
then turning to Ralph and his men, for the
sailors now formed a semicircle around the
red ro ers, crowding them upon the gate,
he sai , again speaking in perfect English:

“Senor, you came here to capture this
man, Marlo, the ranchero?”

“Yes, senor.”

“Well, there he is.
, oner.”

“And you, who are you?” asked Ralph,
in surprise. ' -

“ I am known as Red Raven, the chief of
the red-skin ropers. These men about me
are Indians, but I am not.”

“ You are a white man?”

“ I am, and I will tell you who I am and '
how that man has wronged me.

" This man came to my house as a pre-
tended priest, and he it was who sent me
from here to be hanged by the cowboys of
the Samos Hacienda.

“A bribe saved me from death, and I
then went to my old friends, ,the Indians,
:and organized this band of young braves to
return and aid me in my revenge.

“ I came back as their chief, and not even
my foe, here, ever suspected me of bein
other than I represented in self. ' »

“ Being here with him, Was able to play
ghost, and I have haunted him until he has.
cringed in terror, for thinking that I was
dead, that he had sent me to the grave, he
wasin. mortal fear of what he believed was
my spirit. '

, " I went with him on his Northern trail to
be near him.to watch him.

_.“I came back here to haunt him each
night in my home and drive him mad or
force him to take his own life in abject fear
of living. . , '
‘ “He tech the red-skin ropers for North
to attack his own people, the Coasters, but
they were no longer dwelling in the range.

 -' “As he is now in your power, your pris-

I.’ oaer, I am content, and shall leavehim in
a your keeping, well knowing that I will be
thoroughly avenged. ‘

“Now, senor, this is my home, for let me

' introduce myself . as Marco Fuentes, the

'ranchero of this hacienda, and to tell you

that .. you are more than welcome in ‘my

     
 
   
  

 

   
  
  
   
  
   
 
  
  
   
  
  
 

He is your ' pris-

    
  
 
 
   
  
  
   
    
   
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
    
    
   
 
 
  
     
 

   
 
  
   

ouse. . ;
“Now that my reven e is attained, there.
.is no fonger any need 0 my playing the In-
dian, so I wil change my costume and be.
ready soon to welcome you inmy propel.
person as senorFuentes. ‘ .
“ I will not detain you long.”
‘ .With'this the Senor Fuentes disappeared
‘.; within the hacienda. ' , V

      

   
 

 

CHAPTER Xxxm. ‘ - '
a; ' ‘eivnir rim sLir. ‘
' Exxon FUENTES had been gene all of half,
 sin" hour before the outlaw chief Marlo ap.\
‘. peered to collect his scattered sensesso as to:
ASP ' ' ’ '

 
 

’Samos, when they should go there, for the,

‘ and traitor.

‘ed him to a fate of which the people were

, Sea Pearl. . '

oak. . ’
_.,H~e hm hwdm .a-confused sort of way all 3 ‘

 

  taken. lace, and after Fuentes, had
 

 
   

phset to work to=restorehisi

  

prisoner to his senses, fearing that he had
been badly hurt. ’

But when, at last, Marlo did come round,
he saw that he was bound hands and feet,
and he fully understood the situation, for he
had grasped what Fuentes had said, and
now it came upon him in its full meaning.

Suddenly realizing that Fuentes had gone
he cried:

“ Yes, I am Marlo the Smuggler.

“ That I do not deny, but where is that
man, the outlaw ranchero, Marco Fuentes?"

“ He will soon return,” said l.)ead-Shot
Ralph.

“Never! he has gone, he has fled from
here by one of the secret passages leading
from this old ruin. '

“ If 1 am Marlo the Smuggler, he is
Fuentes th outlaw, the chief of the Gold
Ghouls, and though' you have captured me,
though you have me safe enough, you have
allowed a man to escape who is as vile as I
am.

“After him all of you, for your work is
not half done in capturing me.”

When the Coasters recalled that Fuentes
find indeed escaped they sought to capture

1m.

But in vain.

They realized that he was indeed an out-
law, the chief of the Gold Ghouls, and they
Were most anxious indeed to capture him.

But there could be found no trace of the
ranchero, and El Cinto said that, though she
did not know of the secret avenues of escape
from the old hacienda, she was aware that
there were such, and Fuentes had thus made
his wa to safety.

'As "ucntcs could not be found, Ralph
was forced to give up-thc hunt, and so told
El Cinto that he would leave her in charge of
the hacienda once more, she and her husband,
who would be sent back from Hacienda

young sailor was to go that way back to the
coast, while the Coasters went on direct to
the vessel with their prisoner. .
Mounted on horses taken from the ranch,
Ralph. and a small guard went to Hacienda
Samoa where Captain Yerger had arrived
and told the story of Mario's treachery and
crimes, to the horror of SenOr Samoa and
Lulita, and the latter had every reason to
feel happy over her escape fromian alliance
with a man so vile as the Cowboy‘Smuggler

Returning to the coast, Captain Yerger.
and Ralph ound the rest of the” party there
with their prisoner, and getting up sail the
Sea Pearl stood out of the little basin, home-
ward bound after her successful cruise in
capturing the traitor Coaster iwho had so
justly Won the name of Mario the Merciless.

 

CHAPTER iXXXIV.
‘- concwsion.

WHEN the Sea Pearl arrived at Point Des-
olation, Marlo was taken at once to the pris.
on of the settlement, and where, to the credit
of the Coasters be it said, few of their num-
ber ever were placed. ,

By the laws of this strange community, a
traitor had to be punished in their own pecu-
liar‘ way; so Marlo was tried b ni ht, before
a secret and unknown tribune , w osentenc-'

kc t in rofoundi orance. r .

Jiw‘be ay follow ng, Captain Yerger ~ e-
turned to San Francisco, with.,Ralph,.in t w

Upon arriving there the youth-was. taken
to the hotel and brought. face to faceiwith
the Eu lish attorney of‘_whom,-ithe.gesptsinj.
had spo on as coming to Amerieazin Search
ot; the lost heir to the title-and estates of.
Harco Hall ‘ ‘  

proposed returning at once with the youth
to England. -

“ Oh no, sir!" said Dead-Shot Ralph.

“ You have found me now, and I promise
you I will not lose myself again; but you
will have to go back alone, as I have duties
to perform here which I cannot neglect.

“Within a year, however, I will reim‘u,
and then we can arrange matters. for I wish
you to look up the heir who follows me in
the title as I am an American now, and Cap-
tain Yergcrintends to get me amidshipnian’s
berth in the United States Navy."

“And would you yield a noble title and
vast fortune to become a inidshipman in the ‘
navy of the United States?” asked the at-
torney in surprise.

“I do not care for any title, sir, except
one 1 can-win by in own deeds. Nor am I
poor, and perhaps can add to what Ihave.

" But Iwill return to England, sir, and
clear my name of the stain u on it, and set
tle matters so that there wil be no trouble
about another heir.”

With this the English attorney had to be
satisfied.

Captain Yerger at once began to la his
plans to secure a cadetship at the .aval
Academy for Ralph, and lll'tilis the youth’s
gallant career was a great aid of his doing
so, , ,

Eventually he got the appointment, and
going to England, as he had‘ promised the
attorney, he kept to his determination to
give up all, and yet found that the _old oili-
eer who had adopted him, after finding him.
in an open boat at sea, had also made him
his heir.

This property, which was considerable,
Ralph accepted—the ofiicer having no near
kindred;——and after resigning all claim to
his own title and estates, he returned to the
United States. Then, after a visit to the
Carletons, who had geneto live in an ele—

ant home in San Francisco, he entered the

avy of the United States in which he now
holds a commission, and where he is honored
by all who know him.

Captain Yerger was so pleased with Lulita '

Samos that he visited her a sin and again
and eventually she became h a wife. 4

That Ralph Redmond and Pearl were,

married, when he graduated at the Naval
Academy, of course the reader knows, for
how\ could it be otherwise?,

. rim ms.

 

.Nnx'r Him-DIME LIBRARY, No. 886!

 

,A New York City Lit. nominating

—P.

TEE FIVE POINTS '

LODGING Haitian lilllflll; 

Monk Merry andithe Italians. v. V

BY J0 PIERCE.

c—u—v

It is both a singular and a startling. transcription
of New York's ahady~side liter-a revelation of the

ugly elements which battle the skill of the with.

steam, the police, the courts and the prisons, to‘,
overcome or even to intimidate ' ' , -
imthls the ‘_‘.Sons of the Stiletto " may their no-

torious and baletul schemes. only to findinw the ' ‘  1'
“young janitor of a Five Points Lodging House at 
dauntiess antagonist who becomes a seltkoomtltuted ' ‘

detective and‘worhs out [brilliant result. ‘

It lean eventtul.‘exoitlns. deeply sham-hing ham ‘  r
chromium-es leading strains of interest and plot. \ ‘
and notch or good purpose and good work that all *
readers will thank the keen-eyed‘sndfke'en-witted ,7

 

a, It di not take the lawyer vemlong to
discover in Ralph the one he sou _

’i, ,. “1"

, , author (or this newromonee-ottheneu-rfihgm‘ . _.

n t "‘ ‘ ‘ i :
"Z i ’   ‘ a r. 
., , 1 i g

    

.‘.
i

      
     
    
     
   
     
   
     
   
           
 
       
      
       
  

 

 

BEADLE’seHALF-DIME.LIBRARY.

Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers..

 

BY EDWARD L. WHEELER.

Deadwood Dick Novels.

ls deadwood Dick. the Prince oi the Road.
20 Deadwood Dick’s Deiialscc; or, Double Daggers.
3:  liit'i l: linens"  
' ' l'i s

42 Deadwood Dick‘s Bonanza; 0:, The Phantom Miner.

49 Deadwood Dick in Danger: or, Omsns Oil.

57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Psrds oi Flood Bar.

78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or. Calamity .‘ ine.the iioroins
135 Beadlwoot‘:  Liszt  or. Corduroy Charlie.

eai woo e n a \' e.
104 Deadwood Dick's Device; or. The Double Cross Sign.
109 Deadwood Dick as Detective.
199 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or. The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost.
168 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde liiil.
149 Deadwood Dick’s Biz Strike or,A Game of Gold.
156 Deadwood Dick oi' Dcadwoo t or The Picked Party.
195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or The Rivals ottho Road.
s01 Deadwood Dick’s “’ard; 0r.’l‘he Blnck Hill’stzebei.
 Reagwoo: {:lll‘lfi‘: Ill'oorai [nonfaisniitanns's Adventure.
ea woo c ' s ea ea . '
Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant.
.82 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Rough» and Toughs.
mm Reagwogg  RIvIfle+~nJho Spirit oiSwsulp Lake.

on wo c s en I ra .

609 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick oi Oregon.

Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fsliir oi' Phantom Flats

I47 Deadwood Dick‘s Ducats; or, [lays in the Diggings.

D'eat‘ilvi'otgI llzi'elifictulte‘need; or, ins Terrible Vendetta.
eawo ("I‘Illlh

Deadwood Dick in Dead (‘ii .

410 Deadwood Dick’s Diaraondn.y

Deadwood Dick in New York; or. A " Cute Cass."

480 Deadwoo Dick’s Dust; «-r.'l‘he Chained Hand.

44” geagwooil   or,l"l‘ha Crimson Crescent Sign.

ea wooi c ', r. s, c since.

Deadwood Dick Jr.’s Full ll d.

459 Deadwuod Dick: Jr.‘ Big Bo‘h'hd-Up.

465 Deadwood Dick, .Ir. Bucket at Claim 10.

“endlwoog  .l r. =;Dl'l'|l|’iitnf,tfi|0h‘lllan Bill.
on woo c' or c cc ve.

Deadwood Dick: Jr., in Deadwood.

lll'eiu‘i'woodl  Jr.:s, fo'fllplllft.

ea W01" c . r. s. n ier ance.

508 Renalwoog llnclli, grin, ll," lugs.
ea woo c r. s. e verance.
515 Deadwood lilt‘k: Jr.‘s, i’rotcgee.
599 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s. Three.
Deadwood Dick, .lr.’s. Dancer Ducks.
Reagwoohi  film’s; D'leath llunt.
ea woo c ' r. in cans.
544 Deadwood Dick: Jr.; the Wild WestVidocq
549 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. on Ills Mcttle.
524 li’liaailiwoo‘t‘i billet. sin, IIn {:Dis'llllllls
0|“ W00 (' . I'. ll 0i (ill.
567 Deadwood Dick. Jr... in Philadelphia.
2;: ii““:i‘”"°:i iii‘i'   
ea woo c '. r.. on .
5R4 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. in Denver.
590 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s. Decree.
' Deadwood Dick Jr., in Beclnchub’s Basin.
6 0 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. at Cont-y" island.
606 Reagwoog  gn'n.I Lf'advi lI'Ie Lay.

euwoo c' r. n ero.
tilt-l Deadwood iuok.’ on: in Cincinnati.
Deadwood Dick. In, in Nevada.
Deadwood Dick. Jr., in No Man’s Land.
Beagwom:  in. ‘tl‘tfiréhlc Queer.

ea woot c . r. n u a o.

64” Deadwood Dick. drill. Chase Acrossthe. Continent
654 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. Among the Smugglers.
Reggwooi‘i mole, gr."- llltll‘urlll;(ile (liaise.

c woo c r. no u . c nes.
Deadwood Dick: Jr.: In llurango;(ir.“Gsthered in."
“"4 “cugwogda llzlleili, girl’s, I'l’iscolvery; or,FounosFortune.

ca wo c r. s. an: e.
Deadwood Dick; .lr.'s. Dollars.
Deadwood Dick. Jr.. at Danger Divide.
il°“‘.iw°"‘.i ll'fii' 1'1"” l’5°"i. p t

ea woo c r. a no - o .
Deadwood Dick, Jr..’ in San Francisco.
716 llzetdiwoot‘il Diet. Jr.’.s, S’tiii iilunt.

c Woo c r.s - oin noes.
ii““‘.i“‘°°‘.i in" 5"1‘ii'"'l:i“‘n .

ea woo c ‘. r.s on e ea.
740 Basswood. i'l'llcili‘, int-2 llfiitliilwtatcli.

ca woo c r. s on i c .
Deadwood inok.‘ .i..'.,’ leathblow.
Deadwood Dick. .lr.’s, 3..-......tr. Strait.
Beadwoofl  grist, “one t and.

em woo c r. s. e ea .

Deadwood Dick: Jr.’s. Resurrection.
Bcaaiwoog  grishllnar: Days.

on woo c r. c e .
Deadwood Dick; .lr."s, Double Device. 1
. ii°"‘i"°°$ iii‘i‘:  lif'"°'“.i°oi.°:‘“’“-

ea woo c r. s amon ~

Deadwood Dick: Jr.’s; Royal Flush. .
Beogwmu} git-t, iris. fiend-o .

ca wom c. r. s, va .
Deadwood Dick‘, Jr.'s, Boom.
Dead wood Dick, Jr.'s, Scoop.
Deadwood Dick. .lr.’s, l’rox .
Deadwood Dick. .lr.’s, Clutc .
Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, lllfll llorse.
Deadwood Dick r.. at l cvll’s Gulch.
Deadwood Dick. r.‘s, Death-"ole ilustiesl
863 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s Bombshell. '
870 Deadwood Dick, .lr., In exico.
876 Deadwood Dick. Jr’s, Decoy Duck.

‘o‘vis‘
. o w o

r
v

 

 

 

BY WM. 6. PATTEN.

629 Violet Vane. the Volvst Sport: or. The Jubilee oi Juktown.
om; Violet. Vaue’s Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Out.
606 violet and Daisy. the Pm Yards.
705 Violet Vane’s Vow; or. T sCrsit Detsctivs’s Crait.
724 Violet Vane's Ven eanee; 0r.T a Wi ~0ut.
7B0 Violet Vane’s Ve lot; or, The Games Collin City.
741 Violet Vane. the Ventrll uist \‘ldncq: or, S ort vs. Sport.
750 Violet Vane: the Vanuls ad. or. The Ha trnggle.
76 Violet Vane s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate.
48 The Diamond Sport: or, The Donbls Fm ofBed Rock.
519 Cs taln niyster ;or, Five in Gas.
531 D Dare the port from Denver.
5 7 Did oasis-hell. the Rsngsr Detective.
604 Iron Fern the Man ot Firs: or, Among ths Vultures.
619 The Bo ram$Detectivet or.1‘hs Double GripWitness
641 Disinal ave’s and: Part]; or,ThsCluetoCspt. Clsw
651 Round Boy Frank.t a You Amstsur Detectivs
689 Wild Vulcan. the Loris-Ruin idor.
714 Did Misery the Mn from Missouri. _
774 Clear-Grit Cal, ths Nsver-Ssy-Dis Detective.
789 Sal- Sheridan, the Secret Service Bpscisi.

00 Cowboy Steve ths Ranch Mascot.

.0 Hobby Nat, the 'i‘enduttnot Detactive.

86 Sharggr Stoke‘s Double Deal.

7 Spot Bob in New V ork.
00 Spotter Bob’s Bowery Rocket.

 

Other Novels by E. L. “'heeler.

80 Rosebud Bob; or. Nugget Ned, the Knight.

84 Rosebud. Bob on "and; or, idyi, the Girl Minor.

88 Rosebud Bob’s iiearpearanee; or. Photograph Phil.
131 Rosebud Bob’s (lha icnge; or, Cinnamon (thin.
97? Denver Doii. the Detective Queen; or, The Yanhce‘s Surround
881 Denver Doll’s Victory; or. Skull and Crossbones.
3H5 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza.

.96 Denver Doll's Drli‘t; or. The Road Queen.

8674 b'reka .lliu. the. Gold-Gatlicri-ri or. The Lilo Lottery.
37. Yrcka Jim's Prize; or, The “Wives of Vt'akie-Up.
885 Yreka Jim's Joker: or, The Rivals of Red Nose.

880 Yreka Jim’s New (ole; or, Bicycle lieu.

894 Yreka Jim of Yuha Dam.

909 Fritz, tho Bound-Boy Detective: or. Dot hectic Game.

‘18 Fri": to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter

244 Sierra Sans. thu Frontier Ferret: or, A Sister’s Dcvollon.
948 Sierra Saints Secret: 07. The Bloody Footprints.

358 Sierra Sam's Paul; or, The Angel oi Bi Vista.

8515i Sierra Sam’s Seven; or.’l‘he Stolen Bri e.

884 Kangaroo Hit; or. The Mysterious Minor.

“9 Kangaroo Klt’s Racket; or. 'i he i‘ride oi Played.0ut.

89 Death-Face. Detective; or, Life in New York.

69 The Boy Detective; or. Gold liiile, the sharpshooter.

9“ “'Blch. I, o the Detective; orl Arabs and Angels.

11: out-Edged inn-n. a... .. on mam.

145 Captain Ferret. the ew York Detectivs.

16! New York Neil, the Boy-Girl Detective.

226 The Arab Detective; or, Snuozcr, the iioy Sharp.
801 Turk the. Boy Ferret.

825 Kelley, illekev Ar (30.. the Detm lives of Philadelphia.
343 Manhattan M kc, the Bowery l)l'l4‘i'l.l\'0.

400 “'rliikles. the Night—Watch Detective.

416 illgh Ilat Harry. the Hase Ball Detective.

496 Sam Slabsidcs. the Beggar-Boy Detective.

484 Jim Beak and Pa]. Private Detectives.

86 (llovcn "001’, the Buffalo Demon: or, The Border Vultures.

82 Bob lVooii'; or, The Girl Dead-Shot.

46 Old Avalanche: or, \Vlhi Edna, the Girl Brigand.

53 Jim ililltisoe. Jr.. the Boy Pheulx.

6] Bugkhorn "I"; or. The Red lliile Team.

92 Canada (the! t or, Olil Anaconda iu Sitting Bull’s Camp.
118 Jack "iser the Young Speculator.

95 Bonanza Biii. Miner: or. Madam Mystery, the Forger.
33 Boss Bob the Kingui‘ Roothlaclis.
41 Solid Sam, the iiov Road-Agent: or, The Branded llruws.
77 Nobb Nick ol’ Nevada; Or, The Sierras Scumpu.
81 “'IIII rank the Buckskin BYIIVOLOT. linily Lily's Love.
236 Apollo Bill, the 'l‘iail Tornado; nr, Rowdy Kate.
240 Cyclone, Kit. tlw Young Gladiiitnr; or. The lAlt'lierl Valley.
273 Jumbo Joe, the iiov Patrol: or. The Rival lleirs.
'99 A No. 1. the Dashinu Toll-Taker.
808 ’Liza June, the 'iirl Miner; or. the lmn-Nerved Sport.
330 Lune uh-L-Jilmtg or, The Dead Face of Daggenvllis.
355 First-C aim Fred. the Gent iroin Gopher.
87S Naboh Neil; or. The Secret of Sinh City.
83$ Cool Kit, lhz- Kirg of Kids; or, A l’iilaiii's Vengeance.

8 Santa Fe Sal, tho Slasher: or. A Son’s Vengeance.
‘86 Seaiskin Sam. the kaiel’; or The Tribunal ut'Ten.

BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS.

589 Torn-Cat and Bard; or. The Dead Set st Silver City.
622 Torn-Cat’s 'l‘rlnd; or. The Affair at Tombstone. I
631 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task: or. The Cowboy Detective.
683 Tom.Cat’s Triumph; or. ill-ck Dan's Glen! Combine.
546 Captain Cactus the Chaparral (ml; or. Josh’s Ten Strike
568 The Dandy oi’ lodge: 0r. Bustling tor Millions. .
576 The Silver Sport; or. Josh Penpeunint's Jubilee.
583 Salfron Sol. the Man With a Shsdow
601 Ila p ilans, the Dutch Vidt-cq; nr,iiot Timesat Round-Up
611 Bil a Barnacle, the Detective Hercules.
646 00wa (lid. the Cstiie-Rnnge Detective.
657 Warbiliig Vi lillam, the Mountain Mountebsnk.
665 .loily Jeremiah. the Plains Detective.
676 Si nal Sam the Lookout Scout.

l! the (lying Spy: or, The Myng of Two Lives.
raple Sim, the roncho Buster: or. For l2 Stakes.
2 The Mesmerist Sport: or, The Mystitled Deuctlvs.
3 Toitec Tom, the Mad Prospector.
5 Kansas Jim. the Cross-Cut Detective.
l Marmaduke. the Mustanger Detective.
The Bustier of Rolling Stone.
Lone "and Joe. the Committee oi One.
Kent Kirby. l-he High-Kicker from Killbncii.
88! The Doctor Detective In Texas.
872 Two Showmea Detectives in Colorado.

BY J. 0. CDWDRICK.
Broadway Billy Novels.

490 Broat way Billy. the Bootblscii Brsvo.

614 Broad way Billy’s Boodle; or. Clearing sStrsngs Case.
586 Breakwa)V Billy’s ‘Diiilkilty.” .
557 Broad-way Bill ’s Death Bucket.

579 Broad way’Bll y’s Surprise Party.

605 Brontlwa Billy; or The Boy Detoctiu’s Big inning.
ass Broad way Billy's Dead Act: or,The Lesgueoi'Seven.
660 Broar way Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco.
675 Broad way Billy’s Best; UHBfllllh‘ San Frsncisco'sFinost.
687 Broadway Billy iii Clover.

Billy in Texas; or, The River Rustlers.
Billy’s Brand.

711 Broadway Bil y at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Desi.
720 Broadway Billy’s Full "and; or, The Gamin Detectivs.
785 Broadway Bil y’s Business.

788 Broadway Bil y’s Curious Case.

758 Bron: way Bil y in Denver.

769 Broai way y's Bargain; or, The Three Detectiv
769 Broai way Bil y; the Retriever Detective.

775 Broai-way Bil y s Shadow Chase.

ggil Bron: way Bil y’s Beagles; or. The Trio’s Qnm- ~
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6 Brent way Bil y’s Team; or, The Combine's Big Pull.
0 llroai way Billy’s Brigade; or. The Dead Alive.
796 Broat way Bil y’s Queer Bequest.
800 Broai way y Ballied.
805 Bron way Bil y‘s Signal Scoop.
810 Broat way Bil y’s ll ipe u .
815 Broat Billyzs gawk Racket.
y s u . I
826 Broat way Bil y Amon Jersey Thugs.
Bil y’s Ruhr.
880 Broai way Bil y’s Bic Boom.
844 Broai way Bill "s Bl Bal .
849 Broad way Bil y’s ! 00.0 0 Snap.
856 Broai way Billy’s Blind; or. The Bootblsck Stowaway.
869 Bronx way Billy in London.

 

.868 Broai way Billy Shadows London Slums.

 

874 Broai way Billy’s French Game.

.60 Sliver-Mask tbs on of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys.
869 Shanta. the Bold 'inx; or, For Seven Yssrs Dssd.

490 The Delfetive’s A prentiee ; or, A Boy Without s Nuns.
m Oihata can; or. d-Hot Tim-s st Ants Bar.

:51; Sandy Sans, til. Street scout.

Disco Dan. the Dsi ‘ Dude.
506 ltedlfiht Ralph t a Prince ofthe Road.
594 The Icineer Detective; or, Rodlight Rslph’s Resolve
548 Hart. ths Night Express Detective.
I71 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or The Double Csse
59" The Boy Pinkerton; or. Running the llama“ Out.
615 Fiuhtinl llarr the Chief of Chains-i Cvclons.
640 Bareback Be. , ths Contour o! the Circle.
647 T pewrlter 'i‘lliy. the Merchant’- Ward.
659 ooalicht Morgan ths " Pisenest "Msn of Ants Bu.

I

 

BY CDMDNEL PBENTISS INGBAIIAM.

877 New York Nat’s Trump Card.
37! New lyork Nut and the Grave Ghouls.
665 New ‘ork Nat’s Masked Mascot.
859 New York Nat. the Gaiiill) i‘irtcctii'e.
-loom’s Kldnapper Knock-Out.
loom’s Ten Strike.
Doom’n Flush llaiid.
loom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny.
“.OOIII’I Dcstluy; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror.
loom; or. 1 he Sharps and Sharks at New York.
loom in Boston; or, A Man oi Many Masks.
loom in Chicago.
Ioorn In the “lid “'est.
loom's (‘lean Sweep; or, Five Links in;- Clue.
room’s Death Clue.
loom’s Diamond Deal.
1519 Dick ilooni’s (iii-i .iascot.
I! Doom‘s Shadow llunt.
Doom’s Big llnui.
749 Dashing (‘hariiez or.The Kentucky Teiideri'oot’s FlrstTrnll.
756 Das ‘Iiug (‘iiarllc’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive.
760 Dashing (‘hnrllc‘s i’awnce i’ard.
786 Dan illui: Charlie. the Rescuer.
497 Back Taylor, King oi the Cowboys.
737 Buck Taylor, the (ciimnchc’s (‘a Mn.
743 Buck Tuvlor‘s Boys; or,’i‘h« Re Riders ot'the Rio Grands.
560 Pawnee hill, the Prairie shallower.
713 Pawnee Bill; or, Cari, the Mad Cowboy.
719 Pawnee Bill’s Pledge; r~r.’l‘lie ('owhoy‘s Doom.
725 i’awne‘e Bill; or, Daringliick.
692 Bedl’crn’s Curious Case; “If”: Rival Sharps.
697 Bedi’crn at Devil’s Banch or, The Sharp from Tens.
702 Bcdi'crn’s High "and; or, llurJnckct.
707 Iicdl‘ern's Last Trail: or. The lied St-iiihrrro Rangers.
66” Rod Ralph’s Bus-e; cr,The Bill-mime; Miaalli llilfln-
674 Bed italpil’n Bold Game; or.'l'hc Wizard . ailnr.
670 Bed Ralph. the Shadoner. “r, The Freebooter’s Legacy.
644 Butterfly Billy's Disguise.
650 Butterin Billy. the Pony l"xpress Rider.
656 Butterfly Billy's Man iluiit.
662 Butterfly Billy’s onanza.
565 kcnt Kingdom Or, 'I he (in is oith Ovrrland.
570 Kent Kinudon’s Siiadowcr; or. the (‘arri Quccn.
575 Kent Kingdon‘s Duel; cr, The Sui-goon Scout.
5N6 Kent. Kingdou‘s Doom; hr. The Buckskin Awngcr.
545 Lafitte Bun Dow n; or. i'ho liiiunneers ut‘Bnrruturis.
550 illliitte’ll Legac : or. The Avengan Son.
555 Liiiltte‘s (‘uni'es'si out “I. The (Trmle Corsair.
520 Buckskin lliii, tile ('lillililll‘lli‘ Shadow.
525 The Buckskin Brothers in Texas.
580 The Bil kski-i Bowers; cr. 'i‘hl- (fowlva Pirstcs.
535 Tile Buckskin Rovers: or, The Prairie Fugitive.
540 ’ljhe Buckskin i'ards‘ ( ucst: cr,Csptu|n Ku-Klux.
508 ’l he Boyoi llliddy: or, T e Shark and the Sea Cat.
507 The Royal Middy’s Luck ; or, ’ihe Hunted Midshipman.
511 The Royal Middy's Foe.
450 “'izard \Viii : (r. ’l he iii.) Ferrel Oi New York.
454 “'lzard “'iii’s Strcct Scouts.
474 Wizard “'lll‘s l art': vr. Fh m. the Flower Girl.
49“! “'izard “'iii's i not ('use: or. The Ferrets Alluut.
429 Duncan Dare. 'hn- Buy Refuges.
488 Duncan Dnrc‘s I’iot: or, A Cabin Bny’o Luck.
437 Duncan Darc‘s i'rlze' or.’i‘h.- Sca Raider.
441 Duncan Darc’s Sci-rs : or.'lha Ul‘l'lin Flrellv.
40$ lsodor. the You n: Conspirator; or. The Fatal Ungue.
407 lsodor’s Double (‘hiiscz Ur.le "or lvmircrm.
412 lsodor‘s “'ar-(‘loud Cruise; 0'. The Viild Yachtsnisu.
216 Bison Bill. the Prints at the Reins.
329 Bison Bill’s (‘incl 01'. Grit. lhv BIIWO SP0”-
804 Dead Shot Daiidy’s Dilemma.
808 Dead Shot Dandy's Double; or. KcncKit. '
814 Dead Shot Dandy’s Dellalu'el or. The licv Bustier.
607 Dead Shot Danny‘s (hi: i; or, The River Detective.
Merle Montc’s Lcan for Lite.
950 MerlsfiMoutc‘s Mutiny t or. Brandt, the Bum sneer.
964 Mcrieliontc’s Treasure island.
B69 Merle Monte the Condemned.
276 Merle Montc‘s Cruise; or. “The Gold Ship " Chsse.
280 Merle Monte‘s Fate; or. The Pirate’s Pride.
.84 Merle Montc’s Pledge: or.'rh« Sea Marauder.
197 Tile Kid Glove Sport; or. Lillie Grit the Wild Rider.
204 The Kid Glove Sport’s Donia; or,‘ Bulile -Bill, tho
Pony Exnrcsu killer. ,
878 Deck-Hawk Boy‘s Big Scoop.
867 Dead Shot Ralph’s Drop.
825 Marloi the Cowboy Coaster.
781 Bath lcdmoud, the Girl Shadower.
686 llrlando. the Ocean Free Flag.
617 Bainli, the Dead-Shot Scout.
602 The Vagabond ot’the Mines.
507 The 'l‘cxan Detective: nr,The Black Bravos.
501 Dclnioutc. the Young Sen-Rover: or, The Avenging Sailor.
58 The Dutcast l‘adei or. The Pulse Detectivs.
4195 Arizona Joe; or, The oy Pnrd oi'Texu Jack.
4S7 Nevada Ned. ths RevolVer Ranger
46S Neptune Ned, the ilny Coaster; or, Pirate in Spite.
462 The Sailor Boy W under-er; or, Tho Born Guide.
446 llapkazard ilarr t or. The Son Scs arses.
398 The Bed Claspct "ands; or.’l‘hc yLientensnt.
887 “'ar ath “'iii. the Traitor Guide.
iii-ll! 'l‘he ndian i’iiot; or, The Search for Pirsto lslsnd.
877 Bonodel. the Boy Dover; or.The Fingloss Schooner.
SR7 Billy Blue-Eyes, ol’ the Rio Grande.
937 Lone Star. the Cowboy Cs tsin.
229 Crimson Rate, the Girl rniler: or.'i'he Cowboy’s Triumph.
116 The Ilnssar Captain: or, The Hermit of Hell Gate.
111 T w Sea-Devil ; or, The Midshipimin’s Legacy.
108 D ck Dead-Eye, the Smuggier . or. The Cruise (3! the Vixen.
75 'l‘ he Boy Duelist; or. The Cruise of the Sea-B olf.
. 62 T he Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutensiitl.
94 Diamond Dirk; or. The Mystery ofthe Yoliowstons.
17 Ralph Boy. the Boy Buccaneer; or, The Fugitive Yachl.
7 The Flying Yankee: or. The Ocean Outfit“-

LATEST AND NEW ISSUES.

880 Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers; or,
The Detective Queen of Paris. By J. C. Cowdricli.

881 Turkey Billy, the Shine-‘em-up Detective; or, The Gsmin
Guardian. By Charles Mon I.

882 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. in Silver Pocket; or. The
Gambler Queen’s High Stoke. By Ed. L. “'hcelcr.

888 New York Nat’s Crook-Chase: 0r, The King of
Diamonds’ Dune. B Col. Prentiss liizrahsm.

884 Farrel Fox an ills Girl Ferret; or, The Bogus
Banker’s Dive-Sharks. By Dan Dunning.

885 Dead-Shot Ral h’s Ten-Strike; or, Marlo, the Gold
Ghouls’ Chief. By ‘ol. Prentiss lngrshsin.

886 The Five Points Lodging llouse Boy Janitor; 6r. ,
Monk Merry and the ltslisn. v Jo Pierce.

887 Battery Bob, the Dock Detective; for, Rounding-up
the Western Sharps- By .1. C. chdrltk.

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s. New Issue Every Tuesday.
The Half-Dine Library is for ssls by sll musics,“
www.crssntbymsiionmpt oislxosstssssh.
Lama AID ADAMS. Publishers.
1” Willis- ltssst. law York.