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THE HUSTLER ROGUE-CATCHER!
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Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y ,

    

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Post Office. Copyrighted 1893, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. Angus} 715.1 93. __
$2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price ' 
:N'O‘  a: Year- No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 6836*  
oker ete’s ouble 0d (3' 01' he lose all
I l '
'; BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER.
! ,! AUTHOR OF “DANDY ulmmz," “FLIP-FLOP much,” “'nnc HUSTLER ROGUE-cummn,” ETC, me.

i N

’.'——

THE ROAD-BANDIT SMILED LIKE A FIEND AS HE WATCHED THE LIGHTED FUSE.

 

 

 
 

   

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Jimmy-fit“
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Poker Pete’s Double Dodge.

 

 

-.,,l’pkerflleie's llpllhlfidlfldgli

THE MIGHTY chose CALL.

BY WM. it. lCYS’l‘lGlt,
.AU'ruon or “ nmnv man's,” “ FLIP—FLOP
mum," “ mno FRANK,“ “'rm-z ncs'rmra
lti)(i(7ld«(iA'l‘(.‘liER," l'l’l‘t‘., E'rc.

 

 

CHAPTER i.
run Luvmc A'i‘ PAY mar.

'l‘nt‘. mines around Pay Dirt had been
panning out well, but the town was isolated
to a great extent. from the outside World, and
its citizens had been forced to league to-
gether for their own protection. '

As yet there were no bankingand Express
facilities provided by corporations, and so
they banded together to look after their own
interests. 'l‘here was a strongly built cabin
under the care of one Sailor Sam, and as-
sistants, in which individuals deposited their
clean-ups. and eventually the accumulated
treasure was sent out at irregular periods
under a guard of trustworthy men, who
never let it get out of their sight until re-
eeipted for by the nearest Express agency.

So far, they had been able to protect their
treasures, though the outlaws who trained
under the lead of one “Captain Kill" had
made more than one attempt to gather in the
spoils.

After more than one fierce assault on the
storehouse had been brought to naught—
mainly through the pluck and wit of two
boys who had apparently by chance stumbled
upon the camp-—it scemed to the people of
Pay Dirt as it‘ the band of Captain Kill had
been well-nigh annihilated, and that further
danger from him and his road-raiders was no
longer to be feared.

As- the town had been badly damaged
through the breaking up of a dam in the
mountains above Pay Dirt which had been
purposely wrecked by the road-agents, there
was delay in starting out the treasure, since
the men who were to act as the treasure-
guards had to repair their cabins, or assist
others in that work, before leaving.

No great anxiety was felt, now, however;
and under the watchful care of Sailor Sam.
the keeper of the general treasure storehouse,
no one doubted but that the gold was safe
enough, there.

Several of the treasure-owners, however,
were impatient of this delay, and to end it
they themselves proposed to go in the coach
wluch was to carry the treasure-boxes.

'l‘his Captain Kill had posed under several
names while an unsuspected resident of the
camp, and in truth had other schemes be-
sides the gathering in of the treasure of the
storehouse, for with astonishing audacity
and cunning he had held as his prisoners one
Ezra Ford, and his daughter Helen, together
with one Harker I‘Iazcn, who was the accepted
lover of the youn lad .

This Ezra Fort ha long suffered under
the imputation of a crime, and had been a
willing as well as a fearing exile—all to save
a brother's honor, but that brother at the
(late of this story being dead, Ezra was
anxious to return and claim the name and
fortune awaitin him in the East, and where
he went Hark azen was anxious to follow.
, 80 m ueh by way of introduction. The da
came finally around when the treasure-cone
was to leave Pay/Dirt, and well-nigh the
whole population turned out to see it start.

Sailor Sam, the treasure-house storckeeper,
was in command of the guard with the
treasure, and a man by the name of Hank
Henry was second in authgrity. The four
or five others going out wit the coach were
all men who had been at Pa Dirt from the
first, and every one who h
the treasure felt perfectly sure that all could
be trusted.

\.

an interest in '

Among those gathered to see the coach
start were the two boys referred to, who
had gained the camp sobriquet of “ liustlcr
Rogue-Catchers” for their keenness and
elllcicncy in helping to wipe out the gang of
Captain Kill.

After that event they had been virtually
voted the liberty of the town, and so had there
remained to see what new developments
might again require their s<.*rvices-—the one
popularly named “ Little Clean Grit ” being
clearly of the opinion that the bad men of the
diseomiiicd gang Would be heard from again,
under some leadership.

“ Good-by, Miss lielen," said Clean Grit,
who was there with the rest.

“ books as though it would all be plain
sailing now, but you can’t most always some-,
times tell. If anything turns up there’s
enough to pull you through all right; and
if they don't you can just look to see
Michael and me booming along on the trail
before it has time to get cold. So long!
Perhaps l'll see you later, after all."

“ Better come with us now,” answered the
young lady, somewhat impressed by the
warning, though it would have seemed
ridiculous to one who was not posted on
what this brave lad had already done in-
the way of running in the bad men of camp
and stage trail.

“ "i‘hankee all the same, but it‘s not in the
wood. Looks as though we may find a con-
tract here. l)on’t care about leaving till we
find out, anyhow,” declared the young rough-
and-ready campwatcher.

“But have you any reason to fear an
attack on us?" asked' the young lady
anxiously.

“ Not a bit, except that it would be worth
some agent’s while to make it if he could
pull through. There’s a heap-sight of
wealth about the outfit, and there’s a heap-
sight of folks know it, too, so it would not
be at all strange if the coach was called.”

“But, Kill is dead; and his was the only
band of agents known to flourish in [this sec-
tion,” she insisted.

“ Don’t be too sure about either of those
facts. They are what we are hoping for,
but— They are starting nbw. Don’t fret
yourself, miss. It will all come right.
Good—b l"

Alllli a chorus of shouts from the throng
the coaehrolled away, part of the selected
guard being on the top of “ the hearse ” and
others riding on horseback.

With the disappearance of the coach the
young camp spy expected to [see the crowd
melt away, to return to the regular duties
of the day‘

Insteat of that there was a movement
which he did not exactly understand, though
he saw it brought him and Mike his plucky
boy comrade into the center of the throng.

'l‘henJRalph Dixon, who had lately been
appointed to the position of town marshal,
suddenly thrust out his hands, each finding
a resting-place on 'a shoulder of the trusty
boy ar 3.

“ ‘xcuse us, young gents, but Pay Dirt
has a word to say to you, and it would have
been said alittle bit sooner if it had not
been that Ezra Ford wanted time to get
out of the way. He didn’t want to hear it,
but he told us what he thought he ought to
say, and it was just what we were thinking
of ourselves. Any objections ?”

“None that I’m aware of. It’s mighty
mean when a party can‘t have a chance to
talk if they have anything to say. If it
sounds nice we’ll listen toyou, too. If it
don’t—well, you‘ll be running your
chances.”

Clean Grit dropped his hand till his fingers
touched the revolver at his hip, yet the
action was not a threat.

Although he was puzzled to know exact-
ly what was comm he felt he could
afford to smile. He ad beenafriend to
i Pay Dirt when Pay Dirt needed a. friend,

 

 

     
   
  
   
  
 
  
  
   
   
   
    
  
 
 
 
   
   
  
    

and did not expect to hear any unpleasant
remarks now.

“ lliste ycrself a bit, Dixon!” shouted some
one in the crowd.

“Jest wait tell we roll out a box er two,
2111' we kin hear some, an‘ see a blamed sight
better.”

The suggestion was well received if the
roar of assent could be taken for approval.
In a minute a store box was tumbled for-
ward, and it was large enough for the two
boys to have plenty of room for footing,
though the marshal stood on a level with the
crowd. ,

“ Now, little ones, what we have to say
won't be apt to make you very tired, unless
you are a blame sight more modest than I
reckon. You have been doing Pay Dirt
some favors, and Pay Dirt means to do her—
self proud in following suit. She just hands
this little sack over to your keeping, and
says, "l‘ake it and be happy.’ Guess such
pards as you will know how to divide it.”

Above the heads of the crowd rose Ralph
Dixon’s hand, and it held up to view the
article which he spoke of, and it seemed to be
well filled.

For a moment the boy hustler hesitated;
but, it was not for long.

“Gents, all! I won‘t. say that Pard Mike
and I are down to bed rock; but we were
just thinking of looking around for a place
and a chance to make a little of the needful.

What we did we did for the benefit of this '

b or community, and not for ourselves, but
i it‘s so that some of our departed friends
have chipped liberal, and that this is an offer-
ing of good will, I reckon we would be

foolish to throw dirt on the town and its ,

feelings. It will come in handy if we have
to get a sudden move on, and it may do
more good to this camp than you are think-
ing just at the present time. Michael and
1 return our sincere thanks, and scoop the
boodle without a kick. Yours truly; and no
more at present.”

It was not much of a speech, but it was
full of solid sense according to the ideas of
Pay Dirt, and was received with as much
applause as if it had been twice as long, and
a rent deal more flowery.

l‘hen, everybody began to press forward
with extended hands, and there was a shaking
that seemed as though it was never to come
to an end.

The shaking was done cordially, however,
and with much laughter—Clean Grit and his
always-on-guard pard took one paw after
another, understanding the reception would
soon be over. Through it 'all Dixon stood
by the side of the young camp waifs. acting
as master of ceremonies, though there was
little occasion for him to say or do any-
thing.

At last the crowd seemed ready to dis-
perse. Some of the men, in fact, were stroll-
ing away, and the boys were plainly visible
from every side.

They still stood upon the box, but Little
Clean Grit had just extended one foot with
the idea of stepping down to the ground,
when, " Crack.”

From somewhere near there came the re-
port of a pistol, and it was only the sudden
lurch of the young hustler that saved him.
As it was, the bullet cut a line across the
back of his coat, near to his neck, and as he
stumbled forward some thought he was full-
in from the shot.

f he fell it was only to rise again, and re-
volver in hand he peered keenly among the

crowd, in the direction whence the bullet  ”

seemed to hem come.

 

FCHAPTER II. ‘
our ON THE TRAIL. '

FOR the moment which followed the shot . 

the men of Pag‘Dirt were motionless through
amazement. but any one would dare fire'n

  
  

shot at the boy who had done them such. ‘

 

 

    
          
        
   
       
   
         
       
      

  

 

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Poker Pete’s Double Dodge.

    
 

8

 

_ rave service, and whom they were all do
lighting to honor, was almost beyond belief.

' Yet, they had the evidences of their
lsenses, and it did not take them long to get
tready for action.

With howls of wrath half a dozen men
sprung toward the spot from which they be-
lieVed the bullet had been sent; but none
'had actually seen the weapon discharged,
and though a close search was made no
man who was not above suspicion could be
found.

There was runnintr this way and that, and
excited questions, followed by answers of
the same kind, but that was a l; and young
Clean Grit himself succeeded no better. All
he knew was that he had been made a target
of, and that it was a close call indeed.

lVas it an accident? or, had they an im.
placable and secret enemy?

When it was found that all search was
vain, the spot was gradually deserted, and
after a little the two young hustlers slip-
, ped away, where they could have a eon-

 versation over what to most persons seemed
f-~T.  to be a singular thing.

 'v “Well, cully, what do yer think of it?”
.asked Mike, after a cautious glance around
to make sure there was no one within hear-
_ _ ing distance.

'5."  “Wasn’t he an out an' outer, an’ no mis-
t,  take? I might have tried a snap at him, but
,' I I couldn’t bear to send such a game cove to
 m, cash in on the very first deal.”

    

 “What! You saw the fellow who fired?”
 “Bet yer sweet life I just did!” averred
2",?2 Mike.

, ', I “Who was it? What did he look like?”

 “ Can’t prove it by me. Never see him

'3'”  afore, an’ he was jest the ordinary lookin’

3;, feller. One second I had him down fine, an’

 my thumb was on the hammer, but I didn't
 ,1 pull. Then, the next second he was gone,
i v .- an" Iwas wishin’ I had.”

 For a minute Clean Grit silently brooded
 ‘ over what he had heard. Then, he roused
himself after the fashion of one who had
made up his mind to an unexpected and un-
pleasant fact.”

“ Mike!”

“ Fire ahead, pard! Mike’s listenin’.”

“Do you know I’m not sure-not just
dead sure—that Captain Kill and all his
gan went up in the tunnel?”

“ egins to look that way, but I reckon
you’re not scart. I ain’t.”

“Come now, you know I’m not, either.
But, if Kill is still loose, and ready for the
rampage, he would be just the nervy sort
to try to throw me cold with all Pay Dirt
looking on; that’s his style.”

“ Just the hairpin he is, prezactly.”

“And if he has his old gang behind him,
or enough of it to make it count, I should
remark that he’s not the fellow to give up
on the treasure outfit that’s just gone out.
There will be a circus before they get
through to. the Flat, and it strikes me we
ought to be in the ring.”

” My platform to a charm, Pard Grit! But,
you’re runnin’ things. Prehaps Sailor Sam
3 ain’t as big a fool as he looks; an' Hank
Henry may know beans.”

“ Which means?"

“ What you want to make out of it; but
I’m bettin’ that when the music strikes up
it’ll find Sam an’ his crowd ready fur ther
grand entrance.”

“Guess you’re right on that, but still, that
, . will be where the fun goes on, and that’s the
' place we want to be camping. Mighty

: ucky thing, this grand presentation. I ont
suppose it woul have hurt our feelings
' much to borrow a horse when t 6 owner was
- out of town, but it might break that refor-
--,’mation of yours all up; and I wouldn' ,. have
"been in it at all.”

. “Sooner padded the hoof, would you?
7 Guess I’d rather try a rance, an' if there’s
. any in the market we’ own a pair of them
i - 0n the square. We’re nsbobs, now—we are,

   

  

  

 

I’m not much on the ride myself, but you
can hold on for both of us."

“ And the sooner we get on the trail the
better. Guess Dixon will beas likely as any
one to know if there‘s any live stoc t of the
kind we want in the market. If we have to,
guess we can give him a hint of what We
think is in the wind.”

No further plans could be laid until they
knew more of the situation, but once having
made up their minds to this much they were
ready for a beginning.

They found Dixon ,without trouble, and
briefly gave him a hint of the situation, as
they saw it, and wound up by asking where
they could soonest procure a pair of good
speed bronchos.

“ llorsetlesh for sale is rather s 'arce around
this camp,” was his answer; “ but i guess I
can help you out. Poker l’cte dropped into
town -ast night, with a little string of ponies
he won at draw, over the mountain some-
where. I don‘t know if he wants to sell,
but I guess I could make him hear reason,
cspeeiaJy if I talked a little loud. Let's go
hunt mm u .”

Clean Grit remembered having caught a
glimpse of the man the previous evening.
Though a stranger to him, l’cte seemed tobc
fairly well acquainted with the people of
Pay Dirt, which he had preViously visited
more than once. lie was not a bad looking
fellow. though he talked loud, and, at the
time the boy hustler saw him, appeared to
be anxiously hunting for some of the card—
chiefs of the town.

lie was just sitting down to a game at the
Early Bird Saloon when the marshal found
him.

A few words explained the errand, at
which Peter pursed up his lips after the man-
ner of a man who was puzzled exactly what
answer to make. ,

“ Honest truth, Dixy, I don’t keer ter sell.
I kin make a leetle fortun’ outen ’em over at
ther Flat cf I kin git ’em thar ’thout givin’
ther game away. But I’d like ter ’eommo-
date ver, an’ ther kids ez he'. bin standin’ by
Pay Dirt.”

“ “’0”, what are you going to do about it?
Say it quick for we have no time to fool.”

“ It’s jest this hyer way: Like ez not ther
kids wants tcr go to ther Flat, an’ when the
get thar they could git ther pick 0v ther tioc
thar. I’ll give ’em five dollars apiece ter
ride ther two spare ones over, er I’ll sell ’em
to ’em now, an’ ef they'll bring ’em in in a
week I’ll pay the’r money back, an’ give ’em
ten dollars fur ther barg'in.”

“ That’s offering to put a heap sight of
trust in us,” remarked (Ilean Grit, who had
been watching the face of the man with a
well concealed curiosity.

“ Don’t fret yerself, kid. It’s Ralph
Dixon a-standin’ behind yer thet makes yer
face good. What he says goes, an' of he
don’t know what he’s talkin’ about so much
ther wuss fur his pocket. 1 m a-trustin’
him.”

“Guess the best plan, then, will be to
do no trusting at all. We'll pay for the
bronehos new, and dicker over the trade
when we get to the Flat. We Won’t need
them after that, but if you don’t want them
some one else will.”

“ Jest ez you choose. An’ ef you'll want
me fur a pard on ther way, an’ ’11 wait tell
I’ve cleaned out Handy John an’ the Dutch-
man, hyer, I wouldn’t mind goin’ along."

He spoke in a friendly, careless tone. If
he had not had a clearly-defined object in
view the boy hustler would have waited.

But he shook his head as he answered:

“ Can’t wait for General Jackson himself;
so do our work up in shape, and bustle
right along, and you may catch up wit'. us
by campin time. We go slow and steady,
but that ta es us far in a day.”

“ Go round to the corral and take (your
choice, then, and let Ralph pay acoor ing.
1, can’t lose the chance at these highflyers

 

here, and they are just itching to begin the
game.”

it was a careless way of making a trade,
but it was just after the style of Poker l’r'te,
as Dixon knew him. lie asked fora descrip-
tion of the bronchos, and their prices, and
Pete barely took time to give them.

Then, he was throwing around for deal
with his two antagonists, while the marshal,
followed by the boys, was seeking the
broncho corral.

As the corral was located near the center
of the town, and just a little to the rear of
the line of the buildings, any one taking a
horse from it would have to pass quite a dis-
tance up or down the valley before he was
secure from observation. it. happened, too,
that the only animals in it at present were
the bronchos belonging to Poker Pete.

As the three came near to the gate they
saw a man spring to the back of a horse
which had just been led out.

“ A horse-thief, by glory exclaimed
(‘lcan Grit, swinging up his hand. “Steady
all! 110's 7113/ meat /"

But, quick as was the boy, the man was as
quick. Ralph Dixon had the reputation of
being a dead shot, and something was sus»
pected about the boys by his side. Probably
the horse-thief recognized them at the mo-
ment he was discovered.

As the revolver of (llean Grit cracked, the
corral thief swung himself over and down-
ward, the ball whistling close to his head as
he went. lie touched the ground lightly,
and without a pause broke. away in flight,
darting straight up the decline.

He found cover marvelously soon, and the
three did not attempt pursuit. They were
more concerned about catching the broncho,
which, fortunately, had not been frightened,
and which they succeeding in heading back
into the pen without much trouble.

” Guess the fellow had as good an eye for
horsctiesh as I have, and his choice will go
for one. If the feel had only known it I
wasn’t shooting to kill. He might have
chucked himself right into line with the lead
if he had not been playing in great luck.
Next time I'll shoot a trifle higher, and not
run so much risk.”

" Next time you’ll hold plumb center,
Grit, cf 1 know anything. It’s what he tried
to do not so very long ago, for that’s the
same eully that tried the snap shot at you
when you were waltzing off the store box.
if you don’t get down to business purty soon
he will, and I’ll be out a pard, to say nothin’
ov what may happen to me.”

This information from Move-along Mike,
as he was nicknamed, came a trifle late to be
of any use. The fellow was already out of
sight, and to follow would be useless. Clean
(hit shrugged his shoulders, and began to
look over the other bronchos.

There seemed to be little choice between
them, and a selection was soon made. Sad-
dles and bridlcs—with which Pete scented to
be well furnished—had been included in the
bargain, and in a few minutes the wide-
awakc lads had paid to Dixon the sum agreed
on, and started out of town, well equip )ed
for the dangerous trail they believed t ey
were to follow.

CHAPTER III.
DOWN mamas, AND UP HANDS!

Tun two bo 9 had not been taken into the
confidence of ‘ailor Sam, but Mike had made
a shrewd guess, and hit off the truth as well
as though he had received a tip from head-
quarters.

After the vigorous efforts the road rogues
had made to get at the treasure while it was
still in the storehouse, it surprised no one
that extra recaution was taken, in the
shape -of a rger guard than usual; but
there was a scheme to protect the gold in its
transit out, of which nothing was known
outside of the circle of those immediately re-
sponsible for its safety on the way.

‘II

  
   
  
    
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
    
   
   
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
  
   
  

     
      
     
     
     
     
     
     
       
     
     
     
     
     
       
     
     
     
       
     
 
          
     
       
     
     
     
     
       
   
     
     
     
          
        

   

  
   
   
      
   
    
  
   
   
    
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
    
  
  
    
   
  
   
  
  
    
  
     
  
  
   
    
  
   
   
 
    
  
   
  
  
   
 
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
 

«I \'
= -"‘:"!"sl

 

 
 

 

4

  

Poker Pete’s Double Dodge.

 

 

While daylight lasted, there was scant‘

danger of an attack on the coach, since no
ground near to the camp was entirely favor-
able to an ambuscade. For some hours the
little procession pushed on at a fair rate of
speed, apparently only anxious to get along
as fast as possible.

Inside of the coach there were but the
three passengers.

As a good share of the treasure belonged
to Ezra Ford, the mine-owner, and as the
men of Pay Dirt Were all more or less ad-

mirers of Ezra’s fair daughter, their pres- |

ence was not to wondered at, or that they

bad influence enough to secure a place for I

oung llarker llazen, the girl's accepted
OVer; but any one else, not of the guard,
would have found a ditliculty in securing a
passage.

As the stage rolled away from the camp,
where he had been both persecuted and
prosperous, Ezra Ford seemed to be wrapped
in his own thoughts, and paid but little at-
tention to the oung couple, who were pretty
well wrappet up in themselves, as lovers
usually are.

He only came out of his reverie when the
coach came to a sudden halt.

Then he awoke to the things that were
trauspiring around him, and looked out of
the window with some anxiety. At the
same time, he felt for his gun, for his first
thought was that the agents had made their
appearance.

To his surprise, he saw another vehicle,
smaller than the one in which he was seated,
but provided with a team that looked every
whit as stout
was a man whom he recognized as one of the
reliables of Pay Dirt, and it was evident at a
glance that the outfit had been waiting there
for some time.

What it meant he could not at first guess,
but he was soon to find out.

Sailor Sam was alread on the ground,
saying something to the river of the other
concern, and after he had received his an-
swer, he turned to Ford, with a positive nod.

“ Sorry, Ezry, but there’s going to be a
change in the schedule. It wouldn't ’a’ done
to be spouting it out back there. but we’re
going to make an extra quick trip, and the
other craft is the one that is to cut and run
for it. It’s at him craft, but not as big as a
line-of—battle ship. If it is time you are
after, you want to get on board, but there’s
only room for two. Perhaps Ilarker can
make port just as soon as the regular, but I
won’t swear to it. \Vhat do you say about
it?”

Ford scarcely knew what to say, and hesi-
tated to answer.

“Think it out in the next minute, then,
for we don’t lay by any longer than to
change cargoes.
on different tacks, with all set. that will
draw.”

“Which concern does the guard go with?”
asked I lurker, his head appearing alongside
of Ford’s.

“Mostly with this one," answered Sam,
pointing to the second coach.

“ We got to make a split, and this craft
may catch the hardest raps, so I ought to
have the biggest crew.”

Young liazen came to an instant conclu-
sion, if Ezra did not.

“ Then Mr. Ford and Helen had better go
with you; my place is with the coach which
has the wea er guard. There will not be
much time lost, for both are going to the
one place.”

“ Tumble out, then, those that are going,
for there’s no time to lose. ”

Sam spoke sharply, and it was plain the ,
men of the guard had had their orders be- ,

forehand. Some of them sat still. and some
—two or three—dismounted, assisting Miss
Helen to the ground, and seeing the Fords
take their places on the back seat before en-
terlng the other coach themselves.

Perched on the driver‘s seat v

After that we’ll be running -

As there were but two seats inside, the
‘ quarters were rather contracted, and in addi-
1 tion there wasasmall but strongly-built box,
. which rested at their feet in the middle of
the floor. As long as they remained awake
and in the vehicle, it would be hard for them
to take their eyes Off of it,

In the other coach this box had occupied a
position in the boot; but that was while they
were passing over a section of the road be-
lieved to be absolutely safe. Now was the
time when greater care was to be taken.

It took but a moment or two to make
I giese changes. Then, at a short order from

Sailor Sam, two whips cracked, and the two
chiliciCS separated, rolling off in different

directions.

llelen said nothing for a time. She un-
l derstood that for some reason the treasure
, was supposed to be in danger, and that this
{ movement was intended to save it. It seem-
5 ed likely the danger would be for the other
‘coach, since this would travel by an un—
I suspected route. Of course, it was natural
4 Sailor Sam sheild wish to have her come
with this, and she could see for herself there
was no room for more; but she would have
felt easier if Ilarker Hazen had been with
‘ them.
However, she fancied that coach number
tone would make such rapid time, now the
5 load had been diminished, that it would cs-
; cape stoppage; and she did not think there
’ was much danger of it, anyhow.
She would have liked to have questioned

Hank Henry, who was in charge of this see-
i tion of the guard; but he kept himself aloof,
and she fell to wondering whether there had
been any particular information as to a
probable attack on the convey to cause this
unexpected caution.

With so many of the guard, and two of
the passengers out, there was plenty of room
left in coach number one for name to turn
around in.

So much room, in fact, that he soon felt
. lonesome, and without sa ing anything to
'the driver, swung himsel out of the win-

dow, up to the top, where he found Sailor
i Sam seated, quietl smoking a pipe.
I “My watch on eck, shipmate,” he said,
'as IIarker made his appearance. “Don’t
object to a comrade, though. Guess there’s
.no danger fora while yet, and you must
i'feel lonesome down below."

“Not so lonesome as worried,” answered
Hazen. as he filled his own pipe. “I am
, not sure but what I ought to have stuck to the
; Fords, if I had to go it on foot, or hang on
: behind. If there is any danger from agents
; they have you marked down fine. It was a
‘cute dodge to transfer the box; but I am
. afraid it won’t win. They are as sharp on
(the. scent as wolves, and if there has not
been a spy dogging our steps I am greatly
mistaken—always supposing there is any-
thing to dread from the outlaws.”

“Avast, there.r Perhaps there are road-
. pirates, and perhaps there ain’t. What we
' want to do is to be ready for them. Hank
will crowd on all sail, and if spy there be, by
the time he has run into the lagoon where
their craft is lurking, and starts them on the
trail, it will be too late to head Hank off.
And he’ll have the heels of them when it
comes to a stern chase.”

“And if they follow us, our decks are
cleared for action, and I suppose we’ll give
them the best we got in the ship ?” suggested
Harker.

“ Maybe, and maybe not. I reckon they

won’t be doing damage for the sake of it,
and perhaps it would be as welf to let ’em
know there’s no booty nor, beauty here.
Then, if they go about on the other tack,
there’s no harm done."
i “Iwish I could feel as sure of it. But,
if Kill and his demons come to life, or if we
meet more like them, they might be ugly
customers when they found they had been
fooled. ”

 

E
l
t
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t

 

 

“That’s so, and if it looks like a fighting 7 \

chance when they hail us to lie to, maybe we
better give them a broadside, and then run
the gantlet. W'e'll see now it looks.”

Up to the time of the transfer Ilarker
Hazen had never doubted the death of the
outlaw chief in a tunnel to the storehouse,
when he had made the daring attempt to
plunder the place. An explosion of dynamite
fired by Clean Grit, had caved it in from end
to end; and Kill and his men were supposed.
to have been, at that very moment; in the
tunnel, as the direct passage to the treasure:
room. ‘

Yet, none had actually seen them enter the.
tunnel, and there was a possibility that by
some meanslittlc short of of a miracle the.
outlaw desperadocs had escaped the death
they so richly merited.

It was a rather startling contingency,
then, to contemplate, this thing of falling
again into Kill’s hands; and Ilazen, having
already had an experience of that kind,
mentally resolved that whatever Sailor Sam
might do, he himself would resist to the
last

He showed nothing of his uneasiness, how-
ever, and chatted with Sam for some time.
The first spot where danger was to be an-
ticipated was still some miles away, and till
it was reached he could afford to take things
coolly.

With a team going at a good, round trot,
miles are dropped behind quite rapidly, and
Sam gave no hint. It was something more
than a surprise when, an hour before he had
the least expectation of hearing it, there
suddenly came the disagreeable challenge:

“Down brakes and up with your hands!
Another turn of the wheel, driver, and you
are a dead man !”

CHAPTER IV.
A GENERAL scoor.

AT the order young Hazcn gave a swift
glance to the front and saw three masked
men standing in the roadway, with leveled
pistols.

That was all he had time to take in. He
knew‘ his elevated position made him a fair
mark, and that it was almost a certaint he
would be slaughtered before he could ( raw
a weapon if he attempted to reach for one,
while any delay would only make the
chances for successful resistance more slen‘
der.

Fortunately, as it seemed to him, he was
slightly screened from View, since he was
seated at the rear of the top of the coach, and
on the near side of the trail, while the out-
laws stood upon the off side.

Without waiting to pick a soft spot he
dropped over the rear edge of the vehicle,
sliding along the boot, and reaching the
ground in a heap.

The spot chosen by the agents for the at-
tack was one well suited to their purpose,
and they had taken precautions which some
ed to render success a certainty.

The trail here was narrow, and hung on
the side of a hill almost precipitous in its
slope, and with jutting rocks which, scatter-
ed along its side, formed the best sort of op-
portunities for an ambuscade.

And one or two of these rocks had been
rolled down upon the trail, so that it would
be impossible to pass in case the driver
proved obstinate, and attempted to rush b ,
while there was scarcely room enough on t e
trail for the coach to turn around. When it.
reached the obstructions—which were con-
cealed from sight at a distance by the turn of
the hill—there the coach had to stop till the
obstructions were rolled away, and to do
that last was no easy task.

1

All this Barker Hazen took in before he,'_
dropped, and he suspected that if he wanted

toprovide for his safety it could better be
done by flight than by d ht. though he did
not intend to get beyon hearing until he

   

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. of
Poker Pete’s Double Dodge.

 

 

 

V knew for a certainty what Sailor Sam and

his guard intended to do.

Only three men were in sight, but it was
probable there were half a dozen more with-
in supporting distance; and as those three
men had the drop, llach did not think Sailor
Sam, after what he had lately said, would
be apt to offer much resistance.

With this in his mind llazcn went sliding
.down the hillside below the trail. expecting
every minute to be followed by a shot.
When he had reached a rock which was large
enough to offer protection he halted, and
with drawn revolvers listened to hear what
‘was going on above.

It seemed to him his retreat had not been
noticed. He had lost a few Words, and
Sailor Sam was talking, while. there was no
such haste on either side as there would
probably have been had his absence been
noted. ‘

“Hands are up, captain, and while all
things are balmy perhaps it wouldn‘t be a
bad scheme to prepare for a big disappoint-
ment. If you are looking for big money
'this isn’t the place to get it. You can run
Over the purscr‘s list and if there’s an 'thing
on the waybill you want you’re We come;
but you’ll find it a water-haul or I’m a
Dutchman.”

“Don’t you trouble yourself about us.
We’ll get what we want. But, if any one
tries funny business it will be so much the
worse for the whole crew. Throw down
,your weapons there, and then step down
yourselves. We want you all in a row.”

“ Flag of truce a minute, captain. Talk
straight, and p’rhaps we can come to terms;
but we want to know what the outlook is
.afore we drop our guns. ”

“ You’ll find out without much flagging
if you don't get a move on. Cast your eyes
up yonder and you will see some Winches-
ters that have a mighty handy look, and
they'll be spitting death and destruction if
there is any more monkeying. Down with
your arms, and we’ll 1e? you gwure, when
we’re done with you.”

A glance in the direction indicated told
it was only too true that the coach was com-
mantled from above, and that resistance was
a folly under the circumstances.

“ All right. We'll take your word for it,
and down the go.”

Handling his belt gingerly, Sam dropped
it into the trail, and _the rest followed
suit. v

Then, one by one, the guard dropped to
the ground, and stood ranged alongside,
their hands well elevated above their heads.

“ Good enough as far as it goes; but we
want the rest. Where's the party inside?
If he don’t show up in a minute by the
watch we'll just riddle the hearse."

Sailor Sam looked back over his shoulder
toward the coach, anxiety on his face.

He had been so interested with the outlaws
in front he had not seen Harker Hazen take
his departure, and was afraid the young man
was going to attempt resistance just when
'the men from Pay Dirt had get themselves
in a shape whence it would be impossible to
'take a hand in.

But Hazen did not show up.

By this time he was satisfied he was
screened from observation, and it wasnot
likely he would be seen until there was some-
thing like a regular search for him. His
position was a bad one for olfensive or de-
fensive operations, though had he chosen to
retreat the way was open. He determined
to try to improve it.

Cautiously but in haste he crept along the
hillside, crouching low, and inwardly pray-
ing no displaced rock or stone might reveal
his presence there. He had decided to gain
the road again beyond the obstructions, and
then, if hostilities opened, he would be on
hand.

The road~agents did not carry out their

,3 threat of firing upon the coach. With a sud-

den growl the leader of them sprung for-
ward, poising his revolver so as to be ready
to take a snap shot at any one who appeared
within the coach. \Vith a dexterous twitch,
which showed he understood well the work-
ings of the latch, he threw the door open and
glared within at the empty space.

There was no possible place where a man
might be hidden, and the outlaw turned sav-
agely on Sailor Sam

“ Say, you! \thre is the tenderfoot? No
nonsense, now. lle didn’t go with the other
hearse, and he ought to be with this one.
'l‘alk mighty straight or, down you go.”

1 Sam was more taken aback than the out
il‘V.

“Shiver my timbers if I know what to
sav. lie was there, and he’s not there now.
When the squall struck him he must have
gone down with everything standing. If he
didn’t, you can't prove it by me. ”

“ If we don’t find him you’ll be apt to go
down after that fashion yourself. Where-
abouts along the road did he drop out?"

“Can’t say. Dash my dcadlights if I
knew he was gone at all. What’s the dif’ in
the reckoning? Go on with your work, he
won’t try to hinder.”

“ Dry up on that. It’s the tenderfoot we
are after. lle‘s our meat.

“ Ahoy, up there!”

There Were some
orders.

The men above had fortunately been a
trifle late in taking their positions, for the
coach had made asbade better time than
was expected. Nothing had been seen by
them of Ilarkcr llazen.

When it was too late they looked down
the precipice, and two men went back along
the trail some distance to search for traces.
No one thought. of going the other way.

Sailor Sam saw the outlaws were posted.
If these men had waylaid them for the pur-
pose of capturing the tenderfoot there was
no doubt they had arranged to have a like
attention paid to the other stage. He began
to fear for the safety of Ezra Ford and his
daughter. There was a stronger guard with
them, to be sure; but that only made the
danger greater for the two. If a fight began
who could say who was fated to stop a
bullet?

Here, anyhow, the agents were having
their own way; and a very disgusted way it
was.

Athorough seamh of the trail and the
ground below it showed nothing cf lIazen.
Inside of the coach there was nothing to re-
ward the outlaws for their labor.

But they did not hesitate to lighten the
pockets of Sam and his men, nor to take
from the rear boom the one trunk which it
contained.

Then, to the surprise of the men from Pay
Dirt, who had expected to be allowed to go
on their journey without further molesta-
tion, the horses were taken from the vehicle,
which was then hacked to the edge of the
trail, and sent thundering down the preci-
plce.

Below, there was a crash as the convey-
ance struck a bowlder as large as itself.
They could see it lying there hopelessly
shattered. '

“Now, then, Mister Man, you and the
other men of this outfit, right face, forward
march! Hands well up! We mean sport
and ou’ll get enough of it.“

“ hit you said we were to be turned
loose,” said one of the men, not forgetting
to obey the order.

“When we’re done with you, yes. But
we’re not done with you, yet, by a blame
sight.”

t was too late to think of resistance: at
least, until the conditions were more favor-
able than at present. Off went the proces-
sion, the prisoners in advance but so closely
followed by the guard there was no danger

hasty questions and

 

they would attempt to dart aside. And

 

with the outlaws was the team, also. All
scemed to be fish that came into the net.

For half a mile, perhaps, the march along
the trail was kept u ) in this order. Then,
there was a halt, llllti a moment of anxious
listening. From the rear came the noise of
distant firearms.

“ (lot him!” exclaimed the man who was
in command.

“ I knew it would catch him; but 1 wish
they could bring in the blame galoot alive.”

 

CHAPTER V.
A nouou DEAL.

IT was easy enough to guess what had
happened.

An ambuscadc had been left behind while
llark llazen had lain hidden for some time,
in a spot where his presence never would
have been suspected.

'l‘hc retiring outlaws and his own friends
had passed within a dozen yards of him, but
he was lying concealed, and unsuspected,
behind a rock. Had he been content to re-
main there a trifle longer he might have
escaped observation altogether, but after
waiting until it seemed to him there could
be no danger he crept out, and back, to
see more thoroughly what fate had overtaken
the stage.

He saw the ruins below the trail, but had
no chance to investigate.

From above came a bail, and he knew that
he was discovered.

Around he turned like a flash, a revolver
in ,his hand, and without waiting to take
aim fired at the spot the sound had come
from.

There was a cry of pain, followed by a
shot in return, and lIaZen staggered back-
Ward, his pistol dropping from his hand.
Before he could guess how bad] he had
been hurt several men came charging down
upon him.

There was a brief flurry, in which the
young man gave a good account of him.-
self, and by a straight left-handed stroke
sent one o the outlaws backward with a
force which nearly knocked the breath out
of him.

His strength was still unimpaired, and
there was a chance for escape at that in-
stant, but he lost it stooping to regain
the revolver which had been shot from his
fingers.

Before he could regain an upright position
he was down, and two men on his back,
fighting to bind his hands together.

He did his best, but the struggle was of no
use, for he was too entirely atadisadvan-
tage. His hands once corded together he
was helpless.

“No use, cully,” growled one of the cap-
tors.

“Mav ez well give it up. ’Twon’t make
not a ditl‘erbittern’s, in the long run, an’h
save yer a heap ov proddin’ up 02 we go
erlong. Ther Cap wants yer had, an" w’ot
he says hcz ter go. But ef yer hcz killed
Brick I dunno ez Joli 'll be apt ter wait
tell yer gits that fur. hem two war pards,
they war."

The fellow stood with his revolver con-
venient to llazen’s ear, and from the scowl
on his face it looked as though he would not
object very strongly to pullin the trigger
if some one in authority ave t 0 order.

Ilis partner had burned up the hillside
and by this time had halted by a motionles
heap, scarcely to be discerned from below
since it lay in a little gully which had been
washed out by the late rains.

He bent over and looked down into the
fame that was upturned in the evenin air.
Then he felt over the heart of the fe low,
who had caught a bullet by the merest
chance.

“ No use, Tony, Brick are done furl Got
it solid in ther neck, en’s stifl ez a poker
a'ready. Sheii we plant him, now, er leave

' if ‘v in“ «(2.3!va [I‘J‘rg  "4‘ 2»

     
      
     
        
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
   
   
    
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
    
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
  
   
   
            
       
       
          
      
         
      
      
       
         
    
       
       
       
         
       
        
      
       
       
       
      
         
      
     

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him hyer tell we kin tell Jolly? P’rhaps he’d
want ter be et ther fun'ral.”

“ Lay him out straight an’ come ahead.
We got ter (10 some tall steppin’ of we wants
ter kctch up. Et’s a blamed pity yer didn’t
hold straighter while you war about it, so
we wouldn’t ’a’ bin troubled with this back-
load ov gerloot.”

The outlaws did not lin or long, nor did
they indulge in much furt er conversation.
The prisoner made up his mind he was not
badly damaged, and that, for the present,
submission would be his best game. He al-
lowed himself to be hustled along at a pace
which bid fair soon to overtake the ad-
vance.

If his hands had not been bound together
Harker would have made an attempt at es-
cape. Several times he though the saw his op-

ortunity; but did not care to be adrift here
In the wilderness with his arms powerless,
and behind his back- It might well be the
death of him. He rather preferred not to
believe the man who had been called Tony,
who attempted to give him something of
either warning or advice.

“ J olly's a queer sorter a cuss,” he said, as
they went along. “Thar's no tellin’ jest
how he’ll take it, but, I reckon, middlin’
hard. Brick war his pard. an' onless ther
capt’n makes him draw in his horns I ’spect
he’ll want yer sculp, an’ go fur it, ’cordin'.
Ez he’s bossin' this part ov ther outfit we
ain’t got much ter say ’bout it; but cf it’ll
do er ary good you kin jest bet double that
of olly takes yer outen ther wet ther cap’n-
’ll be apt ter make him foller. Ilist, now,
an’ speak him fair! Hyer we are, comin’
up to him, and he‘ll be axin’ questions
miIghty soon. ”

t was a fact they had about overtaken
the party which had first moved away.
When they reached it they found a pair of
the stage horses had been harnessed to a
light wagon, which had been concealed near
the trail.

The horses which had brought this wagon
there had been used for other purposes, and
Sam now understood wh the teams had
been taken from the cone .

It took but a few words to explain to the
lieutenant of the outlaws, who went by the
name of J olly, what had happened.

The scrimmage had been short and sharp,
Brick was dead, and here was the prisoner
to speak for himself.

Jolly turned toward the prisoner with
deadly smoothness in his tone.

“ I think I have a sure thing of it on you
when the captain takes on in hand, for he
don’t love you a bit. I he fails I’ll see to
1tm self, and never fear but what I’ll do
justice. Tie his legs together, you, and toss
iim into the wagon along with the trunk. It
may hang him up a bit, but I guess, Tony,
you can bring him in alive.”

“I kin try,” answered Tony. “ Ett’s e7.
like ter bu’st me own neck cz his ef thar’s a
upset in ther dark, but you bet I’ll drive
keerful.”

“ You better would. Now then, you
lads, we have aboutall we expected, and
it’s time to be making tracks. we have
more than a handful here to be looking after
so there’s no use for foolishness. The first
man who gives trouble, drop him in his
tracks. Forward!"

The outlaws closed up around their pris-
oners, and the whole party moved off with-
out further parlcy, though Tony and the
wagon did not follow the same trail far.

Jelly and his men did not intend to be
bothered with their prisoners very long. At
least, they had no use for the greater part of
them.

Before long they came to a gulch which
led away to the right, and here the direction
of the march was changed, and soon another
halt was called. .

,“ Truss them up,” said the .leader. care-
lessly.

The order was a surprise to the men from
Pay Dirt, and Sailor Sam was the only one
who thought of resistance As the road-
agent who was to attend to him made a sud-
den grab at his collar Sam kicked out as sav-
agely as he knew how, doubling the man up
in a heap.

Then, he darted away, willing to run his
chances of catching a bullet rather than sub~
mit to being bound and left there.

The bullet reached him, too. Without
hesitation the outlaw-lieutenant fired at the
fleeing man, who flung up his arms and fell
headlong.

Without any apparent life Sam lay there.
It seemed scarcely worth while to examine
him, but Jolly did take the trouble.

It looked as though there could be no mis-
take about the fatal nature of the wound.
The ball seemed to have struck somewhere
near the temple, and there was blood enough
to show it was no mere graze.

“Just as well,” said Jolly, with a shrug
of his shoulders.

“It will save trouble. ”

And without further attention to the store-
keeper he led his men away.

IIarker IIazen in the distance heard that
shot, and suspected why it was fired. Bound
though he was he struggled to a sitting pos-
ture, and listened eagerly. Tony’s hand on
his shoulder forcing him back made him un-
certain whether there was more than the
one report, but be guessed the truth pretty
closely.

“Sorry fur ye, cully, but ett’s no use.
I kin fetch in a bod jest or. easy oz 1 kin
a breathin’ critter. {ton want ter lay thar
whar ye’r’ put er you’ll be put whar you’ll

lay. Sabbe?”

Tony spoke savagely, and Ilarker IIazen
had no doubt he meant what he said.
While it was evident they did not care to
kill him at once, it was plain no one seemed
to care much in what shape he was delivered
at headquarters.

He stretched himself down again, taking it
as comfortably as he could between a trunk
and keg which occupied more space than
he would have cared to give them.

The keg, especially, was like the boy who
wanted to have his half of the bed in the
middle. It bounced about a great deal, and
he had hopes that it would finally bounce out
of the wagon, though no such good thing as
that came to pass. *

After» that the journey went on in silence.
Tony had enough to do to follow the course
marked out for him, while IIazen was busy
with his own thoughts, which were not very
cheerful ones. Once or twice Tony seemed
to have lost his way, for he turned back, and
after a little struck out in a new direction.

It was a long ride and a wearisome one,
but at length a streak of light appeared in
front of them, and there was a sharp, low
hail, which brought a quick halt, and an-
swer to the challenge, from Tony.

“ Time you war comin’,” growled the senti-
nel. “Jolly’s hyer, an’ wants tcr see yo’
sfore he goes back tcr berry his pard.”

 

. CHAPTER VI.
CLEAN Gm'r AND nrs mans TO 'ruE RESCUE.

“ WE haven’t exactly made a fortune, but
we have come out of Pay Dirt a little bit
ahead.” said Clean Grit, evidently in high
good humor as they swung into the trail
taken by the coach.

-“ This beats foot-back all to pieces.”

“Oh, it's all slap-up for you,” grunted
Mike, who, at the pace they were going,
found himself bouncing up and down in a
way that might be healthy, but which he did
not think was at all nice.

“ You’ve been here before; but it's no skit
for me, now don’t you forget it. Keep this
up long enough and my mother's darling
will 'ust be a jelly, that he will.”

 

“ hat’s right. You have a heap of things

 

    

to learn in this world, and you are learning
one of them now. \thn I get through wit
you I‘ll have you an all around pard, that I
can trust for big money, and get there with,
every time. Don’t think about it, Mike, and
the thing will come natural to you before you
know it.”

“It’s all right when I’m goin’ up. It's
when I begin tcr come down that I’m a
thinkin“ ther hardest. When I stop there
ain’t much breath left, to think with or any-
thing else.”

Clean Grit laughed, though not after a
fashion that would badly wound the feelings
of his pard, He was at home so thorough y
in the saddle it seemed queer his friend should
make such a poor showing there.

Still, he had something else to think about,
and had confidence in the pluck of his com-
panion. There was no use to worry because
Mike did not prove to be a finished equestrian
at the start.

“I’m sorry for you, pard, but you just.
got to hold on and do your level best. I
want you with me, and I’m not going to let
you fall out of the procession. Time enough
tomorrow to think about whether you can
stand it or not. They have a good long
start, and they won’t be going at a walk,
either. If we want to come into the ring be-
fore the show is out we must keep moving.”

Mike gruntcd a trifle worse than at the
start, but shut his mouth and said nothing.
He was too busy trying to keep his balance
to care whether they overtook the coach or
not.

Fortunately, he had an easy-going pony,
and after a while became accustomed some-
what to its stride, so that he was no longer
in fear of sprawling by the wayside.

Seeing this, (‘lcan Grit pressed the pace a.
little harder, and they began to get over the,
ground at a rate which promised to bring-
them up with the convoy before man hours.

Suddenly, the boy hustler reine in his
steed.

“ Hold hard, Mike! There’s something
hyer worth the looking at.”

They had reached the spot where the-
transfcr had been made, and the keen eyes
of Clean Grit had taken in the outline of the.
case at a glance.

“ Hold on to my bridle a moment {while I
take a look around. There’s sign hyer of
some kind, though I think it's too soon for
Captain Kill and his men to be in it.”

There had been considerable moving to
and fro just there, but Clean Grit read the.
story as though it was a printed book.

At least he thought he did.

“ Samuel ain’t asleep very sound, now you
just take your affidavit to that. Hyer’s a
wrinkle that Pay Dirt would crack its heels
together and shout over if it knew of it.”

“ There’s been a split, yes. What is ther’
to shout about?“

“ Can't you see? Stay there a minute
longer, if you please. I want to get it all
down fine. Agents laying out for them on
this trail. Not likely to have a scout quite
so near to Pay Dirt. Turned the box over
to another hearse, and—did the Fords got
along with it? Yes. Hyer’s a dainty little
track in the dtist; and that looks like the
marks of the old man’s hoof. Oh, there
were no flies on that outfit. They’ll come
into the Flat by the back trail; and if Kill is.
on deck with his men he can takea mort—
gage on the empty concern and let her go»
through. Much gocd will she do him. They
can see her coming from the rocks around
the bend and flash a Signal over to the gang
that will be waiting about five miles further
on; and won’t they do some systematic
swearing when they know it’s too late to put.
salt on the tails of their golden eagles?”

The bo hustler by this time had learned.
the lay o the land for miles out of Pay Dirt,
and was reeling off the way things were to
go as well as though he had seen itina.
book.

3.15.)

   
 
  
 

 

            
    

   

     
     
     
       
     
     
       
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
       
   
         
     
       
     
     
       
       
   
     
     
       
     
     
     
     
     
     
       
       
   
   
   
   

 

Poker Pete’s Double Dodge.

 
 

 

 

 

Mike was not so enthusiastic.

" “ Strikes me, if it is all so serene I’ll crawl
ofl? this galloping crab and take it slow and
easy back to camp. \Ve won‘t he wanted
It . , for business, and I’ll go to bed with a shovel
‘ l I if I want any more of this for fun.”

r ' “ All very well, Michael, if it was not for
the fact that accidents will happen in the
best regulated families, and we're around on
. just that chance. Perhaps they'll lose a
r ‘ I wheel yet, before they get through. I’m
going ahead; and as for Move-along—he’s
gomg, too.”

. When Clean Grit talked that way, disput-
 '- ing was not in order, and with a shrug of his
2  shoulders and a grunt of disgust Mike gath-
. l 1 ‘ cred his steed together and sent it off along-
side that of the hustler, who had rcmounted
in haste.

“The trail’s not just such a plain one,”
- , said Clean Grit, as he retook the allop.
. ’ . “ We want to catch up before it gets too
dark. " If we don’t, there may be a change
. of the programme that will leave us out in
1.. a, the cold. I don’t yearn to get lost in the
' mountains.”
They had not gone very far before Mike

  
 

.oj ‘1: could see his companion had made no mis-
 7 take.

 1,, Although the trail was comparatively
 3 smooth, it was one not often followed, and

the country through which it passed was

growing wilder every moment.

From the hoof-tracks Clean Grit knew the
party ahead was going at a rapid rate, but
as the round was rising, the advantage was
in his favor, and he did not despair of over-
taking them within the next hour.

“ ’l’cars tcr me I hear a sound,” suggested
Mike, after he had pounded on in silence for
half an hour.

“ Are you gettin’ up on them, or are they
kctchin’ up tcr us? Seems ter be about nip
an’ tuck.” '

“ Right you are, for a quarter. It‘s some
one coming from behind. Keep your eye
peeled, but please let me do the shooting. I
don't believe in your shooting from horse-
back worth a cent, and I'll be too near to be
comfortable.” « I

The hoofstrokes sounded nearer, and there
could be no mistake about the direction
whence the sound came. Some one was
following them, and at a faster pace than
they had been able or willing to take.

“ P’rhaps it's Kill, himself. I’d as soon
get a measure on him first. Nothing like
holding the drop on that stripe.”

Mike looked a little anxiously toward that
side of the trail, as though he would like to
lay an ambush for the coming man. If it
was one of the agents it was more than like-
ly he would shoot without warning, and
shoot to kill. Kill and his gang had less than
love for the boys.

“ Get abrace on, Michael. More likely it
is one of the guard that has been left be-
hind. Draw m a little, and we’ll let him
hail us if he wants to. ”

Nevertheless, in spite of his words, Clcan
Grit managed to glance over his shoulder
from time to time, to make sure the man
was approaching with peaceable intentions,
When they slackened their speed he gained
rapidly. ‘

“Thought it war you!” exclaimed a care-
lcss-soun‘ding voice, which somehow seemed
familiar.

“ Got through Handy John an’ the Dutch-
man in great shape. Didn’t have a brace of
slugs between them. Then, I reckoned I’d
sooner have company over to the Flat, an’
lit out accordin'. Come nigh ter missin’

u at the forks, though. Can’t you whoop

\ it up aleetle faster? I’ll run ther risk tcr
ther hogs-flesh.”

The new-comer was Poker Pete, the man
from whom they had bought the bronchos
,He talked as though he had been drinking,

though he was far from being drunk, and
Clean Grit did not anticipate any danger

 

 

 

from him, though he was somewhat sur-
prised to see him. Unless there, was urgent
business at the Flat it looked a little odd to
be starting out so late in the day, even for
the satisfaction of having such company as
they were.

The boy did not air his thoughts, though,
but making some brief answer, allowed
Pete to carry the heavy end of the conversa-
tion.

The n'amblcr asked some few questions,
but did not insist upon answers, so they
gave him no insight into their plans,
an" it was not long’ before Clean Grit began
to listen now and then for the rattle of
wheels.

Once he thought he heard them, but the
sound faded away, and Pete gave no sign he
had noticed it.

The first positive sign the coach was near
was one loud enough and plain enough for
those who were running to read.

Without the least notice, and at no great
distance ahead, there was fired a scattering
volley of pistol-shots, which was followed
by a cry as of a man in agony.

 

CHAPTER VII.
A DARING nusn.

Tim hearse bowled merrily along for
some time after the transfer had been made,
and after a while llelen became satisfied
with the state of affairs.

She had no great fear of the agents, yet
she thought it well enough to take all proper
precautions for the safety of the treasure.
[low the scheme was going to operate she
could not exactly tell, but had no doubt it
was all right. As there was Certainly no
room for more passengers she submitted to
the separation from llarker Ilazm with the
best grace possible, and had not the slightest
doubt of their meeting the following day.

The guards themselves seemed to be of the
same opinion, for they rode along careless
enough to all appearance, though there
were no sounds to be heard but the fall of
the horses' feet on the ground, and the low
rattle and grind of the wheels.

Twilight began to come on, at last, and
the trail seemed doubly gloomy. At an ex-
clamation from the driver Ilelen looked hasti-
ly out of the window.

There was a crack of the whip as though
a pistol had been fired, and the horses started
off at a faster pace than ever, but she was
not so taken by surprise that she did not see
three or four men whose faces were well
covered b ’ strange masks, who stood by the
roadside, coking irrcsolutely at the coach as
it dashed by them

Ezra’s face was at her shoulder, and in
spite of himself the word, “ Agents!” fell
from his lips.

If they intended to attack, the?r werea
trifle slow in their movement. T icy were
already being left behind when they ran out
into the road, and the foremost] an raised
his carbine to take aim at the dri er of the
coach.

So it seemed, at least, both to thOSe who
were watching from the Vehicle, and three
of the mounted guard who had been follow-
ing at a little distance, and had .just come
into sight.

There could be no doubt about what these
masked men were, and the men of Pay Dirt
did not hesitate, but at once opened fire.

Unfortunately, though they delivered a
volley at nearly point-blank range, the shots
did little execution. ()ne of the outlaws
was scratched, and that was all.

It was this volle Clean (hit and his com-
panions heard, am the cry following it ap-
peared to have been from a man who was
more frightened than hurt, since he, with
the rest of the outlaws, wheeled about on the
instant, and barred the way.

For a few moments there was a lively lit»

 

tie engagement, and then the men of Pay

iDirt took to cover by the side of the trail.
The outlaws had recechd a reinforcement,
alnd were beginning to shoot uncomfortably A
c ose.  w
Meantime the coach had swung ahead, to
get out of the way of chance bullets. It
was an unfortunate thing the guard had be-
come divided, but the men with the coach
sprung down, their rifles ready, intending
to take a hand in the fight. With the out-
laws between two tircs, the chances oughtto
be still with them. ,
Then was when the surprise really oc- 
curred. -
Rising by the roadside, as though they
1

      
   
  
    
  
  
   
   
  
    
  
     
     
  
   
  
   
  
 

 

V.» .__'c-

,., ,
had popped up through the ground, a sti . 
larger force of masked men appeared, and ,1",
they came so suddch ' that each one of the « '4'
guard was covered bya Winchester before "7!"

he knew the danger.
“ Stiddy, all you!” came the bail, in a 10W l
but stern voice. '
“We don't want to do any killin‘, but the
first whimper we hear, down goes eVery 
buildin'—-—to stay. Drop yer guns, an’ up . ,r
with yer hands!” ,
At the same time three more of the out- 

laws advanced to the coach, and while one i ,(‘i'
of them covered the driver, the other two {5:
paid attention to the passengers, who had 
retained their place inside. _ 

“ Sorry, Mister Man-«you with ther f0- 33‘
male in tow—but we‘ll hev tcr ax yer to 4p

 
    

come out 0v yer shell. Don't go ter hump .
in’ yorsclf, fer of we sh’u‘d miss you, we’ll
hit her sure. Not a yelp now, cr it'll be ‘ f:
ther wuss fur her, ter say nothin’ 0v you.” ' x

Ezra had as much courage. as the most, .‘.’;
but here he was fairly cornered, and if the 
rest of the guard was to he stood off, he did
not intend to play a lone hand.

For the present he considered the sponge
as thrown up, and submitted to what seemed

    
        
 
 
      
       
     
     
    
   

the inevitable. He had something to lose ',i
here; but fortunately he had interests else— ,3;
where that were worth living for. ' rt.

4

   

The coach door was already open, and
there was not a minute of time lost on the
part of the outlaws.

The two passengers were hustled out, and
received by a brace of rullians, while the
third swung out the strong box which had
been lying on the floor of the coach.

“ Tap her, boys. That’s wh it We’re b er
fur, an’ it‘s too onhandy ter kerry all tiat
plank an’ iron when a sack‘ll hold the ore.
An’ we’ll know what we‘re gittin’, too.”

The order came from the leader, who had
moved over in time to see the box passed
out.

They were all ready for the work. With-
out delay the chest was attacked, and (lid
not long resist their efforts.

Then, two or three heads crowded together
over the box, and willing hands turned out!
the contents.

A smothered cxccration rose to the lips of
the outlaw.

No gold was this, but some carefully pack-
ed specimens of quartz, such as might be
picked up almost anywhere along the road-
side. .

“ It's a bite, curses on ther luck! Ther .  '3
gold must be hid somewhar about ther ‘
hearse. Go through it quick.” . . “I

One man continued to hold Ford in check, ‘
but the rest, headed by the leader, began a
hasty search. .

To no purpose, though. If there was any
treasure about it was no ion 'or in the con-
veyance; and it was hardly li ely it had been
divided among the guard, to can in their
pockets. Here was a check wit a ven-
geance. , ,

The leader gave a hasty glance around, and
as he looked, a ringin r cheer came from the
rear, and there was a» risk clatter of hoofs.
Clean Grit and his companian were coming
up to the rescue.

As they swept along the trail the guards

   

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Poker Pete’s Double Dodge.

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they came, and the united force, pistols in
hand came charging down upon the advance
guard of the outlaws.

The chief heard, and did not hesitate. He
had laid his plans so as to crush without a
fight, and apparently, since there was no
treasure to battle over, he had no stomach
for a fray. IIe uttered a long-drawn cry
which resembled the hoot of an owl, and
darted toward Helen.

At the signal several men with a number
of led horses made their appearance. There
was mounting in hot haste, the advance guard
fired a volley or two and then melted away
into the darkness, and when Clean Grit dash-
ed up to the coach he found Ezra Ford
standing bareheaded looking around him in
a dazed way for his daughter, who had dis-
appeared along with the outlaws.

\Vith Clean Grit and his pard came Poker
Pete; and in the charge his revolver had
cracked as loud as any. Now, he broke in
before the boys could say a word.

“ Tell it quick, an’ tell it straight. What’s
ther wu’st.”

Ezra hardly knew as yet, but ina few
words he told that the outlaws had opened
the treasure-box, and then, at hearing the
noise made by the new arrivals, had appar-
cntly dropped it in fright, and made otl“, he

,feared, with his daughter as a prisoner.

Pete swung out of the saddle with the
speed of an expert, and bent over the box.

He expected to find it rifled; but a glance
revealed the facts.

“ A sell on the Red Owls!" he laughed.

“Bully for our side! Now, you ez are
men foller me, an’ we’ll hev ther gal back
afore she knows she’s gone."

He leaped into the saddle, and with the
boy pards following struck off in the wake
of the fleeing outlaws.

 

(

CHAPTER VIII.
qu'r CLEAN GRIT FOUND.

THE outlaws had a start they were not
slow to improve on, and before the pursuit
had lasted long Clean Grit realized they had
a task before them which was well-nigh
hopeless.

The night was coming on fast, and already
there was no such thing as following a trail
from on horseback. The country, too, was
totally unfamiliar to him, so that he had no
idea where the outlaws might have a lurking
place, or which direction to take to stand. a
chance of heading them off.

Luck nevertheless, was in their favor.
From time to time there were spots of stony

round, and some of the horses of the out-
aws were shod. An occasional hoofstroke
came to their ears, that served to keep them
on the right track, and Poker Pete still kept
in the lead he had assumed at starting.

Behind, came several of the men from Pay

‘ Dirt—the rest of the guard staying with the

coach and Ezra Ford.

At a favorable spot the boy hustler ranged
up alongside of Poker Pete.

“ I guess the Killers are harder to kill
than Pay Dirt thought for. The captain
seems to be on the trail, large as life and as
big as a bear. I'll never believe he is dead
again till I see him planted myself; and I’ll
want to dig up his corpus in about three
weeks to make sure of it then. " ‘
H“ Captain Kill nothin’,” granted Pete,
leaning down in his saddle as he listened to a
faint sound in the advance.

“ Didn’t yer git a glimp 0v their heads
gear? It’s ther Red Owls, what’s bin a-
workin’ ther trails over ther Flat. When
they give that hoot I war sure ov it, an’ Iset
myself all ther harder tcr git a hack at ’em.”

“ Met them before, did yen?”

“ You bet I met ’em, an’ thar war lots 0v
solid reasons Wh \I didn’t oughter hev met
'em. I hed jest broke Dandy Mack, an’ had
my pockets a-bulgin’ outwith the sequins.
An’ they took ’em all.”

. “Sorry for your bad luck, pard, but it
ma have been all the better for us. If it
ha n’t been for that perhaps you wouldn’t
have been half as anxious to stay on the
trail. You stick by us, and we'll stay with
you till we run this trail aground.”

“Oh, I’m thar tcr stay, an’ of we don’t
make ther rifile ourselves we’ll go over tcr
Magic City au‘ git out ther miunit men.
When thar’s a lady in ther ease l’okcr Pete
does his duty er breaks a girth.”

“ Keep your eyes peeled, though, for I
have an idea that when they find a good
place, if we keep pressing them, they will
make a halt and try to stand us off for good.
A night like this, fine shooting don’t go for
much, and we’ll want to keep hustling if we
want to .avc our skins.”

“ Not weakenin’, be ye, kid?"

“ Not weakening, but rubbing up my eyes
a little to be sure they’ll be wide open. If
you know a spot where they will be apt to
make a stand, give us a hint before we get
there, so we'll be good and ready.”

"That’s right. I'll post ye of I kin, but
one' spot’s purty near like another, an‘ I

 

 

reckon when we git nigh ernuf they’ll turn
an’ snap regardless.”

This sort of work was not the thing to
suit Move-along Mike.

He had done his share in the scrimmage,
and would have been willing enough to have
kept up with the crowd on foot, but charg-
ing through the darkness on a half-broken
broncho, expecting ever y minute to go heels
over head from its back, was not in his
line.

Clean Grit tried to keep an eye on him,
speaking a word of encouragement now and
then, but gmdually he fell behind, and there
was no waiting just then. Finally, the boy
hustler found his pard had dropped alto-
gether out of sight and hearing.

He called once or twice cautiously, but
there was no answer.

Then, he shrugged his shoulders, and
went pounding on.

“Mike is big enough and old enough to
look out for himself, and he has the knack
of getting lost to always turn up at the
right time. Guess he’ll be around by morn-
ing. If he’s not I’ll hunt him up when I
have more time. His revolver would come
in mighty handy if there’sa fight, but he’s
no good on a trail, anyhow.”

“ Hyer we be!” exclaimed Pete, as several
shots flamed out of the darkness.

IIis revolvers came into his hands as if b
magic, and lying low along the neck of lus
horse he pushed straight on, firing at the
flashes as he went.

Without knowing it Clean Grit imitated
him almost exactly, though he fired only
with his right hand, the left clasping hlS
broncho’s neck. He knew there was more
than one chance of catching a bullet, and
meant to hold on till the last gasp if such a
thing happened.

The engagement did not long continue,
but it was brisk while it lasted. Poker Pete
was utterly reckless of danger, and bore a
charmed life to boot. He sent a bullet in
the direction of every flash, and all the while
was driving his steed toward the spot from
whence the firing came. ,

The boy hustler was every whit as cool,
and though they could catch no glimpse of
the enemy, they were doing better work
than they could be certain of.

Had they dared to leave the bronchos they
might have finished up their labors in great
shape, but when the Owls broke away just
before the spot of their ambuscade was
reached, they were unable to follow them up
the broken ground over which their flight
was made, and the sound of their footsteps
ceased almost immediately.

“Cuss ’em, they didn’t mean fight, but
they got in the’r work all ther same,” growl-
ed Pete, as he held in his horse and peered
anxiously around him. - r-

‘ were too sharp for them. Listen.

 

“ Looks ez though, onless we’re right
good on ther guess, we’re left mighty bad.”d

They heard no longer the cliuk of horses’
hoofs ahead, and were not altogether certain
of which way thgy had been heading when
the fracas began.

For a moment or two Pete remained silent,
while he appeared to be studying over the
position.

“Thar's a spot whar it’s more nor likely
they'll strike fur,” he began, at length.

“ Ef ye’r’ game ter run ther reesks, I
reckon 1 kin strike so nigh it ther difference
won’t ’mount ter much. Ther rest ov our
gang don’t seem ter be b’ilin’ over ter git in
front, but Poker Pete are in for ther war of
he hez ter go it alone.”

“ Lead on, old man, and Clean Grit will
stay by you. When they went for Miss
lIclcn they hit me right where I lived.”

The ride which followed was adismal one,
and without much encouragement to the boy
hustler, save that Poker Pete never was for
a moment at a loss. When Clean Grit ques-
tioned him he said he had prospecth all
over this country, and if he got his bearings
right could go through it with his eyes
shut.

Some hours elapsed without meeting with
any sign of the outlaws, or any evidence
they were on the right track. Then, as thgiy
slowly picked their way along over a di -
cult bit of ground they heard not very far
aWay what they took to be a low groan.

The two drew in and made not a sound.
So far as they knew, if there was an one
near them in pain it was one of the out awe,
and it was scarcely likely he could have
come this far without companions.

After a little the groan was repeated, and
that sound was followed by a muttering as
of some one talking to himself. Outlaw or
not, the two could not leave a suffering man
there. They advanced, though with cau-
tion, for there might be a trap.

No trap was it, however, but they found

a man tightly bound, lying upon the ground.
When Clean Grit had struck a match and
held it up over his face, he saw with sur-
prise the man was Sailor Sam, and that his
check was covered with blood from a wound
on the side of his head.

“Great Scott, pard! how did you come
here?” asked the boy, as, first thing of all he
applied a knife to the cords which were
around his old friend. ‘

“Who—who’s that? Shiver my timbers
but I thought I heard the hail of an old
messmate.” '

“A messmate it is, Sam, but not such a
very old one either. I We'll put y‘pu right on
your feet in a holy minute. hat's gone
wrong with you ?”

“ The bloody land pirates, pard. They’ve
scuttled my hull, but I’ll go down with colors
flying. Sailor Sam is the true blue.” .

He tried to-rise as he spoke, but the efiort
was vain, and he fell back with a groan
louder far than the one by which he had
called attention to the 8 0t. Then he began
to mutter to himself a ter a fashion Clean
Grit did not like to hear.

, “ Oh, come now,” the boy urged.

“You are all right now, and we’ll stand
by you. How did you get in this snap?”

“ The bloody land pirates. They took our
craft—but they made no haul. Ha, ha! We
Put your

car down, and I’ll tell you.”

The mind of the man appeared to be wan-
dering, and the boy hardly knew what to
do. He listened, however, as Sam began to
mumble something in his car. What it
was the sailor wanted to tell he could not
exactly understand, for he was so fearful of
being overheard his words were scarcely in-
telligible. While Clean Grit listened some-

thing less than a mountain seemed to fall on‘

his shoulders, and before he could draw
weapon, or offer resistance. the led was a.
prisoner.

..,.—_. _. .

‘$*”. ‘A.

‘2

 

     
 

 

 

 

 
 
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
    
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
     
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
   

  

,La ,.. M. . . L...., -   
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Poker Pete’s Double Dodge.

 
      

 
   

 

 

 

 

   
 

CHAPTER IX.
'rnE DANCERS or A CONFIDENCE.
IT was no easy task holding the boy, for

. he was slippery as an eel, and3 tried his best

to wriggle out from under his captor.

“ No use, kid, we got yer foul. Better
let up on that afore a axerdent happens.”

The coarse, rough voice was entirely
strange, but Clean Grit had no doubt he had
fallen into the hands of the road—agents.

In the exeitement of meeting with Sailor
Sam he had forgotten about his companion.
Now he remembered him, and wondered if
he had been captured in the same noiseless
wa '.

‘9 Hawks about, Pete!" he cried.

“ If you’re not in the hole yet take care
you don’t get there.”

“ Don’t worry about Pete, youngster. If
your cars were as sharp as they ought to be
you would have heard him take a tumble a
bit ago. Lift your feet, my boy, and come
along. You are wanted.”

The voice belonged to some one else than
the first speaker, and Clean Grit understood
he was in the power of a gang.

The words gave himhopc, though. They
might have killed or crippled him on the
spot if they Were afraid to truss him up and
leave him there. He did not suspect he
could be of any value to them as a prisoner,
and since what Pete had told him in regard
to the Red Owls he did not believe there
could be any special hatred among these out-
laws to account for their treatment.

They did not seem to be the worst of
ruflians, after all, and he thought it best to
speak a good word for Sam.

“Say, you men, I don’t ask anything for
myself, but if you're white you’ll look after
a wounded man that’s lying there. If you
don’t, he’ll be dead before morning.”

“ Blamed ef I don’t think he’s dead now,”
said the first speaker, who had been making
an examination.

“ What shall we do with him, boss. ”

“ Let a couple of the boys put him up be-
hind you and tie him there. Dead or alive
you bring him into camp, and if he comes in
dead I’ll 1be looking shar , to see if there has
been any mistake about it. If there has it
will be the worse for you.” '

The order was obeyed, and soon Clean
Grit found himself in like position behind
one of the other men. Though he could
barely make out the nearest of the moving
figures, the men attended to their work as
though daylight and darkness were the
same to them.

All this time there was no sign of Poker
Pete, and the lad began to hope, in spite of
what had been told him, that the gambler
had succeeded in making his escape. There
were at least half a dozen in the part ', and
they pushed on in a rapid but noiseless
manner.

After what seemed to be a long journey
came a halt that was evidently for the night.
There was a sentinel posted some little dis—
tance from the camp, and several men were al-
ready there, reclining by the side of a low
fire. Perhaps there were more not faraway.

“ See that the kid don‘t get away; and as
for Sailor Sam—I’ll take a look at him and
we’ll dress him up the best we know how.
Perhaps by morning he will be able to talk.”

There began to be something strangely
familiar about the voice of the leader, and
he bent down over Sailor Sam, who had been
eased down from the horse, and stretched
upon the ground near to the fire, Clean Grit
recognized him with a start.

In spite of changes in voice and dress, this
was the man known as Captain Kill, and
who had posed at Pay Dirt in the dual of
Doctor Hanshaw and Drunken Davy.

He was evidently adding another character
to his repertoire, but when once on the seent

' nothing could deceive the keen-eyed lad.

Neither by word nor look did the boy in
tend to betray the fact of recognition, for by

 

so doing he could only hasten the evil mo-
ment he saw looming up for him in the near
future.

There was a reason for the solicitudo about
the life of Sam. There was a mystery about
the treasure which had’ left Pay Dirt under
the storekecpcr’s charge, and it might be,
that he alone was able to unravel it. The
fingers of the whilom doctor had lost none
of their deftness, and as he rapidly examined
his patient a frown settled on his face.

“Looks as though it was a bad case,
thought the boy hustler.

“Wonder if he thinks he can bring the
dead to life. Poor Sam! The fellow that
struck him hit harder than Kill meant, and I
wouldn't like to stand in his shoes.”

Captain Kill, for he it was, recognized
that for the present he could do nothing
more than minister to the man. To hope for
any lucid conversation would be folly.
Finally, the storekecpci‘ was left under the
charge of a man detailed to act as nurse,
and silence rested over the camp.

Clean Grit saw he was too closely bound
and guarded to hope for escape, and though
he remained awake some time, watching for
a cnanec, tired nature was at last too much
for him, and in spite of his discomfort he fell
asleep.

'When he awoke day had broken, and the
outlaw camp was already astir.

Ttie lad had a ravenous appetite, and be-
fore long had a chance to show it. There
was no design to starve him, for a bountiful
if simple meal \ 'as set before him, and he did
it full justice.

Then Kill made his appearance.

Sailor Sam was but little better, though he
breathed and moved fccbly!

Kill examined him, and then turned to
Clean Grit.

“Sonny, I guess you want to get out of
this as bad as we want you out. There’s
just one way, and that is to open up to bed-
rock. Are you willing to talk, or must we
put the screws on '2”

“ Talk! Bless your soul! I’m just dying
to talk. Set a man up hyer to listen to me
and I'll talk the soul out of him. And first
along, if he’s a church member he had better
hold his fists over his ears. They will be
principally cuss words. ”

The Boy Hustler reeled this off in a free
and easy manner, but he felt far from easy.
He began to suspect what it was (.‘aptain
Kill wanted of him, and could guess what
might be his fate if the outlaw chief did not
get his wish.

“Save all that up till after you have told
me what I want to know. I will give you a
man then to talk blind if it will do you any
good. Now, what I want to hear is the
words Sailor Sam told you, just before we
took you prisoner. lie is in no condition
to speak or we would get them at first hand.
Time is an object. Speak up, and speak the
truth.”

“Because I don‘t carry a hatchet is no
sign I don't deal in gospel. I‘ll tell the
truth, and stick to it and swoar to it; but
blame me if 1 know what you're driving
at.”

“That won’t do. We know you're not of
the forgetting kind, and we know he said to
you the very thing we want to hear. Out
with it; and remember it’s a little more than
life you are playing for. If you stay obstinate
you will be wishing you were dead before
we are through with you.”

“ llope I may die, and that's a fact, if I
know what you are driving at. lle said
something about the bloody land pirates,
and then kceled over. If you fellows had
kept paws off he might have said some-
thing more, but as far as this court knows he
didn’t."

“My boy, you are a liar from ’wayback,
and I think we‘ll convince you of it. Last
time of asking: what did he say?"

“And last time of answering: I‘ve told

n

 

you all I know about it.
whip.”

Clean Grit spoke with determination that
would have been just as fixed had he been
able to give the answer the outlaw desired to
hear; but, as the reader knows, the lad really
had not understood the confidence Sam tried
to make, though he now guessed what was
its nature.

SeVeral burly outlaws had strolled that
way, and were standing at ease, waiting for
orders. _

“Cut the jacket off his shoulders, and
carry him over to the fire. We'll see if
we can’t roast the truth out of him. We
should have been 011' before this, and any
more delay will come out of his hide in one
shape or another. ”

The latter part of this was more to himself
than to the men, who were already obeying
his orders. '

Bound at the wrists and ankles, Clean
Grit could offer no resistance, even if he
had desired to, and when they threw
him upon his face one of the men planted
a heavy foot upon his body, and kept him
there.

“ We’ll start easy with you. Ilerc’s a little
one at first.”

Picking out a coal little bigger than a spark
Captain Kill dropped it upon the bare skin
of the boy.

It hurt, of course, but it was only a fore-
taste of what was to come.

“ The next one will be bigger, and they'll
keep on getting that way till we pile on the
back-log last of all, if you keep your grit
that long.
chance."

The next coal was indeed larger, and
made the boy wince in spite of himself. He
understood now that tho 1in the chief was
anxious enough to gain tie information he
believed the boy hustler possessed, yet he
took a fiendish delight in the torture of the
lad who had already more than once spoiled
his plans. ,

lIad Clean Grit told all the road-agent
wished to hear it is doubtful if he would
have left off the threatened scariiication.

The boy's teeth shut more tightly, and
Captain Kill raised another coal.

CHAPTER X.
HA mum HAZEN comm-i PERIL, AND FINDS rr.

CLEAN Glu'r could still squirm his head
around slightly, and he saw what was com-
ing.

“ Sa ,my friend,” he said, as calmly as
he con (1:

“There's sometimes a hereafter. and it's
just as well to look a little out. The next
time I hold on you it will be a dead center,
and the lead goes to kill. 1 know you now,
and don't you believe it that I’ll ever forget

'ou."

3 “Happy to say, my lad, the acquaintance
is mutual; and it is for that vcr reason I‘m
taking care there shall be no iercaftcr as
long as lilnd you in this impenitent frame
of mind. Take your choice, now, or hold
your pcaco. Speak, or croak.”

“I've given you the level truth, and if
that‘s not enough, crack your whip. 1 can't
grin, but I'll try to bear it.”

“Curse you, if I can’t get the pointer I
can make you howl. Ilere it comes.’

The boy hustler could already feel the
heat of the living tire. lle knew the cap-
tain was playing with him now in order to
break his nerve if possible; but he realized
that Kill would not long delay his venge-
ance.

“ Let her went,” he gritted between his set
teeth, and the muscles on his back corded up
tcnsely as he nerved himself for the torture.

“ Before it has lain there a minute it will
have eaten its way in to your life. Good-by,
young man: and there it is.”

Crack your

 

The coal dropped—and so did Captains

Kill and his assistant ruflian.

 

u
e
gm.

Better speak while you have the ,

 

 

 
 

10‘

 

unnygmngu __w --.;\w

«‘19.. ,, .

Poker Pete’s Double Dodge.

 

With a great leap a man bounded to the
spot and struck out twice, left and right.

The young man was l'larker llazen, who
had just succeeded in slipping his bonds.
So far, little attention had been paid to
him, save to see that he was, as the outlaw
supposed, securely fastened.

The neglect, however, (lid not make him
feel any the more secure. He was sure his

a time would come, and that he had little to
‘ hope for if he remained a prisoner until
' Captain Kill took leisure to attend to him

He did not waste his strength in frantic
efforts, or attract attention to himself by un-
guarded movements, but very coolly and
quietly continued his efforts. The result
was, just at the critical moment for Clean
Grit he slipped the cords from hands and
feet, and was ready for flight.

Had he so chosen Ilazen could have stood a
good chance to escape, for the outlaws
had their attention directed toward the scene
at the fire.

Fortunately for the boy hustler the at-
tention of IIazen had been drawn in the
same direction, and it was the sight of what
was going on there that hastened his move—
ments. He did not stop to consider, but the
moment he was loose struck straight in to the
rescue, all unweapoued as he was.

Without a word he snatched from the
belt of the outlaw a knife, and slipped it
through the cords 0n the boy with careful
strokes. lie knew escape was the only
thing which couhl save Clean Grit, and for
the instant forgot his own danger. '

“ Up and away!" he shouted as he caught
the lad by the shoulder and swung him to
his feet.

Still retaining his hold, IIarker would have
turned to flee, but Clean Grit held him back
long euought to snatch at the revolver in the
belt of the already rising outlaw.

Flourishing the pistol in his hand the boy
hustler broke away, and together the two
started in a wild flight down the gorge.

Under the circumstances it could be little
else than an excited flurry; and 'unless luck
aided them it would be strange if both made
their escape.

Luck was against them, too.

Three men appeared in front, with extend-
ed hands.

Clean Grit expected a shot and was not
waiting for it to come.

“ Out of the way!” he shouted, throwing
up his own hand, and as he saw no shrinkin
in the men who barred his Way he pulled
trigger.

Only a click followed.

He was about to hurl the apparently use-
less weapon at the outlaw nearest when
second thought caused him to change his
mind.

“ To the bush, pard, it’s our only chance!”

With the hasty exclamation he leaped to
one side, and almost immediatel vanished.

Harker Hazen would have een willing
enough to follow suit, but there was only
the one line of retreat which Clean Grit had
followed, and already one of the outlaws had
sprung forward toward the spot where the
boy had disappeared.

“If I have to die it will be while trying to
make m teeth meet,” gritted Hazen, and he
boundet at the single outlaw with a swift-
ness that threw the others out.

His only weapon was the knife which he
had snatc led from the road-agent a few
minutes before, so that he had/to come to
close terms if he wished to do harm.

The fellow in front of him had eyes for
nothing but Little Clean Grit.

He had seen the pistol of the boy, and sus-
pected that when the trigger was pulled
itgain more than a simple snap would fol-
ow.

He was slackening his pace; 'and peering
around to get a glimpse of the fugitive when
the knife landed between his shoulders. Had

not Hazen struck a second too soon the blow l

 

would have been instant death. As it was,
IIazen felt the blade bite deeply, and had
hopes that that one bad man was out of the
combat.

Perhaps he was, but he did all the damage
that could be asked of him.

Down to the ground he went like a flash,
and over him sprawled IIarker, who was
too close to turn. Then, the knife was kick-
ed out of his hands, and the young man
found himself again a prisoner, while one of
his captors was none other than the man
known as Jolly, and who had already shown
such savage hate because of the killing of
his pard, Brick.

It was almost the last moment for IIazcn.

Over him stood Jolly, his revolver poised,

and the few muttered words he spoke show-
ed clcarly enough what it was he intended
doing.
“ ‘asy with that, Jolly, or let me get out
of the way before the job’s done. The old
man laid down the law to us about him, and
I reckon it still goes.”

The outlaw with Jolly spoke promptly,
and acted more promptly still, for, as he
began his caution, be tossed up the muzzle
of the weapon by a careless blow, and then
stood watching with equal CIOSeness the

o.

The lesson was not altogether lost. Jolly
held his fire, and growled:

“ All right, you. Keep on the trail of the
wolf-cub and I'll take this in to camp. The
gang are coming and the boss won’t Want to
see you fooling time.”

Away darted the fellow, paying no atten-
tion to the wounded man. The knife had
slashed the latter badly, but he was in no
danger of his life. '

Captain Kill was not with the crowd that
came up, and there was a cheer at sight of
the retaken prisoner stepping out toward the
camp in front of the muzzle of Jolly's re-
volver.

Ata word from the captor the made no
halt, but darted on after Little ‘lcan Grit,
while he strode back with the prisoner, his
finger on the trigger, and evidcutl itching
to give the pull which would en Harker
Hazen's career forever.

Captain Kill had not joined in the pursuit,
but was standing moodily by the fire, not
far from the spot where he had staggered to
his feet. Hazen had hit him the hardest of
all, and it took some moments for him to
fully recover.

“ Ah, you have him, then? As well if you
had ended him then and there. I had
wanted to save him for another purpose,
but the son of Satan won‘t let me do it. It’s
expensive, too, unless you do your own
work. The last man I had swung off
priv ttely I paid a cool hundred for.”

“ I’ll take this job at half the money,” re-
torted Jolly quickly.

“Tie him up hand and foot again, and
this time see there’s no mistake about it. I’ll
take your offer into consideration, Jolly, but
I’m afraid you wouldn’t do the subject jus-
tice. It’s a thrust and a shot with you, and
it’s over. I’ll want it done a little slower, so
it will tell. You can watch him, though,
and if there is a chance of his getting away,
send him sky-big ."

“And there will be fifty in that. besides
getting even for my poor pard, Brick ‘z”

“ That‘s the size of it,” said Kill, shortly,
as he strode away from the spot, leaving
Jolly alone with the prisoner, whom they
had bound securely and flung back into the
wagon. .

Jolly glared at the young man viciously.

“Curse you!” he exclaimed, shaking his
fist at the brave young fellow.

“I just got back from burying my old
pard, I swore then I’d have it out with you,
and what the Cap has said lets me out on it.
In one way or another l’ll send you to glory
before the (la is over.”

Hazen sai nothing. The outlaw meant

a dive for Barker.

 

what he said, and he knew it. The closer
he kept his lips, the less likely he was to
goad Jolly into proceeding to immediate ex-
ccution.

But Jolly needed no goading.

All that made him hesitate was an uncer-
tainty as to the exact meaning of the cap-
tain.

“ Curse him! he said sky-high. Did he
mean it? Where he wants him to go is gen-
erally supposed to be in the other direction.
I’ll try it, and run the risk. I think he is
getting away now.” ,

From the wagon the scoundrel took out
the keg, and removed the plug in one end.
From his ocket 11c drew a piece of fuse
which he fixed in the hole, and placed the
keg under the wagon. Then he lighted a
match, and touched it carefully to the end of
the fuse, and the road—bandit smiled like a
fiend as he watched the lighted fuse.

CHAPTER XI.
AT BAY.

CLEAN Giu'r had been deprived of his wea-
pons when made prisoner, and the revolver
he had snatched from the belt of the road-
agent was by an unlucky fatality unload-
ed.

Had it been otherwise, it is more than

 

likely he would have done a deal of work'

with it before he would have‘ become sepa-
rated from the man who had risked so much
in comintr to his aid.

He had no idea, however, of entirely de-
sertiug Hazen when he sprung away, even
though he knew Helen’s lever was not fol-
lowing him.

He remembered that when he was ca -
tured he had a number of cartridges loose In
his pocket, and was pretty sure they had not
all been removed. If he could have a mo-
ment or two to himself he might recharge
the weapon and be ready for successful re-

sistance, while, if he hesitated with these "

men in front of him, there could only be one
ending. He would be again a prisoner.

After disappeariu g from view he had a few
seconds to himself, and he made the most of
them. Fortunately, the lay of the land was
in his favor, and he was cool enough to take
ad vantage of it.

Before him stretched a natural path, which
one in headlong haste, and desirous of get-
ting away from the dangerous locality as
soon as possible, would be likely to follow.

Clean Grit did nothing of the kind.

He turned sharply to the right, and ran
back toward the outlaw camp, keeping just
within the cover until he was sure he had
thrown pursuit off the scent.

Then, he halted for a breathing spell, and
to search his pockets.

There was an expression of dis net, and
something more, on his face as he d scovered
his pockets had been turned inside out as it
were, and that it was only by chance a single
cartridge had escaped the search. For a
miracle it fitted the revolver in his hand, and
he had at least one life to command. >

By this time Jolly was escorting Barker "

Hazen toward the camp, and the youn hus-
tler, puzzled as to his best course, sto e si-
lently along within easy pistol range, and
waiting for an opportunity. He mi ht have
shot the outlawdown at any time, ut that.
would have called attention to the spot; and

he was not sure how many men remained in. ~

the cam .

p . .

Asa result, he followed on, and was a
witness of the interview betWeen Jolly and ‘ '
the chief, and afterward watched the pro- ‘-
ceedings of the road agent with breathless
It was only at the last moment he’T

interest.
divined his intentions.

“ Good heavens!" muttered the boy as he";

saw the match applied to the fuse.
" It’s too late now to shoot J 011 and make

he would go to kingdom never-come- ck,
again. And if I snuflf the fuse my last shlt’

   

Before I coul reach him.“

    

  
 
 
  

 

 
   
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
   
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 

  
 
 
  
  

  
   

 

 
   
  
  
  
  
  

  

 

 
    
   
    
   
   
   
  
  
  

  
  

 

 

. '— : cfidnuvffififii‘” ‘

2.11. ,v ‘ c... x",  .

Poker Pete’s Double Dodge.

 
 
 

11

 

 

  

gone, and Jolly can have it all his own Way.
ut that last is what has ot to be done."

All this passed throng the mind of the
young hustler likea flash. With a second
charge in his revolver he would not have
hesitated an instant.

The fuse was spitting and spluttering, and
burning rapidly. There was little time to
lose; yet, though he held his gun at a ready,
Clean Grit hesitated, and shifted his position
rapidly and noiselessly.

Then, the barrel dropped into perfect line,
and he pulled the trigger. Though Jolly
had alread placed some distance between
himself an the wagon the hustler had him
lined with the upturned fuse, and when the
bullet sped the fuse dropped, shorn close off
to the keg, and there was a howl of dismay
from the outlaw, who staggered and then
fell with a ball through his leg.

The shot had done its work, but Clean
Grit knew it would attract attention to the
spot, and that there was no time to lose.
Following it up be rushed out and dealt
Jolly a blow on the head with his clubbed
revolver that effectually placed him out of
the game. To transfer his belt to his own
waist was but the work of another instant,
and then the brave boy was severing the
bonds of I'Iazen.

Then with a bound both were in retreat,
and this time there was no one to stop them.
Before the outlaws had regained their camp
the two were out of sight, running silentl
but swiftly up the gorge, Little Clean Cut
charging his emptied weapon from the am-
munition found in Jolly’s belt.

“Looks like an infernal shame to leave

Sam in the lurch,” he panted, as they t’oiled
up a steeply rising slope.

“ Wouldn’t have done it for a fortune if I
had been sure I could have done him any

00d; but he may have passed in his checks

or all I know. Did you catch on to any-
thin r about him this morning?”

“ othing, except that he was still alive,
and in much the same condition as last night.
That much I happened to hear.”

“Then, he is in a mighty bad way, and
nothing we could do would help him any.
I’m afraid he’s elected, but I’ll root the mat-
ter up soon as I get the chance. A mighty
good pard was Sailor Sam.” ~

“ Yes, but as we can do him no good, we
want to be thinking of ourselves first, last
and all the time until we get clear of these
demons. How are we to get out of this?”

“ Blamed if I know,” confessed Clean
Grit, looking around him as he spoke.

“Appears as though we were in a trap,
with the gang at the other end, waiting with
clubs to kill the rats when they turn around
and try the door again. They don't follow
any too close. that’s one thing sure.”

i“They will get here all the same if we
wait for them, and I don’t like the way the
land looks ahead.”

The gorge was rapidly narrowing, and
from the glimpse they could get of what lay
ahead, it seemed as though their way would
soon be blocked entirely.

“I don’t, either, an the sooner we try a
side issue the better. Here’s for it now.”

As he spoke Clean Grit turned aside and
began an ascent which from the starting
pomt eemed almost impracticable, an
‘ which r lly tested their wind and muscle to
I the utmost.

Some progress they did make, however,
and at last came to a spot which offered
‘ them an opportunity for both rest and con-
cealment. '

“We called the turn just in time," said
the boy. pointing downward.

, “I I am not mistaken there is Kill him-
 self, and his gang comes with him. Will
‘ they strike the trail? If they do, we must
r give them the best in the shop. Take this
un, and you don’t want to do any wild
ooting, either. " ’

-A . Young Hazen took the revolver without

 

 

 

urging, and with bated breath the two
peeret downward at the indistinetly-seen
figures.

“If we only had Winchesters, I’d give
them a hail," whispered Clean Grit, after
they had watched for ‘a few moments.

The men below were carefully beating
over the field, but did not seem to have a
suspicion their game would be found on the
higher ground to the side.

“The range is too long for these pop-
guns, and if they sight us they can either
take us at long range, or starve us out. I’d
sooner have it quick and lively, and over in
a minute; but, I want my chance all the
same.”

“ Not much chance if they si rht us here,”
answered IIazen, staring aroum .

“We have good cover for a little, but
sooner or later they would get a position
that would command our flank. They
would hardly be so mad as to attempt a
iltl‘t‘ligllt charge after the sample they have
nu .”

“If they only would; but, as you say,
there’s not much hope of that, and as we
can’t go further up without being seen, if
we can go at all, we’ll lie low.”

“Hold on! Are you so certain of that?
It looks—yes, there may be a chance.”

” You want to hurry and find it, then, for,
here they come.”

“There is something that looks like a pass
through the rocks, up yonder, and if we can
reach it we can at least command the ap-
proach. They may starvo us out, but I’ll
be hanged if they could take ,us by force as

long as the ammunition held out.

“ Lead out, then, I’ll follow, and keep the
retreat covered. Perhaps, if they do see us
going they will hurry up their stumps, and
we’ll have them at close quarters.”

Ilazen had made no mistake, for by a lit-
tle care they could reach the spot which he
mentioned with only a momentary exposure,
and there was the chance that at the time
they passed that point the eyes of the out-
laws would not be on it.

They hurried along, Clean Grit keeping a
lookout to the rear. The agents were not
advancing directly toward the spot they had
left but had they remained their discovery
would only have been a matter of a few
minutes.

As yet, the rocks were between the two
parties, but there was a gap in the shelter,
and then they would be visible to each
other.

I-Iarker Halon passed the gap successfully,
and Clean Grit was vanishing when there
came the crack of 1). Winchester and a shout
from below.

The boy heard the sharp “hist ” of the
bullet as it tore along close overhead, and
then he was again in comparative safety.

“Hustle along now!” he exclaimed.

“ If you know how to make two-ten-and.
a-half time tr it on.”

Haze-n nee ed no second counsel, but
scrambled upward, and as he reached the
crown of the pass, Clean Grit at his side, a
man stood there with the palm of his hand
turned toward them as he whispered:

“This way!”

P At a glance Clean Grit recognized Poker
ete.

 

. CHAPTER XII.
'rnE CAPTAIN on THE man came FORCES
ms HAND.

HELEN FORD had already some experience
of the tender mercies of outlaws, and though
braver than the average girl was not a little
alarmed when the Owls held up the coach.

At the same time, had there been any re-
sistance possible she would have joined in
with the rest. Taken at a disadvantage the
men (lid not seem to care to throw their
lives away, and she could only hope that
since there had been no resistance the ban-
dits would content themselves with rifling

    

 

w

the coach and its passengers, and then go
their way.

She carried a revolver, with the use of
which she was well acquainted, but did not.
draw it.

Perha s the weapon would yet be of ser-
vice, an till then it was possible its ex~
istence would not be sus eeted.

She watched the lea er carefully, for
though he was masked she thou ght she would
be able to recognize Captain Ixill under any
disguise. It wasa relief to feel there was
not the slightest resemblance between this.
man and the one she had feared he rcall
was. If this were so she had hopes that it
was the treasure alone he was after.

Then, when Clean Grit and the rest came
charging toward the coach, and the sudden
rout began, she was ready to clap her hands.
It all was over but the shouting.

For the moment she was excited and off
her’guard.

It was just then the leader of the Owls
made his spring, and before any resistance-
could be made she was a prisoner beyond
present hope of escape.

The hcat long flight was full of terror, and
at first Helen Ford tried to scream, but a
rough hand over her mouth smothered the
voice. While held in such a gripe, to
struggle was useless, and she resigned her-
self to her fate. '

After that, coolness "came back, and she
began to count the chances of rescue, and
listened to the sounds of pursuit. Even
when that died away in a chorus of pistol-
shots she did not despair. It had not been
hard to recognize the voice of the boy hustler,
and without even asking herself how he-
came to be there his presence gave her more
comfort, evcn,than she knew.

The flight was a long continued one,
though after a little it became orderly enough,
and she could understand there was nothin g
like a panic.

At length, a halt was made, and a camp-
for the night. ,

With the first gleam of the camp-fire Helen-
had a glimpse of the singular masks worn by
the men, and they brought to her mind the
fact that she. had incidentally heard of a hug
of outlaws known as the Itcd Owls, an ' un-
less she was decidelv mistaken they were a
totally different lot from the men who trained,
under the lead of Captain Kill.

Bad as they might be, it was something of
a relief to know she was not in the hands of
the man whom she so deeply hated and
feared.

Though unpinioned a guard stood near,
with his eyes keenly watching her, and as
he held a revolver in his hand a good part of
the time it was a fair proof that if she at-
tempted to escape he intended to shoot.

Atlength, when the preparations for the
night had been made, the leader of the Owls
returned.

“ Glad ter sce yer a girl of sense.” was his-
salutation.

“In course, of thar warn't a glance fur
rocks in it we wouldn’t hev bin onpolite
ez ter hold up a lady; but, ther fact are,
we‘re out fur coin, an’ coin we must hev.
Thar’s money in you, an’ I reckon we’ll find
ther way ter fetch it out. Ef we do you kin
be sure you‘ll be ex safe hyer oz of you war
in a church.”

“No money can you make through me,
sir.” was the bold answer. “ Ifgyou etany-
thing it will be hard ImOCks. Our 1 ttle all:
wasin the treasure, and if you get that we.
will be poor indeed."

“ You say; but mebbe it won’t altergether'
0 We’re jest posted clean up on Par
I)irt, an‘ what comes from thar."

“ I have my doubts, or you never would.
have run the monstrous risk you did this
night—that on do now. Ezra Ford may
not have 01 , but he has lead plenty, and so
have his riends.”

“ That’s a daisy bluff, but it won’t win;

 

.a‘“‘il..:n.‘34t.. DIM,- ‘ Cy“ "N '32th '1‘" A 1A _ “ : 'V _,' .'-‘ '31 A 7:

 

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712

Poker Pete’s Double Dodge.

 

__.__

'not fur a cent. An’ ef Ezra won’t come ter I

'time, p’raps there’ll be a chance to dicker
with Kill. Curse him! It looks ,‘cz though
he had got the first show an’ scooped ther
:deck.”

“What has Captain Kill to do with it?"
:asked Helen, still pursuing the high and
:mightly line.

“ ()h, ex 1 war tellin’ you, we keep posted.
'When a man like Kill begins to throw away
his time after a girl it’s a sign he wants her
mighty bad. Ef we can't do better we may
trade with him. We didn’t know tell ter-
night he war on ther line, but we got it down
on him fine, now, an' we’re ready ter trade
or fight. I wanted ter give yera hint thet
or best hold war ter keep still an’ wait.
{ickin’ won’t do yer no good, an‘ may do a
heap ov harm.”

The fellow was rough of speech, and al-
together of a coarser grain than Captain
Kill, but Helen was inclined to prefer him to
the other. He was respectful after his fash-
ion, and seemed to think he had held of a
valuable article, which was to be handled
carefully. When he went away he nodded
"in a manner intended to be reassuring, and
left the (young lady more hopeful than he
suspecte . While he was waiting to come
to terms with Kill, she had reason to believe
her friends would be :doing something to
effect her reseue.‘ "

She was thinking over the chances of the
pursuit which certainly would be made
when there was a sudden commotion in the
“camp. At some little distance still, but
approaching at what was evidently a head-
long gallop, some one was coming in spite
of himself.

“Whoa, there! Whoap! Dog-gone ye!”

Three or four times over was this repeat-
ed, with additions and emendations that
became less and less pious the nearer the
owner of ’the voice approached. He was
having some trouble with his steed, and if
not frightened was a good deal nervous, to
sag nothing of his being in a howling fury.

tdid not take long for the individual to
[come into sight.

He was bent forward, with his arms clasp-
ed around the neck of the pony he bestrode,
while the animal, evidently wild with fright,
was plunging straight forward, without re-
gard to what might be in front of him.

It was plain as long as the rider retained
that position he was not likely to prove dan-
gerous, and though two or three revolvers
flew up when he came into sight none of
them were discharged. .

Instead, several outlaws leaped nimny

out of the way to keep from being run
down, while as many more broke into a
laugh at the ludicrousness of the whole
thing.
_ It was only for an instant the exhibition
lasted, for the broncho dashed madly on
past the glare of the fire, and the next mo-
ment halted with a suddenness that would
have unseated the prince of horse~breakers.
In'front of him rose an almost perpendicular
bank, and he saw it just in time to set every
hoof firmly,and go plowing up the ground
for several rods until his nose fairly touched
‘the sod.

When he became stationary there was a
huddled heap of boy humanity between his
front legs, for his rider had shot over his
head as though discharged from a catapult,
and come down with a thud that would have
meanta mangled body for any one but an
average boy.

One of the outlaws caught the animal,
which stood trembling and subdued, while
another hauled the bundle out from its rest-
in g-place, to get a better idea' of the meaning
of it all.

“ Neck broke, sure enough,” he said, look.

’ ing, up, with the limp figure hanging over

his arm.
“ W’ot in thunder war ther fool cuss try-
in’ ter do?” '

 

 

“ Bet yer two ter one he begins ter wiggle
in less ner two mlnnits by ther clock.”

“ Done 3" said the first speaker as he
dropped the boy, and laid his hand on his
revolver.

“ It’s all right fur me, but it'sa blamed on-
healthy bet fur ther boy.”

“Don’t yer try it, Jack. I got yer lined,
an’ of you throw foul ter win that bet
I’ll play yer exec'yter an’ handle ther ef-
fecks.”

With a quick turn of his wrist the second
speaker had thrown up the muzzle of his
pistol and covered the fellow who had
professed to believe he was betting on a sure
think.

“An’ I‘m a-baekin’ yer hand, pard!” ex-
claimed the boy, suddenly Sitting bolt up-
right.

“ Ef ther blamed noeky-boy hed kept his
whids stowed I’d ’a’ layed thar five minnits
ter git through with my blushin’, an’ ef you
ain’t able fur him I’m takin’ a hand in, sure
ez my name’s Move-along Mike."

He slung out his fire-arms with a readiness
that was wonderful for one with a broken
neck, and the laughter that arose from those
who were crowding near told they considered
him very much alive.

It was sport for them,but it might have been
death for Mike had the captain not moved up
with the rest. 1

“ Stiddy, that, you Jack! I cain’t spare
you. An’ you. lad, turn over them guns er
it’ll go bad with yer. \Vhat in high thunder
brought yer hyer?”

“ ’ hat dog-rotted hoody-doody ov a prad.
First off, I war skeered an’ wanted for cut
my lucky, an’ then he got skeered, vamosed,
an’ hyer we be.”

As he spoke, with the utmost nonehalance
Mike placed his pistols in the captain’s
hands.

\\

 

CHAPTER XIII.
wrm'r mum HAZEN FOUND.

IT was well for Poker Pete he was so
quickly recognized, because before his bod '
came into sight Clean Grit had his head linet ,
and at the first suspicious movement was
ready to pull the trigger.

As it was, he did not abate much of his
vigilance, since there was no knowing what
was to follow.

Of course he did not hesitate to advance, for
though the outlaws might feel their way a
little, and le loth to expose themselves to
his sure-shooting revolver, yet sooner or
later they would find their game esmping,
and move up with a rush to get to close
quarters. -

“And Peter came also," laughed the boy
as he darted into the pass and felt for the
moment comparatively sa 0.

“If it is fun you like, hyer it is by the
great bucket full. Been a-wondering why
you lingered, and half thought they had
taken you in out of the wet last night.”

“ Not fur Pete! IIe kuowed when it war
time ter draw off; am" when ter come ag‘in.
Ef I’d ’a’ stood on me ear jest then it'wouldn’t
’a’ done me a bit ov good. an’ would ’a’ give
them a good reason ter kill you. This way I
saved ther cayeuses, an’ you orter ’a’ get a
good look at the’r camp. See my thing 0v
ther purty damsel down thar?”

“ Nary thing. This is another gang, and
we got no business with them except to be
getting out of the way fast as we can. They
have it in for us large, but I wouldn’t weep
if we never saw them again.”

“Then, thar’s on’y one thing for us ter be
doin’, an’ that’s ter take ther trail ag'in frum
ther hearse. “’0 can’t strike no sign racket-
ing around hyer, an’ thar we might hit trail
ef they come back on it, ez they will. This
a side pard ov yourn?”

He looked sharply at Ilarker Hazcn, and
seemed to‘be debating whether the stranger
could be trusted or not. I

“ That’s what 1 call him, and a good young

 

 

man he is to tie to. As for the other hearse,
this is the gang that held it up, and they
have Sailor Sam down there now, but nary
a treasure did they get. There has been a
game of some kind played, and it strikes me
Sam and the men of Pay Dirt have been too
sharp for their. own comfort."

“ \Val, kim along while those gcrloots
are willin' ter hold off. We’ll git to ther
bronchos fu’st elf, an’ chin arterward. Yer
pard lied better kim too, but he’ll hev ter
take it footback. He looks 07. though he
could travel, an’ mcbbe we'll pick up s’uthin’
fur him.”

Unless they intended to remain for a
light it was time, they were thinking of re-
treat. The outlaws would not wait much
longer, and though the three could hold off
successfully all those in sight they had no
desire to tight for the fun of the thing.

They passed along through the narrow
cut in the crest of the mountain, and then
down the first sharply precipitous descent on
the other side.

The bronchos were gathered where Pete
had left them, and without wasting time
the two swung into the saddle, while
Ilazen took his place by the side of the boy
hustler.

Now they were ready to move the advice
of Pete began to look more reasonable to the
b0 .
gince the Killers had made their appear-
ance it would be difficult to separate their
trail from that of the Red Owls, and it was
likely they might scout around at large for
a long while before they would happen
acrOSS any of the latter whom they could
recognize. If Helen was held for ransom
it might be possible to trace her through the
messenger who was sent to announce the fact,
but meantime with Captain Kill and his ,men
as a disturbing element, the force was too
large and too small,

Clean Grit would soon have been on the
trail alone. So far he had not a chance to
explain to I121ch what had happened, but
expected to be questioned shortly, and was
not mistaken. Enough had been said to
make the man curious, and briefly but with-
out any concealment the boy hustler told
him all.

To a lover the position seemed terrible
enough, but Harker Hazen had seen Ilelen
Ford rescued once from the hands of out-
laws, and had full hope that it could be done
again.

“ We are too few to rescue and too many
to find,” was the res onse.

“I believe Captain Kill will do us good
service now, since he will start upon the
trail of Helen himself. You too can seek
aid, while I will remain as a spy upon the
outlaws. If they take me they can but
kill me, and I will die near Helen. ’

“ You’re a hummin’ bird, you be!"
averred Pete, heartily; “ an’ yer talk’s ther
kind I like ter hear. Hyer you kin do good,
an' of yer .kim along you’ll be a hinderin’.
Keep yer eyes wide ope’ an’ it’s a chance yer
do ther trick.”

“ And at the same time you may be doing
something for Sam,” added Clean Grit.
“ What I’m afraid of is that if he don’t go
over the divide of himself the infernal wolves
will either knock him in the head, or leave
him there to die when they break camp.
Oh, we have a heap of things to look after,
and as I don’t see where it is best to begin,
perhaps the best thing to do is to follow
Pete's lead, and take a new base. Have it
as you want, pards, and I’ll never whim-

er.”

With a few words of parting caution the
two moved away, leaving Ilarker Hazen to
his own devices.

It was not so sure the young man was not
in great danger, for it would not be hard for
the outlaws to follow on his trail, but he was
willing to run any and all risks, and without
any haste or excitement he glided away from.

 

    

 

 

 

   

  

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Poker Pete’s Double Dodge.

    
   

13

 

the 8 0t, followin a course he had mapped
out rom Poker ete's hasty description of
the lay of the land.

Fortunately, as it seemed, the nature of
the ground changed somewhat, and before

he had gone far he deflected from the course I
he had been pursuing enough to throw any :

one who had been following off of his track.
He had a tramp of some miles before him,
for he was aiming to strike the mouth of the
gorge in which Captain Kill had located his
camp.

Nothing was heard of the outlaws in his '

rear, and eventually he reached a spot which
seemed expressly created for his occupancy.

Certainly, the Killers would never think
of looking for him there, and there was little
danger of his being discovered by chance
alone. “

He lay hidden for some hours. There was
nothing to be seen or heard of a living soul,

and it began to look as though the gorge had 2

been evacuated. At one time he almost
thought of giving up his watch.

But, call it guess-work or presentimcnt, he
had an idea he was to learn something here
as to the fate of Helen, and decided he would
not leave the spot, though sorely tempted to
explore the ground, and see if by any chance
the outlaws had moved their camp. When
he became thoroughly nervous, and almost
convinced his watch was a piece of folly,

three men came out of the gorge, and moved 5

leisurely away.

They had some particular point in view,
for they were never at a loss, and after they
had proceeded far enough to make it safe,
Hazcn struck into their trail. He could stand
the inaction no longer, and though neither
of the men was Captain Kill it was barely
possible the might help him locate the camp
of the Red )wls.

They were evidently on a mission of some

kind, and young Hazen could think of noth- 1

ing but Ezra Ford’s daughter.

It was no light task to follow, iust far
enough away to escape detection, am not so
far awa as to be left behind. Had not the
lay of t 0 land been in his favor he would
not have been as successful as he was.

From time to time he dodged under cover
and remained motionless while they passed
some 0th from which their chance of see-
ing him was better than common. After
each of these halts he had a run to recover
the lost ground. He had forgotten altogether
that there was a possibility of there being
some one on his own trail, and exposed him-
self reeklessly from the rear.

Yet, danger did not OVertakc him from
that direction.

As he darted into one of these covers his
' feet tripped over something, he (lid not at
once knew what, and he fell at full length to
the ground.

The fall was a hard one, but there was
more to follow. Something dropped on him,
nearly squelching thcbrcath out of hishody,
and before he could make an effort a rough
hand was slipped over his mouth, While a
low voice grated into his ear.

“ Not a Whisper! ’I‘har’s a gun borin’ in-
ter ther back 0v yer neck, an’ ef ther hez ter
be a noise it’ll be that they’re a hearin’ bark.
It’ll be all ther same ter me, an’ a heap-sight.
w'uss fur you.” ‘

An outcry could not save him, and resisti
ance was impossible, so Hazcn lay still. Un.
less the chances Were altogether against him
he did not intend to tamer submit, yet, un-
til he knew better into whose hands he had
fallen. he was willing to make the best of a
bad predicament. ‘

For some moments he lay there, the knee of
his captor grinding into his back, though the
hand was withdrawn from over his mouth.
When the men he had been following had
abundant time to get out of sight the knee
‘was withdrawn, and the same harsh voice, at
a somewhat louder pitch, ras ed out:

“ Now, cully, git ycrsel up in shape.

 

 

‘knotted around them.

' it‘ll come to of you don’t git a move on.

 

 

Jest cross them hands behind yer back, an’
don’t try tcr monkey with yer boss or there’ll
be dead meat fur breakfast.”

The cold stch was still against his neck,
and Ilazcn thought it best to obey orders.

As his wrists met a cord was skillfully
Then, a cloth was
fastened over his eyes, and he was told to
get up.

“ I’m goin‘ tcr try tcr take yer inter camp,
young man, an' it may be rough on you, but
you better make a goov it. I don't want ter
slaughter, but it looks e7. though that's what
I’ll
steer, an’ you walk mighty straight.”

Guided by the hand of the fellow, who-

' ever he might be, IIarker IIazen attempted

to move off.

 

CHAPTER XIV.
AGAIN UNMASKE D.
“ DIDN‘T see any of the rest of the boys
lying around loose, (lid you?" asked Little

5 (‘lcan Grit, as he moved away from the spot
I where they left IIarker llazen.

“ If I picked up any of the rights of the
thing, they must have been left somewhere
about where we struck Sailor Sam.”

“ Didn't see ary thing ov ’em, an' it’s fu‘st
time I knowed thct it war Sam 07. brung
you inter ther trouble. Ef yer wants for
hev me do full jestice ez a pard, yer better
give me all ther p‘ints. What war Sam
doin’ ’round thar, anyhow ?” asked Pete.

“ You can‘t prove it by me. Kill wanted
to have that same question answered, and
wouldn’t believe me when I said I didn’t
know any more about Sam's business than
he did. \Vanted to burn the secret out of
me. Would have wound up with a regular
barbecue if it hadn't been for Hazen.”

“ Oh, come, now. Kill ain‘t a nat’ral born
fool, an’ he wouldn’t hev so set on it of thar
warn‘t s‘uthin’ ter set him agoin’. You kin
open up ter me. Pay Dirt knows Poker
I’-te, an’ ’11 say it ain't afeared ter trust
him.”

“Neither am I, Peter; but the fact is, I've
ndthing to say. I suspect Sam tried to tell
me something about the treasure and the
coach. but I didn't catch onto it if he did
The Killers came a little too soon.”

“That’s jest ther idear. W’ot did he say?
P’raps I km .make a tail outen it of you kin
gi'mmc ther head.”

“ No head nor tail. no hide nor hoof, canI
give you. I’m a dry well, as far as that
goes. I’m more interested in finding the
trail of the boys and doing something for
Miss Ilelen. It's a tough contract; but I’ll
carry it through or something will drop.”

They had been going at a strcady but
rapid gait, keeping side by side since they
started, but at this moment. through an al-
most imperceptible slackening of speed, the
broncho ridden by I’oker I’ete dropped a
trifle behind in its position.

The movement excited no suspicion in the.
mind of the boy hustler, but. as he spoke he
glanced over his shoulder, and so caught a
change in the gambler's countenance which
was never intended for his eyes, and he saw
Pete’s hand drop to his revolver.

In that glance there was a whole revela-
tion, and with a quick movement Clean Grit
flung himself forward and to one side, at the
same time that the man spoke.

“ Curse you! you know me now, do you?
I thought you could give me the pointer,
but if fire nor friend can draw it, there’s
nothing left you to live for. Die!”

His pistol was rising, but the savage hate
in the disguised Captain Kill’s tones, told
why he had lingered a trifle too long on his
aim. He did not see the revolver Clean Grit
had drawn from his boot as he flung himself
forward, nor the muzzle of it as it came 11
under the neck of the perfectly-trainers
broncho. He thrust back the hammer of his
own weapon, and at that moment Clean
Gnt’s little gun spoke.

 

 

z

The horse of the Well-disguised outlaw
swerved, wheeled, and then darted along the-
almost imperceptible trail by which it had.
come.

Now, however, the positions were re-
versed. Captain Kill Was lying with his
arms clasped around the neck of his broncho,
while Clean Grit sat upright, the smoking-
weapon in his hand, ready for a second shot.
IIe Wheeled his own horse, and followed in
eager pursuit, yet on the lookout for treach-
ery or sur msc.

Kill had already a fair start, and the boy
hustler was too wise to risk throwing awa '
ammunition on such an uncertain mark. t
was too precious for that. _

Besides. though he had taken the shot-
without aim, he believed the man was badly
wounded, and expected to see his arms.
loosen, and a nerveless body drop to the-
ground.

“Aftcr that.” thou rht the boy, as he.
dashed along, “I‘ll be ieve ’most an thing.
To think Pay Dirt never droppe( to the
fraud, and that he could ring all th
changes on it. If there had been a meeting-
house and a court-room there I'd not be sure
he hadn't been playing judge and gospel
sharp as well till I got my eyes on them
all together. There is one thing scandaloust
certain, though. He has the best mount.”

So it seemed to be. for the other broncho,
though unassisted by its rider, was forging
ahead, and it began to look as though over-
taking the outlaw was something chance
would have to do with, if done it Was.

There was a strong probability of run-v
ning against some of the men at any mo-
ment, and if Clean Grit fell into their hands.
now he would be a fool if he did not know
What to expect.

At length, he saw a motion in the frame of
the clinging man, and gradually he rose to
an erect position in the saddle, shaking his
head as though trying to throw off his be-
wildcrmcnt.

A few strides more and the outlaw was.
himself again. He felt of his head, and
dashed aside the blood from the spot Where the
bullet had creased him. As yet he had not.
checked the flight of his broncho, but he
glanced back over his shoulder to see if he
was being followed.

In that hasty look he saw nothing of (‘lcan
Grit, for upon noting Kill was recovering his
Wits the boy had drawn aside his horse, and
hastily taken to cover. Though it would be
risky work attempting to‘dog the steps of
the captain from on horseback, yet there was.
a chance of success and the boy hustlerin-
tended to try it.

Probably Kill thought the boy had been
only too glad to bc relicVed of Ins presence,
for he seemed to take it for granted, after
the one look, that he had not been followed.
Ile stared around him, seemed to recognize
landmarks he was in search of, and finally,
moderated his speed.

Clean Grit. was at some distance yet, and"
now proceeded more cautiously than ever.
When (‘aptain Kill halted he was fortunately
Well concealed, yet could see What was going
on in the distance. A man came out of the
mesquites, and pointing doanard at the
land which lay below spoke .for a moment in
what was apparently from his actions a low
tone.

Whatever he said the captain appeared to
be well-pleased. Ile nodded to the man,
drew from his pocket a white handkerchief,
looked at it reflectively, and then, with a
word and a nod to his companion, once more
moved forward, but more cautiously than
ever.

“ There’s something in the wind, but if I
want to see what it is I’ll have to go mighty
slow,” thought the boy.

“When men begin to ct up out of the
ground there's no telling o soon they will
come a-shooting. Go slow, young man. and

you’ll get there all the sooner. If Ididn't .‘

 

 

14

n-‘am w P ~ “

Poker Pete’s Double Dodge.

‘ ‘_.., .
.1: , ' Y ‘r’h

 

have an idea that I will have to make a run
for it soon I’d cache this horseflesh and try it
.footback. ”

Nevertheless, he worked his way along
without closing up, yet keeping for the
most part within sight, and finally, well hid-
den though he was from any chance obser-
vation, looked down into a long, narrow val-
ley, where there was something going on
that had a thrilling interest. V

Nearly on the other side of the valley,
and at rather more than long-range rifle-shot
away, a clump of men had halted, and all
Were looking across, as though they might
have sighted Clean Grit himself, thoughhe
knew that was not the case.

Not far from where he la hidden, the
valley narrowed abruptly until it was not
more than good pistol range across, while
directly in front of him was the only prac-
ticable slope in View.

Along the higher ground were scattered a
number of men whom Clean Grit decided at
a dance belonged to the Killers, and they
evrdently intended to command both ways
of caress, while a little further down Cap-
tain Kill himself, on foot, and alone, was
striding boldly in the direction of the "men
beyond. In his hand he upheld the white
handkerchief the hustler had seen him draw
from his pocket.

“ Dollars to dimes those fellows over there
are the Red Owls!" mentally exclaimed
Clean Grit. “If they are you want to
be ready for something else. It’s whatI
have been looking for all along, though I
didn‘t expect to see it. Kill thinks he has
them in a box, and wants to trade—and I’ll
wage: at half price. There will be fun
amazing before this thing is done and over.”

The band of Red Owls it was, and with

I Captain Kill halted near the center of the

valley. one of their number ste pcd forward
find after a hasty glance aroun went to meet
1m.

The men had no great love for each other,
if appearances could be trusted.

They stood a little distance apart, watch~
ing each other like hawks. There was a
good deal of pantomime about the confer-
ence, and Clean Grit thou ht he could al-
most follow the course of t eir conversation
through their estures.

It took time or them to come to anything
like an agreement, and it was not until Cap-
tain Kill drew from his breast a wallet, and'
held up what the boy supposed to be a sheaf
of notes, that the leader of the Owls appear-
ed to be satisfied.

At sight of that he nodded, and leaving
Kill standing there went hastily back to his

w s. .

There he held a brief conference, and then
returned.

, This time, however, he did not come
alone, for with him he brought Helen Ford!

Though he had been expecting it, Clean
Grit started when he first recognized the
girl, and leaned forward in breathless eager-
ness. He knew there would be something
startling for the next scene.

He was right. for, as they came closer,
Kill suddenly thrust away the notes and
covered the other outlaw with the revolver
in one hand while with the other he menaced
Helen Ford.

 

CHAPTER XV.
rr THUNDERs ALL AROUND.

A VERY shrewd move it was, too.

The Red Owls could see at a glance that
if they should interfere it would result in the
killin of their captain, while the men of
Capta n Kill could arrive on the spot as soon
as themselves. The numbers on each side
were soncarly equal that in a fight on the
open (plain it was no sure thing which side

woul win; and the prospective ain was so
uncertain at the best, it was not 1 kely many
risks would be run for it.

With the drop on him, and no one to come
to his aid, there was nothing for the captain
of the Red Owls to do but to submit to the
terms of the other, though he did not like to
be too prompt about it. As long as the band
of Killers did not make an advance move-
ment he was willing to temporizc.

At the last moment something might turn
up in his favor.

Something did turn up, but it was not by
any means what he expected.

Mounted on one horse, a man and a boy
came shooting across the valley. They had
struck out from the cover on the further
edge, at some distance beyond where the
lied Owls Were gathered, and their move-
ment was not seen by them, since all eyes
Were riveted on the scene in front of them.

Straight as an arrow the animal bestridden
by the two darted toward the spot where
stood the chiefs, with Helen between them,
and yet the Killers, too, were slow to note.

Then, suddenly waking up to the fact that
there was going to be some new bands in the
game, the Killers burst out from their semi-
conceahncnt, and came charging down the
slope, while the lied Owls hesitated no
longer, but darted out to meet them.

Both parties were making good time, and
the distance was not far. If there had been
the least hesitation the nian and .the boy——
who hap )ened, of course, to be Move-along
Mike and Harker Hazen—would have been
caught between the two lines and crushed.

But they were in an earnest haste which
admitted of no delay. As the rode up,
Captain Kill shifted the aim o the pistol
with which he had been covering Helen, and
would have brought it to bear on young
I‘lazen. He did not see the boy, who, an in-
stant before, had slipped off from behind,
but he felt his (presence in a way that was
unexpected an somewhat painful.

Down came a cudgel upon his outstretched
arm, and the pistol which was about to line
Helen rolled into the dust.

There was no time to steep for it.

“ Amputate your mahogany!” shouted
Mike. “Get out ov thcr push! It’s goin'
ter be dusty hyer, an’ we’ve no use fur yen."

He caught Helen by the arm, and was
drawing her away toward Ilazen. If they
could get her on the horse, which the two
had stolen from the Red Owls when they
made their escape, a short time before, there
might be a chance for her to get away, and
in the fight which Mike saw was coming, or
ought to‘ come, he might pass unnoticed.

Perhaps Helen was excited too badly to re-
cognize her lover. She pulled away from
Mike, and wheeling, darted down the valley
Fetween the two rapidly closing lines of out-
aws.

The movement had its use, wild though it
was.

With both parties anxious to hold the girl
prisoner, each hesitated to fire, and while
they thundered closer some one else took a
hand in the game. 4

Clean Grit had seen the move of his two
pards, and was not going to stay out of the
circus.

He gave the rein to his broncho, and came
down the slope like a whirlwind. When
Helen broke from the grasp of Move-along
Mike he was not far behind, and it was his
voice which a moment later caused all her
coolness to come back to her. '

“ Steady, little woman l” he called, holding
his horse well in hand. “ Give a spring
when I catch you and I’ll try to pick you
up. I think we can make the riflle.”

She recognized the voice of the boy
hustler, and halting at once, stood expectant.
He had tried such feats before, but was un-
certain how far Helen would aid him, or
hinder. Had it not been for that he would
not have had a doubt.

Tightly gripping the saddle with his knees
he beat low, extending his arm, and just at

 

.l

    

the right moment she sprung to meet him.

 

There was a heave, and something of a ‘

scramble.

'l‘hen, Clean Grit was away, with Helen on
the saddle in front of him!

“If they join in to take us, and fight
afterward, I don’t know that we’ll have
much show; but we’re light-weights, and for
a while we can hold our own with the best
of them. Keep your head low, an’ we'll
soon find out which way the bullets are
going to fly.”

“ But Harker, and that other lad?” gasped
llelen, looking back over the shoulder of her
young rescuer. “They have risked all to
save me; we dare not, we must not leave
them.”

“I noticed you were pulling out fast
enough,” retortcd Clean Grit, who was not
averse to almost anything to keep Helen’s
wits about her.

“ llarker is of age, and must be governed
according. As for my pard—you shoot him
from a twenty-four inch mortar and he
would light right side up and ready to fight.
Don’t worry about them. VVe’re the poultry
the infernal wolves have set their hearts on
having, and if they can’t slip clear in the
racket they ought to go up the flame.”

There was a rattle of firearms which near-
ly drowned his words, and Clean Grit could
not help lookin g back OVer his shoulder.

Mike was stretched at full length on the
ground, as motionless as a corpse, but some-
how Clean Grit did not think he was Very
dead. IIazen was seeking the very cover
where the boy hustler had been concealed;
and the two chiefs were falling back on
their men. When the apple of discord was
snatched away from them they had some-
thing more important to think about than
their differences. '

Such an exciting time would hardly have
been complete without the crash of fire-
arms, and that had begun. First, a shot or
two had been aimed at Clean Grit, and at
the distance it. scarcely seemed likely they
would miss. The hiss of the bullets showed
the lead had come periloust near, but no
blood was drawn, and then, rom the other
side there was an answer, which was directed
at the fugitives.

After that, the battle was joined, and just
in time for the two in flight. They were by
no means out of danger, but attention was
drawn from them, the two gangs of pur—
suers slackean their speed somewhat, to be
ready for each other, and out from the
double row of would-be captors the boy
rode, with at last a fair start and plenty of
hope.

There was no time now to pick his course.
He saw the ground. before him was open and
smooth, and followed the trend of the valley,
uncertain where it was going to lead him.
He could see a long distance ahead, and
though it narrowed in the distance he was
not concerned for that. He hoped to find a
path out of it before he had gone far, and
if he could not shake off his pursuers er-
haps he would have to cast his mount a rift
and stand at baygif he could not find a place
for concealment.

Such an opening as he had hoped for did
appear, but it was rather sooner than he
wanted to find it, for there were two or
three mounted men who were holding their
own, if the{ were not closin up. Clean
Grit might ave passed it ha it not been
for a ringing hail.

“Ahoy, there! Clean Grit ahoyl Run
under my guns and I'll make the bloody
land spiders sheer off.” ‘

The voice was familiar, but Clean Grit
could hardly believe his senses. He had
been so sure Sailor Sam was either dead
or dying, to have him appear here, full of
life and fight, was a shock.

But, Clean Grit was used to shocks. His b H

life had been full of them.
Without hesitation he swung sharply
around to the left, and glancing upward saw

 
    
 
 

. ‘ .
with:

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59-.  -

 

   
 

 

j! :3
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W 
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a;
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it
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. to Pay Dirt, and take a fresh start.

L never look for us on this trail.

Poker Pete’s Double Dodge.

  

15

 

 

 Sailor Sam himself, with 21 Winchester in his

hands, perched on the crown of the bank,
some twenty feet above.

“I don’t know much about his shooting,”
thought the boy, as he ilitted by. “but I hope
it’s gilt-edged. He has the nerve, though,
and just now I shouldn't wonder if that was
worth more than the other."

The crack of the Winchester put an end
to his thoughts in that direction. lle felt
like stepping to take a hand in the fray Sam
seemed about starting, but a glauco at the
white face near to his shoulder made him
only grit his teeth and urge his steed on the
harder.

Yet, he looked backward, his revolver in
his hand, and caught a glimpse of a mustang
tumbling to Sam’s first shot; and while he
looked, heard a second shot, and saw another
flinch and swerve.

“ Good boy! He has them. If he can't
shoot the pigeon he hits the buzzard, and
that is doing the business up as well. I'll
save my own shots for close quarters.
Samuel ecps on pumping lead; and I hope
the chargers will continue to drop.

The rattle of hoofs ceased in his rear, and
when Clean Gritrlooked around again he saw
that pursuit for the present was indeed
checked. Sailor Sam had finished his work,
and was making long stn'des to the rear.

“ Are we safe?” whispered Ilelen, at last,
when Clean Grit slackened his speed and be-
gan to look about him.

“ We’re safe, of course,” was the en-
couraging answer; “but I’m not so sure
about the poor road-agents. Seems as
though they had been having a wintry time.
“’0 won’t wait to see, though. It looks as
though this route might lead to the trail, and
We’ll just hustle on ahead. I wouldn’t weep
a tear if we could strike some of the men
from Pay Dirt. We‘ll need ’em had before
we get through.” _

CHAPTER XVI.
THE PARDS “ GET THE HUS’I‘LE 0N.”
CLEAN GRIT had wonderful nerve, to be

' sure, but he had luck as well, without which

he might have lost his life at a dozen differ~

ent times during the brief period which had

(Igapsed since he struck the camp of Pay
irt. ‘

Although he was shrewd to trace out the
lay of the land, and did not take his course
altogether ata venture, luck had a great deal
to do with his striking at last the very spot
where he had stumbled across Sailor Sam in
the darkness, and had himself been captured

Though he had come to the spot originally
in utter darkness he had no trouble in recog-
nizing it, for the hoofmarks were there, and
alittle splotch of dried blood, where the head
of the storekecpcr had been resting when
Clean Grit raised it. !

“That hits us right where we live,” he
exclaimed, pointing downward to the marks
which were so plain to his eyes.

“ The wagon trail can’t be so far off now,
and if I can’t find it, my mother‘s darling
ought to have a guardian appointed, and
wear skirtiloons. Chirk up, Miss Helen, we
are just as good as out of the woods.”

” But, with all our friends scattered, and
we here alone. what good will it do us if we
find the trail ‘2”

“ What good? Glory! That’s a question.
If we can’t do any better we can strike back
By this
time our dad has woke them up there. and
I won dn‘t wonder if we met half the town

' - coming to the rescue.”

“ But if [understand you aright they Win
It will be the

other one they will take to find traces of us,

‘ and we will miss them.”

“ Not so sure of that if there is any one in
Ppy Dirt who knows what Sam was trying
to tell me when I stumbled across him. ey

,wm be 11 to think Kill has his suspicions
and W! try this route over again—if he

 

hadn't been wasting his time with you and
me he would have been hycr or hycrabouts
before this—~aud Kill is the man they will
want to meet."

“And the man we wish to avoid,” said
Ilelen, with a shiver. “Can we not go in
some other direction?” I

“ We are doing very well as it is, and I
Wouldn’t lose my hearings on the chance of
meeting a dozen Doctor llansbaws, with a
smart sprinkhng of Drunken llavys, and
Poker l’ctes thrown in. I think we are
ahead of the procession, and we‘ll try and
stay there."

(,‘lean Grit had not forgotten his friends,

by any means, but first of all he wanted to .
After that '

gct Ilelen Ford oif his hands.
he could look for them at his leisure.

He could understand that Ilelen was nerv-
ous and Weary, needing rest badly, but there
was no time to waste, and without attempt
ing to further reassure her he turned down

the gorge, and soon had the satisfaurtiou of ‘

knowing he was on the right track. Before
he expected it he found himself in the trail.

The broncho had stood up nobly to its
work, but after a time began to show symp-
toms of leg-weariness. To relieve him a lit-
tle Clean Grit slid from the saddle, and
walked by his side, leaving Ilelen to hold the
reins. They were coming to the difficult
portion of the road near to where the coach
which carried Sailor Sam had been stopped.

Suddenly, the boy laid his hand on the
bridle.

“Whoa! And say it as softly as you
know how. Strikes me I caught a glimpse
of something in the distance. (‘omc out of
the trail and let me go on and investigate.
There’s nothing to be lost just now by being
a trifle over Careful: lt maybe a rabbit, it
may be a lied Owl, and it may be (.‘aptain
Kill, himself. Iwant to know which before
you go any further.”

At the approach again . of what might be
danger Ilelen grew, if possible, a little paler,
but—she shut her teeth hard, uttered no
sound, and allowed the bronebo to be led
aside from the track. Leaving the young
lady there, in comparative concealment.
Clean Grit glided away, keeping an anxious
eye on the spot where he thought he had
seen a moving object.

With their superior knowledge of the
conntry it was possible enough the outlaws
had cut in before him, but he wanted to
know in what force they came before be de-
cided what was the best for him to do.

He had never been over the ground be-
fore, but without the least hesitation he fol-
lowed an ascending course, which was bring-
ing him to the spot where were the ambush-
cd Killers when the stage was stopped by
their comrades below.

There were sharp eyes on the lookout, but
fortunately they were directed up and down
the trail. Half a dozen of the Killers were
there. and foremost among them (‘aptain
Kill was scrambling down the bank, toward
the ruins of the coach which were to be seen
below.

“The treasure left Pay Dirt, that I’ll
swear to,” Clean Grit heard him saying.
“ There was a trick of some kind, that was
sharp enough to fool the Red ()wls as well
as us, but we’ll go them one better and win,
after all. If the wretches have not been
here-”

He stopped speaking, and looked down
upon the shattered fragments at his feet.
Bad as was the wreck it had been impossible
to take the whole coach apart. Part of it
still retained its shape.
wheel that had been torn from the axle,
Captain Kill raised it high in air, and hurl-
ed it down upon the still solid bottom of the,
coach.

“B heavens! He’s struck the secret!”
thoug t Clean Grit, and he was not far
wrong.

With the crash the flooring was burst

Snatching up a

 

 

apart, revealing the fact there was a double
bottom to the coach, and in the cavity had
been placed a number of small, narrow boxes,
so carefully packed they filled the interior
completely.

“ llooray! liooray fur—”

Kill threw up his finger. and it quieted the
man as quickly as though it had been a steel
tube with certain death within.

“ If it was not for the noise it would make
I would have struck you with something
hardcr. Lay hold, but be silent.”

There was loud enough there for a number
of men, divided up as it was in awkward
packages. They moved up with out-
stretched arms. l‘lvcn the sentinel on the
road forgot his duty and craued forward to
see the treasure that at last was within their
grasp.

Now was Little (‘lcan Grit’s opportunity.

The odds against him were fearful, but he
never hesitated. If he could not entirely
batlle he knew he could delay, and render a
good account of himself in the doing of it.
The range for pistolshooting was a little
long, but be still had 1ivo lives or limbs at
his finger ends, and he began to make his
tall .

(captain Kill was screened by the man
who stood next to him or he would have
fallen first of all, but the outlaw in front
went down with an angry cry. 'l‘hen fol-
lowed shot after shot, as fast as thumb could
work hammer, and finger press trigger.

The reports sounded like a tire by file of a
platoon of cavalry, and ever bullet had its
billet. lf thev did not kil they crippled,
and that, for the boy, was just as well.

But, five shots were soon spent.

(‘aptain Kill, with his left arm hangln
shattered by his side, looked upward and
saw the young camp hustler leaning eagerly
forward from his Covert, uncertain whether
to charge down to snatch at the arms of the
sentinel who lay on the trail. or to take to
flight. lf the outlaws were not altogether
dcmoralized there were still enough standing
totuke terrible vengeance; and there was
the safety of Ilelen as well as his own at
stake. -

Kill threw up his hand, and the muzzle of
his revolver never wavered.

(filean Grit saw the movement, and was
fixed to the spot for an instant as though
fascinated. He knew the deadly aim of the
man, and thought his hour had come. I

And then, along the trail came the sweep
and swoop of heating hoofs, and Move-along
Mike, bouncing a foot high at every stride,
was on the ground.

He never waited to draw in his steed, but
as he reached the spot where the sentinel
lay. he just rolled off his horse, and rose
again with a revolver ready for Captain Kill.

At the sound Kill had held his shot. He
knew the boy above was no longer danger-
ous, and it was possible the tight for life
would have to go on.

As he raised his gun the coming warrior
seemed taller than a man. As the pistol
cracked, Mike was settling into his saddle
from a bounce, and seemed smaller than a
boy. The bullet went whistling just over
his head.

When he staggered to his feet he pulled
trigger. and Kill went down, while with a
loud cheer a dozen men of Pay Dirt came
swooping down upon the scene!

 

This time it was all over but the shouting.
The Red Owls had been beaten off by the
Killers, and Mike had as usual fallen on his

feet. When he had lain for a time appa-
rent] dead, he had risen unmolcsted, cap-
ture a steed belonging to one of the fallen

Owls, and followed the trail left behind by
the Killers as they went back to investigate
the shattered coach.

He had come up just in timeto save his
pard, and hold th ngs in shape till the men

  

 

    

p...
.A.—V

 

 

  

18

r

Poker Pete’s Deuble Dodge.

. ...-,.- .,........_,_.. E;

.  .  4 ,, ’_/ [UH-x ‘
., I ‘ \ ‘ ‘V‘ I’“ " . _ """ , .. .
~ . ‘ ~v r   v ~    

   
   
 

 

 

 

of Pay Dirt, with whom came Ezra Ford.
could finish the clean up.

Ile had passed ilarker IIazen on the way,
and it was not hard to find the young:r man,
while Sailor Sam turned up, very much
alive, and none the worse for the deep crease
which had for a time befuddled his brain.

There was little danger the Red Owls
would rally for another attack, while—dead
or wounded—the Killers were pretty much
all in hand. Captain Kill was twice. wounded;
but, life was hard to kill in him who was so
handy at killing others, and there was every
chance he would live to receive due punish-
ment.

To make sure of it, when the second coach
was brought around to receive the Fordsand
the treasure, the outlaw captain was loaded
on top, and the whole delegation from Pay
Dirt went with it to make sure. he was safely
delivered into the hands of those who would
properly attend to the business.

And with them all the boy hustler and his
pard went; the clean-up was complete.

'riir: END.

 

 

NEXT HALF-DIME, No. 839, IS
A MIGHTY LIVELY STORY!

in which Broadway Billy and his “Tandem Team,“
and a brave comrade, all run the gantlet of perils
never dreamed of even in their knowledge of crook
life in the Great City. It is:

Broadway Billy's Big Boom;

on,
Cornering Counterfeit Crooks.
BY J. c. cownnicx.

Starting in on what seemed to be a simple quest
for a lost child, the search suddenly develops a
diabolical scheme that contemplates even murder in
its consummation; and so well conceived is this
scheme that

Billy Weston and His Boys
In the Clutch 0! the Crooks

find their foil almost before their detective work
has commenced. All three, separately, and with-
out the knowledge of the others, are
Run in by the Rogues!

So it is. as we say, a mighty lively story—that of
their getting in and getting out of the murderous
clutch.

Then of the developments that follow—the bring-
ing to light of the ‘

Big Rogue Rookery!

the revelations of the well planned rascality regard-
ing the lost child. and the startling expose of the
counterfeitcrs' den—all make a rattling romance
that no one wi‘l miss reading who wants

The Boss Detective Story of the Day.

Beadle's Half-Dime lihrary.

BY “'ILLIA‘J ll. lii'iiTlCll.

I90 Dandy Dnrlleg or, The Tigers of High Pine.
210 ‘nro Frank: M. Dandy Darke‘l (Jo-Down Pard~
818 The lluntler Rogue-Catcher.

BY J. C. COWDRIOK.

Broadway Billy Novels.

490 Broadwny Billy. the lloothlack iii-ave.
514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Cieiulng aStrange Cm.
1586 Broadway llllly’u ‘Diiiikllty.”
557 Broadway Bill ’I Death Bucket.
679 Broadway BII y‘i- Surprise Party.
605 Broadway Hilly} or, The iioy Dctoctive'l Bi! Inning.
«as Broadway Billy iI Dcnd Act: or. The League at Seven.
66” Broadway 'BIlly Abroad; or. The Bootblurk in Frisco.
675 Broadway Billy's Best; indicating San Francisco’s Plant.
687 Broadway Billy In Clover.
896 Broadway Billy in Texas; or, The River Rulilerl.
708 Broadway Billy’s Brand.
711 Broad wuy Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal.
720 Brondwny Bllly’u Full "and; or, The Gunin Detective.
785 Broadway Billy’s Busineu.

H Brood way Billy’s Curlqu Cue.

 

 

8
58 Bron: wny Billy In Denver.
80 Bron: way Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detectives.
69 [iron WI! Billy: the Retricvrr Detective.
7‘ Brood way Billy a Shadow Chloe.
88 Brent way Billy’s Beagles; or The Trio’o Quest.
86 Brom way Billy's Team; or, Tin Combino'l Big Poll.
00 Broni wny Billy’s Brigade; or. The Dead Alive.
796 Bron“ way Billy's Quoedr Bequoot.

n

y is
ill 5 Broad wu Bill "I Iii nnl Sm

0 B ’ ’ “Tye Out. l
815 Broad way Billy’s Bonk Buckets}

 

 

BY ED‘VABD L. \‘i’llEELER.

Deadwood Dick N ovcln.

I Deadwood Dick. the Prince oi the Road.

20 Deadwood Dick's Doilnucc; or, Double Daggers.

28 Dciulwood Dick In Disguise; or, Bullish lien.

85 Deadwood Dick In "I: Castle.

42 Dcudwooll Dick'u Iionnnzu: or, The Phantom Miner.

49 Dcudwood Dick In Duugcr: or. Onmm (ill.

5? Deadwood Dick’n Eagles: or,’l‘he Pards oi Flood Bar.
_ 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck: or. Calamity .' math.» llerolno
17"?) ll;(-.ml|wooi‘l1 lll’llcli'; Lluzt  or. CUMUW‘J' Chums-

" em woo c ' ii an \' c.
104 Deadwood Dick's Device ' or, The Double Crun Sign.
109 Deadwood Diok nu Detective.
129 Deadwood Dick‘s Double: or. The Gorgon's Gulch Ghost.
 Deiullwoml' lll’l'ct’n Ill‘ilun: lillt'ol‘; “hAliiiunde Illll.ll

> .D Dcm “'(NM c ‘n I; tr 1" or, Gunmetal...
166 DcudWoool Dick oi’ Deadwood: or, The Pirked Party.
lib") Deadwood chk’n Dream; or. The Rivals ot'the Road.
2M Dciulwood Dick‘s “’urd: or, Thr lilui‘k lilil'chlcbel.
211i? Illenhlwooi:  lll'oon‘i :"rrr, feloniin June's Adventure.
2 Den wooi c in out cu .
221 Deadwood ll ck‘n DcutIi-l'luni.
232 Gold-Dust D ck. A Romance of Rough- and Tonghl.
 Bout: woo: “:ctzn ::l\'it(:(' ‘or,l'll'hc. Spirit of Swamp Lake.

» em woo c 'll cu I ru .
809 Deadwood Dick’u Deni; on'l'lm Gold Brick oiOreKon.
:er Deadwood Dick’s Dozen: or, The Fnklr ui'i’lmuimn Flats
B47 Deadwood Dick‘n Ducnir: or, Days in the Ilifigingl.
 Ilzeniiwootll ll;l‘ell("8iiilli4:|llccd§ or, in» Terrible endctta.

em woo c ' n- u m.

405 Deadwood Dick in Dead ('ii .
410 Deadwood Dick’s DInrnondo.y
421 Deadwood Dick In New York; or. A “ Cute Cars."
430 Deadwood lflck’n Dru-ix n-r, Tho.- Chained Hand.
411: :Dcudwooi: Brat, :I'r: magma Crimson Crescent Sign.
4 lcndwooi c '. r.'il. c once.
45!! Deadwood Dick .lr.'~ Full "and.
459 Deadwood Dick: Jr.’il. Bit" Round-DD.
465 Dcudwood Dick, Jr.‘n. Rnckct ut Claim 10.
1;] lllkcugwoo:  glaze. i"(lrl’lll:: or, [i'ozciimn Bill.

6 ‘u woo c ' r. i- on ctci-t ve.
 Beudwoofl  in: lll(llel|(l“:)0(l.
- out woo c ‘ . r. .- ‘om nc .
496 Deadwood Dick: Jr.‘ui lnllcli‘Itunce.
500 Deadwood Dick, .lr.’u, Di Inga.
508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'u. De yer-once.
Elli Deadwood Dick, Jr.‘n. l’rotcgce.
629d Deadwood Dick. Jr.‘o. Three.
529 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'n, Dunxcr Duckn.
52M. Deadwood Dick. .lr.’u. Deuth llunt.

      

~ 0 “'00 1' ' r. ll' 0! OC
5?? Rengwom‘:  .p-f, in. (Illzhlllcttle. Q
5 r on woo c '. . r. n -‘.o um.
a;  arr i": l" rare. ..
v e woo c ' r.. n u c a.

    
. ei woo! c '. . r. out.
584 Deadwood Dick. Jr]. In Denver.
5590 Deudwood Dick. o'l'.’l' Decree.
595 Deadwood Dick Jr.. In Beclzchub’s Basin.
 {=QBI:W'OOI}  gr... iii. Cori- llsllnni.
em wom c r. n .cni v e .u .
are Deadwood Dick: .Ir.. in Detroit. y
(“R Deadwood DIck,-Jr.. In Cincinnati.
624 Deadwood Dick. Jr" In chmln.
680 Deadwood Dick. .lr.. In No Man’s Land.
 guiflwoohl  gr" {\i’tfiréh‘e Queer.
cu woo ~'. r. n u no.
648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.':‘. Chane Across the Continent
 RenalWooal  gr... Aiming the bimugglerl.
en woo ' . not v-uurnnce ‘nse.
666 Deadwood Dick: Jr., Duck in the Mines.
672 Deadwood Dick, .1 r.. In Durnngoi or,“ Gathered In."
 gcfiwood met, $151!, gist-olvery; or,Fonnanortune.
i: wood c , r. I. on: c.
600 Deadwood Dick Jr.’n. Dollars.
895 Deadwood Dick: Jr., at Dungcr Divide.
:32 one...“ no   p .
on w c r. u no - o .
no Deadwood Du-k’ .Ir..’ In sum Francisco.
 l'I.t‘itiil\\'ii(MII  jrfl’u, lil’till‘llunt.
‘ eui wool c r. om noon.
res Deadwood Dick: Jr.’:: Dim-inc.
784 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’u, Double Dcul.
740 Deadwood ch ', Jr.’~, Dentliwuu‘h.
747 Deadwood Dick. .lr.'u, Douhlct.
752 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’i4, Dcuihblow.
 Beifiwood Bit-ii. grin, rec-pcfiutcdStruli»
c. wow c ', r. I. .one an .
770 Deadwood Dick lr.'l. Defeat.
7?“ Deadwood Dick: :Ir.’u. Resurrection.
g8? Benniwoog  .gr.’u.“Datr&< Days.
#3 cuiwoo c o r. c c .
792 Deadwood Du-k', Jr.,’u. Donnie Device.
797 Deadwood Dick, Jr‘JI. Desperate Venture.
802 Deadwood Dick. .lr.‘iI. Diamond Dice.
807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.‘n. Royal Plush.
“2 Deadwood DIck,’Jr.‘n. "cud-011'.
816 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'u. llivnl.
#116 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’r, Rival.

BY “’31. G. I’ATTEN.

629 Violet Vane. the Velvet Sport: or, The Jubilee, o! Jnclitown.
31m Violet. Vane’s Vk-uu-y; or. The .lulpcr City Clean Out.
693 Violet and Dquy. the Pen Perils.
70:; Violet, Vune‘n Vow; or. Tie Crnity Deieetive’l Crnit.
721 Violet Vuuc’il Von ounce; or, The Wipeflni.

Violet Vunc’il Vern lei; or, The (imm- ut (‘uilin City.
I Vlolct Vane, the Vi-nirlloquiut Vldocq; or, S mri .1, Spa“,
0 Violet Viuie. the Vanqui-heil: or. The thc Struggle.
ll Violet Vune‘s Vialoii; or. The Fiery Hand of Fate.

. ii I‘lic. lbimnoml Hporl : or, The Douhl- Face oi Uni Rock.
519 Cu tum .tlyuter '; unFIve in One.
581 Do n) "are the. port from Denver.
587 Old Bolnlwhcll, the Ranger Detective.
604 Iron Fern, the Man oi Fire: or, Anmng the Vultures.
619 The Bo ' ’I‘riunp Detective: or.’l‘iw Double Hvipwnnnn
O41 Dl'nmul uch Dandy I'm-d: or, The (‘lne toCanCiaw
651 Bound Boy Frank. the Young Amateur Detective

2 W ld Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider.

#NNQ'I
1 an...»

‘ 714 Did Misery the Man from Missouri.

774 Clear-Grit Cal, the Never Say-Die DeicCiIt'e.
7R9 Sum h‘llcrldnn. the Secret Service Special.
806 Cowboy Steve the Ranch Mascot.

BY COL. A. F. BOLT.

817 Wldcawukc. the Train—boy Detective. W"

811 Headlight Harry's Flycr; or, Duke Derby.

673 Ileud‘light llurry’u lluzord; or. The Lightning Express
cleft vr.

tint Barry's llnul; or, The Railroad Penis.

:ht Barry's Siren; or. Mud Madge.

759 "cm gilt llurry'o Heritage.

794 lim- -ht llnrry‘o llunt or, The Cache of Gold.

.99 "luck Buckskin; or.’l'hs . inked Men of Death Only”.

‘10 Kenneth, the Knlfodflng: or, The Doomed Six.

485 Little Li htfoot. the Pilot oi the womn.

5.8 The Dan y Sport; or,'l"ho King Pin Con-pinion

BY BUFFALO BILL (lion. Wu. F. ()0th
. Kan-no King: or, The Red Right Band.
I. The Phantom 38y I or,Tho Pilot of the Prairie.
'5 Deadly-Eye. the nknown Scont‘ or, The Banded Brotherhood
08 Border Robin flood; or The 'Preirie Rover.
158 Funny Frank of Color 0; or, The Tnpper'e Trust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  
 
  

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772 Dick Dooln‘n Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny.
777 chk Doom'u Der-tiny; or, The River Blackleg’n Terror.
7"} Dick Doom: or. ’I he Sharps and Sharks oi New York.

7’“ Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Math.

798 Dick Doom in Chicago.

793 Dick Doom in the “'Ild \Vest.

808 Dick Doom‘s (‘lenu Sweep; or, Five Links in a. Clue.
sort Dick Doom'u Dcutli I'lue.

Nil! Dick Doom’u Diamond Dcul.

749 Dnullinu Charlie; or The Kentucky Trudert‘ooi’s Flrut Trail.
7.36 Dita-hing (llinrllc‘a Destiny: or, The Beucgmie’s (Ti-pure.
760 Dashing (‘hurllc’il I'uwnco l’urd.

766 Din-hing Clinrllc, the licscuer.

49? Buck Taylor, King oi the Cowboys.

73'? Buck 'l'uy‘lor, the ('oinanche's L‘n utivc.

743 Buck Taylor‘s liloyu; ur,’l‘he Re Riders oi'the Rio Grands.
560 l’uwnec Bill, the Prairie Shadower.

’lei l'nwnce Bill; or, Curl, the Mini Cowboy.

719 l’nwncc lilli‘n Pledge: or, The ('owboy'l Doom.

725 l’uwnee Bill; or, Dnringllick.

092 llcdi’crn‘u Curious Case: 0|. Th! Rivhl Sharp!-

697 Redi'crn iii. Devil’s Bunch; or,Thr Sharp from Texas.
7013 licdi'crn’u High "and; or illuc Jacket.

707 RcAli'crn‘u Lust Trail: or, The Red sombrero Range".
66“ lit-Al Ralph's Rune; or. The But-insect ‘Mldshi Hull“.

67-! lied liulph‘n Bold (inn-c; nr,'l‘l_ie Vi iuird .ullur.

1579 Red Ralph, tile Shinlowvr, or, The Proceeotur’a Legacy.
644 Butterfly Billy's Din-guise. _

“50 Butterfly Billy, the Pen Expreu Rider.

656 Butterfly Billy‘s Mun llnnt.

one Butterfly Billy‘s Bonanza.

566 Kent Kingdom or, The Owl: of the Overlnnd.

570 Kent Kingdon'u Shadowcr; or, the Card Queen.

575 Kent Klngdon’o Duel; or, The burp-on Scout.

5’36 Kcnt Klugdon’u Doom; or. The Buckskin Avenger.
545 Luiiitc Run Dov": ; or, The Buccaneer- of Burrutaria.
550 Luilttc'll Lexucyg or. The Avenglng Son.

555 Luilttc’s Confession; or, The Creole Corsair.

520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow.

525 The Buck-kin Brothers in Texas.

580 The Buckskin Bowers: or. The Cowboy Pink“.

535 The Buckskin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive.
540 The Bucknkln l'urdo‘ Quest; or, Captain Ku-Klnr.
503 The "0an Middy ; or. The Shark‘nnd the Son Cat.
507 The Iloyul Middy'u Luck; or, '1 he llunted Midshipmlnp
511 The Royal Middy‘n Foe.

459 “'Iznrd “'Ill x or. The lloy Frrrct oi New York.

454 “'Izurd \Vill’s Street‘ficoutu.

474 “'lzurd “'ill’u l'uril- or. Flora, the Flower Girl.

488 “'lzurd “'ill'u Luni. ‘nne; or. The Ferrets Afloat-
429 Duncan Durc. the Boy Refugee.

433 Duncan Dnrc‘n l’loi: or. A Cable Boy’s Luck.

487 Duncan Dure’n I’rlnc; or, Tin-Sm Raider.

44! Duncan Dure‘n Secret: or. The Ocean Firem-

402 Ioodor. the Youn Oonuplrntor: or, The Fatal begun.
407 luodor‘n Double inane; nr.’l‘lw Boy lnlurzeut.

412 lsodor’u “'ur-Cloud' Cruise; or, 'llu- Wild Yuchtnmnn.
9| 6 Hilton Bill. the Prince oi the Reine.

222 “ill”! Bill‘s Clue: or. Grit, the there Sport.

304 Dcud Shot. Diuidy’u llcmmn.

808 Dead Nhut Dnndy'u ouble; er, Keno Kit.

814 Dead Shot Dundy'u Dciluncct "r. The iiuv Burler.

607 Dead Hhot Dundy'u Clili-i; or, The River Detective-

246 Merle Monte-’1- Lcnp for Life.

250 Merle Monk's Mutiny i or. Brandt, the Buccaneer. '
264 Merle Monte'n Treasure Iii-land. ,1

269 Merle Monte the Condcmn -d ;

c .
876 Merle Monie’o Cruise: or "That Gold Ship" Chase.
2H0 Merle Monto'o an; or, he Piruw‘n Pride.
.84 Merle Monte’u Pledge; or, The Son Marauder.

197 The Kid Glove Sport; or. Little (hit, the Wild Rider.
20-1 The Kid Glove Sport’s Doom; or, Buil'alo Bill, the
“my Express Rider.

781 Buth Redmond, the Girl Shadow”.
«Mi Orlando. the ()«mn Free Flag.
6i? llolpli. tlIc Dead-Shot Scout.
602 The \ ugubond oi'tlle lines.
597 The 'l‘exum Detective: or. The Block llrnvoc.
591 Dclvnonic. the Young Sea Rover; or. The Avenging Sailor.
5!“! The Outed-It Cadet; or The False Detective.
495 Arizona Joe; ur, The Boy l’urd of Texan Jack.
487 Neruda Ned. the Revolver Banker
468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster; or, l’irnte in Spite.
we The Sailor Boy Wanderer; or. The Born Guide.
44“ llnphnznrd llurr ; or. The San Sea grace.
898 The Bed Clu-pc llundn: or, The my Lieutenant.
89? \Vfll' nth “Vill. ill-I. Traitor Guide.
333 The Tndian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Inland.
877 Bouodel, the Boy Rover: or.The Fingioll Schooner.
2N7 Billy Blue-Eyed, oi’ the Rio Grundc.
$87 Lone Star. the Cowboy Ca tain.
229 Crimson Katc, the Girl railer; or.le Cowboy’s Triumph.
116 The lliiiuur Captain: or, The Hevmlt of Hell Gate. 1
"I The sthevll ; or, The Mldnhlpinan'o Legacy.
102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Siuuggier; or, The Cruise oi the Vixen.
75 The Roy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sen-Wolf.
053 The h‘lindow Ship; or,’l'hc Rival Lieutennnil.
24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone.
17 Ilnlph Boy, the Boy Buccnnwr; or. The Fugitive Yacht.
'i' The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast.

LATEST AND NEW ISSUES.

R19 Dick Doom’u Girl Mascot. By Col. Prentiis lgrahain.
H20 Noth Nut. the Teiidcri‘oot Detective. lly “'In. . Patton.
321 Bromi'wuy Billy’s Bluff. IlyJ. (7. andriek.
R22 I'I'IlllW'OOll Dick. .lr.’n, Boom. lly Ed. 1.. Wheeler.
1428 Poker Jack. the Dctcctlvc Sport. Dy Uli Coomes.
R24 Bowery Billy. the lhmco Bouncer. BvJo Pierce.
H25 Marlo, the owboy Counter. Cy lol. P. lngruham.
3‘36 Broguillvny Bllly Among Jersey Thugs. 15" J. C.
I owi r r .
327 The Buntum flport. lly T. C. Ilnrbuugh.
82R Deadwood Dick. .lr.’il. Scoop. By Ed. L. Wheeler
829 The Gentleman (‘rook In Chicago; or, Dick Doom’e
Slimliuw Hunt. By Chi. P. lngrnhain.
880 The (ii-rim Lodger! In Ila: Alley; or. Citizen Rube
of Number Seven. By Ben D. Hullhiav.
881 The Chicago Drummer’o Deni. By J. G. Bethune.
832 The Doctor Detective in Tcqu. By Lien}. A. K. Simm.
N83 Broadway Billy’s Bold. By J. C. Cowdnck. _
884 Deadwood Dick, Jr)», l’roxy. By Ed. L. \\ heels].
1‘85 Dlek Doom’u Biz llnul. lly Col. P. lllrrsnnm.
Oi Sharper flitoke'o Double Deni. Bv Wm. G. l‘iiiten.
337 The Bi Four of the Bowery. By Jo Pierce, '
838 goiter ’ete’a- Double Dodge; or, The Cline (all.

y Wm. R. Enter. . .
889 Brondwny Bill 'n Blf Room; or, Cornering Counterfeit .
Oroolm. By . C. wdric .
840 Dendwood Dick’s Clutch or, Crushing] Captain Crusher.
By Edward l. Wheeler.

A New lune Every Tuoodny.

The n."- m-: Library  {or sale by all newdulerlfilvo» '

cents per copy, or tool by mail on receipt oi nix onto each.
3mm AND ADAXC. Pullillorl,
‘ 06 William Itroot. New York. .

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a v.\.. .