fifi‘: “ ’ _ ' — _ i IlllH-IIIHIIIIIIIHIHIJIhl ‘ ‘ x ‘x \ \\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\® \ \ \\\§\' \ \ \\\ -, _ 3‘ / .. "A _“I\\\ \ V 4£%‘:S‘9 ‘\ _ \ A \ [III III M W .fl.‘ 4wmtiz,=:1!,1‘a mm all [u u m :fl’l lll III III M III III III Ill III III III III III II III N . Ml . m \ HI] HIKV Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1891. by BEADLE AND ADAMS. December 4, 18254. 1 No. 906. 51:22:; v01. mv. Sflffll 33111 [Ilflfl 0183 'OP’HIGHHUSTHNG ° 0 , u , AT SILVER CITY. \ \ A LONE HORSEMAN WAS SEEN \VAVXNG ms um‘ smumxu 1x TUE DIRECTION OF THE TOWN. Safety Sam, THE CYCLE SPORT; OR, High Hustling at Silver City. BY J. C. COWDRICK, AUTHOR or “BROADWAY mam,” “summer s'rILLwooD," “THE LAWYER DETEC- TIVE,” ETC., are, are. CHAPTER I. THE sron'r 0N WHEELS. “ SAM, you can’t do it." “ I’m going to make a try for it, anyhow, Hugh ” “But, you'll fail, and maybe lose your life besides. If they had only spared my mare—” “My steed of steel here will outdo any horse on the plains, Hugh, not even ex- cepting your bonny bay. I’m sorry the mare was killed, nevertheless, for she was a dandy.” ,’ The speakers were as unlike as two men well can be. ' The first to speak was a bronzed, bearded fellow of forty years, clad in the fatigue dress of a Government scent. The other was a younger man, maybe thirty years of age, good‘lqoking and with something of the air of a s ort about him. He was 0 ad in a bicycle su t of serviceable material and stood leaning upon the handle- bar of a flneeafety bicycle. ' The little town of Freeman. situated upon the level plain and about equidistant from Fort Fenton and Silver City, was all excite- ment. For many months there had not been the sign of an outlaw or dangerous Indian in that part of the country. but now suddenly a band of outlaws and cut-throat Apaches in about equal numbers had put in their appearance. I When first sighted at Freeman, a lone horseman was seen, waving his hat, speeding in the direction of the town, with a score of others in hot pursuit, and firing as they game. The citizens of the town made ready in a hurry to receive the fugitive and give his pursuers a warm reception if they kept up the chase. The latter 'were gaining, but finally, seeing the men of the town coming out to the rescue. the swerved and ratio 011‘ in the direction of Si ver City without corn- ino' within bullet range. , The fugitive came on, but it could be seen that his horse had been hard hit, and, in a few minutes more, the animal stumbled and fell. The rider landed on his feet, but his staggering was proof that he, too, had been struck. By this time he had been recognized as 'Hugh Mackey, better known as “ Long-dis- tance Hugh,” a scout doing service at Fort Fenton. , , The crowd hurried forward to his aid. He was badly wounded, but not fatally so, and he quickly told his story, The band had come upon him suddenly and unexpectedly, and had forced him to run for his life, and Freeman being the nearest place, he had headed for there. His great desire was that word should be carried to the fort with as little dela as os- sible, but all admitted thatit would he a dan- gerous undertaking, before night, and by that time the outlaws could do mischief much and be miles away. At’ that point the Bicycle Sport had come forward and offered his service. Sain‘floflman was a of Silver City, , .and was new knownras"Safi Sam,"hav- ing been the one tointrodnoe. ‘ bicycle in- to that part ofthe country. .. He was the only OWner of a, wheel there, as yet.'thongh the country was’of the ideal kind for the bicycle—save to the north of Sil- g Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport. ver City, where the hills began, and soon merged into mountains. Sam had been making a tour to the South, and had that morning reached Freeman on his way back to Silver City. His olfer was met with the doubt express- " I don‘t know, Sammy,” the scout still disputed—they were '" well acquainted. “ Seems tcr me it would be a question of wind, and I know a boss kin outrun a man every time. If they git after you the way they was after me—” " They will get left behind, old man, you can depend on it. You don’t understand the bicycle yet. I’ll carry the news to the fort for you, and any other information you have for the commander, and I’ll cover the dis- tance in quicker time than you could do it with the best horse in the world.” ' “ Well. I s’pose you know what you kin do, Sam.” “ I ought to, by this time, Hugh, and I’m right in trim for a race, too.” “ Try et if you want to, then, Sam, for I guess nobody else hyer is dyin’ to undertake the jab.” - ‘ I Which was true; no one was anxious to take up the scout’s work and carry to the fort the information concerning the outlaws. All recognized the fact that there was danger in the undertaking. . It was thought that the fellows-had come with the intention of stealing some horses, but it was probable that they intended a good deal worse than that. Perhaps the new mining-camppf Gold Lode, to the, north of Silver City, was their objective point. A boom was in the ascendency at Gold Lode. ‘ Safety Sam had been about ready to con- tinue on his way to Silver City when the ex- citement arose. ' ‘ 'v His wheel was one of the finest, light but extra strong, and it was fitted with a pair of special pneumatic tires“ On it he carried a rifle, and a sort of semi~military knapsack was swung within the diamond. Acouple of revolvers in holsters at his hips com leted his armament. and he looked like a ba snag to run up against. He now prepared to mount. “And that’s all the news I’m to carry?” he made inquiry. , “That’s all,” answered the scout. “ You kin tell General Fielding to ’venge the death of the best boss I ever straddled.” “ To say nothing about the bullet you got yourself. Yes, I’ll do that, never fear. But, now I’m off. With good traveling nearly all the gay, I ought to make more than horse spee .n i I He stepped lightly from the ground to the saddle and started. The crowd broke out in a cheer as they watched him spin away rapidly, and Safety Sam teak off his cap and waved it' in re- spouse. CHAPTER II. FORT FENTON.—SAhI'S ARRIVAL. Four FENTON lay dull and frowning un. -de.r the slanting rays of the late afternoon Sun. There Was nothing to be seen, far as the eye could reach,save the level and almost barrenplain, excepting-only the course of the river. which ran to the north-west. - The river was marked by a. long thread of trees and undergrowth that stretched away like a great, green serpent across the brown, sunburnt wastes. and through which, here and there, glimpses of the-river could be caught, like flashes from the . face of a mir- ror. . ~ On the top of the house occupied by the _ commander of'the fort were a man and a woman. The housetop was flat with a parapet on every side, and served the purpose of a point looked for for acouple of hours yet. ' for the of lookout. In fact, it was a favorite resort of the commander’s for an hour or so after the heat of the day. General Fielding was the man mentioned as being there on this occasion. The woman with him was a. short, fleshy lady, with sil- vered hair, perhaps eightor ten years younger than the commander. She was a widow, visiting at the fort as chaperon to some younger ladies. " And you have no misgivings as safety, general?” we find her asking. ” None whatever, Mrs. Masters,” the hearty. strong-featured commander of the post answered. “There have been no dan- gerous characters around here in a long time." “I am so glad to hear you say that," the plump widow gushed. “ I should never forgive myself, general, if anything should happen to the dear girls, But, then, had there been danger, you would never have allowed your dau hter to go.” “Correct, Mrs. , Iasters. Had I known of any danger. or even suspected such, I won] not have allowed Fanny to leave the fort. They will return, all in good season, never fear. They are in safe hands, with Lieuten- ant McKenzie and Shandy Grafi. 'Of course, they would not leave Silver City until toward evening.” “ And it is a long distance.” “As I told you this morning. But, let us be seated; there is no use our looking for their appearance for a couple of hours yet. ’: The commander had his field glass in hand, and he raised it to his eyes to take a parting sweep of the horizon as he finished the remark, while Mrs. Masters sat down. Suddenly the general gave a start and fixed his attention upon a certain spot in the distance. _ The woman noticed his manner, and w1th commingled interest and alarm demanded: ‘ ‘ -Wbat is it, General Fielding?” “ Just what I’m trying to make out,” was the response. “ Is it they?” ' ' The widow was precise in her grammar, when she tried to be, which was all the time to their r-unless, perchance, she was excited. you they could notBlée sides, this thing is-coming from the direction of Freeman— Hal now I make it out; it must be that fellow, Safety Sam.” “ What a name!” “Hal hal Well, yes, it is rather odd, at first hearing. But, something is up, for he is coming like the very dev— Your pardon. Mrs. Masters; but, really, be is coming like the very wind." ' . “ It is evident that you draw a distinction between the tWo termS, general,” the wo- man remarked, in a would-be clever manner. “ But, no matter; I am growing used to the wild ways of your Wild country out here. and such slight departures are becoming less shocking.” Shewas watching the commander’s face while she was speaking, looking up at him in asmilin way which, in a younger per- son. mlghtéliave been suspected as an attempt at flirtation. ' And as she looked she noticed that his face suddenly pilled and that the lines around his .7 month rew hard, and she sprung to her feet in a arm. ’ “ General, what is it?” she asked, gratping his arm. , V “Apaches, by thunder!" The words were spoken in a voice akin to thunder, too, and there was now no apology profanity. - “Indians?” the woman gasped. “Nothing 1888. and the worst- On the fat.» Of the earth." ' ' . . “ Gracious heavensi. What Will become of your daughter and mine, and of May Har- very? to say nothing-—” “What is goingto become of that man “ No, no; I told s, . - . s waxing“: ; s .' » mi: Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport. who is trying to escape, is what we had bet- ter ask just now,” the commander interrupt- ed, in a. brusque manner, and he ran to the opposite parapet. “ Ho! orderly ‘2” He had to call a second time before he was answered. “Tell Captain Dettlinger to get out his company as quick as God will let him, and dash to the rescue of that fellow coming from Freeman 1" The orderly saluted and was away on a run instantly, while General Fielding turned and put his glass to his eyes to take another look at the fugitive wheelman, Mrs. .Mas- ters, meanwhile wringing her hands in ex- citement and dismay. “ Will he esczipe, general?" the woman ventured to inquire. It was a moment before General Fielding made answer, and the answer appeared upon his face before it left his lips. The lines around his mouth relaxed slight- ly, an expression of relief came over his face, and when he lowered his field-glass he had only to put into words what he had already 'tol silently. “ He’ll escape, if nothing breaks.” he said. “ He is coming like the wind, and so are the red-skins, but he has got it all his own wa 'if 'he holds out. The only thing 1 fear s that they will not follow him 81‘ enough for us to get a crack at them.” - . “I can see them now.” “‘ Here, take the glass and lookl” He gave his field-glass into her hand and turned to shout some directions to Captain Howard Dettlinger, who Just then came dashing up from the barracks. I When Mrs. Masters had focused the glass 'to her own sight, she was thrilled by' What she saw when she leveled it at the moving objects so far away that they could jut be made out with the naked eye. Distance was annihilated in the moment. There was the bicycle-rider bending over at his task as he made the wheels spin, and behind him came six or eight Indians at full speed. Puffs of smoke were seen, too, from the weapons of the Indians, and its eemed strange :to Mrs. Masters that she heard no report. blft when she removed the glass from her eyes 15 was no mystery. The vision receded as if it had been only a picture fastened to a strong rubber of which ‘ she had just let go the en _. General Fielding rejoined her, while Cap. tain Dettlinger hurried back again to the bar- racks, and. a few moments later, the boys in ‘blue dashed out upon the plain with a ring. ‘ing cheer, and were away to the rescue. The commander of the fort took the glass .3 ain, but as soon as he got it adjusted to his sight he uttered an imprecation. The Indians had given up the pursuit, and were running away “‘1”! as much speed in another direction, as if aware of their danger. ‘_ CHAPTER III. FORWARD TO THE RESCUE. "“DAsr'theml” was the commander's ex- pression, “ they have given up the Chase; but our boys will not give them up so easrly; they can bet their feathers On that!” “ Then they are going away, general ?” asked Mrs. Masters, venturing to lay her pininp ~lingersupon the commander’s sleeve. ” Yes; proof that they km“? the fort is here, which is also proof that they are no strangers." , ' . hi“ And the door girls will be Safe. do you t nk “.7” “Perfectly so. Mrs. Masters. Our boys will attend to the red-skins. 9t. let .us go down and welcome that during bicycle-rider. I must hear his story of the race he has been running." ' o ' The plump little woman ran girhshly for. to give you a chance at them. I was in no ward to the opening in the roof, and the commander took her hand to assist her down the rather steep stairs to the floor below, but she clung to his hand even further than that, perhaps unthinkingly—it had that ap- pcarancc. By the time they reached the outer fence of the fort grounds the bicyclist was drawing near, and they had not a great While to wait for him to come up and dismount. His face was flushed and he was perspiring freely, but with respect to his nervo he was as..unconcerned as if out for an afternoon spin. He saluted as soon as he touched the ground, and General Fielding demanded: “ Safety Sam, what are you doing here?” “I am playing the role of Government scout, at present, general,” was the cheery response. “And you came near to sharing the fate of some Government scouts I have heard of, too." rejoined the, commander. “ You are lucky that you are Wearing your scalp, I should say.” The Cycle Sport smiled. “They had me on the hustle at first, eneral, I admit, when their horses were resher, but toward the last I was only play— ing with them to lure them on, for I wanted danger," “ Barring accidents.” ” Of course. " “ Well, where are you from? But, first, let me introduce you.” . - Safety Sam was duly presented to the plump. widow, after which he told what had happened to Lon g-distance Hugh, and what had taken place since his own departure from Freeman. ~ “And you say_there are more of them?” the commander of the fort mused. “ Yes, there must have been a score in the band at first, as [ said, but not more than seven or eight of them were after me. They were no doubt told off to intercept any one must start out on the trail to Silver City im- mfediately. Mrs. Masters, I must take cave 0 you.” “ But, you will be careful, general?" she asked feelingly, looking up into his face. “ We ll be careful to give the red devils what they deserve, when we fall in with them, if that is what you mean,” was the rough but kindly response. “ I mean careful of yourself.” “ Don‘t trouble your head about me, Mrs. Masters. I’m all right. I’ll have one of the men accompany you to the house—" “ Not at all, general, for it is only a step away. But, do not fail to bring the dear girls safely home, and be very sure to take good care—3’ But, the commander had lifted his hat to her and was alreadp hastening to meet the man who was bring ng his horse. As he went he looked to speak again to Safety Sam, but the Cycle Sport was not to be seen. “ Where is that fellow?” the commander cried, stopping. _ “ What fellow, general?” asked a soldier, saluting. “ Sam Hoffman, or Safet Sam.’.’ “ Why, he’s gone; there e goes!” . The man pointed, and the commander of the fort saw the cyclist in the distance. spin- nin away in the direction Of Silver City. PE: had mounted, unnoticed by the gene~ ral, had crossed the bridge that spanned the river just there, and was “ pedaling " rapid- ly in the direction named, to the rescue of one he lewd—Fanny Fielding, the comman- der’s daughter! . ~' Sam Hofl’man had first seen her at Silver City, and her beauty and peerless grace in the saddle captivated him immediately. times, and on one occasion had escorted her for arido to try a new horse He loved her, but there was an obstacle in the way; the young lady was engaged. Lieutenant William McKenzie was the who might attempt to carry the news of their presence from Freeman to the fort, and as I was that one they took after me like racers.” . ‘ “And you out-distanced them on that thing." “ Exactly.” “ But, which we the rascals go? that.” . , . “They went in the direction.of .Silver City, or more properly, in the direction of Junction.” “ VVhewl" ' General Fielding’s face grew set and stern in an instant. as he thought of the danger to his child and her companions. "Mercy!" cried the widow. “The dear girls are in danger after all! Oh! what is oing to be done, General Fielding?” And she caught hold of his arm in her new ex. citement. “ What gii‘ls‘ai’ the Cyele Sport demanded. “Why, my daughter and her visitbrs,” explained the commander. “They rode over to Silver City this morning—” “ Not alone!” h V “ No; there were four men in the party— five, with Shandy Graif as handy man for the day; but, what can they do if they are attacked by a dozen outlaws and Indians?” “Merciful goodness!" gasped Mrs. Mas. did the main body of on have not told me 'ters, clutching his arm Still more tightly. “Can’t you send soldiers to meet them, general ‘2'? “ That is what I must do, immediately,” declared the commander. and he turned abruptly to call to (me of his men, Of course the whole fort was out, the de- ‘parthre of ‘Dettlinger and his men,» and the news of Indians, haying Created great in- terest. - ‘.‘ Twenty troopers, quick as possible, and happy man, and the Cycle Sport knew well enough that the lieutenant was one of the party who had gone to Silver City. But, that mattered. not: Safety Sam was not the man to hold. back where his help was needed, the more especially in this in- stance where love was the added incentive. “If she needs m help she shall have it,” he added to himself, ‘feven'to the risk- ing of my life to restore her to the arms of my rival!” . ' i : With that resolve, he bent to his task and spun along silently in the direction of the “ Junction.” _ The trail from Freeman and that from Fort Fenton, to Silver City, came together about ten miles to the southwest of Silver Cityi and were one trail from that point on- Will'( . This place had been named Junction. and here a trooper met the daily stage to Silver City and received such papers and letters as were directed to Fort Fenton. at the same time delivering any letters that had been sent from. the fort. . Sam knew the whole country well, for the had been doing considerable traveling since he had had his wheel. He was an expert rider, and with muscles like steel wire he had yet to experience his first tire-out. His machine was one of the very best and he was proud of it. Soon he hadyleft the fort out,of sight, and was in the vast solitude of the almost desert} noise ma c by the pedals and the constant. hiss of the broad tires as they ewe t. over the ground, and no living thing was _ n sight on where. l - of a horseman coming from the .09 . rection. riding like a madman. “- my horse,” the commander ordered. “ We --::5- Since that he had visited the fort several. Nothin was to be heard. save the slight ‘ if an hour later the sport - p g in? - creased his speed to meet this rider the more .- quickly. they drew heart? Others, 4 Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport. " r“ . 53'“. r'u»: " 4' Safety Sam recognized Shandy Graif, the trooper, his face pale and wearing a look of horror, while his horse was dripping with sweat and almost winded. CHAPTER 1V. RIVALS IN LOVE. Snaunv Guarr was a Scotchman, and a thoroughly good fellow. He was one of the best-natured men in the world, and the victim of almost every prac- tical joke the ofllcers at the fort indulged in. Safety Sam knew him well. The Cycle Sport dropped from his wheel, and the trooper drew rein when he came up. “What‘s the matter, Shandy?" Sam de- manded. “My God, Maister Hoffman, I am carry- ing the worst news to General Fielding!” “ Then you have encountered the outlaws and Indians?" “ Yes, yes. One man is dead, poor Char- lie Weaver, and Lieutenant McKenzie is bad hurt. And that is not the worst of it—” “ Tell me at once.” “The ladies—they have been taken pris- oners, with the other men, and I was the' only one to get away. But, I-can’t stop; I must run my horse ti 1 he drops, and my own legs must do the rest-” , “Hold on, Shandy! General Fielding knows about the accursed cut-throats, and he. is coming this way now, with his men. No- need for you to go any further. Fanny Fielding —she was not hurt?" “No; but, the have ot her—" "Where was t e attac made?” » . “ Half way between here and Junction.” . “ Then it was not long ago.” “ Less than an hour.” , .“”And which way did the miscreants 0? " To the east, bearing toward the hills. There was a dozen of ’em, at the least.” “ Yes, I know. Well, you may as well stay right here and rub 'our horse and wait for the commander, for a will soon be here. Tell him Safety Sam is on the trail, and tell him to push alon .” ' ‘ . “Be sure’ I w l, Maister Hoflman.” The sport sprung again to the saddle of his wheel, and went spinning along at a rapid rate. - .“It is worse than I imagined,” he said to himself. ‘f I- hoped they would not meet the desperadoes, though I knew if-thcy did it would he the beginning of trauhle. . " And Fanny Fielding—let them harm are hair of her head; and -I’ll hunt them to the death, every dog)“ them, if it takes me a year! She must 6 rescued—yes. at any risk. And I’ll doit, or I’ll lay down my his in the effort. Safety Sam, your work is be- fore ou." ' ' Spite of the miles he had already covered, he bent to his task and made .his wheel carry him forward like the fieetest horse, and, in due time, came to the scene of 'the attack. On the ground lay the body of Charles Weaver, one of the most popular young oiii. cars of Fort Fenton. ' Not far away, under the edge of a clump of stunted mesquite, supporting himself up- on his elbow while he looked to learn what was coming—for his ears were quick and he had caught the sound of the bicycle, was Lieutenant McKenzie. “ Safety Sam!” he exclaimed. » .” McKenzie!” ‘ ’ “ Yes, curse my luck! dy?u ' . i “1 did, and General Fielding is coming with some of the troopers. I must spin right You met Shan- i I . on, while there is daylight left. " The sun had been down for: some minutes . now, andthe first shadows Dignight were be.» ' ' ginning to hover over the plain, .,. “Sam, you will do me a raver-r" ' ~: 1'1! his one that] can do in aminute or '3? the minutesare precious." . .‘\ l v there. Examine it well. 'hurry “ You do not understand; it is nothing you can do here. Promise me that you will res- cue Fanny Fielding, if you—" “ I have already registered the vow that I will lay down my life in the effort, if need be,” the Cycle Sport interrupted. The face of thelieulenant palcd. “ Then ou are still my rival?” he interro- gated. “ on will risk your life because you love her?”' “ I will not deny that I love her, McKen- zie; but, that aside, I would attempt her res- cue anyhow, or the rescue of any other we- man in similar distress. Where are you hurt?" “ My leg is broken, but I am hurt worse in the heart, just now. Well, it is your chance, Sam, and God speed you! Rescue her, at any risk, even if it is to rob me of her love. But, in mercy kill her rather than leave her in the hands of Grat Benson this night.” " Grat Benson, the deserter, your sworn and bitter enemy i” . “Yes, yes; the same. He is the leader of thei band. I knew him in spite of his dis- gu se.” “ And I have heard that he swore he would rob you of Fanny Fielding, even if he had to resort to desperate means to do it. Then he was forbade to speak to her, and he do- serted." ' "And he is ust the fellow to keep his word. He ish , clear through and through, Sam, and has got these cut-throats together and has come here for the one pur ose of carrying out his diabolical threats. it maddens me to think of it! Save her, Sam, even if it be to make her our wife!” “I'll save her, or give my ife to the ef- fort,” was the grim response. “ Hearken: They went to the east, hear- ing toward the bills, but the last I could see of them from here they Were separating as if they intended to scatter in every direction—” 1 ” Good heavensl If that is the case she is ostl” _ “No, no; hear me out: She is in the hands of Benson himself, and he rides a big brown. That is the track of his horse, just You can pick out the same track where they Separated. and that will set you right. if you are success- ful, ou will at least owe this much to me.” “ ’11 not forget it. lieutenant. You said something about his disguise.” “He is ri ged out for an Indian. Some other fellow s, or was, pretending to he at thehead of the band.” ,“ Fanny was on her horse?” “Yes, and tied to the saddle when they started from here.” “ Good enough. Now we are beginning to get the matter in shape, McKenzie, and I only regret that you can’t go with me. ’ “ Rivals as we are, eh ?” “ Rivals as we are. .Wo are not foes, thank God, 'cven if love has strained our friendship.” Safety Sam was standing with his foot on the step, and with his hands on the handles of the handle-bar, ready for the start. “ Anything I can do for you i” he paused to ask. “ Nothing, Sam. Never mind me, but on to rescue her. Take care not to let them get a chance at you, or she is lost.” “ I’ll try to." > With that, the Cycle Sport sprung to the seat and went rolling away. William McKenzie looked after him. and for a few moments his lips moved silently as if in prayer. ' . “ It is a daring risk,” he then said to him- self aloud. “but who would not take it, for her? If he is successful, he-ought to have first claim upon her, hut-—-” - ’ Hedid’not'flnish itiu words. , Meantime Safety Sam was pressing steadily - forward on the trail, at good speed and with- out asign 0t tiring. ‘ ' ‘ The ground was not bad for his purpose. yGodi‘ being almost barren. It was one of those places where, in ages past, the sea must have washed, and which the ages present are only beginning to reclaim from the desert. The trail was broad and easy to follow. But, night was now eoming on, and every passing minute made it more and more diffi- cu t. Before it was quite dark, the lone cycle scout came to the place where the hand of cut-throats had dispersed, and without the clue he possessed he would, perhaps, have been utterly helpless. But, would he be so? Let us see. Dismountiililg, he first of all li hted the lamp with w eh his bicycle was urnished, and by its light be scanned the ground. . It was easy to pick out the tracks of the big brown horse, and presently he struck the trail where it and one other horse had gone off together. A few steps further along, and he picked up one of Fanny Field. ing’s gauntleted riding-glovesl CHAPTER V. THE sron'r’s CLOSE SHAVE. "Hal" he exclaimed, as he caught it up and pressed it to his lips, “this is a grand discovery. The trail would have been mine anyhow, for certainly 1 would have searched well for some guiding clue." Still, he would not deny that the informa- tion he had received from McKenzie had led him to the finding of the glove, and that it. would be the means of saving time which otherwise he must have lost. It was a satis- faction, though, to feel that he could have. done without it. I Alone and unobserved, he pressed the glove fondly, then put it in his pocket. Walking 8. little way, to make sure that he was not mistaken about the tracks, he finally put the lamp in its place and mounted the wheel. “The light will be a telltale,”he mused: “ but, no matter. I can’t do without it. and if I find I am discovered it will take but a moment to put it out and run a new course.” ' He found new that he had to go at a slower gait than before. . He had to keep to the trail by the light, ' and to he sins of it had to be constantly alert. Still, his speed was not. slow. by any means. The ground was smooth enough for safe riding, and, at the same time, the-_ tracks were clear cut and distinct.- He pressed on, and still on. With all the. silence possible. I Presently he came to a sudden stop and dismounted. There were here somedroppings along the ‘ " trail, and he touched one of these with his. finger. . . It was still Warm with animal heat. and‘ this discovery told him that at last he was close upon his foes, and that it would. be necessary for him to observe all poss1ble- caution . “They can’t be far away,” he Said to him-‘ V self. “ Another little spurt. and I’ll have to» dis ense with the light, I suppose.” . e remounted, and, guiding the. machine with one hand. held the lam With the other in such a way that it light just ahead and yet could not seen a great distance off. saw in one direction. Some minutes of this, and he again stop- ped: ho thought he caught the sound, of horses not a very great distance away. Turning low the light he slipped the lamp into his pocket, and'mounting, he took a spin forward through the darkness, at a. re id pace, ' ' , f . oon he halted once more. , There was no mistakin ,the sound now; horses were only a little distance 'ahead, go- ing at an easy lope. he must have run down upon perhaps, discovered. ' up the ground a A little further, am; them, to be, -* j _ A . -mm—m ANA—K- .. A ! ' Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport; w. " 1 esters were ready for instant use, he again 'rode forward. until through the darkness, , , , he caught sight of the dark forms of horses 1 . and riders ahead. Out came one of his revolvers, and he cooked it “ I could do it easily,” he said to himself, “ but there is the possibility of a mistake, and I cannot afford to take the risk of that. .No, I must wait, and let it be by strategy." Advancing yet a little nearer he held that distance, and thus they went forward, :shadower and shadowed. Safety Sam was almost. as silent as a shad- ow, going at slow and steady speed, while those ahead made no sound save by the hoof- .strokes of their animals. Sam. still grasping his revolver, had about ,7, i decided to rush in and bring the matter to a conclusion at once, when the horses came to " g? .a stop. Nomhe slipped from the Saddle, laid the wheel on the ground and ran forward. - “ We’ll stop here and take a. Ijt‘St. my dear,” he heard the man saying. He had dismounted, and was leading his horse a little distance apart to a spot where some bushes marked what might possibly be , a spring. " An will you not free my hands now ?” the voice of Fanny Fielding asked, in pleading accent. “ These cords are almost cutting my flesh, and I cannot help myself in any way whatever.” “ 1’11 attend to that, soon as Iisee whether you are armed or not. Just wait till I secure , my horse.” _ _ ‘ At the same moment the young lady heard . a. hiss of caution at her side, and a hand was ' laid on her arm. ‘ * “Be silent for your life!” whispered the sport. “I am Safety Sam! I’ll save you or we'll die here together, Miss Fielding!” I Even while speaking, he hadcut the lariat that bound her to the horse. Then she was . lifted from the saddle, but in that moment " :they were discovered. Having secured his horse, the outlaw turn- ed to h prisoner; but seeing the saddle empty he sprung forward with an angry 0x- clamation. ‘ Sam gave a pull upon Fanny Fielding’s arm. a signal for her to drop to the ground. and which she understood instantly. While .he turned and leveled his revolver over the saddle ‘ ' ' ‘ “ Stop!" he cried. orI'll drop you!” ,. The outlaw stopped short, but it was only ' , I to jerk a weapon, from his belt and fire, the bullet barely missing Sam’s head. The Cycle Sport did not wait for another Shot. but fired Instantly, and the fellow drop- the ground like a log. without even " uttering so much-{1s a- roan or cry. . ' '.I “ That settles hlm. gues'S," said Sam. " “ And I'am only too glad, for he well de- served it,” declared _the undaunted Fanny. ’ ' "‘ Do you know him?” , i“ Yes; it is that miserable scoundrel, Grat '. ~‘ Benson. whom papa had to threaten toshoot, L got one time. and who afterward deserted.” ,a' “_ Then McKenzie Was right.‘ \But, corne; _ " let .me free your hands. and lfgyou are ready ' ‘ lavill assist you to mount agaiugand will con- duct you to the fort, 01‘ 10 1010". Your father, as‘you prefer.” _ r u r w .‘i‘.My father! Where is he? '. .1,“ He is out in ,pursuit of these.d9vils, I tell‘you all about it as we go aking.” ‘? es, for we must hasten to the rescue of v the others. Ohi itwas horrible, Mr. Hoff- " m9!“ 'Bnt, hbW came you here? Where is A, cyanyhorse? And, how can I thank you for Nth“ ,t service?” ' ‘ 11 0f"w1n'cl1 I-will tell. you as we,.go.u ~u~ w.o:—-» - ‘ . mm1~w-'-v-.. w -. “ Up with your hands, er 0 E l and it. is lying on the ground a little way from here. ’ ‘ 'I‘: ‘ . I ; ".1 might have? knownthat Safety Sara, . Making sure that the guns in his hip hol- would ride nothing else. Yes, I am all 3 ready.” ' took the bicycle lamp from his pocket and Armyou ready? l My horse is my bicyfilé. "1 He helped her to the saddle, and that done. turned up the light. "I'll just take a look at that follow, and see if 1 fixed him for good or not," he re- marked, stepping around in the direction of where the man had dropped. To his great surprise the fellow was not there! At that moment the thud of hoofs was heard, accompanied with a laugh, and a shot was fired in their direction. “Ha! ha! ha! It is Safety Sam, is it? Well_ I‘ll show you how safe you are now, my dandy sport. It won’t take me long to lodge a bullet in you, and then I'll have my prisoner.” He fired again, and the sport returned the compliment. “ We are not out of the woods yet, Miss Fielding,” he said. quickly. “ Come, this way, and I‘ll get my wheel and be off with you. Who would have thought he was tricking me? I don’t see how I missed him. No matter; we are two to one, now, and he knows it.” . Sam ran in the direction of the place where he had left his wheel, found it quickly and leaped to the scat. “ Now, then, a race for life, I suppose," said he. “ If you onl had a wheel, too, Miss Fielding, we could ose him in ten min- utes, for he Would not be able to hear us. Now we're off!” ‘ ‘ CHAPTER VI. SAFETY SAM scones. AND off they were. - The young lady's horse was anything but, freSh. but it was yet good for a considerable race. Barely had they set forward when they heard the big brown thundering after them, and it was plain that they were Seen. The brown, too, seemed to be the faster of the horses. “ Ha! ha! ha!" came the taunting laugh. “It seems we have changed places. Sam Hoffman! Wanted her, and now you have got her‘an'd' I Want her. Let’s see if Ican’tdrop you out of the race, and then I’ll have it all my own ')D ‘ god, forthwith, the whistle of a_bullet was heard. simultaneously, almost, With the report of a revolver. " What shall we do?" asked the young » t ' larm. ,I ' 1aWilli ahave “to stop and kill him, if he is going to keep that up," was the cool re- p '2‘ But, you might get killed yourself, Mr. Hoffman, and then I should be at the mercy of the heartless monster.” ' "Didn’t fetch ye that time, hey?” sun out the pursuer. " Well, here’s for it again, and better luck this time, mebby, rI’m bound to have ye!” Another shot, and the bullet sped unpleas- antly near. Both had gone to the right of the Cycle sport, proof that the outlaw was taking care not to hit the young .woman. Fanny was riding close to his left, and‘ they were speeding along side by side, the sport regulating his speed 19 suit that of the horse the young lady was riding. ' Sam now gripped the handle-bar firmly with one hand, and with the other he drew One of the revolvers from its holster at his hip and fired a couple of shots at the pur- ; suer, firing over his shoulder and without .aim, ’of' course. And another laugh was the result. ; . ., . “ I’ll have to stop and tackle him," the Cycle Sport decided. ' ' l . Before, I had the girl and you - , "Bur, think. of what I said; you might" get killed. yourself. and their” ’ , ., I i “I have been thinking of what you said, Migs Fielding. Your concern was for your- se —” - “No, no, Sam; you wrong me, indeed you do! I spoke thoughtlessly when I said what I did. If you stop, I will stop with H you; you shall not risk your life alone." v ' 'r Another shot, and this time decidedly v ‘ a} close. ' Sam wheeled to the right, sharply, stop- ped, and leaped to the ground. i. , The moment he was upon his feet his guns he ran to talk, and the pursuer turned to the le t to get out of range. Fanny Fielding had turned in the same direction, as it happened, with the object of placing the outlaw at a: disadvantage, between her own weapon and those of her rescuer. ~ . Sam was upon his wheel again in a mo- ment, and started after the ruflian, but, even as he started, he heard ascream from the young lady. » v The rascal had fired 'a shot'vat her horse, at close range, and the bullet had done its work only too We'll! » The animal was rearing. as Sam could see . in the darkness. from his positiOn,'land the L next moment it fell heavily to the ground, ‘ while, with a laugh, the outlaw dashed away. ' , , Sam was to the spot in a moment, and he asked anxiously: " . ; “ Are you hurt, Miss Fielding?" “No, Sam,” was'the glad res ease. “I jumped clear when my poor pet ell.v I. fear we are lost now, for he can circle around us and shoot us down before we can hit him moving." ' , “ We still hays the bicycle," asserted the sport. “ It can chrr us both; it must. He wants you alive, an will not dare. fire a aim for fear of hitting you. Coma] wills oy' you how you must place'yom'self and has - on. It won't be comfortable, for you wifi have to stand on one foot." ~ ' “ No matter; I can do it. Sam. And, we are not so safe as you think, for, if he finds: he cannot possess me. he will endeavor to kill me as well as you.” , ' “You think so?" ;“ . ,V ‘3; I . “He has declared that he will do it. ". “That’s bad; but he'll try to'get possess ~ sion of you before he has resort ,tp’timtna» measure.” . . ~ , .- The Cycle Sport had.‘ While' speaking” rié‘ihted his bicycle.vand- new be said: '- ,. “ You See this step. Well, Iwill mount and start slowly, and as soon as I do so you ‘ put your foot here, taking hold of my coat, , and pull yourself up, and then take hold upon my shoulders.” ‘ . . “I understand, Sam.” ‘ . . “Your right foot will have to hangvidle, and you will have to do the best you can with your skirt, but it is dark.“ and we are . under press of'atern necessity. ,Are you ready?” " . ‘ Sam mounted and started slowly, and the- young lady made the effort to car‘ry‘outathe ’ instruction he had given her. ’ ‘1 At first she was, not siiCCessful, but, after an attempt or two she hold fast, and in a mo- . . . -i ment announced that she was all ri ht“ ., whereupon the sport increased the spec Oi":- , 7'- the wheel and they were away. ,2 ‘, " ' "" ‘It had been quite 'an effort for him ' steady the machine while the young woman". got on. but now itwas plain sailing. ’ But, they had not escaped metrics.- ., After dashing off a little distance; and [in , ing he Was not pursued, the outlaw had turn; ed and circled back again. and cement); " in time to witness the start; ' ' g “ It can be understood that he was art-a; disadvantage, and he knew. it, forlth; [1- “two to one against him,- iis‘Sam" “ Hal ha!" the fellowtiaug try it that way..arem’?3 Ear his answer, ny lett- n i C tore—two ‘of her school-day churns, May Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport. hand and fireda shot in his direction to let him know there Was danger. Sam was bending to his task with a will, and every moment the wheel was running faster and faster. As its speed increased his work became the lighter, naturally;but, af- ter them thundered the big horse, and handi- capped as he was, Safety Sam could get up but half speed, nor Could he turn quickly enough to battle the pursuer, as he might readily have done if alone. He felt that he could avoid being overtaken, however, bar- ring accident. . “ Are you all right?” he- inquired of the young lady. “ Yes, i am all right; don’t think about me, Sam.” “ Well, keep firing, and hit the horse if you can, but take care not to fall. When you have emptied your own gun, reach down and draw mine from their holsters.” “ All right; I’ll stop him, if I can, Sam. But, isn’t this a novelty, though! Were it not for the horror of what has taken place, I believe I should .really enjoy it. Here’s another at you, Grat Benson!” She tired again, but, as before, without effect. , A shout of derision was the response, and a shot was fired in return, but so wide of the mark that it was plain the fellow had not in- tended it should hit. They were not close together, one party being just visible to the other in the dark- ness, and the young woman admitted that if she should hit the horse it would be more by chance than through skill. “ Suppose I slow up suddenly and let him come nearer,” suggested Sam. “ I am not afraid to take the risk if you are not, Sam,” was the response. “ There is little risk about it, in my opin- ion. He does not want to hurt you, Miss Fielding.” “ But, if I should hit his horse he would then open in deadly earnest, I can ima- gine.” . - “ That is true; I will not put you to greater danger than you are now in. You must live for your father and McKenzie." The young woman fired a shot at that mo- ment, and made no rejoinder to the remark, ‘ as if she. had not heard it. And that shot, unexpectedly, took effect! “Hal I’ve done it!" Fanny joyously ex- claimed. “ Hurrah! The horse is down, Sam!” It was even so. The bullet had struck home, and, .with a plunge. the horse had started to fall, had caught itself, but only to drop the next moment. A bowl of rage was heard, followed by a string of oaths. Immediately several shots were fired in quick succession, the bullets whistling unpleasantly near but fortunately doing no harm. The Cycle Sport bent steadily to his task, increasing the speed it anything. Presently he made a turn to the right and laid his course toward the point from which he had started, the place. where the band of outlaws had dispersed for the purpose of baffling the pursuers. _ ' CHAPTER VII. oannn OU'l‘ or CHAOS. IT was a gay and merry party that had set out from Fort Fenton that morning for Sil- ver )ity. Fanny Fielding had not spent all her life with her father at the fort, as hardly needs stating, but had been for quite a number of years away at school. She had been out of school about a year, at the time of our story, and had since been living at the post. Which. .ct course, was her only home, her mother having been some years dead. , . ' With. her father’s permission she had in- vited some friends to pay her a Visit at the l - r Harvery and Kate Masters, and Mrs. Mas- ters, the mother of the latter, had come along as ehaperon to the party: for, to make it in- teresting, a young man was one of the num- her. This young man, Alexander Longman by name—although he was anything but a long man in fact, was paying his attentions to Miss Masters. He was decidedly a short man, but it was understood that he had a long pocketbook, and his stature was one of no account in the eyes of Mrs. Masters, in comparison with that more essential qualiti- cation. The little excursion to Silver City, then, had been arranged by Fanny Fielding for the entertainment of her guests. The party had consisted of Funny and her aflianced, Lieutenant McKenzie; May Har- very, Lieutenant \Veaver, Kate Masters and her lover, Longman; Mary Kincaid, daugh- ter of Commander Fielding‘s housekeei‘wr— who was the widow of an oilicer, and Henry MeLoyd, a young oilicer who was paying at- tention to her. Then they had the trooper, Shandy Grafi', as we have seen. Setting out early, they had reached Silver City in good time, and the day being a fine one, had pressed on to Gold Lode, the new mining-camp some miles beyond Silver City, where a “ boom ” was in progress. There they had taken dinner, setting out, upon their return at a seasonable hour—or in time to reach home before dusk. .l‘lverything had gone off nicely, and it had been a joyous day. Some time after passing Junction, on the way home, just as they came to a place where some mesquite bushes grew at one side of the trail, they were sprung upon by the outlaws and Indians. The horses were frightened and the wo- men terrified by the yells of the cut-throat band and the firing of pistols, but the young oilicers, with their revolvers, opened fire upon the rascals. They were outnumbered, however, and we have been told the result. The only man to escape -was Shandy Graff. Lieutenant Charley W'eaver was killed, Lieutenant McKenzie wounded in the leg, and the others were taken prisoners. , The prisoners. then, were Fanny Fielding, May Hat-very. Kate Masters and Mary Kin- caid, together with Sergeant McLoyd and Alexander Longman, Longman was the most terrified of all. Had it not been for the horror of their situa- tion, and of what had taken place, the others must have been amused, for the little fellow almost cried, and some of his appeals to the “higher and nobler feelings” of the outlaws and Indians were ridiculous. At the place Where the band dispersed he broke down completely, He was‘takcn off alone by one of the In. dians and about as evil-faced a cutthroat white as the band could show, and he screamed aloud for the others to save him, as if they were not in the some dilemma. The amusing part of it was, though none saw amusement in it at the time, that all day long he had been posing as a hero, and had been telling of the heroic exploits he had heroically exploited—so to put it—in times past. making up, as it were, for his lack. in stature, by his oldness of spirit. All six prisoners were separated and each was taken in a different direction. although the general trend was toward the hills. The object was plain. Night was at hand, and the rascals thought by this means to bafiie pursuit, as before ex-. P a ‘ ined. Meantime General Fielding had hastily ordered up a detachment and taken the trail, niak ng all haste for the Junction, and he was. not a. great while behind the Cycle Sport. When he came to where Shandy Graft was awaiting him, Shandy’s horse was so much‘ rested that the trooper mounted and rode along, telling his Story as they dashed for- ward, and General Fielding‘s face took on a. hard, stony look that 'boded ill for the ruflians, one and all. Coming to where the attack had been made, it was nearly night, and by the time the commander heard what lVIeKenzie had to say it was becoming difficult to follow the trail. . It was, however, impossible "to think of giving it up; the prisoners must be rescued. Leaving enough men to assist McKenzie, and to carry the body of Weaver to the fort, the commander pressed onward, himself and and an expert trailer running ahead on foot in order that no mistake might occur. By dint of patience and careful work they made good time withal to the spot where the outlaws had dispersed, and there the commander gave vent to his exasperation in language stronger than we care to quote. " What is to be done, general?” asked Lieutenant Russel. “ We have got to follow every trail, if we have to do it on our hands and knees!” was the sharp direction. “ We’ll do it.” said the lieutenant, simply. “ That we will!" cried a trooper. -“ And the guid Lord help them When we get them!” spoke Shandy Grail. “ Well, here are no less than six trails,” said the commander, “and he have about five or six men for each one." u 1’08, sir-n . “Detail the men quickly, Russel, and start them; I will take four with me and follow on after Sam Hoffman.” “wYes, sir." With all haste the order was carried out, and slowly. carefully, the Work of trailing the cut-throat band was carried on. “ Halt! Who comes there?” “Oh! palm! it is you?” With a glad cry Fanny Fielding left Safety Sam and ran forward and threw her- self upon her father’s breast. She and Sam had dismounted from the bi- cycle and were walking for a change and for a little rest, for both had begun to find such riding tiresome. . The young lady, having to stand on one foot, and the sport, with a double load to- carry—it was, in fact, the second time they . had made such a change since we lastsaw them. ' Sam came quickly forward, and the gen- eral grasped his hand. “God bless you, Sam!” he exclaimed. " You have saved the life of my child, and I’ll not forget the service.” . “Thank YOU. general," responded 1,103 man. “But, the work is not done yet; there are the others to rescue, and we must make all haste about it. I should say.” “ You are right; come, get up here, Fanny, and we will not stop here a minute. You can tell me your story as we go along,“ “And, papa, the leader of the outlaws is. Benson.” ' “ Yes, curse him, so McKenzie said. Let- me get holdpf him, and he Will die by the. rope, shooting is too good for him!” Briefly the story of the rescue was told, Sam Hoffman allowing Fanny to relate it in, her own We . That done, the young lady told her fat er what she knew of the plans. of the outlaws. ‘ By daylight they were‘to meet again in the hllls, at a. point called Devil’s Basin, They believed they could not be followed by 1 night, and with such a start they had the idea that they could escape so far into the bills as to make rescue impossible, and than , they Would force a ransom. . That was to say. all but Benson were to rendezvous at that place. ,The deserter in— , tended to carry his prisoner south into -, Mexico and there make 1161" his wife, and; t . amaszuw . w- lflmw. _ 531 "(c ."_s- h Z; ocultl he have succeeded she might never have been heard of again. But, the Cycle Sport had thwarted that diabolical scheme. Knowing now the place of rendezvous, and being unable to aid further in the trail- ing of the other outlaws and their prisoners, General Fielding and Safety Sam agreed that the best thing to be done was to tnake their way to Devil's Basin as quickly as pos- sible, there to await the turn of events. CHAPTER VIII. 'l‘IIE TItOOl‘lillS s'ruikii. DEVIL’S BASIN was a wild hole in the hills, abotit midway between Silver City and Gold Lode, but further to the ‘ast. It was off the main trail, and was only reached by a tortuous way which led up from the plains some miles to the northeast of Junction. The place was seldom visited, so the trail that led to it was not generally known. Even General Fielding himself was not cer- tain of the Way, but fortunately hethad with him a man who knewit well. That man was one of the troopers, while Safety Sam, who had once visited the spot, believed that he could find it again. The trooper was made guide for the oc- casmn. * They pressed forward at good speed, and Safety Sam found the running of his wheel but play. after the experience he had had 0f carrying a double load. Silence prevailed, for the most part, and nothing was to be 1i ‘ard but the steady thud of the‘lioofs upon the soil. Miss Fielding’s mind was full of anxiety for the safety of her friends. and knowing what her own escape had been, her heart was heavy with fear for them. In about one hour they reached the hills. The trooper who was acting as guide had made no mistake, and they came to the de- sired spot without trouble. Here they drew rein. Just as they did so, and as the com- mander was about to speak. the thud of other lioofs was heard, and the commander , hurriedly whispered: “Some one is coming this wayl' Draw aside, quickly, on either Side, and we ll have them in a trap, if they are a part of the out- law hand. There are not more than three or four of them, Itake it.” V They listened. ‘ . The others agreed with the general in his opinion. By the sound, it was, guessed that there were three of the party, and they were com- ing at an easy cantor. “ Yes, draw aside,” Safety Sam seconded. " I’ll stand here and hold them up, and at the same “1110 I'll flash my bicycle lamp upon them and you.can see just what you've 0t. 1’ g “ A good Plan,” agreed the general. “Not a sound. now. but every man ready fer business when .lhc time comes.” . Silently yet quickly they took up their positions, and Walled- " The Cycle Sport had laid his wheel away I, at one side, and he StOOd ready in the center of the pass. ' . ._ It, “1,350 dark, there under the edge’of “the hills, that it was lmPOSSiblc to see any- thing more than a feW yards nWay. Wild). in this case, made it good for the soldiers. On came the horsemen, and the cycle It Waited until they were actually upon m before he brought them to a! Stop, His object was .to make the,BUTprisc com— plete, and to have them well In the trap so that. they could not possibly help themselves or get awn . Suddenly); the light of the bicycle 18mpWas' flashed full upon them, and the command , rung out: “ Halt! I Throw up your hands!" Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport. No mistake had been made, as the light instantly revealed. The horses were brought to a stop with a suddenness that almost unseated one of the riders. The other two uttered oaths and imprccn~ tions under their breath, btit they obeyed the second part of the command with as much haste as the first. One was an Apache, looking as nearly like a devil as one’s imagination can depict, the other was a villainous looking white, while the third was a prisoner, a man of limited stature. They were, in fact, Alexander Longman and his captors. Before any move could be made, or they could have time to think what to do, Gen- cral It‘ielding and his men were upon them. “ You dogs!" the general cried, in his anger. “It would serve you right to drop you out of your saddles with bullets in your brains, here and now!" “General Fielding!” exclaimed the pris- oner, whose face was the picture of fright and distress. “ Thank God, you have come to my rescuel Save me, I beg of you! Save me from these fiends!” “ You are saved, Mr. Longman,” spoke up Fanny. “ Yeti, Miss Fielding! Thank IIcavmi you have been rescued!" “ Bind these fellows, hands and feet, and gag them well,” the general ordered at the same time. . An order that the troopers proceeded to carry out straightway. And While they were doing that, the gen- oral and Safety Sam cut the thongs that con~ lined Mr. .Longn'ian, and he was freed. “Thank God! thank God!" the peer fe1~ low fervently ejaculated. “ I thought I was done for; that I had come out here into this wild land only to die miserably at the stake." “ Two rescued, anyhow, and a couple of prisoners,” observed the commander. - “ And how did they rescue you, Miss Fielding?” the short Longman inquired. “ I feared that you had been killed." “ l owe it all to this gentleman with the light, Mr. Hoffman. But, no time now for explanations, the others must be rescued, and I only hope they haveafarcd no worse than we.” . “ Yes, yes; that is true, that is true.” The lnan spoke as if he hardly knew What he‘ was saying. ' “ We must save Miss Masters, at any rate, you know,” Fanny added. " She could not resist the temptation to re- miud the lover of his lady lair. on True, true, true,” he cliattered. “ I am almost bewildered, and know not‘what to do.” “ And you have such a golden oppor- tunity to prove yourself a hero in her eyes, too,” do young lady added. “I hope it will come around so that y0u can rescue her all by yourself.” ~ “Yes, yes; to be sure, to be sure.” But, it was not believed that the lover was anxious to be placed in any such critical osition. ' “Are they bound?” asked the command- 01‘. “ Yes, sir.” “ Forward then, for Devil’s Basin. Lend “ And here is the lamp, if.you want. to use it,” said Safety Sam, offering the article as he spoke. It was not safe for the Cycle Sport to ride his wheel here, so he fell in behind the others ‘ the way, Rogers. " 41nd walked, pushing the wheel by hand as bicyclists generally do under like conditions, in about an hour they rode into the pocket, or basin Ufltlle name we have quoted They had previously examined the ground, by means of the light, and were assured that ‘ none of the outlaws had preceded them. The first arrivals had been captured, others ' would naturally think, provided they took the pains to examine the ground, that all the tracks had been made by their Comrades. Two men were directed to make a tire on the side opposite to the entrance,‘ and the commander, Safety Sam. and the others, took up their positions near the entrance, to be ready to secure the others as they might COIllO ill. The plan was carried out, and was success ful to the full. The cut- throats came in by twos and threes, and they fell into the trap so easily that they were prisoners before they knew .it. And then, after a time, the soldiers began to steal into the basin, finding their way by having followed the trails upon which they had started, and at last all were there. This, however, was not until far into the night, and it was decided _to remain there and start for the fort by daylight. , The prisonershad all been rescued. and they were unharmed, further than being badly frightened and Completely tired out, but by morning they were none the worse for that. “ The y started'as soon as it was light enough to see their way, the troopers with the pris- oners under guard, and in due time reached their destination, where startling news awaited the commander. It had been a night of tragedy. CHAPTER IX. STAR’lYLl‘NG QUESTION. \ DURING the night a murder had been com- mitted at thc'fort. - The Victim was Captain Deerforth. one of the bestdikcd men of the garrison, who had been sick for some weeks. He was a single man, a line fellow, and his ‘ room was ontbe' ground floor in one of the olficers’ quarters. His nurse hadstepped in about daylight, to, see how he was,.-aud was horrified at what he beheld. , i The captain was dead, and a knife was buried in his breast, A window on the opposite side of the room was open, showing plainly how the as- sassin could ha ve. and undoubtedly had, en- tered to do his hellish deed.’ The body was nearly cold dt«‘:that time, showin g that a considerable while had elaps- ed sincc the blow had been sti'uck.;,,0n the; I shutter'pin on the window’sill was discover-1 ed a bit of blue cloth; ‘ ‘ " . v . This much wasdiscovercd by the nurse be. fore the alarm was given. . ‘ _ As soon as the discovery was made known, the whole fort wasin a state of excitement immediately. ' Taken together with the events of the evening, and the uncertainty that existed with regard to the missing young ladies, it was all that was needed to cap the climax. The fort was in an uproar. Hasty search was made, with the hope of getting afurther clue, but none was to be had. , There were tracks under the window,- where a man had evidently leaped out, but that was the last that could be seen of them. for the ground was of sucn a nature that the could not be followed. he Sentinels all aycrred that no one had. passed their lines during the night, and as it “had been a night of danger, their word was taken for that. . l . The last persons to come in had been Cap. ‘ tain Dettlinger and his men. v ‘ ‘ ‘. __-V ' They had .been successful in running‘~' down the Indians who had made it so lively for Safety/Sam on the previous afternoon, and had killed _ or captured the whole num- ber of them. ‘ - , .y ..-;j;‘, , It was ten o‘clock when the n. and as soon as the prisoners hadlheen. . .., . . the guard-house the captain and Mom 8‘- " tired for the night, smoothing done around the tort till in‘idn‘i A 4 s uard was changed. At that hour a dim ight was seen burning, as usual, in the zoom occupied by Captain Deerforth. The next was the terrible announcement. No further discovery had been made by the time General Fielding and the rest came in. as mentioned. “ W hat!” exclaimed the general. “ Deer- fortli murdered?" “ Yes,” answered Dettlinger. And he gave the circumstances as they were known to him, about as we have set them forth. “ And there is no clue?” the commander demanded. “ Not the least." “ Deerforth was an enemy of yours, I be- lieve.” ’ “ We had trouble, as you are aware, but that was settled between us only yesterday. ” “ Well, no matter. This mystery must be cleared up. But, I take it that it is no mys- tery. I believe it was that fellow Benson who did the deed. He was the head of these outlaws yesterday, curse them!” “ Grat Benson ‘2” “ The same.” “ But, how could he get in here?" - “ He could do it, if any man could, know- ing the fort as he dens.” , ' “No doubt you are, right, general, but I Would stake my life, almost, that no man could pass our sentry line of a night,” “ If it has been done, we must learn where and how, and that point will have to be made stronger. But, that is only a guess. If no one came in, then who did kill poor Deerforth ?” . V " That's the mystery ,4 ' “ And one that must be cleared up." . “ You are ri~ ht. .This ' fort must have nothing of the, k ndr unsolved.” “Safety Sam, what do you think about it?" “ Useless to ask me. general,” was the answer. “You know I was out with you all night." . " Yes, and I‘ know that you are something of. a detective; too. I..have not fOrgotten your work on that robbery case at Silver City last winter.” " You give me credit for more than I de- serve." , “Rot a bit. Iwant you to take hold of this matterfor me.” - , _ “Well. I’ll do that, gladly enough, but you must not depend altogether on me for I the solving of the riddle.” ,- ,, “ You are the only man capable of doing it.. If it was» Grat Benson, put it on him, and it not, then We want the guilty wretch, whoever he maybe.” “ Very well.” ‘ 7 It was a sad day at Fort Fenton, needless to say. ‘ ' " ‘ After the horror and excitement of the night. and this fresh horror of the morning, the ladies were overcome. They entered the house at once, and noth- ing moreilwas seen of them fora coiisidem. his time. Not ‘so with the commander and the others. As soon as':thcy had partaken of a cup of 1! a coffee, they began at once to investigate into I ~ the mystery~that is to say, the commander,' 'Safct y Sam, and the officers of the fort. ', For the time being the prisoners were put . " in 11.0 guard'house, and their hearing was postponed till this more important matter ‘ could be dispmscd of. “ if“ The ‘man who had been acting as nurse to ' rand asked; a drink. . fthc‘murdcred captain was first called to tell a . his story. L 4 fig was a young man, who had been for, dew.” ‘ sometime one of the surgeon's assistants. 7.: .i-‘Ietetpted that he‘had—laistsecn the captain ‘ alfrevsomething aftermfdrright, when called just magmas- nlept on axcot outside newsman thoxfght himself alight heardtnonoise, ,; sleeper, ‘jEtHowmei-,, be bid . , "vs—steamer: an «arm- . '.__ 1"». r . 1.“ h v I i Y ‘ h ~ .,., ‘ ,-,,_.. w .,. M V r ‘ -- v Army,- Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport. Safety Sam questioned the man closely, but if 1e learned anything, none of the rest wege able , to do so from anything that was sat . Finally Sam took a different turn. “Captain Dcttlinger," he remarked, “I heard you say that you had not been on friendly relations with this man.” " And you also heard me say that our dif- ference was settled yesterday,” was there‘ spouse, in a cool and straightforward man- ner. “ You had no ill-will against Captain Deerforth, then?” “ Not the least. We had a perfect under- standing, and parted friends.” That was all the Cycle Sport asked him, and he made the announcement that he was done for the time being. v « The rest of his investigation, he said, he would carry on quietly, and promised that he would report to the commander within the hour. General Fielding understood his desire to be alone, and bade the others accompany him, and ordered that the prisoners should be brought forth for their hearing in the mean time. Some of the fellows had been recognized as old offenders. One, who was nominally the leader, was eager to lighten his sentence by confessing everything. The commander ordered him to confess, but without any promise on his part that such confession would in the least save him, and the fellow told his story. They had been gotten together by Benson, he declared, and had come down into that section to do some mischief that would bring . the soldiers of the fort far out after them, so that Benson could carry elf Miss Field- ng. ' . ' Such had been the original plan. When they accidentally met the party com- ing from Silver City, howeVer, then the ringleader suddenly changed his plan and ordered theattack. . » Their hearing did not occupy whom, and they were dealt with according to the law as ‘ it appliedr'to their offense—martial law, of 1 course, and that is of: the most short and summary character. When the commander went finally to his ’ house he found Safety Sam there. - “ Well?" he asked, briefly. He was not the suave gentleman of the l day before, but the stern old war dog, his blood fully heated. l “ Would you consider Dcttlinger capable of having killed Deerforth?” Safety Sam asked, without the least'excitcment and with face perfectly motionless. . “Heavens! no!’ the commander cried. _ “ What are you talking about, Sam Hoff- : man? Have you any reason to believe that .Dettlinger-did do the deed? I’d as soon believe you guilty of the crime yourself. ! Explain.” , ‘ CIIAJ."‘ER X. was mt GUILTY or. 3151‘? “ I HAVE no desire to think him guiltv. sir,” said the Cycle Sport. “ But, I have come upon certain facts that must be ex- plained away." ‘? What are they?” I ‘ “ In the first place. there has been some 1 trouble between the two men. Next. there ' was a bit of blue cloth found on the ‘window |sill, and there were tracks under the win. I " Yes. yes; but. explain,” , “And the knife with which. the deed was done, too; that hasbccn shown) to have been atone, time the property of Dettlinger. The piece of'bipecloth' was torn from his fatigue coatpandsflthegtracks under the window- are I his; g_-'Thcrc is noguesswork about ;, is, 7:4." 3;. ' - , a I The commander’s face was the picture of amazement. “ Can it be possible?” he mused. “ You are certain there can be no mistake?” “ I'made sure of that before I came here, General Fielding. 1 wish you would send for Dcttlinger and have him explain.” “I will do so, forthwith,” “ When he enters,” said Safety Sam, “ put him under arrest at once, and see how he. will take it. pr what he will say." “Then you really think him guilty?" “ i believe him innocent, sir.” “In spite of the evidence you have dis- covered?” _ “ Spite of GVerything, sir.” They had not long to wait for the appear- ance of the captain. who, when he entered, saluted in the usual manner. “ You sent for me. general?” General Fielding‘s face was stern and hard as rock. ' “I sent for you, Captain Dettlinger. ’ he said. “I arrest you for the murder of Cap- tain Deer-forth.” _ _ The accused man tooka step backward, his face blanching, and he looked from one man to the other. in utter bewilderment. “ What have you to say ?” the commander asked. ' “ I have only this to say, sir,” was the an. swcr. “ I am innocent of the deed/as inno- cent 8-8 are you, sir.” ’ “How, then, was it that a knife of yours was used? How came your tracks under the Window? ‘How came a piece of the cloth of your fatigue coat on the hook on the sxll? ’ " Impossible!" “The facts,” said the Cycle Sport. “ Can you explain away the evidence?” “ Safety Sam, you do not believe me guilty of this crime, I hope. General, are you in earnest?” “ I have just told General Fielding that I believe yol} innocent,” answered the sport . ~ “Your action under arrest has detective. Still, you must ex- contirmed that belief. plain.” “ And I was not in earnest about the ar- rest,” said General Fielding. “It was to test you.” “Thank God you believe in me. sir. All , this has come‘ to me like a. revelation.” “ Why did you not recognize the knife as ' yours?" - , _ I do not admit that it was mine, Sir. I did not recognize it, certainly. But, I have not examined it closely.” . “ Please do so, then,” said Sam, taking it from his pocket and extending It to the cap- tain. * - . Dettlinger took the weap‘m, and after one close look, said: ' “ It certainly was mine. It is a weapon I had in my room, but I have not seenjt before in a long.r time.” ' “ So I have learned,” said Sam.’ “ But. the trunks?" queried tbegeneral. “ Another strange thing, sir,” said the cap- tain. “ Queer it did not come tome before, but it did not. The tracks are mugs. made by the old boots I had on yesterday. . The commander’s face began to ClOUd, and he looked unhappy, '. ~ > “ This begins to look serious, Dettlinger." be said. . from that Window?" ,- _ u 1 was in the room With poor Deerforth yesterday afternoon, air. when the alarm was sounded, and I leaped from the window on the rear side of the "blinding. in order to re? Spond the more quickly. “ Ah! that cXplains it, then}! - V ‘ it And, now that I am reminded of it, I remember that my coat caught'on the shut: ~ter Catch as I, leaped out.‘ forth alive, he would bear witness. to what 1’ say. I thought no more about it tillthis mow, .-, menu,“ being‘reminded of it. The excitement ' ‘ Were poor Deer-r blotted it from my mind.” "I" is. “range you .did not remembet'th9,: : .» What occasion had you to jump, \ 1," * syn ‘ ‘ ,,, cannot remain here under suspicion. ' {imagine that I have (lesel‘ted': I shall return anssoon as I have accomP ;»’f"bave’idonel” F' 91393?- " Certainly I weuld, for the pun-pageamZ g" 31101? Explaipgf’ ' . . '. " Safety gain, the cycle sport. knife, and that you did not recognize your own tracks, and stranger that you did not recall leaping from the wlndow, captain.” “ [admit it all; but I have spoken the truth.” “ Well, sir, you may go, now, but hold yourself in readiness to report to me at any moment I may send for you.” The captain bowed, saluted, and was gone. “What do you think, Safety Sam?” de- ‘manded the general, sternly. “ I think he is innocent, sir.” “That is what I want to think, too, Hoff- man; but does it stand to reason, the story he tells?” “ Does it stand to reason, either, general, that he would use a knife of his own? or that he would leap from the window and leave his tracks there to be seen?” “That is so; but, how the deuce could he forget so soon?” ., _ . "In no way, except as he tries to explain ~—that the excitement removed it from his memory.” “ Well, it is hard to to think of him as guilty of such a deed, Sam, and I want the matter cleared up. What is your. opinion of it?" t “ My belief is that Grat Benson is the man Wewant.” ” But, we cannot prove that he was in the fort last night. 'In-fact. it was next to im- possible to get in. ' .“ I don’t know about that. I think I could worm my way through the line on almost any night, and certainly he ought to have been able to do so, knowing the whole ground so well." “ But, why should he want to kill Deer- forth?” ““ He mistook him for another.” "‘ Ha!" “ Dettlingcr used to occupy that room, (lid he not?" , l “ Yes, yes, so he did; and he once was 7‘“ the m 'ans of having Benson brought up for trial. ” "‘ Which, for such a man, was reason .v enough to make' him desn'e to have Dettlm- .g'er's life. So, in spite of appearancesl be- lieve Dettlinger is innocent of the crime.” :93“ Oh! he certainly must be. No sane man ' could.- think him otherwise, and yet I declare it chilled my blood when those three points were brought up against him. You must make sure of Benson.” “ Another thing I was going to. say: scouts should be sent in every direction to intercept him," ‘ “Right. I’ll do it at once." “ I’ll set out for Silver City, and maybe to Gold Lode. I'think the latter place will be . the one likely to attract, him," Their interview was Continued to some ', length, 'and just when Safety Sam was about leaving the house a note was broughtin and i V handed to General Fielding. The coinnmnder opened it at once, and it - read as follows: . ‘ . 7‘ GENERALJFIELDING :—g i “The fact that youyfir'rested rue-satisfies ,' me that you do 1101’» emu‘elythink me inno- centof that crime- Mn oing to hunt dewn the man Whom lbellom guilty. I Do not lished my mission. “ DETj‘LrNcnn. ” "‘ confound it! the worst thingl'yha, could ' _ cried the commander,.pa§sion- iif'fiDDpOSc he had asked leflVO‘Of absence, ’11W0Vuritfl‘y0‘u have granted “Washed the Cycle “Yet. he; evidently did not, tillilk SO. ‘ B04 lieving that you thought him guilty. hehad ,7 reasonlto think that such a request would be} refused. You will see him back again in good time.” “Well, I hope so; I depend on you, Safety Sam, to straighten out the tangle.” And so the matter rested, at that time. Dettlinger was certainly gone, and the manner of his going was a mystery. No one had seen him take his departure, his horse was not gone, and he had left no trail by which he could be followed. CHAPTER X1. AN memnxr AT oonn LODE. IN fact, there was a double mystery at Fort Fenton. Not only the murder mystery, but the strange disappearance of the man who had been partly suspected of the crime. To be sure, there was his letter stating his intention, but the mysterious manner of his leaving the fort made it look, if looked at in that light, that he had really deserted. Search and inquire as they Would, nolight could be thrown upon the mystery, and so it rested. ’ ' Later on, the Cycle Sport took leave of the commander and others and set out ,upon his wheel for Sichr City, where hear- rived in due time and where he took first of all some needed rest. Meantime there was the double funeral at the fort, and the bodies of Captain Deerforth and Lieutenant Weaver Were laid to rest with military honor and all due solemnity. a sad day, and the whole garrison wore an air of sorrow that was sincere. But, to change the scene. The late stage coming into Gold Lode, by way of Freeman and Silvm' City, had its usu- al complement of passengers. And that was, for the time and the place, as many persons as it could possibly carry, for the new “ diggings " was at the height of its “ boom,” and people were pouring in every day, ' , The inside of the stage was full, while the outside carried all who could possibly liud room to hang on. With four horses across the plains, two more had been put on at Silver City in order cam . - GEM Lode needs no description. It was a Deadwood, or a Creede, but on a smaller scale, and it had the usual vane-l y of build- ings of every sort, size and kind. Perhaps chief among $11050 Was the T 0p Notch Hotel. I ‘ . _ . It was the chief place in Its line the camp afforded, and, it was here that the stage ,stoppedn . Among. "other passengers to get down was a man who were a black beard and carried a heavy cane, and who was clad in‘rough but Serviceable clothes of the ordinary type, In fact, there was nothing about him to draw attention, unless it was the cane he carried. A cane was not a usual sight in such a lace. A He had the air of a man who was need to the world, and who was able to take care of himself. Entering the hotel, he'madc inquiry for lodging, and finding that he could beaccom. modated, registered his name and paid for some days in advance. The name he set down was— ‘ liowaan Bonuses. He seemed to be a very reserved man, and While most of the other new arrivals were I quick to tell more or less about themselves andtheir reason for coming to .Gold Lode, thisman said nothing. ; , He took supper with the‘others, and after that strolled around the town, merely idling his..time, apparently“. -\ ' ; Finally, however, in front of the saddle close Observers. It was ‘ to get the load up into the hills to the new;- ‘wanted, and we- are detectives Saloon, he came face to face with a man for whom he had evidently been looking, for im- mediately they exchanged a glance of recog- nition. The one was standing in the doorway of the saloon, and he immediately turned and walked into the place. Howard Burkson followed him. They took seats at one of the tables there provided, and fell at once into a conversa- tion. ‘ “ Well, what success?” asked Burkson. “ Good enough,” was the answer. “ You got the papers?” “ Yes, here they are. Pay the money and you it them.” i “ on are willing to let me examine them, of course, to make sure there is no mistake?” " I s'pose so.” ‘ The papers were handed over, and the man of the black beard and cane opened the small packet. ” This is all right,” he said immediately, and put them in his pocket. “ I will hand yog the money, and the matter is all set- tlc .” ‘ ‘ He took a sum of money from his pocket and passed it over to his companion, who ' took it eagerly and put it out of sight, and the rose from the table. heir business together had been brief and to the point. There had been nothing about it to draw‘ attention, either, and yet two men had been One of these new stepped suddenly for- ward. thrust a 'revolver in the face of the man of the black beard. and ordered him to sit down. speaking in low tone. At the same time the other put a gun he. bind the ear of ’the man who had been paid the money, and. he sunk down upon his chair,.pale asdea'th, rolling his’eyes up to ' see who had him. ,,_,' ‘ .‘xe 9‘ You will hand over those papers to me.‘ ' sir," spoke the one who had captured‘him of the black board. “Who are you?” was demanded. “ No matter to you who I am, Ihave the" right to demand them.” ‘ . . “And 1 claim the ri hi: to refuse. Re- move that gun, or I shafi call to: help from . the crowd.” * I “The worse for “ Why?” . “ Try it. and see. Comer-thev-paperslw ‘ Of a sudden the man;‘. of the black. beard brought the end of his cane upward, and it ' caught the revolver, hurling it out ofrhis captor’s hand; , V ' The revolver was discharged, but the hub ' let was buried harmlessl in the wall, while the weapon landed with a clatter some dis- tance away, and the heavy black cane mov- - ing again,“ the man was knocked senseless to the floor. A’gain, and the other captor was disarmed. ‘ ' . ’ ‘ It had taken place so suddenly, too,'that no one could more to interfere. ' - “ Come, get out of here!” So the man with the. cane_ exclaimed, and his companion was with him immediately , and they made a break for the door. ' “Stop those fellows!” ‘cricd he‘who had been last disarmed. -“ A hundred dollars: for. either of them! Stop them! for ' v track !” p I But, too late they bounded out into “10 I and those who ran out the nextmomflmi.’ could not find-a Sign of them. v 3’ i . The street was light, in bcth directions but the men” were not to be seen. , ' Thecrowd poured out,.weapon ready for business, but the two. appeared utterly. a ,. V'r Selassie? dives: or . He of the We had not-been hurt,‘,was'e' t you, if you do than r. they are 1 .3 T“ on their ‘ p. , {01' the crowd had Moods,“ still to hear these words, and by the , “map I. awoke, to action_ the two‘mgn bmi..\f.j¢ “‘g‘“ and were sonar 1 h‘, . 1.9 the first of the crowd, and his disappoint- ment was great. " Too bad!" he cried, “ when we thought we had them, sure. Hunt for them, men of Gold Lode, and a hundred dollars to the man who captures one of them! They can’t be far oll’ yet!" A good many of the crowd made haste to search, but it proved to be a search that was fruitless. They returned to the Saddle Saloon. There the man who had been struck to the floor was coming to, and his companion was bathing his head. Many had by this time asked what the trouble was about, but it was not until this man could speak that anything was revealed of the mystery. . “That fellow with the heard is one we have been following for weeks,” he ex~ plained. " He is wanted .for murder and robbery, and all we wanted was to catch him in the act of making a deal for certain papers. ' “We had the clue that he was coming this way, and it was believed that > another murder was his object. Not only so, but to come into a fortune which these two deaths would leave Open for him. But, his game has been nipped in the bud, it appears.” “ But, he still has the papers,” one bearer reminded. “ True; but now he dare not use them, for we know how they came in his possession. And, if the plan to murder his cousin has not been carried out yet, it will now be use- less for him to perform that part of: his nefarious scheme. First the uncle, then the cousin, and Hanson Buyk would be a. rich man—if he could have it all his own way.” CHAPTER XII. max on MYs'rnur wnu. mar. This was merely an incident by the way for such a town as Gold Lode. Where all was excitement every day in the week, whemrfigms were frequent and the crack of thepistol often'heard, such an inci- dent hardly passed beyond the saloon'in which it had taken place. V That there was something back of th * af- fair, however, went without saying, and perhaps there was more than the detectives had stated. ‘ The two men, however, had made good ' their escape, it seemed, and the detectives’ work had come to naught. ' The detectives went to the hotel. There a man asked for an interview with the leader, er chief, of the pair. “I’d like to talk about that affair of the saloon," he said. ” Well,” asked the leading detective, shortly, “what have" you to say or toask about it?" ‘ ‘ “ You spoke about 'a murder that might possibly be done.” It Yes I! “ Who is the person that may be killed?” “First, who the deuce are you i’" “ A detective, just as you claim to be." " Your". “ I am talking about no one else, sir.” ‘?‘ Did you not come on the stage with us U “I did.” " What are you trying to deteCt ‘2” 1 “ You have not answered my question yet, 8 r. H ’ “ See here. are you what you claim to be, mv man?_ 1‘ so, we have no objection to talking With you, for maybe you can be of use to us.” “ I have not come to you for that purpose, but to see if youvcaunetv-bo. of use to me. But. we'll never get-.ou'iotthis rate; An- swer my question, and I'll answer the one you have asked.” ‘ ., p 1 . . J' U ' "Well, the man in danger is one Captain . of Fort Fenton. But, no doubt \ ‘ l Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport. he will not be bothered now, seeing that the selieme has been upset and the mask torn off. Now, what say you?" “ In answer to what you asked?" “ Certainly.” “ lVell. I am trying to hunt down the man who murdered Captain Deerforth at Fort Fenton—" “ Heavens! then the deed has been done ‘2” “ Yes, he was murdered last night, and an innocent man has been accused of the deed. It is your duty to go to the fort, see the com- mander, and sat the matter right.” “ It was our intention to go to the fort the first thing in the morning. If we had se- cured our plisoncrs, we would have taken them with us.” “ You must go anyhow. But, these papers, are they important?” . ~ “ They are highly important.” “ To whom?" “ To the man who holds them, if he would dare to present them and could es- cape the suspicion of having killed his cousin.” “ I)gerforth was his cousin ‘1” '6‘ \T s"! ‘ “ The name of the other V 'as Hanson Burkfl’ ' H fires.” “ Andswho was the man with him 1/” “ A stranger to us: we do not know his name. But, a tool of his, and as you no doubt saw, the one who put the papers in his hands." ‘ “ And where did the papers come from “' Taken from the possession of the mur- dered man, no doubt, now that we learn that he has been killed." “ Can it be possible “ What surprises you?” “ That I did not recognize the fellow. 1t {’9’ . I” . ' seems impossible that he could have been in so good a disguise.” ;‘ Who did you think it was?” “ I had no idea who it was: I did not re- cognize the fellow at all.” ' “I mean. who do you now think it may have been?" . “ A descrter from the fort, a fellow who owed-Deerforthn grudge and who was sus- pected of having killed him." I ' “ You are no doubt right, putting all things together. It is possible that Burk himself did the deed, but. it now appears that this man was his ally.” ‘ “ llut, why could I not recognize him?" “ That is for you to say.” “ And Icannot explain it. It must, be that Grat Benson was not "the man, after all.” “ What are you going to do ?” “ Continue my search for the murderer 0 Captain Deerforth.” ' “ lie was a friend of yours?” ‘ "‘ Yes, he was. But, suppose we let it drop. How long shall you remain at the ort?” v y “We may stop there some days, if we think there is any chance for our recovering those papers.” V “ Which you are not likely to do, unaided, now, having let your golden opportunity slip through your fingers.” ' “ For which we have to thank the crowd in the saloon, yourself included, since you have admitted that you were there and saw what took place.” , I “ It was one of the cases that will happen. No one thought they could get out of your hands till they were ' gone. Your partner here should have used his gun the moment you were hit.” , , “No use finding excuses, or saying what should have been done. If you get on track of those papers will you restore them to us? ’ “Yes.” 3 _ “-. Then there remains nothing more to be said." “ One question more. and I’ll trouble you 310 fgfifther: ‘ In whoSeinterest are you, work- mg a , ' “ Why, in the interest of the lawyers who have the estate in hand. of course, sir.” “And, seeing that Deerforth is dead, willi the estate go to Burk, if he can clear him-» Self?” ‘ “If he can clear himself; but, it is not. likely that he can.” ' ' “ The uncle was killed, I think you said.” Cl 9) “ And now supposing that Burk is hanged for the crimes, to whom will the estate go in that case?” “ To another cousin, a degree further re moved, who will stand next in order. But, that is ss far as I know anything about it, and I can’t swear that is straight.” “ You know his name?” “1 do not.” “ Have you ever seen him?” “ Yes.” “ Tell me, then, was this man he? Imean: the man who turned over'“ the papers and re~ ceived the money." “It was not.” “ Then that theory ‘is exploded. If not he, and not Grat Benson, who was it? But, no matter, we’ll find out all in good time. If you remain at the fort some days, you. may hear from me.” “No doubt we’ll remain, for men of our profeSsion can no doubt be of use to the. commander of the fort. clearing up the mys— tcry, and his scouts will be of great service to us in hunting our man down again. Well, 33 YOU are going, we’ll see you later.” v CHAPTER XIII. SAFETY sum STRIKES A TRAIL. WHEN the two men, he of the black heard: and his companion, left the salozn, they dart- ed straight across the street. There they passed between two buildings which stood close together but which afford. ed passage at a pinch, and thus they were immediately lost to sight. x As soon as they had gone through. the man of the black heard gave way to the other, telling him to take the lead, which be him. self quite evidently could not do, not know- ing the ground. No time was lost, and the man of the beard and cane followed where the other conduct- ed. They were soon upon the outskirts of the camp. ‘ Here they presently came to a shed, serv» ing as an apology for a stable. and both eur- tered and secured horses. _ . As soon as they led the animals forth, they leaped into the saddle, he of the beard still clinging to his cane, and they set forward at a, walk in the direction of the trail leading to Silver City. ' They did not speak, and no sound was made save that of the hoof-strokes of their horses. They kept on the outskirts, and did not strike the trail till they had gene'some dis— tance from the camp proper, when they in- creased their speed, “ Well, that was 9. close call.” said he of the board, then. “ You are right it was." other. “But. a miss is as g00d as a mile, they say, and I have still got the papers in my possessron.” “ Have on any idea-who they were?” “ Yes, have. ” . “ Who?" - “ Certainly not what the “ What I thought. I claimed to be." they had been genuinedetectives they would have made V sure of us." “They might have done 80. perhaps» but T .I will not sWear to that. factor in the. little afl’air, (you noticed.” -“ But the" drop woul .r . a... S. agreed the 7_ My cane was a. big- . have been a good ' 7 deal bigger, if they had been the real thing, .— for they had it on us in the finest kind _of ~ 'hAJ-Ad‘. - I \ .versation', but Sam. was too far behin . Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport; ' .. ' way. But, no matter, here we are, safe and sound." “And bound to escape.” “ Sure; nothing in the way, now thatwe are out of the camp.” Then they were silent for a time. Presently the man of the beard spoke further. “ You will have to guide me to some town where I can take stage or train,” he said. “ I’ll do that,” the response. “ You see, that interruption changed my plans. Only for that I would have remained at Gold Lode for a day or two, or for the time for which I paid for my room, and then would have said good-by to you and gone away as I came.” v “ 1 see." “ But, that infernal Hamilton had to chip in— Say, how much will you ask to put him quietly out of the way ‘1” “ The one you tapped with the cane?” “ Exactly.” “Give me another hundred, and— But what’s that light ahead?" “I don’t know. It just caught my eye, and I was going to ask you. Seems to be a lantern.” “ That’s what it must be. Some fellow must be out looking for an honest man, like Diogenes of old. lVonder it he won’t take us for such? Ha! ha! ha!” “ Ha! ha! Not likely, ifhe is any judge." “ Maybe not. But, where has it; gone to?” The light had suddenly disappeared, even while they were leoking‘at it, and all was darkness “ Well, that’s funny. It was too real and too bright to boa jack-’o-lantern, and besides this ain’t the kind of ground to produce such things, anynew. It must have been a lamp.” “Or a speck.” I “ I take no stock in such things.” “ Well, no need of our stopping here, any- how, is there '2”, . “ 1 should say not.” They had come tea halt, but they now proceeded. , ‘9 You say you will attend to it for a hun- dred?” asked the man of the cane and whis- kers. u Yes.” . “ And when will you do it?” “ Soon as chance ofi'ers, after I have guid- ed yen out.” “ All right; I’ll give you the sum to-mor-- row, and trust, to youte keep your part of the compact." ~ 3 “ Which I’ll do, every time.” “ With the papers in my possession, and with Deertortb and Hamilton both removed, there is nothing in my way whatever. But, enough of this; there may be ears to take in what we Sal’- And ears there were, Safety Sam gave a start as he caught what was said. . . On his way ‘90 GOId Lode. pushing his bicycle. With its lamp attached and lighted, 'he had caught the sound of boots and ’ voices. He removed the, lamp instantly from its place and put it "3 1"“ pocket, and then stepped aside with his wheel to let the horse- men pass, for he had no idea it was any one in whom he had interest . . When he caught these words, however, his whole interest was keenly awakened, and heknew that chance bad favored him. He allowed the. two men .30 pass, and turned his wheel about and followed. ' ‘ It was impossible to ride jUSt here, in the dark. but it was no trouble for im to has the t“’0 horsemen in hearing distance. and in 7 Sight. too. where the gulch was Open enough to admit the little li ht. there was. .- The two men presintly resumed than t3:10!)- em to catch what they said, In half an hour he came to ground where he could ride with safety. He still kept the lamp in his pocket. Here he ran up nearer to the two horse- men, his wheel making no sound that was at all likely to draw their attention. Still he could not overhear anything, but as no discovery followed he thought it safe to maintain that distance, and in this man they made their way down out of the n s. Finally Silver City was reached. Safety Sam had been wondering whether or not the men would stop here. By their course, he knew immediately that they did not intend to do so, for they turned to skirt the town. Here he knew every foot of the ground, and could ride his wheel without fear of any mishap. and when the horsemen increased their speed he went rolling after them with ease. Going around the town, they struck the trail again, and made off in the direction of Freeman. ‘ , Safety Sam’s mind was busy. Here, he had every reason to believe, was the murderer of Captain Deerforth. What he had overheard was evidence enough for that, yet there was something he Could not understand. Who was Hamilton? What Were the papers referred to? Who was this man, and what was the scheme" in which he was inter- ested? Things he must find out, if at all possible. ‘ , Had there been but one man, he would have lost no timein attempting his arrest, but with two to contend against he hardly dared to risk it. ‘ Should they wound him, to say nothing of killing him, they would escape, and perhaps the mystery of the fort would remain a mys- tery forever. So he continued on, a silent shadower of the night, keeping the men just visible in the darkness, and mile after mile was laid behind them. They crossed the river, and had cov- ered about a third of the distance from that point to Freeman, when something took place that created excitement. Safety Sam imard suddenly a command to halt, given in the true military style, :and with ejaculations the two horsemen ahead jerked their horses to a stop. “What’s wanted 1/” demanded one of the pair. . , , “ Who are you, and W11ere “"0 you gOIUg?' was the demand, in a tone of assumed authority. ” . “ That for your answer! cried the man of the black beard, and raising his cane the re- port- as of a rifle rung out, a heavy bullet speeding close to the head of the man who had attempted the hold-up. CHAPTth XIV. PRESTO! CHANGE. “. AND that my rejoinder!" cried theman who had stopped them, flrin g a shot from his revolver that came as close to the other. “ Surrender, or I’ll drop you both out of the saddle!" ' Safety Sam now recognized the voice. It was that of Captain Dcttlinger, the man against whom suspicion had pointed. The Cycle Sport saw the opportunity for Which he had been hoping, and at one took the step to improve it. i “ Yes, up with your hands. murderers!” he cried from the rear. side. Dettlinger, these are the slayers of Deerforth l” “ And you are Safety Sam ‘2” .” Yes.” In this brief moment the other two had exchanged some words, and new suddenly both dashed away. They had jerked their horses aside fwm “If you don’t, you, will be riddled with bullets-from every ‘ sumed. the trail, in opposite directions, and were of!“ like the wind. Bullets were sent after them. instantly, but without effect. “ After the other!” cried Safety Sam. “ I'll. take care of this one!” “ Right; and make it a race to the- death !” Sam was after the man of the whiskers in- stantly, and Captain Dettlinger spurred for- ward to keep the other in sight. As it happened, the man Sam was after had taken the direction that led to Fort Fenton. while the other went speeding awa to the west along the river, where lay 9. wt — derncss. Let us follow Safety Sam. He soon discovered that the man he Was: after was mounted upon a good horse, and, that he would have to work to keep up with 1m. ” You had better stop, murderer!” he call— ed out to the pursued. “ If you ‘don’t I’ll be under the painful necessity of lodging a bulletin your skin somewhere, and it may hit you hard.” “ Ha! ha! hat" came back the laugh. “ Fire if you want to, and catch me if you, can, fool!” Sam fired, and fired to hit, too. He could not afford to let this man get. away from him, if a bullet would he the- ! means of stopping him. N 0t that lie'wanted to kill him, for he did not; he wanted him alive; but, hls bullets» missed the mark, and the man almost disap— peared in the darkness. The Cycle Sport dropped his gun into its. holster, bent all his muscle to the business of propelling his wheel. and he was soon spinning ever the ground at as rapid a pace as he had ever ridden. Useless to say that his bicycle could cut- run the horse; facts and'figures prove other. W189; - ‘7 . o The speed mile for the bicycle is aver little less than two minutes, as recorde , while that. of the horse is a minute and forty seconds. But, for the long race, the bicycle is the:- better steed, which Safety Sam knew full well, and his only efiort-was to keep sight of the man he was pursuing ’{gnd not lose- h m. . “v” Gradually, though, the forms of horse and rider grew more dim, and at last they .werc gone from sight altogether. . up. , , , Ahead-of him was the murderer of Captain Dcerforth, and it was new or never to cap turn him. . Pulling hard on the handle-bars, he made every eunee upon the pedals count for all it was worth, and he held to as straight a course as it was possible for him to take. Low down on the horizon wasa star, and it had been in direct line with that star that; the rider had disappeared. . On and on, and yet on, sped the Cycle, S )ort. , ‘ lHe had the hope that he would again sight. the man he was in pursuit of, and he knew, if he did the horse would not be able to cn» , tancc him a second time. . , The ground seemed to roll away from ba- neath his spinning wheels, and there was scarce a sound. save his own rapid breath- ing, and the hiss of the tires as they came in contact with the earth. On, and still on. . The ursuer kept a careful lento-agony. both si es as well as ahead, He knew sham was the possibility of his passing his foe. if the man stepped. ' ' He did not attempt to use the light-"for 3." " would have been of no service. at the SM, :2 tos’w”. he was going. and would only serve yeal his posrtien to the man hows capture. ' ’ ‘ 'l‘hus something like tenl'miait'l eon-é v I ' I ' . ., n: .' :‘fm ,'.,‘-”§ -_ ‘1, ‘ 1 1‘ 2 .age But Safety Sam had no thought of giving .M; , x! . . 2...»... 112 .,. “N_ 4. Safetv Sam; the Cycle Sport. Finally, awa to the left, was seen a dark object. and Sa ety Sam turned and sped in that direction. As silently as a part of the night itself, almost, he bore down upon it, and it took but a moment to prove that the object was moving. A little nearer, and it resolved into horse and rider, and the Cycle Sport was certain that once more he had gained sight of his man, and he looked upon him as already his prisoner. The horseman was now going at a much slower gait, as if confident that he had left the s ort far behind. Sa ety Sam fell in behind, and for some distance did not try to gain. _ Then he took a spurt and ran forward. He was not heard till he was almost upon the horse and rider, and it Was the horse that heard him first: The rider looked around, and an angry oath escaped him. “ Throw up your hands!" cried the Cycle Sport. "If you ’try to get away- from me .-agaln I’ll tumble you out of tliat,saddle!" For answer the man leaped forward in the .saddle, dug his heels into the animal's flanks, - .and the horse obeyed the demand with a snort and a sudden leap into a sharp run. Safetv Sam fired three or four shots just as rapidly as he Could pull the, trigger of the :self-cocker. With a scream the horse reared and became unmanageable. Sam ran in, making a half circle, and as ‘he came hear he again ordered the man to gem-render. ‘ - _ r “ It will si nal your death,“ you do not,” 'he gave warn pg. ” 1 mean business, now, :and either I- take you or you do for me. What do you say 1/” The crack of a pistol was the response. The ‘bullet sped close to Sam’s body, and he fired again as quickly as he could. “ Curse you. Safety Sam. we may as well have it. out. beret”. cried the man. at, bay, throwing himself out-'of the saddle as his herse went to the ground. “It is your life or minei” Safety Sam was amazed. The voicewas not that of the man he had been following. ._ . Anotherf'report, "and this time the bullet came even nearer to findingvlodgment in the sport’s body. " - ' .. - Sam now fired a couple of shots,,having . .draWn his other gun, but running ashe was hetoo missed. the mark, and his enemy fired _ et again, with deliberate aim. Sam felt the ullet graze his back. This would not do, and he stopped sud; «denly and threw himself to the Hound. So quickly was it done, that t e man who had fired at him was deceived and thought his bullet had done mischief. 1 “Hail what did I say?" he cried, and he .camerunning forward, firing another shot as . he came. a ' Same had not thought of playing such a trick as this, but he took the cue the instant he saw“ the man’s mistake, and as he lay there he-released his rifle from its place on ’ the bio cle frame. . Up t e fellow came, running, revolver in hand. I . ' . Sam’s rifle spoke, and the arm that held a. the revolver fell powerless to the fellow’s '- '1 side. the weapon dropping to the ground. ‘_ With a roar of pain the man stopped,.grab- first his wounded arm with. the hand of t e, other, but the next moment reaching for _ v answer revolver, determined to kill his foe ’ - if possible. . . p . - ,' w. cried {Saunisnanwaraing " I have ' .Iabead‘on you With I can drill ’ ‘Fouins‘lflelfl . o _, .1..mi1aeé-g darn!" weathe‘rstom‘ . ' [was a leaps or three to the him. . M“ . ,r I was after. ” was there before he” 1 v v ninecrrortarfl There was not much light, but there was sufficient for the two men to see eiich other‘s faces and to his surprise Safety Sam found that he had captured Grat Benson, the de- serterl The man of the black heard, the one who had undoubtedly killed Captain Deerforth, had made good his escape. ‘ CHAPTER XV. SAFETY sam‘s CLEAR GRIT. “WELL, kill me,” said the prisoner, be- tween his teeth. “Oh, no,” answered Sam. “Youand I will take a little journey over to the fort, first.” ' “ And there I’ll be shot'b‘y a file of soldiers. Have mercy on me and drop me here and put me out of my misery. See what you have done to my arm.” “ Your own fault. It would not have happened, if you had surrendered when I told you to. But, it is not likely that you will be shot when you reach the fort, so do not let that trouble you.” “ What do you, mean?” “QTliat you will be hanged. ‘ ‘ Hanged '2" ‘ » “Yes, forgthe murder of Captain Deer- forth.” , “Heavens! I have done no murder, Sam Hoflmanl I have not been to the fort, man.” “ You swear to that?” “ Yes.” " Well, if that is the case you may escape hanging; if you can prove it.” “Then Deerforth has been murdered ‘2” “ Yes.” - ‘ l4 ?H I, “Night before last—the same night you escaped from me.” “ And you thought I had gone to the fort and done the deed? ' Oh, no; I’m not a fool, if I an: a villain.” “ Then you own to the latter charge 2’” “ May as well.” A‘ The man answered in sullen, snarl-like N sentences. - He was nursing his shattered arm. anch a. moanof pain escaped him occasionally as he did so. ‘ ' , “ Well, we’ll haveto move on to the fort,” said Sam. ' “I Can’t walk there, now that you have ldlled my horse,” was the growl. “ You'll have to walk. unless you can ride my bicycle. It was your own fault that the horse got it.” ’ "’You had better drop me here and leave me. i y “ That would be murder. N0. I’ll bind up that arm, ‘and we’ll push on. I am sorry I had to do it, but you would have it.” “ I am only sorry that I didn’t get a bullet into 1you first.” 1' " “ know you are, but no matter.” Sam had (lisai'med the man, and'110w110 set about attending-t0 his wound with as much care as he could have taken for a friend. ‘ He had brought his lamp into use, and the rasc'ally 'Bcnson was glad enough to sit on the ground and Silbmit to the opera-' . tion. Awound will tame the worst man in the ,world. 7, “By the way," asked Sam, as he worked. “ did you see. anything of another horse- man ?" ' 4 “ Where?” . “ In the direction you Were going when 1 overhauled you.” ' , ' I! No.” .A . i .“ Well, there wasone, and he was the man ".Then you had not been shadowing me all the' way?” ’ ’ “All the way from where?” ' u muggeP-e} ' . g ‘ "No, I cameracross you by accident. Do you think you-nag grove that you did not i . \ .to himself. “ I can swear that I did not.” “ That will not do. Unless I can capture this other follow, the crime is likely to be put on you.” “ Then he is the man that did it?” “ Yes, he or some one he hired.” i“ Know his name?” “ I do not.” “What kind of man?” “ Black whiskers, and carries a rifle.“ Safety Sum, of course, did not know the rifle was in the form of a cane. “I seen secb a fellow as that at Freeman, this afternoon. but he left there on the stage. He had a cane, though.” It was easy for the man to drop into the vernacular of such characters as he had late- ly been associated with, although Grat Benson was a man of no mean education, really. “ And what do you know about him “Not a thing. ’cept that he acted rather queer.” “Well, he had reason to, seeing that he was responsible for a murder, even if he did not do the work himself.” 4 When the Cycle Sport had finished dress~ ing the wounded arm. he rose and helped his prisoner to his feet. and when he had put the bicycle-lamp in its place on the wheel, they set forward. The night was for advanced when they came to the fort. “ Halt!” they were there greeted. “ Who comes there?" . “ A friend, without the countersign,” an- swered the sport. ’ “ Who are you, friend?” “ Safety Sam with a prisoner.” “ Advance, Safety Sam." The sport came on, forcing his prisoner along in advance of him, and they were al- lowed to pass. . Ten minutes later Grat Benson was a pm- oner in the guard-house. Safety Sam did not call the commander, but threw himself down in a convonlent place to get some sleep and rest. He had given orders that he should be call- ed at the first streak of daylight; and had re- quested a soldier to have something for him to eat at that time, merelya piece that he could take in his hand. He was called promptly at the time de- sired. ' . . A sandwich was ready for him, and a cup of coffee, and he made haste with them. . Having done. he mounted his wheel, leav- ing an explanatory word for the commander, and just as it was‘ rowing light he went speeding across the plain in the direction of Freeman. - r - . He could follow his own tracks, and his objective point was the place where he had lost sight of his other shadowed man. _ Making Speed, he came to the place Just about the time the sun rose. , He had taken care not to nustake the tracks made by Gl'tlt Benson’s horse for those made by theothcr man’s. , _ ]But, there was little chance for such mis- tarc. ' . From the place where ,he‘lmrl the fight with Benson. and had captured him, he 01- lowed his bicycle. trail further. _ I There was the curve, made at the time- when he had first sighted Benson, and fol- , lowing that he eventually came to the place. _ where the tracks of . the other horse were to be seen. . '~ ' , And then the puzzle Was made clear. in order to drop his pursner, the man‘ had turned sharply to the left, and Sam had thus missed him. - . n ' " That was well done, any ” The fellow is no fool, even if he is not seqnainted with thesa plains, and it is clear that he is not orhe would not have ~" gone in that direction.“ ' ' ' ‘- . The ‘way the man had taken led to the desert. . - r!) f how,’,’ said Sam ' ‘ i Safety. Sam, the Cycle sport. It was a plain trail, and the Cycle Sport went spinning along upon it with ease. Anywhere out of the hills, for miles and miles, it was ideal bicycle country, as we have elsewhere said, and at the present time there are more wheels than one there. At a steady pace Sam pushed on, a gait that he could have kept up half the day, if need he, till at last the whiter sands ahead told of the desert. He had long sincc assed the spot where the horseman had rc need his speed, and now he came to the place where the horse had come to a walk. Still nothing was in sight, and he pressed on and on, following the track, well know— ing that he had only to follow it to its end in or er to find his prey, for there was here no Wily of escape. t last, afar out on the barren waste, a dark object was visible, and as Sam drew » nearer to it he found that it was a horse, and i presently another object on the rouhd re- solved into the form of a man lying there. The Cycle Sport had by sheer perseverance run down his game of the previous night. CHAPTER XVI. TRYING FOR THE mss'ranv. THE sun was by this time getting high, and the heat there on the border of the desert was oppressive. The wheeling was good, however, the ground being of that hard, dry nature, pe- culiar to the region of which we write, and the Cycle Sport pressed steadily on. When finall he drew near to where the » g man lay, the orse gave a glad whinny. but an" the man on the ground di not move, and I, Safety Sam thought he must be dead, but ' « ' such wasnot the case. Sam saw his mistake as soon as he ran up and dismounted. I The man was sleeping heavily, having gaed himself completely out in his aimless e. . The Cycle Sport detective took away the cane rifle, and a revolver which he saw in a hip-pocket, and having done so, gave the .I . sleeper a prod with his foot. I f a -. T 0 man gavea grunt and stretched him- Self. but it needed hnother prod to bring him to his senses. I y; : Eben he opened his eyes he sat up with a 15,2.“ , Sta . . [if “ Good-mornin ,” said Sam. ‘ “Where am -—what ,does this mean?” spoke the man. “.You are right here, sir, and it means that you are'my prisoner,” was the rejoin. er. The man's hand sought his hip. . “It isn’t there,” said Sam, provokingly. ' “You are safe and harmless, my friend. Suppose we get acquainted.” “ Who are you ?” Was the snarl. , “ I am called Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport, ‘ and sometimes a» detective, out of sarcasm, perhaps.” I “And what are you going to do With me?” “" 'T 1 " Take you to Fort Fenton, dead or ,, \anveIn . “ For what purpose?’ . I- " That you may be brought to account a. for the murder of Captain Deerforth. ” ' The man had been pale from the first, but death-like white- ) V ‘tnow his face turned to mess. , , k ‘, '? Ihave done no murder,” ‘10 declared, , " Nevertheless, Captain Deerforth has ' I been murdered.” .‘ “But, why dd you lay the crime to me? I do not know me ‘2” . I , - ‘ ' "'y‘i’Because you are the manIIWhO Will pm. ~ 5 .; fit {umbyhis death, you see. I II “» ‘ ' I tail to understand you, 81!- _ plainly.” , _ ' 5-“ Entrl. never heard of any such person. into doing a thing, and i you search me you from the first, and for some time he had HEP“! don’t. see how I can state any more . ' whatwfas this man, Deerforth '2” “ He was a captain at Fort Fenton, sir. His uncle recently met his death, and you, with certain papers in your possession, and with Deerforth and Hamilton both removed, will be bencfltet ." It will he remembered how Safety Sam had gained the information he now made useo . _ The man looked at him wildly. ” In the name of Heaven,” he ejaculated, what do you know, anyhow ?” “ A few things.” “ But, you are mistaken, I swear you are mistaken. I am innocent of all you charge, sir.” “ Well, let’s see about that. Just show up what papers you happen to have on your arson, and explain who and What you are. f you prove up innocent, of course I have no more to say.” - “But, by what right do you make this demand?" “ Well, by the right of might,for instance. I have got the drop on you, and you are in my power. ” “Then you make the demand of a coward.” "Not exactly that. I make the demand of a detective, Ijust now, for I have been especially commissioned by General Fielding to ferret out this matter. So, now, show down.” “ And if I refuse?” . “Well, in that case I think I am man enough to overcome you and search you, by force." “ If that is our thought, sir, you ma as well begin. {am not oing to be bu lied will have to do it by force." Safety Sam measured his man more close] . What meant this hold defiance, when a had the fellow in his power? The CY 018 Sport thought he understood it, and he made no mistake in his guess in the matter, either. I It was the only chance the man had for escape, and he meant to make the most .of it. Sam knew that it would be a hard fight, but he had gone too far to draw back now. If he refused the challenge, for such it really was, how would he get his man to Fort Fenton. ., “Well, get up here and we’ll see about it,” he said, coolly. II “ But, you are armed and I. am not, the man argued. “You dare not take me on equal footing.” “ Do not imagine. that I would take you any other way,” said Sam. “ Just step out there and 1- will in off my weapons. and then we’ll see whic is the better man in short order." I I I . The prisoner readily complied With the re- quest, and Sam was not unmindful of the look of desperate hope that beamed in his e as : yThe‘ Cycle Sport was full of calm and quiet determination. 7 He laid aside his revolvers and knife, and stepped forward to meet his ice for the con- test. I It was better for him to lay the weapon aside. It was fair to the man he was to con- tend with, and it insured his own safety against their falling into his hands during the struggle. _ ‘ “ Are you ready?” Sam asked. “ Ready.” I Thev sprung together instantly. I Sam" tried to get a certain bold, but miss. ing it he gave his opponent an advantage. The other was not slow to take it, and everything almost his own way. “ We'll see which is the better man,” the rascal ,opponent grated. “ I’ll leave your bones here to whiten in the sun, since you saw fit to follow me.” ‘ “ Save our breath.” said Sam. ‘ "I. It requ red all the strength the Cycle Sport I fl could bring to bear to keep from being over- (301110. At a disadvantage, as said, he could‘do- l nothing more than stubbornly resist, and by‘ resisting he made it neceSsary for his antag- onist to put forth every effort to hold his a - vantage. ’l‘his lasted some minutes. This way and that they swayed. to and fro, grinding their heels into the ground as they exerted their strength. Suddenly Safety Sam saw his chance. With a turn as quick as thought he changed his hold, and the advantage w his. ' Another move, and he had gained the hold. which he had tried to get at the beginning, and from that moment the battle was his, for he had superior strength, slightly. ~ Finally his antagonist was on his back on the ground, and the Cycle Sport had his knee- on his breast. , “ How about it now ?” Sam asked. “ Curse you!” was the panted response. “ You may do that if you want to, cer-', tainly.” * “ You’ll never take me from this spot. alive, I swear it!” - “You make your mistake there, my good.- fellow. I am master of the situation now..; and it will be as I say.” “ You’ll see.” “And so will you.” r ' . Sam’ bran ht the man's hands together,.- and bound t em with a strap which he took. from his jacket pocket. {I‘hat done, he got up and stretched him.; so . “I think I’ll take my bones back home with me. after all,” he said in a 1i ht man- ner. " I did not fancy the idea 0 leavienig them here to whiten, as you suggest .. Now, for those papers.” ‘ - With that, he stooped and: summed they ' ,prisoner's pockets. . '. There were some letters and papers in one, and in another was the packet he had re- ceived from the man in the Saddle Saloon. “ These are the documents, sir,” said Sam- “These tell the tale. kill Deerforth ourself you know who did, and you are t e man responsible for .his “ death. You are in. for it.” CHAPTER XVII. I I I THE DUEL IN THE DARK. - g j , IT was useless .for the man to denyrnrther, now. ' ' . , He changed his manner immediate] , and began be ging for his liberty, ofier ng to pay well or it. i g I That, however, with a man like the Cycle Sport, was worse than useless. and finallythe- prisoner lapsed into sullen silence,'refusing to speak when spoken to. Another thing, Sam had discovered in the struggle with the fellow that the black. heard was false, and on removing it he found the man to be entirely innocent of any beard ' at all. . He was not a bad-looking fellow by any means, but yet there was that about his face ' ' and the expression of his eyes that gave him. the stamp of villain. I Sam at the papers in his own pocket, and sai : “New, sir, I’ll help you to mount, and fir We,“ be Off on 0"" remrn» and I’ll introduce. on to General Fielding," ’ ~ No response, and the man did not offer, tori I f ‘ ;‘ “Did you has: what 1......"M‘3’? Mg“: , sport. Still no re . I _ The Cycle pontcokapln “a 'i {ij and stooped over. _ I I 4 I " G“ “P' c°nf°und you!" he cried. ",9! 1:1); ' will make it mighty interesting, for you The fellow hesitated gnomes, ,. made use of the pin.. ,- With a bowl the man was “ t Even if you did not. ‘ u have rec-sis; .' «as»: . ~ 'v . . ' 'v A' ‘3 m -. .— 'q.... have that; was immediately, Dettlin iy enough, and he gave Sam a severe kick that almost disabled the sport. It was useless for Sam to forbear further, and he did not do so. His fist shot out straight from the shoulder, taking the rascal between the eyes, and he dropped to the ground half scnSeless. "Now, you will do as I bid, or I will serve you worse!" cried Sam. ” I’ll throw you across the saddle and tie you there, if you prefer to ride that way rather than to sit up. I'm going to take you to the fort, if I have to take you there dead, and you may .as well make up your mind to it.” The fellow had evidently come to that con clusion, now. He got up, after a moment, and offered no further resistance when Sam helped him to mount. “ I won’t tie you, if you are inclined to be- have yourself,” the sport said. “ If you want to fall oil? it will be at the risk of your town neck.” ' While speaking, Sam had unfastened One end of the bridle, which he held in his hand, and now mounting his wheel he spoke to the horse and started. , And in this manner they proceeded, Sam leading and the horse following at a gentle o e. ' at, in the mean time, what of Captain Dettlinger and the man he had followed?. A word about the captain’s manner of leaving the fort. - 'While the fact that he had been set at liberty immediately after his arrest by the 7 enernl, if arrest it had been. had assured im that he was not really believed guilty of the murder, yet he felt theweight of the evidence a ainst him. ,He rose ved to take leave of the fort im- mediately, for the purpose of clearing up the mystery, if it lay in his power to do so. Laying off his proper dress, he assumed a :disguise. With that he made his we to the river, where he took a punt and. fitted as far down as the trail between Freeman and Junction. ' Needless to follow his every movement, but at the time when he came again to our notice he was on his way to Silver City, from Freeman, with the intention of going .on to Gold Lode. » Like Safety Sam, he believed that there the mecal would be found, if anywhere, for there everything in the shape of humanity was congregating, and-there, if anywhere, he might hope to hide his identity and crime under some clever disguise until the excite- ment had died away, I Meeting the horsemen on the trail, he was determined not to- let them pass .till he learned who they were. We saw the result. When Safety Sam started after the one, he gave his attention to the other in the manner shown. ' Dettlinger had a fresh horse, while that of the man he was after had come along dis- tance already, to say nothing of the fact that it had been out nearly all the previous day. The fugitive immediately put his animal to its best, hoping to run out of sight in the darkness, but that was useless. Dettlingcr was full of determination. He darted after him, and a race for life was commenced, the one eager to get away and the other determined upon capture. For nearly'an hour they held their posi- tions, and then Dettlin er began to gain upon his foe, seeing w ich, the fugitive turned and opened fire with his revolver at man and horse.- _ ’ Dettlinger returned the compliment, and the bullets of each came unpleasantly near. Finally the saddle of, the fugitive horse was empty. v 7 7 The moment he noticed this, and he be. ger I , the fort together. Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport. At the same time he shouted to the other horse, and that, too, reduced its speed to a trot, and finally stopped, glad enough to do so. Dettlinger looked and listened, hoping to see or hear something that could give him the clue to the whereabouts of his foe, and while he stood thus, just for a moment, he was fired at. Then came the report of a revolver, close at hand, and the bullet struck its object. Dettlinger felt a twinge in his arm and a dull pain in his side the instant he caught the flash and heard the report, and the next he knew was reeling out of the saddle. He fell upon his head and shoulder, but was not further hurt, and no sooner was he on the ground than he heard an exulting cry and saw a man rushing toward him. He drew himself together instantly, as well as he could. Fortunately the bullet had not broken his arm. As the man was about to throw himself upon him, the captain fired, but his shot missed. , “ Curse you! didn’t I finish on?” cried his foe, leaping upon him. “ I’l do it now, for this bullet you have lodged in my shoul- der, curse you 1’ ’ Dettlinger met the attack aswell as he could, an the two wounded men grappled with each other in a deadly struggle, each armed, but each trying to prevent the other from using a weapon. It was a fight worse than that which fol- lowed between the Cycle Sport and his foe, for here it was deadly. Both men were wounded, both were bleed- ing. and each was determined. ' ' One hand of each held a weapon, but that hand was confined in the other’s grasp, and thus they struggled. _ Thecaptain new if' he was overcome his life would pay the forfeit, while the villain knew fully as well if he lost the fight he would be brought to answer for his crime. How long. they struggled Dettlinger could never tell, but it seemed an age. ' His wound grew painful, his blood min- gled with that of hisfoe, and both men were wet with the life fluid and both were grow- ing weaker. ‘ Finally ,the captain realized that he could hold out no longer, for his head grew light and it was all he could do to keep his senses, and he thought that his and had come. After all his brave effort, to die thus miserably—it was awful! But, just when he felt his senses going, and felt his hold giving way. he realized that his foe had become- lifeless in his grasp. . ’ How long he was insensible the captain had no means of knowing, but he came to and found himself lying across the body of his enemy, who was still unconscious—or dead for all he knew. Exerting all, his strength, he bound the fellow’s hands, and that was the last he knew till the sun was beating upon his face. When he opened his eyes he found his enemy struggling to free his hands, and he had nearly. succeeded, too, but Dettlinger promptly made them .fast again, his own strength having to a degree returned. Both horses were standing not a great dis- tance away, more friendly to each other than their masters. and Dettlinger had little trou- ble in capturinv-them, after which he went to the river and .bathed the blood from his hands and face and took a long drink. Much refreshed, he returned, carrying some water in his hat to his prisoner, and when he had drunk and bathed his head, he was assisted to mount. ‘ It was some. hours later‘vwhen, by chance, Dettlinger and Safety'Sam met with their prisoners. , . , From that point they, continued on toward CHAPTER XVIII. mavmmrmu AND CONCLUSION. RETURN we to Fort Fcnton. The old fort lay grim and forbidding in the morning sunlight. But, then, that was in appearance only, and that appearance had different aspects, according to the character of the beholder. To the oppressed, seeking a refuge, or to the honest man who could come there Open- ly, there was withal a friendliness about'the dull and frowning Old place that was agree- able. To the outlaw, the grim and forbidding appearance Was intensified. , On the top of the house of the comman- der, as on a former occasion, were General Fielding, and the short, plump widow, Mrs. Masters. The general had been scanning the horix zon with his glass, and his face was stern, having about it something of the grimness of the old fort itself. It took a degree 10f courage for the widow to lay her fingers on his sleeve. 1 “My dear general,” she said, “it pains me to see you look so troubled. I wish it were in my power to take Some of the weight off your heart and mind, but what can 1 do? This trouble that has come upon your peace- ful life here— Ahl me; only a wife,could help you bear it" - “ It isn’t the trouble, Mrs. Masters, it’s them scouts,” was the brusque and ungram- matical~response. “ Some of them ought to be turning up by this time.” He vieWed the horizon again. The woman gave a shiver, as the gram; .matical, error made her fle'sh creep, but she choked down the correction that sprung to' her lips. 80 used was she to training the speech of her daughter. that she came almost to cor- recting the general, and only caught herself just in time. That would have been some- thing terrible, as she said to herself- “ Yes, but you have trouble, dear gen- eral,” laying her fingers justalittle more heavily upon his arm, “ and, as far as I am able, 1 want to be of use to you in'helpmg you to bear it. I feel that I am in some measure responsible for it, for if we had not come here—” r “Tut, tut. Not a word of that. But, here is your daughter, and if you will ex- cuse me for a few minutes I must go down and give some orders." He lifted his hat and was gone at once. Mrs. Masters watched him until he had disappeared, then turned to.her daughter. “Kate, I have been wanting to see you alone,” she said. “'What is the matter be- tween you and dear Mr..Longman? It can- not be possible you Will let slip such an opportunity.” “ It’s gone, mamma, dear,” was the smiling ' confession. tl “ I say it’s clean gone. I have seen all I want, of dear Mr. Longman, as you call him.’ " What is the trouble? Are_ you crazy?”. “ Not a bit of it. Why, he is the greatest coward on earth 1” ' ‘ 7 “What does that matter. so long as he is rich? I tell you you shall marry him!" “No, thank you, momma,” still smiling- ly, “If you marry the general, that Will. be sufficient for the present, won’t it? I have my cap set for a dashing lieutenant,- don’t you know.” ,“ If I marry the general-— .What on earth are you talking about? You surely must be crazy, now.”. - 1 “ Not a bit of it. Ta-ta, Amammfl; see you, ater.” And with that the young woman turned ,1 to the steps; to go down to the yard where the other young women were calling her. . “ Well, well, who would have th tight , that she could read my heart," the p u’mp . I. .' 1 . . that line in self. '_ we have partly ' ' claim to being detectiveS. am! who had the . communion with the my Sterlousstranger at Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport. widow asked herself. “ I am sure I took all {pains to hide it, and yet it is the truth—I love him!” When the general returned to the roof for another look around over the plains, he found the plump widow blushing to the tips of her ears. “ Why, what’s the matter, Mrs. Masters?” he demanded. “N—nothing,“ she answered. “ ()nly— t-only I am sure I did not mean to let it be known.” “Known? Let what be known? W hat are you talking about, my dear woman? I see by your face that something has hap pened. Something your daughter has been confessing to you?” w "‘ Confessing?" 1“ Yes. I have a notion that she and Bus- tse —" “ Ohl general! Then that was her secret, :and that is the reason she is throwing away Longman—” “Pish! that fellow isn’t worth her little finger. If that’s all, my dear woman, don’t 'let it trouble you, for Russel is a good fellow .and not by any means penniless.” “ But, that‘s not all, dear general; she did not tell me anything about that at all, in 'fact. What she said was, that—that I was ~—was in love with you, and that anybody .could see it. ‘ I am sureI did not mean to letdit be known, General Fielding, and—— fan _I’ “ There, there, do not let that trouble you. my good woman; I meant to speak to you in We’ll call in the chaplain, .as soon as get a little time to spare.” “Ohl general!" ,. She was upon her feet, her hands clasped. :and when he opened his arms to her she leaped within his embrace and there she melted—so to say. But, the old war dog quickly put love and sentiment aside, for the time being, and looked out across the plains again. in all directions, and this time he caught sight of :somethin . “ It’s him!” he exclaimed. “ It’s my scout on wheels returning, and three men on horseback are with him!" “ Let me look, please, James dear.” “ Certainly. ” ‘ .“ Yes, it’s he," the widow cried. instantly, With some stress on the pronoun. She had begun her training in language. There Was excitement when Safety Sam and Captain Dettlingor rode into the fort with their prisoners. And there 'was more when they told their stories, handlng over their prisoners as the men who Were responsible for the death of Ca tain Deerforth, I‘ll: required the strong band and iron will of General Fielding to keep his men in order, for, soldiers thoughthe were, the prisoners would have fared bad y if they could have 'had their way. u They were IOCkGd up. under guard, and the wounded one was attended to. About the time they had been disposed of, 'two men reached the fort from the direction of Silver‘City. ‘ They were the tWO Whose acquaintance made. the pair who laid Gold Lode. They asked to see the commander. General Fielding was 80011 011 hand, and " inquired their mission. ‘ ‘ We are detectives,” the Spokesman ex~ lalned. ” and have come here to aid in hunt- "8‘ down the murderer of Captain'Deer- - forth.” “ The deuce you say! Who are you—that ‘8, your names. and where do you come. from? In what way are ou‘ concerned in the matter? Not likely that it is outof pro- ' _' ’ ' fessional kindness.” .l, “ \Ve have come here, because we know who did the deed, and because we want the aid of your soldiers in running him down and bringing him to account. We can be helpful to each other, lenernl Fielding. My name is Wilson Parker, and that of my partner is Jones." “ You say you know who killed Deer- forth?” H S'CS‘ n “ \Vlio was it?” “llis cousin, Hanson Burk, going under the name of Howard Burkson.” “ For what reason did he kill him? Since you know this much, perhaps you can tell us that.” “ For the same reason that he killed his uncle, that he might come into his wealth. With the uncle and Deerfortli both removed, he would be the next heir‘to the estate." “ That’s the way of it, eh?" “ Yes. sir.” -‘ And you are looking it up out of gener- ous motives?" “Oh, no; we are in the employ of the lawyers who have the settling o the estate. We are paid for our work." “ And your name is Wilson Parker, eh?” “ So 1 said, sir.” ‘ “ I know you said so, but, that does not make it so. Are you sure your name is not Watson Hamilton ‘2" The fellow turned as pale asdeath, and looked about as if for some means of escape, while he sought for an answer to the ques- tion. which was not readily found. “ Well, you need not answer," said the commander. “ I have the whole story from a scout, who came here from Gold Lode at an early hour this morning, after his talk with on fellows last night. ” . “ here is a mistake—” - “ Yes, and you are the man who has made it.” spoke now another voice, and forward Stepped a man who had come with the scout from Gold Lode. “It is too bad that we were too late to save the life of Deerforth, commander.” v “Yes. it is too bad, Lawyer Hazelton,” responded General Fielding. “ But, you are in time to remove suspicion from the in- nocent and put the crime where it belongs. Men, put these two under arrest.” ' Thesoldier had the men in charge, in a mo- ment. " The other prisoners were then ordered out, and all were brought face to face. 80 that the truth could he arrived at. I Burk and Hamilton fell to aecusmg each other immediately, and it required no fur- ther evidence to fasten the guilt upon them —-the more particularly upon Burk. He was” the one who had killed the uncle, but Hamil- ton knew about it. The latter was willing to let it go on till Deerforth had heed put out of the way, when he intended to expose Burk, have him hanged, and so come into the preperty him- self as the next of kin. But, it had not worked that way, and both would have to suffer for the crimes. Grat Benson was innocent 0f the murder., He declared that he would not have trust- ed himself inside the fenCes of Fort Fenton for all the gold in the Rockies. Ile confessed that he had come down for the purpose of stealing Fannvd‘helding, and carrying her off'to make her-his Wife, and he had brought a band of cut-throats to aid him. Their scheme was to get the soldiers out from the .fort, and then steal in and in some manner accomplish the obJect. « ~ Benson met the fate do deserved. The man who had killed Dcerforth was the companion of the fellow Burk. He had made his way through the guard- line. and entered the fort at the time when Dettlinger returned with his men and pris- oners on that night. He accomplished his object, and made his, I escape by way of the river, going out at a time when the guard was changing, unob— served. He was dealt with in a most summary manner. The other rascals were turned over to the civil authorities, and needless to say they suffered the penalty to the full. Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport remained at the fort until the excitement had nearly abated. There was an attraction there for him, we will admit, though he had little hope that the desire of his heart could ever he realized. Sam lIoil‘man soon after drifted away from Silver City. where he had disposed of his interests, and the last heard of him he was making a tour on his wheel, still known as Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport. He had friends many, and was a man to make many more, wherever he went. THE END. Nnx'r HALnDuw LiliIiAIirpNo. 907. A Great Popul: Favorite Again! J0 PIERCE. _ This time itis another or his inimitable City-Life ' stories—the real life, not of the slums, but of the “shady " side of the huge metropolis. with its 5‘ shady " denizens, and its “shady " police record; so the reader has in Raddy Buster, lllll Bell-Buy Detanhva; Chowder Johnny’s Snag-Strike. a mighty lively revelation of the Bowery and its covers for sharps, crooks. steerers, night hawks and _“ wanted " men and women. The BelLBoy is a bright specimen of the keen- . witted-youths that that noted thoroughfare deo velops, and the narrative of how he piped three rogues and begged their $10,000 lift, is one all. readers will “ freeze to,” as a star story. . Penman HOLIDAYS. ’ "Dime Dialilgiies No.41." Just Out ! A Splendid Number 1 Original Dialogues. Colic uies, Dress and Parade Pieces Forces. Burles ues, ora'ities Petite Dramas etc. or all ades 0 School, Exhilii ions, .Enter- tainments an Private Theatricals. Containing (in part): Tim HAPPY TERMINATION, by H. Elliott McBride.‘ For three males, three females and two officers. THE TELL-TALE TELEGRAU, by Mrs. B. bt. John. For one male and one female. Too MANY SMITHS, by S. Jennie Smith. ,males and three females. THE Tnmrm ORIGINAL Suns. by Brofessor J. W. ' Harvey. A beautiful dress. Scenic. and parade Drama. For fourteen young ladies PLAYING THE Races, by E. A. Thatcher. For three For eight n ales. Visrrl-ro was M008, by Stella Prince. For two little irls. Tang New Sermon ro‘a SCANDAL, by the O‘Dowd Troupe. BREAKING IN run DOMINIE. by Sam C. King. For teacher and a number of boys, WATCHING roe SANTA Guns. by Mrs. A. D. Lyon. For five children. i I _ on): or ran Dumu'rnas. mm. by C. D. Moms, For two males and one female. Tm: Hionns'r DUTY 0F ALL. by Anna G. Seniors 1 For five families. amounts: SURPRISE ron Scoopnn. by H. Elliott McBride. For five males and five females. Tan Smns’ Cavemen, by Mrs. S. H. Ashmnn, A Dress and Set nlc Piece for girls. TEE hégBELLEXAmNATION, by D. A. Brubaker. For a 00 ALL“: Sm“ ’Micnucan MAN, by J. c. C. Alt/En- character Monol e. . . SmmDooas. b damn Lee. mammals! and two reins es. ' p v t For sale by all newsdealers, or will be. as». paid, to any address, on receipt ofpeiogten ones. BEADLE AND unnamed”. fl WWW York. _; g; - . 4.- ~-.._, m, l '1" - ' and-n: 'i at“ ..:.m..a~~« n- ' \ a r“ BEADLE’SrHALF-DIMErLIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Unzfomn Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdeale'rs.. DY EDWARD L. “'IIEELER. ‘ Deadwood Dick Novela. Deadwood Dick, the Prince oi the Road. 20 Deadwood IDick’n Defiance; or. Doubli-angtrn. :? {gat‘llwooi‘l‘ “lit-II: iIu llDlllItgiljinoililr, Build]; Ben r a woo c ' n I art 0:. 42 Deadwood Dick‘n Bonanza; ur,The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick In‘lDaugcr; ur,0mana Oil. 57 Deadwood Dick’s haulers: or,’l‘he Pards oi Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Dock: or. Calamity t me,th.-. lleroine 17,7. lgoat‘llwooi‘l1 Lian-t. or.Corduro,' Charlie. ea woo c n ea v c. :eggwoog :::e|i‘('sl "Brace; Ior, The Double Croea Sign. ea woo c as e ect ve. 199 Deadwood Dick’a Double: or. The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost- 188 Deadwood Dick’u llome Dane; or. Blond: E II. 149 Deadwood Dick’a Dig Strike or. A Game ol'Gohl. I56 Deadwood Dick oI' Deadwoo t or. The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or The Rivals oi'the Road. 901 Deadwood Dick’a Ward; mil... Black Hill’sJuchei. 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Jr.'a. Compact. 496 Deal wood Dick. Jr.’a. Inheritance. ‘500 D084 wood Dick, Jr.’a DI nga. 508 Deat wood Iok. Jr.'a. De verance. 515 Deat wood Dick, Jr). Protegee. 538 a: euro-‘- Dick. Jr.’a. Three. 529 Deat wood Dick. Jr.'o. Danger Ducka. Deal wood Dick. Jr.’a. D ath "out. 589 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. In exaa. Will": I’ll‘k' Jl'e. “It Wild WC": vim - iiifi? 3:" i’: 62th:?“ on WWII ' o e 561 Dead wood Dick: Jr", In Bolton. on .2: "‘3 iii“? 5'" i‘ Pil'i.‘“’""° woo - r. n c o. .78 use “Inn‘s “l:k: l‘o: Afloat. ‘ 584 Be ww‘ Dick. fir... InnDcnver. wood c r. a ccree. 283 w... it'd" ii r. a n . 000 Deal wood niok.’ aria. Laid: lelL‘lsny. 619 Heat wood Dick. Jr.. in Detroit. 618 Dead wood Dick. Jr., in Cincinnati. 684 Deai wood chk. Jr.. in Nevada. Elli woo: Bing. 3n, kinNo fiat-I.- Land. at o . or e n . 6 9 Does 2331! Dick. In Bululo. e" a 8 Deal wood Dick, r.’a, Chane Aerooathe Continent :23 .... 33:: last:- .i'I't‘flt:¥.f.i‘ffd'.i‘:§"°"' oco Dem wood mot; JrI. llack in the Min'os. 676 Deal wood Dick. .Ir.. in Durango: or.“ Gathered In." {eat woo: inch, grin, I'D’iacolvery; or, Founu aFortunc. eat woo c r. I. all e. one Deal wood Dick: Jr.’o. Dollara. Dem wood Dick. Jr.. at Danger Divide. 700 DOM wood Dick. Jrh. Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. at Jack-Pot. 710 Dead wood Dick Jr” in Call Franchco. 716 Dead wood Dick, Jr.’-, fltill “not. 782 Deal wood Dick. .lr.’-. domino“. 728 Dead wood Dick. Jr.’a. ‘Dlnizul-e. 784 Dead wood Dick. .lr.’a. Double Deni. 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Deathwatch. 747 Deadwood Dick. .lr.'n, Douhlct. 752 Deat wood Dick. Jr.’a, Deathblow. 759 Del“ wood Dick. .lr.‘a, Deapcratc Strait. 764 Don: wood Dick, Jr.’a, Lone "and. 770 Deal wood Dick, Jr!» Dei‘cat. 776 Deat wood Dick. Jr.’a. Reaurrcction. 2 Dent wood Dick. Jr.’ Dark Days. ‘7 Dcai wood Dick Jru'lDe e . 2 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a. Double Device. ; =ead woo: :l'r’f. :zfaperagelxenture. . o - . .- umon ee. 1 £33333. un-k,’ 4.52.; Royal Flush. Deadwood Dick. Jr.’a, Head-om Deadwood Dick. .Ir.’t-. Rival. 822 Dcadwood Dick, .Ir.’a, Room. 884 Deadwood Dick, Jrh, l'rox . 840 Deadwood Dick. oil-Ru, Clutc . 945 Deadwood Dick. .lr.’u. III b “one. 859 Deadwood Dick Jr.. at evil’u Gulch. 858 Deadwood Dick, .lr.‘u, b‘enils-Ilole Hustle-i 863 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a Dombabell. 870 Deadwood Dick, .Ir.. in Mexico. 676 Deadwood Dick. Jr’a, Decoy Duck. 862 Deadwood Dick, .lr.. in Silver Pocket. 891 Deadwood Dick. .lr.‘a, Dead-Sure Game. 999 Deadwood Dick, .lr.’a. Double Drive. 90—1 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a. Tradedlurk. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS. 589 Tom-Cat and Paul; or. The Dead Set at Silver City. 892 Tom-Cat'a Triad: or. The Ail'nir at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat’u Terrible Tank; or, The Cowboy Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph or, Black Dnn’s Great Combine. ‘46 Captain Cactua the haparrai Cock; or. Josh’s Ten Strike 568 The Dandy oi’ Dodge; or. Rustiiniz lor Millions. 576 The Silver Sport; or. .losh Pnpporlillnt'l Jubilee. ‘88 Bali-on 801. the Man With ll Shadow 601 Ila p "one, the Dutch \‘idocq; or,HotTimesat Round-Up d Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowbo aid the Cattle-Range Detective. in; Villlliam the Mountain Mountehank. ly Jeremiabuhe Plains Detective. .1 Sun the kout Scout. 6 ly the (Sync; Spy: or, The Mvater; of’l'wo Lives. 6 Irirnp e Sim, the roncho Buster; or. or lg States. 3. The lumen-t apart: or, The Mystiasd Dotoctlvo. 8 'i‘oltec Tom, the ad Pros , 7 7 45 Kansas Jim. the Cross-Cal Detective. 61 M adake. the Mustanger Detective. 78 It at] r of Rolling Stone. 1 785 I. i a: Joe. the Committes of One. 801 thy the High-Kicker from Killhnck. 8:: r Detective in To 8 o Ito xaa. wmea Detectives in Colorado. I N . up... ER 0ther Novels by E. L. “'heeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Ronebud Rob on "and; or. My], the Girl Miner. 88 Rout-bud Rob’u Rea nearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob'a Cha lcnge; or, Cinnamon i‘hip. 277 Denver Doll. the Detective Queen; or, The Ynnkce‘n Surround 881 Denver Doll‘a Victory; or. Skull and Crossbones. 955 Denver Doll’a Decoy; or. Little Bill’s Bonanut. 096 Denver Doll's Drift? or. The Road Queen. 86% 3' rcka Jim. the (to d-Gathercrt or, Tho Lire Lottery. 3s? \Vreka Jim’s Prize; or. The Wolven (Ii'\Vakt'-Up. ' Ill-in Yreka Jim‘s Joker} or The Rivals of Red Nose. 889 Yrcka Jim's New to cg or. Bicycle Ben. 894 \ reka Jim 01’ \ uba Dam. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective: or. Dot Lei-tic Game. 213 Fritz to the Frontt or, The Ventriloqulst Hunter I ii err-a Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister‘s Devotion. 24H 8' crra Sam’s Secret: or The Bloody Footprints. 958 8‘ erra Sam’s Para; or,‘ no Angel oi Big Vista. 858 o. . .. Satn'a Seven or,Tho Stolen Bride. in” .aannaroo Kit; on T m Mysteriou. Minor. 9 .(an aroo Kit'a Racket; or, The Pride oi'I’luycd-Out. 39 Heat -Facc, Detective; or, Life in New York. 69 ’ ‘he Do}; Detective; ‘or, Gold Ride, the Sharpshootor. ‘Nutoh. ‘ye the Detective; or, Arabs and Angela. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick. the Sfiort Detective 14.5 Captuln Ferret, the ew York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective: or, Snoozrr. the Boy Sharp. 891 Turk the. Boy erret. 6925 Kelley, lllekev Jr. 00.. the Detectives of Philadelphia- 843 Manhattan M ke, the Bowery Detective. 400 “'rluklea. the Night-Watch Detective. 416 lligh llat Harry. the Blue Ball Detective. 426 Sam Slabaldeo. the Be nr-Boy Detective. Jim Book and Pal. rivate Detectivea. 26 Cloven llooi’, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vulturee. 89 Bob Woolf: or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 (Did Avalanche or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jim Illudeoe. r.. the Boy Phenix. 61 lluckhorn llillt or. The Red Rim Team. 98 Canada Chat; or. Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’- Camp. 118 Jack [[0er the Young Smuintor. 1.5 Bonanza Bill Miller; or Madam letery, the Forger. 133 no... Bob the king oi Booth oclra 141 Band Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded ilrowa. 177 olihfiN lek ofNevadai or, The Sierras Scampi. 181 lid rank the Buckskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily's Love. 936 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or. Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Day Patrol: or. The Rival Hclro. .99 A No. 1, t o Daahlu Toll-Taker. the Gir Miner: or. the lion-Nerved Snort. uie -Shot; or Tho Dead Face of Dagger-ville. 858 Flrat.0 an Fred the bent irom do her. 578 Nabob Ned: or he Secret ofSlah C ty. 88. Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance. :38 Santa Fe Sal, tho Slasher; or, A Son’s Ventrunct‘. Q sewn sum, the Sparklor; or The Tribunal of Ten. BY J. 0. CoWDRICK. Broadway Billy Novell. 490 Billy. the Bootbiacli Bravo. 514 Billy’- Boodle; or, Clearing aStrange Cue. 586» Billy‘s ‘ Diiilkilty.” 557 Billy’s Death Racket. wa Billy’s Surpriao Party. y Dilly; or,Thc Boy Dctectivc’sBir lnuinr. 628 Billy’s Dead Act: or. The Lea ue ofSeven. 669 Billy broad; or, The Boothlac in Friaco. 6 5 Dilly’a lest; Ohm-sting San Francisco's Finest. 6 7 Billy in Clover. ‘93 in Texas; or, The River Bastien. lIy illy’o Bran . 711 way Dilly at s t Fe or. The Clever Deal. Dllly’a li'ui'inlltndzlor, The Gainin Detective. ly’l Blind: or, The BgtlilJifli‘h' Stowaway. 785 way llllly’a Buaineup. all”: lliil§"i.9l'rr'°"' can. ' enve . m y Billy’s “flrlaill; or. m n... no...“ 769 way In ly, the Winner Detective._ 775 way Iii ly‘n Shadow Chane. 738 way DI ly’u Beatlea; or The Trio’a Quest. 796 way DI ly’a Team; or, The Combinc's iiig Full. 790 way llllly’a Brigade; or. The Dead Alive. £33 3"? iii i""i.°iii“.‘h' “°““°"' 'a y u . 805 way Di ly’a Slpfnai scoop. 810 Ill iy a “’ pe Dut. lly’,a §:illl‘ir\’ Racket. y e u . :32 ii. Wis"? “W “m”- y a n . iii iiiii¥3:iiiifri“i°'"' Ill Ca 349 {y‘— o100,030 am. Bi Di i." In London. 1" filigtdow‘London Sluma. Ill ly’fl l‘fl‘m-h Game. 880 way It] ly and the Bomb-Throwers. 900 Jumping Jnck’a Jubilee. 687 lluitcry Dob, the Dock Detective. 860 Niver-Maak the Man oi Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shanta, the. (told King: 0". ForSeven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’a A preuticed or, A Boy Without a Name. 424 Cibuta John: or. ed-Hot Tunes at Ante Bar. 469 Randy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Diaco Dan. the Dale * Dude. 606 Rediikht Ralph t 2 Prince of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detective: 0", Rediigiit Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 57] Air-Line Luke the Young E'lElileey‘. or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton: or. Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fizhiilll‘ "arr the Chm 0i” Chained Cvclone. 640 Bareback Dot , the (‘entnur or the Circle. 647 T newrlter Tilly. the Merchant’- \Vnrd. 659 .\ oonllzht Mor an the "Piaenest."Man of Auto Bar. 894 Arizona Dick's 'ipe-(Dut. DY “’lLLlA“ R. EYSTER. 190 Dandy Darke; or. The Tizcru of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank t or. Dandy Darke's (lo-Down Pm“. SIR The lluatler Rogue-Catcher. . 888 Poker Pete’s: Double Dodge, 851 The Tie-To 5 art: or. High lluntling at Sinners’ Fiat. 838 Monte Raul. t to flpor . 901 Diamond Dave, the Gilt-Edge, Shooter, BY BUFFALO BILL (llon. Wm. F. Cody). 8 Kan-ail King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom say: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye. the nknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood OR Border Robin flood: or The Prairie Rover. 158 Faaoy Frank of Coloradoi or. The Trapper’t Trust. BY HAROLD PAYNE. 848 Dan, the River Sport: or. Foiling the Frisco Sharp. I 892 Bowery Bea In Chinatown. BY COLONEL I’REITISS INGRAIIAM. 902 New York Nat’n in Colorado. 996 New York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. 389 New York Nat’u Deadly Deal. 883 New York Nat’a Crook-Chane. 877 New York Nat’n Trump Card. 87! New York Nut and the Grave Ghoul-I. 86.» New York Nut‘a Mai-lied aueot. 809 New ‘t'ork Not. the (inniin llrtr‘dive. 856 Dick Doom’a Kidnappcr Knock-out. 847 Dick Doom’a Ten Y‘irlke. 842 Dick Doom‘u Finish llaud. Doom’a Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny. 777 Dick Doolu’a Deathly; or, The River Blackieg’e Terror. 734 Dick doom; or. ‘I he Sharps ttud Sharks 0| New York. 7834 Dick Down In Boston; or, A Man OlMauy Masks. 793 Dick Doom In Chicago. 798 Dick Down In the \\ ild “'eat. 803 Dick Doom’u Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue. 808 Dick Doom’ Death Clue. 818 Dick Doom’ Diamond Deal. 819 Dick lDoom’a Girl Maacot. 829 Dick Doom'a Shadow llunt. Doom’a DI: llaul. 749 Dan hing Charlie: or The Kentucky Tendcrfcot’s First'rraii. 756 Dal-hing Charlie’s Destiny: or.'l‘he Renegade’s Captiv... .760 Dita hing Charlie’s: Pawnee l’ard. 766 Dan hing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Back Taylor. Kins 9! the Cowboys. 78’? Buck Taylor, the (mmncbo‘s Castive. 743 Back Ta lor'a Boys; “n'l‘he lie Riders oi'the Rio Grandc. 560 Pawuee I“, the Prairie Shadowor. 718 Pawnee Bill; or Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee lllll’a liled el Un'l‘he Cowboy's Doom. 7:5 lluhril'ee’mtm in Dare?“ I)“. Tn m )5h 6 ? e era a ‘ur oua use: 0|. c vn nrps. Rec rn at Devil’s Ranch; or, The Sharp iron) Texas. 70! Reui'eru’o lligh "and; or, Blue Jacket. 707 Red-i’eru’n Lat-t Tran; or, The Red Sombrero Rangers. 308 Red Ralph’a Rune; or,Tbe Buccaneer Min-hi man. Rec Ralph’s Hold Game; 07.1h°“iuvd eilor. ed 1 l lphg the shadower; or, The Freebooter‘s Legacy. Duiiter ly llilly’u Diaguiae. , 650 -- ter Iy Billy, the You i-zxprenmoer. 656 Butter y Billy’s: Man llunt. ' :to. y Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent K "a on; Or, 'lhe lea of the Overland. 570 {,ent Kingd on’s Shadower; or. the Card Queen. 575 gent K I ....’a Duel; H, The Surgeon Scout. 586 itent Ki gd-on‘s lDoom’rcr, The Buckskin Avenger. 545 .aiitte Run Down; or. be Buuancers of Barrataria. 550 aalltte’a Legacy: or. The Averaging Son. 555 .ailtti'a Confetti-Ion: or, Th» Creole Corsair. 520 Ducks 1]: Bill, the Comanche Shadow. The Buckakin Brothers In Texas. 580 The l -uckak|n Bowen; or. The Cowboy Pirates. 585 The iiuekskin Rovernx or, The Prairie l‘u tive. 540 The luck-kin Parda’ acatt or,Capt.un Ku-Kiux. 508 The lloyal Mlddy t or. re Shark and the Sea Cat. . 507 The “0131 Mlddy’a Luck; or, The Hunted Midshipman. Middy'a Foe. will; or. The Boy Ferret 0! New York. 454 Wiz rd inll'a Street Scouts. 474 “'izard “ Ill’tt Part) or. Flt-I'll, the Flower Girl. 486 H'Izard Will’s Laat one: oi.’l‘he Ferrets Afloat. 429 Duncan Dare. tho Boy Roihgee. 486 iDuucan Dare a Plot; or, A Cabin Boy's Luck. 4B? Dunn". Dare‘a Prue; or,'l'lic Sea Raider. 44] Duncan -Dare’a secret: or.’l'hc Ocean Fireflv. 40! Monitor. t he Youn Conspiratort or. The Fatal League. 407 aodor a Double base; 0". The Bo ' insurgent. 412 aodor’it War-Cloud (Bruit-ct or. be \Hld Yachismau. 816 Illaou Bill. the Prince oi the Rains. 922 Diaon Dill'tl Clue; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport. 80 Dead shot Dandy’a Dilemma. 80 Dead Shot Daudy’a Double: or, Keno Kit. 814 Dead Shot Dandy‘s Defiant-en or, The Bo ‘anler. 607 Dead Shot Dandy’a Chit-It or, The River etcctive. 246 Merle Monte’a Leap for Life. 950 Merle Montc‘a Mutiny: or Brandt, the Buccaneer, 964 Merle Montc’e 'l‘reai-ure sland- 869 Merle Monte the Condemned. I _ 8’26 Merle Monte’s Cruioet or. “The Gold Ship ’Chane. 8&0 Merle Montc’i- Fate: or, The Pirate I Pride. .84 Merle Monte): Pledge: or. The Sea Marauder. 19? The Kid Glove Sport 3 or. Little GT": lhe Vi ild Rider. 304 Tile Kid Glove Sport’a Doom! 0": Buflllo Bill. the Pony Express Rider. o “35 Dead-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike- ? Dead Shot Ralph’s Drag. 373 lDeck-llawk “03".: Big coop- 625 Marlo the Cowboy Coaster. 1'8] Ruth Redmond, lhrGiIl Shnduwer. 686 (Drlando. the Ocean Free Finl- 617 Ralph, the lDendJe‘hot Scout. 602 The Vagabond orthc Miami. {.92 The Ten" Detective; onlhe Black Bravos. . 591 Dclmonte. the Young Sea-Rover; or, The Awnging Sailor. 5H0 The {Duh-ant Cadet or. Ti... False Detective. 495 Arizona Joe nr, The 03' Paid oi‘Texas Jack. 487 Nevada Ned. the Revolwr Ranger, ' 465i Neptune Ned, the Buy Counter; or, l’irnte in Spite. 462 The Sailor Boy Wanderer: or. The Burn Guide. 446 Ilaphazard Ilarr I 0r, The Sea Sen eerM‘P- 698 The Red (llailpe "audit: or.’l'he 0y Llruteflnnt. 887 “’ar ath “'III. the Trulior Guide. 8’48 The ndinn Pilot: 1‘r, The Search for PM” Inland. 877 Donodel, the B0.) Rover: 0r.Thc Flnflle“ Schooner. as? Dilly inflame-5 oi‘ the Rio tin-unde- 28? Lone star, the. Cowboy Ca tain. _ (lrilnaon Knife the Girl ruiier: “film,” (.owlmy,‘ Trlun‘pu‘ "6. The lIna-al' Captain: or. The Hem)“ 0' “3” Gate- 1 I The son—Devil; or,'l‘heMidshipllmnfih‘lmijy. 1 2 Dick Dead-Eye, the Smuggle‘r . of, 'lhe Cruise oi the Vixen. { The Boy Dueliat; or, The Grains of. the Sea-Wolf. 2 The Shadow Ship; or,The Rival Lieutrilanta. 4 Diamond Dirk ; or, The Mystery oil-he Yellowstone. 7 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer; 0r. The Fugitive Yacht- ? The Flying Yank-oer or, The Ocean Outcast. Dandy N t, the 30* Shadow; or Ca tnfn Mascot, ihe 90-5 Nabob Ringginy 13. c. Harhnugh. ’ p 906 Safety earn, the Cyclafiport; or, High llustling at sum City. By J. C. Cowdrick. 907 Roddy Ruahel'. “ell-Boy 4.11.44: on Chowder- Johnny’s Cool Jig. By 30 Pierce. 908 New York Nat’a Double; or, The King of Crooks. By Col. P. lucruham. 909 Midahipman Dare. the Pirate Catcher, By T_ J. lanagan. 910 d Dick Jr. at Ti -To 801'. Gold Guns the 'iifiifllgflr epori. ’By Edward upwneeier. ' A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Ralf-IDIIO Library is tor sale by all name. “It! WOW. 0" "It by manna receipt oi six cents “a, READ DAMS. Path“? LED: Iltfio- Street. New ork. r? n- :— V “Na’l