Entered as Second (‘lass Matter at the New York, N. Y.. Post Office. Copyrighted 1897. by BEADLE AND Arum. November 16, 1897. Five Cent- a Copy. AND ADAMS, Publishers, Published Every NO‘ $52-50 a Yeno 92 WILLxAM STREET, NEW Yunx. Tue'day' V 'J A. ~ W as ;-\ X’I INSTANT TIIEIU. CAME A SHARP TWANU, AND FUENTES WAS JERKED VIOLENTLY FROM THE SADDLE. -. a a r”i ' \ -~_ow.,\-:y,. M, ~>M,._M. . Marlo, the Renegade. "'- mMarlo, the Renegade; THE SCAI’EGRACE OF THE COAST. A ROMANCE OF THE COVVBOY SMUGGLER’S LAST CRUISE. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM'.‘ CHAPTER I. ‘ TI-IE OUTLAW AND HIS CAPTIVE. On the bold and rugged coast of Cali- fornia can be seen to-day. the ruins of an old; Spanish mission, built upon the spur of a range of hills ending abruptly near the sea, and having the appearance of a castle of olden times. The chapel of the mission stood on the very edge of a cliff, and was strongly built, though it had begun to crumble with time. A wing on each side of the chapel, a court, or plaza beyond, with a two-story structure opening upon it, and the outer side overhanging the cliffs, completed the old mission, save a wall, high and thick, with a gateway leading out upon the ridge, the only seeming way to get to the isolated old place. The wall had crumbled, the gateway had fallen, the rooms and corridors were roofless, and the chapel alone was in any kind of repair. That any one would find there a home, unless it was a man hunted for ‘some crime, or a hermit seeking to avoid his fellows, one would never believe. Yet in this ruin was one whom no one would dream of finding there. Standing at a window, seemingly open- ing into the chapel at the cliff end, was a young and beautiful girl. The room was narrow and long, not uncomfortably furnished for such a place, with a rug, cot, bedding, a table, easy chair, and other conveniences. A guitar stood by the window, books were upon the table, and a few artist's materials, with half a dozen unfinished sketches, were at hand. The large, cathedral like window had no glass in it, but without there was a canvas cloth over it, the outer side paint- ’ I ' ed to resemble the walls, so that when down it not only kept out the sun, rain, and wind, but hid the opening entire. The maiden stood by the window, gaz- ing out upon the sea and up and down the coast. From the window she could look sheer doWn a precipice eighty feet in height, and upon rugged rocks below. As she stood there her face and form w re revealed in the light of the sun, 11 ins the Ocean horizon far beyond. The face was of. exquisite beauty, with bronze-lined hair gathered in massive braids and falling far below her waist. Her form was faultless, and she was clad in a riding habit that fitted it per- . fectly. Her" riding hat. a sombrero richly em- broidered in gold thread, and with a black plume in it, hung on the wall “ Ah! there comes my bete noir now—a man whom I hate, and, had I the power, would kill as I would a wolf. “ He is coming to ask me again if I will consent to become his wife. “ If he only knew me better he would take my life at cnze, and not wait until my last refusal. ” He will be here soon, and then for another scene. “ If I only could escape, how gladly .would I do so, yet there is no escape for 'me, with those Redskin Ropers as my guards. “ He has them 'too well trained to cease watching me, and there is no more ,heart in that old woman who cares for 'meithan there is in a stone. . ‘ “She is alike to pity, appeals, and of- ’ fers of gold a stranger. “ How often I have ridden to this old in and admired its picturesque beauty, t never dreaming that it held a secret chamber like this, for I always supposed this was the rear wall of the chapel. “ And how little I ever dreamed of ever being held here a captive, and by one whom I once regarded with respect, even friendship. “ Yes, the tide is out, so that he can come by the underground way, through that huge rock. “ No one would ever suspect that a cav- ern was there and a secret tunnel led up into this old ruin. “Those old Padres were a. very myste- rious people, to build such dungeons and secret recesses as they did.” Her eyes were turned upon a horseman who had come along the coast and turned into the inlet, at the head of which stood the old ruin. The tide was out, and he rode along on the sands, where no one could have passed with the water running in. He was a man who sat in the saddle with the gracefulness of the perfect horseman, and was dressed as a cowboy of the better class. His hair and beard Were dark, and worn long, and as he rode up the shore he gazed at the window, raising his som- brero to the maiden there, a salute which she did not acknowledge in the slightest way. Reaching the rook to which she re- ferred, he rode into what appeared to be simply a crevice, as though it had split asunder,- but he disappeared entire- ly, and ten minutes after a trap in the room where the maiden stood was raised, a woman with a wrinkled, cruel face peered up through the opening, and said: “ The Outlaw Ranchero Senor Fu- entes desires conversation with‘ the Sen- norita Samos." “Oh, admit him," was the impatient response. CHAPTER II. THE LAST DEMAND. Looking down the trapdoor all was darkness, for the narrow stairway came up through an aperture built in the solid walls, the entrance to which elsewhere was concealed by a secret door. But soon after the woman disappeared a man’s form came into sight, and the horseman seen on the sands below stepped into the room, closing the trap behind him. He bowed in a courtly way to the maiden, and crossed over to the win- dow, where he stood apparently enjoyins the beautiful marine picture spread out before his vision. “ The senorita had no welcome for me? " he said, slowly. “You are unwelcome, for I prefer the walls of this ,old ruin in preference to your presence, Senor Fuentes the Out- law,” was the response. The man frowned, but answered: “ So there is no relenting yet on your part, Lulita Samos?” “ There never will be, Senor Outlaw." Ii-Ile stood a moment in silence, and then sa : “Well, I have come to have a last talk with you, and if you will pardon me, I will remove my wig and beard, for they are most uncomfortable.” And standing in the window he took from his head the wig of long black hair, and from his face the full beard that he wore, revealing a dark, sinister face, though a handsome one. He tossed the wig and beard upon the table. and said, still standing by the open window: “ Well, senorita, we will discuss the situation for the last time.” “ There is no need to do so, for I shall remain firm in my resolve." “ Yet hear me." “ You are at liberty to 883’ What you. please. I am defenseless and can but listen.” “ I wish to review our position toward each other. I came to this vicinity to better my prospects of getting gold, pur- chased the old Haunted Ranch, and pre- tended.to be an honest ranchero, while in reality I was chief of the outlaw band known as the Gold Ghouls. d \. “ I saw you, loved you. and determi to win you, so plotted to have men 'of my band capture you, while I should' come to the rescue, and thus have 8- claim upon your friendship. ‘ “In this I was partially successful, but when you refused my love I kidnapped you to force you to my terms. “ A wrecked sailor, who had sought refuge for the night in this ruin, rescued you from me, after wounding me seri- ously. “ He then held your reagrd, and sought to destroy me. “ That he, disguised as a Padre, came to my ranch and sent me to the herders of your father, that they might hang me as the Gold Ghoul Chief you know. “But when this man Marlo deemed me dead I had bought off those who were to hang me, and, raising a band of Indians, pretending to be a redskin myself, I gained my revenge upon him, for he was captured, while I escaped, and taken to his own pe0ple, the coasters of Point Desolation, was put to death. “ Well, I again called upon my Redskin Ropers for aid, and am now getting gold by raids and robberies as their chief. " You are beautiful, rich in your own right, and your father's sole heir. “ I love you, and have asked you to be- come my wife, to go far from here and help me to live a different life, with you as my guardian angel. “You have refused, and,. kidnapping you a second time, I have brought you here to decide, with the alternative star- ing you in the face. “I had this room furnished for you, brought a woman to care for you, and have treated you kindly while here. “ My Redskin Ropers, it is true, have been your guards, but they have also been kept out of your sight, and I have never worried you with my presence, for, throwing off my costume as Red Rover, the Indian Chief, I have been away hunting up booty and gold in my present disguise as a cowboy. :- “ Now, senorita, I am here again to ask you for your decision, for you have had weeks of captivity to decide what you will do." The man had spoken in a low voice, his tone sympathetic and his manner ear- nest. He really looked the devoted lover, as his own confession had made him. The Senorita Samoa had stood back from the window. and had appeared in- different, but for a. flush of anger upon ' her face. when he ceased speaking she said: “ Senor Outlaw, I have but one answer to make to you.” ‘ "Well?" ' “ With all my heart and soul I abhor and hate you, and I Would prefer death g by torture than be bound to you." ' “I do not w h to force you into a, marriage with e. as I could do. for I ‘ could send for a padre who would unite us, even if you Were in a dead faint. “ I wish you to willingly face a priest and'become my wife, he the motive What it may, for it will be that you do so to escape death." “ I prefer death." “ This is my final demand. remember.” ” And my unflinching resolve, remem- HI will, if you refuse me still, order my Red Ropers to hurl you to your death from this window." she coolly stepped to the window. and, glancing dOWn, said: ’ " I prefer such death to an unholy alli- ance with you. hating you as I do." “ I haVe made my last demand. and in twenty-four hours you die. finless you send me word that you relent- “ You have my answer. sir. Leave me." . - She drew herself .Up in'a commanding manner, and in silence he picked up his- Wig an‘d beard. replaced them. and, with. a glance out of the window. turned and‘ left the, room With the words upon 1113 ps: i "'1 have made my last demand, milltat 311108.” > fun“ Marlo, the Renegade. CHAPTER III. THE REWARD. The same afternoon of the scene be— ‘tween the outlaw and his captive, a man was coming slowly along the coast, some distance above the ruined mission. His hair was long and unkempt, his face had a beard upon it of many weeks’ growth, and his clothes were much the worse for wear. He was dressed in a sailor suit, with a tarpaulin sheltering his head, and well— worn shoes were upon his feet. A canvas bag hung with a blanket at his back, and a lariat was thrown over his shoulder, a knife being in his belt, but he revealeu no other weapons. In spite of his appearance of a vaga- bond sailor, his sunken eyes and haggard .face, there was something attractive about the man. Halting at a spot where there had been a camp, he muttered: “I will stop here for rest and food, such as I can get of either. ‘.‘A day’s travel in my condition will bring me to the Haunted Hacienda, and I will see who is master there, for there is much for me, to do to gain my revenge and gold. “Ah! how close was my last call by death. " My God! it seems that I am fated to ‘be alive and yet have men believe me dead. “‘ Once I was wrecked on this very coast, in view of yonder old ruin on that .cliff, and I alone survived. “The lightning killed my crew, my :craft was set en tire and driven ashore, and I was the sole survivor, escaping from my pursuers, from God's wrath, from fire, and the sea. " Then fortune favored me, for in yon- der old ruin I met her, and I loved her. “I drove Fuentes, the Outlaw Ranch- -»ero, to his death, as I believed, and took his place. I turned bandit and sought revenge upon the coasters, who had driven me from among them for my evil deeds. “I attacked their ranches, believing I would surprise them, and they were ready for me, killed most of my men, and drove the others to death over the cliff: .but I escaped! “‘ Oh, yes. I always escape! "‘ Then Fuentes appears, as though ‘from the grave, and dashes my cup of ‘hope of winning the Senorita Samos and fiber money for my own, and I was sur- =prised by my worst foe, that Boy Coast- ver, Ralph Rollo, and sent to be tried by any own people. “ Heaven have mercy! will I ever for- .get that midnight trial, those black- ;garbed forms, those masked faces, and the sentence that was passed upon me to »die. ".To be loaded with chains and be taken out in a boat. by my executioner and sunk in the sea alive. “ And the executioner, the one who had drawn the lot as such, proved to be my rival, my worst foe, that Boy Coast- er, Ralph Rollo. ~ " He had not the heart to kill me, and so he played the coward and spared me. “ He bade me fly and lead a better life, and, landing me at the other shore, told me to go my way, and gave me what gold he had. . “ Bah! he was a coward and he will live to regret the day he set me free at risk of his own life, for the Tribunal of 'Coasters would put him to death did they know it. “ Yes, he will reget it, for I never for- give, never forget a foe, and though a fugitive and a vagabond now, almost penniless, wholly friendless, and in the eyes of all a dead man, I shall yet be able to strike a blow upon those I hate, and to win riches and gold. . “I was born to be thought dead and yet live. ” I shall only boome peaceful when like ‘a cat, I have been dead to the world veight times—the ninth I will dread. “Ah! what is that stuck up there on that tree? ” His eyes had fallen upon a paper fast- ened upon a tree in the edge of the‘ de- serted camp. He laid aside his canvas bag of food, and, rising, walked to the tree. What he saw there was a placard, and he read it aloud. It was as follows: “ REWARD. “ I, Senor Samos, of the Hacienda Sa- mos, do hereby offer the following re- wards. “First: Ten thousand dollars in gold upon information that will lead to the rescue of my daughter, the Senorita Sa- mos, from the hands of her kidnapper, who is beyond doubt Marco Fuentes, the Outlaw Ranchero of the Haunted Haci- enda. “Second: Ten thousand dollars for in— formation that will lead to my securing the body of the said Marco Fuentes, dead or alive." Such was the placard, and when the vagabond sailor had read it he said sav- agely: " So Fuentes did escape after all, and has kidnapped the Senorita Lulita. “He will not dare harmher, but knows well that her father will pay a big ran- som for her, and so will use it to get out of the country, for he has not the cour- age that I have, and will not dare re- main. “ Well, why should not I win gold? “ Both rewards should be mine, and in spite of being also an outlaw I will hold another claim upon the Senorita Samos for her friendship. “ Yes, I must get that gold, and I can, for Fuentes has taken her to the Haunt- ed Hacienda, and still has her hidden in some of the secret recesses of the old place. “ But I know them all, better even than that .he does, and he believes I am dead. “ Yes, and had I not found that camp of, the trading schooner, which had run in to repair a leak, I would have died of starvation ere this, with no weapons to kill game for myself. “ But they gave me food enough to last me for some time yet. “ Now to eat my dinner, and then to set about getting that reward, and with it my revenge, for I shall kill Fuentes, the Outlaw Ranchero. “ Ha! ha! I shall kill Fuentes and res- cue the fair Lulita.” CHAPTER IV. THE VAGABOND’S DISCOVERY. The man finished his meal; then he took the placard from the tree, and, fold- ing it, placed it in an inner pocket. He then started once more upon his journey. "I will spend to-night in yonder old mission," he mused, " for ghosts have no terror for me now, and to-morrow night I seek the Haunted Hacienda, for I am sure Fuentes is hidden there, and there also is his captive, the fair Lulita." He tramped on for a while, when he de- scried a man on horseback just ahead. To leap into a thicket was his instant act, and soon the horseman passed with- in a few feet of where he was crouching. “Oh! if I only had a revolver I could drop him from his saddle and secure his horse and weapons,” thought the sailor, “or, if I had only seen him sooner I could have caught him with my lariat. Who is he, I wonder? He is turning down upon the beach, so where is he go- ing? ” The sailor watched until he saw the horseman ride, as it appeared, right into the face of the rock! " Oh, ho! that means an entrance there! " Well, I'll wait until he comes out; then I’ll use the lasso and get his horse and Weapons! ” The sailor skulked along to a pile of rocks, around which grew a few scrub pines, which afforded a hiding place. His lariat he tied to a tree; then he sat down to wait. As he did so he glanced up at the old ruin, and fairly started to behold a we- man's face and form appear at the .win- dow, not a hundred yards from where he was hiding. ~ “My God! it is Lulita Samos! ~She‘is not, then, a prisoner in the Haunted Ha- cienda, but here in this old ruined mis- sion! “And Fuentes, where can he be? Who was the horseman, and did he enter the mission through a~secret passage? Ah! there the man appears at the window, and Lulita retreats from it! “Who can he be?" . And there crouched the vagabond sail- or, all excitement now, his eyes riveted upon the window in the old chapel, where stood the man who had lately passed so near him, and in the background he could see the form of the maiden. 4‘ I) The exclamation broke from his lips as he beheld the man at the window remove his sombrero, then his wig and false beard. A laugh of demoniacal joy followed the act that betrayed the man in the window to his watching, waiting foe. “Ha! ha! ha! it is Fuentes, the Outlaw Ranchero! Now am I a made man. He is not in the Haunted Hacienda, as I sup— posed, but here in this old mission. “He dare not go there, so comes here, and knows this ruin well, for he has brought his captive here. ' “He entered it, too, horse and all, through that rock, so there is an under- ground pasage leading up the hill into the ruin. ” But the tide is now coming in, and he dare not come out of the ruin by way of the rock, so I must go to the trail along the ridge, which leads to the mission, the only way I supposed there was to get there. “But he is not alone, that is certain, so I must be cautious. He has men with him, beyond all doubt! " Still watching, he saw the man in the window gesticulating, as though vehe- ment in what he was saying, and soon after replace the false beard and wig and turn away. Thus the minutes passed; then Lulita Samos once more returned to the win- dow and gazed out upon the setting sun. “ He has gone, but has he left the mis- sion? I hope not; but if he has, he will return. and so I will take my position upon the ridge and wait. ‘ “ If I cannot catch him, I can go to the Senor Samos, and tell him where his daughter is and claim both rewards, for Fuentes will be taken also, though I should hate to have him die by other bands than mine.” , CHAPTER V. A VAIN APPEAL. The unfortunate captive of an outlaw stood by the window until she saw the sun go down in the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Her beautiful face shOWed traces of suffering, and the last glint of sunlight glistened upon tears in her glorious eyes. “If that man will dare keep his terri— ble threat I am ready to meet my fate," she mused aloud. . . “ Better be dashed to pieces on th rocks below than become his wife from fear of death. “ My poor father! how sad must your heart be to feel that I am lost to you, perhaps forever. “ But Fuentes loves gold, and in the end, when he sees that I will not yield, then I have a hope that he will be will- ing to sell me for ransom, the large ran- som which he knows he will get for my safe return. “ Ah! what a sad lot has been mine in meeting two men, in face and form look- ing as though they were noble specimens of manhood, and in heart blacker than sin itself. “Some one is coming—it is that old tigress, Fuego. “ She is properly named, for she has eyes of fire and a nature, too." “I have brought the senorita a lamp ‘ 59k I ‘0.z:+‘._;‘ 2?." < y» ’3‘ ‘\ ‘. Marlo the Renegade. -—n~ and her supper," said a female voice, and she added: “ If she has any desire to eat after the last visit of the senor." “ Oh, yes; neither you nor your master can keep me from trying to prevent my strength failing while here. “I do not intend to starve myself, wo— man.” “ The senorita is wise, for were I going to die on the gaIIOWS to-morrow I would be glad to attend a feast to-night.” ” You look it." “ Thank you, senorlta," and the woman placed a basket upon the table and set before the maiden some bread, fruit, and preserves. She had placed a lamp also upon the table, and now, stepping to the window, lowered the canvas curtain, with the re— mark: “A light can be seen a long way at sea, senorita, and one in this window might attract atention, you know.” “ Woman, who are you?” “I have American, Indian, and Mexi- zan blood in my veins, senorita.” “ Then I plead in vain to you for help." “ You do.” “ Where did you meet Fuentes? ” ” I knew him in 'Frisco long ago, when he saved my son from the gallows. “ I have never forgotten him for it, and when the ignorant fools said I was a witch, he sent me away in a vessel bound down the coast. “I got work in the herders’ camp a day’s journey below here, and when the Senor Fuentes came to me and said he was going to kidnap a maiden and he wished me to come and care for her, I gladly did so, and would have done so without his promise of liberal pay.” " You are poor, then? ” "Do I look like a wealthy aristocrat, one such as you are? ” “ I confess that you do not; but you love gold." " Only a fool does not.” “ You would be rich, would you not? " “I would cut your pretty throat for gold, senorita,” was the savage reply. In spite of her nerve Lulita Samos shuddered at the words of the woman; but, after a moment, she said: “I can tell you how you can make more money than by committing an act :so foul, and not have my life upon your conscience, either." “ My conscience? I have no con- . science, girl,” with a bitter laugh. “ Then you are to be pitied, indeed.” “ Don't pity me, for I do not want your compassion. I have no heart or soul now, no conscience. “ Once I was as beautiful as you are, girl; but beau'ty proved my curse, for my life was wrecked by one I loved. I killed him with this good right hand of mine, and so was avenged. “ His son I loved—my own darling son, and yet he had his father’s blood in him and went to the bad. He killed a man, and but for Senor Fuentes, as I told you, would have been hanged. But the senor aided him to escape, and the boy is now a fugitive, so I have no one to care for; no home, no friends.” “ And yet it is in my power to give you a home, to care for you kindly in your old age; or I can give you what to you will be a fortune, for I will pay you a large sum in gold if you will set me free. if you will only let it appear that I have escaped." “ Girl, I we uld not for ten thousand dol- lars betray the trust put in me by Fuen- tes; you appeal to me in vain.” “I will give you more than the sum you name if you will aid me to escape." “ Escape? When Senor Fuentes has ‘in this old, mission his band of Redskin Ropers? Impossible!” “ With your aid I might." “My aid you shall never have," the stern reply. “ Think of the money you throw away.” ‘ “ What would I do with a sum so large? ” - “ You could buy a home and comfort in .your declining years.” K r “ Had I my son with me I, might be was I _ tempted; ,but he has gone from me for- A s, ever, and I can get along with what I earn and have already laid by. “No. You appeal to one without a conscience, girl, and where greed of gold would not tempt her to betray Senor Fu- entes. _ “Now, eat your supper and do not again attempt to bribe me.” “I will not waste words in making an- other effort to tempt you, or to incite your pity," was the response of the maiden. CHAPTER VI. THE REDSKIN KIDNAPPERS. The same horseman whom the Vaga- bond Sailor had seen riding over the sands of the inlet toward the rock under the shadows of the old mission, was go- ing at a rapid gallop along the ridge the next day on the trail to the old ruin. On approaching the coast he came to a spot from whence a view could be-ob- tained of the ocean, and as he halted to glance seaward he started at beholding a vessel coming close in shore. It was a long way off then, but through a glass which wung‘ at his saddle horn he made out that it was a steamer—an armed vessel. “ It is the United States cutter, and she is not running so close in shore without a purpose. “ Does it mean that some one has dis- covered that the senorita is in the mis- sion, and that the cutter has been sent down to storm the place? "I must take no chances; no telling what may be in the wind, so must have her removed to-night to the Haunted Hacienda. “ I have not dared go there since my escape, and I do not know whether Car- los and his wife are still faithful to me; but I can enter through the secret tun- nel, which they do not know of, and take the senorita to one of the hidden rooms in the chapel." The rider immediately dashed off along the ridge to the old mission, but did not see a man suddenly start from his blan- ket among the rocks, awakened by his coming, nor hear his deeply uttered an- athema at having allowed his one hated enemy to go by him. Reaching the old mission, the horse- man rode up to a perfect network of swinging vines, drew them one side, and into an arched door thus exposed his horse entered. The corridor he found himself in led into a walled chamber. in the rear of which was a doorway. A rap upon this caused it to be opened. though it had the appearance of not hav- ing been disturbed for a generation, and the horseman found himself within a large chapel. The door by which he entered led in from the vestry-room, and here were standing 9. score of horses, while in the chapel as many redskins were stretched about in various attitudes, but all arose at his entrance. “I have come to tell my Red Ropers that a ship with big guns is running down the coast and may land a force here. “I have also seen the strange trails about which my braves have told me and the papers upon the trees, one of which offers much gold for the return of the maiden. " If she does not obey my will, then we will have to restore her for the ransom offeliied, though I have told her she was 0 e. “ Gold is worth more. however, than seeing her die, and if she holds out in her determined way, then we will sell her for all we can get. “Here she is not safe, so let two of my braves take her away as soon as the night falls. “ Put her upon her own horse, bind her to the saddle, and let them go by way of the rocks and beach, for there may be people on the ridge trail. " Let my other braves pack up the traps, in the maiden’s room, and with the woman Fuego come to the Three Rocks, one mile from the Haunted Hacienda. “ I will meet the two braves there with the maiden, and after taking her to a. place of safety will return to the Three Rocks to meet the woman and my other braves, to lead them to a retreat in the Haunted Hacienda safer than this. Do my Ropers understand? " The Indians signified that they did fully understand, and then the outlaw leader added: “ I will return through the tunnel and the beach to the Haunted Hacienda to-- night, and before dawn will be at the-- Three Rocks to meet my braves and their captive.” ,‘ With this he left the chapel, mounted. a fresh horse, and went out the way he had entered, through the vine-covered archway, the existence of which the closest searcher would never have Bus-- pected. Turning into another archway, also covered with vines, which he drew to one side, he lighted a lantern. and rode through a dark tunnelway that descend- ed as he went along. The way was winding, and after a ride- of nearly an eighth of a mile he saW' a glimmer of light ahead. . At once he extinguished his lantern: and placed it upon a shelf of rock, com— ing out a moment after through a. crevm ice of a rock which, from the outside, owing to a bend in it, failed to disclose- the mouth of a cavern that formed the tunnelway to the old mission. “ Now for the Haunted Hacienda! " he muttered; and as he wheeled from the shore into the timber he saw that the- Cutter was still coming in, though yet, miles away. “ It will be after nightfall before she- arrives; but she is surely coming here,” he said, as he rode on his way. CHAPTER VII. THE OUTLAW’S SECRET. It was a fortunate thing for the horse- man that he did not take the way back._ by the ridge trail. Had he done so he would have found one waiting for him, ready and eager to. send the Outlaw Ranchero to his death. Having gained the timber, the outlaw went at a brisk canter up among the-L ’ hills, and thence over a. rolling country, following no trails, but going as though he well knew the way. Night overtook him before he had rid» den many miles, but he still held on, and at last drew rein in a cover of timber at the base of a cliff. ' _ ' There were three huge pieces of rocks, which had fallen from the cliff and lodged some twenty feet up on a shelf of stone. . Near the base of the cliff was a stream, looking like running silver as u glided along in the moonlight, and into this, where the trail crossed it. the outlaw urged his horse. Going along in the stream. against the- current, for several hundred yards, the horseman turned suddenly off to the left, riding straight up the steep and rocky hillside. Within fifty feet he came to a shelf of rock some four feet in width. and along this he made his way until he reached the three pieces of rock. Behind these was visible a cave in the cliff, but not to be seen from below. Dismounting, for it was not high enough to admit horse and rider, the out— law turned into the cave. and taking a candle and match from his pocket, soon had a light. By this he made his way through what was seen to be a natural tunnel, here and there. by artificial means, made wide enough to permit a horse to pass through. The way was slightly winding, and very long it seemed. for it was all of ten min-g utes before the man reacned the end. Here there was a heavy wooden door, which swung open at a. push, and leads ,- ing his horse through. he found himself V “a a; r , l , I . I . - I ___< ~ ,. ‘ A a. , _ '2‘}; "S ., i; ifisy (a: "Q 737‘. ii ' "'1 r ‘ ‘ .\ k if ‘i Mi“. . . F‘“ ’T All . fl . i it." h . v, i it .. i" "° C M“ ~9 r, .g'i' 5i, . 4.. We . '51‘ its. ’7" n “it: -. 51,, f flint. A) E 14's .L. v $3.3 741‘ '\J H ,' i. i 9497?. .4» Marlo, the Renegade. "large subterranean chamber with lights in the roof here and there. Through them came air and light ilenough to see dimly without the candle. He then fastened his horse, and there was room for a score more animals with- out crowding; then he crossed the cham- ber to a narrow door in the wall, and which stood half open. Entering this he found a very narrow ; passageway, ending in stone steps. These he ascended to a height of fifty feet or .,e.' more. , from the chimney appeared like a panel :1 in the wall, and was no different from '; fer“ . half a dozen others that were there. Once in this chamber, deserted for 3 . many and many a year, through a door the outlaw passed into a corridor. .1 It brought him out into a chimney, ‘large, and with an iron door in one side 7, which, upon being opened, led into an - .1. upper chamber, where the door opening . Following this, he soon came to a win- . ~dow. Through that he climbed, coming [12¢ V out upon a flat roof. S ) “he, Suddenly, through two other windows '; i “r near shone a light. Iron bars were in the window, but the glass sash, swung on hinges, was then raised. Noiselessly the . man crept to the window nearest to him and gazed down into the room. ,’ ' He was looking from the roof into "xi what were his own quarters, when he had V i \’ been at the ranch, and he knew just how . the room was situated and furnished. Two persons were in the room, and A. -‘ ‘ they were talking in a tone that distinct- , , 7“ 1y reached the cars of the listener. it." One was a man, the other a woman, I 3'? and both were people of striking appear- . , ance. V“ Their dark faces indicated their Span- ish blood, with a mixture of American. ‘ - ‘The man was tall, sinewy, and graceful, I ,‘f v while his face was attractive and intelli- , . gent, with a look of bold determination. * The woman was of slender form, ele- i,“ gant in carriage, and with a face of fas- ' ' cinating expression. The two were well dressed, almost rich- ly so, in the Mexican style, with a mix- .ture of cowboy outfit in the man’s attire. ; The two had been lovers since their 4 «early years, had been separated by a cruel fate, the woman being wedded through parental authority to a man she despised, a cruel wretch, who sought to get rid of a rival who was in his way. .yet whom he had never seen, in praying for his life to be taken. In this he failed, yet he had wedded the maiden and made 'her his slave when adversity overtook him and he became the confidential serv- ant of Senor Fuentes. A change came when Marlo became master of the Haunted Hacienda, the woman's hated husband being quickly put aside, and Carlos Canovas, her lover, Who had kept near her through all, un- LknOwn to her husband, however, at once, . when she was widowed, claiming her as "-his bride. And these were the two upon whom Fuentes the Outlaw Ranchero looked in 1ft. 'upon, when, by his secret knowledge of ~‘the hacienda, he reached the roof by way 'of the tunnel from the Three Rocks to the old ruin, for the place was little better. CHAPTER VIII. THE OUTLAW EAVESDROP‘PER. a 'The two peOple in the wing of the Haunted Hacienda little dreamed that . there was an eye upon them—an ear listening to their every word. ‘ They were apparently content with their lot, reunited after the break in their lives by the forced marriage of E1 'Cinto with the man whom her parent. had decided should be her husband. That husband, Juan, was in his grave, :and neither seemed to care to recall that .he had ever lived. Carlos Canovas was smoking a pipe, 3, Zhandsome one. too, it was, a skull and «crossbones handsomely carved of wood, :and~which had belonged to Fuentes. as she latter saw from his perch on the rent. El Cinto was engaged in sewing, and the two were talking over the events that had occurred in their lives. “ It seems fated, El Cinto, that we should have this ranch and its cattle, without purchase or gift,” said the man. “Yes, it would seem so, Carlos, for when Senor Fuentes was robbed of it by Senor Marlo, the latter pretended to buy it from him, saying he would pay to whoever the Senor Fuentes said, the pur- chase money for it. “Now, it cost the Senor Fuentes in the first place but a small sum, and then he improved it at considerable expense. “But the money for all this came from his robberies, and had he been content to dwell here in peace and honesty, he could have gotten rich. “ If he did buy a few horses and cat- tle, many of the others of the herds and droves were stolen, run off from far dis— tant ranches." “And Marlo was no better.” “Not a whit, only I feel more kindly toward him, as it was through him that Juan was slain and I was thus able to be your wife, Carlos.” “ True, and for that I thank him; but he was as base as Senor Fuentes, and the two really deserved hanging.” “Senor Marlo got his punishment, as you know the Senorita Lamos told us when she stopped here some days be- fore.her capture. “What his fate was no one seems to know, yet he was put to death by his people, the Coasters.” “ Yes, and Fuentes deserves death, too, for he had no right to kidnap that beau- tiful young lady.” “ I only wish he had brought her here, Carlos, for then I would have set her free.” ” Yes, indeed, for no brave man would war against a woman.” “ No, indeed." " As long as Fuentes committed his rob- beries far from here, it was none of our affair. “ He did not make us his allies nor the receivers of his stolen plunder, so that lets us out of any connection with his evil deeds. “ He left here to continue his evil deeds, and I am glad that he did not make the hacienda his retreat, for I never would have allowed him to hold captive here the Senorita Lulita,." “ Nor I, and if I only knew where he ihad her hidden I would gladly attempt ‘ her rescue.” “As I would, and we would get a re- ward for her return to her home.” i “ Yes, and there is a large one offered for the body of Fuentes, dead or alive, Carlos." “ True, El Cinto, but that I would never touch. " Fuentes was our employer, he treated us fairly well, and I never would betray him. not for any sum.” “ Nor would I, Carlos; but he should not hold that sweet lady captive against her will, or rob her father by a ransom for her return.” " That is another thing. “No, he should not do that; but the Senor Samoa would reward us well for our rescue of her." “ Oh, yes, and with it and what we have saved up. we would be rich." “ But this ranch and cattle, El Cinto? " “ How do you mean?” ' “ Senor Fuentes is a fugitive, an out- law, and dare not come to claim it." “ True." ' “ If Senor Marlo really did purchase it, he is dead." H Yes.)! " We are in full charge." “ So We are." " Then, after a while, if Senor Fuentes is captured, or hanged, will it not belong to us? " " Well, Carlos, I feel just that wa: about it.” " Yes." " I suppose it would belong to us." “ Ti would." “ Yet not justly or legally, and if I knew the one to whom Fuentes, when he thought he was to be hanged, told Marlo to pay the purchase money, I should con- sider that we ought to at least send half of its value to that one." “It was a woman.” “ Ah! a woman?" “Yes, for Mario told me so, and, in fact, I heard the name and address, so put it down, and it is on the stone whereon I wrote, after I left his room." “Then we can case our consciences by paying her half the amount, at least." “Yes, and then live on here until we enrich ourSelves by the increase of cat- tle. “But there'must be no more connec- tion with Fuentes, should he turn up, as I fear he will, he will surely get us into trouble in the end.” “True, and to-morrow, Carlos, do you go and see if you can find where he has hidden the Senorita Lulita.” ” I will." “ My God! this is no place for me. “ I must hasten from here, and not make myself known, that is certain. “But they know not of the secret tun- nel, and for the present I can hide the senorita here, and also my red men, until we can get rid of these two people. " Yes, it would be madness to make my- self known here; but these two shall die, and then I will be master of the Haunted Ranch once more.” And so saying the outlaw eavesdropper hastened away. CHAPTER IX. IN DESPAIR. Like a thief did Fuentes the Outlaw, sneak away from his own home. He had overheard, as eavesdroppers most always do, no good of himself. He felt that to make his presence known would perhaps cause him to be captured by Carlos and his wife, and held as a hostage until he divulged the Secret of where he had hidden Senorita Lulitag Samos. So, vowing vengeance against the two traitors, as he called them, simply be- cause they would not aid him in a great wrong against the Senorita Lulita, he made his way back the way he had come, to the large rock chamber where he had left his horse. He then sat down to think, and at last recalled that he must have‘ food for those who were coming, as well as for him- self, for the stores in the old mission were running low. - He knew that he could, after Carlos and his wife retired for the night, get into the plaza and thence to the store- house, which was by the spring in the grounds, and never kept locked. “ I will have time to get the provisions before the arrival at the Three Rocks of the Indians with the captive,” he said. So he made his way back to the ha- cienda, and reached the plaza by a way " known only to himself. Reaching the store-house, which was most liberally supplied, he secured can- dles, sugar, flour, and other provisions in quantities not to attract attention that a theft had been committed, though he was stealing from himself. Back to his retreat in the underground chamber he went, with a bag full of the things he had secured, and having placed them in a safe place, he made his way on foot to the end of the tunnel. He came out at the Three Rocks, and perching himself on a point of observa— tion, awaited the coming of his captive and her guards. Tired out, he sunk to leep, and when he awoke the sun was rising. He was positively frightened at the sight of day. for nowhere was visible the party he had expected. ' - He ventured to climb down the rocks and search for a trail of the guards. . What he beheld was a large trail, made by a score of horses, yet they had not come very near the cliff. One trail led from the lar:e one to the Marlo the Renegade. cliff, and after wandering about, as he could see, for a. while, went back to the one it had left. “One brave came here to find me, and as I was asleep, went away. “ These were the Redskin Ropers who halted here, while one man rode to the cliff. “ Now, where have they gone? “ But the. senorita and her two guards, why did they not come? “ My God! what has happened. “ Let me see; there were twenty—seven horses all told in the old mission, and I’ll count the tracks. “Yes, here are the tracks of twenty— three. - “ The senorita’s horse, those of her two guards, and my own make up the other four, so that is proof that she was not along with the band. “ Where is she? “ I dare not go by daylight to find out, for I might be seen by Carlos or his cow- boys, perhaps by some one from the oth- er ranches. “I can only wait here until night, and then ride with all haste to the old mis- sion. “Ah! I recall now the steamer. " Can they have landed and captured the old mi:sion? “ But my red men were not taken, and the two braves with the senorita were to leave some time before they did. "I cannot understand it'all, but to- night will tell me all. “ What if I have lost the senorita, and cannot find my Redskin Ropers. “ Then indeed will I be in despair." The cold sweat fell in great drops from his forehead, and, weak from excitement, he retraced his way to the cliff. Then he thought his horse must have food and water if he was to depend upon him for safety, and he went to the rock chamber and led him out, staking him in a little vale securely hidden from any one passing along the trail, and where he had the best of grass and water in abundance. Then he sat down on the rocks and forced himself to eat his breakfast, though it nearly choked him. “ I must keep up my strength," he mut- tered, and he ate, though with no en- joyment. The day was the longest of his life, and it seemed as though it would never pass. He watched the shadows, marked them, and then waited to see how long they took to lengthen. At last he ate his second meal, just as the shadows filled the little vale, though the cliff top was yet glimmering with the last rays of sunlight. He saddled his horse then, and mount- ing, rode to the trail just at twilight. He could wait no longer, for he was in despair, and so set out upon his ride to the old mission. If he did not find that some cause had detained his captive there he would be in a mood of desperation. “The sooner I know the truth the bet— ter,” he said with grim resignation, as he started forth upon the trail to the old mission. CHAPTER X. DESERTED. Affairs at the old mission meanwhile had undergone a change, which can now be explained. The two guards who had been told to leave the old mission with the captive after nightfall, and go to the rendezvous of the cliff of the Three Rocks, had faith- fully performed their task as far as they were able to do so. There was one thing about the Red- skin Ropers. and that was their blind obedience to their chief. white man though he was. The guards had left the old mission, as j told, by way of the tunnel to the shore, and had bound their captive to her sad- e. Seeking foes only on the land they I I V . had not cast a look out over the waters, so failed to notice a vessel lying at an- chor a short distance away in the mouth of the inlet. They had not seen a small gig come ashore with a single occupant; nor had they noted his discovery of them; his heading them off by a rapid run across a point, while they followed the beach. A shot, another, the fall of a rider, of a horse, and a desperate struggle be- tween one of the braves and a man in the uniform of an officer followed, with the later the victor, and Lulita Samos was rescued. A hail to the ship, a boat’s crew of armed men, and the old mission, under the guidance of Lulita, was invaded. But the Redskin Ropers, alarmed by the shots, had taken flight along the ridge trail, leaving behind them the secret chamber, which Lulita could not find, having been blindfolded upon entering and leaving it. And more; in their flight, when the Red Ropers beheld the vessel off shore, they had even forgotten to give warning to Fuego, the old hag who acted as keeper of the captive. She saw the flight, beheld the invasion of the old ruin, and fled to a hiding place, where she crouched until the sailors had gone, but she heard their voices and knew that the gallant rescuer of the maiden was called Captain Yerger by his men, and that he was to escort the maid- en that night to her distant home, where her father’s sad heart would be over- whelmed with joy at the return of his daughter. The old woman also heard the rescuer say that he had run down the coast to visit the Senorita Samos and her father, and had come ashore there to see the old mission in the moonlight, and thus dis- covered that she was a captive to the Redskin Ropers. In terror the old woman kept in hiding until the dawn, and then crept from her retreat. She knew that the secret chamber had not been found, and there she would be safe. From the window, peering through a hole in the canvas curtain, she saw the cutter get under weigh and steam to a little harbor up the coast a couple of leagues. She had hoped it was going away, but breathed more freely to find that it had gone thus far. Where the Redskin Ropers had gone she did not know; but certainly they would return for her, or, if not they, the chief would do so, she felt assured. The woman was terribly frightened, for she felt that she would be very roughly treated if it was known just what she was, and why should not the senorita, her unfortunate captive, tell? “ I am sorry now I was such 'a fool, not to accept her gold and go home with her. “I have lost what to me would be a fortune by my faithfulness to Senor Fuentes. “ It must be a lesson to me, for I will never be a like fool again. “ Here I am, deserted by the senor and his cowardly redskins, who ran off like sheep, leaving me to my fate. “ If the sailors do not return I have food here to last me for some time, for there was a week’s stores for all of us, the chief said. “ In time I can get away. “Fortunately I have the chief’s rifles and other weapons to defend myself with; yes, and to shoot game when I need it. “ Well, I am not so bad Jff if they never come for me, as I can make my way back to the Herders' camps. “Ha! what a grand thing it would be for me to dwell in this old ruin, for I care nothing for company. “ Here could I live mistress of all I survey, comfortable the year around in these quarters. “ If the refined and luxurious liver, the Senorita Samos, could stand the life here, I certainly can. “ I must go to the Herders, though, and 6 see that one of them brings me provisions. '- twice a year. “ But what has become of the chief? “ Will he return here? “How will he take the escape of his: captive, for it will destroy all his plans- “ How handsome was that young offi- cer, as I peered at him in the moon- light. “Ah! that I had a son like that, them- would I not be the wretch that I am. “ The girl will love him, of course, and. that will make a pretty romance, if Se- nor Fuentes does not again strike a blow to end it all. ” And he will if he can. “ Well, here I am, in this old ruin all alone, and I need have no fear of ghosts and goblins, for I will find nothing here worse than myself.” With this philosophical conclusion the woman set about making herself com-- fortable and contented. CHAPTER XI. THE LASSO THROWER 1N AMBUSH. The Vagabond Sailor, who had so cursed himself for his lost opportunity to capture Fuentes the Outlaw Ranchero when he found his place of ambush, was as patient as an Indian in his watching and waiting for his return. , He knew not what was going on at the 01d mission, for he had taken up his position just at the end of the ridge, over. a mile distant from the ruin. He had heard the clattering of hoofs as the Redskin Ropers came in flight from the ruin, and had watched them closely as they drew near and then swept by, but no sign of the man he hated. “He is not with them, but has sent them upon a raid,” he muttered. Then he counted them and said: “Eighteen, and he has twenty. That means that two still remain with him at the old mission; so, armed as I am, I I would not dare go there. “ But I feel that Fuentes will yet pass- ' this way, and when he does then comes my revenge! " So he determined to wait and watch. He ate his frugal meals, slept when he dared, for his serape was spread out among the rocks, crept off now and then. to a stream not far away for a drink of water, and, with all the patience of an Indian, held to his post. Thus the day passed, and night came to find the Vagabond Sailor alert and. expectant. One end of the lariat was- fastened to a stout stump in the clump of bushes; the rest of the rope was lying. close at his hand, coiled, ready for in— stant use Not so very long did he have to wait, for, when two hours had passed, sud- denly he heard the sound of hoofs. They were approaching, for they grew louder and louder, but his hearing quick-- 1y told him that the horse was not com-‘ ing from the old mission—that he was coming toward it! ” It cannot be the Outlaw Ranchero," he decided, not knowing that the horse~ man had left the mission by the tunnel. and shore. The horse was in appeared in sight. Then Marlo could hardly restrain a shout as, recognizing his victim in the bright moonlight, he said in a'suppressed: tone, as he grasped his lariat: “It is Fuentes, my foe! ” This night he dies! ” a canter and soon: CHAPTER XII. VICTOR AND VICTIM. Along the trail came Fuentes, riding at a canter, and just thinking of going, at a slower pace, then fastening his horse and creeping to the old mission on foot to see if his two guards and cap—-' tive were still there. He had not been able to discover by the trails whether the Redskin Ropers had returned to the old mission when they did “not find him at the cliff of the Three Rocks. . ‘ I people, Marlo, the Renegade. But he hoped such was the case. In his uncertainty he felt considerably unnerved. There was a sinking sensation about the heart which often comes to us with a forboding of evil, that all was not going well with him. Suddenly his horse gave a bound to one side, almost turning the back of his rider upon the pile of rocks upon the left of the trail, for the lasso of the lurk- ing Marlo had suddenly been hurled out of the shadow, and, true to its aim, it had caught Fuentes about the body, pinion- ing his arms to his side. The next instant there comes a sharp twang, and the form of Fuentes was jerked violently from the saddle and fell _heavily upon the ground. At the same instant out of the shadow darted Marlo, just as the horse wheeled to run back on the trail, and grasping his bridle rein he held him fast. To hobble him with the lariat hanging from the saddle was but the work of a second. . Then the victor sprung upon the form of his victim. The Jerk of the lariat and fall had knocked the breath out of Fuentes, as well as bruising him severely. With agile hands Marlo made knot after knot of the lariat around the form of his captive, pinioning his arms be- yond all movement. Fuentes was just then incapable of any resistance, and raised upon the shoul- ders of his captor, was borne to a se- cluded spotoff the trail. There he was placed upon the sward while Marlo returned for his horse, and staked him out to feed, as though he was in no hurry to depart from the place. When he returned to his prisoner he found him writhing in an effort to es- cape. Seating himself in front of him, on a rock, he said imperiously: “ Marco Fuentes, the Outlaw Ran- chero', who am I, your cantor? ” “ Curse you! I do not know.” “ Who does my face remind you of?” “I do not know.” “ See, look well in the moonlight." “ I never saw it before.” “ You lie! ” “I am bound. you see, so only a cow- ard could insult one thus situated." “1 am 110 coward. Fuentes; but tell me, whose voice does mine remind you of?" “ Good Mother! " “Ah, you shudder now." “No, no, you are not he, for he 1: dead, dead! " “Yes. I am dead, dead. if you refer to Marlo the Merciless." “No! no! no! the grave does not give up its dead!“ “ Yet you. supposed to be dead, haunt. ed me as a Ehost.” “You are noghost! You cannot de- ceive me thus, for I am no superstitious fool." "I am the ghost of Merciless Marlo, the Cowboy COaSter. Senor Fuentes, for, as you said, he is dead! " was the ime pressive respOnse of the Sailor Vagabond, who certainly 100k€d very little like the accepted idea of a. wanderer from the Land of Spirits. “No! no! you know that Mario was my toe; that he was put to death by his the Coasters of Point Desola- tion, and you would frighten me by pre- tending to be his spirit." It is not so, for I tell you the truth. . “ £11m) Marlo.” ll 0"! “I am." “ Prove it! " “I can Drove it by telling you how 1 resued the Senorita Samos in the old mission from you, and. playing the part of a. Dadl‘e, sent you, as I believed. to be hanged as the chief of the Gold Ghouls, and took your Haunted Hacienda from you. ’ “HOW you. not being dead. haunted t. me, I believing it was your ghost, and then how you, as Red Raven, the Chief of the Red Ropers, lured me to capture, and, as you believed, sent me back among my people to be put to death. “I was, to their satisfaction, .put to death. “I was, to all the world, sent to my grave. “I am to-day dead to all the world except to you and to myself. “A vagabond, I was lured to come here like a wandering spirit. “I beheld the face and form of the Senorita Lulita in the window of the old mission two days ago. “I saw you ride near me, but did not know you, then. “I saw you come to that same win- dow where your captive had appeared, and remove your wig and false beard. “Then I knew you, Marco Fuentes. “I read the reward offered for the re- turn of the senorita to her father. “I read the reward offered for your body, dead or alive. “I determined to win those rewards, and so, unarmed, half starving, having only my trusty lariat, I came here to capture you. “ I have done so. “I have you in my power, and alive. “I will soon have your scalp in my hands, going to claim the reward from Senor Samos. “Then I will get the reward for return- ing the Senorita Samos to her home. “Who is victor now, Fuentes?" and the man laughed in a frenzied way, as though his vicious joy was driving him mad. CHAPTER XIII. AN APPEAL FOR TERMS. There was no longer any doubt in the mind of Fuentes that he was face to face with the man whom he had most cause to fear. The haggard face, ragged beard, long, unkempt hair at last were seen to be the effect of suffering, anxiety, hard- ship, and inattention to his personal ap- pearance, so different from the dandy Marlo he had known. “ Well, Marlo, I cannot but admit now that you are no ghost, but your own dev- ilish self, though greatly changed in the time since last we met, and it has not been so very long, either,” he said, put— ting on an air of bravado he was far from feeling. “Yes, I am so changed that I can face the Senorita Samos and her father and not be known by them.” “You will not dare to do so.” “ Yes, as soon as I have killed you I will go to the hacienda, secure her, and take her to her home.” “You will find twenty Indian braves there to guard her." “ No, for those braves left the old mis- sion night before last.” “Not all of them.” “ Eighteen did.” “ There are two more there.” “ With your weapons they will be noth- ing to me.” “Let me tell you something.” “ Talk quick.” “ I know that my braves are not there, for they were to meet me at a certain rendezvous.” “ Did they meet you? " “No, or rather I was asleep and did not see them." “ Well? " " My captive was to come another way to the rendezvous, escorted by two cf my braves.” it Yes." " She did not come." “ N0.” ' “Then she is at the old mission still?" “ That is what I do not know.” “ Well? " “I was on my way there to find out when you lassoed me.” H Yes"! “Now we can come to terms." “Can we?” “Yes.” " How so?” “I will go on with you to the old mis- sion and find the senorita.” “ I can find her as well.” “You cannot.” II 7’ “You do not know the secret en- trance.” “Your horse will show me.” ll I) “Yes, so you see, I need no aid from you.” “You can never find the room where she is held prisoner.” “ I think I can." “In the dark you will run upon the two braves and be killed.” “I will await the daylight." “The way will still be dark." “What have you to offer?” “I will go with you. “You can pretend to rescue the maid~ en and take her to her father, who will pay you the reward. You can have every peso of it. I will ask for nothing but my life.” “You are generous,” scornfully. “Will you not agree?” “ No! I want your life for my revenge. I want'your body to sell to Senor Samos, as per his reward offered, and I want the young lady to get my reward for her re- turn to the senor. . ” See? ” I “You cannot get the girl unless I aid you." “I will try to, at least.” “You will fail." “ If I do I will have my revenge and the reward for your dead body. See? " Fuentes did see, to his great horror. But he would not give up without an- other trial. ” See here, Marlo; let me tell you that, though I was going to the old mission, I ' do not believe the senorita is there.” “ Your reasons? ” “ Well, my braves never fail me, yet they did not meet me, as I ordered, with their prisoner." “Do you think they could have seen the reward and have taken her to her father? " , Marco seemed really alarmed at the thought. “ Bah! they cannot read, hardly speak a dozen words of English.” “ She may have bribed them.” “ I do not believe they could' be bribed." “Well, I shall go to the old mission, and find out.” “ Let me tell you something else.” “ All right.” “When I left the old mission there was a vessel coming down the coast." “That is nothing surprising.” ” This was a steamer." “Ah! but away off at sea." “ On the contrarY." “ Close in? ” “ Yes, and running along the coast." " How far off? " “Just beyond the breakers, and fol- lowing the curve.” 1‘ Yes.ll “ She was an armed vessel." “ Indeed? ” “ Yes, the cutter Rush.” Marlo turned livid in the moonlight as Fuentes saw. “ he is commanded, you know, by Captain Yerger, a man whom it is hard to escape from, as you know.” “ Yes, I know, but what of that?" “ He may know that you were not put to death, and be on your track.” “See here, Fuentes, that man does not live who knows I am not dead, save the t. and & one appointed to put me to death and V yourself,” said Marlo with vehemence. CHAPTER XIV. A VAIN APPEAL. The decided manner of Marlo convinced Fuentes that he was certain as to the fact that his being alive was known to Marlo, the Renegade. / no one save the man who had been ap— pointed to put him to death and him- Self. But he said: “ Some deep reason has brought Cap- tain Yerger to this coast.” “I think I can fathom it.” “ Well, let me know." “You remember that he accompa led the young coaster, Ralph Rollo, my itter foe, to this coast in the Sea Pearl?” “ Yes, and to the hacienda.” " True, and while Ralph Rollo went to the Haunted Hacienda with his men to await my return the captain of the cut- ter, with several of the coasters, went to the Hacienda Samos, thinking I might return by that way.” “ I understand.” I “ He then met the Senorita Lulita, was the guest of Senor Samos until Ralph .‘Rollo and his men, having captured me, mhile you escaped, came after him.” ._ l 1 “Well?” ’ “ The captain simply did what all other men do who see the maiden, fell in love ,with her.” * “Ah! you read well, Marlo.” 7 “ And he has heard of her capture by you, so has run down the coast to see if he can rescue her.” “I believe you are right.” ' "If so, he has .either marched inland I to her father’s ranch, or has stormed ‘- your old mission and released her.” “I half think so, now you put it as you ‘.‘ SQ I will go on to the old ruin, see if it is occupied or deserted, and find out if the cutter is still on the coast.” '.-“~ pgpnu.‘ _, “That would be the best thing for us fto do.” ‘ “For us to do? ” f-=‘ “ Yes.” “ Poor man.” “ What do you mean? ” “ You delude yourself with a false hope if you believe you can make any terms with me." ‘.‘Do you know I have gold hidden away, and jewels, the result of my rob- beries? ” ; “ I do not believe you have other val- ii. uable than what you carry with you.” '«3. “ But I have.” ‘ “I’ll risk the loss of them by killing you." “ What? " “ I shall kill you! ” ' . “ After our long and friendly conver- sation together? ” ' .. “ That reminds me that I have been . {Wasting valuable time, so I will carry out my intention.” “ What is that? " , a “ To kill you.” ‘ “ You do not mean it?" “ I vow I do ” “ 1YIou would shoot me in cold blood? ” U o"! v “I knew that you would not.” , “No, a shot would be heard, perhaps, .30 I will knife you,” was the cool reply. “ I'do not believe it." ' “ Why not?” ' ‘ “ I am at your mercy, and even I would hot be guilty of an act such as you as- iert you will do.” “ I am more wicked than you are, more cruel, more merciless, and that is saying . i. very great deal, Senor Marco Fuentes.” 1‘ “I admit it but for the love of God, Marlo, do not carry out your threat, and I will be your veriest slave.” “ You would kill me the first time my -‘ back was turned to you.” ' “ No! no! indeed I would not." V " I know that you will, and I will take 310 chances. . _"‘I have risked life many times, and ' .. three times have been set down as surely ‘ dead by my foes. ?‘ But I am alive, I hold a winning hand, grasp, and I shall kill you and get what I 1deem my due for all that I have suf- area. while I certainly shall feel Joyous cart over my revenge.” man's voice, a glitter of the eyes, an ex- pression upon the face in general that convinced Fuentes that his foe meant just what he said. But 'what could he say or do to stay his hand. He knew that he would do the same were their situations reversed, and Mario was in his power. He had tried to bribe Marlo with money he did not possess, for little hidden treas- ure had he, a few trinkets and some gold, put away in the Haunted Hacienda. With him he had all of his portable fortune nearly, a large belt of gold, a few gems, and some jewelry of more or less value, gotten in his robberies of stage-coach passengers. So as a dernier ressort he said: “Marlo, for once in your life, believe me, trust me, and spare my life. “I will tell you frankly that I have enough of value with me to equal the re- ward offered by Senor Samos for my life. “Take this and let me go, and I ask no more.” He paused, and remembering that he could go to the Haunted Hacienda and secure the little treasure he had there, amounting to a thousand dollars, per- haps, and that he could get arms, ammu- nition, and a couple of good horses there from the corral, and hide in the rock chamber, to which the tunnel led, he con- tinued: “I will give up all, my riches, my weapons, my horse, and go away on foot, as poor as you now are, only spare my life. “Come, take what I have and spare me.“ “ I will take that and your life, too, for your dead body will bring me ten thou- sand dollars,” was the complacent reply. CHAPTER XV. CHEATED. At the words of Marlo, Fuentes gave a groan. His last appeal had been in vain. He knew not what else to say. He could do nothing more, and so lay helpless, bound, at the mercy of his foe. The moonlight streamed down upon the two men. One had a piteous expression upon his livid face, the other had the look of a fiend. Thus several minutes passed 'away, Marlo enjoying the anguish suffered by his victim. At last another idea of escape flashed upon the vision of Fuentes. ” Marlo, good Marlo.” “I am not good, but bad,” was the sullen response. “Well, Marlo, let me ask one thing of you? ” - “What is it? ” “ It is that you will take me alive to Senor Samos.” “ What? " “ Take me alive to the senor." “ Would you dare face that man alive? " “ I would rather do so than face you." “I will not." “ You will get your reward.” II No.!’ " Yes, for it says dead or alive." “ True." “ Then why would you not get it? ” it‘,‘,Because you would not let me have (‘ I! ll YeSOI. “ I don't understand." Marlo laughed. “ Pray explain.” , “ You see, it would be so easy for you to say: “‘Senor Samos, I come to you alive, but this man who brings me is dead—he is Marlo.’ ” “ But I would not betray you." “ Ah, yes you would, and I will not trust you. “ Alive you will, dead you cannot. H H ‘ Again a groan 'broke from the lips of , merit. the man who now felt that he was doomed. “Well, Fuentes, I will tell you what I will do." “What is that? " was the eager ques- tion. “ I will leave you here while I go and reconnoiter the old mission.” “You will? ” “Yes, but I’ll see to it that you do not escape.” “ I cannot.” ” I’ll also make sure to silence your voice, so that if any one rode by you could not call.” “You will gag me? ” “ Yes, and borrow your wig, beard, hat, coat, and horse. ’ “I guess I will pass muster then, should I meet one of your braves. “Come, let me make sure of you." He rolled the bound man up against a tree, and, taking the lariat from the saddle, made him the more secure by binding him beyond all chance of es- cape. Then he gagged him with the corner of his serape, and putting on his hat and cloak, mounted his horse and rode boldly along the trail toward the old mission. After a ride of half a league it loomed up before him, grand, weird, gloomy in the moonlight and silent as the grave. His horse went at once to the clinging vines and tried to enter. “Ah! I have found out a secret, but I dare not enter in the dark. ” I will go on foot.” So saying, he dismounted and pushed through the vines. But all was darkness within, and he dared not venture. He made ,his way across the plaza and up the stone steps to the crumbling roof of one wing. From here he looked over the sea. Afar up the coast he saw the glimmer of lights. ” The cutter is there, so in that Fuen- tes told the truth,” he said. He went from place to place, saw where the chapel was, and knew that it was there that he had seen the two forms at the window, overlooking the sea. “The place is deserted, but I will not push my search by night. “Well, I’ll come back another time.” With this he returned to his horse. and mounting, rode back along the ridge. He felt disappointed at not finding the senorita, but determined to make a more thorough search by day. Now he would make sure of his reward for the body of the Outlaw Ranchero, and see if he could not get the Senor Samos to double his offer for the restor- ation of his daughter, if she had not already been rescued by the captain of the cutter, which he feared was the case. So he rode slowly back toward the spot where he had left his prisoner. As he went along it suddenly struck him that he had made a mistake in leav- ing him there. “ I was a fool to risk it,” he said. He became exceedingly anxious, and dashed up to the tree to which he had bound the man, fully expecting to see him gone. But no, the prisoner was there, with his back against the tree, the gag still in his mouth. There was no movement as Mario came up, and the head had dropped over as though he was asleep. “Ho, Fuentes, I am back again. “ Awake and say your prayers, for your time has come to die. ‘ “ I have come to kill you,” cried Marlo. The moonlight fell full upon the bound form, and yet no movement came at the man’s words. ' Suddenly, as he came nearer he bent quickly and started back with a cry, like a man in terror. “ Great God! His hair has turned white as snow! ” '. . l ‘ , He' put his hands on the tag and rea’, , " moved it from the mouth. Still my mowed } I- ‘3‘ H.--“ K strapped .' behind one or them. Marlo, the Renegade. Then he held the face upward and ‘ glanced into, it. The eyes met his with a. vacant stare. " Heaven has defrauded me out of my revenge! “ He is dead! He has died of fright,” came savagely from the lips of the man thus cheated of vengeance. CHAPTER XVI. THE PAYMENT. The scene is the same, but hours after the return of Mario, to find the man whom he had intended to kill, dead. Marlo is upon the scene, but not alone; others are with him—one an officer in uniform; the other a man of dignified bearing and in ranchero dress. It is Senor Samos. There are others also, cowboys from the Samos Hacienda. All had come upon the scene, led by Marlo. The outlaw had ventured to the hacienda. There he had found Captain Edward Yerger, the rescuer of Lulita. He had told his story, of how he had, as a foe cf Fuentes, seeing the reward offered for him, sought and killed him. ,The doubt in the mind of the Senor Samos had been dispelled by the words: “ Go with me to the spot where I have hidden his body, and see if it is not the Senor Fuentes. This is his horse I ride, as the senorita can declare. Will you come?" The ranchero at once assented, and the handsome sailor captain accompan- ied him. Cowboys went along for fear of a trap. Reaching the scene, Marlo disappeared among the rocks, the body. “Here is the body. “Is there any doubt now?" He spoke in broken English, and in a voice so changed that no one recognized him as Marlo. To them Marlo the Merci- less ‘.\‘as dead. “The gentleman will pay me my re- ward?" “YeS,” Said Senor Samos shortly. “ Then you shall have the body." “1' do not wish it, man,” said the rahchero. ’ “Yes, senor, take it with you to your ranch and bury it. I will not let any chance escape to be sure of the man's death,” Captain Yerger urged. “Then I will take the body, as Cap- tain Yerger deems it best. Here is the draft you were so urgent to have me write and bring along with me, and it is made payable as you requested, so that you can get the money on present- ing it at my bankers. “ Our compact thus ends." “ It does, and I thank you for your kindness. and only regret that the cap- tain there cut me out of the reward offered for your daughter’s return to you, but I guess he'll claim the body instead of your gold." There Was a. sudden whack, and the outlaw dropDEd to the ground as though shot. felled by a. blow of the sailor straight from the shoulder. “ Insolent dog. how dare you speak the name of one you are unworthy to look upon?” Were the Words of Captain Yer- ger, while in an instant he turned to the ranchero and said: “Pardon. Senor Samos, but the man went beyond bounds; but I should have controlled my temper. Begone, and H i The last words were addressed to the outlaW, who arose to his feet with a. malignant look upon {118 face that was as Wicked as a hyenas driven from its prey. “Yes, I’ll go my Way. and you'll go yours; but big as this world is, my fine ' captam 01 the sea. W8 W111 meet again, mark my Words on that.” “ Be careful that it is not on my own deck, when I am giving the order to swing you up to the yard'arm," was the retort. and Captain Yerger turned away with the Senor Samos, while they were followe by the cowboys. who had thei