:l:l.:£.i._‘_ Vol. XLV. TAKER Sassafras. no. u no? November, 1901. ’15. a Year. . PRICE 5 GEN 5°C. 9 \§\\\\\\\& . \\\\\\mum _.\\\\\\\ Y., POST OFFICE. N. v w You]; hers, N15 is Pub] WHEELER, NOVELS, “DENVER DOLL” NOVELS, ETC., AT THE Pxornmron). ER ID.. New York. n 379 Pearl Street. 1 1 —___._.,_ -_ EMMMHMMMMMMHHM‘ N E W Y O R K MATI‘ S 45: ( (JAMES SULLIVAN xcosn CLASS I'} It DASHING TOLL Or, The Schoolmarm o .51. 3.6"" ‘ AM u' Ed 4 hi! ENTERED AS M. , JLi 1.6m. 1w 1 n J. 1" BY EDWARD L nunwoon Dxcx"Novm.s, “nosnnun non w. mmmnrmtmmrm, mcnmmnmmormmomn Published Every Month. 0 AUTHOR OF (.17! . 0 I. 1" / 1’. Iv AND COPYRIGHT. 1883. BY BEADLE & ADAMS. N0. 1119. A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. A No. 1, The Dashing Toll-Taker; on, The Schoolmarm o’ Sassafras. BY ED. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR or “ anvna DOLL,” AND “ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS. CHAPTER I. A NO. 1. “ ’Mclican man muchee love whisky, Muchee make ‘Melica all belly frisky; Chinee man honest, ncbher stealee, Get knock around, nebher muchee squealee.” THE singer possessed a cracked, wheezy voice, and was a burly, ill-looking specimen of the rough frontiersman, who stood holding a greasy- looking Chinaman by his queue with one hand, while with the other he held 11 lifted a danger- ous-looking knife above the Ce estial’s head. The scene was in the bar-room of the Leonard House, at Sassafras City, and was made up of a wugh, unplastered room, containing a rude bar, or counter, several deal tables and chairs. The weather being that of the rainy season, a ruddy fire was burning in the fire-place; and near this, and intent in gazing at the bull— whacker and his victim, lounged half a score of typical men of the mines, coarse in attire, and not exactly polished in manner. The bullwhacker was a man in whose counte- nance was expressed much that was evil and brutal, and he bore striking evidence of belong- ing to that clam of bordermen who, from their Inexampled braggadocio and bullying proclivi- ties, earn the distinction of being a terror to mankind in general. Such was old Tiger Tooth. There were plenty of men in the bustling lit- tlecamp of Sassafras who had a by-nomeans saintly reputation, but theirs was comparative- ly an insignificant record as compared with that of Tiger Tooth, who bore the scars of over three-score of desperate battles, and was want- ed for more heinous crimes than perhaps any other man in the West. Yet no sheriff or marshal seemed desirous of attempting his arrest, in consequence of which hegrew constantly bolder and more ruflianly, an made it a point never to locate in a camp without at once setting hi nself up as “ boss.” The Celestial whom he held b the hair in the -room was known in Sas ras as Rats, al- though he claimed John Lee as his real name. He owned a prosperous laundry, and, aside from being reputed very wealthy, was supposed tohold the secret of a hidden mine, which he and his yellow confederates worked at night. Many of the citizens of Sassafras were down on him, so to speak, because of his ros rity, and with a view of extorting from Elm is se- cret, it was, that old Tiger Tooth, who had re- cently arrived in camp, ad assaulted him in the manner mentioned. “ Kerwhoop l” he roared, giving the unoifend- mg Biog—tail a rude jerk. “ n’t know who’s got hold 0’ ye, do ye? I’m Old Ti er Tooth, the meanest two-geared goslin’ m the est, barrin’ Bill Nye o’ Cheyenne, who runs the Boomerang. Yas yeou bet yer eye- teeth, that ain’t a manner man than me, ’ceptin’ I 0, who kin-lie the settin’ sun inter shame ’a ind the horizon, and pull the pin-feathers tram the tail of a bumard tor give away for toothpicks. What’s yer name, you saffron-col- ored imp? Speak out, or I’ll slit yer bugle, quieker'n a mule kin shake hands!” . “Chinaman namee Rats!” was the answer. “ ’Melican man lettee Rate 0!” “ Yes I will, like blazes. ts, eh? Well, durn my boots of ye won’t find me the kitten what thar’s a pile 0’ fun in. Why, I’m ijest chock-full on’ sloppin’ over wi’ , unm tigated quin- , flamenco uv unalloy fun. Now, Ra , old gal, jest let me heer what thar is abou this ,secret mine business. They tell me ou’ve ot a hoe], somewhat, from which you ig out gig nu gets when the rest 0’ us mortals aim wras - If: wi’ Morpheus. Now yer ’umble sarvent desireth to know whar she am, an’ the hull bizness about her!” “Helicon man mistakes. Rats, him velly honest, slice names like preachee. Know not- flng 'bout mine—washes ’Melican man shirtee .1100 dual” And he looked the picture of truthful- m. ‘_ “Git tout, ye infernal skunk! D’yo know what I’m goin’ to do, ef ye don’t pan out? I’ll break yer neck, besides cuttin’ off yer sw1tch, hyer. Jest yeou tell us where that secret bonanza o’ yourn is, or off comes yer hair, an’ her head, in the bargain.” . “ Rats nottee bit skeered,” was the Cdestial’s answer, delivered with remarkable coolness. “’Melican man velly muchee wrong. China- man don’t know anything about mine. Know only aboutee washee business. Cuttee Rat’s head off, gittee hung. Cuttee off queue, Rats grow ’nudder allee samee like this one i” “ Better let the flat-mug,r go, I reckon,” one of the bystanders said, whose appearance was considers bly less rough than that of his compan- ions, and whose modest department proclaimed that he was yet a tendcrfoor. so far as mining life was concerned. “I don’t see anything to warrant his being abused.” “ Oh! ye don’tl” Tiger Tooth growled, wheel— ing and facing the young man savagely. “ Who told you to lip in, ye young monkey ?" _ “1 spoke without anybody’s direction, Sir, whatever,” was the reply, and the handsome face of the tenderfoot flushed, somewhat, and his eves sparkled with the light of indignation. “ Ye did ii in wi’out any outside advice, did ye?" Tiger 00th roared, releasing Rats, and stepping toward this stranger, whose name was Ned Temple, and who was a recent arrival in Sassafras City. “ Waal, neow, ou’re my mutton, I’ll swear of ye ain’t. D’ye now what it means to lip in, in any 0’ my bizness trans— actions, young feller?” “I neither know nor care, more than that every man has a right to express his sentiments, if he chooses.” “Waal let me tell ye, then, that it means death. I‘m Tiger Tooth the Terrible, an’ I allow I’m a walkin’ illustration 0’ death, right out an’ out. i never allow no back chin, ner I don’t tolerate no interference from any one. You’re a green ’un, I perceive, or I’d bore a hole thru yer noddle, wi’out ceremony, an’ don’t ye fer et it. What’s yernamei” “ dward Temple!” “ Oh! you’re the nephew of old Simon Shields, aire e?” ‘ ‘ Eixactly !” “ Humph! you’re jest the lamb I wanter see, then. They tell me you’re heer arter old Simon’s purty gal, what’s goin’ to inherit the Bullion mine, arter Simon pegs.” “ Your knowled e on that subject evidently is our own; no y else has it.” ‘Oh! ye can’t fool me! That’s the nest-egg you’re arter. An’ as I object to havin’ enny sech urceedin’s, you’ve either get ter pack up yer uds and skin out 0’ camp, or fight. Thar s only one mortal man kin ev er hev Jessie Shields, an’ that’s my offspring, laudie. Come forth, Claudio, and show yerself!” The call was responded to by a disgusting and grotesque-looking dwarf, with a hideous coun- tenance, who waddled forth, and stood along- side his burlv parent, in stature but a trifle above Tiger Tooth’s belt. His legs were short and clumsy, surmounting which was a fat trunk or body, with a painful hump upon the back, and long arms and large hands, that gave him a. strange appearance. I His head was many sizes too large for his. un- ‘nly body, and covered with a shock of bristly lack hair, while his ludicrous countenance and bulgin eyes expressed little of the cunning abatthc motorized the visage of old Tiger 00 . That the two could be father and son, seemed hardly credible. _ “That’s my Claudio!” the bullwhacker said, with manifest pride, "an’ he’s to be Simon Shields’s daughter’s future husband, an’ don’t ye fergit it!” A faint giggle from the men in the room, in- dicated how much stock they tOOk in the gentle Claudie’s chances of winning the charming and pretty pet of the camp, Jessie Shields, who, by be way, was the only representative of her sex in the camp. “Yas, C audie’s a smart feller, an’ when he ts ter handlin’ old Simon’s shekels, thar’ll be igh old times in Sassafras. An’ as fer yeou, young feller I ain’t oin’ ter let any one git a chance to step in a and o’ Claudie; so you’ve get ten minutes tor make yerself minus around these parts, or dead you are 1” “You are not so stupid as to imagine that I can be scared by you, I ho 1” Temple said d ly. “I never yet saw t o man that could * as me: 9.5: .,,... .. ye n e , wor ng himself sudden] into a rs .y“ sol, I’ll shew ye how easy it s to mop 0 floor with 3 young monkey like you i" He slipped his knife into its sheath, and leaped toward young Temple, with the evident inten- tion of clinchin with him, but failed in that calculation, for ed’s fist caught him square, covering the left eye, and sent him spinning dizzily backward. I V The crowd cheered lustily, for it was Tiger Tooth’s first set back in Sassafras. It was several seconds ere the bully could sufficiently recover his equilibrium to make a second charge, and when he did, the two men clinched. Weapons were drawn upon every hand, and. it was evident the spectators were disposed to see fair play. Physically, the bully had a decided advantage over his opponent, for, although of good form, Ned Temple had plainly never been subjected to many hardships, nor experienced sufficient rough handling to harden him to compete with a man of iron, like Tiger Tooth. Yet he clinched with him firmly, and they writhed, twisted and squirmed about, until finally they tripped and went to the floor, the bully on top. “Now I’ve got you!” he cried hoarseliy, as he released his hand, and endeavored to raw his knife. “ If I don’t cut your heart out, you can call me a burro!” “ Not when I’m around, old cactUS!” a ringing voice cried, as the door was flung open, and a man stepped into the room, from the wild, rainy day without. “Just you let up, or I’ll put a head in your skull that will tickle you immensely 1” And the speaker leveled a leaming revolver at the bullwhacker’s frowsy ead. Sassafras City was not noted particularly for its handsome men, but had it been, they would have wilted at a comparison with the stranger. In stature, he was of medium bight, and trimly built—so trimly, in fact that he looked a trifle slender: yet his clothing fitted him, fault- lessly, and his grace of motion was proof that he was built for strength and endurance. In feature he was strikingly well cast, with ma etic brown eyes, a high forehead, roofed wit curling hair which was worn in frontier style, back over his shoulders; a pleasant yet firm mouth, shaded by a graceful mustache, and the square chin that indicated an indomit- able will. He was attired in finely tanned and frin ed buckskin breeches, met below by knee ts and at the belt by a red woolen shirt, partly open at the throat. . An oil-skin cloak was thrown, about his shoulders, and upon his head he wore a plumed slouch hat, whic ve him the appearance of a free ranger of the est. His belt contained a brace of wea us, be- sides the one he held in his asp, and t ey were of the latest make and flnis . Old Tiger Tooth uttered a savage owl when be perceived that he was cover , and readily seeing that the advantage was against him be naturally made no attempt to execute his threat against oung Temple. “ What the devi d’ye want? he roared. “I’ll l’arn ye better than to interfere in my matters, cf 1 at up to ye. Who aire ye, you skunk?” “ No. 1, the man who can make mince-meat of a dozen toughs of your diagram 1” the sport re lied, with an obsequious bow, and a smile. “ ntlemen, I will have the honor of your pocket-books, please!” “ What?” gasped Tiger Tooth. “ What?" echoed e other bystanders, in consternation. “Exactl that, and nothing more,” was the reply. “ broke my bank, a few nights ago, up at Pine Cone, and I want money. If you gentlemen can help me to about fifty dollars, it will save considerable spilled crimson, to say nothin of funeral expenses. So pan out!” The set words were uttered in the sha of a rem tory order, and as he he, A NI: 1, as E: has styled himself. leisure y drew another revolver, and leveled it toward the crowd. So astonished had these men of Sassafras been, at the sudden action of the dashing If)“. that they had entirely neglected to watc for an opportunity to lift a weapon, in self defense. “ 0 can lest bet ou’ve struck the wron trail, captain.” Tiger ooth growled. “ DIM! little stuff .e’ll git in this shehang.” “ It’s litt e I want, then, but I want it bad!” the road-agent sport answered, good-naturally. “Just pan out now, without any mummy. or some one will get took sick all of a sudden. Mind you! my eyes are watching you, and the man who attempts to pull a pop, diosl, You Tim- Tooth, let that teller up, and so round sndtskoups collection in your bet. If you A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. . 3 don’t raise fifty dollars, I'll salivate you. Come! move I” The bully hesitated a moment, as if about to disobey, but the deadly aspect of the pistol pointed straight at him, brought him to his feet, and, taking off his battered plug hat, he paSsed it from man to man. “ Boyees, I reckon it‘s policy to save a funeral, of ye can!” he snarled, “so shell out yer shekels, right permisc’ous. ’Tain’t every day we hev the honor o’ a visit frum a fast-class road-agent, an’ I allow we orter appreciate ther ’casion l" The others seemed loth to coincide with this view, nevertheless handed over their share of “dust,” which A No. 1 stowed away in a hunt- ing sack, strapped at his side. “ Thank you, gentlemen—thank you, heart- ily! Your magnanimous liberality I shall not soon forget. A portion of this money I shall devote to erecting an asylum for broken—down gamblers and ma agents, and if you ever need a home, I will give you 8. recommend to the Governor, who will welcome you. Dal da! now, and don’t forget that there is rest for the weary pockets, when A No. 1 is around !” The next moment he was gone! CHAPTER II. “BUSINESS” or SEVERAL KINDS. THE Shieldses were the aristocrats of Sassa- fras, if any of that peculiar element did, indeed, exist in the camp. Moreover, Simon Shields, with his hoary white hair and beard, was the first inhabitant, for he and his pretty daughter Jessie had set— tled down where now stood the scattering of shanties, more than a year before our story, when there had been no vestige of a town any any where in that gulch. t had been he who had found gold there, and taken up valuable territory, which had since increased in value, until it brou ht him an almost prince] revenue to say not ing of the wealth each ay mined at his bwn mine, the Bullion. which was the principal one in Sassafras City. Sassafras was yet comparatively a small camp, but boasted of the usual number of sa- loons, stores and gaming-dens, and its streets were usually crow ed with strangers. But for a week the rain had poured down al- most incessantly, accom auied by a raw cold wind, which made it a p ensure for most people to keep uhder shelter. About the time that the bold but suave road- agent, A No. 1 was in the midst of his operations at the Leonard House, Simon Shields sat in the front parlor of his comfortable abode, toasting his feet before the ruddy fire, upon the grate, while Jessie read aloud from a newspaper. A man of over sixty years, with snow-white hair and heard, he was still well preserved in feature and form, and seemed in a fair way to live on to the allotted three score and ten, ere he lost his strength and vigor. His daughter was petite, and bewitchiugly pretty. Her eyes were brown and rkliug, er cheeks tinted with a healthful gow, and her mouth habitually wore a winning expres- sion. Her hair was of a sunny color, and ever worn with becomin taste of arrangement. She dressed quietl an inexpensively, and yet at- tractivqlg, an , in fact there was nothing about her in 0 way of lulu htiness or self conceit, that is often seen in t ose occupying similar positions. A perfect lady at home, and a jolly sparkling elf when rambling about the mines, there were few of the men of Sassafras who would not literally risk breaking their necks for one of her smiles of approval. ' There was an uneasy expression upon Simon Shields’s face, as his daughter read the news, and it seemed evident that he paid little atten- tion to anything she said. . Until, finally, Jessie laid aside the paper, and crosseduw oveiig'itohisside.h it to- hat t, pa—w yare youco ue , day?” she asked)‘1 stroking his hair. ‘91: it the horrid weather that depresses you so?” “No, child. It matters little to me about the weather, although I’ll acknowledge it is rather disagreeable outside. No, I do not feel exactly ' bunkum this morning, to tell the truth. I sup- pose it is nothing mare than laziness, however. s‘l‘BiiIXu-d in thfihouseg” b m yin , 0 won on aw e o on he was $13" to the post-emote.” ‘8 ’ g “ Humphf He goes to the postoflce nearly. doun times a day, does he notl—nnd there is but one mail. He must have urgent business. How do on fancy him, child!" “ pan—Io far on young 0h, Imppou he’ll He seems a little out of place here in men go. ’7 the mines, though. “ Oh, that is because he was born and bred in an eastern city. I am pleased to see that he is so refined. Do vou know why I had him pay us a visit, dear?” “Because you wished to see him, I suppose. I don’t know of any other reason.” “ I thought you might have suspected. You see, my child, it is this way. I am getting so old now that it is not unlikely that I may drop away at any time, and 1 must make necessary provisions for the future. Y1 -u are young yet—- a girl of eighteen merely—and incapacitated for the transaction of business, so I have con- sidered it the best to provide. you a manager!” “Provide me a manager?” Jessie exclaimed. “ Why, what in the world do you mean, papa?” “Exactly what Isaid. You need some one to look out for your future welfare: and who would be more likely to take a. warm interest 1n you than your cousin? I have already spoken with him in regard to the matter, and be con- fessed to a strOng admiration for you.” “ thy, papa Shields! I am astonished at you! I marry my own cousin! Why, 1 never heard of such a thing!” “ Then you have much to learn, dear. Mar- riages of cousins are of frequent occurrence, where the wealth of two families is necessary to be united. Look at the Rothschilds, for in- stance. Nearly all of this great family has in- termarried. Your union with Ned could but be attended with ha py results, I am sure.” “Unfortunately or our project, I do not look at it in the same ight, papa. I have all due respect for cousin, as a cousm, but there it all ends. I would never, never consent to mar- r him!" “ Not if your father commanded you, child .7" “ No! not if a dozen fathers commanded me!” Jessie replied, with spirit. “ I proposeto choose my own husband, if I ever marry at all, and that settles that at once!” “Oh, well, we won’t quarrel about it. Per- haps, after you have time for mature delibera- tion, you Will reconsider.” “ Perhaps not!” Jessie retortedz em hatically, as she arose to leave the room. ‘ W en I get a man he must be spirited, dashing, handsome and—q. hero. Whata health -lookin hero Ned would make, now, wouldn’t e? I’ll t if you were to stick him with a pin you couldn’t arouse his sluggish nature. Ha, ha, ha! No Edward Temple on my plate, if you please.” And she flitted away out of the room hum- ming the air, “Not for J 09.” The bold raid made b A No. 1 upon the habitues of the Leonard ouse bar-room soon became known throughout the camp, and cre- ated intense excitement, although no effort had been made to capture the dashing outlaw after he dodged from the saloon. It was the first case of the kind ever known around Sassafras, and it created not a little con- sternation among all classes, for the act had been the hight of boldness, and indicated what a reckless sort of character Mr. A No. 1 was. The rincipal “hang out” in Sassafras was the Me odeon, which was run by a thorough~ bred sporting man of the mines, named Oregon Bill. t was a large two-story shanty, the up- per part being rented out for various occupa- tions, such as offices and lod 'ng apartments, while the ground floor saw the several pur- poses of concert-hall saloon and gambling-room. Its extreme size made it a favorite lounging- place for all classes of the citimns, as, especially at night, some sort of entertainment was given u n the little stage or platform, the character 0 it dependingal ther on what sort of talent the proprietor coul scrape together. The robbe caused more than the regular trans to see the Melodeon in hopes of learn- ng what action was to be taken in regard to the matter, and it was a heterogeneous assem- bl e that collected there. ext to Simon Shields, Oregon Bill was the most important property-holder in the camp, and had, perhaps, the most influence, as he was mXected b many mainly throu h fear. 3 a thmg he was not w at would be called exactly dangerous, but when he got on a spree—which was two or more times a week— heitzns an ugly customer to have anything to do w . When the news of A No. 1’s visit reached his ears, he was just takin the initial start toward one of his periodical “ ” "Road-agents, hey!” he roared. “Who sed “That’s jest ther state 0’ mar wool” there were roadsagcnts about!" Tooth unwed. “A teller wound into the bar- room, down at the Leonard House, an’ made 9 lot 0’ us galoots shell out our hard-earned shek< els. Now we, the aforesaid, want ter know what‘s ter he did?” “ Kill the cuss, to be sure. ShOW him to me! I’ll wind up his ball 0’ yarn 1” Oregon Bill fumed. “But he’s gone—he‘s skipped!” the bull-A whacker declared. “He jest clim’ out 0’ the bar-room like a jum in’ grasshopper, an’ jumped out o’ sight quicker n he jumped in.” “ You’re a purty set 0’ babies,” Oregon sneer ed, “ to let a single man get away from you like that. The hull caboodle 0’ you ain’t wuth a. cent a pound for soapgrease, an’ 1 can lick the galoot as sez I ain’t right.” “Yer a durned liar! I‘m ther high cockolon rum 0’ this hyar town—I, Tiger Tooth the Ter- ror 0" Taos. Ef ye wanter dispute it, now‘s yer time!” the bullwhacker yelled, throwing him- self into a defensive attitude. Oregon Bill glared at him a moment grimly, an evil smile curving his mustache-shaded mouth —then he said: “You’re right; we might as well settle the matter 0’ mastership ri ht here to—nigbt, you big-mouthed loafer. Well fight with knives at fifteen paces!” A murmur escaped from the swarm of specta- tors. Oregon Bill and Tiger Tooth had, since their coming to Sassafras, been declared enemies but had never offered to fight it out until now. 0th were known to be knife—throwers of no mean ability, and the duel promised to afford a deal of sport for those of the rough audience who en o§ed bloodthirsty affrays. ” nives it is, then!” Tiger Tooth growled. othef 011th “ I’d as lief fight ye wi’ them as wi’ an weepons. Cl’ar away the gang, an’ ch lane.” The crowd were ordered back to the right and left sides of the room, and thus the center of the floor was left clear. After a consultation, it was agreed that each man should be provided with ten knives, and if they did not suffice to do the work, the battle should be called a draw. When all was in readiness, they took their places, fifteen paces apart; but that being voted too far, the distance was shortened to ten paces. The hand of each man clutched a long gleam‘ ing knife, and eight more of the deadly blades held positions in each belt. With hats off, sleeves rolled up, and face! stern and fierce in expression, stood these two human tigers facing each other. “ Are you ready, gents?” a miner cried, holdv ing up a pistol, leveled ceilingward. ‘ Ready!” Oregon Bill assented. “ Hyer, tool” came from the Terrible. The istol was fired off as a signal for til duel to 'n, which it did in earnest. Oregon Bill hurled the first knife, and fl struck the bullwhacker upon the side of tho head, but glanced off, inflicting no wound. In return he sent one flying at the proprietor of the Melodeon, which cut an ugly gash across his cheek. Then the weapons flew thick and fast, until the last one had been hurled. Neither of the combatants had fallen, but both were badly unished. Tiger Tooth ha lost the ti of his nose and one eye, while Oregon Bill h a knife sticking in his breast, and his face was lacerated in sev‘ eral laces. “ e battle’s a. draw l” the referee cried. “ The coute :tnnts are no longer fit to fight.” “Kerwhoopl I’m ther Victor!” Tiger Toot! roared. “ Barrin’ the loss of an eye an’ a tooth, I’m as solid as a clam, save the tip of my nosg which allers was too long. Is thar any one else as is achin’ fer a scrimmage?” There evidentl was not, for no one replied. not even Oregon ill himself. The following morning there was a sensation _ in Sassafras City, which was discovered by the ‘ earl risers, in thei shape of a number of £2; 5 posted up n conspcuous places, w contained the following message: “ NOTICE. “Fm 8mm DOLLAR! Bruno! “fhwhomumaymem:— m‘l‘l'l'he sugof five hundred (iilglrliu's paid anfiprcsuming mwo cc turny e link on of the nilountnins, the t HonorableA 0.1, tleman WW I liein ’thnlf the no amco v can 0 t “Mancinith for-euro! road ut. I V in £31 of camped-:5; in the field. "work" " 9 .A 4 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. wen-wishing admirers to get a gri When I’m down in Sassafras again I‘ll c you. on me. and see “ With regardsz yours trul , ‘A No. l, AD-AGENT." The early morning sta e came rolling into the camp 8. out the time o the discovery of the above, and brought the news that it had been halted a few miles back, and all the assengers and the treasure-box had been robbed). A single man had accomplished the job, stated the passengers, and their description of him was identical with that of A No. 1. _ This, of course, added to the excitement and the camp during the forenoon was literally in -b0iling commotion. Oregon Bill, Simon Shields, and a number of others of the moneyed men clubbed together and raised a large purse of money, following which placards were got out and posted in mminent places offering a large reward for ca ture of the outlaw hailing to the name of A umber One. The excitement of the day did not culminate here. The morning stage had brought to Sas- safras City another sensation in the shape of a second real live woman. Jessie Shields was believed the rfection of all that was pretty in woman ind, but no sooner had the new-comer arrived than it be- came evident that the rich mine-owner’s daugh- ter had a dangerous rival in point of beauty. The new beauty was about seventeen or eighteen years of age, well dressed, and had evidently come to stay, for she brought a couple of trunks with her, which it required two men to get to her room, at the Leonard House. 13%;) the register of that hostelry she in- scri the somewhat singular autograph: “Miss Blissm Bunsss, “ Gunnison, Col.” Ihe took her breakfast in her room, and then sought the hotel office. “Can on direct me to the school commis- sioner. sir?” she inquired of the uncouth pro- prietor, Nick Leonard. “The what 7” that worthy demanded, in as- tonishment. “ The school director, sir, or in fact any town officer who has to do with the educational mat- ters of this town.” “Thunder’n lightning, mum, thar ain’t noth- in’ o’ the sort in ssafras.” “ What? No schools?” H ?” “Nor officers, or form of gOVernmenti” “ Reckon not, ’less ye mought call Oregon Bill an omcer. He giuerally runs the camp party much to his own notion. What d’ye wan .i” “ h! I want to teach!” “Ter teach? W'hat? Who?” “ Why, to educate the children—that is, in other words, to instruct the young idea how to shoot.” “Yer cl’ar ofl’ track, then. gal. Ther’ ain’t a chick ner child in camp an’ ther’s durned few 0’ the grovvn pil rims w at can’t put six out 0’ seven bullets in e same markl” CHAPTER III. ran scaoomuum’s ENTERPRISE. Miss BESSIE “ BIZNESS ” laughed, oddly, at old Leonard’s mistake. “ You don’t understand, I see,” she said. “ M name is Business, or Bizness, whichever you p ease. _I am a schoolmarm, and I’ve come ere to start a school. WhEre can I find Citizen Oregon Bill?" “ Down the street, at the Melodeon. . He runs that shebang.” Business bowed her thanks, and tripped away up the stairs. She was graceful and agile as a lawn, and moreovar, she was an almost rfect counterpart of Miss Jessie Shields. Placing-the two girls side by side, it would have been diffi- cult to determine wherein they were unlike, except that Business was possibly a trifle heavier. She looked like “business,” too, when she came down—stairs. She was dressed the same, excepting that she now wore a plumed slouch rairie hat, turned up at one side, and a short But pretty buckskin jacket, belted around her waist, the belt holding a pair of revolvers. for few persons in Sassafras ever went unarmed. leaving the tavern, she made her we to the Melodeon. which was comparatively eserted of its customary crowd, the maJority of whom were at work in the mines. Oregon sat in an arm chair, grim and gloomy, - he nursed his wounds, and a few others lounging about made up the occupants of the big saloon. “Is there a man here named Oregon Bill?” Miss Business demanded, pausing near the fire- lace. “ Yes, that’s me,” Oregon responded, survey- ing her with a stare of admiration. “ What d’ye want?” “ Excuse me, sir; but I will introduce myself. I am Bessie Business, sir, and have come here to start a school. Understanding that you are the only officer of the town, I came to you, hoping to get a permit from you, and an appropriation toward establishing an educationalinstitution.” Oregon Bill attempted to give vent to a whistle of surprise, but his hacked-up face pre- vented the necessary puckering of his mouth. “ Who d’ye purpose ter eddicate?” he asked. “ Thar ain’t no kids around this camp.” “That don’t matter. There’s liable to be, ’most any day; but then, of thar don’t any come, there’s plenty of grown—up pilgrims as need some learning.’ “ Hum hi You must be crazy. Find a man in Sassa ras as don’t allow he knows more’n forty school-teachers, an’ ye can call me a griz- zly. Why, gal, thar’d be a riot in less’n a day, an’ ou’d it yer purty throat cut!” “ out 1? Well that remains to be told. I handled a rough school of rown-up boobies, up in Gunniscn, and I opine fain’t afraid to try énywhand here. Have I your permission to ry. “ Sartiu. I’ve no objections. I’ll be trustee an’ look an’ see what fer sort 0’ circus you’ll create. As fer the funds, my barkeeper will give ye the requisite, on conditions.” “Then I don’t want ’em. I never accept con- ditions. Good-day, sir.” I. And with a nod, the schoolmarm left the Me- iodeon. “ I’ll have to nerve myself for trouble, and run the school on my own book,” she muttered, as she made her way back to the Leonard House. During the day she succeeded in leasing a shant in the vicmity of the Melodeon, and get- ting t s first floor fitted up, in a rough way, for school purposes, reserving the upper rooms for her own accommodation. Her next move was to procure a couple of large sheets of paper and convert them into a poster, and paste it up on the front door. Next she rocured a marking-brush and some suitable ink, and set to work to print her announcement. It required some time for her to do this, and in the mean time she was watched eagerly, by a curious crowd. . Great astonishment was expressed, on their rough and in many instances, evil counte- nances, but none of them seemed inclined to offer Miss Business any insult, or molestation. When the notice was finally completed, it read as follows: “SCHOOL! “ Take Notice I “Miss Bessie Business, of Gunnison, will to-mor- row mornin at nine o‘clock, open in this building a select schoo , for the accommodation of those w 0 may desire to acquire a better education than they now possess. Terms 31 per lesson, each scholar. Strict disci line will be observed, and punishment meted out bad pupils, regardless of age or posi- tion. Applications may be made, in person, at the hour for opening of the forenoon exercises. “Bitssm Enema: 3, Teacher.” Over and over the motley assemblage read this, or at least, such of them as were able to read; then, one pilgrim stepped forward and doflfed his hat, respectfully to Business, as we shall henceforth call her. He was a' mrn of medium build but were a tremendous shock of glossy black hair, which, combined with his huge heard, of the same hue, left very little of his countenance visible, except a handsome pair of eyes. He was, dressed in corduroy, with knee-boots, slouch hat, a a bristling belt of weapons, and although not hat one would term evil-looking, was not just such a man as one would care to meet. after dark, in a lonely place. “ Excuse me, miss,” he said, in a voice rather pleasant, considering his brigandish ap arance, “but I allow ye kin count on one so olar, ter onc’t. I know an inkling ’bout readin’ an’ spel- lin’ ve see, but nary a thing ’hout ’rithmetick, and I allow as how it would be a benefit to me to kn0w a few about that, too.” " “ Certain! ,” Business said, smiling and ow- ing her pret y teeth. “Be kind enough step inside, and I’ll enroll you.” ‘ Step inside the bewbiskered ent did, and a number of the crowd followed, aglso. Business stepped behind her desk, and took up er n. “ hat’s your name?” she asked. If‘gol Sloan, from Tombstone,” the man re- p ie . “Very good. Mr. Sloan, you will report at nine to-morrow, not forgetting to bring a dollar with you.” “ Correct. Here’s a half-eagle, nOV' an ac— count,” Sloan said, tossing her a gold ooh. “I be on blind.” I mong tie ga in assemb of curious ones, was Old Tiger Tdhthg. y Beside him, ever his inseparable companion, was the ugly dwarf, Claudie. There was a malicious gleam in the bull- whacker’s eye, and his hands ed countenance was not exactly pleasant to 100 upon. “See hyer,’ he said, addressing Business. “I reckon mebhe ou’ve no objections tew ans’erin’ a few questions, hey i” “ Certainly not, if they are worthy of an answer,” Business replied, promptly. “ What do you want?” “ Waal, I kinder opine I might chip in an’ come to school too, pervidin’ yer not too sassy, an’ bossy. I allow, 0’ course, thet e don’t keer ef a feller chaws an’ smokes, an’ w en he wants ter go out fer three fingers o’ bug-juice or ter play poker, it’s all squar’ wi’ you. ’ ‘ By no manner of means. During school hours each pupil will keep his seat, and study—' or get thrashed, you bet! No whispering will be allowed, no swearing, no chewing, smoking or drinking, and the lessons must be learned and recited “Perfectly, or scholars kept in until they are pe ect.” Ti er Tooth chuckled, villainouslv. “ ull, you’ll see how it ’11 work!” he growled. “ I’ll bet thar’ll be cra on the school'us decr, mighty quick. It’s a arch wind as blows in a. woman as kin boss the boys 0’ Sassafras." Business did not answer, but the sna of her eyes roved that the threat implied in t e bull- whac er’s words did not frig ten her, in the least. Seeing that she was not going to argue with him, Tiger Tooth and his diminutive offspring took their departure, as did the others, leaving but one pupl enrolled upon the fair instruct- ress’s register. CHAPTER IV. UNWELCOME VisrrAN'i... DURING that day, as Simon Shields sat in his parlor, looking rather grim and restless, a woman was ushered into his presence, by the Chinese servant, Ah Ling, after which the lat- ter took his departure. The visitor was clad in somber black, and wore a thick Veil of the same line tied down over her face, sothat her features were quite invisible. Her visit was evidently not unexpected for Simon Shields looked up with a startled “ On l” his face assuming an ashen pallor, while be briefly motioned her to a seat. A momentary silence ensued; then, the wo- man spoke, in a harsh voice: “ This is nasty weather, Simon l” “ It is!” the mine owner sullenly answered. “I didn’t expect oul” “ No? Oh! we] , you see storms donot con- cern me much, when there’s important business to attend to. How are money matters, to-day ?” “You can judge for yourself!” handing her an opened letter, which lay in his lap. She took it, and held it close to her face, so that she could decipher the chirogrgphy. It was dated a week before, at hicago, and read thus: “ DEAR SHIELnsz—Ruin stares you in the face, un~ less you can raise a, hundred thousand dodars. be- fore two weeks expire. I jumped the whole amount into stocks, and they went down a-booming, in less than a day. More: I gave your individual note for ten thousand, and that was swept, too. Althou hI suffer severely, I can but pity you on accoun of your loss. I see a corner in grain, a few days off, and if you have confidence in me, again, b sending on the cash, I am certain I can at least ma e you whole all around. “ Yours truly etc, “J. 1‘. Lawn." The woman in black gave an exclamation of dissatisfaction. “ What does it mean ?" she demanded. “It means that I am ruined l” Simon Shields groaned. “Every cent of money I had in the world, besides some thousands I borrowed, has been swept away, through my accursed con- fidence in this man, Love 1.” ' “ Lovell?” “Yes, Jack Lovell hitherto one of Chicago’s luckiest stock-gain!) ers. I have been trusting him, and he has been winning for me on and m. . . A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 5 these two years, until at last he induced me to risk all, on a ‘ sure thing,’ as ho expressed it. Behold the result!” “Poor fool! It’s a pity so keen a villain as you should be victimized by one of your own clique. I gave you credit for more shrewdness. You might as safely have trusted the whole aniount to me,” the vailed woman said, sarcasti- ca ly. “ Perhaps,” he murmured. vacantly. “Well, you’re not so bad off, anyhow,” she went on, rather niifeelingly. “You have the mine left. It won’t he much of a ij to raise mone on that. So let’s get down to bu iness.” “ oman, have you no ineicy?” the mine-pro- prietor gasped, appealingly. “ I have always met you squarely, heretofore; give me respite, now ’ “ Well, I rather guess not,” she chuckled. “ It isn’t in my line of business to be merciful. What I want is the cash, and that I must have, with- out delay.” “I have not got it-Grod knows I have not. More, I cannot get it. I know of no place in the world where I could raise so much money i” “ Pshawl What is five thousand dollars? Why the Bullion's daily income is nearly that.” “ You are mistaken. My revenues are vastly overrated.” “That matters not to me. It’s the stuff I want, and right here I sit until I get it. You must not blame me if your own delay brings on ex osure!” nd she laughed wickedly. Simon Shields arose from his easywhair and paced the floor, his face the scene of many con- tending emotions. Thoroughly in this nameless woman’s ower he seemed to be, and the Very knowl go of Elie fact appeared to be gall and wormwood to 1m, “ I’ve a strong notion to do nothing more about the matter.” he cried, passionately, paus- ing for amoment in front of her. “Then I’d be out of this accuised worriment, I know. “ Do you really think so?” she sneered. “Do on rea ly believe you’d have it as nice as you ave it now?” “ Curse you, would you still hound me?” “ Assuredly, only in a different way and with greater force. There are only two Sides to the case, Simon—one side is money; the other side is exposure and—” “Sto l” he cried. “Say no more. I will go out an try toraise the money. You can go, now, and return to-night at nine.” “ Ah! I thought you’d finally become sen- sible. Shall I register at the tavern at your ex- pensel” “Go! It‘s enough to have you out of my presence.” She laughed, with quiet triumph, and arose and left the room. She had not been gone ten minutes when Oregon Bill was ushered into the mine-owner’s resenco. “ Hello, old man!” he cried. familiarly, as he helped himself to a chair. “ S‘pose yer a leetle surprised to receive a wisit from me, not?’ “ I am, indeed,” Shields replied, uneasily, for although there was no open breach between hiin and the ruman, it was well known in Sassafras that the two cordially disliked each other. “Yas, I allowed ye would be, ye see, an’ I didn’t keer. We never hev been wery neigh- borly. You never so much as drap inter my place to punish aglass 0’ bug-juice.” “ I do not drink.” “ Waal, mebbe not. But, then, I hearn tell as ye didn’t like it ’ca’se I try Occasionally ter pick familiar acquaintance Wi’ yer gal, an’ also that you sets her up ter snub me,” “I am not afraid to admit that I am exceed- ingly choice of whom my daughter associates with. Moreover, she has a positive repugnance for you, sir. ” “She has, eh! Wull, I’ll l’arn her to adore me yet, pervidin’ I don’t make a mash on ther school-teacher. By the way, Simon. ye gave a note tar Jim Peters, fer a couple tbousan’ hor- rled mono . Jim turned it over to me, an’ I’m hyer to co lect it 1” “ You will have to go away disappointed then. I haven’t any ready cash available.” “Yer check will do.” “ Hardly. I have no longer a bank account.” “Git out. Ye can’t lie ter me i” “ It’s the truth ' I’m broke for a few days!” Orggon'Bill whipped out a six-shooter, and cock it. “ I’ve met fest sech fellcrs afore,” he an- nounced, grim y. “Now. do you pan out the swag afore the second Ihand on yonder clock \ goes once around, or by the dust of old Socrates. ’ll salivate you six times right thr’u’ your old white noddlel” And it looked decidedly as if Simon Shields was doomed. The next minute there was a flash, and the report of a pistol reverberated through the room. CHAPTER V. mssm's REMARKABLE RESOLVE. IT was not the pistol held by Oregon Bill that had exploded, but that grasped by a dashing- looking stranger who had just stepped into the room. This stranger was none other than the hand- some road-agent, A No. 1, and the firing of his weapon had sent a istol-ball through the right wrist of Oregon Bill, causing the revolver to fall from his hand, while he uttered a h0w1 of pain and rage. “You’ll excuse me, my friend, for wounding you!” A No. 1 said, as be advanced, manifestly eeping his weapon ready for emergency, “ but you see, I couldn’t allow you to murder a defenseless old man for the sake of a few paltry dollars!” “ A thousand devils seize you! I’ll have your life for this!” Oregon Bill bellowed, although he did not attempt to leave his chair. “I don’t doubt it, in the least!” A No. 1 re- spondsd, smilingly. “You look like a person capable of taking lives whenever you are granted a favorable opportunity. Unfortunately for you now, I happen to hold the drop.” "Who are you?” Simon Shields demanded; “ for I want to thank you for your timely inter- vention” The road-agent laughed. “Don’t waste any thanks on me, I beg of you,” he responded, “ for they are not required. As to who I am, my many sterling qualities of check and gall have won me the suggestive sobriquet of A No. 1. I have been appointed to collect toll from such parties as travel owr the main trails leading to this camp. In vulgar parlance, I presume I am what most people would call a road-agent. For my own iking, lmill-taker sounds more high-toned and business- 1 a. “Call in the boys. Simon—call in the fell-“rs, an’ arrest the cuss!” Oregon Bill cried. “ D’ye hear?” “I am not so ungrateful as that,” the mine- owner declared. “ What is your business here, Sir Toll-taker?” “ Oh, nothing much. I saw a party come in here that struck me as having a familiar appearance, and 1 came expecting to meet her. By the way, I chanced to overhear a part of the conversation between you and this chap, Oregon Bill, from which I infer that you are in his debt.” “I am, if he holds my note, as he claims.” “And you haven’t the ready cash to redeem the note with?” “ I have not!” “Then would you acce t a loan from me sufficient for present needs ’ “Sir, I am astonished. Why, I do not even know you!” “ What does that matter? Sumcient be it, that I know you, quite well, and am not afraid to trust you with any amount of money at my commam .” " You know me? You? In Heaven’s name who are you, and what are you driving at?” “ I have no further answer to make, than my previous declaration. sir. If you want money, we can arrange it satisfactorily, I doubt not.” “ Then, I must respectfully decline. sir. You would not be so accommodating without an ob- ject. You have my grateful thanks, so far as you deserve them, but no further. Goodday.” “ You needn’t have dismissed nie—I was about going, anyhow !" the toll-taker said. with a light laugh. “ Look out that Oregon Bill don’t get the best of you again!” And bowing, he walked nonchalantly out of thei‘oom. Shields had picked up Oregon Bill’s revolver, and new leveled it at him. “ You Can go also!" he cried. “ It is past my hours, and I do not pay any bills today. 0. “ I reckon l” the ruflinn gritted. as he finished bandaging up his shattered wrist. “ But ye ain’t heerd ther last from me—n t niucbly, Simon Shields. ES‘I can’t git Sqiiar’ wi’ you, thar’s yer baby-faced girl—I‘ll cut her purty throat. or I’m h liar!” “ You wreN-h! 1? you dvrp lo hormone lvair of her bed, 1‘“ have you killed by inc-lies. Go. now, and newer dare to darken my door again 1” “We’ll see!” Oregon Bill retorted, with grim significance. “ You’ve got the grip now, but you won’t have it long!” He arose, and left the house, Simon Shields keeping him covered until he was in the street. The old man then returned to the parlor, and sat for some time in a deep reverie, his face wearing a worried expression. His reverie was finally interrupted by the entrance of Jessie, who uttered a startled or as she beheld the blood from Oregon Bil wound upon theocarpet. “ Oh! papal papa! what is the matter? Are you hurt? Speak, quick!” “Not physically, my child, although I came near losing my lile,” he replied, gravely, fol~ lowing with a brief narration of what had ocs curred. “And now, my child, there is some- thing else of importance 1 have to say.” “ Yes, papa.” “It is something that will startle you, my child. I am not worth a cent in the wide world!” M PB a!” “ It is God’s own truth! I am ruined. Every penny, nearly, that I have in the world, has been SWept away in a disastrous speculation!” “But on have your real estate left—the mine, an the revenues from the leased claims.” “ You are wrong—just as every body else has been. I cannot tell you all, but neither the mine nor landed property is mine, and never rightfully was. Besides all this, it is pledged for every cent it is worth!” Poor essie. She sat staring at him like one dumfounded. lt was indeed a revelation to her—something she had never dreamed nf. “I cannot explain all to you.” the old man went on, “for it is a deep, dangerous secret known to but few. As I said before. I tooday am a ruined mail, unless I can immediately raise a large sum of money. In.ust have. it— do you hear? I must have it, or death stares me in the face, and cannot be averted!” “ Poor papa! You knowI deeply sympathize with you in your trouble, and if there is a tl-ing in the World that 1 can do to help ycu. you know 1 Will gladly do it.” “ I know, my child, I know, but I can see no way out of the dark.” “ Who owns the mine, papa—that is, who holds the mortgage?" Simon Shields groaned. “ The most dangerous friend-foe l haw in the world—the Chinese Jew, Rats, alias John Lee. He has the power to foreclom it any day. but 1 have succeeded in staving him (ff until now, because be his a vague idea that there is a pos- sible chance of his winning your favor.” “ Merciful saints! va, that horrid a rate]: is di‘ listing to 111 Si ht!” “ eVertheless e t inks, because he is rich, he must be handsome and a desirable catch.” “Then you cannot get money from him l" “ No, indeed!” “' How much do you need?” “ I could possibly get 3101) with ten thousand dollars. I must have fivet ousand for certain inside of twenty-four hours, or it’s all up with me ’ “ Do you know of no one who would loan you the amount on the mine, not knowing of the mortgage? In desperate cases almost any rem- edy is a virtue.” “ No, I do not know of any one. Among those who have money it is pretty gemmlly suspected that I am virtually insolvent. What. to do I do not know. I am almost smry that I didn’t accept a loan om the outlaw.” ” Oh, pain! that w ld LaVe been very wrong! Let me put my wits to work and are i: l (mum figure a way our of the dilemma.” “God blesa you, my child! I have ladli tl..‘.e on can." With a thoughtful expression of coun’enance Jessie arc-Se and paced the floor, ller lll‘D‘w s knit- ted and her eyes half closed, as if she were dreaming over the. solution of the problem. For nearly half an hour she walked thus to and fro, and Simon Shields watched her eager 1y. nervously. To him her conclusion meant life or death—- for he could form no idea how he might be able to raise the five thousand dollars for the Veiled Woman. At last Jessie reseated herself, with 2 sort of despairing sigh. Her face was pale, i=hf bore an expression of firm resolution. a- “l have thought of every reasonable o’er. _apa,., and can see no hope except in on- rim.“ ion. “And what is that. my child ?” “ It is this—you must sacr ifloe me!” 6 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. “ What? Great God! are you mad?” “ No, 1 am perfectly sane. It is a desperate thing to do, but to save you I am willing to do it. You must put me up at auction and sell me to the highest bidder.” Simon Shields looked thunderstruck, and for the moment was speechless. “ It is the only remedy,” Jessie went on, bravely. “ You know the sensation and rivalry such a sale would create. And considering the matter from a sensible stand—point, no harm can come to me. There is no law that would bind me to my purchaser, and once you get the money I can manage the rest. The man does not live who can make me abide the terms and conditions of such a. sale, if he was distaste- ful to me personally.” The old man bowed his head and groaned. “ This is terrible!” he declared. “ I could never countenance such a. thing. I will die first myself.” “No, you will not! You are my father—I will never allow harm to come to you, under any circumstances. 1 have fully made up my mind on the venture. It shall come off to-mor- row night at sunset. Once the money is paid into your hands, mark my word, I’ll look out for myself, and escape to Lone Pine Cam .” “ My child, I know not what to say! most extraordinary and rash undertaking." " Nevertheless, I am going through with it; so set your heart at rest and trust for the best. I will find cousin Ned now, and we will put our heads together and perfect the arrange— ments. Now, don’t have t a least fear, for it will all come out right in the end.” Once more was Sassafras thrown into a state of commotion the following morning, on ac- count of the notice which a placard on the post- ofilcc door contained. Things marvelcus were reallv not of unex- pected occurrence in a town of Sassafras City’s feverish nature, but the contents of the notice in question, as a matter of course, created un- bounded excitement. It read thus: “ PUBLIC SALE. “ Evnavaonv Tan NOTICE. “ By virtue of a lawful claim, I have hereby levied upon, and will ex e at ublic sale to-morrow night, at sunset, in mm of t e post-office, at Sassa- fras. the following described property, to wit: “ One attractive youn woman, ed seventeen and one-half years, named essie Shiel s, and guaranteed to be one of the most worthy and respectable girls in the Territory. Said sale to be conducted with the full consent of said Jessie Shields, and the above r0 rty to be knocked down to the highest cash id er, above five thousand dollars. “Enme Taurus.” A prlic sale of a young and beautiful girl, and she, too, to be sold outright! No wonder Sassafras waxed warm. What did it mean? What right had Ned Temple to thus auction 03 a human being, and that pretty Jessie Shields? Old pilgrims nodded knowingly, and allOWed there was somethin crooked about the matter, while the more yout ful element counted their dollars and dust, to see if there was any use of their putting in a bid. Among the po ulace of the camp there were a number of we l-to-do persons who could raise a deal of money at short notice, so that the out- look was favorable for an exciting auction. Anything as sensational as this was too much for the quietness of the pOse in Sassafras, and numbers of the miners quit work to make a holiday of the occasion—the moneyed miners sprucing up in becoming style, and the unfortu- nate “ unheeled” class spending their earnings for drink. And, although by a bold move, Miss Jessie Shields had brought herself to the very fore, in the line of sensational notoriety, she was not destined to be exclusively the magnet of attrac- tion that day. It was the day for the opening of the new school, and this fact was by no means forgot— ten. despite the counter sensation. At least, not by a considerable number. At about half-past eight o’clock the door of the schoolroom was thr0wn open, and Business took her stand in the doorway She was pow dressed in a ull suit of stylish male attire, and looked decidedly piquant and fishing. Her belt was plentifully sup lied with weap- one, and it looked as if she 'd indeed mean “ business. ” The first pupil to come/along was the man of the tremendous beard, Sol Sloan, from Tombstone. ‘ Business welcomed him with a pleasant smile, and bade him go in and take a seat. During the next ten minutes several rough and dirty miners put in an appearance, paid over their dollar, and entered, and it struck Business that one or-two of them did it more for the sake of seeing the fun than anything else. The last to come were Ti er Tooth and his grotesque son, Claudie, but t e graceful figure of Business blocked the doorway. “ H6110! ain't yer goin’ ter let us in?” the bulls whacker demanded. “ Guess me an’ my cherub wants ter graduate frum this hyer instertution, as well as any one else—don’t we, Claudius Ap- ius?‘ “ I should snicker!” was Claudie’s response. “ I don’t care much fer takin’ you in,” Busi— ness said, “ for if you come in here, you've got to mind!” “ On course, mum! V‘Ve’ll be jest as meek as a con le 0’ kittens. Ef we ain’t, you can tan us!” “ en fork over your cash!" The money was paid, and with a huge grin o’ delight Tiger Tooth strode into the school, in the middle of which he executed aclums hand- spring, and gave a roar like a mountain ion. There was, literally, music in the air, now, and no mistake! CHAPTER VI. THE FIRST DAY or scuoon. “KERWHOOP!” roared the bullwhacker, as he finished his terpsichorean efl’ort. “ I tell yer thar’s nothin’ common about us graduates, now. Prime old sophs, aire we, right from Harvard, an’ don’t you fergit it.” “ Mr. Tiger Tooth, I command you to be seat- ed!” Business cried, her eyes flashing with in~ dignation. “ Bizness, old gal, I won’t do nothin’ o’ the sort l” the ruffian leered. “I kim hyar on pur- pose ter dedicate this h or instertution, and ye can singe my skin of don’t do it. Goahead wi’ yer school, me beauty! Claudio an’ I will act as c airmen.” Business eyed the bullwhacker a moment, as if estimating his strength; then, quick as a flash, she drew one of her revolvers, and cooked it. She next reached behind her desk, and drew forth a bull—whip of the black-snake order, the handle of which was ornamented with golden bands. Tiger Tooth eyed her, grimly. “What ye goin’ to do?” he demanded, un- easily. “I am going to give you your first lesson!” Business cried, sternly. “ It you attempt to resist the unishment I am about to inflict, I’ll put a bu et through you, and don’t you forget that 1” And, without further warning, she proceeded to ply the whip to his shins. With emphasis. “Dance, you took—dance!” cried Claudio, as Tiger Tooth writhed and twisted, with each blow. “If you dance. ’twon’t hurt so bad!” “ Oh! oh! oh!” bellowed the bullwhacker. “Sto 1 sto ! d’ye hear?” “I‘l ma e ye dance!” Business cried, with vim. “If you come to my school, I’ll learn you manners !” And she laid on the bIOWS thick and fast, and with all her might, until Tiger Tooth fairly howled with pain, much to the delight of all the other “scholars.” “Stop! thunderation! quit” be roared. “ I’ll do jest what’s right; I cave! I beg!” “ Do you promise to behave yourself, and obey my orders, then?” Business demanded. “ On course I do—on course I do!” Tiger Tooth whined. “ I cave, like a major!” “Then take your seat, and watch out that you do behave!” He obeyed, and Claudio followed his example. Business then proceeded with her work. The forenoon was devoted to examining her scholars, and the best of order prevailed, pro- bably owing to the fact that Business kept her revolver ready for instant use, all the while. Literally, as meek as a lamb, was the bull- whacker, and his deformed son copied the actions of the parent. Nevertheless, the eyes of Tiger Tooth emitted an occasional venomous gleam, which signified as well as words could have done that he was bent on having his racket out, no matter what consequences might ensue. After. school was dismissed for noon, he and Claudia left the shanty and made for the handi- est saloon, where they spent the midday recess in filling up with old “ forty-rod,” also arming themselves with a couple of quart-bottles of the same poisonous beverage. . So that by school—time they were In prime fighting order, so to speak, and marched into the school-room with an aspect of bull-dog ferocity. Business watched them narrowly, her mind fully made up to conquer them, even if she had to shoot them. She felt confident of an im ending row, and something seemed to tell her 1 lat there was but one of her pupils she could depend upon to lend her a helping hand, and that man was Sol Sloan, the man of the black beard. His little black eyes that peered out from under the shaggy brows seemed to lend her a glance of reassurance, inasmuch as be closely watched Ti- ger Tooth. ' The afternoon session had hardly been called to order when the bullwhacker momentarily caught Business off her uard, and whipping out a revolver, leveled it fu l at her. “Whoa! thar!” he roared, leaping u n his bench. “I’Vhar aire ye now, ye durne baby- faced skulemarm? Guess ye’ll git down on yer knees an’ ax my parding now, won’t yet” “ Put up that weapon, sir!” Business cried, sternly. “If you don’t you’ll regret it. If you create another fuss, you’ll not get of! as chea ly as you did this morning.” _ “ ho Won’t—li— I, ther great mortin’, golden-fanged rhinoserious o’ the West? D’ye mean for tell me I hain’t got everything my own way, when I hold the drap? Waal, well est see about thet aire. an’ don’t for it it. Clau 19, my bloomin’ cherub, jest you pu l yer pop an’ cover her royal highness, while I invite ther boys to liquor up!” Claudio obeyed this injunction, leafing Busi- ness no chance for drawing a weapon. Tiger Tooth then, with his own weapon ready for use, drew forth his bottle and began passing it to the crowd. . “Drink 1” he cautioned, menacing with his weapon, “or I’ll put a buzzer in er noddle. Thar sha’n’t be no temp’rince in this yer skule!” Most of the men were absolutely afraid of the bullwhacker, and all com lied with his request, in order to prevont bloods ed, except one. The last man the bottle was handed to was Sol Sloan, who took it with a profound bow and arose to his feet. Instead of placing the muzzle of the bottle to his lips, however, he executed a lightning move- ment and dashed it into atoms against Tiger Tooth’s face, at the same time seizing his revol- ver and wrenchir. it from his grasp. The lass cause a number of ugly gushes in the bul whacker’s face, and the fiery liquor et- ting into these, and into his eyes, caused 1m excruciating agony, and for the time being made him wholly unable to see. But the work of So] Sloan did not end here, for he gave Tiger Tooth a tremendous slap be- side the head that sent him spinning to the floor, and then leaped toward the terrified Claudio, 3110, anticipating annihilation, made for the oor. He managed to escape through it, but the toe of Sloan’s No. 7 lent a deal of impetus to his fli ht. he man from Tombstone then returned to the insensible bullwhacker, and, seizing him by the heels, also dragged him out of doors, and then returned to the school-room, closing the door after him. “There! I guess school can go on now with- out interruption !” he said, with a grim chuckle. “I am very much obliged for your cutlea manly interference,” Business acknow edged gratefully. ' Sloan was right; there was no more disturb- ance that afternoon, in regard to school. When he recovered, Tiger Tooth was helped away to his shanty by his dutiful offsprin , and spent the remainder of the day, near y._ In patching up his lacerated visage, and swabbmg out his inflamed eyes. When school was finally dismissed, Sol Sloan lingered a moment in the school—room after the others had gone. “ Bessie!” he said, approaching the. DIUCky schoolmarm’s desk. “it cannot be posable you do not recognize me?” She looked up at him in a startled way. “Why, I am sure I do not,” she replied with evident candor. “But you do. I am A No. 1, the T011- taker!” She startled still more. “ And, pray, how Should I know you? My acquaintance is not extenswe among people of that class.” “Perhaps not. But can you recall no one .. a... _ dz»... .z... .m» "LA. _.&-—-...-. a- -n... - «L... .a... fun...“ A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. ' '7 whom your cruelty may have brought to such a wild and reckless life?” Business grew pale, and looked even more startled than before. “ Fred—” she gasped. “Yes, Fred Brayton, Bessie—I am he. I have been haunting your trail ever since We met, two years ago, swearing never to give up, no matter what might happen. Have you no welcome?" “None, Mr. Brayton. Did my mother not telhyou that 1 could never be anything to you, sir? “Then your mother still manages your per- sonal affairs?” He spoke with a bitterness born of keen dis- appointment. “ She does, sir. I would not have you speak of her disrespectfully. Remember, that, al- though she may have unfounded objections to you, she is still my mother, and I obey her.” “ You are right. I have all respect for her; but I cannot fathom her apparent antipathy for me.’ “Nor I—nor does it matter. Her will is law, and I am bound to obey it!” “Nobl spoken, and I admire you for it. But, wil you not give me the encouragement of suspecting, that were it not for your mother’s dislike for me, matters might be different?” Her eyes met his in an unanering glance, and there was something wildly passionate in the expression that dawned over her face, as he noticed. “Did 1 love you with all the strength of my heart and soul, would you consider me wise in dooming my future life to an uncertain state of misery and eril, by lacing it in the keeping of a man on w om the aw has set the seal of out- lawrv ?” she asked calmly, but not harshly. “ Considering me a road-agent, perhaps you are right; yet, I know I am as free a man as exists on American soil-that is, after I aceom- plish a certain object.” "Which is all an unriddled roblem to me; but, you had better go. Your elay here might attract attention.” “Forgive my thoughtlessness. You have no word to sav before I go?” “Yes. Listen to me, Fred Brayton. I met you and learned to admire you—that is a suffi- ciently strong term for the feeling I had; but fate willed that our ways should go in different directions. We have met a ain; and ought now to understand each other. y life is enshroud- ed in a secret, of which my mother will not even give me an inkling. Henceforth we are strang- ers until you personally solve that mystery to me, and obtain my mother’s approval of you. Is it necessary to say more?" “ More I do not require!" he cried passionate- ly, seizing her fair hand and raisin it to his lips. “I have had my answer, an my work pointed out. Au. re'uoir!” He turned, and left the shanty. She watched him until he reached the hotel; then, with a sigh, turned back to her desk. CHAPTER VII. THE TOLL-TAKER TAKEN. As the evening hour arrived, the main street of Sassafras became more and more lively with people hurrying excitedly to and fro, for soon the public auction of Jessie Shields would take place, and certain it was that no one in Sassa- fras cared to miss this treat. Those who were fortunate enough to have a liberal amount of funds were naturally the most interested, and ’twas said that several pilgrims. of only limited means, had “gone in snucks,” and would give their more wealthy competitors a tight race for the beauty. There was another interested class, whose pile averaged from a hundred dollars do .vn; and as they had no business to bid, they had to be con- tent with gambling on the general result. Two men had the preference among the ma- jority of the bettors, and they were Oregon Bill and the Chinese nabob, Bats, who were both rigged out in their best attire. For the convenience of those who desired to take a hand in the bidding, a platform had been erected just opposite the post-office steps, where the auction was to take place, while the non- idders were politely informed that the street would amply answer all purposes for them. Before the sun had yet touched the horizon, the neighborhood of the proposed sale was black With spectators, while there was a goodly num- n the platform, over whom ber of bidders upo _ Oregon Bill had evidently set himself as master of ceremonies, for he took pains_to allow no one upon the stand who was not a bidder. Just before the sale was to begin, Sol Sloan pushed his way through the crowd, and endeav- ored to climb upon the platform. Bill saw him, and motioned him back sav— agelv. “You keep ofi’ thar!” he cried. one but bettors up here!” “ Oh! you don’t?" Sloan retorted, paying no heed to this order but clambering up on the staging. “ Maybe you’d better find out who is going to bet before you git too fly 1” Oregon Bill ripped out an oath. * l by, cuss me! d’ye know who you’re chin- nin’ hat-k to?” he roared. “ You bet I do that!” was the unabashed an- swer. “And more than that, I know that I don’t care who you are.” . Beneath the fearless glance of the Tombstone- ite the rnffian quailed somewhat. “ Ye say ye cum here ,to bet?” he de— manded. ' “ Exactly—providing I see fit to!” “ “'aal. neow, I don’t believe in no such non— sense as that, Idon’t; so you’ve jest got ter show up yer swag or git off 0’ hyer!” Sloan, as we shall still know him in his dis- guise. flushed angrily. “ Were these other parties required to do this i” he asked. ‘6 N0.” “Then I will do nothing of the sort.” “ You won’t?” “ Not if Sol Sloan knows himself.” “ Then git off ther platform.” “ I allow no “I refuse.” “ Cuss ye, it off, or I’ll put ye ofli” “ Try it! dare you!” With a yell, and the fury of ‘a panther ex- pressed in his face, the bully leaped at his oppo- nent. But he calculated wrongly, for Sloan grappled with him in a way he had not expected; instead, he made a sudden dodge aside, and allowed Bill to rush head-foremost off the platform. A derisive yell arose from the crowd, and se- veral of those over whom the bully had tumbled and hurt, fell upon him, and proceeded to give him a good thrashing. This was enough or the whisky-soaked eleo ment in the street, and in short order, the whole crowd were fighting among themselves, like a pack of wolves. For nearly half an hour the riot raged, and pistols and knives were u freely, and more than one pilgrim bit the dust. Finally, Jessie Shields and her handsome cou- sin came dashing up, on horseback, and that put an end to the fight. The wounded were ruthlessly dragged aside, and the populace wedged themselves in a mass near the post-office steps. Oregon Bill was assisted tothe platform, more gead than alive, with all the fight taken out of 1m. He had received the worst pounding of his life, and his face was literally a pumice: yet he stalgggred to the front of the platform, and e e : y “ Kcrwhoop! I ain’t half dead, yit. I’ll start thet aire piece 0’ caliker, at five hundred dol- lars, spot cash l" The words of the bullwhacker next followed the declaration of the bully. “Jest ye hold yer h0sses, thar, Mr. Ore on “lillum. Ef ther court knows herself, I cal y- late as how I’m ther auctioneer, at this funeral. au’ I don’t want no bids, nor lip-in, till I git refddv ter pronounce the prize ready ter be so 2’ And, mounted upon his stout but stumpy son’s shoulders, or more proiperlv sitting astride his son’s bump, the Tiger 00th of Taos seldom if evnr lmked more fierce and ugly than now. Claudie bore u under the weight of his pa- rent, with mule-l ke docility, evidently proud of his really great strength. ' “ Yes, sir-ee, bob-tail boss! I hev bin ap- pointed to do ther screechin’ fer this hyer occa- sion,” Tiger Tooth went on, “an’ am proud 0’ the honor. Ther roperty ’bout ter be sold, fel- ler-galoots, ye a1 per-caive is fully what she’s represented to be, an’ she goes to ther highest bidder, I don’t keer a darned who he is. “ ‘She's gentle, kind an’ bright; So hid hiuher’n a kite. Or thar‘lI sartin be a fight.’ “ W'hat did ye say. Oregon Bilyus—how much cash did ye offer?” “ I’ll start her at five hundred dollars!” Ore— fion howled, mopping off his bloody face. “Five undred for the gal.” “ Six hundred, here!” cried a miner, who had several wives up at Salt Lake City. “ Thousing! thousing! Chinaman muchee bidee high allee samee ’Melican man!” the voice of Rats piped out. “ A thousan’! a thousan’! going at a thousan’. Who’ll make ’er two? I’Vho wants some ’un ter darn his socks, bad enufi, ter make ’er two?" shouted Tiger Tooth. “ Twelve hundred!” came from one. “Thirteen hundred!” from another, “ This is madness, gents l” spoke up Ned Tem- ple. “ I'll give five thousand dollars, myself!” A murmur of suiprise ran through the crowd. Even Jessie cast a surprised side glance at her cousin, and her cheeks grew a. trifle more flushed. In her right hand, which was thrust in her jacket pocket, she held a revolver ready for in- stant use; for she was resolved to make a strong effort to escape, as soon as the money was safely paid over into young Temple’s hands. “ I’ll give six thousand, cuss ye I”howled Ore- on Bill, savage] . “ Lookee hyer, ye fools, I’m goin’ to hev t. at gal, at any price, I am, an’ #1 contract fer a coffin fer any galoot as sez na ! “ That‘s a matter of dollars and cents, my worthy friend!” Sol Sloan suggested, pushing forward. “ I am not so certain whom the youn lady belongs to yet. For myself, in her fathe I behalf, I will bid fifteen thousand dollars for her i” “ Sold !” yelled Ti er Tooth, at a nud Temple. “ Ther ga b’longs ter Sol soon as he pans out the swag!” “Stop! This is fraud! I protest! Go on wi’ the sale!” shrieked Oregon Bill, frantic with from loan as ra e. g The sale is over!” Sloan declared. “ Temple, take the young woman home; I’ll see you a few moments hence.” Temple nodded and hurriedly quitted the vicinity in charge of Jessie. Oregon Bill lared after them a moment, then, with the yel of an infuriated wild beast, leaped upon the disguised Toll~taker. “ The gal is yourn, is she?” be gritted, clutch- ing Sloan about the throat. ‘Yes, mine!” the other retorted, fiercely clinching with him. “ It would seem you haven’t got sufficiently mauled, yet, Oregon. If you want to die with your boots on, I’m your sickness!” Then came, with lightning quickness, two re- soundin whacks, resulting from the contact of the Tolf-taker’s fist with his adversary’s face, and once more Oregon Bill reeled from the platform. In doing so, however, he carried with him the connecting wig and heard the sport had worn and consequently A No. 1 stood undis- gnised before his many grim-faced enemies. A cry went up that was full of significance. Revolvers by the score flashed in the dying sunlight, and told full as well as the succeeding shgiit, that the dashing Toll-taker was recog- ni ! “A No. 1!” a hundred voices chorused, as in one voice. The daring claimant of the name'did not instantly reply, but stood overlooking the crowd, a faint- smile hovering under the corners of his handsome mustache, and a gleam of de- fiance in his eyes. He saw that an attempt to escape now would be equally as foolish as to try to stem 9. prairie fire in autumn. These grim men of Sassafras had as good as got the drop on him ere he could recover from the momentary chagrin at being unmasked be- fore them. Out on the borders of the crowd, he saw a. srson on whose face was a startled, anxious 00k of sympathy. It was Business. The sight of her seemed to lend him renewed strength, and he turned his glance once more over the crowd. “Yes, gents, A No. 1, at your service!” he said, in a clear, ringing voiCe. “What can I do for you?” “ You can surrender. and make yer acquaint- ance wi’ Judge Lynch’s noose, or take your death diploma where you are i” one of the moneyed men of Sassafras cried, menacingly. “Since we have the honor of a visit from so distinguished a personage, I propose we cele- brate the event without delay. ’ “Then you calculate you haVe me, for sure?” A No. 1 asked. , “0n course we hev, ye cussed scoundrell” roared Oregon Bill, as he regained the platform. “ Jest ye throw up yer hands. or, by thunder, ye die right- whar ye stand, wi’ er boots on i” “ Well, in that case, it would somewhat to ; \ 8 A No. l, the Dashing Toll-Taker. my interest to surrender, I take it!” A No. I returned. “If I surrender, I prefer to be taken in charge by these several prominent citizens, Messrs. Blake, Danfield, Moore and Allen, who, to my knowledge, have no cause to cherish personal malice toward me.” “Ye’re skeart to surrender to me, then!” Oregon Bill leered. “As a prisoner, I would refer a hungry wolf for a custodian l” the oll-taker replied, drylg. " hl ye would? Waal, new, I want ye to know that I’m the boss 0’ this hyer town, root an’ branch, an’ ef yer any one’s prisoner, yer mine. My word’s law 1” “ In this case, it may not be,” Mr. Danfield interposed, calmly. “ This isn’t a case for bully- ism, sir. This man has chosen us ashis captors, knowing we will allow no personal spite to be inflicted n him, and we refer to the ma- jorit of the people if it is not a. fair request. All n favor that we shall take charge of him, until some measure can be taken for his trial, will make manifest by saying ‘I’ and putting up the right hand.” Hands shot upward in something the preci. sion of bayonets in a military drill, and a shout of approval that was almost universal, rent the air. “ The majority generally wins,” Danfield said, with a spice of triumph in his tones. “ We will take charge of the outlaw, until some- thing is arranged, definitely, in regard to what disposal is to be made of him!” ‘ Then, my say eround byer, don’t amount ter shucks, hey?” Oregon Bill growled, his fin- gers working uneasily. “ Not at present, so far as the custody of this road-agent is concerned,” Danfield responded, firmly, backed by approving nods from Blake, Moore and Allen. “ Waal, mebbe not,” was the threatening an- swer. “ But, I’m not so sure about it, myself.” With which words, he left the platform, and made his way out of the crowd, with a string of fierce oaths. .v' hen he was gone, Mr. Danfield turned to A. No. 1, who had stood thus far with folded arms. “Well, sir, I sup se on are now re red to surrender?” he agked.y p pa “Yes, considerin the poor chances for es- cape, I can say am,” the Toll-taker an- swered. “I would have spilled some blood hownevcr, before Oregon Bill should have had me. “ You need not fret about him. Allow us to bind your arms. ” With a faint smile of defiance, A. No. 1, sub- mitted to have his wrists bound together, he- hind his back. Satisfied in aVerting immediate death, he was ho ful that he could yet escape. assafras City had its bank, like any other mininng of mediocre importance, and this one in question was by all odds the finest struc- ture in the camp, being built of block stone, and its windows grated with iron bars. The ponderous and iiivulnerable door was capable of resisting a mighty attack, and was equipped with a huge time-lock. This-bank, therefore, oflered about as Secure a. prison ascould bedesired, for dashing A. No. l, and thither he was conducted, as in Sassafras the bank did not close until about dark, and it was now still open. The four citizens whom the Toll-taker had selected as his keepers, conducted him to the bank, and entered with him. but the crowd that dogged their foutsteps, were kept on the out- side. Within doors, the bank was furnished not un- like all similar institutions, and besides the Toll-taker and his captors, the single apart- ment contained but one person, who had charge of all the bu