ENTERED A’l‘ run 1303': omen AT New YORK. N. 31., AT SECOND Cuss MAIL RATES.

 

 

Published Every
Week.

Vol. IX.

cb’eadle (f- fldams, §Pubhishers,

98 WILLIAM STREET, N. Y., January 19. 1881.

Ten Cents a Copy.
$5.00 a Year.

No.11?

 

 

Dashing Dandy,
THE HOTSPUR OF THE HILLS.
The Pony Princifis Strange Pan-d.

A Romance of the Colorado Mines.

BY MAJOR DAIIGERFIELD BURR,
.7111 Cavalry, U. S. Ar2n3',)
men or “nmnzo 311.1,, ms stem me,“
are, mun, Era.

THREE ACTS 017' A LIFE DRAMA.
ACT FIRST.

Emmy the wind bowled about the caves of the
houses; pitilessiy it swept through the deserted
streets, and its chill breath penetrated through man '1
a time-worn crevice of the attic of a one—time—iu the
long ate—elegant home, fanning the tire upon the
huge hearth. until the flickering fla'ncs caused the
shadozvs of the scanty furniture to dance like grim
chczcrs upon the walls, and the 1373 to crackle, as
l in lzu'thtcr at the dancing specters, moving to the
dirgo—like music of the gals.

article of furniture as plainly seen by the firelight,
for no lamg or candle 5 ed forth a bright glare; a
few rude c airs, a table, an anti noted bureau. and
s cot~bed and old rocking-chair t at held occupants,
completed the picture of the comfortiess scene
with n doors.

Lying upon the humble bed was a oung women,
with face white as marble. and every eature stamp-
ed with suffering.

Once that face and form were exquisitely beauti-
ful and a. belle among lovely women; scores of men
had knelt in adoration before the charms of which
now only the wreck remained; a. human ruin fast
grumbling to decay beneath the merciless touch 0!

eath.

Slowly, eslmlEthe tide of life was ebbing back
into the sea of ternity' the spirit-lamp was burn-
ing out, and the tortured soul quivering to scar on
bended wing

To realms where it had dreamed of rest,
Unvexed with a. sigh or tear.

Seated in the rocking-chair, monotonously mov-
ing to and fro, like a pendulum marking the pulse-
bcats of the one on the cot, was an old woman,
thlently waiting for the end to come; waiting for

eath to stall: in and relieve her of her char e.

“ How the wind howls to-night," muttere the old
nurse, as she drew her shawl closer around her, and
glanced at the emaciated form and upturned face

 

A large room, with poverty stamped upon every i

upon the cot.

 

Sudden] she started. for a step wasoheard with-
out, and t e dying woman moved uneasily.

“ Come in l“

The door swun slowly open and aman stepped
within; a man 0 tall form and wearing a heavy
clouk' a man whose ale. handsome face was stamp-
ed with sorrow, an in whose dark, burning eyes
re‘ted a look that was unfathomable.

“Iseck one known here as Mrs. Cyril," said the
man, in a constrained voice.

@133: gurso made no reply. but silently pointed to

e e .

Instantly the cloak and hat were thrown aside,
and crossing the room the man knelt beside the cot,
burairng his proud, stern face in the pillow.

“ hat is she to you?" asked the nurse.

“ The only one I have in the whole world to love:
my sister,” he said, sadly, and then added in u. 80ft,
plaintive tone:

“Come Gertrude, you must get better and come
home wit me."

“ You are too late: another already waits for her,"
said the nurse, in curt tones.

“ Another? Who?" and the man sprung to his
feet. his eyes blazing.

“ Tlu ant/cl Death. ‘

With a mean he sunk down again by the bedside.
and in the same soft, pleading voice cried:

“No, no, Gertrude; you Will not die now! See!
I have come for you i"

SlowLy the eyes of the dying woman opened. roved

 

2

Dashing Dandy.

 

 

restlessly about the room, and then rested upon the
face bending over her, while faintly came one word:

“ Brother!”

“ Yes. Gertrude; I have come to take you home."

“Too late i" came almost in a whisper, and then
distinctly said the dying woman:

“ Guy, my brother, forgive mel"

“With a1 my heart. Gertrude; but—"

“No, no. do not say that,” she cried, as she be
held him rise to his feet suddenly, and added in a
voice almost inaudible:

“ Forgive him, ton !"

“ Never! I vow it before high Heavenl~ Never!
am”: my [Mind he shall ale!"

“1 old! make no vow to kill, in the presence of
the dead. ”

The tall form of the nurse stood by the side of the
strong man, and her long, bony finger painted at the
upturned face before them. the eyes Wide open, and
fixed upon her brother with s stare of horror, the
lips apart, the heart now ulseless. and the seal of
Death stamped upon her row.

“Great Godl she is dead!“ broke from the lips of
the man in tones that seemed wrung from the
heart.

ti Yes. H

“ And he has killed her! Woe be unto that man that
ever he was born I”

With a groan he sunk again nap: his knees and
buried his face in his trembling nds, and before
this sad scene, the first act in this ower true story, I
will draw the curtain.

ACT SECOND.

IT is night in a southern land. The full moon
piercing the decay clouds that ever and anon drift
across the skies, like shi s sailing homeward, silvers
the dewdrops upon the caves and ass, and turns
into millions of precious stones of hues the spra ,
as the surf breaks with angry roar upon the bean ,
as though vexed at boing checked by terraflrma.

The white beach glitters like a satin ribbon around
the shore. its curvnig line broken in one place by
dark forms, as a group of half a dozen men move to
and fro, subduc d, silent and ex ectant.

One of those men the reader as seen before; the
others are stranr-ers.

That one is the proud stro man who made a
vow to take the life of a fellow- ing over the dead
body of his sister.

A month she has lain in her glrave in the little
burying-ground of the old family omestead, and he
has come no that quiet, moonlit scene to keep his
VOW.

Come to break the silence of sea andland with the
ring of the deadly pistol: to fright With a death-
knell the sweet songster of the magnolia forest:

The mock-bird of the sweet south clime,
Peeling its notes on high,

While far away in musical chime
They awake an answering cry.

He has come to mingle the crack of firearms with
the moanin surf, telling its story to the smooth
pebbles on t e beach—he has come to take the life
of a human being, and avenge a wrong done in the

ast.
p Standing alone is that man whose mission there is
to kill, gazing in stem silence across the waters,
dancing under the flower-laden winds, his face
white and determined, his_hand and nerve like iron. ,

Apart from him, and like him, too, a splendid
specimen of manhood, stands the one who has come
there to meet him in the deadly duello—pale, stern
and determined. He, too, waits the moment when
the dread ordeal must come, while, with profes-
sional coolness. the two surgeons prepare their glit-
tering instruments, and the seconds carefully load
{go weapons intended to sever the slender thread of

e

Alow call, and the two men awaken from their
dream to sad reality; a few words of caution from
each second, the ominous count, the flash, the ring
of both pistols, a heavy thud as a body strikes the
earth, and the scene has changed; the even or lies

prone upon the earth. and above him bends he one -

whom he come there to sla .
Thus falls the curtain begare the second act of this
real life drama.

 

ACT THIRD.

AGAIN the scenes are shifted; we are in the moun-
tains of the Far West, where. over all. is spread a
mantle of snow, with large, White flakes still falling.

Along the valley, on the hillside, or u n the
mountain-top, no habitation of man meets he eye;
all is desolation and solitude as far as the vision can
reach. A silence that can be felt rests upon all, for
the growling wolf has sought his lair. and the birds
of t e forest have found refuge away from the piti-
less storm.

And yet one solitary object moves along over the
white surface; stag ering, tottering, yet pressing on
against hope, for to esitate there were to seek death.

ushing ahead, groaning with pain, strug ling for
life, dreading death, the man continues is way
along the snow-clad valley, until at last human na-
ture can stand no more, and he comes toahalt,
though well he knows to halt is to die.

Staringly his eyes roam round him, agon pic-
tured on his face, and horror in his heart, an then,
as he feels that icy touch of Death—ah. so much
colder than the ice and snow l-creepinfi over him. to
freeze his life-blood from his lips brea s forth a cry
hardly human, and is aching eyes fall upon a thin
columnpf blue smoke curling upward from the
mountain side.

There is hope before him now, and, thrilled
through and through with the electric thought. again
he staggers forward. .

_lt ma be that Indians have made that fire, and he
Eiltga into thuil‘ hands; but, what cares he for

ll.

Theyare in his own image. and. though savage
children of the forest, cannot be more cruel than
the pitiless snow. With nerved heart. and body he
totters on, climb‘ the steep mount sin side, pant-
ing, cursing, praying, all in abi'eath. his straining
Vision fixed 11 In that vapory column.

U ward an onward he climbs, into a pine thick-
et,t_ on up a. craggy wall. to slip back again and
again, as the snow loosens beneath his feet; but,

again and again he strives, clinging wi‘. in his teeth to.

the bare bushes, and with his fingers to the rocks,
until the nails are torn to the quick, and the snow is
dyed crimson with his blood.

But, he is struggling for life. It is a fierce, mad
combat of Life against Death, and the former wins,
for he reaches a small shelf, or plateau, from which
he looks into a cavern.

There he stops, for a strange scene is before him,
and he almost recoils with horror.

Before him is a cavern of large dimensions, and
against the further wall is a fire, from which the
smoke curls upward from an aperture in the rocky

In front of that fire crouches, rather than kneels,
a man, and yet one who seems hardl human, for
his long White hair and heard reach to is must and.
he is clad in the skin of a wild beast, which adds to
his huge tstature, giving him the appearance almost
0 a an .

Be ore him, on each side of him, and around him,
are heaps of shining metal:

“ The dross that rules men‘s souls."

And as the man without, shivering freezing. trem-
bling with unspeakable emotion, looks upon the
man within, groveling, whining. muttering. there
come to his ears the Wild words of the madman, for
such he seems:

“Gold, beautiful, brilliant gold! How on glitter
in in very heartiand add luster to my ‘ el

“ 9.! ha! ha! have Iyou now in my iron clutchl
After {ears of waiti ‘ have ou here to love, to
cheris as I lease! on, my dol, how love youl

how I have s nned for you—yes, lied for you, and kill—
ed for you; but you can buy me absolution, buy my
soul from the devil and make me honored among

men.

“And on shall, for I have the wealth of a king
here, an when I am gone the Madman‘s mountain
in?! crumble to decay for all I care— Ba 1" _

e turned fiercely around, for a groan of pain had
broken from the freezin an without.

With the cry of a wild t he was upon his feet,
and brandishin a long knife he rushed upon the one
who had dared ntrude into his golden domain.

But, the love of life still clung in the half-stifled
heart, and with a mighty effort the despairing
freezin man drew from hisbelt a revolver,leveled
it and red.

At his very feet fell the gold-crazed madman, a
half-attem t to rise, a curse, a groan and his face
layv motion ess upon the rocky flooring. _

otterlng across the hairy form the pistol drop»

ping from his nerveless hand, the poor. frozen.

starving creature sunk down unconscious in front of

$31 bilazing fire; whether dead or alive the sequel
s ow.

 

CHAPTER 1.
.ms PONY amass man's TIDINGB.

Tun minin hamlet, rejoicing under the euphoni~
ous title of cod Man’s Gulch. was all excitement
for the overland mail-coach was an hour behind
time, and the PonglExpress Rider was nearly half
that time late, a t ' without recedent with that
dashing horseman an tireless s immer over moun-
tain and plain. _

A crowd of miners. traders and loafers in eneral
had assembled in front of the principal hotel, own
as the Traveler’s Refuge, and were anxiously gazing
up the valley road, or discussing the various causes
that might have detained the stage and Express

Rider.

“ I tell yer, pards, ther has been some devil’s
game played on ‘em, for Bank Holbrook hain‘t no
min {:0 leg on the road,” said a burly, heavily-beard—
e in ner.

“ And of accident did detain him, what hev be
come of ther Pony Prince?” said another.

“ That‘s so, Bard, for this is ther da for ther two
Princes ter ro in and they didn’t g n ther names
0‘ Prince of tlier Itinbons, and Prince of Pony Riders
to lose ’em without some cause. You hear me chin,
that‘s a b'ilin’ 0’ some kind u yonder in the moun-
tains, and I, for one. am willing to saddle up and
diskiver ther cause.”

“I‘m with er. Lasso Dan,” cried a tall, fine-look-
ingfellow, w ose at strength had won for him
the appellation of tool Grip.

“And I are yer butterfly.

"I‘ll not lose ther shind g.”

“ Count me in,” and so on, called out volunteers,
until it was evident that a large force would take the
road to discover the cause of delay in the coach and
Ex ress Rider.

ut, ere the crowd could disperse to get their
horse a shout went up from several who were
watchsi'ng the road, as it wound far up the mountain-
side, an a cheer burst from a hundred throats as a.
dark ob ect suddenly shot into View.

“It’s her Pon Prince l” yelled a voice, and every
eye was turne upon the road, two miles away,
where it came out of the dark recesses of the moun-

n.

Like the ve wind he came on- a horseman sit-
ting well ack n the saddle his re s asped rm-

and h steed with neck outstretc , rocking
si es, andears laid back, running like a mad racer.

Down the winding road he came, with mighty
bounds, now disap g in a grove of pines to re-
appear a moment after at the same bre -neck
speed: now lost to view, as the trail wound throu h
a canyon, and again dashing before the eyes of t e
watchers to keep up the some wild pace as he thun—
dered down the steep valley highway.

A. plunge at the creek, a struggle t rough the rush-
ing waters, and again the gallant steed was stretch-
ing every nerve as be rushed up the hill leading to
the town, and the next moment, amid deafening
cheers, ted in front of the hotel, swayed Wildly.
reared, and fell dead, his nimble rider barel having
time to save himself from bein pinned un er him.

“ Yer’ve rid him ter death B " cried Lasso Dan.
ina reproachful tone, for, though he would fight a.
grizzly, he had the heart of a dove.

“Yes, with the aid of two bullets in his body to
drag his noble life out,” was the quiet re cinder of
the man, whose damn nd desperate ri es. alone
over mountain and p ain, had gained for him the
proud title of the Pony Prince— the fastest. wildest,
and most rec of all the Pony Express Riders.

Though scarcely ovar twenty-two, he was a man

 

of s lendid ' development tall erect as an
Indign, and shit . every movement denoting strength

(’9

,Blue velvet short coat. black ants stuck in em-

 

and activity in an uncommon degree, and a hand
some. fearless, hail-fellow-well-met, he was the idol
of the rough s irits at Good Man's Gulch.

Lashing is op-bootswith his gold-mounted whip.
and throwing back his wealth of long dark-brown
hair, the Pony Rider stooped and atted his dead
horse affectionately and reinovmg he e ress-bag
from his saddle wa ked into the office, w lch was
next door to the hotel, nodding right and left to
those who greeted him.

“I say Bill you’re as silent as a host about yer
bein la 6. Come in an‘ let me 0 re that case 0'
look aw with a leetle benzine. and then we‘ll learn
What‘s ther row back on the road." said Lasso Dan,
as the Pon Prince came out of the express-office.

“ There as been trouble, pards, but the fun is all
over now, except the preaching to be done at the
funeral."

“Then there has been a b’iling?“ and the crowd

athei‘ed closer around the man whom they knew

d ust passed through some great danger.

‘; on t ghew yer Sud like oil clawi Billfibtiilt s it it
011."crie one an wi a. ‘ t a e on
Rider answered? g “g y

“ Well, in a word, when I rode into Specter CanyOn.
I came u on the stage-coach with its leaders dead,
Hank Ho brook wounded and tied, and several stiffs
lyian round and I knew there had been trouble.”

‘ he re agents!" cried a score of voices.

“ Yes under their leader, the Black Captain, they
had halted the stage. and robbed the (passengers,
one of whom, an army sutler, they ha killed, be.
sides wounding Hank, because he attempted to
drive over them."

“Bully for the Prince of the Ribbons l“ “ Hank’s
clear grit, you bet,” and other ex ressions of admi-
ration went up from the crowd, w e another, Steel
Grip. called out:

“ Come pards, let us go to their rescue.”

“No; there is no need of that, for yonder comes
the coach now and I tell you the agents got a full
dose of pistol chops.”

“ Hoorah for Hank!”

“But it was not Hank who did it, but one other
who came upon the scene just after the agents
halted the ol hearse, and if you never saw a. man,
why then you'll see one when the stage comes. for
he’s on the box now, holdin the ribbons," and 'all
eyes were turned upon the s age-coach, which, with
only four horses, was coming at a sweeping pace
down the mountain road.

“ Who ar‘ this fellow, Bill i" asked one.

“I‘ll never tell ou, for I don’t know; but I tell
you he's every inc 8. man, for be was riding alone
over the mountain. came u on the agents at their
devilish work, and went rig t at them, a revolver in
each hand. and making every shot tell.

“ They say the agents played their weapons lively
and tried to check im, but t wasn’t any use. for he
rode some d wn, po ped others over, and the rest
scattered, an the ashing Dandy, as Hank called
him, came up smiling and seemed pleased with the
entertainment." _

“ And you don't know him?"
“ No, never saw him before, but hope to again, for
he’s myl style, and I told him so.

“We when I came ugon the scene, there was
nothin left for me to do ut to count the stifls, and
leave t e handsome fellow to bring the coach on,
and he has done it, I see, tho h the agents gave me
a racket as I came b the angman's Tree, an
doubtless saluted the o d hearse, too; but here she
rolls, right s1de up,” and the next moment, with a
skill that Hank Holbrook could not excel, the over-
land mail rattled u to the front of the Traveler’s
Refuge, the horses rought to a sudden halt in spite
oRfigheir fright at the dead steed of the Pony ress

er.
At a glance it was evident that the stage had pass-
ed thro ha severe ordeal, for one of the horses
was blee ing from a wound in his neck, and the
splintered si es of the coach proved that the bullets
had flown thick around it, while, strap ed on top,
wasa ghastly load—half a dozen of d forms.
But every eye was turned upon the driver who
s rung nimb to the ground,and seeing the Pony
I1an “1%” th 8' 81:13:: h llrl ht f heard
am g you 0 re a orwe
those devils opengon yodtgand thegy so ave use
vollcfiy. Come, let us 0 in and have a drin , for the
lan 0rd will look a ter the passengers and my
” and he glanced at a superb black steed that
like a faithful hound, behind the coach.

“ I will 0 n on with pleasure; but, is Hank much
hurt?" as ed ill Cody.

“If you mean the driver, no; a flesh-wound in his
arm and another in his head. He‘ll come round all
ri ht in a few days, and the stranger led the way
in the hotel bar, while Lasso Dan remarked:

“ He do look like a dandy, and he’s got ther devil
in him too, I‘m thinking."

“ He‘ll not be long here afore he’s tried on, Kurd
remarked another, and all eyes. as thou fas-
cinated. followed the handsome stranger unt he dis-
$13)er from sight, accompanied by the Pony

nce.

And handsome he certainly was, for his face would
have been effeminate in its beauty had it not been
fora certain stern look upon the mouth, and fie
brightness of the eyes. which, at times, seemed f
of roodlng sadness.

Darkl bronzed by e osure, and ap arently one
seen the mug side of life its worst
bases, he was dressed ike an exquisite, wearing a

  
   
     
   
  
 
   
  
  
  
 
 
     
     

   
     
  
       
 
   
     
  
        
  
 
    
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
 
        

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broidered top boots 9. ruffled- osom shirt and a
slouch-hat black, with large brim, and a gold cord
encircling it.
A belt was around his waist, and a gold buckle was
visible, but his arms were concealed beneath his
loose sack-coat, unless the pair of ivory-handled re-
volvers. which all had noticed in holsters on his ele-
gant Memcan saddle, were allthat he carried.
Inhis shirt front a diamond of immense size and
.eat brilliancy was visible, while, as he removed
is buckskin gauntlets at the bar its mate was no-
ticeable upon the little fin er of his left hand.

Six fee in bi ht, su wily dressed and with his
dark hair han ng be ow his shoulders, he was a
man to attract attention in an - : : : ‘ u hinge, and es-

Just as the Pony Rider ‘;:- raised
1: eirglassesofbrandyto : rofthe
latter suddenly saw in the - front of

' pecially in that wild border : r v

i?
i
i
1,

 

.1 ,.--.»v . < '

 

 

 

 

Dashing Dandy.

3

 

 

 

him, a pair of glaring eyes peering into his own,
and a hand rapidly seeking for a wea on.

There was no time to turn, for the uge bully was
almost 11 on him, but with a motion as quick as a
flash of ight, his left hand was thrust under his
coat, a rev_olver was leveled over his shoulder, with
only the mirror to aim from, and two pistols flashed
alt??? ttogether, but the stranger’s a second the
qu 0 es .

There was a jingling of broken lass and a heavy
fall_commingliug, and English Bil , one of the worst
deVils in Good Man‘s Gulch, sunk heavily upon the
floor, while the man who had fired the fatal shot du-
liberately dashed off his glass of liquor and said,
without the slightest trace of emotion, addressing
the harkeeper:

“ That shot was aimed at me. What do I owe for
the lass?"

“ ota durned cent, ard; of you do, I are a liar,
for it are worth the g ass ter see ycr shoot as yer
did. Come, liquor up with me, and then I‘ll li‘ist
English Bill inter ther street for ther coroner to sit
on; but, durned ef you haiii't chain-lightning. Come
up, pards, all; it are m treat.” ;

as the crowd presse forward at the invitation of
Wild Fred the bartender, English Bill suddenly
half-raised himself from the floor and tried to level
his pistol; but the effort was fruitless, as his
strength was gone, and he said, faintly:

“Curse you Iron Heart, yer'veo ot me at last.”

“I told you i would kill you, and have kept my
word," and taking his second drink and bowing po—
litely to the crowd, he walked into the hotel office,
just as English Bill fell back dead.

Going up to the register he wrote in a large, bold

“Knox HEART—THE KING or FATE."

The clerk glanced at him with surprise, and called
a servant to show him to a room, the best in the ho-
tel, while a crowd gathered around the book to have
a look at the name of the handsome stranger, and
Lasso Dan exclaimed: I

“ Waal, I declar‘ pards I hain‘t up in th‘ologies to
tell or who ther 'ng o‘ Fate mout be or mout not

ut I sw’arI ‘spected ter see him sling ink to
ther name 0' Satan from hell; I did fer a tact, but
for all that he’s no pnrd 0’ Satan—bet yer bottom
dollar on that! An‘ ct he‘s Iron Heart to such as
that ar‘ carcuss thar "—pointing to the dead ruf-
flan—“ he‘s the Dashin’ Dandy 0‘ these Hills that it‘ll
do to freeze to: them‘s my sentiments."

“And a pard to be proud of," added Bill Cody,
with flashing eyes that told of the heart-partnership
he had already formed for the strange man.

 

CHAPTER II.
“ran SATAN’B DOMINION."

Tim excitement of the day, occasioned by the at-
tack on the stage-coach and the P011 Express
Rider, caused a large assemblage to gat er at the
gaming-saloon known as “Satan’s Dominion," the
popular resort of Good Man’s Gulch, and the scene
of more desperate encounters, ruined fortunes and
hard drinking than any place in the Western coun-

Another cause that made many attend was a de-
sire to see the remarkable man who had, single-
handed, rescued the stage from a dozen mountain
road-agents under thl ir desperate chief, Black Cap-
tain, so called from the fact that he always dressed
in deepest black and had his face wholly concealed
beneath a mas painted to resemble a skull, his
gloves bein also streaked so as to have the appear-
ance of ske eton hands.

For a couple of years the Black Captain had been
the terror of the mining regions neyer remaining
long in one neighborhood, and wit his daring ban
ha eluded all attempts at capture.

A month before the attack on the stage-coach he
had taken possession of the mountain road leading
to the various towns and campusI along the valleys
and in the hills, and the Good an’s Gulch people
now ex ected to hear from him often, in a way that
they di not like while the bravest of them did not
care to be in t e place of Hank Holbrook, Bob
Beckett and other drivers over the lonely trail.

It was, therefore that the affairs might be talked
over, that such a far e crowd went to the Satan‘s
Dominion as soon as arkness came on, and by nine
o’clock the large saloon was full of as wild a set as
could possibly be gathered under one roof, and a
stringer glancing into the place could not have
fail to o serve that the name it bore had been
properly bestowed.

In the main entrance was the bar, runnin the full
length of the hall, and havin behind it lial a dozen
dis users of fluids ardent, om N ew England rum
to french brandy.

This hall, or saloon, was about seventy-five feet
long and fortyin width, and at the further end, upon
either side, double doors led into large rooms, one of
which was devoted to taro and roulette and the
other to tables for card- laying.

A little after nine a ta 1, well-formed man entered
the saloon, and walkin to a table at the end of the
bar took a seat and caused for a glass of brandy.

At his entrance a momentary hush fell upon the
crowd, although they had seen him there hundreds
of times before; but there waa certain devilish fas-
cination in his looks that few could resist, and along
the whole valley he was known as the most danger-
ous man on the border.

An exquisite in dress s rkling with diamonds, as
he sat there strokin his ong blonde beard, and oc-
casionally shaking s head to throw back the curls
that fell upon his shoulders, the motion remindin
one of a lion throwing back his mane, he did no
look the desperate character he was painted; but
one lance into his bright black eyes and there the
de in his nature was Visible, for they were cruel,
merciless and never at rest. .

Aegear before Colonel Dick Burton, as he had
call himself, and “ Colonel Dick “ and “ Devil
Dick " as the miners had nicknamed him, came to
Good Man‘s Gulch and expressing his determina-
tion to make it his home, he had urchased the Sa-
tan‘s Dominion saloon, refitted i in elegant style,
and become its p ‘ r though he never appear-
ed to attend to any 0 t's’bminess details, and was
only seen there at night, and then only to at into a
game of cards th some of his patrons,_ n which
game he almost variably came out the Winner.

n...‘

 

Several times he had interfered in difficulties oc-
curring there, and always came oi! victor, while, in
attacks that had been made u on him by despera-
does who did not know his ca. iber, he had raven
himself a man to be feared and severely let one.

Hardly had the “ Colonel" taken a seat at the pri-
vate table, and begun to look over a plaper wholly
indifferent to the scene around him w on the door
opened and in came three ob ects ofdgeneral conver-
sation-—none other than ill Co y the “ Pon
Prince,“ Hank .Holbrook, the “ Ribbon Prince, ’
wh05e wonnds did not trouble him much and the
1:??th had registered as “Iron Heart, The King
0 ate.

Their appearance was greeted with a cheer, and
Colonel Dick glancing up and seeing them, arose
and advance %MCMy, while he said:

“Allow me, ody, to congratulate you, and you,
also, Holbrook, upon your escape to-day. Present
(tine ltonyour friend, and join me at my table in a

rm *.

As he spoke, Iron Heart looked him straight in the
face, and there were those present who swore that
those two men had met before and that the colonel‘s
face turned pale, while Iron eart smiled sweetly;
but no outward sign of recognition transpired be-
tween them, aud Hank Holbrook said:

“ I‘ll introduce yer with pleasure Colonel Dick, to
one o’ ther whitest men as ever rew awec on; I
refers to my pard for life, Iron Heart Captain ash-
in’ Band , as I will christen him, for e needs a live-
lier ban 8 to his cognomen than sech as Iron Heart;
he‘s got 9. iron hand and steel nerve, but his heart is
jest pure gold, or call irealiar' so, pard, this are
Colonel Dick Burton, or Colonel Dick, or Devil Dick
jist as yer please to call him, an‘ be are the boss 0
this shebang, and a pluckier devil don‘t live."

The two men bowed at this rather strange intro-
duction, and motionin his guests to seats at his ta-
ble, the colonel calls for drinks, Dashing Dandy
glancing around the room as unconcerned] as
though a hundred e as were not upon him, adm ring
his handsome, bea ess face, and splendid physique.

“ What in thunder’s up, now? suddenly cried
Hank Holhrook, as a crowd came into the door, and
in their midst an Indian securely bound, and a young

' l.
g“; It is Gray Ea lo the Cheyenne Chief, and Fire-
fly," responded t e’Pony Prince, and then he added:
“ what can be the matter?”

Coming forward, the four men who had the Indian
in charge stopped at the colonel‘s table, and one of
them, known as Powder-Face Jack, from the fact
ting; his 31cc was filled with burnt powder-marks,
an on :

“Colone , I’ve ot a leetle aflair on hand I want
you ter settle, an ther pleaders in ther case is a In-
gin and a gal."

ti‘ Well, what is it, Jack i" asked Colonel Dick, qui-

e .
“YYer see, sir, this Ingin are no good, and he goes
cavortin’round the country and has struck ther all
0‘ a rich lead somewhere, and tellin’ me about it, I
played him a game 0' keerds for the information,
ag‘m’ a hundred dollars, and I won, fa'r an‘ squar’.‘
“ Pale-face cheat; have plenty card in pocket' In-
dian no able to see white man's heart,” retorted the
chief with dignit .
' “ e are a how in‘ liar. Devil Dick-I begs yer par-
don I means Colonel Dick- I are truth in gilt-edge
binding and gold clasps; I won ther information,
and when ther red wouldn‘t tell me, why I an' my
pards here jist lit right on top 0’ him, and we was
goin‘ ter fry him an hev him for dinner, but this
pesky gal come along an' we let up.” ‘

“You were right to ob] e the lad , Jack."

“The infamous coward ad to ob ge me, for I had
a revolver at his head " came in a contemptuous
tone ffiom the rlfindtdrgzv gigs" es of Egan Htefiln
ll on er cau Ii In 0 a sup 5 e
vigion of beauty go beheld. -

Young, scarcely eighteen, with every feature ex-
quisuely molded, large, lustrous blue e es, a wealth
of red-gold hair, and a slender, gracefu form, dress-
ed in a fanc Moandlére costume that was most be-

coming, an wearing a slouch hat with ld cord
and feather, she was one to attract the ation
of the most indifferent to feminine beau .

In her belt she wore two gold-noun revolvers,

and a pearl-handled knife, while at her back was
slung a small rifle. and her fearless, determined face
proved that she would use the weapons if need be.

“Well, Jack, I don‘t see how you can settle it,
when Firefly is against you," the colonel declared.

:‘Let me exp n. sir: the chief there was the
friend of my fa her years ago, and he has ever been
my friend, and finding those men t to torture
from him a knowledge of some in e e an s he
knows of in the mountains, I demanded his re ease
and flndi that I-could not ain it otherwise i
bought his reedoin," explained he maiden.

zillllnd lwhat price did you give, may I ask i"

yea .

Every one started with an rise: and no wonder
for Firefl was loved b near yevery miner in and
around ood Man's G oh, and had refused scores
of suitors; but now she frankly admitted that she
had offered to ve herself to Powder-Face Jack for
the freedom 0 the Indian, Gra. Eagle.

“It's true, Colonel Dick; loves the al, as I
guesses you and the other gaioots here oes, too,
and I told her I‘d let the red go of she‘d promise to
be my wife, and she said she would, but now she
wants to put it off for a week, and hev me let that
fedl-lsfiin‘ go, too, but I haln't a darned fool, of I does
00 ,

“Well, Jack what will you take for your bar-
gain i" sudde y asked the colonel, and he looked
(sltraight into the face of Firefly, who quickly glanced

own.

“ As husbau's go, I guesses it is from ther fryin‘-

n inter ther flre, co one], of you gits ther gal; but

holds her costly, I does.’

“ Say five thousand dollars, cash."

“ For the lngin and the gal, too?"

b ‘glges, fin-t the relfiohse oiif' this Indian and for Finish ;
u rst e meas or semeanttobargain ‘
self 01! for the freedom of the chief?" as:

“Yes; be twice saved my father's life, and mine
he has saved a score of imes, I romised that‘
scoundrel to marry him if he would at the Indian'

* Since known the world over as Buffalo Bill, the
famous scout, guido‘and huntcr.‘ ' ' r - -~

 

'oven if he he
.90an in the‘face waited for a rep y.

 

go, and I therefore belong to him, only I wish a
week‘s time."

"An‘ she an' ther red would skip ter Washin u
an‘ be married by ther President. No, she on’t
pla no Pocahontas oke on this innocent child,"
amrPowder-Face J ac gave her a vicious look.

“ Well, will on take six thousand for the irl?"

“No, colone ; but ef y r loves her enoug to risk
ten thousan’ on her, she‘s yourn, an‘ I‘ll gi n yer my
blessin’, too.”

“Done! Collins, pay this man ten thousand dol-
lars for me,” and the colonel turned to his manager
behind the bar.

“Now, Firefly, this is my proposal to you. One
week from to-day conic o m home—you know
where I live on the hill—and will have there a
missionary, now preaching in the mines, and he
will make you my wife, for you belong to me
now.

“ And the chief i" asked the girl, as pale as death,
and almost in a whisper.

“ He shall be set free as soon as the matrimonial
knot is tied, and I may as well tell you, if on do
not come on that day, why then-4 shall kill ilm."

All started at the words of the colonel, and Fire-
fly‘s eyes blazed as she turned them upon the man
before her, and then looked toward the calm, im-
movable Indian; but she said in a distinct tone:

“I will be there, Devil Dick." . .

The colonel half rose from his chair, his 0 es
finrniii‘iig, but he sunk back with a light laugh, w e

e .

sa .

“You know the alternative if you are not. Rod-
ney, put that Indian in safe keeping until I want
itiiinfiand if he escapes there will be a death in your
' am y.

“Hold! one moment please " and the deep tones
of Iron Heart broke the sp that seemed to rest
upon all present, for every game had ceascd, not
a drink had been called for, and over a hundred
men had gathered around and watched the strange
scene at the colonel‘s table. .

When Dashin Dandy’s doe voice interfered, all
held their breat and waited t e result, as he arose
to his feet.

“ Well, sir, how can I serve you P asked the colo-
nel, with a strange emphasis upon the word you.

“ Will you dispose of your purchase at double the
amount you paid for it? ’ was the quiet response of
Iron Heart.

“No, sir; I did not buy to sell," and the colonel
smiled.

“ I will double my ofler, sir.“
“And I refuse it. ‘
“Then it is useless to olfer any price?"
“ Wholly useless. ”
All eyes now turned upon the strange man who
ed himself the “ King of Fate.”
at motive had be for offering such an enor-
mous sum for 9. rl whom he had never seen before,
or, if he had, bo he and Firefly were acting splen-
didly, for the maiden stood with claspled hands gaz-
g upon him, and it was evident t at she would
gladly see the exchange made.
As cool as though conversing u on an ordinary
gopic'sitood Dashing Dandy, and in e calmest tones
esai :
“ You are a gambler, I believe i"
The colonel‘s face flushed, but he quietly return-

“ Such is my profession, sir."

“Then, sir, challenge you to play me a game of
cards for the possession of the girl.’

The sudden proposition astounded all, but some
quickly called out:

“That's s uar’, colonel I"

“ You can crawnsh out 0‘ that, Colonel Dick.“

" There’s no backin' down in the colonel," and nu-
merous other expressions, until it was eVident that
there was but one thin for the pro rietor of Ba-
tan‘s Dominion to do, if e wished to esp his hold
u n that rough crowd.

ith one sweep of his restless e as he saw that
the stran or held the vantage, and e remarked, in
the blan est tones:

“I have frequently said, sir, that as a ambler I
would play for anystake put up, and I 0 not eat
my words now. “

‘ Hoorah for the colonel i“ cried several voices. but
without noticing it, he continued:

“ But there is one drawback."

“Name it sir," said Dashing Dandy, with unmis-
ufi‘im di‘iiimn'm fly ' 1 b d n a

can or re spear eon can
there is no stake that can be put upya alngt hei."

“Pei-ha you are mistaken, for Igwill put up a
stake tha may make it more interesting to play for
than any amount of money."

“Indeed! you surprise me, for my most vivid im-
agination cannot picture what you mean,” said the

colonel, sneerl 1y.

Without the htest sign of emotion and with a

Sign? like dea in the room, Iron eart said,
w y:

“le11 explain, sir. I will play you one game of
cards, or best two in three games, for that maiden,
against my own I‘l/efl

A wild burst o applause came from the crowd of
miners at this reckless, daring offer, and Firefly
clasped her hands and azed upon the man who had
offered such a stake wi h a surprise and regret that
were depicted upon every feature.

Almost instantly the noise subsided in the mag
and Firefly ringin forward grasped the hand
Dashing Danssy, wh a she cried:

“0h, nol noi nol do not make such an offer;
leave me to my fate, for life has little pleasure for
me “anyhow, and it matters not what becomes of
me.

“ I never retract my words. I weigh them before
utterance and repeat my offer," was the calm re<
{slander o the mysterious champion, and he turned

e can on Colonel Burton.
you osc he'll take your life: I know the man:
but if on stick to it, remember I am our friend and
rd 0 the bitter end," said Bill ody. the Pony

nce.
“ Andli‘ne, too; jest count me in," whispered Hank

Holbroo .

“ 'mwlth er,pard' andsols lasso D “added
Steel Grip inythe ear of the Pony Prince. an,

But unneeding these‘ expressions of fi-lendslzifiia

them, Dashing Dand looked

D

Dashing Dandy.

 

4

...

 

It. came, after what seemed along s‘lence:

"You (-c 'l;.inlj.' ‘ '.-rodd..- for the girl, sir, and, as
a gnnblcr who w d pl iy his own soul away, if the
stakcs were lat“ e enough, I can but accept your
proposition. A fresh pack of cards here, Rodney.“

Another wild ycli greeted the coloncl‘s words, and
then the deb,» Voice ( f Iron Ilcart was again heard:

“Pardon me, but do those cards come out of your
own supply '1' ‘

“They do, sir; wiry?”

“Then I must ask some disinterested gentleman
to lend us a pacs, 1'01'1 will not trust my life with
your cards.”

“ What! Do you dare to insinuate, sir, that I
would cheat 1'" and the colonel’s eyes fairly blazed.
~ “A a ill y conscience needs no accuser, Colonel
Burton. Take my words as you please, but let us
use another pack of cards all the same."

A laugh fol‘owcd, and with renewed interest all
looked on; man expecting to See the colonel spring
to his [act mzt draw a revolver: but, there was
izomcthiug in the calm, really indifferent manner of
i In) than before him that prevented anoutbreak, and
he replied: ’

“ Use what cards you please; I can afford to wait.“

“I have it pack here that have never been used;
they rtre at your service," and the Pony Prince
thicw [Le cards upon the table.

“The 9 will do. Now, Mr. Rodney let the gentle-
men have what; drinks they desire, ’ and Dashing
Dandy arose and approached the bar.

Agenerivldrmk to his health all round, in which
the coloutl joined, and Iron Heart turned to Fire-

 

“ Come; be seated between us, for you have doubt
less some little interest in this game.”

Bil-J tried to smile and stink down in the chair he
ofl'erod lor, and watched him attentively as he un-
buckled lis belt, worn beneath his velvet coat, and
handed it to thc'l’on Prince.

It contained two arge pearl handled and old-
mounted icvolvcrs, and a knife of the same sty e of
mounting and exquisite workmanship; beautiful
weapons to b s so dcadly.

“Mr. Cody. \‘.'i.1 you keep these, that the colonel
may see that I iroan no onl play, and am at his
mercy, should he win ?" and Dashing Dandy smiled,
as the l'ony Prince took the belt of arms, but in-
wardl y \‘owcd they would not be far away if needed
by their owner.

The scene now culminated in the deepest interest,
and that wild, reckless crowd was as quiet as though
in church, wizilo their eager eyes watched every mo-
tion of the colonel and the remarkable man who had
so desperately put his life against the turn of a
cart .

That. he had somewhere met the colonel before,
all believed, It'ld that; he was playing a deeper game
than appeared on the surface, all were convinced,
and the more so, when he said in a tone, tinged with
sarcasm:

"Now, Devil Dick, I am ready for the game: my
life against Firefly.”

CHAPTER III.
rm: mun ron urn.

TAKING up the cards as though for a game that
held no interest other than a few dollars at stake
Iron Heart, shuffled them thoroughly, the coloue
“cut " and the hands were dealt out, the two play-
ers, with such perfect control over themselves,
showing more nonchalance through the time than
did the lonkers-oh, especially Firefly, w 0 was as
pale as death.

“ Will you smoke, sir?” asked the colonel, as the
game progressed.

“Thank you, yes," and Dashing Dandy lit his
cl ar and Went on with the utmost indifference.

t was to be the best two in three games, and, as
all had expected, for they knew his prowess with
cards, Colonel Burton won the first game. .

But: he showed no elation over the result, nor did
Iron Icart exhibit any annoyance, though Firefly
breathed hard and her eyes were fixed upon the
cards with a stare that was painful.

With steady hand the colonel dealt the cards and
the second game was played and won by his op-
ponent.

Again did neither [layer show any sign of either
joy or_vexation, and lt'ireiiy’s face brightened.

“ Will you drink. sir?" ask, d the colonel, politely.

" Thank you, not“ was the quiet reply.

“ Brandy for me, here, " called out the colonel, and
he poured out a tumbler half full and raised it to his
lip" with steady nerve.

N ow all was the intensest excitement around the
table, though suppressed, for every one kept as si-
lent as the grave, and they knew that the third
game decider whether the colonel should still pos-
sess Firefly and also have the power to take the life
of Tron Heart.

Trembling like a leaf shaken by the wind sat Fire-
flv and ye-t, why she was so deeply moved she could
not e ain to herself: for onlya short while ago
Shelia; been almost; indifferent as to whether she
waslrft to the ossessiou of Powder-Face Jack or
Colonel Burton; rut now it seemed different to her,
for it man was playing: his life for her—a man whom
she had never before seen, and whose desperate risk
for ln‘r sake she could not. understand any more
{ban could the Pony Prince and the others in the sa-
con.

A few more cards were thrown down, and then
from licartsaid, without the slightest exultation in
his tone:

“ (7 low], I have won 1"

Wild yells went up from the crowd, and rising,
Dashing Dandy motioned for all present to join him
in a drink.

" We'lldo it, for you is a screamer from Screamer-
ville an‘ no mistake.” cried one.

“ Colonel Dick, ycr‘ll have ter hang yer head,” sug-
gested another, and they ranged themselves along
in line, with a precision and alacnty that proved long
practice in just such maneuvers. ,

“You have won, sir; the girl belongs to you "
said the colonel, and ir' annoyed he did not show it.

::%nh§r:he Indlmli‘isggld be t th d-nki i ‘

was not a u e re n, s r.‘

“N or was there in yourbargain with that roman."
pd the winner pointed to fowdor-sze .1an

“Say. does yet call me a radian?" and the
dupe 0 turned quicka upon the man whom he
£0117 had insulted him.

 

“Your gaining possession of this girl as yon did,
proves you even Worse,” was the contemptuous re-

pl .

fiewdcr-Face Jack was a quick man “on the
draw," but he had scarce], made a motion toward
his revolver, when with t e spring of a tiger the
lion-hearted man was upon him, his hand inhis pow-
gful grasp, and a clutch of iron upon the bully’s

i "on. .

Then, with a strength that seemed supernatural
be bent the des crado backward until no sln'leked
with pain, and, y a mighty eflort hurled hiin across
therocm.

Turning, as though considering the bully no longer
to be dreaded. he again approached Colonel Dick
Burton, \\ ith:

“ Woll, sir, what about the Indian?"

“Do you wish to play for him i"

“ Nr ; I wi.~h you to release him."

“ And if I decline?"

All were now again interested deeply, and awaited
the answer; it came promp’ly.

“Then Colonel Dick Burton and myself will have
to quarrel."

“ Do I understand this as a threat?”

“ As you please, sir."

“Isay colonel, as the trouble was about the In-
dian and Firefly sold herself for his freedom, it is
but fairI think that. he should go free," put in the
Pony Prince.

“What business is it of yours, Cody?" asked the
colonel, quickly. .

“None execptI always have a habit of chipping
in whcnI intend to see fair play dune,” and Bill‘s
eyes gleamed ominously. _

For the first time in h’s life Colonel Dick Burton
felt that he could not for-con. quarrel to its nlterna:
tive, and he determined to “take water,“ as grace-
fully as pOSsible; not that he had any persona fear,
for that did not seem to be in the man‘s compOsi-
tion; but he felt that he was in the wrong, and to
further his ends in the future, he would recede as
gracefully as Cpossible, so he said, bland] :

“Mydear 'ody, I have not said the I intended
keeping the Indian: I intended holding him as a
hostage to bring Firefl to terms, but he is now free
to go, and I’ll throw ‘m in with the girl. Come,
genilemen it is my treat; what will you have?"

Againn ranged up to the bar, all except Powder-
Face, who had skulked fl om theroom.

" To our better acquaintance, sir, and allow me to
suggest, Captain Iron Heart, that you watch that
man Powder-Face. None worse are on the border."

“Thank you, Colonel Burton; the rule of my life
is never to be taken off my final-d." and calling to
Firefly and the Indian to o ow him, and accom-

anied b the Pony Prince and Hank Holbrook,

ashing audy left the i aloon.

“Now, my girl tell me where you live and I will
see you to your cute, for you should not be out
alone," said her preserver. as they left the Satan‘s
Dominion.

“ Oh, sir. I am always alone, and have no fear;
besides, the chief here,has his wigwam on my ranch;
but I have so much to thank you for."

“ Oh, no, i was determined not to see you im used
on, or to Lt that. devil keep the chief, and i ever
you need a friend call on me ' I will be at the Travel-
er’s Refug . My name I believe on know; ood-
night!" and turning away Irou cart joine the
Pony Prince and Hank Ho brook, who had walked
some paces awa. , while Firefly and the Indian
moved slawly off n another direction.

“ Cody, who_is that girl i" asked his strange pard,
as he joined his two new-found friends.

“Her parents settled here among the very first
comers some_ years a 0; but they were attacked,
when the Indians ral ed on the valley, five years
since, and her father and mother were slain, and her
brother, too, at least he‘s never been heard from.

“Fired , as the boys call her, though her real
name is da Lennox, lives on the ranch with two old
negroes, a. man and woman who belong to her, for
they came from the South somewhere. Tue girl
rides like an Indian, is a crack shot with both re-
volver and rifle, and several times has [either mark
on ruflinns who insulted her, for she goes anywhere
and everywhere alone.”

“ And the ranch supports her?"

“Oh, yes, for she owns a number of cattle. Well
here we are at the hotel, and I must retire, for
start out early in the morning as express. Will you
drive to-morrow, Hank?"

" Guess I‘ll lay ofl fer a day or two, as my arm is
a leetle stiff, and Jim Bedloo can take the iibbons in
my stead. Going ter remain here long, captain!"
and Hank turned to Dashing Dandy.

“ Yea I have come here for a certain purpose. and
I intend to accom lish it.”

“Better be a eetle careful, fer you is going it

retty reckless, an’ yer checks mout be called in,
For luck hain’t ailers golu' ter stick ter a man, no
matter how brave he is; so drive slow, pard."

The other smiled pleasantly. and remarked, as be
pointed to his name. for they stood at the hotel
counter:

" Do you see what I have written there 1”

“Yes ‘King 0' Fate.‘ ”

“Well, I’ll be King of Fate until I accomplish my
end in coming here. By the we , I may need the
services of two good men while ere; can you re-
commend any chef".

“I'm ther boy as kin, an’ I shout out Lasso Dan
and Steel Gri ; they is fine fellows game as a.

rlzzlv, but luc has gone a leetle hard with ’em 0‘

te: I‘ll send ’em to er in the morning." ,

“Thank you; 00 might,” and Dashing Dandy
went to his room, eavinz Hank and the Pon Prince
to discuss, over a “ night-cap,“ the merits o the re-
gig‘kat‘ie man they had that day met for the first

e.

 

CHAPTER. IV.
mummy: A um w’s mm...

Tm: day following the attack on the s e-coach a.
horseman rode slowly out of Good Man’s ulch, and
turnin in'oabroaid trail leading- down the valley,
urged is horse into a. sweepin gallop.

or several miles be kept 5 int, his splendid
black horse showing no signs of utigue, and then
he turned abruptly p the right, into a. canyon that
ran into the mountain range.

Far behind him he had left the mining camps, and

also the home of thc last ranchern, and around him
was solitude and lack of habitation; but, LS though
acquainted with the country, he wound on till curb
the diflorcnt canyons until 16 came out into the val-
le beyond and almost at the ban of a it, h and
so itary bill that was known as Ma lman's Mountain,
for there were strange storics told of it, 1. those
who had gone in the vicinity and it was eat that it
was the home of a plant mailman, or ghost, half hu-
man half beast, and even the Indians gave the spot
~a wide berth, and shunned it as the abode of the
Evil Spirit.

But, as though not knowing of these superstitious
stories regarding the liiadnian’s Mountain, or, if
knowing them, utterly disregarding their trntL, the
hersemun kept on around the base of the hill until
he came to a shallow stream leading across the trail.

Into this he turned, and the Il'llilU animal climbed
the mountain by the b d ( f the stream until a grand
View] of the valley below and country around was
VlS. e.

Here the horseman paused, dismounted, and lead-
ing his steed into a pine thicket, took (if the saddle
and bridle and left the animal to graze upon the
rich grass while he penetrated among the rocks
and canyons that broke the mountain‘s sides.

“So far good; new to study the map,” he mut-
tered, and taking a large roll of paper from his
peck-'1: he sprca it before him upon a rock and
carefully glanced over it.

There were two paints of departure from which to
stun, marked ant to map as 'Good Man‘s Gulch,"
and ‘ Indian Camp,“and. from there, trails, marked
by lines ran toward a given center, which was Mad-
mnn's ountain.

Theuatrail up the mountain was drawn, which
was the one fodowed so closely by the horseman.

Tacked to the map wasa smaller one cf the moun-
tain itself, with directions written beneath. and af-
ter studying them closely the horseman arose and
slowly followed the marked trail. .

Awalk of ten minutes brought him to a. craggy
Eben;1 and upon it was a. thick glowth of under-

rus .

Entering the thicket he came suddenly upon the
opening to a large cavern.

Without hesitation he started to enter, when there
came a terrific rear, 9. scratching :Ulltitl upon t. e
rocks,and he was confronted by a huge bear, the
monarch of the mountain.

It was too late to retreat, and he had but one alter-
native, to stand and meet his savage foe.

Inatwinklinghewhipped out his revolver in his
left hand and knife in his right, and With a shot and
gblow the fierce combat begun between man and

east.

But the erfect nerve and iron strength of the
man save him, and, unburt himself, he laid the
huge monster dead at hi i feet. ,

‘ I was nearly caught oil In guard that time, ’ be
said, with a rim smile, as e threw another load
into his piste , wiped his knife on. the hairy hide of
the bear, and stepped across him into the cavern.

In a. few momean his eyesbecanie accustomed to
the darkness, and he saw dstiuctly every object in
the cavern.

"He did not deceive me in the least; there isa
fortune here, and a. rinccly one.

“And it is mine, 00; but, what care I for richeq,
now that there is no one for me to share them with,
and I have ample for all my wants, so I’ll leave my
inheritance 111!“ I have accomplished the purpose
of my life; then it will be time enough for ine to
work this mine. Now to retrace my wa by the
dead man’s trail back to Goodman‘s Gulci— Ah!
there are the bones of the madman he killed, and
the are scattered about among the lumps of gold
he oved so well," and without another ward he left
the cavern. retraced his way to his horse, mounted,
and was soon again in the vr. lley.

As he was about to turn into the canyon, he heard
the neigh of a. horse, and out: from a narrow gorge
dashed a stared with a side-saddle on. i _

“ Hal there is mischief her. i" and scrzimz the
lasso that hung at his saddle-horn he threw it quick-
ly and captured the runaway animal, and leadino
him. started in the direction from whence he had

come.

A rapid ride of halide) mile lilrougiht  intol up
0 n s cc surroun over ang ng s, an o l
t :9 oils): side, near the bzse cf 9. large rock, be dis-
covered a human form lyinivpon the ground.

The next moment he was ending over the Indian
chief, Gray Eagle.

“ Great Chief Iron Heart come see Eagle die,“
said the Indian, faintly, motioning to a Wound in his
side from which the blood was oozing.

“ am afraid so, chief for on have been hard hit;
how did it happen?” asked ron Heart.

“ Me came with Firefly, show her gold mine mo
found," and he pointed to a. little stream in which a
few specimens of gold were visible, with here and
there a “pocket” from which the precious metal
had been taken.

“ And the Firefly, where is she?" asked Iron
Heart, in some alarm.

“Powder-Face got her; be kill Eagle, but Eagle
no 'fraid to die; so Happy Hunting Grounds.

“Firefly all right now, you know; she good girl:
don‘t let ad pale-face have her.”

“I'll pledge you my word they shall not go, and I
will track them to the end of the earth if they harm
one hair of her head." and Iron Heart sprung to his
feet and began to sear h the ground for the trail of
the men who had car ed the maiden off, while, in a
low monotonous veice, the Indian commenced chant-
ing his death-song.

There were ve in the party, chief, and they
went toward the mountains." he said, again a.

roachi the Indian: but there was no answer 0

squest o , for the brave spirit of the noble red-
skin had taken its flight to the happy hunting
grounds of his peo le.

“Poor fellow, he as gone, and his death will pain
the maiden, for he wasatrue friend. The wolves
shall not tear him to pieces."

Seeking a suitable spot, Iron Heart took from his
, saddle-housing a. small hatchet, and soon had a
l grave dug deep enou h to bu the body in.

Rolling it in the 18‘; blanket badworu in life, be

 

eonflfnedtbebod wtbeemha d] fll in
‘i the d rr, after whiz]: be mounted rseyand still
loading the one he had on tinted with his lasso, set

of! upon his return to 0d, Man’s G date:-

4
‘ V:

f

 

Dashing Dandy.

5

 

 

mined to get afposse of cod men and true, and fol-
low the trail 0 Powder- Face and his gang.

As he turned into the broad trail leading on to the
Gulch, he came suddenly upon two horsemen, one
of whom appeared to be a. mere youth, though his
111% was shaded by a small dark mustache.

Io was dressed inahandsome huntin -suit, top-
bools and slouch hat, and sat his horse w th an easy
grace that proved he was a thorough horseman.

His face was one that would attract attent on any-
wheie, not only on account of his good looks but
also from an expression of lncxpressible s ness
that dwelt upon it; but when Iron Heart ap eared
his eyes turned quickly, and his hand droppe' upon
his n volver in a manner that indicated fearlessness
and courage sufficient to moot any danger.

His companion was a thorough. bordermnn in
looks. talk, and make-up, of buckskin hunting-shirt
and leggings.

“ Ilo , gentlemen' I am no foe," said the solitary
rider, as he beheld both men place themselves on
their ard at sight of him.

“G ad to hear it, .ard, for I hain‘t no stummick

for fightiii‘jist now, wing as I‘m awful famished:
but our journey is near ts tanninatiou,“ said the
pininsmnn.
t“ Yes, Good Man‘s Gulch is but a few miles ahead
0 rs.‘
“I am glad to hear it, sir; do you reside there?"
asked the youth, politely.

IiionIHeart gave him one long, searching look, and
re \ e. :

1‘ Yes, at present; butI would not advise you to
do so. as it is a rough place and has some hard citi-
zens.“

“ So T have heard; but I came out here to seek one
thntI have sworn to find, and I believe he is in, or
near, Good Man‘s Gulch."

The (youth 3 aka wrh a sudden vehemenco that
showe some ee motive for ca ing out his oath;
but. as thou h to ilie his feeling, ic continul d:

“ I secure the services of Lem Brigham, here, as
my uide, and I am anxious to secure quarters where
I wi i be away from the public; can you suggest
suchoplacc'r _

" I am almost a stranger in Gulch City myself,
only having arrived yesterday, rm, at the hotel you
can easily ascertain. Conic, will you ride on more
rapidly, or shall I have to leave you l"

‘I ncver descrt ploas.:nt company,“ replied the
youth, with a smile, and then they all dashed on at a
to .id ace.

to la before reaching Goodman‘s Gulch their com-
pmiign said, drawi..g rein Li [rent of a well-to-do
mnf‘ :

“ For certain reasons I do not care to take this led
horse into the Gulch, so will leave him here; ride on
slowly and I wi l overtake *ou." .

Ho wheeled into the too loading to the cabin, and
hal ed in front ortho piazza, while one of the three
persons scated there arose and greet ed him.

“Glad to See you, Captain Iron Heart; you honor
me,sir. PCHHIYS on do not remember me, but I
was at the hate w ien you drove the st 0L1 yester-
day, and at the Dominion last right. 1] name is
Sam Wharton sir, Judge Sam Wharton at year ser-
vice. Now tel me what I can do for you, rir, and it
willwdo me proud. sir; now what can I do for
you

His visitorwas almost tem ted to foil him to stop
talking, but knowing tn; t al men have peculiarities
of some kind, and that the mill: g of the judge was
to talk incessmtly, l e merely said:

“ I found this horse astray, and would ask you to
kec him for me until I send for him?"

“ Villiuzlyl with pleasure. Why, bless my honest
soul, it is the steed ridden by that wild girl, Firefly.
See. Mr. Vancourt, this horse belongs to that will-o’
tho-wisp 'ou admired so much: bu bless me again
town 0 fool, for 14 m forgelful: r. Vancourt al-
low me to present to you my friend, Captain Iron
Heart, of whom we ware s eakiug awhile since;
captain, this is Mr. Arthur unconrt, a cattle king
sinus we call our large siock-ownem out here an
he is hall in love with myduughter there. Daughter,
this is Captain Iron Heart, and captain, my daugh-
ter Alice, the joy of my life, sir."

While thejudge was talking Iron Heart had ven
asearching glance at the occupants of the p rum,
and observed in Mr. Arthur ancourt, the cattle
king, a very handsome man of thirty-five with
heavy side-whiskers and mustache, and short curl-
nghulr; he was well-dressed, had a dissipated look,
and wore a great deal of jewelry.

Wil h Alim- Wharton he was more pleased; for she
was a very lo ly girl of nineteen, as fresh as n. rese,

graceful and awn. and her taco was an index to a 2 bet

true character.

“I hope no harm has brfnllen poor Firefly, sir,"
she said, anxiously, addressing Iron He'ait, who re-
plind, shortly:

“ I trust not; I (hnnk you. Fudge; and if you come
to town dropiu it (he Trove or's Refuge."

“With pleasure, ill'; but you will remain to sup-
per sir; of cour: e 1 on Will.” '

""l‘hank you notthis eveninp,“ and bowing polite-
ly he whee ed his horse and dashed army, murmur-
infi to himself:

That girl is too lovely a. woman to m that
cattle kin , for he has an evil face. Where aveI
seen that ace before? It comes back to me like a
troubled dream. Ah me, I wish I could rel-all where
and when, for I am certain that Mr. Arthur Van-
oourt and myself have met before.”

Rding at a sweeping falloo he overtook the outh,
who gave his name as e0 West and Lt-‘Ill Br gham,
riding slow along and Mideast}? discussing about
their new f end,'for the ide d as he rode up:

“He’s too danoifled to 0 true grit."

Arriving at the Traveler’s Refuge, Dashing Dandy ‘

introduced him to the roprievor, and asked a tto

u: ce that the youth mig t be put in a. room next to i
. him mentally observing: _ ‘
‘-‘ hat youngster may want a friend before he I

o

grts out this place. and if his looks don’t hem; his
character he needs one "

“'He shall have No. 2, captain right next to on,
air, for your word is law in this house, for bus new
has increase-d tenfold since you came, and dozens of
galoots dined here today hoping to catch aghmpse
of the great Dashing Dandy—as every one ( f the
boys will hev it is yer handle. Come, you and you-
trlends join me in a drln .’ “ . ‘

«Thank you,I ncvcr drink, said Leo Wes.‘ quiet.

ly' but he added, with a smile: “ Lem here does my
drinking for me. ’

“I‘m on it, clean through. I’m with yer, land-
lord,” and he asked, in a whisper: “Who are this
fanc rooster?"

“ by, that is Dashing Dandy—otherwise Iron
Heart, the King 0’ Fate,” said Jim Smith, the land-
lord roud of having such a guest.

“'1‘ ier blazcs yer say! Why, he are a thunder-
bolt turned loose ter ramfiiage on ther wicked! Oh,
I’ve hecrd of him, an‘ so as many more down whar
I circulates. I say, ard, ou’ll forgive me, but I
misj idged ycr clean roug i, and I are aliari'or it,"
and he grns cd Iron Heart’s hand; "but or store
clothes and filed shirt took me aback; bu I knows
ycr now for I wa‘n’t far from Denver when yer
stood off a hull crowd as picked ycr up fer a. galoot
and dropped vcr fer a tiger. Put it thar, pard, an’
we‘ll pit drun together."

“Not now, thank on, Mr. Brigham for I have
work to do; but, here s your very ood health,” and
em tying his glass Iron IIcnrt s lied forth to hunt
up asso Dan and Steel Grip, that some plan of ac-
tion might be determined upon to get Firefi out of
the power of the villains who had captured er.

CHAPTER rV.
AT an.

Wrrnon'r much difficulty for they had worked
their leads down to bed-roe , Dashl Dandy found
Lasso Dan and Steel Grip and bade hem come to
his room in the hotel, which they did with alacrity.

“My men, you were recommended to me by both
the Pony Prince and Hank Holbrook, as being two

ersons that I could de end 11 on, and your con-

uct last night roves 0 me not they were not

mistaken, so wil you enter into my service while I

iinidhere, and the pay shall be be ter than a bad

on .”

“Dum ther ay; we‘ll sarve yor ‘causc we likes
vcr,“ answere Lasso Dan, bluntly. “You’re the

otspur for us 1"

“Well the service I will need of you may not be
child‘s p ay, for I have come here for a pun pose that
one day you shall know, and I wish you to aid me in
secret; but first let me tell ou that Powder-Face
Jack killed the Indian chief, agle, to-day, and car-
ried ofl.’ Firefly."

St“??? yer mean it? Durn his ugly pictur‘l" said
eo ii ).
“YesfiI and in a few words Iron Heart made

known all that had happened, and develo ed his

plan of action which was to take the t ' of the
kidnappers and follow them to their lair.

“ ‘Tain‘t no use, lpard ‘ he‘s done that for duckits,
an’ ther place ter ook for ther a1 is in ther house
0' Colonel Dick Burton, for, ef _e gi’n ten thousan’
for her last night he‘ll do it ag’in to-night, you can
gamble on it.‘

“You are right, Dan; then I will go at once to the
house of the colonel, and-—"

“Don‘t do it, pardl Wc’ll fix a better plan; bet-
ter take ther bull by ther horns an’ then we’ve got
some chance 0’ gittin" hold 0‘ l is tail. You see,
Powder-Face don‘t know we is acquainted with his
deviltry, an' we‘ll catch him at ther Dominion to-
night, au‘ I’ll it him out on some excuse an‘ of he
don't 8 it out hertruth why we‘ll choke it out,“ de-
clared 'teel Grip.

“Your plan is a good one. and we will act upon it.
Be at the Satan’s Dominion by nine o‘clock and I
will meet ou there."

After a ew moments longer conversation the two
miners left‘, but when. three hours after, Dashing
Dand entered the Dominion saloon he found them
both here, though at separate tables.

A murmur of applause greeted the entrance of the
King of Fate, but, unnoticing if, he quietly took a
seat at an empty table and called for a lass of
brandy, which was at once brought him y Rod-

ne . -

‘y Where is Colonel Burton to-nighti“ l‘e ackrd.

“Hasn‘t slzown up, sir‘ in f;.cl., he sent wonl not
to expect him either to-nlgl t or to-morrow. "

Glancing searchineg around the room Dashing
Danc‘y‘s eyes fell upon the man for whom Le was
looking, Powder-Face Jack.

He was seated at a table with several other
worthies of a like disreputable fame, and a. bruise
on his face proved that he Lad received a severe fall
the ni ht before.

Catc ing- the eye of the stranglel man, in whose
arms he had been as a mere child e made no effort
to renew the troullc, but scowled maliciously at
him, an}?j viciously dashed on the liquor in a glass

ore m. '

Finding no one who seemed anxious to join him in
afame of any kind, Dashing Dand generously ask-
6 the crowd up to drink and left he saloon.

A few moments after ’he was followed by Lasso
Dzn, and the two walked to a lunel and unfrequent-
ed soot—a ine thicket on the cree bank.

They ha not long to wait before two forms were
seen approaching, and Dan whispered:

- “Tnat‘s them; the durnod fool bit at tinr halt
that Grip gi'n him."

A few paces more and Powder-Face Jack was in
the iron clutch of the man whose gripe he had felt.
the night before.

“Keep silent and you are safe; cry cut, and I'll
,‘ burvdmy knlIoin your heart," was the stern coni-

 

 

man .

“Don't do it, pard, don‘t, for I’m innocent as a

l leetle child," raid the rufflan, in whining tones. for
he now knew in whose power he was.

5 “ If you wish to save your life you will to lime the

, truth- if not, you will have to die."

l “I‘ll talk it straight, captain."

‘ “ See that you do. Now, tell me why you carried
off Firefly to-day ?"

‘ thought of his latest iece of villain be known.

“I guess you is jotin‘ me, capt’h’zl," higgsaid, with

a poor attem t at a l ugh.

, ‘You‘ll fin to the contrary, for I know that on
killed the Indian, robbed the miserable mine be ad
found or what gold he had there, and carried the

loff. Now, where-ls she l" ‘

4 “ I don’t know,“ Waltho sullen answer.

The stem-willed man did not again ask. but let the
sharp poii t of his knife ress hard against the man’s

. side, until he felt it pric- ‘inghim just over his heart,
and than he cite-'1 cu nay;

The man started visibly: it was evident he had no-

 

“For God's sake, captain, don‘t kill me, and I’ll
tell er."

“ am waiting.”

"Waal, Idid run ther al OR, for yer soc I is a
poor man, an’ I thought t icr colonci would tri’n mo
a han‘souie sum for her, bein‘ as you won her from
him last night."

“ findryou basely shot down the Indian for defend-

or
That was one o’ ther accidinfs 0' war, capt‘in;
the Injun showed fight, an’ We had ter protect our-

selves."

" And the girl?"

“ Oh, she‘s a wildcat; but we caught her aforo shn
hada chance to show her claws, or my face w’u‘d
hev looked like a zebra, ou bet.‘

“Where did you take er?"

“Didn’t hev a chance ter take her nowhar, for u
in ther mount‘ins we was set upon by ther roar -
agents, an’ter save ourselves \vo sklpt an' left thei-

a]; yer see we didn‘t behold ‘em until two 0‘ our
ys dropped down dead."

“ Arc ou telling me the truth?"

“’1 is ora fact; at yer has a Bible I’ll swear to

“You’d swear to a lie, you domed gnloot, on a
pack 0’ Tostimints as hign as yer ugly head," growl-
ed Lasso Dan.

“ And tho road-agents carried her back into the
mountains?“

“Y'as, captain, and we lit out for ther Gulch

' In the absence of proof I will have to take your
word' if you have told me the truth, I will spare
your life, vile as it is; but if you have lied to me, I
will kill you—I swear it, by eaveu X"

“Then I can go now, captain?“ whined the .
wretch. ‘

“ Not until I prove you have told the truth. Now,
Dan, take him to the place you spoke of, and see
that ho is made secure. ’

“ He‘ll be so secure, captain, that of Steel Grip an’
myself weie tcr pass in our checks this ni rhr. 0‘ car
Lord he‘d be t or when Gabriel wainc him at
Jedgment," replied the minor, and they led the
hardened villain away by a path leading up the
crock, while Iron Heart wended his way in the di-
rection of the hotel.

Ashe drew near'thc Traveler's Refu 0 he heard
loud and any v0ices, and boholdin: u. urge crowd
greatly excitm , many of them with flaming torches
in their hands, he quickened lis ate .5 and soon
reached the hotel, in front of which tlie scene was
transpiriiig.

“What is the matter, Mr. Smith?“ he asked, as
the landlord rushi-d by him, a revolver iii his hand.

“Oh, captainl thank God you have come!"

“Speak, man, and tell me what is the matter!”
and Iron Heart laid his hand heavily up n the land-
lord‘s shoulder, and with a force that made him
wmce.

“ The youth, sir, the youth!"

“What youth? Whom do you mean?“

‘f Mr. Lco West; the have him yonder, and are
53mg to hang him. could not help if, for they

lagged him and the guide from their rooms."

But, the landlord was talkin to himself, for, as
soon as Do shin Dandy heard 1; e name be bounded
forward like a cer, crossed the street to the oven
space in front of the hotel, and hurlin men nuédo
from his ath sprung into the centcr o the cxuitod
crowd, w. 0 were booting and howling like 1: ad.

As he reached the 0pm space around a huge tree
he saw two forms swinging in the air above 1 im.

One glanco and he recognized the youth, Leo
West and his guide Lem Brigham.

ckly he raised his right arm, a pistol leame".
in is hand, and two sharp reports followed .i quick
“film? th uni tf ll th 1

‘. a ea u escou c u on e um.
while, swag forward, be «311521: lllOgrlOElll‘ll
youth [in] arms, for his collar had Cut the two rope».
m w v .

Then, like a giant nt bay, he cried in ringing tones:

"Back, you cowardsl 1 have somednng to say,
jurt ken l _

“Upon him, men, and kl 1 him!" ard a tall form
5 rung lo the front revolver in hand, and lion

enrt stood face to are with Ai-iliur Vancourt, the
cattle king and chief of the Vigilantes.

CHAPTER VI.
A sran'rLING DISCOVERY.

Tun two men, Iron Heart and Arthur Van-
court, standing at bay, with revolvers leveled,
an angry crowd around, and the torches glean:-
iug brightly over all, made up a picture that

 

-was Wild, terrible, and thrilling in the ex-

treme.

“B what right dare you cut those men
dawn ” cried the cattle king, fiercely.

Dashing Dandy smiled sardonicaliy, and an-
swered in his deep tones: ‘ ,

“ By the right of preventing a crime against
innocent men.”

“ I say they are not innocent; they are spies,
and members of the band of the Black Captain,
and as such they Were strung up by the Vigi-
lantes,” responded Arthur Vuncourt.

“They are not members of tte Black Cap-
tain’s band, and I can Vouch for them! Stand
a’side and let me pass with this poor Vouth,”
and he cla ed closMy to his breast the limp
form of Leo Vest, while Lem Brigham Whose
hardy constitution had already caused him 
rally, arose to his feet, with his hands still.
bound behind him.

1 “iMen, bar his wayl” shouted tho Vigilante
ea er.

“The man that does, dies 1" was the stern re-
ly, and Dashing Dandy stepped forward, close-
y followed by the Scout.

"‘ln trouble, captain? I’ll back yer,” and
Hank Holbrook forced his wav through (he
crowd. and behind him came Jim Smith, the
landlord of the Traveln-‘s Refuge.

“There is a. little misunderstanding only - this
genus man and ins, band of I. l'.‘llalll}9fi Law been

Dashing Dandy.

 

hanging innocent men,” explained Iron Heart,
quietly.

“ Guess yer’d better not crowd ther mourners,
boys, for ef he says ther fellers is not ter hang,
the won’t be hung, you can gamble on it, an’
of hey is, thar’s many 0’ these parisherners
won’t ’tend sarvice next Sabbath day,” was
Bank Holbrook’s odd warning.

As others were now siding with the strange
rescuer, Arthur Vancourt seemed inclined to
yield too, and remarked:

“If the captain says he will vouch for the
two men I’ve nothing to say.”

“ I said so once, sir,” and still holding in his
arms the form of Leo West, Dashing Dandy
moved forward once more, his revolver in
hand, and the crowd slowly giving back as he
advanced.

Behind him came Lem Brigham, whose bonds
Hank Holbrook had cut, and the party who had
supported Iron Heart formed in the rear.

As the reached the hotel steps, the crowd,
ever flck e seemed to fully realize the darin
act of the king of Fate, and with one accor
they set ups. ell in his honor. Arthur Van-
court niounte his horse and rode rapidly away,
while those who know him, or pretended to,
said he was not the man to allow the interfer-
ence of Iron Heart to go unnoticed.

“ Landlord, ask the crowd to have a drink at
my expense, while I see what can be done for
this poor youth,” said Dashin Dandy, and he
went on to the room of Leo est, unnoticing
the shouts in his praise, and closely followed by
Lem Brigham.

“ How did it all occur, Lem l” he asked, as he
laid the youth on the lounge.

“ Easy as falling off a. log, sir for that devil
of a Vigilante captain come to this room, whar
ther lad an’ myself were a-talkin’, an’ he says
we was durned s ies, an’ be was a-goin’ tor hev
us strung u fer ein’ members 0’ ther band 0’
ther Black aptain, an’ store we c’u’d say a
word in rushed ther crowd, and—weal, pard,
what are ther use 0’ chinnin’ about, for whar
w’u’d we be now ef it wasn’t fer you? Ah,
Lordy, but you has got more sand than any
rooster I ever saw aforol Put it thar, pard, an’
God bless 'er forever amen!”

While cm was talking Dashing Dandy had
been busy with the youth, but suddenly started
back a cry of astonishment upon his lips.

“ eat God! It is a woman I”

“Durned ef you hain’t right, capt’inl Call
ther gals, for we hain't no business here," and
Lem moved ra idly toward the door.

“ Hold onl ta. where you arel See, she is
recoveringl Min you, not a word to any one
of our discovery, not even to her,” and, picking
up the false mustache, which, falling 03, ha
betrayed the sex of the suppOSed oung man,
Dashing Dandy skillfully fastened t on again,
and closed up the open shirt front, where the
white, rounded neck had also aided in the dis-
covery—the neck with the cruel rope-marks
still u u it.

“ Lere am I?” and the eyes of Leo West, as
I must still call her, met those of Iron Heart.

“You are with friends. See, there is Lem
Bri ham your guide.”

“ as, l me here on deck, ~ ard; but, it’s all
owin’ to ther cnpt'in, for we’ been'sent for, an’
was a-goin’, but he changed ther music, an’ all
hands sung a dif’rent tune. How is yer feelin’
round ther gills?”

“Pretty badly used up; but I will be all ri ht
by morning; and I owe you my life!” and he
eyesklturned upon the rescuer, who replied
quic y:

“Don’t speak of it; I did but my duty, noth-
ing more."

‘Capt’in, of it wasn’t youl’d say ou was a
cavortin’. howlin’ liar, for ther man on’t rustle
beuzine that c’u‘d ’a’ did what you did with a
crowd o’ shrieldn’ maniacs; but then, I has
heard of yer afore, an’ I has heerd tar-day o’
ther tune yer played with ther agents, and yer
entertainment ast night at Hell’s Dominion, or
somethin’ like that; but, of yer say yer hasn’t
done me an’ this young feller a favor, I’m dum-
ed if we won’t quarrel. ”

“I’ll admit anything, Lem, to have peace in
the faniil . Now come let us go down to the
bar; we’l send Mr. est up a drink, and it
will do him good,” and seeing that the supfposed
youth was in no more danger the King 0 Fate
sought his room, but not to retire, as with his
hands behind his back, and his head bent low,
lie paced to and fro for several hours, his face
pale and stern. ' _

At last, with an eflort, he broke his‘deep
reverie, and turned to ‘disrobe for the hi ht;
but as he did so, his quick eye detecteda 00
at the window peerin in upon him.

With the spring 0 a anther he leaped to
ward the window, but t ere came a jin le of

glass and report commingled, and Iron eart
sfigered backward. .

he did so something hard fell to the floor,
and quickly he picked it up.

It was a flattened bullet of large caliber that
had been checked by the heavy buckle of his
istol-belt, the shock momentarily .stunning
Kim, and giving the would-be assassm an op-
portunity to escape.
. The next moment there came aloud knock at

 

his door, and the landlord and half a dozen
othelrs stood without, alarmed by the shot and
cras .

In a word he told them that there had been
an attempt to assassinate him. .

“But who could it he?” asked Jim Smith.
seeming to forget that the King of Fate had
man enemies.

“ ome foe who has wished me out of the
way," remarked the King of Fate, not caring
to make known that he had recognized in the
face at the window the handsome countenance
of Arthur Vancourt.

'ilzihen a sudden thought struck him, and he
as :

“ Come, let us see how youniWest is getting
on, for, after the treatment e received, the
shot may make him a little nervous. ”

Going to the room they knocked yet received
no answer and repeate summons gaining no
response Dashing Dandy placed his shoulder
a inst the door and sent it open with a crash.

ut, the room was vacant; the youth had
gone, and through the open window it was evi-

ent. \

“That man had some deep motive for rousing
the Vigilantes to hang Leo West, and as
know the secret of his sex now, and who
it was that fired at me, i think I can under-
stand his motive,” muttered the King of Fate,
and telling the landlord to have him called at
an early hour he sought his room once more,
and was soon sleeping as peacefully as though
he led the life of a Quaker.

CHAPTER VII.
TURNING THE TABLES.

HALF an hour before the shot through the win-
dow at the King of Fate, three men cautiousl
a proached the rear entrance of the Traveler s

fuge, and one of them easily scaled the board
fence into the yard, leaving the other two to
await his return, hidden in the shadows of the
surroundin buildings. ~

As thoug acquainted with the locality, he
moved noiselessly forward until he reached a
wing of the hotel, where a small porch ran
along the side of the house and overlooked a
garden with some 1pretensions to beauty, for
mine host, Jim Smit knew how to run a pub—
lic house, and spared no pains to add to the
comfort of his guests.

“Yes, that is his room,” muttered the man
and springing lightly upon the porch, he glanced
into an o n window.

A dim ight was in the room, and upon the
bed lay the form of a man, fully dressed, and
evidently sleeping.

Taking a pistol from his belt he twice leveled
it, and each time lowered it, as though. uncer-
tain what to do, or hesitating to commit some
foul deed.

“ I could make this bullet do the work, and
thus end his life forever; but I am not so cer-
tain that it would be so easy to escape,” he
muttered, showing that it was personal safety
that had prompte his hesitancy to fire, and not
a repliignance to crime.

“ o, I will try this- then, if I fail, I will
have the pistol,” 9 said, after a few seconds of
thought, and he took from his pocket a small
bottle, and stepped into the room as noiselessly
as a cat would have done.

Uncorking the bottle he saturated his hand-
kerchief with the contents, and, approaching
the sleeper, held the drug near his nostrils, so
that he would inhale it.

Again and 'n he wet the handkerchief,
keepin it near t e sleeper’s nose, while the pun-
gent or of chloroform filled the air.

“That is sufficient; now to escape,” he mutr
tered, and raisin the unconscious form as easi-
lyas thou h it ad been a child’s weight, he
step d ou of the window and glided along the
pore toward the steps. ,

Ashe did so he d another Window out
of which shone a light, and, pausing, he beheld
within a man cing slowly to and r0.

As he turn in his walk, with his back to the
window, the midnight marauder glided swiftly
by, and a moment after bad handed his human
burden over the fence.

“Go at once with this (prisoner to your ren-
dezvous; tell the Black hief I sent him, and
see that you lose no time,” he ordered in a
311011, terse tone, and again returned to the lit-

e rch, his revolver held in hand.

9 window was down, and the occupant of
the room, whom he had seen pacin the floor,
was now in a different part of the c amber.

Pressing his face aga nst the pane_of glass he
suddenly saw him coming toward him, and the
eyes of the two men met.

What followed, the reader already knows,
and after his, as he believed, deathshot, Arthur
Vancourt bounded away like a deer, scaled the
fence, and seeking the spot in a narrow lane
where he had left his horse, mounted and sped
away with the speed of the wind. _

In the meantime his two companions in the
kidnappin scene, had also mountedtheirhorses,
and one 0 them bearing the still unconsuous
form of Leo West in front of him, they crOSSed
the creek and turned short of! into a canyon
runnin back into the hills.

A 1'1 3 of several miles brought them to a

 

 

steep, inc—covered spur of the mountain, and,
as if nowing the way, the horses be an to
climb the rugged pathway until they at ength
came to a shanty, before which they halted.

“ Waal, pards, yin is reco ‘zed,” greeted I.
rough voice, as the door was t rown o n and a
man stepped forth rifle in hand,while, seeing
the burden carried by one of the horsemen, he
continued:

“ What has yer thar, Pete?”

“Itare a fledgling we tuk in, I gnomes, for
ther capt’in ter hold for ransom at ther hotel;
but I are afraid his chips has been called in, for
go hg’sn’t said nary a speech sin’ we left; take

im

The lim form of Leo West was almost rudely
dragged rom across the saddle, and carried
into the shanty, the two horsemen immediately
dismounting, and lending their horses, they en-
tered the rude, but substantial log-hut, which
was built against the overhanging cliff, and
fronting upon a narrow shelf that commanded
a View of the valley below, and of the Good
Man’s Gulch in the distance.

The mountain shanty was supposed to be the
home of a miserly old miner, who had been dig-
ging, for a year or more, a bare subsistence out
of a mine, the opening to which was shielded by
his log-hut. ~

Except to go to the Good Man’s Gulch for ro-
visions each week, Miser Ben, as he was on ad,
was never seen by any of his fellow-miners, un-
less the chose to ay him a visit, and it was
too bar a climb to is shanty, and too cheerless
after they gotthere. for them to care to make a
second trip to the inhospitable old fellow.

As soon as the horses were led in, Miser Ben

took his stand at the door, which he had so-
curely bolted, and from a convenient loop-hole
kep‘t an eye upon the approach to the shelf of
roc s.
“ tell yer, pard, ther young fellow hes skipt
these diggin’s; he are dead, sure,” said one of
the horsemen, bending over Leo West, as he
lay u n a bench silent and motionless, for his
breat in could not be heard.

“W , let him went; dead folks don’t go
chinnin’ ’round 0' what they hev seen, and what
they wanted to shoulder im here forlcan’t
tell. Ef he’s dead, we mout as well leave him
until ther boss comes, an’ Ben kin keep a eye
on him.”

“And we’ll go on ter camp?”

“ Yas, fer I needs rest. Ben, we’ll leave yer
ther youngster, for I guess you isn’t skeerd o’ a
stiff is yer?”

ar ; I hain’t afeerd o’ ther devil; but if
he’s col meat yer’d better take him alon an’
pile ’arth on him,” said the proprietor o the
shunt ', without looking around. .

“ o, we’ll leave him for ther Black Ca t’in
ter see. Come, Pete,” and moving to the k
of the hut they raised a large blanket. hanging
against what appeared the rocky wall, and be-
neath, a narrow, door-like cavern entrance was
visible. ‘ ‘

Without hesitation they entered the a erture,
leading their horses after them; the lanket
curtain fell back into place once more, wholly
concealin them from view.

Hardly ad the two men disappeared, when,
by the dim light of a lamp that burned upon a
broad shelf, the eyes of Leo West could have
been seen to slowly open, and gaze around the
room.

In one glance he took in the rough interior
with its rude fireplace, humble cot, chair an
bench, and few cooking utensils upon the
hearth.

Then his gaze rested upon the silent man
standing at the door, peering out into the dark-
ness.

Noiselessly the man, whom the three had be-
lieved dead, raised his hand and pressed it upon
his forehead, as though he were in pain and be
wildered.

A moment he remained thus, and then the
hand dropped upon his breast-pocket, and upon
being withdrawn a pistol gleamed in his grasp,
a small Derrin er.

As Arthur ancourt had done at the hotel,
where he was the object of aim, Lee West twice
thrust it forward, as though to fire, and then,
with a shake of the head, lowered it.

Then he arose to a Sitting position, and his
eyes fell upon an iron bar, and in an instant it
was in his graspnwhile he noiselessly a proach-
ed the unsuspecting sentinel, and raise the rod,
as though to strike.

But again he faltered, perhaps with fear that
it mi ht not kill, and perhaps with fear that
it mig t_k11_1, and for a moment he stood unde-
cided, Within three feet of the man, who, by the
slightest turn of his head, would discover him,
and discovering him would spring upon him for
the struggle of life and death.

At length Miner Ben moved uneasily: he felt
the mesmeric power of those burning eyes fixed
upon him, and he turned to glance over his
shoulder.

There was a sweeping sound in the air a
startled cry, a heavy thud, and Miser Ben fell
heavily upon therocky flooring.

“I have killed him! taken uman life' but,

God knows it was to save myself,” cried Leo.

West, and be bent over the fallen man, but

.vé,

 

doc] thet knock
:atandin’ with mylgfaco at ther look—out when he

Dashing” Dandy.

'7

 

 

 

sprung to his feet uickly as the blanket cur-
tain was thrown asi e, and a voice cried:

“ I say, Ben, I’ve come ter see of that young-
ster are raull y dead.”

They were the last words that the man,
whom his comrade had called Pete, ever utter-
ed for the little Derringer was thrust forward,
a ash and report followed, and with a groan
of arliguish and fright the kidnapper sunk iii his
true (S.

“ Oh, God! two red stains upon my soul that
will never wash out,” cried Leo West, wringing
his hamls in despair; but, with the thought of
self—preservation again flashing in his mind. he
sprung nimbly to the door, drew back the huge
bolts, and was out in the open air.

Revived by the fresh wind that was blowing,
he rapidly descended the steep hillside, follow-
ing the beaten trail, and after a long and rapid
walk came near the mouth of the canyon, to
suddenly shrink down in the shadow of a stunt-
ed pine, for he heard near at hand the heavy,
quick hoof-falls of a horse.

Hardly had he secreted himself when a horse-
man appeared in sight, and b the li ht of the
rising moon, which shone fu 1 upon im, Leo
West sawa tall, graceful man, seated well in
his saddle, and dressed in deep black, while his
horse was also of alike hue, his hide glimmer-
ing in the moonlight.

ut strange to look upon, and which caused
Leo West to shrink further back into the sha-
dow, was the discover that the horsenian‘s face
was concealed by a b ack mask, and his hands
by black gauntlet gloves.

“It is t 9 Black Captain! If he had met me
further back in the canyon, my doom would
have been sealed; I believe, as does the King of
Fate, that I am destined to accomplish my end,
to rejoice in the revenge I shall yet have, for
four times this night have I esca d death: but
now to return to the hotel and iscover who it
was that carried me away, for my brain is all
bewildered, and it was only by the mightiest ef-
fort I could prevent betraying myself, when I
returned to consciousness and found myself on
horseback and held firmly in a man’s arms.”

With a shudder he walked on, now moving
with the greatest caution, for do. was breakin
and he feared discovery; but at ast he reache
the Traveler’s Refuge, and had gained his room
door when Dashin Dandy suddenly stepped
out into the hall an confronted him.

“You here?” he exclaimed.

“ Yes; can you explain how I was carried
awav?”

“Kidnapped in your sleep, and by one who
had you hanged last night.”

“ W hat! the captain of the Vigilantesl”

“Yes; you best know what reason he has for
wishing you out of the wag.”

“I do not remember to ave met him before,
and yet, there seemed a strange familiarity in
his face; he certainly is my enemy.”

“ A bitter one; beware of him; but, come
into my room. for I would speak with you,”
end Dashing Dandy led the way, followed by
Leo West, upon whose face rested a puzzled ex-
pression, in spite of its haggard and wearied

ook, called there by the recent thrilling scenes
through which he had passed.

CHAPTER VIII.
THE BLACK CAPTAIN.

THE horseman, in whom Leo West had recog-
nized the famous and cruel outlaw chief, known
as the Black Captain, rode leisurely along the
canyon, after passing the youth, until he came
to t 9 spot where the trail led up the steep hill-

\

side.

As though thoroughly acquainted with what
was expected of him, the black horse nimbly
scramb ed up the ascent and was soon in front
of the cabin the door of which swung open,
creaking as the wind swayed it to and fro.

“Furies! what does t is mean? The door
open and no one on guard! By the Lord above
he shall die for this!” and the Black Captain
sprung to the ground, and with drawn revolver
stepped within the shanty, his eyes- learning
through the dark mask, for lie coul be dis-
tinctly seen in the earl morning light.

“Hal faithful unto eath,” he exclaimed his
eyes falliiifi‘upon the prostrate form of Miser
Ben, and en beholding the rough-looking fel-
low known as Pete, he continued:

“And that dead carcass explains it; Ben was
true to his charge; they fought and both fell.
No by the Eternal, this man is not dead,” and
he bent over the sentinel, who, just then, raised
his head and gazed stupédly around him, until
his eves rested upon the lack Ca tain.

“ Ef yer refers ter me, capt’in, are not dead
yit, though my cocoa-nut has got a feelin’ lik’ a.
hive full 0' bees.”

“ It is but a scalp wound, though it stunned
you ' why did he attack 1you?” ,

“ IIim yonder hain’t t ier galoot as did it.”

“What! and yet I thought-it strange that
Pete should have proven a traitor. Yes, he is
dead,” and the Black Captain leaned over the
bod of the miner. _

w“ aal, I jist eta glimpse at ther indervi-
efi me out 0’ time, for I was a-

 

let me hev blazes, an’ I guesses as how he’s ther
one as lit onto Pete, too. ’ ,

“And who was it?"

“A youngster as he an’ Kansas Ike fotched
here with ’em: they thought he was dead, but 1
knows now he wasn't.”

“No, he was a pretty lively dead man to get
awn with you and Pete, too, and then escape;
but, y Heaven! his days are numbered. Look
for the trail, until I send some one to relieve

ou.

“ Guess ’tain’t no use boss; I hain’t delikit of
I is han’some, an’ this little thing on my head
hes jist knocked some brains inter me, for
dumed ef I’ll b’lieve a man dead, now, until I
atten’s his funeral.”

The Black Captain made no reply. but calling
his horse to follow him, raised the lanket cur-
taibu and passed into the cave at the back of the
ea in.

Thou h dark as ni ht, within, he went boldly
forwar , his faithfu steed followin close be—
hind him, as he ascended and deacon ed the un-
even path in the long, narrow tunnel, until a
gleam of light was ahead, and he came out in-
to the open air.

He was now in a deep canyon that wound up-
ward and back into the heart of the mountains,
and sprin 'ng lightly into the saddle, he ve
his horse t e rein and at a swift gait he ash-
ed over the pebbly trail for the distance of half
a mile, when he came out upon what was a ta-
ble-land, a plateau upon the summit of the high-
ast elevation in the vicinity of Good Man’s

ulch.

Miles below lay the little town, and around it
were visible numbers of mining cam 3, while
like a silver thread, Serpent Cree woun
through the valley.

Around the base of the mountain Was visible
the stage‘road leading to the Gulch, and to the
southward lay Madman’s Mountain, some six
leagues distant.

Before him the plateau was covered with a
growth of hardy pines, and through these the
trail ran until it came to the other side of the
mountain, from whence apath descended into
a miniature valley, a safe and lovely retreat in
the very midst of the rugged desolation of the
surrounding hills.

Upon the other side a cascade fell from a.
mountain summit, and flowed in a broad stream
through the valley, or basin, and upon either
shore were half a dozen rudely constructed cab-
ins, in front of which were groups of men cook-
in the morning meal.

ceding upon the rich grass along the base of
the bills were troops of fine horses, and back
near the cascade, and in the shadows of a clump
of firs was visible a cabin far more pretentious
than the others.

Like a statue the Black Captain sat upon his
horse and gazed upon the scene below, while he
said half a oud: V ‘

“And there lies my home—the home of an
outlaw! Oh! what would I not give to blot out
tthast fifteen years of my life and live over
tag 11 my existence, Then, in that long ago I
was honored among men; now I am hunted by
my fellow-bein s as worse than the wild beasts
w ose haunts ie in these hills, as mine does.
Why can I not tear myself away, and live the
remainder of my days far from here, doing
some good in the world ere I die?

“ Bah! I am a fool to (five vent to the
thought, for what good coul I do? Every dol-
lar I possess is blood-stained and there as here
I am a hunted man; ay, and I feel that there is
one upon in path who will show me no mercy.
Well, it is ut fair, for no mercy did I show
that one. Come, Ebony Angel, let us go to our
quarters, for there is work before us.”

The noblehorse of an ignoble master seemed
to understand what was said to him, for he
moved on down the trail into the little valle ,
and winding along the bank of the creek e
soon came to the group of cablnshthe rough oc-

p'iéplants of each one saluting t eir chief po-
1 .

“Where is Kansas Ike?” asked the chief,
sternly.

' “Ho are asleep, capt’in'; jist comed in awhile
ago ” answered one of the men. ‘

“Tell him to come here.”

A moment after the burlyrufllan stood before
his chief. . .‘

“ You were intrusted with a prisoner, by
Captain Vancourt of the Vigilantes?” he assert-
ed, rather than asked.

‘Yas, captain.”
“He was sent to me to hold for ransom, I

sup¥sel”
‘ hat’s about it.”

“ Well, where is be?”

There was‘ something in the chief’s tone that
Kansas Ike did not half like, and he turned
pale, as he gazed upon that black, impenetrable

‘ mask, the face beneath which had never been

'seen b one of the band of road-a onto.

“ as], ea t’in, he were about and when we
got him, an’ a were cold meat when we reach.
ed ther shanty; but we didn’t kill him, 

“ No, but you left a man there whom you did
not take the trouble to see was really dead, and
whom you should have brought on. and ut in
the lockup until Icame, and your-supposed dead

 

man near] killed Miser Ben and shot down your
partner ete.”

“ 0h osesl an’ he lit out, capt’inl”

“ Yes, leaving the cabin open and the way to
this stronghold unguarded, and perhaps known
by this time to the whole mining camp.”

“ Capt’in, for ther Lord’s sake forgive me this
time ” Whined the now frightened man, for, as
the black Captain was speaking he had drawn
a revolver from his belt and cooked it.

“ No, sir, I never for ,ive or forget a wrong
done me or neglect of uty; your act cost the
life of a better man than you and nearly lost to
me old Miser Ben, besides allowing a stranger
to discover that this stronghold could be enter~
ed throu h the mine shanty. If you know a
prayer, Kansas Ike, you have one minute in
which to say it.”

The man was now as white as though the life
had left his body and his lips moved in a vain
endeavor to sp , for he felt that his doom was
sealed.

As merciless as he had been to cries of more
from others, so merciless he knew would his
chief be to him, and he turned his glaring eyes
upon his comrades two score in number, who
were gathering silently around, gazing upon
gheir captain and comrade in silent expecta-
ion.

“Your time is up, Kansas Ike,” and the
Black Captain replaced his gold watch and
raised his revolver, levelin it calml at the
heart of the doomed wrote , and wit ahand
that was as steady as iron.

If his face showed the slightest emotion the
black mask fully concealed it from view.

“ Mercy, captain! mer—”

The sharp report of the istol cut the word
unfinished upon his lips, an severed the thread
of Kansas Ike's life.

A dozen hands involuntme dropped upon
their istols, for the dead road-agent was a
favori with the band; but the sweeping glance
cast over the crowd by the Black Captain
caused the grasp upon the revolver-butts to be
quickly release .

“A dozen of on go at once to the mine
shant , for that 00 ’8 work may brin half of
Good an’s Gulch upon us; and the b ance of
you hold yourselves in readiness, for I need
you, as the stage goes through rich today," he
said quietly.

“ That fellow they calls ther Dare Devil
Dandy, an’ King 0’ Fate hain’t drivin’, is he
capt’inl” asked one of the men, in a tone the.
caused a laugh from his companions.

" It matters not whether he is or is not; the
old hearse is 113; game today,” and urging his
horse into a g op he rode on to the cabin, al-
ready spoken of as standing apart, and of more
pretentious build than the others.

As he dismounted in front of the piazza steps
and turned Ebony Angel loose to feed about
the door, a. person came forward from the
cabin and greeted him—one whose outhful,
handsome face seemed strangely out 0 place in
that wild outlaw camp.

“Well, Ninez, is there any news?” asked the
Black Captain, in a kindly tone.

“The men brought in a. prisoner yesterday.”

“Who was it?”

“ A young girl, known in Good Man’s Gulch
as Firefl .”

“By eaven but I am glad of that,” and the
chief strode into the cabin, leaving the youth
looking after him, for he was scarcely over
eighteen in years, and a handsome, dashing fel-
low, whose reckless coura 9 had won for him
the position of lieutenant o the road-agents.

As he stood azing after his chief his blue
eyes w brig t and turned almost black
while  darkly-bronzed face became hard and
determined, as though some des crate resolve
had come over him, a resolve t at boded no
good for some one upon whom his hatred

 

CHAPTER IX.
mnmv’s DANGER.

UPON entering the cabin, which contained
four large rooms, and a broad hall runuin
from the front to rear, the Black Chief turne
into a door to the right, which led to his own
apartment. -

The room was comfortably furnished for that
wild camp in the mountain, and scattered
around were books, a guitar, rare pipes and
other articles with which to while awe idle
hours that might hang heavily upon the ands
of the chief or rather upon his conscience.

A soft be , a. table with writing materials, a
few easy-chairs, a large wardrobe and iron
chest, com leted the furnishing of the room, un-
less I men 'on the various arms from a bowie-
knife to a. shot-gpn, that adorned the walls.

Standing at t 6 window was a negro of hide-
bus ap rance, for he was black as ink, de-
formed by a huge hum on his back, and as
muscular as a giant, whi e his features were dis\-
torted in a strange degree, ginng him a look
that was brutal and savage.

Of that whole band there was but one who did
not fear him, and that one was his master, the
313111;“? is '1 iso h 3"

c _ ere ayounggir pr nor are
said the chief. ~ -

Dashing Dandy.

 

 

 

:2: 7:“

 

“ Yes,” was the quiet repl .

“ Who has charge of her?’

“ The Lieutenant N inez placed her in charge
of Minna, the half-breed woman.”

“ Then there is no danger of her escape. Send
the maiden to me.”

The no ro, who, in spite of his hideous appear-
ance, ha spoken without; a sign of African ac-
cent, walked from the room, and a. few moments
after returned, accompanied by two persons—
one of whom was an Indian woman, though her
light complexion proved her to have flowmg in
her veins the blood of the pale—face. She was

cod-looking, possessed a graceful form, and

adbeen a faithful servit r of the Black Cap-
tain ever since a, year before he had found her
lyingill by the trail side, deserted by her people
in their march southward.

The other was Firefly, pale yet defiant.

“Afric, you and Minna can retire. Be seat
ed, miss,’ and the Black Captain turned polite-
ly to Firefly, who mechanically dropped into an
easy-chair, though her eyes were intently fas-
tened upon the impenetrable mask in a vain

. eflort to see the face beneath.

“ Do you know whose prisoner you are?”
asked the chief, quietly, gazing at Firefly.

"‘ I know that a wretch captured me, and
killed one whom I have loved as a father, al-
though his skin was red, and that I was sold to
your vile band,” was the prompt reply.

“You are known in the camps as Firefly, I
believe?"

“So I am called; but, what is your purpose

arding me?”

‘ That depends upon yourself, my dear young

lady.

‘ How mean you, chief?”

“1 will tell you. I have learned that Colo—
nel Dick Burton gave ten thousand dollars for
you the other night, and a man. calling himself
the King of Fate, staked his life to win you
from the colonel; have 1 been correctly in-
formed?”

“Such was the case.”

“ Well, to see the maiden who was held in
such esteem, I had you brought here, deter-
mined, if disappointed in you, to sell you to the
highest bidder.

‘ What mean you i” again asked Firefly.

“ Simply that I intended to offer you to the
colonel for ten thousand or, again to the King
of Fate, if he would risk a game of cards with
me for you, his life against you.”

“He shall not do itl He placed his life in
clan er once for me, but shall not again offer it. "

“ ell, as I am not disappointed in you. there
is another alternative regarding you.”

“Name it. ”

“With pleasure: that you become my wife.”

Firefly s rung to her feet, her eyes blazing,
her bosom saving.

“Never! Become the wife of amurderer a
man whom I hate, and who is so vile that he
dare not show his face to the world i”

It was a home-thrust. The Black Chief was
upon his feet, and made two steps toward the
girl, as though to crush her in his rasp: but,
with an effort, he controlled himsel , and stop-
ping suddenly' he said, in calm tones:

“ The Devi may not be as black as the world
paints him, my girl, and I may not be guilty of
the crimes laid at my door, while, if you care
to see my face, I will show it to you. ”

He slowly unfastened the Clasps of his black
steel mask, Firefly gazing upon him with a. kind
of fascination in her look, as he removed it
from before his face.

With a. cry of horror the girl started back,
for she beheld a. face hideousl deformed, or
scarred by wounds, or fire, into deformity.

With a bitter laugh he uickly replaced his
mask, and, with a shudder, irefly covered her
face with her hands, as though to shut out the
horrible Visage. .

“ We]l,ma belle, what so. you, now? will you
be sold to Colonel Burton set up as a stake in
a game of cards against the life of that Dashing

I Dandy, or calmly submit to become the wife of
the B ack Ca tam, whose heart may not be as
dieiformed as ' face? It remains for you to de—
0 e.

“ No, no. I will not; I will not!”

“ Will not do which, for one of the three you
must do?"

“ I dread Colonel Burton as I do a snake. I
regard Dashing Dandy too highly to ermit
him to risk his life to save me, and you, -”

She paused, and the Black Captain finished
the sentence:

“ Me, you shrink from with utter abhorrence
and abject fear. ”

“ Yes! if so you will it,” and the beautiful
face was defiant now; but the expression sud-
denly changed as a new thought flashed through
the girl’s mind.

“ I will give you the sum you ask Colonel Bur-
ton for me.” _

“ No, no; you could not raise that amount.”

“Yes, and more. for my ranch and cattle
will bring it; they are worth over ten thousand
gollags, and you can have all—only let me go

ee

“ Ten thousand dollars! Why, the sum I ask
Burton for you is ten times tha amount!”
A groan ‘broke from the girl’s lips; but, re-

e

 

govering herself quickly, she said, in a sneezing
one:

“ You are inclined to flatter; I feel _reall y
vain, after hearing what I am worth in the
eyes of an outlaw and inhuman wretch.”

“ Girl, beware! That keen tongue of yours
may get you into trouble,” said the chief, with
a menace.

“ l’pould be in no worse position than I am in
now. '

“And you will not send and ask this Dashing
Dandy to play me the game for your free-
dom?’

“ N everl I would die first.”

“ Your fate may be worse than death.”

Fircfly became livid, but she answered

m y: .

“ i will meet it, be what it may.”

“ Very well. One week from today you he—
come my wife. Ho there, Withoutl”

At his call the door opened and Afric, the
negro, entered.

“ W here is Minna?”

“ Minna is here, chief,” and the Indian wo-
man entered the room.

“This lady I place under your especial care.
If she escapes I will feed you to my dogs. Take
her to the storage-room and let her select from
the trunks there what clothing she may desire,
but day and night he by her side, though give
her the freedom of the stron hold.”

“ Minna hears," was the s mple answer, and
she motioned for Firefly to follow her.

Quietly the maiden obeyed, and the Black
Chief was left to his meditations, for he did not
seem to regard the presence of the deformed

negro. ‘
Pacin the room with slow, measured tread,
the Blue Captain muttered half aloud:

“ That girl’s pluck and defiant attitude have
carried my heart by storm, and she shall be
mine, unless she agrees that the King of Fate
shall play his life for her freedom; then I would
give her up, for I would win the game, and af-
ter killing him could gain possession of her.

“And who is this man who styles himself the
King of Fate, and who acts, from all accounts,
as though he really held fate in his hands?

“There is somethin in his face that comes
back to me out of the uried past, as a s ecter
from the grave; but that cannot be, well

know.

“And yet that he is on my truck I feel cer-
tain, but what harm I have done him I know
not, and why should I remember, after all the
wrong I have done in this world— Ah, Ninez,
you lierel how can I serve you?”

Ninez, the young lieutenant of the road-agents,
stood in the doorway, pale, and with a look of
pain upon his boyish, handsome face.

“ Send that negro awayl I wish to speak
with you.”

The words were more like a command than
a request, but excepting to look searchingly at
the youth, the chief made no reply, and motion-
ed to Afric to leave the room.

 

CHAPTER X.
A LEAF FROM THE PAST.

“ SOME ill-tidings I sup ose?” asked the chief,
indifferently. addressing inez.

“ Tidings that will jingle harshly on the ears
of the Black Ca tain. ’ was the almost insolent
rejoinder, and t 9 tone and manner caused the
outllaw leader to start, in spite of his self-con-
tro .

“The result of those fellows’negligence in be-
lieving the captive from the Traveler’s Refuge
to be dead, I suppose?"

“ No; it does not concern him, or this band;
simply yourself, myself and one other, unless
you agree to a proposition I have to make you. ”

“Boy, what ails you? Your face flushes one
moment and grows pale the next- are you ill?”

~ “Yes, at heart: but I will not clay. I over-
heard your conversation with the girl, Firefly.”

“I am surprised that you should have been
an eavesdropper; but it matters not what you
heard.”

“That we shall see, chief; but now to my

reposition: I accept the offer made to the man
known as the King of Fate: 1 will stake my hfe
against the girl on a game of cards wtth you,”

The Black Chief threw himself into a chair
and burst into a loud, rude laugh, which the
youth bore without a shade of annoyance.

“ So my lieutenant, whom I never knew to
turn his head to look at a woman before, is in
lflovgwitb that bewitching little Sathanas, Fire-

“ I Wish to repeat my offer, chief.”

“ And become my rival for the girl’s hand?”

“ If so you will it, yes. ”

“Will wonders never cease? Well, my boy,
I regret to inform you that my love is deep-
seated for the lovely maiden, while yours can
only be a temporary infatuation, from which
you will soon recover. _

“ Were we to become rivals, your dashing air
and handsome face would cut me out, and 1
would lose my bride, so I will decline all rival-
hip between us, and keep the fair maid for my-

salt.”
The Black Captain spoke in a bantering tone,

 

.a—c

which Ninez bore with remarkable calmness.
and when he had finished said in his low, mu-
sical tones:

“ But I offer to stake my life on the turn of a
card for the girl.”

“But I do not wantdyour life, my son; you
are too useful to me, an ever since you joined
the agents, a year ago, wh"n we held the road
between Denver and Central City, I have been
deeply attached to you. Were it but a assing
fancy I held for Fireflfy, I would give er up;
but, as it is, one week rom to-day she becomes
my bride; so, sever the ties that bind your
heart to her and be happy.”

“And this is your irrevocable decision?” and
the voice was low and earnest now

“ I have spoken; do not fret me,” replied the
chief, in a tone that plainly meant for the youth
to let him alone upon the subject.

“ Then, Carl Mlynard, listen to me I”

At the sound of the name " Carl Maynard,”
upon the youth’s lips, the Black Captain was
upon his feet in an instant, his eyes gleaming
through his mask, while in a voice of thunder
he cried:

“ Who are you that dares call me by that
name?”

Ninez never moved from where he stood. one
hand resting upon the table, the other thrust
into his bosom. A strange smile was upon: his
face, while in a quiet way, yet distinctly audi~
his voice he re lied:

“ I will tell you who it is, Carl Maynard
that has dared to mention your name here; will
you listen in patience, or will you fly into a.
passion, send a bullet through my brain, and
then find out for yourself who I am that con-
nects that name of years eve v ith the one who
is now known asthc Black Captain, Chief of the
Roads ents'l”

“1 Will listen; go on,” and the captain of out-
laws sunk back in his chair once more, his keen
eyes striving to recall the face before him from
those forgottcn in the past.

Clearing his throat, as though he were chok-
ing from some restrained emotion, Ninez said,
in his subdued way:

“Ten years ago a young girl, a mere child,
for, she was but eleven was riding along a
mountain road in a New ngland State, accom-
panied by her father, whose farm lay in the
valle below.

“ he horse that she rode was a new purchase
of her father’s, and a fiery animal that all fear-
ed for her to back; but from almost babyhood
a thorough rider, she begged, and her parents
weakly ielded.

“On t 3 top of the mountain the road divid-
ed, one running down to the valley, and the
other along the ridge to—”

“ How am I interested in this nursery story?
Write it out and send it to the Sunday-school
Gazette,” broke in the Black Captain, rudely.

“ You said you would be patient.”

“ Go on i" was the grad rejoinder, and Ninez
continued: .

“ The other road ran along the ridge until it
broke off in a precipice four hundred feet down
to the river below, and where there was a, rus-
tic arbor for parties to come and behold the
grand scene for miles around.

“At the oint where the roads diverged, a
huge owl, rightened by the_ near approach of
human beings, and at t _e ringing lau hter of
the little rl. flapped its wings, an with a
frightenedfioot flew into the dense forest.

‘ With a. bound the startled horse, ridden by
the girl, sprung a‘w’ay unmanageable, and sped
like he wind along the ridge road, while the
unnerved parent dare not attempt to follow,
and could only await the dread result, and raise
his voice in prayer for God to save his child.

“In vein the girl tugged at the reins; her
strength was not felt against the iron jaws of
the frightened animal. and, knowmg well the
precipice ahead, she resigned herself to her fate,
when she beheld b the roadside a man leaning
upon his rifle, and ying at his feet a huge dog.

“Like the wind she sped by, acry for help
upon her lips. _

“The man had heard the rapid] falling hoof—
strokes, saw the flying steed, and are not move
for fear he would bound aside and hurl his frail
rider to the ground: but, as the animal fled by
him. the gir heard one cry from his lips:

“ ‘Afrer him, Satan, and pull him down l’

“ A loud yelp the girl also heard, a pattering
of feet, and then, in spite of the mad speed of
the horse, a dark object bounded‘hy, sprung in-
to the air and fastened his glitterin teeth into
the nostrils of the now frantic stee .

“Madly did the horse strive to shake loose
the deadly gripe of the huge dog; it was useless,
and after a fierce struggle he stood still, trem-
bling, bleeding, and frightened terribly.

“Just then the dog’s master dashed u and
received the form of the now thorough y un-
nerved child in his arms.

“Do you remember this_scene chief?”

“I do; but what laws on to do with it?”

“ Be patient and you s all hear.

“Remembering the scene I have described,
you will also recall the joy of the poor father,
and that the man who saved her I fe, through
his great, nobledog, went to the farmer’shouse,
and there rammed for days, for he was merely

\

or.

9Q

pistol revered her

 

Dashing Dandy.

9

 

visiting those old New England bills for a few
weeks of pleasure with rifle and rod.

“You will also remember that adversity fell
upon that old farmer. and with all he possessed
iii the world he emigrated westward, carrying
with him his family, which consisted of his wife
and two children, the little girl before referred
to, and her sister, a maiden of eighteen, who
had just been taken from a fashionable boar' -
ing—school in Boston, to hide herself with her
parents in a wild border home.

“You will remember, chief, that one night,
as the emigrant train was encamped on the
banks of a small stream, and the camp was joy-
ous with music and song. a band of Indians
rushed in upon them, and instantly a scene of
horror followed.

“The old farmer, the father of those two
girls, fought like a tiger at boy; but he saw his
with full (lend by his side, and all would have
been slain, had not succor arrived, for half a
dozen gallant horsemen— the Scouts of the
Plains, they called themselves—came bravely
to the rescue, and the Indians were put to
flight, but oh! what a red record left they be-
hiiid them!

“And the leader of this rescuing party was
the same splendid-looking man Who ha , two
years before, saved the little girl from a terri-

le death in old New England.

“ Gladly was he welcomed by the 01d farmer
and with almost delirious joy did the little 
receive him, for, child though she was, er
pearl; had gone forth to him with idolatrous af-

eciion.

“With tender hands the forms of the poor
mother, and the others slain, were placed in
that lonely motto on the river side, and again
the train of emigrants moved on, the Scouts ac-
compan ing them. '

"An each day the little lovesick girl wept
bitter tears, as s e saw her brave lover grow
fender and fender of her beautiful sister.

“ At length, in a. lovely valley, a settlement
was made, cabin homes were built. and peace
seemed to at last come for the wanderers, who
had been forcrd to give up their lovely farm in
New England—peace to all except that wee

'rl, that little child-woman, who saw her idol
3 pping out of her grasp, and the one who was
drawing it from her, her dearly-loved sister.

“ At length, chief, rumors were afloat in that
peaceful valley that the brave captain of Scouts
was not all that he should be, for men told how
he visited the upper settlements and gambled
heavdy, and on several occasions had taken hu-
man life without the slightest cause, while oth-
ers plainly asserted that he was the secret lead-
er of a band of desperadoes.

“ The farmer. hearing these reports, forbade
his daughter to speak to him again; but love
held her too strongly in its iron bonds, and she
fled from her home by night, with the man she
so dearly loved' fled, none knew whither.

“In despair the heart-broken father followed,
and in anguish of sorrow the little daughter re-
mained in her lonely home: remained until her
father was brought back sorely wounded, and
her sister was brought back dead.

“The father had pursued and overtaken the
fugitiws; high word; had followed; pistols
were drawn, and throwing herself forward to
protect the life of her lover, the maiden receiv-
e 1 the bullet in her heart—the bullet aimed by
her own father at the man who had stolen from
him his dearly'loved child.

“,Beneath the willows the maiden was laced
in her lonely grave, and for days and woe s the
life of the farmer was despaired of. his only
remaining child hanging over his illow until
at length he was restored to healt ; to health
of bod yes, but not of mind, for the grim spec-
ters o the ast were ever before him, and the
deepest grie welled up from his heart, until at
len th he went mad. -

“ hen what hope had that little girl in life?

“None: and yes, shehoped for reven e, and
one day fled from her desolate home to no the
man upon whom to visit her vengeance for all
that had happened to take the sunlight out of
her life.

“After long and weary years of tracking
him, in which she suffered untrfld hardships,
sorrows and misery, she found him; yes, found
him. one year 11%;:

“ And how? h , in a mad broil one night
over a gaming-tab e (for she gambled to get
money to accomplish her ends), the man she
sought saved her life, by killing the one whose
heart.”

“ Great Godl Inez Vau haul and in you I be-
hold that supposed yout Whose life Isaved?”
and the Black Captain was upon his feet once
more, his form trembling, his voice quivering.

“Yes, I am Inez Vaughan.”

 

CHAPTER XI.
AT BAY. -

Fort. some moments -after this startling an.
nouncemeiit the Black Captain seemed over-
whelmed with surprise, and there was something
in his nervous manner that proved he was deep-
ly moved. _

Calm and silent, Ninez, as I will still call the

 

supposed youth, stood regarding his chief, his
face ale, his lips compressed, and a look of
pain in his dark eyes. ‘ _

“In the devil’s name how did you disguise
yourself so that I failed to know you?” sud only
asked the chief, as though troubledfihat his
keen vision had not penetrated the dis _ise of
the one who had so persistently tracked 1m.

“You wear a far deeper disginse, Carl May-
nard; but 1 penetrated it: I know your form,
thou h your face was hidden.

“ ith me, I was a happy child of twelve when
you saw me, and yet felt myself a woman even
then for I loved.

“ inco then eight years have passed, and my
face has had stamped upon it the sorrows
have known and t 9 scenes through which I
have gone. ”
th“ But you were a blue-eyed little blonde

en?’

“ True; but my face is stained; my eyes have
turned nearly black with hateand passion, and
this black Wig hides my golden ringlets, as this
masculine attire does my form.”

“True, even now I would hardly know you;
and you have sought, me all these years to re-
venge yourself upon me?” and the man’s voice
drop ed to a low and musical softness.

“ es, I sought you to kill you,” was the de-
termined response.

“ I did not kill your sister, Ninez.”

“ In your false throat you lie! Your not
killed her, for it made my father take the life
of his idolized child, and sent him to become
the associate of howling maniacs. So. you,
that these crimes lie not upon your he l” and
there was a trembling of the vows that showed
the deepest feeling suppressed.

“ Yes indirectly I was the cause.”

“And more, Carl Maynard—”

“ Hold i that name belongs to the past; breathe
it not here.”

"Ha! ha! for it brin uptoo hideous spec-
ters from the gravel ell, so be it: let it 
puried with thoae who once loved it—your uo-
zms.

“But, hear me now, and see whether I have
cause of revenge.”

“I am all attention, my sweet flower of the
New England hills, whose transplanting has
made her a thorn of the prairies,’ and the old
sneering tone, habitual to the crime-stained
man had returned to him.

“ I will tell you chief that since I have been
a. member of this delectable band of road-agents
I have discovered from some of the members
that you it was who attacked that. emigrant-
train; you had disguised our minions as In-
dians, and made them rus ugpn that quiet en-
campment, and then came to t e rescue, to gain
favor with the settlers, that you might, in the
and, more fully accomplish your purfise of
pillaging their homes and destroying the f -
1 ies.

“Such was my purpose, and I succeeded,”
was the unblushing remark.

“ Yes. and to you, therefore, I owe my poor
mother’s death, as I do the murder of'my sister
Adele, and the madness of my father."

“Three good causes for revenge, I admit,”
was the sarcastic res onse.

“ Yes. three terrl lo reasons why I should
have tracked on for years, forgetting my sex,
hidingm so under the orb of a man, min-
gling wit all classes of c inc-stained wretchss,
and undergoing everything to bring you toyour
just doom. ’

“ And you desired to kill me?”

“ Yos.’

“ Why have you waited for one long your?”

Nluez started, and a tremor shook the slender
form but the lips made no reply.

“ Flor a year you have been most constant-
ly with me: we have been alone together, and,
not fearing you, I have laid down and slept:
why did you not kill me then?”

Still no answer. .

“ Often I have thwarted you; been cruel
where you were 7mercifu1, and once I cursed
you bitterly, for allowing a prisoner to escape
—an old man I held for ransom: why did you
not kill me then?”

A minute of silence followed, and then from
the irl’s lips broke the cry:

“ ecause I lovedé/ou !”

“ Loved me! love one who had brought only
ruin and death upon those who were dear to
you i” sneered the man. ‘

“Ay, loved you, Carl Maynard; I loved you
because you saved me from being dashed to
death years ago. Ahl. had I only led then in
innocent childhood!

“I loved you, because, as I believed, you
came to our rescue the night of the Indian at-
tack on our camp.

“I loved you for all you a peered to me,
ever good,_ever true; but, myi 01 was shatter-
ed, aud still I loved it, thou h I knew‘that my
sister worshiped the one I di ; loved on when
you became stained with the blood 9 my own
kindred; but I so ht revenge, and, oh! the
tortures that I had in my heart for yen, when
we should meet.

“At last we met, and on saved my life, and .

my hatred went out wit one {glance into your
face, for it brought  the o d—time look, and

 

I forgot the hearts crumbling to dust, the brain
on fire with grief in a mad-house.

“ To school myself against that returning
love I accepted your olI'er and came with you
to your devilish haunts, and determined to see
how evil was your life.

“ Ahl it was far worse than any crime-stain-

ed soul could believe, and I determined to act;
to kill you, but to let you know by whose hands
you died. .
“ ut, alas! the frailty of a woman’s vows
against the man she has idolizedl I could not
kill you, and in spite of all your crimes against
me and mine I loved you still.”

The unhappy woman dropped into a chair
and buried her face in her hands, while her
form shock with sobs.

The chief 1gazed upon her for a moment, and
half drew is revolver while dark thoughts
flashed throu h his mind to then and there and
all danger to imsclf- but changing his fiendish
resolution, he raised is hand from the istol-
butt, and said, as the paroxysm of grief egan
to wear off:

“And would you kill me now, Ninez!”

“No! and yesl” ‘

“That is a paradoxical way of answering;
make it clear, please to my obtuse mind."

“No, if you do as I wish; es, if you refuse "
and the eyes burned brig tly through their
fears.

“ Name the terms of my life,” and the Black
Captain laughed lightly.

“ You now know that one who will kill you is
upon your path :—will you stake the girl, Fire-
fly, a ainst my life?"

“-T s green-eyed monster of jealousy, by all
that’s holy!” cried the chief, seemingly highly

pleased.

“Call it so for I swear that ’ nu shall never
drag that girl down to shame.”

“ 5 your desire to protect her caused by our
love of right, or a desire to prevent me rom
bestowing my affections upon another women
than ourselfl—for as you have confessed your
love or me, surely I can ask this question with-
out seeming vanity."

“fie you please: she shall not become your

“And for her release you offer to play me a
ganged“ gards, staking your life if you lose 3”

“You are a splendid hand with the paste-
boards Niuez, and it would be a close game;
but if I won I would take your life as coolly as
I did that of Kansas Ike, this morning, and then
have the girl, too.”

“Yes there is the risk I run; but I’ll chance
it, for Flute ma aid me, as it does that splendid
man, the Dash ng Dandy.”

“I’ve a notion to risk it; but no, I will not,
for I don’t want your life, and I do Wlsh to
make Firefly m bride.

“Now, how 0 we stand toward each other—
are on still to lieutenant?”

“ es: butl you persist in your determina-
tion tomarry that girl, I swear to you that I
shall kill you and re ease her.”

“ What! do you dare met”

. "Idol"

Like a flash two pistols were leveled, each
ominous muzzle covering a. heart: the one, the
heart of a man, the other, the heart of a wo-
man.

 

CHAPTER XII.
“ HOLD HARD! UP wrrn You. tunnel”

Ir was a startling icture, those two facing
each other with dead y intent.

The tall, muscular form of the Black Captain
5 head and shoulders above the slender, but
wiry ll of Ninez. and the face of the one
filled w th determination, the face of the other
hidden beneath that black steel mask.

The tiny hand of the (girl grasped firmly the
butt of her revolver, an her finger, without a.
tremor rested upon the trigger, as her a o
glanced along the barrel with sure and den y

m.

The black auntlet-gloved hand of the chief
held his revo ver without the quiver of a nerve,
and his aim was ever too true to doubt that the
bullet would fail to find the heart it sought.

Should they fire together both must fall;
should the finger of one move it would be the
signal for two re arts, and well each knew it.

Thus they at bay for full a moment; the
man not willing to take . the chances of the
shots, though caring nothing for the woman’s
lif

’Ii‘he woman not wishing to kill unless driven
to t.

The one would utter no word from pride in his
manhood; the other would offer no terms from
defiance.

Suddenly the door opened and in walked the
deformed negro, Afnc.

He betrayed no suripriso at what he saw, and
if he had heard all t at had passed within the
room he showed no sign of it.

Without a word he walked between those,

two, the chief and his lieutenant, and fearless)
placed his hu hands over the muzzle of eac
revolver, :- as them at the same time up-
ward, whi e be said, in unmoved tones;
“Chief, the guard has arrived with timin-

l0

Dashing Dandy.

 

formation that the stage-coach has passed
Dead Man’s Truce.”

“Good! then there is no time to lose. Lieu-
tenant Ninez, gather the men and await me at
the rocky pass,” and the Black Captain spoke in
an ordinary tone, and thrust his revolver back
into his belt, though he gave a sigh as of re-

lief.

And, as though the two had stood in innocent
tableau, the girl was equally as cool, replying
in an indifferent tone:

“ All right, sir; I will have the men ready;
do you take all?”

“ N 0, half a dozen are suflicient with our-
selvss, for I do not anticipate resistance.”

Without another word Ninez left the room;
but, before going out of the cabin walked over
to the chamber where Firefly and her Indian
guard were quartered.

Boldly knocking at the door, it was opened
by Minna.

“ Where is the maiden?”

“ Yonder by the window. ”

Comin to her Ninez said, in a tone of hope:

“ Be c eerful, for no harm shall befall you
hege, and soon you shall be free; I have sworn
it.

Firefly sprung to her feet, and ladly would
she have expressed her thanks to t e supposed
handsome youth; but, without another word,
the one who had filled her heart with hope turn-
ed‘ Pi? left “1131.903; t?” k d Fir fl 1

.innawms a ase ey,eager.

“ Lieutehant to the chief.” y

“ He is strangely youn and handsome, to be
a leader of rude men. 0 seems like one who
would fear scenes of carna e.”

“ Ninez dovs not fear the vil Spirit; he has a
good heart,b':t he is a devil, the men say, if
his heart is an ry.”

“Did you be 1‘ what he told me?”

“ Minna has ears.”

“ And will he keep his word?”

“ Minna. watches the Firefly; he cannot.”

“And on are but a woman, a slave of the
chief, an be a leader. ”

“Minna loves the chief : she will kill the Fire-
fly before she would. break her word.”

Firefly said no more; she knew the Indian na-
ture too well to believe that anything in the
i:Eirld would make her guard faithless to her

st.

Turning to the window her eyes fell upon
the young lieutenant, mounted upon a snow-
white mustang, cantering down toward the
cabins of the outlaws.

A moment after she beheld the Black Captain
ride in the same direction, astride of his splen-
did black steed, and still gazing after them, she
watched the party of eight men, for the chief
was joined by N iuez and the six agents Selected
for the expedition, go OR at a. rapld gallop and
disappear over a spur in the mountains.

Continuing at a swift pace the chief and his
followers passed out of he outlaws’ valley re-
treat and came to alofty ak of the mountain
which some terrible revo ution of nature had
rent in twain, leavinga chasm some hundred
feet in de th and five in width. '

Throug this narrow crevice, which was long
and w inding, for it extended through the dense
hill of rock, the arty continued, until they en-
countered a roc y barrier, behind which stood
a man on guard.

“ She’s comin’ a-b’ilin’, capt’in; she just toot-
ed her horn awhile since at ther buryin’-
ground,” said the sentinel to the Black Captain
and referring to the spot where a score 0
graves marked the scene of road-agent attacks
upon the stage-coach. .

“That devil’s cub, Hank Holbrook, must be
drivin then, for no other fool would have the
brava o to blow his bugle in these mountains,”
said the Black Captain.

“ He mout hev a hornets’ nest inside ther
hearse to—day, and be anxious ter hev us stir
’em 11 ,” suggested one of the outlaws.

“ I his coach was filled with soldiers I would
stop it to-day, for, besides the treasure, it bears
one I am in need of. Come!”

He urged his horse over the barrier, and lead-
ing the way through the thicket of mountain
pines, soon took up a position that was advan-
tageous for an attack upon the coming coach.

lacing his men in ppsitions where he wanted
them and calling to inez to accompany him,
the black Captain took refuge behind a. huge
bowlder at the side of the road, and which in
pfasing the coach must come within ten feet
0 .
He gave no orders, for the lieutenant and all
seemed well drilled and understood fully what
was expected of them. '

Presently the windin of the stagehorn was
again heard, and plave by no mean musician,
for its notes rose an fell with cadence on the
air, penetrating the dark deflles and forest, and
floating far away in melody.

“That fellow is bold to-day,” muttered the
Black Captain, and his eyes were bent u on the
curve of the narrow road, around w ich' he
knew the stage must soon dash in view, for that
it was coming on at a rattlin pace was evident
from the rapid hoof-falls of t 9 horses’ feet and
rolling of the heavy wheels.

An instant more and it Swept around the

 

curve at a swift trot, and Hank Holbrook held
the ribbons, for it was his boast that he could
drive his teams from one station to another and
never touch the reins, and he was determined
not to lay off more than one trip on account of
the slight wound in his arm.

“As I expected: that accursed Holbrook is
driving, and, by Heaven! my human game is
on the ox by his side. ”

The Black Captain spoke with suppressed joy,
and his eyes burned as they fell upon the person
who was now seen not only to be seated by the
side of Hank Holbrook but was also driving,
and holding the lines, too, with consummate
skill, while the “Prince of the Ribbons” sat
quietly at ease smoking a cigar.

“He is in undress uniform, and a. stranger to
me ” said N inez, quietly. ‘

‘ Yes, he is a major of cavalry in the United
States army, and not a stranger to me; but, be
read , for they are upon us,” and as the
Blue Captain spoke he gave a low whistle
that placed his concealed men on their guard.

Another moment and his deep, commanding
tones cut the air:

“ Hold hard! Up with your hands l”

It was evident that both Hank Holbrook and
the one who was driving were taken by sur—
prise, not expecting an attack from the road:
agents so soon after their last escapade, and the
major, as the Black Captain had said he was,
jerked the whip from its holster, as if to rush
the team over all opposition.

But, Hank Holbrook, who had halted at the
startling command then issued a hundred of
times and knew well the danger of disobeying,
called out g’uickly:

“ Whoa!

The well-trained six-in-hand halted like sol-
diers on parade; in fact they had slackened
their pace at the voice of the Black Captain,
having learned by experience what the words
meant.

“Down from that box, both of you, and lie
on our faces!”

uch was the next order of the Black Cap
tain and Hank Holbrook called back:

“'You bet, in festive pard; I’m obe in’ or-
ders” now, seein as how yer has ther rop on
me.

“No, let us resist, and not be overpowered
without a blow in our defense,” protested the
officer.

“Pard, yer is every bit a man, I’m swearin’
to, but yer hain’t no chance here, fer yer don’t
git a squint o’ yer inemy,” said Hank.

“Down with you, or you die!”

There was no doubting the sincerity of this
command, and realizing how utterl hel less
they were against their nvisible foe, he 0 cer

e dad, and as he and Hank reached the ground
wo men sprung forward, presenting rifles to
their heads.

“ You did well not to resist. Major Tarleton,
I greet you, sir,” and the Black Captain fol-
lowed by Ninez, walked up and confronted the
oflicer and driver.

“That voice I have heard before. Your cow-
ard face you dare not show "said Ma 'or Tar-
leton boldly, while the Black Captain aughed,
and Hank said: '

“Better not chin to ’em, pard; they isn’t
angils in this gang.”

“ My face you shall see, my dear major, be-
fore we gart company again—I heard of ]four
coming y this route, and came especia y to
greet you at the same time feelin a lonfifig to
see the shining product of Good an’s ch
now that it has been coined into gold-pieces of
a market value.”

“In Satan’s name, how did or know I car-
ried sick a treasure? broke in link Holbrook.

“I know many things, Hank, my boy that

on little suspec ; but, ow is your arm? ’ and

e chief spoke in a mock sympathetic tone.

“It are gettin’ well, curse yer; how’s ther
bad citizens o’ yer lgang ther King 0’ Fate
made stiffs of?” reck essly blurted out Hank,
forgetting that he had just given the major ad-
vice to be careful in his speech.

“ Their bodies lie in the ground back yonder;
their souls are doubtless on the road to rdi-
tion, where they belong; but, that remin 3 me
to send a message to that dare-devil dandy who
calls himself the Ki of Fa "and the chief
spoke without any ex ibition of anger.

“ I’ll take yer messa , an’, maybe he’ll fetch
ther answer back hi’se f, for he hain’t easy out-
done in a. case 0’ politeness.” .

“So I have heard; but tell him from me that
having heard of his skill in cards, I wish to play
him a game, staking my life 'nst his, and
meeting him anywhere he may esig'nate, if he
will pledge me his honor, I w' lnot be molested
by any one if I win the game.”

This astounding Iproposition took both the
ma’or and Hank olbrook by rise, it was
so ull of desperate daring; but the latter said:

“I’ll Spit it out ter him, ‘ist as yer’ve give it
ter me, an’ what I forgits her major here will
remember.”

“Pardon me, but the major remains as my
guest ” was the cool reply.

“ hat mean you, villain?” cried Major
Tarleton angrily. '

“Simply what I say; for a while you are to

 

remain my guest, by force of circumstances,
 it is wholly out of your power to con-
ro.

The officer glanced at the man before him,
and then looked into the rifle muzzles coverin
him, and in spite of all seemed as though abou
to take the recklessly desperate chances of a
struggle; but, as if divining his motive, the
chic called out in a loud tone:

“ Show yourselves, road-agents l”

The four other outlaws immediately stepped
into view, and the hopelessness of resistance at
once presented itself to the major, while Hank
said, in his blunt way:

‘f He’ll bleed yer pocket sure, pard, but he
hain’t a-goin’ ter kill yer; he dare not, as ther
sogers would come an’ make wads 0’ him for
their muskits.”

“In the name of Heaven! who are you?”
burst from the lips of Hugh Tarleton.

“Men call me the Black Captain.”

“_And is your face as black as ourcrime-
stained heart?” fearlessly said the o oer.

“I will show you,” was the unmoved reply,
and once again hat black steel mask was rais-
ed, revealing the hideously-deformed face, that
brought even a cry of horror from the lips of
Hank Holbrook, and caused Ninez to shrink
back, while the outlaws, who never had seen
their chief unmasked, seemed deeply moved.

“Such a face is the index to a. soul so black
as yours ” came from the lips of Major Tarle-
ton as, aving given that momentar glance
at his hideous features, the chief rep aced the
visor, and remarked:

“ Do you think so, major? Well, we will not

uarrel now,” and allnoticed the emphasis upon
t 8 last word.

Then turning to Hank he continued:

,“ What passengers have on, Holbrook?”

“Exceptin’ the major, her pilgrims ain’t
much on this trip; been runnin’ light since yer
cavorted down on us t’other day; got a miner
inside, a J ew peddler, an’ a antiquated 'lgrim
I picked u a. few miles back seein’ aegis was
carryin’ a eavy load, and looked a leetle like
my ole father in Vermount, God bless ther poor
ole man I” '

“ Well, the box of gold twenties and tens will
do, along with the major: but come, Ninez,
we’ll have a look at the passen ers.”

The Black Captain, as he spo e, and with is-
tol in hand, stepped toward the stage door, i-
nez by his side; but, suddenly, it was thrown
open, and an old man sprung out, the bullet
for: the chief’s pistol whizzing above his

ea .

For once the aim of the Black Captain had
been untrue; but no wonder, for with a cry
upon his lips, and strainin eyes, he had started
back, the cry echoed by max, who also sprung
Eggkward, as thougB from the sting of an

er.

 

CHAPTER XIII.
THE DIAMOND somramm.

BEFORE any word of explanation could be
oflered of the strange conduct of the Black
Chief and his lieutenant, at sight of the man
who had sprun from the coach, a piercing
ringing cry was card, and around the curve 0
the road swept a party of horsemen, riding like
the wind. _

In the advance rode two men well known to
the reader, for they were Dashing Dandy and
XVilll Cody, the Prince of Pony Express Ri-

ers

Behind these came Lasso Dan and Steel Grip,
and bringing up the rear were none other than
Leo West, t e supposed youth, and Lem Brig-
ham the Colorado Scout.

All had their revolvers drawn, and coming
on like a whirlwind were a desperate band to
mee .

And so seemed to think the Black Chief and
his followers, for they bounded to their former
places of concealment, sprung upon their horses
and, firing as they retreated, sought to fin
cover in the mountain fastnesses, Dashing Dan—
dy and his followers in hot pursuit.

Come, ma'or, lets us lig t out; 'they’ll ’tend
to ’em,” yelle Hank Holbrook, springing to the
stag]: box nimbly. _ _

‘ . at we will jom in the pursuit,” cried the
major.

“ No, you’re afoot-could do no good. Come
I must git on; lock out within thar, pilgrims!"
and Hank seized the reins, while Hugh Tarle-
ton leaped to his side on the box.

“ Hoe lal ’n ’em Hell Columb , Dandy!
sailm, an! own with ’em, Steel ripl touch
up ther leaders, ards, never mind ther wheel-
horses,” yelled ank, nearly wild, as he saw
the Black Captain and Ninez about to disap-
pear in a clump of pines, the four men follow-
ing close behind, and Dashing Dandy and his
followers yet a long way off.

Instantly the Kin of Fate rained his horse
back upon his haunc es, threw forward his re-
volver, and for an instant steed and rider look-
ed like a splendid statue; then followed the
flash and report, and out of his saddle fell
Ninez, while his horse and comrades bounded
on.
“ Hoopla! that’s the music! you’re a terror,
Dandy,’ and still shouting his approbation

‘1

Dashing Dandy.

 

11

 

Hank Holbrook drove away at a. slapping pace
on the way to Good Man’s Gulch. perfectly will-
ing to leave the settlement of the difficulty to
the King of Fate and the good men and true
that were with him.

Had the Black Captain known the paucity of
numbers with the King of Fate he would have
stood his ground and risked a fight, for he was
no man to avoid a difliculty; but he expected a
large force, and his men had before known the
deadly aim and desperate courage of the man
they beheld rushing;r upon them, and they were
in no mood to linger.

When the shot of Dashing Dandy brought
Ninez from his saddle the Black 01 Jtain half-
checked his own horse, for there flas ed across
him a desire to avenge the one whom, as his
lieutenant, he had learned to love; but one
glance proved to him that he must remain
alone, for his men were wild with fright, and
were driving the points of their bowie—knives
into their horses to urge them on.

Splendidly mounted, Iron Heart went ahead
of is followers, and thrice again he brought
down an outlaw with his unerring aim, which
distance did not cause to falter, and he held
high hope of overtaking the Black Captain, not
knowing that the s lendid animal he rode was
held in check byt e chief, who would not de—
sert his men.

For half a mile the hot chase and pursuit con-
tinued, and then the Black Captain and his re«
maining men dashed into the narrow chasm,
urged their horses over the barrier of large
rocks and were safe.

Iron Heart saw at a glance that further pur-
suit was fruitless, and expecting an attack by
the whole outlaw force, for he knew not how
air away was the stronghold, he slowly with-

ew.

“I guesses as how I’ll inwestigate ther pock-
ets 0’ this cold meat,” said Lem Brigham, dis
mounting at the side of one of the outlaws.

“No, Lem, do not rob the dead, no matter
how vile; but let us bury them," said the King
of Fate.

“ It are your game, ca t’in, an’ you hev
brought ’em down beautifu ; but I guesses yer
is right about keepin’ hands out 0’ dead men’s
pockets,” and, as if to console himself, he added:

“ I never found nothin’in no outlaw’s pocket
yet, ’ceptin’ ’twas a Penitentiary Bible.”

“An what is that, Lem?” asked Leo West,
who was very pale, for he had not fully recov-
ered from the severe adventures he had. gone
throu h the night before. ' '

“ aal, you calls itapack o’keerds I reck-
on; but come, Dan, you an’ Steel Grip help me
put these fellers under ground.”

The three men at once set to work, and in the
soft earth beneath the pim soon had a shallow
grave dug, into which the bodies of Ninez and
the two dead outlaws were quickly thrown.

“ Guess the is comin’, pards,” said Lasso Dan,
as a distant 5 out was heard coming from the
direction of the pass, and throwing in a little
more earth the rou hz but noble-hearted border-
men rung u on t eir horses and rode on after
Iron eart, t e Pony Prince, and Leo West,
who were waiting for them at the spot where
the stage had been halted.

“It were madness to risk a fight with their
whole force, in friends so we will return to
the Gulch, an b strategy and cunning yet
circumvent the B ack Captain and his band,”
said Iron Heart.

“Yes, and I am already late by delaying to
{pin you in this little scrimmage; but, as the

x of gold on the coach belonged to the Pony
Express Co., ess they’ll forgive me for the de-
lay ” replied ill Cody, and, putting spurs to
his orse, the Pony Prince went off like a shot
ffillowe‘d more leisurely by the remainder of
t e par y.

Hardly had silence and solitude fallen again
upon the scene broken by the attack on the
stage-coach, when a man peered cautious] over
a rock, and seeing no one near stepped on from
his place of concealment. .

It was the old man, whose appearance as he

rung from the stage-coach, seemed to so star-

t e both the Black Captain and his lieutenant,

and who had, in the exciting incidents that fol-
lowed, escaped unperceived to the shelter of the
rocks, and had been left there by Hank Hol-
brook, who believed him inside the coach.

A man of fine physique erect and powerful,
although his long hair an beard were gray: he
bore on his back a knapsack, or ack which he

seemed not to notice the weight 0 , and strapped

to it was a serviceable rifle, while he also wore
a belt of arms. ‘

Dressed in a rough suit of woolen shirt, dark
pants, heavy miner’s boots, and worn hat, he

did not apps” like one too well ofl in this

world’s 0 and might have been mistaken
for an o d eddler, were it not that there was
something in his face that showed he was not

one to struggle for more dollars and cents.

And there was a. something else in his face
which could not fail to attract the attention of
the most superficial observer, a there was an
intensity of sadness in the eyes, and an uneasy,
nervous manner that was pitiful to behold.

Now, as he crept out from the shelter of the

he gazed cautiously around him, and

 

then started oil’ through the open space, as
though he dreaded to be seen.

Suddenly he stopped and stared intently be-
fore him, and his features moved convulsively.

It was the newly-turned up earth of the out-
laws’ grave that attracted his attention, and for
full a moment he gazed as though dreading the
fateful s ot.

Then 6 stepped cautiously forward, for his
eyes were riveted upon an obJect lying out upon
the rich earth.

It was a human hand.

Yes, a small, shapely hand, and upon the lit-
tle finger limmered a spark that burned
brightly in t e rays of the declining sun.

With scared manner the old man approached
and looked down into the half-filled grave, in
which is three bodies, the one last thrown in
baitin t 9 form of Ninez, the outlaw lieuten-
an .

Raising the hand, to place it reverently in
the liave, the old man started and dropped it
qmc; y.

Then he again took it up and laid his hand
ppon the pulse, while two words broke from his

ips:
“ He lives!”

The sparkling gem, a large and brilliant dia-
mond, strangely set in gold caught his eye, and
he glanced closely at it for a moment, and
then with a deep moan fell forward upon his
face, his head ban 'ng over the 0 en grave.

A moment he ay there as t ough uncon-
scious; then he rose upon his knees, and with
mad energy be an tearing the earth from the
body with his s rong fingers.

As he bent there at his work his eyes were
wild, his lips murmuring incoherentl y, and with
the earth thrown rapid y each side of him, he
looked more like a beast than human seeming
like a juckal robbing the grave of its dead.

At length the earth was cleared from the

body, and seizin‘g the form in his-powerful-

arms he held it o and gazed into the dirt-be~
grinned, motionless face.

Then a wild, heart-rending cry broke from
his lips, and clasping the form in his arms he
turned and fled from the spot with the speed of
a frightened deer, bounding over rocks and logs
that obstructed his path, and rushingown the
mountain side to disc. pear in the k forest
that la in the valley low.

Har ly had he gone from view when a long,
dismal howl was heard and, as the evening
shadows deepened, a skulking wolf crept out 0
his rocky lair; then another and another, until
a score were visible—switching their tails, their

noses raised in the air as they sniffed the scent -

of human blood, and their hungry jaws opened
to 've vent to their howls of Joy at the feast
be ore them.

With stealthy tread they approached the
open grave, where lay the two outlaws, and a
moment after they were snarling, fighting, yelp-
ing as they tore into atoms the sti ening forms
a; téie two road-agents of the Black Captain’s

n . -

 

CHAPTER XIV.
IRON nmm’s vow.

WHEN the stage rolled into Good Man’s Gulch
and Hank Holbrook made known to the crowd
of idlers, and interested parties, who invariably
are on hand to greet its arrival, (for the coming
of the coaches of the Overland Route was an
important event in those days) the attack that
ha been made 11 n them, and its frustration
by the timely val of Iron Heart and his
party, a rent excitement followed, and the
willing Prince of the Ribbons was importuned
over and over again for the story to be repeat-
ed, which he did with marvelous additions-rat
each re etition. ‘

“I to er, pards,” he began for the fgurth
time, after aving“surroundeda lasso’ ’izen”
he was treated to b Jim Smith, t e lan 0rd of
the Refuge; “I to yer, pards,thet road are
gittin’to be dun ersome,‘ an’ther acts 0’ ther
films is really comin monotonous, ef yer

11 believe me; but of yer’d seen ’em take to
ther hills when ther King 0’ Fate come a-hum
in’ it down ther road, you’d ’a’ been please
same as you’d been tickled with a feather, for it
war interestin’, I’ll swear.

“Yer see, when ther order come for us to
throw up our han’s, mine went up—you kin
gamble on it they did; but ouder plucky sol-
dier, he were for oin’straig t through an take
ther chances, for e’s game clean thro h, an’
he were drivm’, seein’ e hain’t no alone with
ther ribbons, an’ it do hurt my wound al eetlo
to hold ’em- but, I sings out “Whoa I’ an’ of
course them hosses stops at my voice, an’ then
ther agints shows ’emselves, ther durned Black
Capt’in tellin’ us thet he knowed 0’ that box 0’
duckits we had alon , an’ also sayin’ as how he
was oin’ tor take ajor Tarleton—thet’s what
he 0 led ther han’some soldier—in his hes in’.

“I’m sartin them two men has not be ore,
but ther ma'or says he doesn’t remember seein
ther Black bapt’in, who, I’m tellin’ yer truth,
giv’ us a squint at his face; and, oh Lordyl
what a face; he looks as though he’d had it
sliced up with a bowie, for it are cut all to
pieces and ther grinnin’ teeth looked awful,
seein’as how he had no lips over 'eml I tell yer,

 

pards, it made me sick, an’ it’s no wonder he
wears a mask to hide it. Durned of it won’t
skeer the devil when he calls him u for jedg-
ment. But, as I was a-sayin’, par s, it w’ud
have been bad for ther duckits, ther major, and
ther pilgrims in ther ole hearse of Dandy an’
his boys hedn’t come along, an’ t on yer should
’a’ seen fur fly; it were a caution ter cata-
mounts, I tell yer.”

“And the ole man—what 0’ him?” asked a
listener.

“Thar were another mistery, for when that
ole pilgrim, what I had picked up on ther road
seein’ as how helooked played out, put his head
out o’ ther hearse, ther Black Captain an’ ther
han’some youngster with him seemed all broke
up; but jist then ther boys dashed roun’ther
curve, an’ ther music begun, so I lost sight 0’
ther old ’un, and what came of him I’ll never
tell yer; by hunky! yonder comes ther Pony
Prince now.”

As Hank spoke the forms of the Pony Prince
and his horse were seen, coming on toward the
Gulch at a lightning speed, and soon after he
dashed up to the station, and was greeted with
a wild yell of joy.

“What news, Will? Does ther boys need
help back yonder?” asked one of the men.

‘ Oh, no; we run them to their lair, and then
retreated, after Dashing Dandy brought down
their lieutenant and two of his cutthroats: the
King is comin , along with Dan and the rest of
them; but I te you, it will be risky riding and
driving over those mountains, until the Black
Captain and his band are called in,” declared
the Pony Prince. - '

“You is speakin’ Gospil writ, Cody, an’ I
for one am Willin’ togo Withabnnd 0’ miners an’
clean ther agents out,” said a. stout little miner.

“And I. ”

“I’m or honey,” and half a. hundred other
voices c imed in, until it was evident that any
number of brave men could be raised to wage
war against the Black Captain and his hand.

“There comes my strange pard, the Dashi
Dandy; he’ll make a good captain,” exclaim

Will Codi.

“Ag, t er King will be ther captain an’ ther
Pony rince the ootenent; hooray I” yelled the
stout miner, and as Iron Heart and his party
dashed up the crowd surrounded him, and called
{13131130 be led against the Black Captain and his

“Men, hear mel” and the deep tones of the
King of Fate caused immediate silence. “To
march against the stronghold of the Black
Prince With success would take several hundred
men and cost many valuable lives; I came to
Good Man’s Gulch for a purpose—to hunt to
death the Black Captain. ”

A yell broke from the crowd, and Iron Heart
continued:

“I know the difficulties in my way and un-
derstand fully what I undertake, for there are
now in this crowd, yelling lustin with the rest
of you, spies of the road-agent’s band, men up-
on whom I could lay my ends this moment
and string to yonder tree as murderers an
mountain robbers.”

“ Point them out!”

“ String ’em up I”

“ Down with ’eml”

“U with ’em l”

Sue were the cries that greeted the announce— ,

ment of Iron Heart, who still sat upon his horse,
his comrades having dismounted.

“ No, I will not point them out; but I pledge

on to yet run down the Black Captain and his
nd; will on wait and trust me? ’

The cries hat followed proved the unbounded
influence which this strange man had ' ed
over the rough spirits of Good Man’s Gulc , and
with a smile that was unreadable, the King of
Fate turned away just as a horseman rode u ,
and dismountin at the hotel door threw
bridle-rein to a. mess servant.

Entering the hotel, and greeted upon all sides
by nods and words of reco ition, he walked
up to Iron Heart, and said, p easantly:

“I have heard of your achievement this af-
ternoon, sir; permit me to congratulate you.
and also hope that our unpleasant meeting of
last night may not cause ill-feeling between us.”

“Mr. Vancourt, I need no congratulations,
sir, for merely preventing a robbery, and your
cowardly conduct last ni ht toward a mere
flouth, and his comrade, w‘ I prevent any feel-

g on” my part toward you other than con-

tem t.

33d 8 bombshell burst in the hotel office, it»
would not have caused greater sur rise, and all
fell back, expecting to see Arthur _ancourt, the
V1 to Ca tain, instantly draw and fire.

at he  pleasantly, bowed, and said:

“As you please; we may meet again, sir.”

shaulIl ’90:” 2%, calm l f Dashin Dandy
was 9 rep y o

as Arthur Vancourt turned away an glanced

over the hotel re ter.

“Captain Iron cert, Major Hu 1} Tarleton,
of the army, desires me to present im to you,’ ‘
said Jim Smith the landlord, a proaching the
31:: sphere the King of Fate 3 talking to

est. V
“ I feel that I owe you more than thanks, sir
as the Black Captain seemed to have a most-

sir and feel confident that we .

.._.. ; all.-. in...

no _a._....

 

\4

 

12

Dashing Dandy.

 

against me that betokened no good,” and Major l present; but now that you have become my

Tarleton held forth his hand, which Iron Heart

grasfied.

“ a! At last I have found you,” and spring-
ing toward Leo West, whom his eyes that mo-
ment fell 11 on, Major Tarleton seized him by
the arm. an continued, in aloud tone:

“ I arrest you, Leonidas Westfleld, for the
murder of your superior officer at Fort L on.”

“ Impossible, sir; there is some mistake ere "
said Iron Heart, quickly, steppin to the 91 e
of the one called Leonidas VVestfle d, and whose
head had dropped upon his breast, his whole at-
titude that of guilt.

“ There is no mistake, sir; this youth was a.
lieutenant in the service, and killed his superior
oflicer, was sentenced to be shot, and escaped.
He is my prisoner, and as an oificer of the army,
I warn any one from interferigi‘g with me n
my duty,” and the major dropp his hand up-
on his revolver.

“Pardon me, Ma'or Tarleton: but I will in-
terfere,” and the ing of Fate laid his hand
heavily upon the arm of the ofiicer, and with a
power that prevented him from drawing the re-
volver from his belt.

CHAPTER XV.

A HEART-WRUNG CONFESSION.
“CAPTAIN Iaoivr HEART, for such men call
ou, I want no quarrel with you, sir,” said
u h Tarleton, sternlv.

“ or I with you, Major Tarletou; I tell you
there is some mistake, and if I do not prove

on to be wrong, I am answerable to you. sir,

or my acts,” replied Iron Heart, decisively.

“I know that youn man’s face well, sir;
would know it amid a t ousand. and cannot be
mistaken. See, his whole a pearance denotes
guilt,” and the major pointe to the trembling
prisoner.

“It does not, I say; but come: this is no
place to discuss this matter, so come with me to
my room, for. as I said before, I want no quar-
re with you.”

Just then Lem Brigham, the Scout, forced his
way forward, crying:

‘ I hesapick in this heur pie; who is it as
says that Leo West is a murderin so or?”

‘Lem, I am arranging this litte matter;
willt on leave it with me?” asked Iron Heart,

a e y.

q “Damned of I don’t; ther boy will git justice
ef you sits on ther bench capt’in; but should
yer need a leetle mite 0’ he] Lem Brigham,
Injun-flghter, Scout, Guide, unter, Trapper,
and bad citizen ginerally, are aroun’ these di -
gin’s ter chip in with rifle, revolver, bows
or claws.”

“If I need you, i will call for you. Come,
major, and Leo—come to my room,"and kindly
sgsporting the su posed youth, Dashing Dandy
l the we , an the three were soon in the
ing of Fate calmly locking the door

 

room, the
after them.

Motioning' both Major Tarleton and Leo West
to iseats, Iron Heart said in his quiet, but deep
70 cc:

“ I am very sorry that this young gentleman
has been thus wowed by you, Major Tarleton,
as only last ni ht his life was in jeopardy at the
hands of the i ilantes, under their captain,
Vancourt, a catt 9 king, as the large rancheros
are called here—"

“Does this not the more prove my accusa-
tion?” interrupted the ms 'or.

“No, it does not, for I ave reason to know
that a private grudge was the cause of Van-
court’s charge against Mr. West, hoping to
hang him as a. s y of the road-agents, and
thereby get rid of im, and be war nearly ac-
complished his design; but, sir, so or from be-
ing what he was accused of, Mr. West informed
me of what he had overheard between some of
the agents when he was supposed to be uncon-
scious, or dead, and thus learnin of the intend-
ed attack upon the stage-cone , which was
thwarted b our going to. its rescue, thereby
saving you rom death, for it the Black Captain
has aught against you, Major Tarleton, your
life, if once in his power, would not be worth
betting on.”

“I thank Mr. Westfield for the act that
saved me; nevertheless, I must do my duty,”
responded the major.

‘ True, if you are certain of Leo West being
the Leonidas Westfleld you claim.”

“ Does he deny it?” and Major Tarleton turn-
ed toward the sup osed youth, who had sat
with bowed head, pa e face and trembling form.

“ Do you den that you are Leonidas West-
fleld?” again as ed the major. .

But there came no replv, the eyes turning be-
seechingly upon Iron eart, who answered,
quick] : '

' “ I deny it, and yet I cannot tell how I found

, it out, without the sanction of Mr. ’West, for by

accident I found out a secret regarding him,
and which I believe no other person is acquaint-
ed with, excepting his uide, Lem Brigham.”

In an instant Leo est sprung toward Iron
Heart, and said, earnestly:

“ Yes, you brought me here and cared for me
when I was more dead than alive' I was a. fool
not to cumbefore that you held the secret I
wished hi from the world, at Inset for the

 

champion, and Major Tarletou seems anxious
to force the matter to a crisis, I will make a
confession.” '

“No, no not unless you wish to do so, for
knowing w at I do regarding you, and that you
are not Leonidas Westfield, I pledge my word
that neither Major Tarleton, with all due re-
spect to him in the discharge of his duty, or any
othefiman, can take you from under my protec-
tion.

“Is this a menace, sir?” angrily asked the

a or.

“ Take it just as you please, Major Tarleton,”
was the indiflerent rejoinder.

“Hold! Gentlemen, this trouble must end
just here,” and Leo West’s voice rung out with
sudden determination, and both men glanced
upon him, as with flashin eyes he faced them.

“Be seated, and I Wll make a confession,
which I know upon the part of this noble man
will be held inviolate; may i ask the same of
you Major Tarletoni”

“I do not care to compromise myself, for—”

“ I vpromise you that you will not,” declared
Leo est.

“ Then I promise you, for if I can in any way
arrive atasoLution of the difficult position in
which I am placed I will ladly do so, for I as-
sure ou that my coming ere was to trace the
mur erer of my dearest friend, Captain Van-
100, and. having found him, I feel no desire to
relinquish my grasp ”

Leo West smiled, but it was a sad smile, and
he choked back a sob that rose in his throat and
in a very low, but distinct tone said:

“Major Tarleton, I know too much of your
noble nature to ever believe that you would do
one thing that was mean, or prompted by low
revenge' that Captain Vanloo was your rela-
tive, an most intimate friend. I also know
that Leonidas Westfleld was accused of his mur-
der tried, and sentenced to be hanged on the
gallows—a fate he escaped then, to meet after-
ward at the hands of one who caused the whole
trouble of his life.”

“ Whatl do ou tell me that Leonidas West-
fleld is dead? at he was hanged?” cried Major
Tarleton in surprise.

“ I do tell you so.”

“ Then who are you!”

“ Be Wtient and you shall knowrall—how Le-
onidas estfield, a. wild boy, obtained through
family influence a position in the army as
second lieutenant, and by gallantry soon won
promotion.

“ Wild, wayward, reckless, he was yet never
guilty of a mean action, though too easily in-

uenced by any one he liked.

“And such a one was a man whose name
was Richard Dorsey or that is what he called
himself, but the bordermen gave him the nick-
name of Dare Devil Dick. and Gambler Dick,
for he was a desperate man and a professional
card-player.”

“ I remember him; it was his testimony that
sentenced Westfleld, though I never liked the
man.

“ Yes, he held an unbounded influence over
Leonidas Westfleld, led him off on many a mad
escapade, urged him to gamble and got him
into innumerable scrapes, and I will tell you
why he had this power over him: he had saved
the life of the young man a. couple of years be-
fore, and, more than that, had, with his money,
whether won by gaming or not I do not know,
saved the honor of the Westtleld family. for,
driven to the wall by financial troubles, Judge
Westfleld had appropriated a. large sum of
money intrusted to his care, and rum must fol-
low, and with it dishonor.

“ Leonidas Westfleld made known to Richard
Dorsey his father’s troubles, and instantly the
money was advanced to ay all indebtedness,
but it placed the Westfle ds in the power of a
designing villain, who did not hesitate to make
use of it; for, owing him his life( and the pecu-
niary debt that saved the honor of his family,
Leonidas became more and more in the clutches
of one whose motive was to gain his end or de-
strov all who opposed him.

“ Tnat end was to make the daughter of J udgo
Westfleld his wife; but the maiden had received
secret information of the character of the man,
never liked him, and refused to have him visit
her, although he was the accepted friend of her
father and brother.

“Shortly after Leonidas Westfleld went West
to join his regiment, and Richard Dorsey also
left the town where he had been a resident fora

ear.

“ The next heard of him was that he was at
the frontier post where was stationed the regi-
ment of Leonidas Westfleld, and rumors of the
wild life he led, in which he was joined by the
young lieutenant, frequently came back to his
old home, causing many a pang to the youth’s
father and sister.”

For a. moment Leo West paused, seeming]
deeply moved; but Major Tarleton gazed fixed—
ly out of the window, and Iron Heart seemed
studying a figure in the carpet, and the story
was continu :

“ Then came the startlingltidings that Leoni-
das Westfleld had killed is captain, and the
testimony brought up at the rial was to the ef-

 

fect that the young lieutenant owed a lar
gambling dvbt to Captain Vanloo, which 6
was unable to pay, and also was anxious to et
rid fit him. that he might be promoted to is
ran .

“True, affairs looked bad for the lieutenant,
for his most intimate friend, Richard Dorse ,
swore toaquarrel he had heard between t e
two officers, and that the three were out hunt-
ing together, and leaving the captain and West-
fleld together for a few moments, he returned
to find the former dead, shot through the heart,
and the latter bending over him, and saying
ghat some one had fired upon them from an am-

us .

_“ When examined at the fort one chamber of
the lieutenant’s revolver wrs empty, and the
bullet in the captain’s body was of the same
caliber as the flVe that remained.

“Under these circumstances was Leonidas
Westfield tried, and sentenced to death upon
the gallows; but, through the kindness of those
whom he had often belricnded, he made his es-
cape, and none knew whither he went; but he
was determined to prove his innocence, ior an
Indian half-breed, who owed him many favors,
had given him an idea of who had really com—
mitted the murder.

“ After the escape of Westfield. Richard Dor-
sey disappeared, and some mOuths after, hun~
dreds of miles from the scene of trial, a tragedy
followed, for those two met, and the gambler
was accused of his treachery; but Richard Dor-
Sey was a man who always held a re; tain influ-
ence over ,the wild spirits around him, and
rousing these to obey his wishes, he went to the
place where the fugitive lieutenant was stop-
ping, and in the dead hour of night dragged
him forth to h.s death, for they hung him mer-
cilessly upon a tree by the roadside, and Dare
Devil Dick Dorsey had no fear of arrest and
trial for the death of the man whom he had ac-
cused his victim of murdering,

“This midnight murder of Vestfield was wit-
nessed by one who dare utter no word, for he
was himself kee ing quiet, as he had gotten
himself into a di ‘culty some days before, and
the citizens there were not friendly to him.

“ But he overheard the last words that assed
between Leonidas West and Gambler Dic , and
the confession of Richard Dorsey that he had
shot Captain Vanloo from ambush that the
crime might be laid on the lieutenant. against
whom he felt a deadly revenge for the con-
tem t that his sister had treated him with.

“ ragged into the air, without time to utter
a prayer, Leonidas Westfield died a terrible
death, the victim of Richard Dorsey’s revenge.

“Nor was this all, for the fact of his son’s
sufiposed dis race and condemnation to death
ha broken t e heart f Judge Westfleld, and
he, too, went to his 9: ave; but there was one
who did not die, and lived for revenge, and that
one was the sister of the murdered boy.

“Determined to find the man who had mur-
dered her brother she came to the West, met ac-
cidentally with the very man who had seen
Leonidas Westflvld hanged. and heard what
gassed between Richard Dorsey and him, and

e engaged in her service, for, in her disguise,
he believed her to be a youn man.”

“And you are that sister?’ cried Major Hugh
Tarleton, springing to his feet, and stepping io-
u'ard the one who answered to the name of
Leo West.

“Yes, I am Leone Westfield. the twin sister
of Leonidas Wesffield,” was the law rejoinder.

“And such is the secret I discovered—that
Leo West was a Woman,” said the King of

.Fate, very quietly.

“ In deep humiliation I ask your forgiveness
f.. r my conduct.”

“I grant it willingly, Major Tarleton, for I
know, through my poor brother’s letters, of
your nobleness, and your great lovs for Cap-
tainVauloo, while, resembling Leo as I do, with
this false mustache, I do not wonder that you
believed in me you saw the supposed murderer
of your kinsman.”

“The resemblance is striking, and I assure
1you that 1 obtained leave of absence and came

ere to look up Leonidas Weslfield, having
heard he had been seen making in this direction
some days ago; but his character shall no
longer be stained by a. false charge.”

“ N 0; let it rest as it is for the present, for I
am det. rmiucd to bring Richard Dorsey to jus-
tice—border justice,” and the woman’s 9 es
flasher] fire while the major replied. earnest y:

“Miss Westfleld, more than I can ex rvss,
am I now interested in this matter, and beg
that you allow me to hunt down this man.
Pardon me, you are a young and beautiful wo-
man, and this character of Nemesis does not
suit you: so yield to me, and I vow that that
man , shall receive full punishment for his
crimes ”

“I would urge that you leave the major to
do as he desires; and I may also add that I will
aid him in the good work.’

“ And shall I remain idle while he lives?” bit-
terly said Leone Westfleld.

“Yes: stain not your heart and hands with
blood so vile, and, garden me if I offend you,
but if you. have nee. of funds—”

“No, no, Major Tarleten, I am amply pro-

{2

 i

’.>

Dashing Dandy.

 

13

 

 

vided for, as I inherited my father’s estate, and
he rccuperated hi3 fallen fortunes before his
death: but, from my heart I thank you,” and
the girl held forth her hand and her eyes filled
with tears.

“ Miss VVcstflcId, what suspicion I have I
will not now make known, but if you will trust
me I will offer what I believe to be good ad-
vice ” said Iron Heart.

“I will willingly be guided by you, for I owe
you my life, my noble friend.”

“Well, Judge Wharton, a rich ranchero liv-
ing near here, has a pleasant homo and lives
there with his daughter. a lovely girl; it is the
place where I stopped the afternoon I met you.

“The judge is u. talkative, but good—hearted
man, and I do not doubt but that you can get
board in his family, for I shall ask our landlord
to go out and see for you.

" In Denver you can readily purchase a.
wardrobe suitable to your sex, and I advise
that you go there by coach, dressed as you are
now, and return in a few days, under your own
name, going at once to the home of the judge.

“If you remain here your life will be taken,
I feel confident, and from your new home you
can watch the development of the major’s plans,
and also my own.”

“ I urge as does Captain Iron Heart, Miss
Westfleld.”

“And I take your advice willingly, for you
are the only true friends I have on earth,” and
the poor girl burst into tears while both the
major and Iron Heart were deeply moved at
her grief and lonely condition.

 

CHAPTER XVI.
A SAVAGE GUARDIAN.

Tm: morning following the attack upon the
stage-coach, Firefly was seated upon tne small
piazza of the Black Captain’s cabin, her thoughts
anything but plearaut, ior, accustomed to per-
fect freedom, since her parent's death some
years before, she h'ld become like a wild prairie
deer, going cvervwhere or anywhere she chose,
and utterly fearless she ran risks that would
have caused many men to dread taking.

In the impulse of her generous nature, at see-
ing the Indian inthe ower of the unscrupulous
Powder-Face Jack, s 18 had offered to buy his
release and life by offering herself as a. sacrifice,
trusting to make otacr terms with the ruflian
if in her power, but if not, to stand by her com-
pact, no matter what the sacrifice to herself.

But Powder was a. devil of « the deepest dye,
and being infatuated with the beautiful girl, he
was determined to hell her to her pledge, cost
what it might;~but the ofl’er of Colonel Dick
Burton, added to a wholesome fear that a. re-
fusal to accept the terms at the gambler, might
result il‘ y to himself. caused him to accept, and
poor Fireflyr foundherself a. stake to be gambled

er, yet sti 1 determined to abide the issue as
she h 11 given her word. Why the King of Flute
had offered to stake his life against her freedom
she knew not, unless it were prompted by the
sameiinpulse that made her the promised prop-
erty of Powder-Face J ack: yet, Wh y the colonel
should wish to take the life of Iron Heart, she
could not imagine.

When the Indian chief told her of the gold
gipockets ” he had found in the valley near the

adman’s Mountain, and. asked her to go there
with them, thatihcymight secure all they could
find of the precious metal, she willingly accom-
panied him, little knowing the desperate band
that dogged their steps.

But, once a captive, her first thought was to
plot escaJ-lie, and then avenge the death of the
noble In an who had been shot down before her

Q

6 es.
yWhen Powder-Face had said that the road-
agents had taken F'refly away from him, he
had. told the truth; but he had not made known
the circumstance or_tho fact that there seemed
to be anunderstanding between himself and the
outlaws, who came upon him under the leader—
shi of their young lieutenant, N inez.
fecertaining the Circumstances under which
he had gained ossesmon of the maiden and
that it was the intention of the desperado to
find a. secure retreat for her in the mountains,
until he could see Colonel Burton and get his
ten thousand dollars for her, Ninez had at once
told him that he should give the girl into his
possession.
A few words followed that waxed into a dis-

pute, and then Firefly was forcibly taken os'-_

session of by the road-a gents while Pew er.
Face and his comrades returned to Good Man’s
Gulch, the i uflian leader, as the reader has seen,
to falliuto the clutches of the King of Fate who
turned him over to the tender mercies of asso
Dan and Steel Grip for safe keeping until
wanted.

Struck with the appearance of the young and
handsome outlaw lieutenant, Firefly did not re-
gret by any means the change of captors; but
when she found herself in the power of ,the ter-
rible Black Captain, and when he made known
to herthe fearful terms of her release, she felt
indeed that bitter was her lot.

But, hers was no nature to despend, and she
determined to escape if in her ower, and hope
me high inber heart, when inea came to her

 

room with the cheering tidings that he would
be her friend. '

The Indian woman she found kind to her,
but that she could be persuaded to aid her in
flying from the hateful stronghold of the agents,
she knew was preposterous, and she therefore
would not make an attempt to bribe her.

When a couple of hours after his departure,
the Black C:-ptain returned to the cabin, and in
thunder tones called for his slave, Afric, Fire—
fly’s quick perception told her that somethin
had gone wron with him, and her heart sun
within her as e heard his step approaching
her door, which he threw open Violently.

“Minna l” he cried, in angry tones.

“ Yes, chief.”

“ I have been thwarted in my attack on the
stage-coach and by one whom am determined
to run to earth at once, so see to it that yonder
girl does not esca 0 during my absence.’

“ Minna hears: ut the LieutenantNinez came
and expressed his friendship for the pale-face
maiden,” said the Indian woman, who always
spoke of herself as in the third person, though
her English was almost perfect, with just ac-
cent enough to make her tone the more attrac-
tivo.

“ The Lieutenant Ninez is be end aiding any
one with his friendship, ” said t e chief.

“ What mean you, sir? IIns harm befallen
hlilmg” and Firefly turned quickly toward the
c ie .

“ Yes, he was killed half an hour since by
that imp of Satan who calls himself the King of
Fate and verily do I begin to believe that he
does old his own destiny in his hands, for our
shots fell harmlessly about him.”

With a deep sigh Firefly turned away, while
the Indian Woman sai i softly:

“ Minna is sorry, for the Lieutenant N inez
wasda’ brave chief and had a heart that was

00 . .

g “Well, it is allover with him now; but see
to it, woman that this girl is here when I re-
turn, or I will kill You as I would a. bound,”
and turning on his eel the chief returned to
his room, leaving Firefly striving hard to keep
back the Bobs that rose in her throat at the fate
of the young men, as she believed Ninez to be,
who had only a short while ago bid her hope.

“And slain by that remarkable, but dan-
gerous man, whom men call the King of Fate,
and a man’ of iron heartl

“ I wonder if he was seekingme? No, for how
could he know of my capture

“And how coolly he let me 0 after having
risked his life to get me out of t e power of that
horrid Devil Dick Burton!

“ I wish I could solve all this mystery,” and
she became lost in deep meditation.

All through the night she tossed restlessly up-
on her bed, while her sli' htest movement awoke
the faithful sentinel, inna, who slept on a.
bear-skin thrown ugon the floor.

Rising early, on partakin s aringly of a
really tempting breakfast whic he deformed
negro, Afrie, with great culinary skill had re—
pared, she strolled out upon the piazza. on sat
istlessly regarding the picturesque scene, while
Minna, ike a. shadow, sat near her.

“Minna will leave for a. while, but maiden
must stay here “said the Indian after a few
moments, and placin her fingers to her lips she
gave along, shrill w istle.

A distant yelp answered, and the next instant
ahuge and ferocious blood-hound dashed around
the corner of the cabin and stood looking at
Minna.

“Here, Savage will watch maiden for Min-
no,” and the intelligent dog at once took up a.
position near poor Fired , who could not i 6-
press a shudder as she loo ed upon her savage
guardian, who had indeed been most appropri-
atel named.

“ inna will go, new,”st the woman, and
she walked off with the air of one who had no
fear of an attempt at escape on the part of Fire-

For some moments the dog eyed her curious-
ly, until Firefly feared he would attack her, as
he sniffed the air and showed his white teeth as
though he would like to bury them in her soft
flesh; but, having satisfied himself that all was
serene. he laid down and went to also .

Feeling that he might still have designs u u
her, Firefly determined to cautiously steal ate
the cabin and close the door behind or, telling
Minna, upon her return, that she could not bear
the agony of that. dog‘s presence; but, her
slightest motion caused one of the brute’s eyes
to open, proving conclusively, that, like Napo-
leon, he slept With one eye open.

Rising to her feet, to test him still more, she
found him at once ready to intercept her; he had
been intrusted with a. charge it was not in his
brutish nature to allow to escape, or prove
faithless to.

In despair Firefly again took her seat, and
Savage a8 Minna. had called him, resigned him-
self to is watchful slumbers again.

Presently there came a. whirring sound close
at hand and a. sudden blow that brought the
bound to his feet, and caused Firefly half
spring from her chair with alarm.

But at once she saw the nature of it and,
white and red her mum sunk back in the

 

chair, for in the log beneath the window by
which she sat wile buried an arrow.

At flrsi'rshe elieved that some fiendish being
had aimed at her, and et she dared not move,
for if death threateue her by an arrow-shot.
averse death would be here from the savage
brute at her side. should she turn to fly to a.
place of safety within doors.

To escape a great danger she must face a far
more fearful one, and she determined to re-
main, and turned her eyes about her to discover
from whence the shot had come.

At the base of the cliff, forty lyards distant,
was a. clum of low pines, in w ose shadow a.
secret foo m ght hide; but upon glancing at the
still uiveriug arrow she saw t at, if it had
been red from the thicket, it would have been
sticking straight out mm the log; but, instead
of this—the utt o it was slanting up“ ard
above the head buried in the log, at an angée of
forty-fives degrees, proving that it had een
aimed from the top of the cliff, beneath the
shadow of which the cabin was built.

Glancing earnestly along the summit, and
among the few stunted trees growing there, she
could discern no moving ob'eet, and wondering
in her mind as to who 1011] have sent the min-
sile. her eyes were a sin bent upon the arrow.

At once was her and stretched forth, and
clutching it she broke it in two, shoving the

ieces into the bosom of her dress out of sight:
But not until she had taken from ita piece of
paper that had been securely wrapped around
the butt of the shaft.

With tremblin hands she unfolded the tiny
piece of paper, 0 hound watching her anx-
iously as though satisfied that something was
goin wrong beyond his comprehension to un-
rave .

Eagerl then did Firefly read the little mis-
sive, an at its contents her heart gave one
great bound with hope.

And this is what she read, written in a free,
running hand:

“Be hopeful, for a friend is near. Show no sur-

rlse at an thing that may occur near you. Be
ave, wat ful, and silent, and all will come well.
“IRON IIEART
“Tun: Knee or FATE."

CHAPTER XVII.

A Blue]: or STRANGE “ rms.” 1
Anna. the surprise he had received by bein
caught off his Iguard, Miser Ben kept good
watch in his little cabin, determined that no one
should give him a surprise party again, and en-

peciall one whom he believed to be a. corpse.

Unti it was certain that no immediate attack
was intended by the Vigilantes, under the

'dance of the voun prisoner brought by

uses Ike and Pete t e reserve sent to the
cabin by the Black (laptain remained in the
cavern, within easy bailing distance.

But as no one, hostile to the agents, put in an
appearance, the men were allowed to return to
their camp, and Miser Ben once more “ held the
fort ” alone.

Upon the afternoon of the day on which the
mysterious arrow had been fired into the very
head-quarters of the Black Captain, and as a,
messenger of he to poor Firefly, Miser Ben
was busy about his cabin, yet, with a watchful-
ness that had come from long habit, and of
which he was hardly conscious, he kept a mo-
notonous lookin out of his port-holes of ob-
servation, for t e approach of any one who
mi ht take a fancy to visit the cabin.

esently he stop in fro: t of the door and
instantly his hand all upon the rifle standi
near, for in front of each look-out were new
weapons in a rude rack.

The cause of this movement of cautienwas
the discovery of two persona a coming slowly
up the steep ascent, their dost nation evidently
beiii the miner’s humble abode.

“ ey doesn’t look pesky dangersome, I
snore, but looks is dece tful to depen’ on, an’
I’ll hev ther drop on ’em, fer I isn’t _ac uainted
with no sich cattle hereabeut," said t e wily
guard of the secret passage to the road-agents’
stronghold.

The persons under the keen eyes of Miser
Ben were two men, both of them past the
meridian of life, as the long white locks and
heard of the one. and iron-gray hair and beard
of the other testified.

With shambling gait they climbed the steep

thway, each armed with a, rifle. and wearing

11 their belts revolvers and a bowie knife.

Dressed in buckskin and moccasins, and one
wearing a time-worn slouch-hat, the other a
coon-skin cap with the tail hanging down he
hind, they looked just what they professed to
be, mountain trappers and prairie rovers—men
who had spent a. quarter of a century upon the
border, and who were willing to fight anything
from a. red skin to a. grizzly, in spite 0 their

a e. -

g“Halt, pardsi I hain’t reoeiyin’ visitors ter-
day,” suddenly called out Miser Ben. as the
two men approached within a few feet of the

cabin.

Both rom tl ha! ~their weapons ready
but moi]; mg: {abittlz‘imu that they argued
trouble, for one of them quickly answere- :

“Pint yer rifle t’other way. my mm

 

 

. an

Dashing Dandy.

 

 

friend, fer we has ther keerds as will admit us
to thet darned ole shanty as a dog wouldn’t live
in.
“ Ef yer means them wee ins or carry why,
ye’d never use ’em, as Ipc’u’g put daylight
clean through yer, an’ yer never cotch sight 0’
me,” said the wary Ben, feeling safe in his po-
sition.

“These Weepins is not what I means, pard,
but in a scratch they is calkilated to be useful;
but hev yer ever heerd 0’ Old Red Hand 0’ ther
Rockies?”

“I esses I hev; does yer know him?” an-
swere Miser Ben.

“ An’ has yer heerd 0’ Old Solitary?” put in
the other stran er.

“ I has hee 0’ him, too; they is rip-tearln’
ole catamounts turned loose when they gits on
it, I’m tole.”

“ Yer is right; we is terrors clean through,
pard,” said the first speaker.

“ Youl Is you them fellers I has beam on?”

“ We is fer a fact. I is Old Red'Hand an’ my
bloomin’ companion are Old Solitary, an’ we is
on your trail, my beauty.”

“ Oh, we is grizzlies clean through to tooth
an’ toe-nails, an’ if yer don’t believe it jist try
us on, for we is buckskin gloves an’ we'll fit,”
chimed in Old Solitary.

“ Waal, ef yer has no business in this henr
cabin you’d better git, li ht out, travel, stam-
pede an’ sich, or yer ole ones will be pickin’

er coyotes, an’ tough eatin’ at the. ,” warned
Miser en. -

. “But we hes business in that cabin, pard; we
lslookin’ fer a galoot as is called Miser Ben,”
declared Old Red Hand, without showing any
sign of taking the advme given him to-clear

out.

“ Wan], what does yer want with Miser Ben?”
cautiously asked that individual.

“Thet is In business an’ his, an’ not yourn
ie-eatin wo ,” angrily returned Red

“Seein’ as I is ther honey referred to, I’ll ax

er biz?”

“ If I c’u’d see thet durned ugl phiz o’ ourn
I'd know, for 1 comed from a. fe ler as to e me
ther picture 0’ Miser Ben so as a dog w’u’d
know him.”

“ Who was that feller?”

“ He are called Lucky Jake, an’ be la for
news along ther Overland line so as sich urned
thieves as you be kin it rich out 0’ gold yer
didpi’tndig; he, he, he! as I not got yer thar,

ar '5 '

“Yer hes, but I are awful onsatisfled, yit,”
again came the cautious reply. .

“ Yer’d be onsatisfled ef ther devil had yer:
but we talks truth, for Old Red Hand got into a
muss called in a feller’s checks, ther whole ca-
boodle bounced him, an’ I chip (1 in. an’ ther
music begun, an’ we done ther ddlin’; but we
hed ter light out, stam ads like, yer know, on
’count 0’ ther stifl's yin’ ’roun, an’ Lucky
Jake tole us to look you up at this heur
cabin an’ yer’d make us members in good
standin’ o’ ther conference 0’ road-agints un-
der ther Black Capt’in; an’ here we is, tooth
an’ toe-nail, a. hull team an’ a horse to let, with
awhopper- jawed bull-dog under ther wagin, b
J ehosephatl" and Old Solitar shook wit
laughter, as though he enjoyed avin hadto
fly for his life to he refuge of the roa -agents’
cam .

“ a-al. erloots, as yer comes well recom-
mended, I’ admit yer; but ef yer tries on an
hifllutin’s in this bear cam . yer skulls will gfi
cracked an’ ther wolves w I enjoy a cold-meat
lunch off of er durned ole carkases; they will,
by thunder Now, there is one more thing
needful to gita bunk in this heur dormitory,

an’ at yer can’t spit it out, thar’ll hev ter be a '

foot-race down that same hill thar, an’ a bullet
will be a persuin’ of ye.”

“Ef we were ter say Overland ter Hades
w’u’d that suit yer, you durned ole fool?” said
Red Hand. ‘

“ I’m yer honey,” was the repl within, and
the door the next moment, was brown open,
and the two strange-looking old men and stran-
ger characters, entered the cabin, Old Solitary
remarking:

“ Yer hes kept us standin’ so long we’ve ot
stifl in ther j’ints, for our ole legs hain’t w at
the net ter was some forty year ago; but we
is a 1 here, gloves ter fit any wearer as tries 11:
on, by Jehosephatl”

“Yeris known in this hour camp, an’ ther
boyswill be lad ter have yer among us, an’
I’m guessin’ t er Capt’in hain’t goin’ er weep
’ca‘se yer come, for he does like a. hull man, an‘
folks says as how you two is clean grit. an’ no
mistake. Now sit down an’ hev a leetle bite, an’
then I’ll show yer ther way ter camp, so that ther
boys kin baptize ver this night 0’ our Lord,”
and having 'ven his guests the bench to sit on,
Miser Ben glusied himself in etting up the
best meal his cabin could _aflor§, and with an
alacrity that comported With the idea thathe
was “ entertaining angels unawares.”

CHAPTER XVIII.
A marksman Gm. -
I WILL now return to the Traveler’s Refuge.
where the crowd eagerly waited the result 0

 

the me between Iron Heart and Major Hugh
Tar eton and expected each moment to hear
the crack of revolvers in the room, to which
they had gone to settle the uestion as to which
was right or wrong regar 'ng the identity of
Leo West.

To the surprise of all, and certainly to the
disa ointment of many who desired a rumpus,
the ' g of Fate and officer came out of the
chamber together, and enterin the bar took a
friendly drink in which Lem righam, Lasso
Dan and Steel Gri were invited to join, an
invitation they all t ee accepted without urg-

m .

a I find I was wrong, Scout; but the similarity
between the man I sought and Mr. West Is
something wonderful,” said the major, frankly
in explanation, and his words were heard and
repeated by the crowd, scoring another victory
for the King of Fate.

“ Come to the Satan’s Dominion to—night,
Dan, and have the Scout and Steel Grip with
you,” said Iron Heart, quietly, as they left the
bar, and an hour after a small stream of hu-
manity was setting toward that gambling hell
and favorite resort, for, expecting that the
King of Fate would naturally spend his even—
ing there, manydetermined to attend, hoping
for some thrilllng adventure before the nigh
was over,‘ for there are many morbidnatures
that can only live in scenes of wild exmtemeut,
and to them Death, if giving them the go-by, is
a welcome visitor in their midst.

About nine o’clock two men,‘who at once he-
came the cynosure of all eyes, entered the sa-
loon and took a seat at the table at the end of
. the bar, and which by mutual consent seemed
to have been expressly reservod for a. select

art .
p Thhse two men were the Dashing Dand (as
many in Good Man’s Gulch persisted in ea in
the man who re 'stered as Iron Heart) an
Will Cody, the 0in Prince, between whom
and the King of Fate a warm fnendship seemed
, to have sprung up.

“Champagne to-ni ht, Rodney, to celebrate
the escape of the old- x from the hands of the
agents,’ said ill Cody to the saloon man-

a er.
gA bottle of of “ Widow Clicquot ” was laced
upon the table and the cork flew out wit a re-
rt that made the men in the other rooms
asten forward, believin ita pistol-shot and
that some scene of bloods ed had been en ered
u n, for where ordinary drinks sold in Good
fin’s Gulch at fifty cents, and fancy drinks at
a dollar, a bottle of champage went up to twen-
ty dollars.

“Ther Pony Prince has struck a lead,” cried
one, learning that Will Cody had ordered the
wine.

"Yes, struck it rich, I reckon,” cried an-
other.

“ Oh, no, only a rich haul saved for ther com-
pany b my gallant friend here,” replied the

ony rince, pleasantly, for he overheard the
remarks.

Just then the door 0 ned and in came Hank
Holbrook and Major arle’ron, and seeing them
Will Cody called out: ,

“ Reserved seats here! This way, gentlemen,
and, Rodney, five us another bottle- and drag
us up another ble and set us 11 a basket, for
here comes Jim Smith as fine a andlord as the
West can boast of ' and you three as good men
and true as ever drew a weapon—Lasso Dan,
Grip, and Lem Brigham, come up, for it is my
 and champagne is the article called

or.

The men named, as the came forward, took
seats at the two tables w ile a basket of cham-
pagne was set alongside for use.

“Give me ther plain licker, pard, raal ole
tanglefoot from ther cradle, an none 0’ thet
angil-tears, ’cause it won’t wash ther dust out
o’ my throat; it are no doubt good for leetle
babies an’ sich, but fer a man, whisky are the
bu -'uice ter raise ther cockles on ther heart,”
sait‘l m Brigham, who had an utter contempt
for wine of any kind. -

“I’m with yer, ard; wine are at a
Sunday-scth picn 0, but it are at a. discount
heur,”chimedinLassoDan and whisk straight
was placed before them, while the at are were
content with the wine.

“What is ther colonel, Rodney? He ’ rs
ter make hisself skeerce 0" late,’ asked
Holbrook, after a while.

“ He’s OR at Denver.”

“ Gen’rally goes in my hearse, but 6.1an this
time,” remarked Hank.

“No; he went horseback, I behave, for he
said he wanted to hev a look at a new lead or
two that might go chea ,” answered Rodney.

“ Be back soon?"  Hank.

“ Is yer runnin’ is business thet makes yer
so pertickler?” said Rodney, losing temper. .

‘ Not admctly, an"ef you ves me oncivil
answers, you’ll not be runnin’ t er business for

him when he £1158 back ” came in the ‘ck, an-
gry tones of ' ank Holbrook, and well owing

he man the m or made no reply to him,
but Iron Heart ask quietly:

“ When will Colonel Burton return?”

 

l “He’s never certain, sir; he ma be back at
any moment, but he left no ,” answered

 

l
Rodney, with more respect in his manner and

tone than he ever showed to any one who fre—
quented the Satan’s Dominion, not excepting
his master the colonel himself.

Just at this moment the tall form and hand-
some, et sinister face of Arthur Vanconrt ap-
peare in the doorway, and behind him came
several well-known rancheros, members of the
Vigilante band, and owning cattle-farms in the
neighborhood of their captain; in fact, it was
the rancheros, or cattle—men, living some
twenty miles away, that had organized the
Vigilantes, to protect themselves from the cat-
tle-thieves that infested the country, and which
organization had extended to the miners at
Good Man’s Gulch, as a wholesome example to
those who wished to “jump a lead ” belonging
to some one else.

A look of disappointment passed quick] be-
tween the new-comers as they discovere the
party of Iron Heart at the table, but they made
no remark and ranging themselves along the
bar called for drinks. .

“ Them elegints is drinkin’ wine beverage,”
said a rough—lookin miner of the party, point-
ing rudely to Iron cart and his comrades.

“ We’ll have wine, too, then; give use table,
Rodney, and set up the sparkling champs. e,
for it is my treat,” lightly said Arthur an-
court. Driving a bevy of dead beats away
from a table near by, Rodney motioned for the
Vigilantes to take it, and a chorus of popping
corks at once followed.

“Ther Dominion are drivin’ a rushin’ biz ter-
night in liquids,” remarked Hank Holbrook.

“Yes, an’ thet wine will p’izen them galoots
for sart’in,” put in Lem Brigham.

“They is givin’ the’r stummicks a regular
surprise, I’m tellin’ yer; all ’ce tin’ ther cap-
t’in, an’ he do look as though he’ been weaned
ogdit ” averred Lasso Dan, while Steel Grip
a e :

“Them fellers comed in here for a puppose,
pards.” .

Having dashed oil? a number of bottles Ar-
thur Vancourt arose, and Without the slightest
sign of the wine having affected him, called out:

‘Now I’m ready for a game; who’ll stake
high against me?”

‘ I’m on hand, Calptain Vancourt,” and a man
ap matched the tab 8. '

general laugh followed, for the speaker
was looked upon as almost a vagabond, and his
appearance certainly did not belie the idea, as
he was rag ed, careworn, and suggested the
thought to t e lockers-on that he had not a dol-
lar on earth.

A young man of perhaps twent -two, he yet
looked ten years older, for his ace was hag-
gard, his eyes d‘ffip-set, and a pinched look, as
of sorrow and s eringyrested upon his mouth.

Still the face was of aristocratic mold, intelli-
gent and if not marred by reckless dissipation
wo d have commanded attention in any as-
semblage.

What his real name was none seemed to
know, thou h be had been over a year in Good
Man’s Gulc ; but his unfailing misfortune in
mining, and everything else he had turned his
hand to, had gained him the title of Ill-omen
Luke, some one having found out that he had
ili‘ifprmer times answered to the cognomen of

u e.

Who he was and from whence he had come’

none knew; but certain it was that he had re-
ceived a good education, and this fact had ain-
ed him an opening in Good Man’s Gulc as
school-teacher.

.But one clay1 he had gone ofl’ on a spree, which
ended his so elastic career, and he turned to
mining, but without success; then to pony ex-

ress riding, a position gained for him by Will

ody, who pitied his misfortunes; but in this
he was unsuccessful, as he got loriousl drunk
and never‘tumed up with the otters ntrusted
to his care for days after.

From bad to worse he had gone working for
hismeals alone, until at length ] -omen uke
was supplied with another name, in that land
rich for co omens with which to baptize, a la
border sty e, every personage that found a rest-
in -place in the community.

nd that other ‘name was Vagabond Luke,
3. most fitting one, if appearances were not de-
ceitful, for one part of his attire, considered
necessary in that land of rough men, was miss-
ing}! and was consslcuous by its absence: that
is, e was unarme . .

If be wore a weapon of any kind it was con.
cealed in the folds of his .tattered raiment, and
it was beheved he never carried knife or re-
volver, for never had such useful articles been
seen upon his rson.

Avmdmg a l difficulties, gentle as a woman
in manners, he quarreled With no one, and no
one considered him worth uarreling with; and
yet, that man, Ill-omen L e, had a. history, as
did also his most constant com anion—a poor,
homeless friendless, tribeless ndian, who, in
spite of his dila idated alipearanc‘e answered
to the hi h-soun inititle 0 Killing Warrior.

Like ‘ agabond uke he was an ill-starred
wanderer from pillar to .
even more scanty, thong at his back he carried
a. bow and quiver of arrows.

What secret tie bound these two unfortunatesi

st, and his attire was

is.“

t!

,3,



Dashing Dandy.

15

 

 

together, unless the tie of fellowship in misfor-
tune, none knew; but, seldom was one seen
without the other, and now, as Vagabond Luke
came forward With his offer to lay against
Arthur Vancourt for high stakes, 'lling War-
rior was only two aces behind, and it was evi-
dent that they ha both been indulging in the
cup that intoxicates. .

‘ You worthless wretch. do you think I would
waste my time with a vagabond like you?” said
Arthur Vancourt, sneeringly.

“ My dust is as good as anybody’s else.” quiet-
lg responded Vngabond Luke, shrinking from
t e attention he had attracted, and the art of
his face visible above his unkempt bear , flush-
ing at the rudeness of the Vigilante captain.

‘Yes, your (Ill-3t is good, if you have any;
but, who ever knew you to possess more than a.
dollar at a. time, and that you would drink up?"
said Vancourt, in a derisive manner.

“Yes, I am a drunkard and a Vagabond; but
I have some gold here I came honestly by,
and I’ll play you a game of cards for a thou-
sand or more.”

“ Bully for the tattered walkinl-macheen l”

“ Back him up, Killin’ Critter, with another
thousan’ l” (yelled two of the crowd, and the In-
dian replie

“ Yes, me lend him money; me got some.”

A general laugh followed this announcement,
and a. voice called out:

.“ :l‘her vagabonds is goin’ inter the bankin’
iz

“We’ll call it five thousand instead of one,”
sneered Arthur Vancourt.

“ Very well, I’ll stake that amount,” was the
unexpected and calm reply.

“ Did on ever play a game of cards?” asked
the Vigi ante in the same sneering tone he had
used since addressing the poor wretch.

“ They were my min.”

The answer came in a full, deep voice that
was a surprise to all, and with an earnest pathos
that made more than one heart present feel a
flood of sym athy for the man.

If Arthur ancourt felt any, he did not show
it, but added abruptly:

“Come an lett am still be your ruin; five
thousand you said, my vagabond friend?”

“Yes,” and Vagabond Luke slip ed into a
seat at the same time drawing out rom some
hidden recess in his clothing a bag of recious
gold-dust, and of considerable more v as than
the sum to be staked.

“Me bet same, if Vigilante is willing; bet on
game of ale-face friend,” suddenly put in the

ndlan, illing Warrior, and another general
lau h went round, while a miner said:

“ her va abonds is wealthy tor-night; I

esses I’ll fo ler their trade, as it’s a. line 0’ biz

het ay han’some.” ,

“ 11 right, Injun; put u your gold, and I’ll
make my ile ten thousan against .the two of
you,” indi erently answered Arthur Vancourt
and the precious metal was at once counted out
by the two white men and the Indian, the lat-
ter exhibiting a. knowledge of the exact worth
of the “dust ’ that surprised the lookers—on.

“Give me a ack 0 cards, Rodney,” called
out the Vigilan e captain.

“May I suggest that you use a pack not fur-
nished by this saloon, sir?”

It was Iron Heart who spoke, and he address-
ed Ill-omen Luke.

The vagabond looked up in surprise: had he
reall a friend in that crowded room, and one
who ad a kind word for him in the face of the
odds against him?

“Thank you, sir; I will take your advice,”
he'said, meekly, yet with evident feeling in his
vorce.

“May I ask how you are interested in this
game?’ demanded Arthur Vancourt, angrily.

“Merer as a spectator who desires to see
fair lax, ’was the cool re cinder.

“ s t is a protégé of yours?” sneered the
Vigilante.

“ If he is in distress, or needs aid—yes I”

There was something in the very quiet yet
decided manner of Iron Heart that kept hack
the rising anger of Arthur Vancourt, and he
“Wt-u N be 1 bl hall

_ 0 e1. owm garygam er,s
the ame begin?” ’ y g

“ es, if some gentleman will lend us a pack_

of cards,” replied Vagabond Luke, with a cour-
age that surprised al who heard him, and a
gage crowd had now gathered around the

“Let me chip in, though it is not my play,
and offer a clean, house ck, as I have be-
fore,” volunteered W111 C y, the Pon Prince,
and he tossed the same  upon he table
that Iron Heart had played With against Colo-
nel Dick Burton.

With this Arthur Vancourt felt he must be
content, for Will Cody was known everywhere
as the soul of honor. .

“ Is the King of Fate willing that his tattered
protégé shall play with these cards?” came _in
thesatirical tones of the Vigilante, and the m-
stant reply brought a laugh: '
th“0h, yes, for an honest man furnished

em.

Arthur Vancourt hit his lip, and, to the sur-
prise of all present, made no reply, for he was

known to be a man ever ready on the draw,
and afraid to face no danger.

“Let us begin,” was all he said, and the
strange game, between stranger players, was
commenced.

 

CHAPTER XIX.
IRON HEART “cnirs IN.”

“I TELL yer, pard, this hour ame o’ keerds
are goin’ ter be curious, and as nterestener as
ever I see,” remarked Lem Brigham the Scout,
as he elbowed his way into a good position to
see what was going on while Iron Heart leaned
against the wall With folded arms, a silent spec-
tator, and by his side stood Major Hugh Tarle-
ton, who observed:

“ I am glad you took the poor fellow’s part,
Iron Heart, for he has the air of a gentleman in
spite of his rags.”

“Yes, he has seen better days, I feel con—
fident, and that fellow shall not cheat him,”
was the calm response.

“Yer has ot er claws in a tra , pard when
yer plays wit t or Vigilante capt in, for e are
roarin’ on luck in keerds,” said a good-hearted
miner, addressing Vagabond Luke, who smiled,
but made no reply. _

“Yes, that man don’t lose no dust foolm’
with keerds,” assured another, as though in
praise of Arthur Vancourt.

“You’ll hev ter go ter scalpin’ wolves, red-
skin, an’ sellin’ ther scalps in Kansas, fer yer
dust is oin’ to leave yer,” another informed
Killing arrior, who, without the quiver of a
muscle or the slightest show of interest in the
game, stood behind the chair of his pale<face
comrade watching the game as it progressed.

“ Shall it be one game, or best two in three?”
asked Arthur Vancourt, as the pla. went on.

r “Just as you please, ’was Vega and Luke’s
quiet answer.

“Best two in three, be it then,” announced
the Vi ' ante captain, who did not seem wholly
pleas with his “ hand.”

“ It’ll only prolong ther agony fer ther durn<
ed vagabond foo "put in a miner, while an-
other rejoined:

“ It are their agony; let ’em enjoy it.”

A few moments of slow, careful playing on
both sides and a loud cry of astonishment went
round the crowd as it was seen that Ill-omen
Luke had won, and many were greatly sur-

rised, for the had never Seen him play cards
efore—gamb ing not being one of his Vices.

Arthur Vancourt hit his lip, but said plea-
santl for he would not by an or show his
morti cation at being beaten b t ova abond:

“ You playa good game, my uttered riend.”

“ I play a fair one. _ ,

The answer seemed to strike home, and a.
laugh followed, while the same miner who had
before spoken called out: v

“Vagabond stock are risin’in ther market:
who gives me a bid for Ill-omen an’ that red-
skin clothes throw’d in?”

“ f you make another remark to annoy that
gentlemen I will itch on out of that door,”
and the hand of -on cart fell heavily upon
the shoulder of the miner.

“I don’t want no trouble with you, pard- I
knows yer,” protested the man, willing to let
the matter drop where the King of Fate was to
be his opponent.

“Then keep thet music-box o’ yourn closed
up,” put in Hank Holbrook, while Iron Heart,
having given his warnin turneda aintowatch
the game, the stock of agabond uke adu-
ally risin , as he was now befriended y the
Dashing andy. .

In a short while another game was played
and won; but this time Arthur Vancourt was
the winner.

With renewed interest the cerd gathered
around to see the third trial, for it was to de-
cide, and the stakes updlarger than was usually
bet even in the rec ess Satan’s Dominion,
while the lphityers were a. strange trio.

Gradua y be e drew near its close, and a
strange silence fel upon that crowd; but each
player seemed confident, though Ill-omen Luke
was very tpale.

Absflfor e Indian chief his features were im-
mo e.

At length the third game drew near its end;
another card, thrown down by Arthur Van-
court, and it was won, the vagabonds had lost
their gold.

u Hold 1)!

The murmur that broke forth at the result
was instantly hushed, for all knew that deep
Forge, and every eye turned upon the King of

a .

“ Gentlemen, I say that Captain Vancourt
has not won this game; behold I”

Seizing the car 5 upon the table Iron Heart
held them up to view.

“By Heaven! if you dare—”

But the words were checked upon the lips of
Arthur Vancourt, for the cold muzzle of a pis-
tol was pressed against his ear, and the one who
held it was Will ody, the Pony Prince, and he
said in his quick, earnest way:

“ éteady, captain; let the Kinf have his way,
and if he accuses you falsely, ’11 see that you
get fair play.”

“And I too.” ‘

 

“Metoo capt’in.”

“Durned of we don’t back yer,” and a num-
ber of other ex ressions showed that the Vigi-
lante had his riends in that mixed crowd of
reckless spirits.

 

CHAPTER XX.
A ramnn IN NEED.

FEELING that .he dare not attempt to draw,
the revolver, upon which his hand had fallen at
the char e made against him by Iron Heart,
{Japtain Vancourt changed the threat upon his

i s to:

2‘ That man dares accuse me of cheating this
poor, miserable wretch.”

“ Are you willing to give this gentleman the
game?” asked the Dashing Dandy, laying special
emphasis upon the word gentleman.

‘ Never! I won the game,” rotorted Van-
court.

“True, it seemed so, but, as I before said,
you did so unfairly.”

“ You have no proof—4'

“ Hush! I have proof, for here are the three
lasll;1 3:11:15 53201; played, angllwthougll: they seem all
r e e o ano r .

’5‘ You lei" “"9 p“

The Iron Heart acted contrary to what all
expected, for he neither sprung upon the Vigi—
lante captain, or drew a weapon and shot him;
he merely smiled, raised the cards he spoke of,
and showed that the three referred to were dif-
ferent, the backs of them being differently
marked, though of the same color.

“ That is an accident caused by becomin
mixed at the manufactory when they were pu
up,” unblushingl said Arthur Vancourt.

“It is a remar ble accident that those three
cards turned up just at the right time to win
for on the game; but if I were to search you
I’ll t my. life I would find the three cards be-
longing to this pack, and more of the one from
which these I hold in my hand came from.”

“S’arch him, hossl” yelled a voice, and it
was evident the crowd wished to see it done.

But Iron Heart said:

“No: that is not my business; but I will see
justice done these poor men; will you give
them the game?”

“No, I will not.”

“ Then pick up the cards, gay one me with
'me for the money on this ble, an cheat all
that,you can; but if I catch you at it I will kill
you.

Arthur Vancourt was in a dilemma; he saw
that the crowd was against him, exceptipfi a
few Vigilante companions, and perhaps h a
dozen other rough spirits who wished always to
see vice triumph over virtue, and he on erly
took the chance of another game to escape rom
his unpleasant lpredicament.

He was a sk' ed hand in cards. and he might:
win, even against the King of Fate, and if he
lost, he was out only the sum he had originally

“Go on, I’ll play you,” he said, recklessly,
and the cards were shuffled and dealt out.

Then the King of Fate, as thou h relyin on
his name, played with almost rec ess 1nd er-
ence, while Arthur Vancourt tried to follow his
exam is, as though desirous of lprovmg how
little e cared whether he won or out.

Rapidly the game went through to the end,
Ill-omened Luke and Killing Warrior regarding
its progress with far more interest than they
had shown before.

“Well, sir, I have lost: your beggar friends
are in luck,” said the Vigilante ca tain: “that
is,”dh,e added, “if you intend giv them the

l .
80“Oh yes I am no thief: ou pla ed a fair

me that lime, in dear cap in, an ,tt is well

or you that you id.”

Raking the fold to ether, Iron- Heart ve it
to Vagabond uke, w 0 divided it equal y with
the Indian, and then said, to the amazement of
all, and in a cheery tone:

“Drinks here for all, Rodney, and wine for
those who desire it. ”

A yell of deli ht and is please eeted the
generous invite on and ajor Tar eton said,
sotto coca, to Iron Heart:

“ Poor fellow; a prince in ."

“ Me treat all, too; give pale- aces fire-water,”
broke in Killin Warrior, and a. renewed shout
went up on sides, while Hank Holbrook

oven-red:

“Waal, that lays out in deck; I as now.
an’ I only wants tor see a eathen Ch nee come
in an’ ax me tor guule liquids, an’_ then ther
Lord may call in m checks, for I will hev seen
one ho this worl ”

“ ptain, will you join me? The invitation
was oral,” said Vagabond Luke, politely.

“ o, I never drink with beggars,” was the
coax-so reply. I

“ on lease, sir.” i

“W' pale-face drink fire-water with
good uni” asked Killing Warrior, wholly
undaegnted by the rebuff his comradehcd re-
ceiv

This'wu too much for the Vigilante ca taln
and he jerked a revolver out 0 his belt, rust
it forward, and pulled the trigger.

 

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«a... ‘JI

» .4!

AJALV

A... 0-..... .,

1. 1. AAJ‘ “J.—

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_-...._4..«.m_. ~.

 

 

Dashing Dandy.

 

 

, The bullet shattered a chandelier and buried
itself in the roof, for the arm had been struck
up by Vagabond Luke.

In a frenzy of rage Arthur Vancourt now
turned upon the man in rags, who had saved
his comrade’s life; but ere he could deal the
death-blow he intended. he was in an iron em-
brace, for the King of Fate held him in a gras
that his great strength was unable to shake o .

“None but a coward would attack an un-
armed man Captain Vancourt,” was the calm
remark, and Iron Heart released his grasp.

“Man or devil, or whatever you are, we
shall meet again, for I am not one whose ath

on can cross with impunit ,” hissed the igi—

nte, in a tone of suppresse passion.

“So be it- it will be ever a pleasure to ac-

commodate Captain Vancourt ” answered Iron
Heart, in a suave manner, and feeling that he
had been badly worsted in the eyes of all pre-
sent, the Vigilante leader hastil left the saloon,
a fevlv of his faithful comrades ollowing his ex-
am e.
‘ on will not refuse to drink with us?” and
the face of Vagabond Luke turned up to Iron
Heart, a pleading look upon it, and by his side
was the Indian.

“By no means; I have been drinking wine;
I’ll continue it, for, if one wants steady nerves,
he must never mix his drinks,” responded the
King of Fate pleasantly, and he sunk down
into a chair the two vagabonds following his
example, while Major Tarleton, the Pony
Prince and the rest of the immediate .party
were engaged already in a game of cards at
another table, and the excitement so intense a
few moments before was all over in that wild
so so accustomed to degierate scenes.

rdering the drinks. agabond Luke said, in
a voice that trembled slightly:

“ Warrior and myself owe to you that we did
not lose our mone , and also our lives.”

“ I caughthim c eating you, so interfered; by
the way, what made you play with that man
who, in spite of his elegant appearance, an
being captain of the Vigilantes, is a most des-
perate devil?” _

“ I did so for a purpose; I wished to see if my
finhad changed, and if I was to win from

“ Ahl on have known him before, then?”

“I be] eve so; and at I am not certain; ohl
that I had the confi once in in self that you
have in dyourself; you do, in eed, challenge
Fate to 0 its worst against you, and yet you
conquer Fate.”

Iron Heart smiled at the earnest praise of the
vagabond, who went on, after a pause of a mo-

nt.

“And you have a nerve of iron—”

“ And a heart of iron, too,” bitterly said the
Kin of Fate.

“ 0, your heart is in the right place, or you
would never have befriended two poor, beggar-
ly devils, such as are this Indian and myself;
you have suffered, doubtless, and only in scenes
such as one meets here can drown thought.”

‘.‘ You Seem a student of human nature; gen,
too, have suffered.” assumed Iron Heart, sa 1y.

“ Ahl how much, God only know ”

“ Well, drown ‘the past, aim higher, and all
may come out right.”

“ Good advice, but I cannot: my life has but
one aim.”

“Do you need work, or service?”

The Vagabond shuddered, but whether at the
idea of work or service, or that the words re-
called some unpleasant memory, Iron Heart
could not guess. -

“ If it is to work for, or to serve you, I will
say yes,” he said, after a while. .

‘ may need you; in fact, am confident I
will; go to the hotel, the Traveler’s Refuge, and
get rooms, and—”

“ No! no! no! I have not slept under a roof
for many a long night; I will not go there.”

“ What! have you no home?"

“Oh, yes, Warrior and myself have a den,
and we call it home,” replied the Vagabond,
with a faint smile.

“ Then flx yourselves up, and come to me at
the hotel."

“No, this clothing suits us better.”

“ Ah: ou are playing a part?”

“Yes, am playing a part. ”

“Very well: I am at the Traveler’s Refuge,

'come there and see me, you and the Chief, and,

if I need you, where can I find you?”
“I: I ’yvill come and take van to our home, some-
e.

Iron Heart made no reply, but dashed off his
glass of wine, and his companions having finish-
ed their game of cards, the party left the saloon,
the two Vagabonds following them.

Once out of the Satan’s Dominion they sepa-
rated in three parties, the Vagabonds going to-
ward the mountains. the ma'or, Pony Prince,
Hank Holbrook and Lem Brig am in the direc-
tion of the hotel, and Iron Heart, Lasso Dan
and Steel Gri walking in the direction of the
thicket on t e creek bank, where they had
forced Powder-Fave Jack to make hisch fession.

As the three parties disappeared in the dark-
ness, 8 man stepped out of the shadow of a.

rway, and muttered:

“That would be a bad gang to attack, if to-

 

gather; but, se arately, they can be mastered,”
and he blew a. een, sharp whistle.

A moment, onl , he waited, when a dozen
en approached t 6 spot where he stood.

“ Three of you go 11 the mountain after
those two beggars; they ave over twenty thou-
sand dollars in gold with them; the remainder
of you come with me,” and the party divided,
accordingly. the larger number starting off on
the trail of Iron Heart and his two companions.

CHAPTER XXI.
THWARTED.

Tm: forms of Iron Heart and his companions
had nearly disappeared in the gloom, when the
party, detailed to follow them, set out upon
their trail, one man going on rapidly to keep
them in sight and signal to his followers.

Had they one direct] on to the spot where
Lasso Dan ad remar ed that Powder—Face
Jack would remain until “ judgment,” unless he
or Steel Grip took him away, it is almost cer-
tain that a. difficulty would have occurred be-
tween the pursued and ursuing: but. hardly
had they reached the sb ow of the little thick-
et_ when Iron Heart stopped suddenly and

 

sai :

“I was a fool to let those two poor fellows go
on their way unprotected, with all that money
fvithnthem; do either of you know where they

ive’l

“ Nary, capt’in, but we knows about ther lo-
calit ,” answered Steel Grip.

“ hen come on with me, for I feel that they
will be followed.”

Turnin abruptly to the right they glided
through t e thicket until they came to the base
of a hill, and there Iron Heart halted:

“See there!”

A man was visible, skulking along toward the
pines, and evidently upon their trail.

“I’ll sarcumvent him, I’ll sw’ar,” said Dan,
and he started to leave, when a grasp of Iron
Heart detained him.

“He is not alone,” and he pointed to the
forms followin slowly in the rear.

“ Guess they old ther trumps, pard, seein’ as
how they is three to one,” remarked Lasso Dan,
in a low tone.

“ No, we hold trumps, for we have discover-
ed them now let us hasten on after those poor
fellows, and the glided like specters around
the base of the h' , until they came to a path
leadin up into the mountain which sheltered
Good an’s Gulch on the north.

Rapidly they walked alon until they reach-
ed a plateau, or shelf, an above which the
rocky crags rose hundreds of feet, and were
split by innumerable canyons, gprges and
ravines, some of them feathered y stunted
firs and pines and others bare and open.

“ It’s about these diggin’s them two beggars
hangs out; they’s ot a hidin’-place hour, I

esses; but, Lord ove us, pards, whar did
t em vagabonds git ther wealth?’ said Lasso

Dan.

“Guesses they hes struck it rich out 0’ some
lead; but it didn't improve the’r clothes and
appearance any; does yer know, I jist howled
when Ill-omen Luke offered ter pla ther Vigi-
lante capt’in fer a big stake: 1t id look so
comical, returned Steel Grip. ‘

“They must have reached their abode in
safety— Hal”

His words were checked by a loud cry not
twenty paces distant; then followed the sound
of men in a struggle. a

A few bounds carried Iron Heart and his
comrades to the scene, and they beheld, in the
uncertain light the two vagabonds struggling
in the rasp of hree powerful men, and stru -
gliliag ravfly, too, for their lives and the

0

“We has ’em, on t’in; but they fights like
tigers, altho’ we too ’em off guard,” cried one
of the assailants, as Iron Heart came up, evi-
dently mistaking him for the leader who had
sent them on the trail of Vagabond Luke and
the Indian.

The reply of Iron Heart was to dash his fist
into the fellow’s face with a force that made
the bones crack, and sent him reelingand sense-
less to the earth, while the iron barrel of Lasso
Dan’s revolver fell upon the head of a second,
crushin in the skull.

“ Hul o, I don’t git a piece o’tber pie, for ther
third arty are also horse—da-comeback, as ther
Frem- sa ,” cried Steel Grip.

“He is sad: I killed him with his own knife,”
said Vagabond Luke, with the same coolness he
had shown at the gaming table,'while the In~
dian released from the gripe of his assailants,
stood silently by.

“ My man is dead too; how is yours, capt’in?”
3nd Lasso Dan bent over the form he had struck

own.

“ I merely struck him with my list; I needed
him,” was the quiet re ly, and in a minute
more the mash return to consciousness.

“Now, my men it you have a safe retreat
we will take this fellow there and question h’m,
and} may Wish you to keep him,a prisoner for

“I’ll do so with pleasure, sir, if Warrior has
no objection ” and turning, Vagabond Luke ad-
dressed the ndian in his native tongue.

 

“Warrior is willing, sir; but we must blind-
fold the fellow, for we will not trust him,
should you release him; in you, and your
friends we place confidence.”

The king of Fate took a handkerchief from
his pocket and bent over the dazed ruflian, and
the next moment raised him to his feet, and it
was seen that he was not only Securely blind-
folded but his hands were also clasped behind
him by asmall pair of steel culi's.

“ Are you certain these men are dead, Dan?”
t,_“l’)ead as dead-beats is always thirsty, cap—

m.

i “Then leave them there, and let us be mov-
ng.
“ Better throw ’em over ther cliff inter ther
river, capt’in: it won’t hurt ’em,” suggested
Steel Grip, and Iron Heart said shortly:

“ Do as you please.”

The two bodies were then raised in the strong
arms of Lasso Dan and Steel Grip, and borne to
the edge of the precipice, which overhung the
stream three hundred feet below.

Out into the darkness the}r were hurled, and
then with a rushing sound, ike the wings of a
thousand b rds in flight, they went downward,
until, with a heavy splash, they struck the
water to disappear forever from human gaze.

The Indian now moved forward, and with his
arm on the prisoner to steady his uncertain
steps, the King of Fate followed, the others
bringing up the rear.

Afteru walk of half a mile they halted be-
neath the shadow of an overhanging rock, along
the face of which grew a tall, limbless free
until the branches were reached, over a. hun-
dred feet above.

“ Please do not speak here, as what you will
discover, I wish kept secret,” said Vagabond
Luke, in a low tone, motioning to the silent
prisoner.

Without a word Killing Warrior then step-
ped to the tree, and, with the agility of a pan-
ther, began to climb the trunk, the others si-
lently watching him. I

At length he reached the branches, walked
fearlessly out upon one. and stepped upon the
ragged end of a protruding rock, to then disap-
pear from sight. V

Still gazing upward the watchers below be-
held a dark object corninor down toward them,
until at length it stoppedwithin three feet of
the ground.

“Come,” simply said Vagabond Luke, and
he stepped upon the lower end of what was
now seen to be a ladder, ingeniously made out
of rawhide. .

“ And this man?” asked Iron Heart.

“I will hoist him up with a rope; on two
men can fasten him on securely,”w "pered
the Vagabond. ,

“True,” and after giving Lasso Dan direc-
tions to tie the risoner securely to the end of
the rope, Iron cart continued: “And then
you can go and bring Powder-Face here; it is a
safer place; but blindfold and handout! him
first,” and he laced in Dan’s hand a second
pair of steel wristlets. '

“You must be a detective. capt’in, as yer
carries ther tools,” said Steel Grip.

“ I always go prepared for emergencies; now
go after that scam , and I will watch for your
return,” and Iron eart stepped upon the lad-
der and began a rapid ascent.

The risoner was then tied to a long rope, let
down y Vagabond Luke, and was hauled
swiftl up into the air, a or escaping his lips,
as he )elieved he was being ange .

“ Yer durned idjiot, don’t er know when a
rope is round yer body instid 0’ yer gulleti”
growled Dan.

“Guess he knows what ought ter be done
with him, an’ ex ects it,” answered Steel Gri ,
and laughing at he man’s fright, the two par
turned away, to go after Powder-Facedack‘.

CHAPTER XXII.
TEE CAVERN MYSTERY.

WHEN Iron Heart reached the shelf of rock,
which was complete] shaded by the branches
of the tall pine tree, 6 found himself in front
of a cavern entrance, fully large enough to ad-
mit a man in a stoo ing p0sition.

Before him stood agabond Luke, and having
received a signal from Lasso Dan that all was
ready, they pulled hard upon the rope, and the
prisoner was soon landed upon the rocky shelf.

“This is my den, CaIpiam Iron Heart: come
in,” said Vaoabond uke, and, leading the
prisoner. the King of Fate followed his strange
companion into a large, vault-like chamber 11
the Solid rock, and from which a passageway
Eves visible leading still further into the moun<

am.

To his surprise Iron Heart beheld around him
comforts wholly at variance with the appear-
ance of the two vagabond dwellers of the cave,
for a rudely-constructed bed was in one corner,
and supplied with blankets and pillow, while a
cot of bear, panther and buflalo—sklns, all well-
dressed, occupied another.

A table, couple of stools, easy rustic chair,
some cooking utensils, a large box containing
provisions, and firearms of various descri tions
completed the furnishing of the cavern one,
if I except several luxurious features, in a

 

 

Dashing Dandy. 1'7

 

 

 

CHAPTER XXIII.
RED HAND AND OLD SOLITARY rnovn mm
METAL.

shelf of books, some writing materials, and a ' Iron Heart, and feeling how thoroughly be was
guitar. in his power, he said:
One glance at the occupants, and then at “You will never let it be known that I told

 

.lmh ..

thei reoky abode, and Iron Heart knew full yer?” LET us now return to the two old hunters left
well that Ill-omen Luke and Killing Warrior “ I make no promises,” wasthe uncompromis- in the cabin of Miser Ben, and tell of their ad-
were playing some deep part in the drama. of ing reply. vent into the 5130118110” Of the Toad‘agt‘llts-
lie. “The captain sent us.” Having iven his guests some refreshments,
Over the entrance to the cavern, to shut out “ What ca taiiil” and 16111116 from them more Of the Cause that

the light from inquiSitive eyes, or the cold in
winter, hung a huge grizzly bear- skin. and this
being now dowu, and a candle lighted, the
chamber presented an almost cosey appearance,
not by any means resembling the den of which
Vagabond Luke had spoken.

“ Warrior .found this cave a few days after
we came to this part of the country; he fol-
]oweda wounded panther up the tree; see, we
have another compartment which I will show

you, if I have your pledge to in no way inter- .

fere with me, or what you see there,” and Vaga-
bond Luke spoke with the easy grace of a man
01' the world.

“ Assuredly; I never allow interference in my
affairs, and you are freeio ask the pledge of me
which I cheerfully grant.”

Motioning for Warrior to look after the pris-
oner Vagaoond Luke took up the candle and
led the way through the tunnel-like passage at
the back of the cave, Iron Heart following. It
was narrow, low, and both men had to stoop;
but, after some sixty paces had been traversed,
it widened into another large chamber, that
seemed to have no other outlet than 9. wide
crevice or two in the roof, and through which
the stars were visinle.

“This is my asylum,” said Vagabond Luke,
and he turned his candle so as to throw the
li ht into the further recess ol.‘ the cavern.

here was heard a clanking of cnains, a
rustling sound, and dark objects were seen
movingr and eyes gleaming.

Then, as the light fell full upon the dark
corner. the King of Fate, fearless and nervy as

llipsvvas, started back with a cry of horror upon 

11 s.
_ “(great God! are they beasts or human bee
1113's?” he cried, in ringing tones.
' “ Beasts in their natures; human beings only
in form," was the cold, cruelly cutting answer.

There were five of them, and they were hu-
man; hut, ahl what pitiable-liioking beings.

Their forms, shrunken. half-naked and dirt-

rimed, were clwined to the roe/cs.
11 iron belt around their waists and a chain
hree feet long held each in bondage to the
I‘OUK y floor. _

Their faces were haggard, their eyes sunken
and gleaming, every featuie pinched with suf-
fering. and their hair and heard unkempt.

“ Are they madmen?" asked Iron Heart, in a
whis r.

“ we of them, yes; the other three are going
mad,” was the answer, in the same cold, cruel

ones.

“Great God i I do not wonder; strange they
are not all raving maniacs; lut, why do you
keep them here, and who are the l"

_ “ They are de vils incarnai el was their vic-
tlml I keep them here for revenge,” and Vaga-
bond Luke almost shrieked forth the last few

“The Vigi ante leader.”

“Ahl he is then the leader of the Vigilantes
an"! Regulators, formed ior the purpose of put-
ting down crime of all kinds, by making exam-
ples of those caught in misdeeds, and he sends
three ruflians to rob two poor menl An honest
man, truly; but now, tell me, did he and his
men follow me?”

“I believe they did.”

“ Do you know it?”
H Yes.”

“ Enough: now, my man, I must hold you as
8. prisoner for a. few days, and this Will be your
prison: but you will be well taken care ol’. Re-
member. sir, my prisoners must be treated well,”
and Ir- in Heart spoke somewhat sternl y to Vag-
abond Luke, who answered quietly:

“The shall be: seel” He aroseand drawing
aside a blanket that hung near his bed, i-hnwed
thed opening to another passageway, while he
sai -

“ This leads into innumerable caves and tun-
nels; and more, to our gold mines.”

A long whistle was now heard without, and
going out on the shelf of rock, Iron Heart saw
innistinctly below the forms of three men,
whom he knew to be his comrades and their
prisoner, Powder-Face Jack.

While the risoner was hauled u by the
rope, handcu led and blindfolded, an and
Steel Grip came rapidly up the ladder, and all
were soon within the rocliy chamber.

“ This are a palace, or are a liar; an’ the
is musical cusses. too," said Dan, his eyes fa —
ing upon the guitar.

"Ef you an’ thei-Injun hain’t ther most de-
ceitfulest critters above the ’arth, call me a
shriekin ,idiot an’ howlin’ liar,” put in Steel

rip, as e surveyed the scene.

In the meantime Iron Heart had removed the
bandage from the eyes of Powder-Face Jack,
who azed around him in amazement until he
saw is fellow-prisoner, between whom and
himsslf a sign of recognition passed.

“ Powder-Face, I wish to ask you a question:
What is the password to admit you into the
stronghold of the Bias k Captain’s hand i”

The uestion came so abru tly from Iron
Heart t at the man started visi ly, as did also
the other prisoner: but recovering himself he
answered, a la Yankee: '

“ How in blazes sh’u’d I know ?”

“Will you answer my question, for I know
you to be a secret member of the Road-Agents’
League?”

“Yer don’t know nothin’ o’ ther kind!” was
the sullen reply.

Iron Heart made no reply, but took from his
pocket a small paper and read aloud its con-
ten 5:

“ ‘The man known as Powder-Face Jack must be
found. If aéirisoner, he must be rescued; it a. trai-

bad driven them from living honest lives, to
league themselvos with outlaws Miser Ben told
them that the Black Captain did not seem to be
doing such a thriving business since he had
Brought his band to the vicinity of Good Man’s

u c . -

“ Yer see, pards,” he went on to say, “when
we was in ther lower mining country gold was
plentiful, and we ust tar make a haul 0’ rich
metal every few days; but ther durned Gov-
ernment ’stablislied a fort down thar, an’ ther
sogers made it uncommon “arm like for ther
agints, for, when ther boys w'u‘d stop ther
coach, 'thinkin’ they’d got it rich, out w’u’d
jump halt a dozen or more fellers in blue uni—
form an’ than there was a tearin’ time.

“ aal, one day they cotrhed ther capt’in,
not ther one we has now, but another one, a
han’some, dashin’ devil, and what they ever
did with him none knows.

“An’ 'itbout our chief, things was workin’
bad, for they druv us to ther mount’ins, ther
men got ter quarrelin’ among the’rselves, an’ I
was expectin’ ter see ther hangnian arrive ev-
ery day, when along comes a man on horse-
back. an’ ther cheek he had was refreshin’, for
be said as how he’d be ther ca t’in o’ ther
agents, and all ther time he di n’t show his
face, for it was covered up with a black mask,
an’ he wore black gloves.

‘fWaal. yer knows who he was, as he’s our
chief tar-day, an’ of he hain’t a daisy then yer
kin feed my carcass to ther coyotes.’

“ And none 0’ ther fellers knows who be are?”
asked old Red Hand.

“ Nary know; ther boys tried it on with him
fer see if he was grit. an’ be jist laid a couple
out for stifl's, an’ dared ther others to jine ther
scrimmage; but ther fellers said he was a
bouncer, an’ we made him chief, an’ ef he
hain’t been boss ever sin’, then yer kin call me
a liar; but come, l’ll take yer over an’ inter-
dooce yer to ther agints.”

Risin , Miser Ben pulled a. slender line above
his he , and stood as though waiting, his com-
panions watching him attentively.

“Thet strin runs over ter camp, an’ ther
pull I gi’n oui will fetch one o’ther boys; e!

’d yanked it three times, ther wh’d hev been a
dozen tellers here lookin fer a row.
my pard now.”

As he spoke a savage-looking road-agent en-
tered the cabin, from the rocky tunnel way.

“ What’s up. Ben l” he asked.

“I wants ter take my particular ’sociates
over to ther camp ter see ther boys. Pards,
this are Bad Bob 0’ our gang; Bob these are
Red Hand an’ Ole Solitary of ther lower ken-
try an’ heving hed ter light ot-tt ter save the’r
use 5, Lucky Jake sent ’em ter jine us; now
yer is acquainted."

The three men acknowledged the strange in-

Here are

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words. tor he must ie. See to it. trodu ction with! ut formality, and leaving Bad.
“ God in Heavenl my revenge is child’s play “ ‘ THE BLACKCAPn-m’ " Bob in charge of the cabin and as an! a duty ,,
alongside of this man's vindictiveness,” mur- “You see this betrays you, I found it upon he seemed to fully understand: 1591‘ 1391! led y

mured Iron Heart.

,“ And the list is not yet complete; there were
nine in all; one is dead, one I spared for his mo-
ther’s sake; two yet live a. free life; but see,
their chains are there,” and Vagabond Luke
pointed 10 two iron belts with chains attached
that lay upon the rocky flooring.

“Save mel Oh, save me!” suddenly broke
forth one of the abject wretches, in a. wail of
voe.

“Take me out of hell!” burst from another's

s, and a general cry for mercy went up, un-
ti the man whose deeds had won him the name
0- Iron Heart became as weak as a little child,
a“, turning quick] , fled from the den of mad-
mn, followed b agabond Luke, from whose
1114 broke a bar merciless laugh.

lace more in t e outer cave, and Iron Heart
brathed more freely; but he still felt consider-
abv unnerved by what he had seen, and turn-
edno his prisoner, by whom Killing Warrior
wax complacently seated.

‘Well, my man, tell me how on came to
mab the attack you did upon this gentleman
andhis Indian com nion’l" and Iron Heart
toolthe handkeri-hie from over his eyes.

Th man gazed in renewed terror when he
saw Ivho his captor was, and Iron Heart re-
memered to have seen him in the Saloon of the
Sateis Dominion,'and knew him as one of the
Vigllhte band. 7

" Sbak, for I assure you I am in no good hu.
mor. (1 our life is at stake.”

“, hi you kill me, Captain Iron Heart?”
Whineithe man.

“ depends wholly upon yourself. Now,
Why d you follow these two men?”

‘ If 1,911 you all will you release me?”

“I I? e no promises. I have nowish to take
Your “gee it is safe, if you do as I wish.”

“ W we wanted to get their gold ”

“Tim as evident; but who sent you?"

The hesitated, but catching the eye of

 

a spot Where your chief had stood, and it is ad-
dressed to .
“RED DARRELL,
“ Satan’s Dominion,
“ Goo lman’s Gulch.”

“This heur fellow is Red Darrell,” said Lasso
Dan referring to the other prisoner.

“ oodi the lot isthickeningfast. Mr. Dar-
rell, you have ound Powder-Face Jack, and he
is a prisoner: but, unfortunately, you cannot
rescue him, and if you Wish to save your lives
you will both of on have to prove traitors to
the Black Capt in. Now, what is the pass-
word to gain admission to the stronghold of
your chiet i”

In chorus camethe answer from the two men,
as though each was anxious to sate lite upon
any terms:

“ Overland to Hades l”

“ That will do. If the password roves
wrong you will be the sufferers. New, s r, can
you give these ‘men safe uartersl” and Iron

Icart turned to Vagabond aka, who arose and
at; the way into the passageway back of the

Silently Lasso Dan and Steel Grip followed
with the prisoners, and the all soon stood in a.
large cavernous chamber, mm which a dozen
tunnels led in different directions, and upon all
sides glittering sparks met their eyes, a sight
that caused all to cry out in one voice:

“ A gold mine!” _

“ Yes, this is my gold-room: but it will serve
as a prison, too, for the only exit is through the
cavern in which I live: I will see to their com-
fort, Ca tain Iron Heart. for Warrior will bring
them b ankets and food.” _

“ Then, I leave them in our hands,” and ten
minutes after the King of ate was on his way
to the hotel, accompanied by Lasso Dan and
Steel Grip; but he could not shut out from his
mindthe terrible den in the mountain and its
mad mates, 1

a

 

the way through t e rocky passe e to the camp
of the road-agents, or rather to t Lir settlement
in the valley beyond.

The agents received the new-comers, not in on
exactly unfriendly spirit, but with an air of sus-
picion they could not hide. and which was not
to be wondered at in men who led the danger-
ous life they did.

But the lieutenant in charge, since the fall of
Nincz. and in the absence of their chief, knew
both Red Band and Old Solitary well by repu-
tation, and bade them welcome, assigning them
gunfire in a cabin until the return of the Black

a in.

‘PPards, it don’t seem jist right ter he don‘t-
!ul 0‘ our new pards; but Ilsa leetle mite so
I reckons,” and an old scamp, with one eye, an
a hideous visage, generally came forward and
eyed the two hunters, close y.

“El’ yer has anything ag’in’ us. spit it out,
an' don t stan’chinnln’ round it like a arson
huntin’ for his text,” said Red Band wi some
show of anger.

“ Yes, Bill Dead-Eve, if you have taught
against the pards, just make it known,” said the
lieutenant, whose care in his dress, and dumb?
fled style, generally, had won him the name of
Fan? Fred; but, in spite of his soft ways
and no looks. he was every inch a devil when

roused, and the :1 arts feared him almost as

much as they did t 9 Black Captain.

“Waal, I ust tor know Old Red Hand ther
Trapper o’ ther Rockies, an’ be war a leetle
mite diflerent from this one; but I kin mighty
soon tell of it he he. an’ give ther boys some on-
tertainin" diversion, besides,” answered Bill

Dead-Eye, whose cognomen certainly was an

appro riate one. .

e’re in for diversion, psi-(is, hain’t we, so
how is it ter he Bill?” asked one“

“Waal. Old lied Hand war lightnin’ on ther
shoot; c’u’d bare_a hole through ball a dollar at
twenty yards, either with pistol or 11310, a"

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f. A.

18

Dashing Dandy.

 

 

they say, as has seen ’em, thet he an’ Ole Soli-
tary c’u’d fire at ther word, same as they was
fl htin’a dooel down South, an’ knock bottles
0 each others’ beads fifty feet apart.”

“ War thar liquid tanglefoot in ther bottles,
Bill?” asked one.

“ No, the was empt .”

“ Waal, mout believe it; but none but a
durned fool w’u’d break a bottle as hed liquid
in it an’ them cha s accordin’ ter what I has
heerd on ’em, hain’ dumed fools.”

The remark of Bill, as to the skill of the two
hunters, seemed to create quite an excitement
and interest among the agents, and Fancy Fred,
who desired to see an exhibition of their skill,

said:

“Pards, I do not doubt you, in the least, for
.you would indeed be foo s to come into this
camp professing to be what you are not; but
the boys seem anxious to see you shoot, and I
'wish on would oblige them.”

, Re Hand glance at Old Solitar ,as though
11; dolubt what to do; but the old unter said,
ou :

“ My eyes is gittin’ a leetle bit dimish, sin’ old

. age hev been on my trail; but they is good

enough yit Var see ther whisky in a stone jug
evervyetime by Jeehose hat!”

“ aal, I’m willin’ e my pard is, but I don’t
like ter give a free circus ter please a lot 0’
durned fools. Ef it war turkey-meat ter be
shot at, or a bag 0’ dust ter scoop in, I’d like it
better, yet I won’t be disobleegin’, fer it hain’t
in my natur‘; so, histe up er tar ‘ts, pards,”
and Red Hand rose from w ere he been sit-
ting rifle in hand.

“her is ter be ther targits fer each other,”
volunteered Bill Dead-Eye.

“All ri ht; I hain’t artick’ler. Kern, ole
man, knoc a hole in t is,” and 01d Solitar
took from his pocket a halfodollar, and held his
arm out, the piece of silver encircled by his
thumb and forefinger.

Red Hand hacked to the distance of ten paces,
raised his rifle quickly and fired.

’ Instantl the half-dollar went whirling
through t 6 air, and was picked up by Fancy
Fred, who cried out:

“Plumb center, by Heaven! Old man, you
are a dead shot, that’s certain.”

“ Yas, it are beneficial to be, in these diggin’s.
I knows whar my lead is goin’ when I pulls ther
tagg’er; of I didn‘t I’d ’a been an angil afore
t 's

Takin a large gold—piece from his pocket,
Fancy red threw it into the air, cryin :

“Put or lead through that, old man. ’ \
t

The ri e of Red Band cracked, and the bulle =

striking the gold-piece fair, sent it whizzing
away; but keen eyes followed it, and when
ban ed to the lieutenant it was found to have
been shattered by the shot.

“You is a terror, ole man; an’ I esses I was
mistook in yer, arter all; but I’ like ter see
the bottle-shootin’ I has heard tell on, ” persisted
Bill Dead-E e, and a score of voices secondin
the propose two bottles were brought, an
the ttwo hunters took their stands thirty paces
a ar . .

pPlacing each a bottle upon his head and
steadying it there, they raised their rifles with-
out the tremor of a nerve, or an instant’s hesi-
tation.

To ther, like one-shot, the rifles flashed and
each ttle was shivered to atoms, while a wild
shout of admiration went up from the band of
agents, and a clapping of hands near by caused
all t3 turn their eyes in the direction of the
soun .

There stood Firefly, and the Indian woman,
Minna, with the deformed negro in the rear.

Unperceived the three had approached Afric
having told the young girl and her Indian

rdian that two strange old hunters had
oined the band.

Seein the fair prisoner, Fancy Fred sipped
toward er, touching his slouch hat poli y as
be advanced, and saying:

“We are enjoying the sight of some rare
skill in shooting: those two old men are mira-
culous shots, and it is no wonder that the In-
dians, and in fact whites, regard them with
terror.”

“1 saw their last shot, and admired it; I
would not hesitate to let them shoot an object
from of! my head,” said Firefly, fearlessly, at
the same time gazing into the face of the reck-
less young oflicei', to see if she could read hope
of succor there.

“ If ther lady will trust me, I’ll make a bet-
tor shot for her,” said Red Hand, approaching,
havin heard Firefly’s remark.

“ illingl ; what will it be?” asked the maid-
en, and she ooked steadily in the face of the
0131‘ 1111mm" ’ th 'I ' t i”

as anv 0 ese pigrims go a see
asked Red and, turning to the crowd. gar

“I will oblige £51,” and Fancy Fred handed
a. small cigar to Hand.

“Now I wants a match. Miss, you do ther
smokin’ and I’ll do ther shootin’; that is, ef yer
hain’t afeerd ter draw on ther weed.”

“Oh no, I have often smoked a ci ette,”
and placing the cigar between her ips she

hte .
“ Now, jist stan’ whar I put yer, miss, an’ I’ll

 

knock the ashes off 0’ the eend with my revolver
at fifteen aces.”
Fancy ed wished to raise an objection and
the Indian woman said it must not be, but ire-
crie :
x‘ He shall make the shot, for I am not afraid.”
“ No, Minna will prevent,” answered the wo-

man.

“ Shet up yer tongue-trap, yer chinnin’ red-
skin squaw or I’ll shoot ho es in Hyer years fer

earrings,” angrily said Red and, and. the
threat seemed to alarm her for she remained
silent, but an evil glitter in her eyes boded no
good for the old hunter. _

Leading Firefly to the distance of fifteen
paces Red Hand said: _

“ ow stan’ jist heur, leetle gal, an’ hold still
as cold meat arter a scrimmage; thar, I want
yer ter be sideways ter me,” and, as though
anxious to place her in a position in every way
suitable, he remained an instant, while, from
under his gray beard came the words:

“We are your friends; be on the alert, for
we have come to save you.”

The blood rushed into the maiden’s face, for
from the first she had suspected the two old
men, after the letter of the mornin ; but she
did not lose her nerve. and romaine standing
like a statue as the man stepped off his fifteen
paces, wheeled, drew a revolver from his belt,
and called out:

“Stead , gall”

Again 'd Fanc Fred, to whom Minna had
been talking, step orward to interfere; but he
was too late, for the weapon was thrust for-
ward, then a report followed, and a shower of
sparks flew from the end of the cigar, while
vells of admiration for Firefly’s nerve and Red

and’s shooting went up on all sides.

“Didn’t I say we were some, pards? Does
yer doubt us now, yer one-eyed catamountl Ef
yer does, jist give us a mount’in to upset, a
tree ter chew up, a grizzly ter tackle or a bar-
rel o’ tanglefoot ter surround' we is ther in—
fants as kin do it, for we is buckskin gloves as
will fit, so try us on, by J eehosephat f” and Old
Solitary danced around as thou h he was anxi-
ous for a row, which no one of t 6 agents seem-
ed to desire with men who had 'ust given such
an exhibition of their skill in house of fire-
arms.

 

CHAPTER XXIV.
FIREFLY RECEIVES VISITORS.

TWO days passed away in the outlaw camp,
and yet no opportunity had presented itself to
the two old unters—one of whom had made
known to Firefly that they were her friends—
to attempt a rescue.

In those two days the strange old men had
become prime favorites with the road-agents
who seemed delighted with their stories 0
thrilling adventure in the Rocky Mountains,
and were never tired of seeing exhibitions of
their skill with the rifle.

The third do. of their stay at the stronghold,
and toward t e afternoon a messenger came
with word from the Black baptain to his lieu-
tenant to halt the stage-coach when it came
through, as another gold-box was on board.

“ Thet durned Iron Heart will be along I’m
thinkin’,” remarked one who had been in the
last two attacks, and had met the King of Fate
on those occasions.

“No, be are laid up, sick, at ther Refuge
Hotel in the Gulch; besides the returnin’ hour
fer ther stage has been changed to two hours
earlier, an’ thet durned Hank Holbrook won’t
know as we knows this,” announced Bad Bob,
who was the messenger.

“ Waal, of ther capt’in orders it, I sup ose we
must; but, he keeps sh hisself, as he te ls ther
loot’nent ter do ther jo .” ,

“Fancy Fred are a good man, ef he don’t
wear a mask,” retorte another bandit, and
they were so arating to prepare for the work
ahead when d Hand came 11 .

“ Hullo, ole man, yer is jist n time; we hes a
job fer yer ter help in, fer we’re guine ter tap
ther ole hearse a ’in ter-da , as she goes b’ilin’
fer Good Man’s ulch,”sai one.

“ I are willin’: gold dust are becomin’ ter my
style 0’ beauty."

“ Then Iyou are with us, ole man?”

“ You in agamble on it; when does ther
funeral be in

“ In hal a hour we leave camp.”

“That are lovely; I‘ll jist shake up Ole Soli-
tary an’ then git up ter ther capt’in’s cabing
arter thet monkey-shaped nigger, who is a-
mendin’ my weepins an a-runnm’ me some bul-
lets; but Ill be that, so don’t wait, ef we is a
trifle late,” and Red Hand went to the cabin
where he and 01d Solitary made their home,
and calling to his comrade to accompany him
the two set 03 for the Head-quarters, as the
home of the Black Captain was called.

Arriving there they found Firefly seated in
the shade of the veranda, listlesst gazing into
yacancy, while an anxious look rested upon her

ace.

Near her Minna was seated u on a bearskin,
and the huge, deformed ne 0, fric, lay asleep
upon the rose a few feet istant.

The In ian woman seawled as the two old
men approached, but Firefly greeted them plea-

/

 

santly, while Afric arose to a sitting position.
It was evident that neither he nor the Indian
woman were pleased with the visit of the new
additions to the road-agents’ band.

“ Waal, how is er up at Head-quarters ter-
day i” asked Red and, as the two approached.

‘Pretty well thank you, but tired of this
life,” answered Firefly, s1 iflcantly.

“It hain’t very livel li e, an’ we jist comed
up fer a little chat, t is pesk fine arternoon;
but thet red Injun s uaw, an’ t or black nigger
imp, don’t seem so mighty deli hted at seein’
of us ” was Red Hand’s view of t e case.

“This is the captain’s quarters, and none of
the men come here, except on business,” replied
the negro, bluntly, while Minna added:

“ers, the chief does not allow it; you must

“ Waal, I declar’, if I ever seen sich' unpolite
varmintsl I didn’t come ter see you, ye two
howlin’ black an’ cinnamon b’ars; comed ter
see this leetle gal, durn yer,” and Red Hand
cast a quick glance around him as though medi-
tating some sudden act, while Afric, enraged at
the conduct of the two new allies, sprung to his
feet and advanced toward them.

“Say, yer w’u’dn’t harm two ole men, w’u’d
yer, ni ger?” asked Old Solitary, as though
alarme , and he backed over toward the Indian
woman as though for protection.

But, unheeding his words, the negro, whose
giant strength ad never met its match ad—
vanced the more rapidly upon Red Hand, as
though not to give him time to draw a weapon.

Another swee ing glance the old hunter cast
around him, an seeing none of the agents in
sight, with the lea of a tiger upon its prey, he
met the negro hal ~way, seized him in a clutch
of superhuman strength and bore him to the
earth, when a fierce struggle followed.

At the same moment 1 Solitary had wheel-
ed and seized the Indian woman and before she
was aware of dan er his hand was upon her
throat withaforce t at prevented any out- cry.

Out from his pocket hen he quickly drew a
small rope, and, now fully aware of the daring
attempt to rescue her in broad dayli ht, within
call and view of the outlaw cabins, 'refly aid-
ed in the good work, and in a moment’s time
Minna was securely bound and gagged.

“I’ll drop her (gist inside ther winder,” mid
01d Solitary an be raised the woman and
placed her through the open window into the
room of the Black Captain.

In the mean time a savage struggle was going
on between Red Hand and the desperate negro
Afric, who seemed amazed and wi d with rage
at his inabilit to crush his adversary in his
arms, as he be many another brave and pow-
erful man.

But, in spite of his iron-gray hair and heard
and tottering steps, Afric had found in Red
Hand his master, far, into the huge, deformed
body, crushing through flesh, bone and muscle.
the ong knife of the old hunter went straight
to the ne ro’s heart.

A stifle can, a shiver, a writhing in death-
agony, an Afric, the deformed negro giant,
was dead.

“He were a hard one,” said Red Hand, ani
raising the form in his arms he thrust it throu
the open window as Old Solitary had done t e
Indian woman.

“ Now, my gal, you must git out 0’ this;
hain’t thar no wardrobe yer kin git on?” asled
Red Hand.

“Yes, a suit of the Lieutenant Ninez, vdio
was killed some days ago poor fellow. ”

“ Good as corn-juice. I guesses yer’d beter
see of yer c’u’d it a rough suit, so as it w’u’m’t
look onnat’ral 11 e, as we’ll hev ter run under
some eyes.”

” I’ll dis ise myself as well as ossible,”and
Firefly lef the room, while Red and and Old
Solitary hastily beglan a survey of all that was
in the a artment, t ough the iron box we too
stron or them to 0 en.

Be ore they thong t she could be half eady,
Firefl returned rig ed out in boots beeches
and s irt of the ieu enant Ninez an vearin
upon her head a large slouch hat that shad
her features. ' _

“ I have my rifle and belt of arms, to< which
had been taken from _me,” she informe them,
and the three, dreadin every momen pf de-A
lay, quick! left the ea in, and starte m the
dBirection o the cavern pass, guarded iy Miser

en.

But .seeing several horsemen coring from
that direction they were compelled i change
their course, skirting the cabins, an headln
for_ what was known as the chasmpass, an
which led out ugon the main stage rad.

“ We’ll doub ess meet ther guaJ‘Itha—r, but
be are but one, and of we does meetther gan
as hes gone ter rob ther coachwhy, we’ .
hev tor fight that’s all.” eclared fed Hand,
and havtigg urin his stay in thatronghold,
acquain himse with the localits, he easfly'
led the way by a circuitous roui that kept-
them out of sight of the homes of no outlaws,
and brought them out near the chili) pass.

As thev had expected the guardiaspn duty;
but RedHand and Old Sol tary,eaving Firev
fly to follow, walked boldly up toim.

“ Ther boys was a—wantin’ yerer hurry up,.

 

- managed to

v

 

Dashing Dandy.

19

 

ole pards, ef yer wants ter be in at ther b’ilin’,”
the aid announced.

“ e is a—hurryin’, pard; onl ther’ is a mes-
senger as hes come from ther ulch, an’ wants
ter see ther loot’nent; come here, young fellerl”
and Red Hand called to Firefly, who slowly ap-
proached.

“If he hes biz with Fancy Fred, yer’d better
take him whar he kin see him,” said the guard.

“ Is ther’ anything wrong with ther capt’in,
or town boys, young fellerl” he continued.

“ No, but I wants ter see ther loot’nent, of it’s
all ther same ter you,” answered Firefly, dis-
guising her voice and assuming the border dia-

ect with the utmost sang froid.

“Waal we’ll not tarry here, pards, fer ther
stage wil be along, I guesses, afore long,” and
the two hunters and Firefly walked on, leaving
the guard looking after them and muttering:

“ het young feller’s face I hes seen afore:
guess he’s one o’ ther capt’in’s spies at ther
Gulch.”

Owing to the rough nature of the ground, af-
ter leaving the pass, the part were compelled
to go down through the lpine t icket, where the
Black Captain had soug t refuge the last day
of the attack upon the coach, and as they came
out into the opening they saw the sta e roll into
view, and heard the stern order of am: Fred
to Hank Holbrook to “ Haltl and up wit your
hands!”

“ Back! back into the thicket before they see
us,” shouted Red Hand, dropping his dialect,
and pulling Firefly back with him, while Old
Solitary ifuickly followed.

“It wil be a durned shame ter let them agints

t away with ther box 0’ gold; what say yer,
ghlita i”

“I’m a-thinkin’ as you is,” was the compla-
cent answer.

“And I, too; can we not prevent it? But see
there!” and Firefly pointed to the passengers
getting out of the sta e-coach.

“It are Colonel ick Burton, as I live!
Waal. I almost feel like lettin’ ’em rob him,”
and Red Hand uttered a light laugh.

But a heavy hand was laid upon his arm. and
Old Solitary cried hoarsely:

“Look! it is the girl!”

As he spoke a. maiden was seen to at out of
the coach, politely aided by Colonel urton.

“ Girl, on stay here and lie lowl Come!”
cried Re Hand, and be bounded forward, fol-
lowed by Old Solitary, and by Firefly, too, for
hers was not a nature to shrink from any dan-
ger when she could be of aid to those in misfor-

une.

So intent were Fancy Fred and his agents
upon the work before them, that they failed to
notice the coming of Red Hand and his friends
until they dashed into their midst and leveled
their weapons upon them, while the old hunter
yelled in trumpet tones:

“ Hold !”

The a ents shrunk momentarily back, Hank
Holbroo gave a whoop and drew his revolvers,
an example which several of the passen ers fol-
lowed, even to the young girl who s by the
side of Colonel Dick Burton.

Thus was a thrilling and deadly icture or
tableau presented for one moment, d Hand,
01d Solitary and Firefly with their weapons
leveled at the hearts of the outlaws who con-
fronted them, and backed by the Prince of Rib-
bons and the passengers, ready to contest the
matter then and there to the bitter end.

“ Traitor! What means this outrage?” broke
from the lips of Fancy Fred, whose heart was
covered by a deadly aim.

“ It means that we stand here on equal tarms,

d, an’ 1 sa 8 yer sha’n’t rob thet ole hearse-
oes yer‘wis to try it on?” demanded Re
Hand, With painful distinctness to those who

listened.

“In the devil’s name who are on?” cried
Fancy Fred, who in s ite of his hal -dozen men
at hi back, felt that t e advantage was not on
his side.

To his question Red Hand laughed lightly
but made no reply, and the outlaw lieutenan
re ated it:

‘In Satan’s name, I ask, who are on?”
.Instantlv there was a change in ed Hand;
his bent form towered upward; his hand was
raised uickly to his face, the act displacing his
hat, an long gray wig and heard, while in ring-
ing tones he answere :
‘ Men call me the King of Fate !”

 

CHAPTER XXV.
THE srno'rnn noasnmn.

THE scene that followed the startlin -
nouncement of Iron Heart the Kin of glam,
and that in the old hunter, Red Han , the out-
laws had entertained that remarkable man, beg-
grs description, for the road-agents shrunk

ck, coweringly, before the one, whose deadly
aim they knew but too well, and the passen ers,
who had heard of the deeds of the Des ing
Dandy cheered, while Hank Holbrook fairly
howled: with deli ht. . v

But, in the con sion that ensued, Fancy Fred
et a silver whistle to his mouth,
and blew one ong, shrill call, a signal to the re-

mainder of his outlaws, who were stationed
a quarter of a mile up and down the road to
prevent surprise, and instantly came an answer.

That a desperate encounter was imminent,
none doubted, for the agents, backed by their
overwhelming numbers, were willing to make a
daring effort to capture the gold-box, and, at
the same time kill, or get into their power, the
redoubtable King of Fate, and thegeonly waited
the coming of their comrades to gin the at-
tack, fully confident of the advantage they held.

As though knowing that the fight must be
both fierce and long, Iron Heart motioned to
Firefly and the other maiden to get into the
stage so that Hank could drive on with them
out of danger. I

But, neither Firefly nor the young girl, who
was a passenger in the coach, were made of
that kind of material, and Hank called out:

“ N ary drive on for me, pard; petticoats and
breaches must share ther pow-wow tergether.”

“Perhaps we can compromise,” came in the
bland tones of Colonel Dick Burton.

“As how, pray?" asked Fanc Fred.

“Why, let you have the go d-box, and the
passengers go on in the coach, unmolested.”

“ Leaving this man my prisoner?" and Fanc
Fred inted to Iron Heart, who promptly sai :
“ I I thought by giving myse f up, that the
safety of those I would risk my life to save,
would be guaranteed, I would gladly do so; but
I know the Black Captain and his infamous
band too well to trust them on oath so we will
fight it out, and those outlaws not killed we will
ban .

Ҥou speak with too much confidence, my
fine fellow,” sneered Fancy Fred.

“I know the material we have to fight.
Ready, all i”

Instantly there was a stir, for all knew that
the fight must begin at once; but, as lron
Hearts revolver covered the heart of Fancy
Fred no outlaw dare commence the firing.

“Hal hal hal_hal”

The wild, mocking laughter that fell upon
every ear caused all to start, and turn in the di-
rection from whence the strange sound came.

The evening shadows were creeping on and
there, outlined against the dark-green back-
ground of the ine thicket, and standing across
the grave of inez, the outlaw lieutenant, was
what appeared to be a marble statue.

White as snow was the horse, and in sno
raiment, from head to foot, was the rider,a.nd
both as motionless as the dead.

But, all who had once seen that face and form
knew it; it was Ninez, the lieutenant of the
road-agents I

“Hal hal ha!” again came the mocking
laughter, bursting from thelips in ringing peals,
just as the two bodies of outlaw reinforcements
appeared in sight, up and down the mountain

road.

And they, too, heard the derisive laughter,
and came to a sudden halt, gazing upon the
specter above the grave, a ghost! form of horse
and rider appearing ere the sun (I gone down
beyond the mountain.

Again and for the third time, the shrill laugh
echoed t rough the forest and the arms moved,
the left pointing in the direction of the chasm
pass, the right own into the open grave, with
its human bones, from which ever atom of flesh
had been torn by the sharp feet of the raven-
ous wolves.

This silent rebuke at the way his comrades
had left him to wild beasts, and the arm point-
ed toward their stronghold, as though com-
mandin flight was too much for the super-
stitious ideas of‘ those wild men, crime-stamed
though they were, and as one man they turned

to 11 .

“Hal ha! ha l” again pealed forth the weird
laughter, and away bounded the horse and
rider throu h the forest and around the moun-
tain-side—t ass that listened hearin no sound
of heavy hoof-fall as the animal s alonfi

“Waal, I‘m dead heat, I sw’ar,” said ank
Holbrook, drawin a long breath, and he added:
“At ther dro o a hat, I’d fiout 0’ this as
peert as did t em agints; oh, rdy, how they
did light out I” ,

Seeing that his Words made no imflxgssiom
on his hearershall of whom, even n H ,
seemed dazed, 9 continued:

“0h, durn it, wh don’t some 0’

er laugh,
or I’ll go clean in

, an’ won’t hev ar fer go,

nuther.”
“Can an explain that ap arltionl” sudden-
ly asked clone Burton, turn g to Iron Heart.

“Upon my honor I cannot. At the last at-

tack uponthis coach, I killed the (young man

whose s cter form we just behel I do not
believe in the dead comin back to walk the
earth in spirit, but this is yond my compre-v
henslon ” answered Iron Heart, impressively.

“And mine, too; but come- let us return to
Good Man’s Gulch,” and Old Solitary threw
aside the disguise he wore revealin the hand-
fome, determined face 0 Major ugh Tar—
eton.

“Wool, of yer don’t lay over me, I are a
liar; but yonder comes ther speerlt back afiin,
and I is goin’ ter stampede,” cried Hank ol-

 

brook. _
But the one he believed to be the returning

s cter dashed into sight, and proved to be Will

Ody, the Pony Express Rider.

As he drew rein it was seen that he was very
pale, and upon his face rested an anxious look.

“ Hullol Been halted again?” he asked, as he
rode up.

“Yes, an’ ther’d been rails ter split in ther
mount’in, pard, of a speerit spook hadn’t put in
an a pearance. ’

“ id you see it, tool” asked Will Cody, in

me.

EPWell, I’m thinkin’ we did, or we is all liars,
gals an’ all; an’ gin got a glimpse o’ ther ghost
critter, did yer, incel”

“Yes, Hank; it aed me in Deadman’s
Trace—went by me like a flash of li ht, and no
sound of hoof-beats. I don’t muc on spirits,
and am not afraid of mankin , but I was scared
I’ll admit, and so was in horse: but I mus
skip on— Hullo, Firefly, is that you? Where
are, your petticoats?”

“ discarded them to make m escape from
the outlaws, and which I owe to t ese two noble
men ” said the girl, frankly.

“ ermit me to congratulate on, too,” re-
marked Colonel Burton, offering is hand. -

“Thank you,” was the quiet reply, but the
maiden did not take the offered hand;

Hank Holbrook having arran ed a part of his
mi laced harness, mounted to is box, follow-
ed y Iron Heart and Major Tarleton, while
Colonel Burton aided the maiden into the
coach. Firefly and the other sengers a
couple of miners, s ringing also 11 and taking

511

having dashed on ahead.

As he turned the curve Will Cody looked be-
hind him, and instantly be reined his horse
back upon his haunches and inted in the di-
rection from whence they be come.

Hank Holbrook, Iron Heart and the major
turned their eyes at the same moment, and from
the lips of all broke a cry, which caused those
within the coach to look out.

There, a couple of hundred yards behind
'them, coming on at an easy gallop and silently,

was the spec er a Ninez the outlaw lieutenant.

“ Hold on, 1101 rook! Be that specter or hu-
man I will know,” and Iron Heart endeavored
to spriifiato the ground.

But jor Tarleton seized him firmly, and
the now thoroughly alarmed Prince of the Rib-
bons uttered a yell that sent his horses forward
at full speed, while the keen lash fell merciles-
ly u on their glossy hides.

Li 9 the wind they flew down the mountain
road, the coach swaying wildly, and the Pen
Prince barely able to keep is place in a -
vance.

And never before had the loafers around the
Traveler’s Refuge seen Hank Holbrook come
in in that mad style.

“ He’s got ther agents arter him,” cried one.

“ 0r ther devil,” suggested another.

“ Maybe he’s drunk ” remarked a more rac-
tical persona e, and they gathered arena the
coach as it ve fip, the more bewildered as
they beheld Iron eart, Major Tarleton and
Firefly in their stran e disguises.

But, no one seems willing to vouch any ex-
planation, not even the Pen Prince, who had

brown his express bag into t e office and gone
silently into the hotel.

“Hank, have you a lady passenger by the
name of Miss Westfieldf” asked Jim Smi h the
landlord. ,

“Yes thar she is.”

“ Well, I haves. letter for her, left by Judge
'Wharton: lease drive her to his ranch. ’

“All rig t, Jim. Colonel, shall I drop you
at your home?”

‘ Yes Hank, after I have escorted Miss
Westfleld to her destination. ”

Both Iron Heart and Major Tarleton heard
the remark, as they were entering the hotel,
and the former said:

“It is unfortunate that she should have re-
turned in the sta 9 with that man. Come,
Firefly as soon as have gotten out of this tog-

ry oi an old hunter I will see you to your

ome,” and the three entered the hotel just as
night settled down upon the little valley.

CHAPTER XXVI.
men HEART mus 'rwo CALLS.

Tan morning after the scenes related in the
foregoing chapter Iron Heart mounted his
horse, determined to pay two visits.

The first one was to the ranch of Firefly,
which was situated u n the lope of the moun-
tain, in the rear of t e hamlet, or town—citg,
as some roudly called it—of Good Man’s Gulc ,
which, E] its palmiest days, did not boast
of a. population of over fifteen hundred souls,
three hundred of those bein Chinese, eight
hundred of the remainder con sting of miners,
hard working but ran h, wild fellows, and the
balance, excepting a ew women and children,
consisting of the ha is: that prey upon a min-
ing town, from gain lei-s to cutthroats.

 

stores, sellin every kind of s from but-
tons to revo vars, several hotels, 0 which the
Traveler’s Refuge was the best, two-score of
saloons and gambling hells. of which the So-

 

tui’s Dominion was the “bright particular

seats, the coach ro ed away, the Pony Prince ,

One passany well-built street a score of ‘

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2O

Dashing Dandy.

 

 

star,” the Pony Express office. stage—coach sta-
bles and headquarters and “ rold exchange”
made u this wild border town in the heart of
the gol regions.

And yet, with all its rough element, there
was an air of refinement there in a low homes,
and men, who would be ornaments to any so-
ciery. walked its streets. brought by adversity
titer seek new fortunes in the gold mines of the

est.

As Iron Heart rode slowly through the main
s‘reet that morning, he was musing upon the
strange scenes and people around him, and the
circumstances that had brought most of them
1: ere.

“Nearly every man—and woman too, for
that matter—has a history in their lives ' some
skeleton in the closet has driven many of them
here, for all did not come to seek for gold : Colo-
nel Burton. for instance, Arthur Vancourt, and
even the Black Captain, who, men say, is worth
millions.

“ Thin, Will Cody, and Steel Grip, Lasso
Dan, and that strange man, Va bond Luke;
then Firefly. and Dave Westfie d, too, have
histories. ow strange is it alll Ah me, I
wish the bitter end had come for me, and it
will soon, for the object that brought me here
is all that I live for now.”

So musing to himself Iron Heart rode on,

asssd out of the town, and took the road lead-
ing to the Lennox Ranch, or as it was gener-
ally called, Firefly’s Home.

It was a pleasant cabin abode of five rooms,
strongly built of logs, and the immediate
grounds about the house surrounded by a stock—
ade fence.

Chickens, ducks and geese stalked about the
yard, and off on the hillside roamed a few hun-
dred cattle, sheep and horses, while an air of
prosgzrity was upon all, for flowering vines
clim d the veranda posts, and flowers were
numerousl 1plan ted about the beds on each side
of the wal mm the gate,

An old negro man was busy working in.the
garden, and a negress was washing clothes.

All this did Iron Heart take in at a glance, as
he walkedtoward the cabin, having hitched
his horse to the fence.

Then his eyes fell upon the fair young owner
of this pleasant home, seated at the window,
sewing.

She arose as she caught sight of him, and
came forward with a glad welcome, looking
strangely beautiful in her morning wrapper of
some ight, white material and a red roaebud
in her hair and another at er throat.

“It was kind of you to come so soon,and now
I can thank you for all you have done for oor
me,” she said the dashing. fearless rec less
Firefly suddenly metamo hosed into the lovely
and noble woman she rea ly was.

“i wished noses how you were after all you
had gone throngl ,” responded Iron Heart, un-
able to restrain is admiring gaze, and, almost
startled by her beauty.

"Oh, nothing ever hurts me; I am a. real
mountain and prairie girl, you know. ”

"Yes, but then the sus use you endured
while in the Black Captain 3 power must have
been terrible.”

“Yes, after on arrived. for I was in dread
that you won d be detacted and shot; but I
kept up a stout heart, for I believed I would es-
cape, and could have done so had it not been for
Minna, whom the major had to treat rather
rudely. I wonder how she is i”

“ Having no interest in her I do not care; but
I believe the Black Captain will make an efi’ort
to get you again into is power, and wish to
ask you if you will take three of my friends as
boarders for a. while?”

“Your friends are always welcome, Captain
Iron Heart.”

“Thank you. I will send them up to-day;
they are good men all or them, and you can
trust them implicitly.”

“Whoare t ey?’

“Two of them you doubtless know, for they
answer to the names of Lasso Dan and Steel
Grip: the other is a scout, and is known as Lem
Bri 'ham: give them a room at night and they
wil be content.”

“Willingly; and it is so kind of you to wish
me to have protectors; but I am not one to
faint at sight of danger, and always go armed.”

“ I know your nerve; but you are yet a
woman, and unable to pope with and men.
Now I must go, but let no one know that you
have protectors, for they will come after dark
and leave early in the morning.”

“ Must you return to town so soon i”

“ No, I am going to Judge Wharton’s ranch.”

“All! he has a. lovely daughter,” and there
was a tin of jealousy in Firefly’s tone.

“Were in search of lovely women [would
remain here,” was tho gallant reply; ‘9 but I go
to see the young lady who was With us in the
coach yesterday,” he added.

“ Oh yes; she, too, is very beautiful: and you
know her then?" and again there was an anx-
ious look in the lovely eyes.

“ Oh yes; I know her Well.”

“Yet you did not speak to/her yesterday,
nor she to you.”

“ No; there was a motive for not doing so.”

A

,drea

 

“ Have you heard more of the specter?”
asked Firefly, as though to change the subject.

“ No, but I will yet solve the mystery.”

“ Beware! That horse and rider were not of
this world."

“ You, too, superstitious?”

“Not by nature; but it was something that
none of us could understand.”

“ True, and that is why I will trail the mys-
tery to the end; but, good-by ” and the two
parted, Firefly to pace up and down the ve-
randa for a long time. lost in deep thought, and
Iron Heart to Continue on his way to the ranch
of Judge Wharton.

Ashe rode u , he saw a saddle horse hitched
in the yard; ut the jud e met him with a,
kindly greeting and ushers him into the house,
where, to his surprise, he beheld Colonel Dick
Burton. seated on the sofa with Leone West-
fleld while Alice Wharton sat near by.

“ My daughter. you know, Captain Iron
Heart, and your fair protr’ (e. Miss Westfield,
you also of course know; ut, have you ever
met Colonel Richard Burton l—ah yes, how ab-
sent-minded I am; I remember now, you and
the colonel have met before. Be seate , sir, be
seated: and, Alice, bid Ching Lung to bring me
in a bottle of Otard brandy: and, by the way,
daughter, tell him [’11 draw the cork, for if he
does it, he’ll get so drunk he’ll never do another
thing this blessed day. A drunken Christian I
can endure, entlemen, but an intoxicated Hea-
then Ch' ee alwa s pass on. Does your wife
like Chinese help, aptain Iron Heart: or er—
haps you are not married?” and the cJiudge ad
barel taken breath in all that he sai .

“ o, I am a. bachelor,” nietl said Iron
Heart, and then, turning to olone Burton, he
continued:

“It is a surprise to meet you here. colonel.”

“Doubtless, as I seldom visit any one: but,
havinfilbeen fellow-passenger with Miss West-
fleld the way from Denver, I called to see
how she was after her alarm of yesterday. ”

“ And I called for the same urpOse.”

“Indeedl .I did not knew t at you were ac-
quainted with the lad y?” and the colonel showed
his surprise.

“ Oh yes; but in my disguise assumed to res-
cue Firefly from that accursed Black Captain,
Miss Westfield did not appear to recognize me;
but, have you arrived at a. solution of the spec-
tral mystery yet, Colonel Burton 'l”

“None, sir, nor has Miss Westfield. He cer-
gailiji‘ly was most kind to interfere in our be-

a 4

“Yes, but Hank Holbrook drove 03 this
morning with his heart in his throat; brave as
he is and friendly as the spirit seemed, he

clad to meet it again.”

“I don’t wonder at it,” and before more
could be said Ching Lung entered with the
brandy and losses, the cork already drawn
and considera 19 missing from the bottle.

“Me spillee littee brandee,” he volunteered,
geeing the judge look at him with frowning
‘ace.

“Yes, downee your yellee throatee,” mim-
icked the judge. and the conversation became
general, until Iron Heart arose to leave, and
the colonel, also rising, said he would accom-
pany him;

Ten minutes after these two men rode up to
the door of the Traveler’s Reluge and dis-
mounted, to the great snr rise of all who saw
them together, for they to t that there was no
love lost between them. ‘

CHAPTER XXVII.
m amount or ran MOUNTAIN.

“I TELL yer, pards my checks will soon be
called in; know it, and Hank Holbrook
heaved a. sigh, as he dismounted from his box
before the door of the Traveler’s Refuge, the
third day after the rescue of Firefly from the
strogghold of the road-agents.

“ hat news now, Hank i” asked Jim Smith,
the landlord, who heard the remark,

“ News enough.”

“Hev yer seen ther spook ag’inl” asked a
loafer, in a half-whisper of awe.

“Seen it? Why. in course I has seen it! I
allus does, goiu’ an’ comin’,” answered Hank.

“What does it do, Hank?” asked Jim Smith.

“Wait ontil 1 see a leetle other kind 0’ s eer-
ite an’ I’ll tell yer,” answered the Prince 0 the
Ribbons. movm ward the bar, while the
stablemen in waitin g led the horses. away to the

and
y ‘l Ill-er agents didn‘t bother yer, too this
trip, Hank?” inquired an idler, who with the
award, had folloWed the driver into the bar.

“ Naryl They lays low, for they is as skeerd
o’ ther speerit as I is, an’ so is everybody else
but ltl,i,et King 0’ Fate whom I met back on ther

f .

.“ Whar was he a-goin’l" was the question
from a dozen.

9' Arter ther speerit l”

“Oh. he ar’ some; but he’d better not tackle
a host,” warned one.

‘Waal, he thinks dii’rent, for he‘s gone ter
do so. all ther same.”

“Tell us about it, Hank,” cried the crowd. .

“ All right: a leetle more o’this speerit, Fred,
that 1 are acquainted with-411m; my Loy, thet

 

 

will form a coatin’ fer my stomick, seein’ as
ther weather is gittin’ breezy. Now, pards, yer
must know thet on each trip I has been, since
ther last attack o’ther agents, 1 hes met ther
speerit, for, in oin’over, he comes out ahind
me at ther Vigi antes’ Tree, and in a easy al-
lop, or fast, ‘jist as I go, he keeps about filmy
paces awa , until I gits ter Dead Man’s Trace,
an’ thar 6 leaves me an’ goes inter ther
woods.”

" An’ yer sees him distinct. Hank?”

“ As distincter as I sees you now, an’ it are
certain ther outlaw loot’nent—they called him
Niixez, I b’lieves—only be are rigged out all in
white an’ his horse are like snow un’don’t make
no rackit when he gits over ther groun’. On
ther right side 0’ ther s eerii’s face is a v ound,
an’ out o’ it ther blood as run down upon ther
clothes an’ horse, an’ it don’t look right.

I tell yer, ards, them outlaws didn’t bury
thet young fol or, an’ ther coyotes du r him up,
an’ be are a-hauntin’ ’em for it; but w at I hez
done for him ter ha’nt me, I doesn’t know.”

“ It wor Iron Heart that shot him, wasn’t it,
Hank?”

“ Waal, yes, he has pluck uncommon ter go
a-huntiu’ of ther feller arter he has kilt him.”

“ Hehes, fer a fact, pards: but, he are no com-
mon man; but I knows what I is goin’ter do,
an’ ther stage boss says I can, so 1 will start ter-
night.” ‘

“ Hain’t goin’ ter give ther route up, Hank?”

“ Nary. Only l’m a-goin’ tcr drive ther road
at night, fer a trip or two.”

“But, all speeri ts come out at night.”

“Yes, but this loot’neut’s speerit is what
skeers me, an’ I sees him in ther day time, so I‘ll
run ther trip at night, an’ I starts this evenin’
at nine o’clock.”

“An’ ef yer see ther spook ter-night, Hank?”

“Then I’ll be all broke up, for sartin. Come,
fellers, let’s liquor up, fer needs a firm foun-
dation.”

“Upon the principle of spirits to the spirits,
Hank; but, by the way, have you a seat in the
hearse for to-night?" and Colonel Burton ap—
proached, having heard the conversation.

“ I ’spects ter hevnine inside, colonel, ter folks
hain’t’ travelin’ much sin’ ther speerit’s been
seen. 7
“Then I’ll ride with you to night, on the box,
for I wish to see what account my repeating-
rifle will give of this ghost on horseback.” ‘

All were surprised at the reckless couraee of
Colonel Burton, who would dare to turn his
rifle upon one from the spirit land. and Hank
Holbrook did not half like the idea : but he said
little, and at nine o’clock that night the stage
rolled awa from the door of t e Traveler’s
Refuge, an began its perilous trip across the
haunted mountain, or, as it had been called in
the earl settlement of Good Man’s Gulch, Mad.
man’s ountain, having gained the name from
the fact theta giant madman had often been
seen in its wilds. who drove all away who at-
tempted an exploration of its hidden wealth.

“ here be some deep mystery in thet moun-
tain pards, for years ago it were madman as
dwe t there on the other side toward Dead
Man’s Trace, whar them live graves is thet no-
bod knows anything about: then it were ther
roa agents as held ther top 0’ it, an’ now it’s
haunted by 0. speerit an’a spook horse. I tell
yer thar’s somethin’ wrong, an’ I is goin’ ter

' uor up, er I’ll be afeerd ter go to my cabing.
ho’ll jine me?”

The whole crowd *‘j’ined him,” for the
‘v‘l speerits” of the Refuge bar were not the kind
they feared. and many a wild story was told of
Madman's Mountain, and many a story that
had its origin only in the imaginative brain of
some Good Man’s Gulch miner.

“Ef'ther eerit is ter be squelched, ther’s
two men as km do itfiand them two is on his
trail, au’ they is Devil Dick Burton, an’ ther
King 0’ Fate. ’

This opinion seemed general, and hoping for
thrilling ne'ws in the morning; the party were
about loseparate. when tall form entered,and
approaching the bar sai , simply:

‘Brandy. Fred.”

It was given him, and he walked away to his
room, leaving a queer sensation behind him, for
the man was Iron Heart, and his handsome
clothing was travel-stained, and his lace pale
and weary-looking.

#119 has see’d the:I s eerit, an‘ther hes been
a. bu’stin’ time,” was t e comment of an old
miner, and the crowd dispersed, all filled with
superstitious awe.

CHAPTER XVIII.
HANK Honaaoox’s s'ro'av.

THE morning after the return of Iron Heart
to the Traveler’s Refuge, he arose and appeared
in the breakfast-room as fresh looking as though
he had not returned at a late hour the night be
fare from “spirit-hunting," as Hank Holbrook
haid said was his mission into Madman’s Moun-
ta n.

Dressed with unusual care, in velvet sack<
coat and white corduroy pants stuck in the top
of his stylish boots and With a new light som-
brero, he looked indeed like a dand and a
dashin one, too when one glare into his
smooth y-shavan ace and fearless eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dashing Dandy.

21

 

“Hank says you were ghost-hunting last
night captains did you see the specter horse-
man?’ asked Jim Smith, who was taking his
brandy cocktail when Iron Heart came out of
his room.

H Yes-77

“ Indeed! Was it really a ghost?”

“So I found it," and, as if to avoid conversa-
tion on the subject, Iron Heart continued:
"Please order my horse around for me as soon
as I have finished breakfast; and, by the way,
when will the Prince of the Ribbons return 3”

“ He drove the tri last night and returns to-
night; what is it, ing Chi?” and Jim Smith
turned to an excited Chinaman.

“ Melican mun Hunkce come now: stages come
Snickee," cried Ling Chi, pointing out of the

oor.

Hastening to the veranda Iron Heart and
Jim Smith beheld the stage coming rapidly up
the street, and the next moment it was at the
door, and Hank Holbrook, white and haggard,
sprun from the box.

“ l here is the colonel, Hank?" called out the
landlord. ,

“I dropped him at the cross-roads and he
walked home.”

“ Did you kill ther ghost?”

“ He are already dead. pard: thet thing
hain’t human,” returned the driver, in a low
voice.

“You saw the spirit, then?” persisted Jim
Smith.

“ Yas, an’ want ter see some of another kind
now—some I kin rastle with, for I’m played,”
and calling to Iron Heart and the landlord to
follow he sbught the bar, and dashed off as he ex-
pressed it, “ five fingers straight to boost me up,
pards.” .

“And you saw the ghost again?”

“Yes, landlord 0’ this hash-factory, I seen
ther ghost ag’in; be are a night ghost as well as
a day one, au’ he jist laughs at shootin’-irons.
Yer see, arter passin’ ther Vigilantes’ Tree, we
thet is ther colonel an’ me, heard a lau 'h ahind
us, an’ lookin’ l-ack we see’d ther speerit gallop-
in along on his spook horse. _

“‘ Wait till we git to ther openin’ on ther
mountain, Hank, an’ then draw up sudden, an’
I’ll gi’n him a shot for luck,’ says ther colonel
ter me, an’ be fingers that repeatm’-rifle o’

isn.

“ ‘You is ther doctor, colonel,’ says I, an’ on
we went, till we come to ther Ilace whar thet
loot’nent were kilt by you, Cup ’in Iron Heart,
an’ ther colonel says, says he:

‘1 LNOW 11

“I dragged ther critters to a dead still, an’
ther colonel turned an’ blazed away, standing
up on ther dash ter git good aim.

“ Waal, ther speerit laughed at us, an’ ther‘

colonel fired ag’in an’ ag’in until he bed shot
ther weepin out, an’ still thet speerit sot on his
spook horse an’ laughed. '.

“ ‘Drive on Hank, an’ drive like Hell l’ yells
ther colonel: but I was a-goiu’, an’ it wa’n t no
use ter tell me, for I was a-layin’ on ther per-
suader until ther critters was mad with fear, an’
a-b’ilin’ along like greased lightnin’; but, right
ther behind C.va ther speerit, and ther he he t
till we got to Dead Man’s Trace, an’ thar e
drawed of! inter ther timber.

“Waa1,thar were no sleep for me whenI
got to t‘other end 0’ my road, an’ says I:

“ ‘ Colonel, let’s return immediate, an’ we’ll

pass Dead Man’s Trace about sun up.’

“ Says he: ‘All ri ht, Hank.’

“ An’ so we starte back, an’ we passed ther
Trace an’ didn’t see no speerit, an’ begun climb-
in’ ther mount’in, an’ yet didn’t see no speerit;
so ther colonel says, says he:

“ ‘I guesses I wounded ther speerit, or kill:
him, Hunk.’

“ ‘ I guesses not,’ says I, an’ I looked at ther
colonel in ity, an' I war right, for on ther
mountain Side, whar ther road-agents attacked
us, an’ stan'in’ right across his own grave, were
ther s eerit, spook horse an’ all an’ ther colo-
nel di n’t shoot at him, nuther: but he lau bed
thetsame wild laugh at us, an’ of yer loo 3 at
my critters you will see the ham’t been long
comin’ from ther here; let’s ev another bever-
age, Fred,” and Hank dashed off another “five
fingers,” while Iron Heart went in to 30m MaJor
Tarleton at breakfast. _

After finishing their meal the two friends,
for such they had now become, mounted their
horses and rode away from the hotel together,

oing up the mountain road to the north, in the
direction of the cavern of Ill-omen Luke.

A shrill signal, given near the tall tree, soon
brought an answer, and nimbly down the pine
came Vagabond Luke, ‘ who approached and
said, with an air of politeness that seemed natu-
ral to him: r

“Good-mornin , gentlemen.”

Both acknowle god the salute, and Iron Heart
said: ‘

“ Can you leave your prisoners safely, to
night, you and the Indian?”

“ Certainly! can I serve you?”

“ Yes, you and Warrior meet me at the Creek
Can an to-night at ten, and come well armed.”

“ e will be there, sir.”

Iron Heart and the major then rode on, the
former leading the way, and taking a path that

 

 

‘, a strange scene.

wound around the base of the mountain to the
home of Firefly.

Finding the maiden away from home, they
made the circuit of the town, and were riding
through a canyon that led out 11 on the high-
way near the nanch of Judge harton when
they heard the sharp crack of a rifle, followed
by a loud shriek.

Putting spurs to their horses, they came upon

 

CHAPTER XXIX.

A cums DEATH-SHOT. ‘

A SHORT while before the stage—coach dashed
into Good Man’s Gulch, with the Prince of the
Ribbons holding the reins, and white and ner-
vous‘after his and Colonel Burton’s night ad-
venture with the speeter ho: seman of Mad-
man’s Mountain, an old woman was tottering
along the highway leading to the ranch of
Judge Wharton.

‘Hei‘ form seemed bent with age, and she car-
ried a stick in her right hand.

Turning into the walk, leadin to the Whar-
ton cabin, the old woman walke up to the door
and nodded to Leone Westfleld, who sat upon
the veranda, and who looked exquisile lovely
in the attire of her sex, though her eyes were
ever haunted by sad memories of the past.

“ y poor woman, are you hungry and tired?
You certainly look so, and shall have both food
and rest,” said Leone, kindly, rising and ap-
proaching her.

.The woman raised her face artially, the act
disclosing a complexion burns to a bronze hue,
and eyes strangel bright for one of her age,
while in a voice t at trembled, she answered:

“ Me hungry an’ tired; but me want to find a
pale—face girl look tor.”

“You are an Indian then. At first I believed
you a. Gipsy, for you looked like those that were
wont to come to my home ears 8. o.”

“ Me no Gipsy; me red-s ‘ ,an me look for
e. pale-face girl.” .

“You wish to see Miss Alice Wharton per-
haps? but she has ridden out with her father
over to the Vancourt Ranch.”

“ N 0, me look for girl name Leone Westlield.”

The maiden started at hearing her name upon
the lips of that old Indian woman; but she an-
swered uietly:

“ I a Leone Westfleld.”

f‘Me so glad found you; me want you to come
With me.” A

“ What can you want with me?” asked Leone,
with suspicion in her tone.

"Leone have brother once; he kill man, and
run away; bed pale-face chief hang Leone
brother, and he is die now and want see you.”

_ ‘Do you mean that the man who ruined and
killed my poor brother Leo is d in and wishes
to see me? asked the maiden, ee y moved.

“Me have straight tongue; b white chief
want tell something before die.”

“ Where is he, woman?”

‘I‘He live yonder—one short walk,” and she
painted toward acanyon running into the hills.

“ Is he a miner and has a cabin there?”

“The maiden has spoken right.”

“And he sentyou to me?”

The Indian woman bowed in answer.

" Whom did he say I was to go to see?”

The woman seemed thinking for a, moment
and then replied:

" Richard Dorsey. ” -

“Enough! I. will accompany you, and you
shall be well paid for serving me; wait until I
get ready.”

Going into the house Leone was absent for
quite a while, and then she returned with her
hat and shawl on.

“ Come; let us go at once,” she said, and with-
out a word the Indian woman led the way, the
maiden following, her face 1e and determined,
alistif she had made some an den and daring reso-

u ion.

A walk of half a mile up to the deserted cabin
and the woman turned into a ravine, darkened
by the scrub pines that grew upon the Sides.

Dropping her stick she stooped to pick it u ,
Leone passing her as she did so, and then, wi
the springof a panther she was upon the maiden,
her lithe arms encircling her slender waist like
bands of iron, and her wiry hand dragging from
the belt beneath the shawl the revolver and
knife concealed there. I

One cry only burst from the lips of the poor

irl, and then disarmed, she was powerless in

alarms of the woman, whom she now know
was no lon :- decrepit with age but young and
possessed o remarkable strength and activity.

“ Well,_traitress, what mean you by this out-
rage?” cried Leone, still fearless, in spite of the
situation in which she was laced.

“The pale-face maiden s all know; she is to
die,” was the calm answer, and no longer in the
hesibtating Indian manner, yet with a. slight ao-
cen .

“Die! how have I ever wronged you?” cried
lIfeoue, a. thrill of horror passing through her

“ Me never saw you before: but you must die;
the chief says you must die, and,me will kill
you,” was the cool re use, the woman using
the word me when smashingiof herself.

p. ..,..

 

W

" What chief, womanl"

“Richard Dorsey.” V

“Oh God! thwarted, and by him,” and the
poor girl buried her face in her hands.

As she thus stood, an object of pitiable grief,
there came a sudden clmn 6 over the Indian
woman, for her form dilate , her eyes glittered
with evil intent. and drawing a long, keen
knife from the folds of her dress, she said, in a
harsh tone: ‘

“ Let pale-face girl prepare for Happy Hunt<
lug-grounds.”

‘he maiden started, and one glance showed
her the cruel intent of the woman.

She could not fly, for she stood with her back
to a rock, and the woman faced her, cutting off
all escape.

Realizing her peril, she did only what was
left for her to do—-—-dropped on her knees and
raised her hands in pleading:

“ Don’t kill me!"

“ Must: chief told me: good-by,” was the mer-
ciless res onse.

Then t a knife was lifted, and the feminine
fiend Sprung toward her victim; but, as she did
so, there came the crack of a rifle, and a Wild
shriek followed.

And that shriek came from the lips of the In-
dian woman, who fell dead in her tracks.

Then, out of the dark shadow of the ravine
came a young girl, and behind her trotted a
faithful pony. '

In her hand the new-comer held a smell rifle,
but one of deadly effect, and her face was flush-
ed, her eyes sparkling with exoitement.

“I fired just in time to save you—he! who
have we here?” and wheeling, the young girl
stood ready to meet friend or too.

But these who came were not foes; on the
contrary, two as good and true friends as any
maidens in distress would wish, ior they were
none other than the King of Fate and Major
Hugh Tarleton.

“ Well, this is a scene to come upon. but I re-
ign-e that only the wicked are punished,” said

a 'or Tarleton, after the two had dismounted
an greeted the maidens, Leone Westfield hav—
ing recovered her nerve and usual composure
with wonderful quickness.

“ Ahl it is Minna, the Indian woman, who
was your guard at the stronghold, Firefly l" ex-
claimed Iron Heart, bending over the dead woa
man.

“I am sorry she fell by my rifle: but, I was
yonder in the ravine gathering wild flowers
and saw her threaten the lile of this lady, and I
fired to save her. ”

“And you did save me, my noble friend,”
said Lenne, dee ly aflected.

“Major I wi l 0 back to that miner’s cabin
up the valley. an ‘ send him here to bur this
body, while you go on with the ladies to udge
Wharton’s, where I will soon join you,” and
Iron Heart mounted his horse and rode away
while the major and two maidens walked
slowly on toward the ranch, Firefly’s and the
oficer’s horses following them like hounds.

Arrivin at the ranch they found that the

' in sand is daughter had just returned from

the rvisit to the cattle ranch of Arthur Van-
court, where the had gone to see what had be-
come of the w thy and handsome ranchero,
to whom Alice was really attached.

The jud was terribly excited, and Alice in
tears, for t ey had metwith an adventure upon
their return that well-nigh proved fatal to both
father and daughter.

“ I Will tell you, sir, I will tell you all about
it— ’Sh! here comes Captain Iron Heart, and
he, too, shall hear my story. Welcome, on
tain, welcomel Sit down rnd let me relate
you an outrage, sir, an outrage perpetrated up-
on Alice and myself.

“Went to see Vancourt, sir; curse him, say I! V

and if Alice swore she would curse him, too; as
she does not, she weeps away her indignation;
figs, sir, as I was sayin , we went to his ranch;
ve not seen him for eye; but he was absent,
and upon our return. at a lonely,I place in the
mountain, to the north of Good en’s Gulch, I
was fired upon from ambush; ust think of that,
and my horse killed, and a bul tpassed through
my but there, see this hole, sir; well, out from
the thicket. sprung three men, and ere I could
resist, I, sir, , a man who had been justice of the
peace, was dragged from my horse to be mur-
ered, while my daughter was held in durance
vile by a rufilan with a pistol.

“ Ah, sir, but they found me game, and in the
struggle I tore the mask of one of the men ofl
and—God bless me, sir—it revealed the face 0
Arthur Vancourt, the cattle-king; but you do
not cry out with sur .”

“No, nothing that Arthur Vancouxt could do
would surprise me,” returned Iron Heart, coollv.

“ Ahl you know him then? Well, sir, he
cried seeing I had unmasked him:

“ "1"ou old fool, now you have sealed your

oom.
v “The idea, sir, me an old fool! but he would
have killed me, for he drew a knife when a. shot
cams from the hillside and my other assailant
was killed, while Arthur Vancourt sprung upon
his horse, which I saw in the ines, and escaped,
310 with the fellow who seized my dough.
ter’s arse.” , 

 

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22

Dashing Dandy.

 

 

, yes; it was a poor, worthless fellow they
call I’ll-omen Luke.”

“B Heaven, I am glad to hear this,” said
Iron eart, earnestly.

“But he is not a worthless fellow, father for
he had splendid eyes, and looked as thou he
gas poor and in trouble,” spoke up Alice har-

n.
“Judge, that man is not the poor, insignifi-
cant person that ho is believed to be. So he
came to your aid, did ho?”

“Yes, and single-handed, too; he spoke a
cheerino' word to Alice, ot the horse of the
dead rufflan for me, and p aced my saddle and
bridle on him.

“I offered him money and he refused it in-
dignantly, touched his hat to Alice and walked
away; but she rode after him and thanked him
for all he had done. Now, sir, shall I push this
affair against Arthur Vancourt?”

“Oh, no, judge, leave him to me; but come,
major, we must be off,” and leaving Firefl to
gmnd the dilly, at the urgent request of all, ron

cart and ajor Tarleton mounted their horses
and returned to Good Man’s Gulch. .

 

CHAPTER XXX.
THE MIDNIGHT EXPEDITION.

SHORTLY after ten o’clock, on the night fol-
lowing the day on which Firefly made her
splendid death-shot, a band of horsemen were
assembled on the creek bank above Good Man’s
Gulch. r

All were well armed, well mounted, and,
more than a score in number, were a band of
men who would dash like a whirlwind over al~
most any human opposition. ‘

“ Ah, here comes Will Cody, the Pon Ex-
ress Rider,” said a deep voice, recognize. 1e as
ron Heart’s.

“Now are all here?” he added, as the Pony

Prince rode up.

“All, capt’in: we kin go on with ther b’ilin’
now,” responded Steel Grip, for he and Lasso
Dan were along, and also Lem Brigham, Vaga-
bond Luke and Killing Warrior, besides Hank
Holbrook and half a score of brave stage-drivers
and ny express riders.

“ ajor Tarletonl”

“ I am here, Iron Heart.”

“Well, all are ready, so you take your band
and enter by Miser Ben’s cabin, while I will go
through the Chasm Pass. As soon as you gain
entrance into the valley, charge at once for the
outlaws’ cabins, and I will do the same.

“ Remember, men, the Black Ca tain shows
no mercy, so fight for your lives an to free this
country of that curse, but under no circum-
stances kill the chief, for he is my game, and I
ofler ten thousand dollars for him alive, but
nothing for him dead.

“ Do all understand?”

‘ A  3”

The sound was deep, ominous and determined.

“March!”

The two bands separated, Iron Heart and his
troop, with the Pony Prince as lieutenant, tak—
ing the stage road up the mountain and Major
Tarleton and his squad, with Hank Holbrook as
his aide, oin up the canyon leading to the
cabin of iser en.

A rapid ride brought Iron Heart and his com-
panions to the Scene of the attacks on the stage-
coach, and all eyes were turned in every direc-
tion for a sight of the specter horseman; but no-
where was he visible, not even when they assed
the grave of Ninez and the outlaws, slain y the
Kin of Fate.

“ t are a good omen not to see him,” remark-
ed Lasso Dan, in a low tone.

“Don't crow yit, pard; we hain’t out o’ ther
woods,” warned Steel Grip, and silence again
fell upon the party.

Approachin the pass, Iron Heart dismounted
and went on a sad.

For an age, it seemed to those in waiting, he
was gone, and then they heard his signal to
come on. .

He was standing directly on the barrier in the
pass and said aloud:

“There is no guard here, or—”

“Or what, capt’in?” asked Steel Grip.

“ Or they have discovered our coming in
some way and are lying in ambush for us.”

“ Me go see; me eat warrior,”complacently
said the Indian, Ki ling Warrior, and he slipped
noiselessly away from the party, and disap-
pearcd in the gloom.

He was absent quite a while, and returning
re orted no outlaws near.

onderin at the strange circumstance, Iron
Heart move forward with his party once more,
crossed the plateau, and descended the hill to
the valley.

Then along dark line of horsemen was visible
moving in the same direction that they were.

“ It is the major and his party; they too,
seem to have met with no 0 position,” and soon
after Iron Heart com d  g, the two bands
me .

“ There was no one in the cabin, captain,” the
major reported.

“Nor in the Chasm Pass; can they have de-

 

serted their stronghold, or are they intending to
give us a surprise?” asked Iron Heart.

“ That we can soon find out."

“Yes; forward all i” and Iron Heart led the
way at a. gallop directly for the cabin of the
Black Captain, and in an instant it was sur-
rounded.

But no light was visible within, and silence
and desolation reigned supreme.

Dismountin , iron Heart and the major ap-
proached the cor.

“ Here is a placard; alight here, please.”

It was soon struck, an( upon the door was
visible a sheet of paper flrml tacked.

Upon it, written in a bol , legible hand, was
a notice which Iron Heart read aloud:

“To Wnon 11* MAY Cones.an

“Whereas, The Black On tain and his band of
road-agents have dissolve copartnershi in the
business of cuttin throats and robbing, it is agreed
that this association of mountain toll-gatherers do
this night forever separate, and that each and every
member hereby agrees to live an honest life, and re-
pent of his past sins."

Then followed the signature of the Black Cap-
tain as chief, Fancy Fred as lieutenant, and

some thirty names as members of the outlaw i

band.
A murmur of disappointment went up on all
sides: but Iron Heart smiled grimly and said,
sternlgn
“ at man shall never escape me; I have
sworn it above the dead.”

Then turnin to his men, he called out:

“ Go th oug the_ cabins, boys, and then set
them aflr .”

Eagerly the men obeyed, and soon the whole
valley was lurid with the light of the outlaws’

rters.

“Now let us return,” came the stern order.
and, their way lighted by the red flames, they
set off on the return to Good Man’s Gulch, going
by the Chasm Pass.

As the reached the opening beyond all drew
rein sud enly, for above the grave of the outlaw
lieutenant was visible the specter horseman,
silent as a statue.

“ Ma 'or, you lead the men back, please, for I
will fo low yonder ghantom, though once be
fore I ursued it for ours without success.”

Wit out another word Iron Heart put spurs
to his splendid animal and dashed toward the
strange white forms of horse and rider.

An instant the phantom watched his coming,
and then glided away down toward the stage-
road, into which it turned in the direction of
Dead Man’s Trace.

But, close in pursuit went the King of Fate,
and specter and pursuer disappeared from sight
in the gloom.

“ Thet man are gone to his doom, pards,” de-
clared Hank Holbrook, sadly.

“Or he will solve the mystery of that phan-
tom, and I shall be glad, for it pursues me every

time I 1pass through this mountain,” replied the

Pen rince.
_ “ wish he had not gone,” remarked the ms.-
or.
J “80 does I.”
“ Yes, ’tain’t right ter fool with speerits.”
“Ef any horse kin catch a spook, ther one
Iron Heart is a-ridin’ kin, an’ of any wan ‘
’rastle with a ghost, he’s ther teller that will be
heard from,” put in Lem Brigham, and giving
vent to numerous other expressions the outlaw-
hunters rode slowly homeward, deeply impress-
ed by the ad venture of the night, and especially
a. sight of the famous specter of Madman 8
Mountain.

 

CHAPTER XXX}.
TRAILING A srnornn.

WHEN Iron Heart started in ursuit of the
flying phantom in the mountain, 0 did so with
a firm determination to run it to ground, he the
consequences what they mi ht.

Upon the occasion when ank Holbrook had

seen him looking for the specter, he had not
been mounted upon his best horse, and though
seeing the strange object, and givin chase to
it, he could not come up with it, and ad passed
hoursstrivingtofind where it had one, after
disappearing in a hea piece of tim r grow-
ing on the mountain-8i e.
. Impressed by a feeling that its appearance
and actions were certainly supernatural and
ghostly, the Dashing Dandy was yet not a man
to be influenced in a great degree by supersti-
tion, and made up his.mind to solve the mys-
tegy regarding t e spirit forms of horse and
r1 er.

.Mounted upon a steed which he knew had not
his superior, in speed and bottom, on the whole
border, armed to the teeth, and relying on his
own nerve and strength, he swept on after the
flying animal, or phantom, in his front, at a

ace that proved to him in a short while that

e was gaining.

But, as though anxious to keep just such a
distance between them, and observing the space
lessening, the specter horse rushed forward with
renewed effort, and once more held his own.

And thus it went on until the ursner and

ursued swe t down into the v 9 known as

ead Man’s race, and strai ht for the five
graves went the specter, to en denly halt upon

 

J

them and face the daring man coming so reck-
lessly on.

With outstretched arms the phantom rider
sat his ghostly horse; but the King of Fate
came on to grapple whatever might confront
him, and once more the weird creatures turned
in flight down the Trace, and with a speed that
momentarily gained on the Dashing Dandy.

Then, as if determined to frighten the bold
pursuer off his track, the specter wheeled sud-
denly, and rode directly back toward the fear-
less man who dared thus to follow the beings of
the shadow-land.

Dashing Dandy saw him cominvr heard his
wild, mocking laughter, and nervedhimself for
the meeting, and, strange to say, without draw—
inga weapon.

carer and nearer they came, the wild laugh-
ter echoin through Dead Man’s Trace, and
nearer an nearer, until only thirty aces di-
vided them, and then, with a sudden ound to
the right, the specter steed and rider disap-
peared in the dark foliage of the mountain-

51 e.

Instantly Iron Heart spurred to the spot'
there was an opening there, for a trail led
around the mountain; but no sound of hoof-
falls could be heard; in fact, the ghostly ani-
mal had run in silence ever since the start.

“On, my good horse, on!” cried Dashin
Dandy, and leaning low in his saddle he urgeg
the splendid steed forward at breakneck speed,
over a trail he knew nothing of.

At length there was a limmer of white be-
fore him, and cruelly id the spurs tear the
sides of his horse as he urged him on.

“Ha! I am gaining," he cried in joy, to the
next moment mutter:

“No, he is climbing the mountain,” and his
own horse was compelled to toil slowly up the
steep hillside

But he kept the specter in si ht, and now
fast, now slow, now climbing t e mountain,
now scrambling down the stee s into the valley
the mad chase was kept up, t e phantom still
holding the same lead, the pursuer still deter-
mined and untiring. though his good horse
panted heavily, and Dashing Dand knew the
strain on him was more than he cou d bear.

At length the east grew gray with approach-
ing dawn, and then t e rosy hue of sunrise fill-
ed the skies; yet still the two pressed on, and
the noble blac steed was slowly gaining.

Yes, gaining on the specter horse, whose
steps, as seen in the broad daylight were uncer-
tain staggering.

“ y eavenl I have them now,” came
through the shut teeth of the Kin of Fate,
and he drove his sharp spurs cruel y into the
gory sides of his noble steed, who bounded for-
ward with a. despairing cry, and fell dead in his
tracks!

His brave heart was broken! But Dashin
Dandy—now Iron Heart indeed—went no
down with his horse, but nimbly can ht him-
self 11 n his feet, and rushed forwar , for he
is; t e specter steed making another grand ef-
o .

But it, too was his last, for, rearing, as if in
agony, he fell backward, and the specter rider
was pinned beneath his weight and the two lay
motionless as the dead, while the King of Fate
stood above them.

He had run the specter of Madman’s Moun-
tain to earth.

CHAPTER XXXII.
sOLVING THE MYSTERY.

WHEN Iron Heart reached the spot where the
phantom horse and rider had one down, he
quick] seized the animal by the ead and with
one e art of his reat strength raised him from
the rider, who a once sprung to his feet, and
faced the man who had so persistently followed
him to the bitter end.

“By Heaven! you are the outlaw, Lieutenant
Ninezi” he cried, as the slender form and le
face before him he now fully rec ize , in
s its of the shrouddike costume stained with
b 00d and the apparently red wound upon the
left tem 1e.

“ Yes, was the lieutenant of the road-agents;
I am not now,” was the low answer.

“ Why have you been pla ing ghost for a
week past as you have, to the orror of travel-
ers?” asked Iron Heart, sternly.

“For a purpose which I have accomplished:
the past night was to have been my last han-
tomflals’querade even had you ‘not made it so."

I

“I speak the truth, for my purpose was ac-
com lished.” -

“ ay I ask what that purpose was?”

“Yes; the breaking up of the band of the
BlackCaptain.”

“Yes, they have left their stron hold to be-
come honest men they say,” said ron Heart,
with a sneer. '

“ Bah! they will all die with a halter around
their necks, or should meet that end. You are
the man known as the King of Fate?” and Ninez

azed earnestly into the face of the man before

or.
“ I am so called.”

 

tain

“ fl"rid you‘are the enemy of the Blocked)- .

‘i‘x.

,,
.
4
l
I
‘

 

 

(A.

 -y

 

 

~ a. An,

 

 

 

“Unto the bitter end, yes," was the earnest
re 1 .
p‘ He has wronged you then i” _

“ Yes, cruelly, and I have sworn to track him
to his death.” .

“Do you know him as he really is?” '

“Yes; I can find him before sunset, if so I

' fl

“ And am I to suffer his fate, now that I am
your risoner?”

“ u; 1 never make war on women.” .

Niiiez started and her pale face flushed, while
she said, quickly:

“You know me, then?”

“I have penetrated your disguise. One year
ago I was wounded severely; it was down in
the lower prairies, and I was set u _on by a des-
perado by the name of English ill; you saw
me and had me taken care of,” and the Scout
spoke with feeling. .

“ I do not remember ever meeting you face to
face before.” _ I

“ I, too, have worn disguises; I was known as
Crazy Joe then. "

“ Ah! I believed you a poor old man, wound-
ed and in distress.”

“ I was then on the trail of the Black Cap-
tain; but, little did I know when I fired at you
the other day, that I brought down the one who
had befriended me, as I now know you to be; I
am rlad that my aim was untrue.”

“ gl‘he bullet was well sent, only it glanced on
m hard head,” said Ninez, with an attempt at
a laugh, and throwing back the scarf from her
forehead, she showed a. fresh scar,

“ There is where it struck, and it stunned me,
and I was buried alive; but now I thank Hea-
ven that it was so, as by it there has come some
jo to my poor life. Come, I will trust you.”

ghe turned and started up the mountain side,
Iron Heart following her in silence.

A walk of half a mile and they entered a
wild-looking canyon, and soon came to a. huge
bowlder, around which led a well-worn path.

“Hero is my home now,” and she halted in
front of a large cavern, out-of which came, as
they reached the spot, a. man with long iron-
gra hair and hear . I

H}; started back at seem a. stranger, and
dropped his hand upon a revo var; but he would
have been too late had be proven an enem ,
as, with the quickness of the lightning’s flas ,
Iron Heart had a was on in each hand, ready
to meet an enemy, ha he been led into a trap.

“ Father, this is my friend, Iron Heart, the
Kin of Fate,” explained the maiden, quickly.

“ t was Iron Heart that shot you down,” said
the old man, calmly. .

“Yes, and thereby led to your finding me.
He knew me only as an outlaw, and fired upon
me and that act has led to good results. ”

“‘Yes. If he is your friend he is welcome,”
the old man assented. -

“And he is the bitter foe of the Black Cap-

i .”

“Hal then he is my friend, for I hate that
man as the devil hates the Christian," and the
man spoke with bitter vehemence.

“ He has wronged you then?”

“More than the tears ofa. hfetime can ever
wash out! There, take a seat on that rock, and
let me tell you how he has wronged me,” and in
an earnest and deeply-moved venue the old man
told his story of woe, as Inez Lennox told it to
the man who hfad blrought death, rum and mad-
ness u on her ami .

“Add,” he-continl’ied “ I was sent to a mad-
house, the companion of howling maniacs; was
it any wonder that I went mad, after seeing
my wife murdered, my child stolen from me by
her murderer, and in own hand slaying her!
No I wonder t‘r at I did not die.

‘1 But I escaped from that mad den and wan-
dered far and wide seeking for that man. One
night I came here, to seek shelter amon these
rocks, and back in that black recess found
gold: :1 , gold in vast quantities; 'but what
cared I or gold without home or fan‘ily'l .

“Yet I made this den my retreat, and, With
the cunning of a madman I ived here, gomg to
the towns now and then for prov1sion_s and am-
munition, and digging away the days in yonder
cavern.” ”

“ And here your daughter found out asked
Iron Heart, deeply interested in all e heard.

“ Oh, no; one day, you should remember it,
the stage-driver gave me a ride for I was
weary, and healyy laden With purchases which

was brin 'n ome.

I “ That aygthe Black Captain halted the
stage and. I sprung out, though I did not know

him then as I do now, and he shrunk from me,

for he knew my face. _

“ Into the bushes I crept unperceived, and I
saw what followed, saw this girl fall by your
shot little knowing that she was ought to me.

“ our men buried her and the other two
and but partially so for her hand .protruded
from the ave an on it was a ring I knew
well; I be. given it to her mother years before,
and taken it from her dead hand to place on the
finger of my little Inez. .

‘ Out of her grave I tore her, seized her in
my arms and bounded away; here I brought

' ' her, and I fell in a. swoon. from which I recover-
- '. ’_ ed to find her bending over me.

 

Dashing Dandy.

23

 

“Then the cobwebs of madness were swept
lflrom my brain, and joy again entered into my

cart.

“Now you know the rest; Inez plotted this
phantom masquerade to drive the outlaws from
the mountain ' but you had nerve enough not to
fear a spectral form, it seems.” . '

“Yes, I ran the ghost to earth, though it kill-
ed both of our horses, but your daughter play-
ed her art to rfection, and I am glad she es-
caped t e terri le dangers she ran, for one man
fired upon her who never misses his aim.”

“Nor did he miss me; his bullets flattened
a ainst a. shirt of mail I wear, and which the
BIack Captain gave to me,” confessed Inez.

“It was a terrible risk to run,” answered Iron
Heart.

“ You run greater every day; but came, I
will not forget hospitality, for we have plenty
of food in our cavern retreat, and a horse for

on to return to Good Man’s Gulch on,” said
nez, and she entered the cavern, leaving Iron
Heart and her father together.

“Now that you have solved the mystery of
the s ecter horseman, will you make it known?”
asked) Mr. Vaughan, annously, for such was
the name of the old hermit.

“ Oh no, I see no use init.”

“ I am glad to hear you say so, for this mine
is very rich, and I have a. fortune already dug
out, and stored in the cavern, and it would
brin me too many evil neighbors.”

“ ere, Mr. Vaughan do ou see that moun-
tain side yonder?” and Iron cart pointed to a
spot about half a mile away.

“ Yes, there where the pines grow on that
rag ed rock?”

he same; well, those pines hide the en-
trance to a cavern larger than this one on live
in, and it too is a gold mine of vast wea th.”

“ You surprise me.”

“It is true; I was there some time ago, and I
found the cave through a map, and directions
given me by a dyin man.

“ B profession am a physician, and in
trave ing through Kansas some ears ago I
took the part of a poor fellow w 0 was shot
down by a crowd of-ruifians.

“ For days he lingered at the hotel, and I
nursed him tenderly, and in return he told me
the secret of his life.

“ It seems he had lived at Good Man’s Gulch,
where his father had a cattle ranch; but his
home was attacked by a band of hostile Indians,
and his family killed, while he was carried into

. ca tivity.

‘For a long time he was a prisoner, but at
length, in the dead of winter, he made his es-
cape, and would have frozen to death and been
lost in a storm, almost in si ht of his old home,
had he not seen a column 0 smoke on the moun-
tain side, and with great effort reached the
spot from whence it came.

“It was yonder cavern and within, he be-
held a giant madman, clothed in the skins of
Wlld beasts, and the same that gave to yonder
mountain its name.

“ The madman rushed upon him, and he, with
what remaining strength 6 had, raised his pis-
tol and fired.

“ The bullet went true to its aim and the
madman fell dead, while more dead than alive
the victor sunk down by the fire that burned at
the back of the cavern.

“ The warmth revived him, and food, which
he found in the cave, refreshed him, and then
he beheld the discover that he had made; he
was in a gold mine, an heaped up upon every
side, were piles of rich ore, which the madman
had dug on of the earth.”

“ The same that I did when mad,” suggested

“And more he found that the loneli exile
and hermit o the cave had each day e t a.
each ay and night, and there he read how, for
a long while the madman had hung upon the
and kil ing those who resisted, until in
Man’s Trace he had made flue graces.”

“ Yes, it was t ere your daughter turned up-
on me last night; and, more still: the man
discovered in him the brother of his father;
that the one he had killed was his own unclel
tore. his uncle had committed forgery and fled
to escape punishment, and none knew whither
that litt e diary, and the nephew determined to
at once return to far-awn. Virginia, and tell

Mr. Vaughan, sadly.

diaryé in which he jotted down the doc s of

highwa , ro hing lonely travelers to get 5333,
“ I know the at well.”

learned the name and home of the hermit and
“ He remembered him, then; when, years be-

he had gone; but all was made clear by reading

his aunt of her husband’s a and share with

her, and her daughter, whom e dear] loved
the fortune that, strange to say, her usband
and himself had discovered.-

“Taking what gold he could car , as soon
as the storm drifted away, he starte u n his
journey little dreaming that he had ndred

there within a few miles of him.

“Alas for human hopesl His aunt was dead,
and his cousin had married his rival, a man he
hated with all the venom in hi heart, and, in

despair, he retraced his way as far as Kansas,

when I met him, as I have told you.
“ At last he died, but, inreturn for my kind-

 

ness, he gave me his mine, and the map‘to find
it; but there is one who has a better claim _; his
sister, who escaped massacre by the Indians,
and lives in Good Man’s Gulch; so there are two
rich mines to be worked in this mountain, yours
and hers, for soon I will (fixes in her hands all
alpine} hold to the gold overed by her bro-
er.

“Come, breakfast is ready,” and Inez ap-
peared before them, no longer in her a tral
garb, but in the trim-looking suit she worn
as an outlaw lieutenant. :

CHAPTER XXXIII.
A JOYFUL DISCOVERY.

“ BY ther Lord Harry, be are a-comin’ now,
an’ ther’s no use ter go ookin’ for him.”

“ An’ be are, that’s a Bible fact; but he hain’t
ridin’ ther same horse.”

“ He hadn’t, by hunky l”

The object of the above conversation was Iron
Heart, and he was approaching the Travelers’
Refuge at a gallop, mounted upon a wiry sor-
rel mare, and not the black that he had ridden
away on the night before at the head of the ex-
pedition a aiust the outlaws.

All Go Man‘s Gulch was in a state of fer-
ment at what had been transpBirinfi, for the
march on the stronghold of the lac Captain
was well known, as well as that it had been
burned; while the determination of the agents
to become honest men, was the cause of a great
deal of amusement on all sides.

The fact that Iron Heart had recklessly gone
off alone in pursuit of the specter horseman
was also known, and when afternoon came an
he did not return, a posse was going out in
search of his body, for that he was dead none
doubted, after his temerity in pursuing a ghost.

But here he came, apparently safe and sound
Only on a different horse, and a wild yell o
salutation greeted him as he dismounted.

‘ ‘ Whar’s ther specter, capt’ini” yelled a miner.

“ Like the road-agents, my friend, he has
gone to lead a better life,” was the curt rep] ,
and passing on into the hotel, the Dashin Dan y
was met by Ms or Tarleton, who gree him
fiarmly, and fo owed him into his room, say-

5‘ Iron Heart, I have made a discovery.”

“ And so have I; but tell me of yours, major.”

Stepping to the door the major called out:

“ eutenant!”

A step was heard approaching, and a young
man entered the room.

“Captain Iron Heart, under the name of
Vagabond Luke, you have seen this person be-
fore; rmit me to introduce him as one believ-
ed to dead—Lieutenant Leonidas Westfleld.”

Springing to his feet, Iron Heart grasped his

hand, and gazed into the face so greatly chang-

 

ed, for the straggliif hair had been cut, the
scrag beard shav off, metamorphosing Ill-
omen uke into a handsome young man of

twenty-two.

Then, too, his ragged attire had been thrown
aside. and in hisface dwelt a look Iron Heart
had never seen there before.

“To explain, Captain Iron Heart, I will so
that last night 11 11 our return to Good Mans
Gulch, thi gent eman and his Indian comrade
separated themselves from the party and rode
down to the ranch of Judge Wharton.

“What prompted him e knows not, except
that he was deeply im ressed with Alice Whar-
ton, whom you remem r be rescued from Van-
court in the afternoon, and wished to see the
home where she dwelt.

"And fortunate was it that he did go, for
that infamous Vigilante ca tain, backed b
several men made another at m t to carry 0
Miss Wharton, and also Miss estfleld, but
were thwarted by the timely arrival of the lieu-
tenant and the Indian, who put them to flight.

“ Imagine then the surprise and jo when he
reco lzed his sister, and she foun that her
brot or was not dead; it has made a new man

of the lieutenant.”
; it has taken awe. the

“ It has indeed ir
veil under which Iwas living, and I will lo the

 past bury its dead now, and live a different

e.

“ And those in your cave?” suggestively said
Iron Heart.

“ Are free' I released them today, upon con-
dition that they would leave the coun ry; but
your risoners turned over to Lasso Dan.”

. “ ey may go, too, for the man I seek cau-
ot escape me now," was the quiet answer.

“Captain Iron Heart, do not consider me a
merciless, nevengeful wretc ,” said Leo West
field, earnestly, “ but those men, under their
leader, the one who had sworn my life away as
the murderer of Captain Vanloo, were those who
hanged me at the command of their chief and
I was believed to be dead: but, Killing Warri-
or, whom I had befriended, dogged their steps,
and after they left, cut me down and brought
me back to life. .

“One by one I tracked those men and got
them into my power; but the leader was my

31 game and he has escaped me, for he was
none ot er than Richard Dorsey, known here,
I now know, as Arthur Vancourt; but he has
esca (1 me.’

“ es, I have had men searching for him all

.,  M,
“ w. e. I ,‘L‘

 

24

W

Dashing Dandy.

 

day, Iron Heart, for I will have
Vanloo’s murderer, if I catch him; but
he has eluded us forever.”

Iron Heart smiled inily, and in it there was
a world of meaning, at he said, quietly:

“ Arthur Vancourt has not escaped: leave his
punishment to me; and now, let me ask you to
excuse me for a short while; then I will rejoin
v“. here," and, arrangin'r his toxlet. Iron Heart
left the room, and for an IOUI‘ he was gone.

“Major,” he said, as soon as he reéntered the
door, "I have a little plan on hand, by which I
wish to accomplish a certain Object, and I wish
your aid, and also the lieutenant’s.”

“ Assurcdly,” answered both gentlemen, and
Iron Heart went on :

“Major, I wish you would see Firefly, and
ask her to get ready to take the stage to-mor-
raw, and you give it out that she is going, and
that you are to accompany her, and be here
ready to start promptly, while I wish Lieuten-
ant IVestfleld to also make known that he will
leave Good Man’s Gulch with his sister by the
same stage.

“Give these rumors out, and be ready to-
morrow morning; but do not be surprised at
anything that may happen, and pledge me you
wi 1 not resist if attacked on the road ”

“ A strange request, Iron Heart, but I have
confidence enough in you to give it. ”

“ And I,” also answered Leo Westfield, and
they left the hotel to car out the plans made
for them by the King of ate, and greatly won-
dering what it could all mean, but confident
that ion Heart was playing some deep and
dangerous game.

As the King of Fate was about to leave the
hotel, the stage rolled up with Hank Holhrook
on the box, as be was only driving over the
mountain and back, and making double trips,
the other drivers refusing to cross through fear
of the specter horseman.

As to whether he saw the phantom or not
that day, H ank had nothing to say, and brusque—
ly called Jim Smith to receive the two passen—
gers, an old man, who stoo d so that his face
could not be seen, and wa ked as if a. terrible
sufferer from rheumatism. and a. lady, scantily
and poorly clad, and dee ly vailed.

As soon as the landlor as :igned them rooms,
the lady, still heavdy vailed so as to hide every
feature, sallied forth and mode a number of
purchases at the different stores: but who the
two strangers were none knew, othcrthan their
names upon the register, which were neither
romantic nor aristooratic, being simply: “ Hen-
ry J ones and dau hter, of Connecticut.”

Shortly after t e arrival of the stage, Will
Cody, the Pony Prince, came in, and he too
was silent re arding the specter horseman, a
fact that area d eneral su rise, as the three
men who should ave seen im Iron Heart,
Hank Holbrook, and IVill Cody, knew nothing
more about him, or at least were as dumb as
oysters upon the subject.

As nigut came on the Satan’s Dominion be-
came crowded, and heavy games were layed
there: but not heavy when compared with the
stakes lit up when Colonel Dick Burton, as po-
lite an sinister as ever, challenged the King of
Fate to play with him.

Without a word Iron Heart sat down to the
table and around it gathered Hugh Tarleton,
Leo Westfleld, whom no one seemed to recog-
nize as the Ill-omen Luke of the mines, the
Pony Prince. and in fact all of the friends of
the strange man who had created such a sensa-
tion in their midst.

Whether the colonel was absent-minded, or
worried, he did not show, but certaln it is that
he plmmd badly, and Iron Heart, as cool as
ever, arose from the table a heavy winner.

It was still early when Colonel Burton ex-
cused himself and left the saloon, but all re-
marked that he looked his very best, and
seemed in an excellent humor, in spite of his

Ten minutes after Iron Heart also departed,
and with him his friends, for they dreaded an
attack upon him, as thev knew many of the
outlaws must then be in Good Man’s Gulch.

But, though they pass~d several groups of
men, who eyed them close] , there was no de-
monstration of a. hostile character made, and
reaching the hotel the King of Fate sought his

., an was soon sleeping as peacefully as a

him hanged as
I fear

CHAPTER XXXIV.
PLAYED TO THE BITTER END.

IT was a. lovel morning, and the dew yet on
the grass, when ank Holbrook gave the word
to his team to go, and at a slap in: pace they
went down the street of Goo Man’s Gulch,
crossed the creek, sped along the valley, and
then be u to climb the road leading over Mad-
man’s ountain.

Nimbly stepping. the team dragged the stage
brisk‘lg along, in spite of its six passengers with-
in, a soon passed the Vigilantes’ Tree, where
seVera] horse-thieves had been hungin the early
days of Good Man’s Gulch. ‘

Turning the curve at a trot, where the road
led most the platen. Hank Holhrook beheld
before him the Pony nce, dismounted and
s by the side of his horse.

 

Will Codyr had started an hour before the
stage and should have been twenty miles away.

“Stand! or die I”

In ringing tones the ominous order came
from be ind a huge rock, and quickly Hank
Holbrook obeyed and the stage came to a
stand-still, while anxious faces peered out of the
windows.

“Out of that hearse, all of you! I collect
toll on this mountain.”

None dared disobeythe stern command, as,
suddenly, from behini bum and rock came six
armed men, all wearing black masks, and how
many were yet in concealment the coach pas-
sengers knew not.

“ Get out, I say!”

Quickly a man sprung out of the coach; it
was Leo Westfleld.

Then followed Colonel Dick Burton, and next
Major Tarleton, and the old man who had stop~
ped at the Refuge the day before with his
daughter.

“There are only ladies remaining,” said Ma-
jor Tarletou.

“Let them get out, tool” was the response,
and they were assisted to alight—first Firefly, ‘
then Leone Westfleld, and last the vailed wo-

man.

“ What means this outragell The Black Cap-
tain disbanded his men, it is said,” said Colonel
Burton, angrily, and seemingly willing to re- ;
sist, were he seconded by the others.

“The Black Captain is here to answer for
himself,” said the voice that had iszued the or-
ders, and from behind a lar re bowlder stepped
a tall form clad in deep blac , and With a black I
mask upon his face, and with the same somber-
hued gloves upon his hands, in each of which he
held a gold-mounted revolver.

A startled exclamation broke from the lips of
one man, and he started back. crying;

"In Satan’s name, who are you?”

“Seize that man!7

Ere he could resist Colonel Dick Burton was
in the hands of two 50werl'ul men, and upon
his wrists were claspe handcuffs.

“Curse on, who are you, Isav?” he und
out throng his set teeth, while all looke on in
silent amazement.

“ First let me see your interesting face,” and
stepping forward the masked man tore from the
face and head of the colonel a huge black beard
and wig. which none had believed false.

“Arthur Vanv-aurt I”

The name broke from a dozen lips, as the
handsome face, with its long, drooping blonde
mustache and light curling hair was, revealed.

“Ay, that man is Arthur Vancourt; as you
know him, Colonel Dick Burton, and as I know
him under several other aliases, 'said the Black
Captain.

‘ In the devil’s name, again I ask who are
you?” almost pleadingl cried the accused man.

“I am wearing the ‘very of a devil to serve
myself in. See, Ihave on your clothes, mask
and all, which I procured from your iron bow,
buried in your stron hold. .

“ Ha, ha, Richard urton Cyril, I have track-
ed ou well.”

‘ That name! and you know that?” groaned
the trembling man, for the colonel seemed now
to have lost his wonderful nerve.

“ Yes, it is a name you dishonored, long years
ago~ it is a. name the you shall die under with-
in the hour, and the sun will shine brighter, the
birds will sing sweeter, and the earth be more
cheerful when no longer cursed by your living.”

“ Will you answer? Who are you?” _ .

The mask was slowly raised and all started
back at the face revealed: it n-as the same hide-
ously scarred visage that the Blade Captain
had shown Firefly and Major Tarletonl

“ Ha, ha: it frightens you all: but it should
not you, Burton yril, for it is your own make,
as you know, and you are an expert in making
disguises:' but, perha my fuoe will frighten
you more,” and the w ole disguise was thrown
aside, and the Dashing Dandy—Iran Heart, the
King of Fate, was revealed I

Then indeed did the wretched man shrink

away, and clasp his manacled hands, the pic-.

ture of horror.
“ You believed me dead, but you were mis-
taken. You ask who I am; I will tell you.

 

 

“And that one?” gasped the trembling man.

“ To kill me in afal'r duel.”

“No, no.” cried several voices, and Hugh
Turleton said:

“This must not be, Iron Heart. ”

“My name is Guy Fairfax, major." was the
quiet unswcr.

“ Well, Fairfax, I cannot consent to this."

“You must! I know how it will end, forum
I not the King of Fate ?”

"Heaven grant that your confidence in Fate
does not fail you now.”

“ It will not; you arrange for me, and let the
colonel use his own revolver, and wc will stand
fifteen paces apart, across the grave yonder,
Where t .e outlaws were buried.”

In vain was it that Henry Vaughan, Inez and
the others, even to Hunk Holbronk, urged
against the dead] 7 meeting; Guy Fairfax was
determined, and t o arrangements “ere made,
Burton Cyril taking his position, White as a
ghost, but once more in command of his nerve.

Apart stood that strange group, brought to-
gethor by stranger circumstances, and I'rrnlinl:
them, with their masks thrown aside. u on:

. Lasso Dan, Steel Grip, Lem Brigham, and the

others who had masquerade! as outlaws.

With a smile on his face G-ny Fairfax took his
stand, and as the word came from the lips of
hlzg'or Tarleton both pistols flashed alll10:t to
"6 er.

I And both men remained standing; but for a
moment onl . for then Burton Cyril fell for-
ward, a deadyman.

But he sent h's last bullet with deadly aim
for it was buried in the miniature likeness o
Gertrude Fairfax, which the loving brother had
worn for years over his heart, and in the end it
had saved his life.

In the grave over which he fought Burton Cy-
ril was uried, and above him, weeks after,
Hank Holbrook erected a stone, and to this day
ate 5 and tells his passengers the thrilling stories
of adman’s Mountain and re.;ds aloud the
quaint inscription:

“IN MEMORY
on
‘THE BLACK CAPIAIN,’
killed
across this grave,
in a. duel with
Iron Heart, the King of Fate.
my mamas as His rcnrxosl“
CONCLUSION.

Goon MAN‘S GULCH. k.nd reader, is no longei
a. busy town, for-its riches are gone from the
generous earth, and elsewhere the miners dig

for the

“ Dress that rules the world.”
But in the peaceful valley are several large cat-
tle ranches, and on them comfortable homes,
owned by men of vast wealth, who each year
spend a few months amid tLe scenes in which
they figured in the long, ago.

The harton ranch 15 no longer called after
its old owner the judge, for be is dead and gone,
but his daughter lives there still, yet is now
known as Mrs. Leonidas Westfleld, and a happy
pair they are.

A mile distant reside two more persons
known to the reader. for they are Major Hugh
Tarleton and his wife, nee Leone Westfleld,
while just across the valley lives an old man
with snow-white locks and his daughter lnez,
whom only two persons, besides herself, know
as having once been the Specter Horseman of
Madman’s Mountain.

Further up the valle is the Firefly Ranch,
and its owner is called 1: e Cattle Kin of Colo-
rado. and his wife, Ida Lennox, once own as
Firefly. is said to be the handsomest woman in
the State, as her husband is considered the
bravest of the brave, for he is our Dashing
Dand —Iron Heart, the King of Fe tel

In ‘ood Man’s Gulch the Traveler’s Refuge
still prospers under Jim Smith. but the Satan‘s
’Dommion is defunct, having perished with its
owner. the Black Captain.

0f the other characters of my story I can only
speak of Hank Holbrook as still driving stage
across the mountains, and W1". Cody, the Pony

 

“ I am Guy Fairfax, whose sister you dragged
down to ruin, though she was but a mere ch 1d;

ay, became her murderer, for you deserted her 3
and she died in a tenement-house, and above her ',

dead body I vowed to avenge her.

“That vow I tried to keep. and I will recall
that moonlight nigIht when we two faced each
other in a duel; fell, you believed, a dead
man: you escaped, for you bribed my second
to place no bullet in my pistol, knowing my
deadly aim.

“But .I lived, thank Heaven. and I am here
to avenge my poor sister, Gertrude; I am here
to avenge that old' man there, Henry Vaughan,
for your crimes a 'nst him; I am here to
avenge Leonidas estfield, who stands before
you; the murder of Captain Vanloo; and Fire-
flv, whom an tried to destroy; ay, and Alice
Wharton, W em you would have dragged down
to your level.

‘ Burton Cyril, there is no hope on earth for
you now—but one.”

....,.usor'-W~\

Prince, now known the. world over as Buffalo
Bill.

Of the others, Killing Warrior, Steel Grip
and Lasso Dan, I have lost all trace, but suppose
9 they are still in the mining country.

. Thus ends my romance, reader mine, and if
l it has entertained you for a few hours, I am
, happy in having chosen for my hero the Dash-
; ing Dandy of the Miners—the Hots ur of the
‘ Hills to the road-agents. and Iron eart, Kin
of Fatw, to those who felt the power of his awfu
: vengeance. Tun END.
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