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Published Every clieadle 99' flclanzs, @ublishers, Tangent“ Copy,
VOl' XX‘ Week- 93 WILLIAM STREET, N. Y., August I, 1883. $5.00 a Year N 0' 

 

 

 

ELEPHANT TOM, 0F DURANGO; or. Your Gold-Dust or Your Life.

BY JOSEPH  BADGER, JR,

AUTHOR or “EQL'INUX Iota," “ will neon," "ALABAMA JOE," “JACK RABBIT,” “(aume (‘UUL-BLADE," “ I'Al‘lFlC THE," “01.1) ’49,”
“THREE-FINGEILICD JAI'K," “THE LONG-IIAIREI) nuns,” “JOAQUIN, THE SADDLE KING," I;TC., ETC.

 

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A MQAN 0F HORROR BROKE FROM THE LIPS 01“ THE MAIDEN, AND THEN HEB OVERTAXED BRAIN GAVE WAX A319 SUE HUNG A
LIFELESS WEIGHT ACE-USS THE STUMI‘Y RIGHT ARM OF THE OUTLA\V.

 

72 I ’ Elephant Tom, of Durango.

 

 

ELEPHANT TOM. 0F DllBANBfl;

OR,
Your Gold-Dust or Your Life.

BY JOS. E. BADGER, JR.,
auraon or “SPITFIRE SAUL," “OLD BOY or
' roamsroua,“ "OLD ’49,” “noumox

 

TOM," are, arc.

 

CHAP'l ER I.
A nasrnauu an- or WORK.

THE sun had but recently sunk to rest behind
the western bills; the vault of heaven was
wholly free from clouds; yet the gray twilight
was rapidly deepening over the face of the
earth, and already surrounding objects were
growing indistinct to the human e e.

Adreary. depressing scene at he best. All
around, sand, rocks, barrenness and desolation.
Yet, even here, the never-satisfied Caucasian has
placed his sign-manual.

, I Curving, winding, like the trail of some
enormous serpent through the desert, now cross—
ing some sandy stretch, now piercing a rocky
waste, where the diamond drills and mighty
giant powder has opened a way, extends a ten—
tacle of that wondrous thing which we call civili-
zation—the iron pathway of the mighty steam-
, I horse.
Yonder indistinctly looms up an ungainly
. wooden structure, spanning the rock bed of a
' . foaming, brawling stream, over whic the iron
rails, so recently laid that their unpolished tops
give back no reflection of the glimmering stars,
run on and on,until their present tarrying place is
reached, at the lively, mushroom mining—camp
of Durango.
v Faint and indistinctly there comes the short,
' ‘~ ’double whistle given as the train nears and passes
» ‘ the sta‘ion below. and, as though this was the sig-
nal for which they were lying in wait, a number
of phantom-like shapes flitted swiftly to and fro,
then vanished once more, apparently leaving all
as before.
' Crouching down in the dense shade cast by
a weather—beaten rock and a withered shrub, a
keen-eyed man with hard-set face, watched
these rapid shiftings, then cast an anxious
.. , glance down the track, bending his ear as
hough in listening.
Not a breath of air was stirring to distract
this attention or dissipate the faint rumbling
sounds which came .to his hearing. The train
’ ‘was coming. Already he fancied he could dis-
tin uish the significant vibrations of the iron

rm 5.

“That settles it!" he muttered, barely above

his breath. “ Their last chance is gone. If

they had stopped at the station, they must have

discovered something was wrong. But they

didn’t. They passed it by—they’re coming

headlong to death and destruction! In five

. v , minutes more they’ll take the plunge to join the

f I / fishes, or go up to heaven with the timbers of
‘ yonder bridge—unless I save them !" .

He thrust his head throu h the withered
shrub, glancing swiftly up an down the track.
Not a living soul was to be Seen. The phantoms
of the night were lying close in their coverts,
waiting patiently for the feast of death which
their unscrupulous cunning had provided.

Louder and clearer grew the peculiar hum-
ming of the iron road, doubly distinct from the
perfect silence of nature. Above this, came
the rapid puffing of an engine. The train was
coming, and close at band. Heaven help the
living freight, should this white-faced man fail
them now! _

“I’ll do it!” he grated, between his tight-
cliuched teeth as he withdrew his head and set
hisflngers swift] to work. “It’s a big stake,
and well worth t risk.
' . out. if they discover—” .
. ~ His mutterings died away, as he bowed his
 ‘ body over a bundle of paper, dried grass and
l, . twi , tied around a part of a. fishing-rod, thus
‘4 ‘ shie ding the flicker of a match from any sus-
‘ ,, picious eyes below.

, One more glance along the iron way. and as
' 0 can ht a glimpse of a glowmg eye of fire, he
lii‘.‘ v the match to his hastily improvised
 ‘ torch, and as the inflammable material ignited
', ’ he leaped to his feet, swinging the rod aroun
,4: his basalcli, and leaping down upon the track, ran

i./‘

“.y'» with the swiftness of a. frightened door to-
 . ward the oncoming train, elling at the top of
“‘7 his V0106. flashing his orac ling torch back and

j ‘ forth, while the sparks and wisps of blazing
‘, ., , ’ grass fell over his person.

Barely a quarter of a mile a t were the two
lights—that of the head-light are the engine
and the torch of the white-faced man—the one
_« coming on at express , the other racin
‘~ V as a man runs when life is at stake. Time an

’ ‘ space enough for stopping the train, in these

‘ days of automatic brakes, if those who control
them are not blind and deaf. '

The latter they must surely be, for still the

train thunderson at undimmisbed speed, despite

the flashing of that rude torch. despite the wild

yells of warning which the man who hears it

_ sends out at every stride despite the still wilder

tumult which fairly tends the air.

 

 

 

 

They can but rub ine .

 

Up from their ambush leap the skulking shad-
ows, yelling, cursing, emptying their revolvers
as rapidly as nimble fingers can mani ulate the
hammers and triggers. Around the old man
who still circles the blazing torch their re. ed
lead bums and whistles most viciously. wo
men leap up from the rocks along the track, one
on each side, between him and the train. They
dash toward each other, intent on cutting him
off, their weapons cracking viciously. But he
never falters, never alters his sweepin stride as
his right arm swings up, then sweeps rom right
to left, with a barely erce tible pause 'as the
silver bend covers the st gure.

Crack 1 crack!

One man plunges headlong into the cut, fall-
ing across the track.- The other flings up his
arms, sending one shot toward the stars, as
though defying the heavens he had so often in-
sulted, even in death, then falls backward, tobe
seen no more.

Still on the white-faced man dashes, never
ceasin his warning cries. Behind him come
the fel ows of the twain who dropped before his
bullets. And still on rumbles the train.

All this occurred with almost the rapidity of
thought. Though each moment seeme to con-
sume an age in its passage, barely a score of
seconds had elapsed from the first yell of warn-
ing, before a wild shriek burst from the engine
whistle, before the brakes were applied, the ac-
tion reversed, causing the wheels to whir around
amid a shower of sparks from the sanded rails
as the train still slid on, unable to immediately
overcome its tremendous momentum.

None too soon. The doomed bridge is but a
few? rods distant. The outlaws are rushing
down the track, their lead pattering against the
iron and sieel, their curses and oaths full of
death and murder.

The torch fails, now that its work is done.
The frail fastenings are burned in two. The
debris drops over the head and shoulders of the
white-faced man, clinging to his clothes and
skin; but he heeds them not.

With agile strides, he gains the side of the
locomotive just as its headway is checked sufiis
ciently for him to catch the railing and swing
himself up into the cab.

With a how! of mingled fright and re e, a
man aims a desperate b ow at his head wit an
iron bar, and in seeking to avoid it, the one
who was playing such a bold game, staggers
back, loses his footing, and falls to the ground.

An angry snarl breaks from his lips as he re-
covers himself and leaps into the cab, one hand
closing upon the fellow’s throat like a vise.

“You clumsy fool! what the deuce are you
trying to do?" he grates, shaking the stalwart
fellow as though he were handling a stripling in
size and strength. “ I’ve risked in life to save
you from being wrecked, and— ull her wide

open and send her back, if you love your life! ‘

Down, you hell-hound!”

With a sweep of the bar which he wrested
from the engineer, he knocked aside the revol-
ver which a man was thrusting toward him
fire? the outside, then iciined forward and

re

Without a groan the train-wrecker fell back.

Bewildered, confused. scarce knowing what
he did. the engineer obeyed the fierce command,
and the train rolled backward, gainin _speed
with each revolution of the wheels, w lie the
white-faced man leaning far out of the cab,
worked his revolvers with swift dexterity.

Fora few moments the Wreckers continued

their fire, their yelling, their pursuit, but then—

A tremendous report was heard; the twilight
was briefly illumined bya brilliant light, but

'long enough for the startled engineer and no

less terrified stoker to behold the destruction of
the bridge which, only for that timely warning,
the would at that moment be crossing.e .

igh into the air the massive tim rs were
signified—then the light vanished, and all was .

Note sound came from the wreckers, but by
the streaming lightof the reflector they ‘oquld
be seen scrambling out of the cut, up the rocks,
vanishing into the dense shade beyond.

_ “ A narrow mar in, but we're on the right
Side of it—no than s to you, though, my good
fellow!” exclaimed the white-faced man, Wit]! 8
grim laugh, as he nodded toward the trembling
engineer. “ Had you been alone 1 don’t know
but what I’d have jumped the game and left you
to rustle for yourself, since you were bell-bent
for suicide!” ,

“ Pin him, Dick i” cried an excited voice from
beyond the tender. “ I’m with you in a. mmutel
Nail him, he s!”

A heavy c unk of coal came crashing into the
cab, narrowly missing the headof the man who
had run such deeperate chances, and the con-
ductor, wild with excitement, came scrambling
over the tender and leaped into the narrow
space, cal to be inned by the man he assault-
ed and he d harm ess.

“ Of all the infernal fools and bull-headed in-
gmtes, I’m betting my pile this train’s got the
king-pins!” he grated, angrily. “ If ever I risk
my neck to save—”

‘Ain’t on— I thought it was one of those
rascals!" t e conductor gasped.

“ He ain’t—I kin see it all now!” [cried the en- t

\

 

gineer, his bewildered brain clearin . “ He’s the
man that made the signal. I saw in shoot at
those devils—”

“Without wasting all of the lead I slung,
either, I’m betting odds,” laughed the man,
grimly. “But now your eyes are opened,get
back to the cars and muster what fighting-men
you can. Stop at the station and at ready for
work, if necessary. I reckon he worst is
over, but when such hounds as those were get
stirred up, there’s no telling how far they’ll o.”

“ You think they’ll make another attack?’

“ I don’t say that, but they may. Do as I say.
It can do no harm, and may do good. Be lively.
We’re almost there. "

Pushing the conductor up on the tender, the
rescuer followed him, after warning the engineer
to stop at the station.

Aboard the train all was confusion and ex-
citement. The sudden checking of the train’s
speed, with the warning whistle and whirring
of the slipping wheels; casting more than half
the passengers forward from their seats, had at
first given the impression of some serious acci-
dent, but then the rapid detonation of firearms,
rising above the sound of esca ing steam and
crushing sand, closely followed y that terrible
explosion, told one and all that something even
more slartling was in the wind. ‘

Strong men were crouching low down be.
tween the seats, clumsily seeking to conceal
their valuables; others were whimpering like
terrified schoolboys, in dread of they knew not
what; a few were thrusting their pistols out_nt
the windows and wasting their lead on the _in-
sensate rocks and sands, with blind impartial-
it . and least of all in number, others sat in
si ence, weapons in readiness for use whrn
actual occasion should present itself.

“ The James Boys I” cried one quavering
voice as the end door opened, and two figures
entered the first coach. “ Lord have mercy on
us our sinners now!”

0 more potent combination of words could
have been formed from all the letters found be-
tween the boards of the largest unabridged
dictionary than that fear-sired sentence.

Faces which had been pale before now turned
ghastly. Firearms were dropped, urses were
lugged forth—all seemed inspired y the one
sentiment: a desire to propitiate the terrible

ate

A short, mocking laugh came from_the black-
ened lips of one of the twain, as this terrified
speech came to his ears, and then his clear
voice rung out sharply:

“James Boys nothing! No such good luck!
Brace up and act a little more like men, unless

our sand has all run out at the tees of your
boots. There’s no danger; but even if there
was, just think of the circus you’re making of
yourself—and before a lady, too 1”

“It’s all right, gentlemen,” added the ex-
cited conductor, no doubt believing that be we a
claiming no more than his just dues. “The
train was attacked, the bridge blown up, but

we beat the rascals off, and all danger’s past.‘

The desperate scoun haven’t made much

t 1 us this bout!” _ .
ou’l’.‘l?ere was 9, im smile curling the lip of the
stranger as he listened to this speech, but then

he thrust his head out of one of the 0 en win- V

dows, and after a single glance along 6 track,
he withdrew it and yaspm the bell-rope,
tugged at it sharply, imperious y giving the sig-
nal to slow up and stop. , I

“ We’re at the station, Mr. Teeson ’ he cried,
tapping the conductor on the shoul er. “ pm
afraid you’llflnd the agent in a .bad way, or
else my ears deceived me when I listened to the
plotting of those rascals.

“ Here we are. Look to your weapons, gen-
tlemen. It’s barely posSible that the ang di-
vided, to take all the chances. Let t e cow-
ards stay behind; the white men will follow

3’

e. I .
Before the train had fairl sto ,he leaped
out upon the narrow platfoiYm  extended
along the front of the little nation, both hands
armed. .
He was quickly followed, for the passengers
were really an average lot and only required a
leader; but to an seeming the diminutive station
Wighdeserted.
e si
th building was cl and as the
lagtgggrogrthzeconductor was flashed am'osa it
and the window, till coin]; seethat the telegraph
‘ been cu an ru away. .
wit-eggakddown the door, some of you!” cried the
mu 1-. “ Half a dozen of you fellows string
out cod and to the rear of the train, With eyes
0 n and tools ready. Halt any and every
t in; you see in the she of a human being,
and sink a. lead shaft into all who don’t bolt and
elevate at ithetefirgg c . Lively, now! Busi-
iu a in nu _.
meiiisude and blunt {2011 in, this speech, but it

proved contagious, and eeling that thegebad,

a man at their head,.the_ passengers 0 yed
without murmur or healtation.

. A dozen stout hands a wheeled truck
which stood upon the pin arm, and dashed it
against the door with all the power they could
summon. Once, twice, thrice, and the shattered

des‘peradoes whose names had just been enunci—y

Llight was in its psrgper place, but ~

 

 


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Elephant Tom, ' of Duran'go.

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barrier gave way, hurled from its bent hinges,
and the conductor leaped across the threshold,
flushing the light of his lantern before him, only
to bolt and stagger back with a gasping cry
of mingled horror and indignation.

Little marvel that this should be.

Standing erect behind the low counter, as
though waiting for a customer, was the agent;
but there was a discolored spot in the center of
his forehead, with a red line leading down the

I bridge of his nose, formed by the few drops of
blood which h .d oozed from a bullet-wound
that must have proved instantly fatal. And
yet a keen knife had been swept across his
throat from ear to ear, as though his brutal
murderers were bound to make assurance doubly
sure.

In his clammy, blood-bespattercd fingers were
a package of tickets, a ponholder was placed
crosswise in his mouth, held in place, and the
lower jaw kc t fronhdropping, by a in being
thrust throng the lips and then out up-
ward.

fickened and faint at heart the conductor
reeled back and grasped the nearest shoulder
for support, a husky oath and. bitter vow hissing
across his parched lips.

“ By Jupiter! I swear to get even for this if it
takes me a lifetime! Heavens! what a horri-
blt sight! Poor Mikel Gently boys!” and re—
covering his powers with a desperate effort, he
pushed forward and assisted the train-men in
caring for the cor so.

“ Poor Mikel e was as white as they make
’em, and they’ve treated him worse than they
could a mad dog. Hell’s fires scorch their COW‘
ardly bones from this to all eternity! And may
mine he the hand that sends them there!”

Fierce, bitter words, but few were they who
gazed upon that diabolical mockery but who

elt in the mood for echoing them to the very
letter. Yet few words were uttered just then,
as they lent their aid to compose the limbs of
the murdered man, for they knew how near and
dear had been the ties of friendship which
bound the agent and conductor together, and
in the presence of his fierce grief they could say
naught.

Outside, the men under the stranger per-
formed the duty assigned them to the best of
their ability, and now that the first benumbing
effects of the unexpected surprise had died.
away, few amon them but longed to see the
enemy approaching, if only to give them the
opportunity to assert their briefly forgotten
manhood.

But this was not to be. Foiled in their care-
fully laid plans, it seemed as though the train-
wreckers had given over their project for 00d
andvall. Not a living soul was to be seen a ong
the Iron way save those whom the coaches had
.vomited forth, and as though satisfied of this
the stranger to whom it appeared they allovved
their present safety, left his volunteer command
on duty while he returned to the depot.

The train‘men were just hearing the body of
the slaughtered agent to the expresscar, and he
silently watched them, his sternset face looking
paler than ever through the stains of dirt and
soot from the fire which had showered over his
parse: in that short, desperate run to avert the
wrec '.

’ “A sad, strange affair!” uttered a low voice
at his elbow, apparently addressin him. “ Who
can tell what it all is about? 18 t ere any con-
nection between this and the explosion which
oceurred just ahead?”

“Just as surely as that one and one make
“VG.” was the dry response, as the stranger cast

* a swift searching glance into the face of his
questioner.

A W" “all dressed man below the middle
ag‘é; his face“! One-aborn, his hair well-trimmed,
a 511k 118? “P0? his head, a narrow white tie
around his upl‘lEhll 90118:. givin him a sedate,
clerical appearance. And of), hough so trim
and gentlemanly, that ar seemed rather as.
sumed for the occasion an one for which na-
ture had designed the-wearer, or, at least, such
was the mental sumullng up Of the stranger.

“ Then you think it was a ddlberate “mm c
to wreck the train?" quickly' mmrjected tb’e
other. his black eyes flashing. ”

‘ “ I don’t think anything about it, dryly; “ I
know.”

, “ Ha! then you’re the man Who gave the
warning, and— .

“ Who’s the man?” demanded the conductor
sharply catching the hasty speech as he Ste pad
out of t e coach into which the corpse 0 his

l friend had been placed. “ Where is he?”

' “This gentleman, I believe—” began the
clerical-looking person, with a. motion of one
gloved hand toward the stranger only to be un-
ceremoniously thrust asnde by the conductor,
who peered into the face of the man indicated,
tnrnin the light of his lantern upon it at the
same t me.

“ Who are you, anyhow?” he demanded. ex—
citedly.

“A fool, perhaps,” with a mocking laugh.
‘,‘ I lost a. old watch and chain, besides spoiling
a suit of othes. Do you reckon the company
will make my loss good?” , -

‘“ Rebel George, as I’m a sinner!” cried the

 

CHAPTER 11. [
REBEL GEORGE EXPLAINS.

“Yovns truly, captain,”~with a short nod
and shorter laugh. “ I‘m truly _ lad to see you
with your wits fully restored, or if ever you
had need of them, it is now and here.”

“ Isn’t it enough to knock any man of! his
base? Not only the attack of those devils, but_
poor Mike—may Satan make the bed of his as-
sassinsl"

“ Which he’ll take pleasure in doing, no doubt,
when they knork at the door of his hostelry;
but, unluckily for all honest men, the haven’t
got that far along, yet, and it’s with be living
we have to deal, just now. v

“ What does it .all mean, anyhow? Can you
explain it?” ‘

“Simply that Elephant Tom has tired of
“'01 king the stage lines, and is trying to emu-
late the illustrious Jesse and Frank J u mes."

“Then it was really a plot to wreck the
train?”

“ Has it taken this long to get that idea
through your brain l” a little impatiently.
“ Mun alive, you‘ll never do for this git-up-and-
git country. And l’m not much better, come
to think, or I’d be acting instead of talking.
While we’re wasting time, there‘s no telling
what those bell—hounds may be u to. Come,
Tecson will you take the lead, or shall I?”

“ You, if you will,” replied the conductor, his
voice soundin husky and strained. “That
sight—poor Mi e—l’m all broken up—Heaven’s
curses blight the fiendsl”

“All right. I’ll do the bestlknow how,”
and Rebel George, as he had been called
turned toward the passengers who had flocks
around, eager to hear and see all that could by
any ossibility explain what had transpired.

“ entlemen, you hear: Captain Teeson re-
quests me to take the lead in this little affair. I
want a dozen good men, who are armed, and
who know how to use their tools, in case of
necessity. The rest of you will please remain
hcre with the train and suffer no stranger to
approach without llaltin him until he can
give a satisfactory recor . Those who care to
follow my lead, please step forward.”

There was no lack of volunteers, for the cool,
decisive demeanor of Rebel George quickly won
over his hearers. In place of having to re at
his request, he had to decline nearly he] the.
number who advanced, so as not to leave the
train without a sufiicient guard.

“ You do me proud, gentlemen,” he said, with
a little laugh and a. bow, as he quickly selected
the number of men he had indicated. “But
really there is little likelihood of my needing
even all of these I have selected. We are simply
going to take a walk over to the crossing, where
you came so near changing cars for—heaven or
the other lace!”

“ You 12 ink we’ll find those demons!” eagerly
asked Teeson; his black eyes glowing redly.

“ N c, I don t,” was the prompt response. “B
the light of the explosion, I saw the rascas
making tall tracks for cover, and I reckon they
concluded they had bitten off rather more than
they could chew. They are reckless rascals
enough, when the odds are all _in their favor,
but at the scales once lip against them, and

rairie dogs couldn’t hunt their holes more rap-
idly than those same gentr .

“Still, they may be sk kin around, and it
would be some faint satisfact on if we could
pick up one or two, just to ornament the tele-
graph poles with, as a hint of what theyuli may
ex ct when they are rounded up.

Business, now. You see the wires are down
and the instruments in yonder smashed beyond
all use. Send men back to keep an other train
from running into you here. B ng all your
spare lanterns and a. couple of men whom you
can trust to cross over and run to Bocea with
the news or we’ll have the down train pitching
into the ditch.”

Conductor Teeson ve the necessary orders,
and then the little orce of volunteers, under
command of bel George, set out along the
track toward the ruined bridge.

Flatl refusing to give any further e lana-
tion 0 the curious affair just then, ebel
George pushed on ahead of the lanterns, istols
in hand, as a sort of advance scout, but fore
the crossing was reached the party saw him
standing beside the track, the body of a man
lying at his feet.

“Here’s one grain of consolation for the loss
Of poor Mike, Teeson,” he muttered, with-a gn'm
laugh, as the conductor came up, stirring the
00 with his toe as he spoke. _

be light of a lantern was flashed Into the
1309. showing a mask of black stuff, throu h the
:gzrtures in which now stared the sig tless

s. ‘

With trembling fingers the conductor tore
away the mask, and a' sharp cry broke from his
lips as he started back. ,

“You know the fellow it looms?“ muttered
Rebel Geor 9, with a peculiar light in his black
eyes. “ W o is he?"

“Ned Burke a. brakeman on the road, who
was discharged for dmnkennell while on duty,
less than a month a o.” ’

“And he took t is chance of getting even

 

y

with the company, no doubt. Well, he’s got
his final discharge, now.”

“ You killed him?”

‘Maybe. If so, I’ll sleep none the less
sound.’

Without another word, Rebel George turned
away and darted ahead of the lanterns once
more. A few rods further on, the wane was
almost exactly duplicated; a second corpse was
discovered and recognized by the conductor
and train-hands.

Then the bank of the stream was gained,
without a living person being met or seen by
any of the party, outside of their own ranks.

For a few moments they stood in silence,
turning the rays of the lantern u on the
scene of ruin and destruction, the full orce of
which they had too narrowly escaped for them
to readily find words to express their thoughts.

Righl thoroughly bad the train-wreckers ac-
complished this portion of their work. The
brid ve was a mass of ruins. The heavy timbers
had [been shattered and buried in splinters for
rods around. Not a rail or cross-tie, not a beam
or stringer, remained in place. A splintered
pile or two still stood upright: but nothing
more.

” Your train wouldn’t have stood much show,
if it had been on the bridge when that little
squib went off.”

“And it would have been there, on] for
your bold action, George!” huskin crie Tee-
son, firmly grasping his hand between both of
his own. “ Not alone for mySelf, but for Nellie
and the kids, Ithank you. Some day I’ll try
to so more, but now-—”

“ on have something of more importance to
do,” impatiently inteéposed Rebel George, re-
leasing his hands. “ ou want to send word to,
Bocea, in a hurry, too. I’d volunteer, but I’ve
had enough water in mine to last for one day.
Pick your man.”

Teeson was saved this trouble, by two of the
train-hands volunteering to carry the message.
They knew that there might be danger in the
service, but they were am bitious, and knew that
they would lose nothing by having their names
figure prominently in the report which must be
sent to headquarters.

One of the lanterns was hung from a stout
stick planted close to the edge of the river, and
then the party turned back toward the station.
There was nothing they could do more, as it
was clear enough to all that the train-wrecker:
had taken to flight, as soon as they saw their
hopes of plunder were frustratedz

“How did {zou come to be mixed up in this
sad affair?" as ed Teeson, of Rebel George, as
the arty walked along. ‘

“ uriously enough, now that I’ve got time to
think it all over,” was the slow response. I “ You
know I’m hanging out. for the present, at Du-
rangol Well, last night the pasteboards made
an almighty bad break, and luck Went cross-
ways with me from the word git-up. I stuck
to the tiger, tooth and toe-nail, until I saw that
I hadn’t the ghost of a chance to clip its claws,
then drew out and sought the downy.

“But black luck followed me to bed, and I
couldn’t see or think of anything save those
confounded cards coming out just contrary to
reason, every time I backed my opinion, and
it’s mighty little rest I got there. 

“With all the, you may judge I was not I.
laggard in bed. I’d made up my mind totry
an old and favorite recipe of mine to break the
streak of bad luck—to go a-flshin .

“I did go, and here you have t e results.”

“ But how? What first roused your soar
picionsl” ‘
“ Catchinia glimpse of some fellows foolin

around the ridge. You see,I had caught
the fish I cared about, and that was enough to
break a dozen unlucky streaks. _I was too tired.
and my string too heavy to think of in n
it back to town, so I struck across the ,
{ntgnding to flag the tram as it neared the

n e.

“ reckon it was lucky for me that I caught
a glimpse of some fellows monkeying pound
the bridge,
we mig t even now be wingin our way
through the balmy other, up you or in com-.
pany, or else catching our first mid of genuine,
unadulterated sul but and brimstone, fresh
from the kitchen his majest , King Satanl”

“ They didn’t see you. than?

“ Not a see, also 1
to tell the tragic tale. It wont: curiouLbit of
luck, too, when on View it criticall . The
first glance showe me a black face, a like a
revelation, I felt that there was deviltry in the
air. Yet, as we both know, there are two or
three nigger: among the brid hands, and the
face I saw mi ht easil enoug be one of them.
Just at that 'me I d dn’t remember this and
when it did come into my mind, I’d found out
enough of the black truth to stick to the right

scent. .
“M first idea was to strike overto

since was on that side of the drink, and have.
the operator send word to catch our train in
time; but even as I started, 1 law at the track

was guarded; more than that, 1 saw. a rascal .
shinnin up a telegraph pole, and had no doubt
but the the wires were being cut.

d hardly be in at condition! . v

i...”

~

 

before I fairly showed myself, else '  _ '_

 

 

I
a;

\‘ . 'r‘

1 - . l.
r

l Elephant: Ton; of: lineage

 

 

 

"The pot was beginning to at hot, and I felt
something like I do when I ock horns with a
slick professor from the Academy of Cut and
Shuffle; bound to come out just a leetleabead,
though I had to skin my eye-teeth and stake
in last pair of old socks!

‘It didn’t require any vast amount of reason-
ing to tell me which train they were in ing for.
I new yours came next on the, sch ule, and
that ou carried the mail and express. It was
hard y reasonable to think they would be taking
so much trouble, and runnin such risk, merely
for fun or revenge; and asi e from those two
incentives, there was only left the hope of
plunder.

“When I saw the track guarded, and the
wires cut, toward Bocea, I knew that I had no
‘business in that direction, if I counted on cheat-
ing the bloody-minded rascals out of their fun,
and so I crawfished for a bit, until I could turn
without fear of being discovered, and so reach
the bed of the river.

“There was not more than an hour, before
you would bedue at the crossing, and as I had
ayague suspicion that I would find Florida
station in possession of the enemy, I knew there
was scant time to do in work, without going
to sleep on the way, eit er. And at the same
time, I dared not make a careless move, for I
was gist conceited enough to believe that on

e orts your safety or destruction depended.

m
{Walk I crossed the drin and was stealing

\ alongi thinking only of getting to Florida as

 

quick y as possible without being discovered,
when almost run my nose against two fellows
whg were standing against a rock, talking to-
,get er.

“ It was a mighty close shave; but luckily for
me, they were too usy to notice me as I slipped
back and sticking my head under a bush, lis-
tened to what they were saying.

“ There’s no need of repeating all they said
though I reckon I could 've it word for wor
if crowded. Enough that found out as much,
or more, of how matters stood as I could by
goin on to the station.

“ u fact, one of the rascals was 'ust from
there, and was giving in his reportas stumbled
over them. He said that all had gone to perfec-
tion: that they had settled the agent and cut

‘ the wires, besides smashing up his instruments

:10 the}; there could be no using them in a
urr .
“(giirse the hell-hounds!” grated .Teeson, his
eyes glowing, his hands ti bin—clinched, his
whole frame quivering with 11 -s_u pressed fury
and rief. “I’ll get square Wit them some
day or this bit of work. ’ .

‘ Amen l” e'aculated Rebel Georgle With fer-
vor. ,“ May be there to see and he d your hat,
if I can’t do anything else ”

, “ Go on; tell the rest. Icouldn’t help putting
in when I thought of poor old Mike, uskily
added Teeson.

“ There’s not much to tell but what you can
guess at close enough after what you’ve heard
and seen," resume Rebel rge, in a more
earnest tone than he had before used. “My
first idea was to slip past these two precious
scoundrels and hasten beyond Florida, where I
could give on timely warning by means of a
flag or fire; ut scarcely had the project been
formed than it was knocked hi her than a kite.

“The track was guarded c ear beyond the
station, and I knew that I wouldn’t have s are
time enough to make a wide circumben ibus
and then reach the track beyond them before
you were due at the crossing. It was an infer-
nal muddle, and for a few moments I debated
whether or no I should pull and plug those two
devils, and leave the rest to fate. It was a
powerful temptation, sure enougfl, for, though
no names were mentioned, and th men wore
black masks, .
of them was no less than Elephant Tom himself.
Thedeecription fitted him to a t-y-ty, and I be-

' how I would have saliveted him only for a few

words they let drop just as they turned to so
awe . » ' '

r “ That was about blowing up the bridge with
amino-fuse, out to have the explosion net as the
train reached the crossing, or a ‘ e before,
since it would be impossible to stop the train in

time to prevent a wreck.

“Isaw the horrible picture dancing before,

my eyeballs as they turned away, and I lay
there, sick at the stomach as a dog after a close
interview with an essence peddler on four legs.
Butthat didn’t last long.

‘9 When it. passed
do. I might fail by getting rubbed out, but
nothing less could prevent me from warning the
train in time to foil those merciless demons.

. “I crept along until 1 could overlook the

r tracks Lying low, I watched as keenly as I

' hiew how, and soon saw enough to convince me

o

 

. torch, With a paper or two w

that I had no fool of a job out out. V

; “All the same, I didn’t weaken worth a cent
and by cgrefully skirméséiing fiogd I pic]?!

enou d an - vu s masim e

up 5 ry W Inch I chanced to
have about me. These I tied to the end of my
fishing-rod butt and when I saw your hearings:
Istmck a match and pulled the throttle w

1 open.
_ _ “As for what followed, you know it as well

I had a shrewd suspicion that one .

away I saw what I had [to ‘

 

as I can tell you. Lucky, too, for here we are
at the station."

Even as Rebel George uttered his last words,
the passengers flocked around Conductor Tee—
son, pelting him With questions innumerable as
to the explosion, and the prospects of their being
able to continue their journey.

The bridge is down, and no train can cross until
that is repaired, of course. The wires are cut
so we can send no in . l have sent word
on to the next station, and if the Wreckers have
not got in their diitfiuwork there, the affair will
be telegraphed to range. That ma bring
an engine, but even if it should there’s t e river
to cross. As for this train. 1 am going to run it
back to La Boca, where I can uis atch for a
wrecking train. Then—we’ll see ow highly
the com any values the lives of its faithful ser-
vants. oor Mike shall be avenged if money
can accomplish anything.”

“ If the company makes the stake high enough
Idon’t know but what I mi ht be tempted to
go for it,” uietly uttered ebel George. “I
havvn‘t indu ged myself in a regular mun-hunt
since I crawled out of the ‘last ditch ’ in ’65.”

“If you do I’ll see that your efforts are fitly
rewarded, old fellow. But time’s up. You’re
coming with us?”

“ Not tonight. I’ve got to get back to
Durango.” I

“ Gomg to cross the river and take the
chances of a train or count ties, eh?”

“Not any, thank you. I’ve got a handier
way, and I don‘t banker after any more damp-
ness or tie-trotting this evening.”

In a few swift words Teeson gave his pas-
sengers their choice between sticking to the
train and taking their chances, or crossing the
rivsr, then leaped aboard, and the train pulled
out for a. back station.

A hand was laid softly!r on Rebel George’s
shoulder and, wheeling s arply, he recognized
the cler cal~looking gentleman who had ad-
dressed him before the ruined bridge was vis-
ited. The same yet with a difference. Now
his keen black eyes were hidden behind
smoked- fess spectacles, his actions were as soft
and su ued as his voice, while both were in
perfect keeping with his garb.

“Pardon me, sir, but did I not hear you Be
that you had a way by which you could reac
Durango without waiting for a train from the
other side?”

“ And if you did?” dryly asked Rebel George,
who seemed to have taken an unaccountable
dislike to the man. ,

“Allow me to ex lain. But first, my card,”
murmured the gent eman in black, with a meek
bow, and as be extended a bit of paste-board.

Rebel Geor 9 accepted it, and glanCed at the
words printe thereon. It formed a name of

which he had never heard.
“Mr. Albert Matney. Well, what can I do
for youi” he said bluntly, first readin the

name, then looking keenly into the man’s ace.

“ If I seem abrupt and unceremoniousJ pray
you, my dear sir, attribute it to the urgency of
the case which makes me address you thus. I
assure you—” .

“That you are cutting a good many words to
waste,” impatiently interposed Rebel George,
with an outward fling of his hand that cast the
card far across the track. “If you have any
favor to ask, out with it in a lump.”

He stood directly beneath the rays of the
signal-light, and des ite the dirt and soot which
stained his face, he id not present an unpleas—
ant picture thus, to those who knew what he had
that night accomplished. ,,

He was barely up to the mean hi ht of the
American race, rather slendérly uilt than
stout, yet‘even a casual observer couldhardly.
fail to note the perfect s mmetry of his body
and limbs whilefithose w o knew him best said
that Rebel George was all steel and, grit, when-
ever the occasion arose, end a terribly bad man
totackle in deadly earnest. ‘ . 

His hair was worn long and flowin but
straight as though the blood of the re :men
flowed in his veins. A heavy pair of ustaches
covered his mouth and ,lips, the on almost
touching his chest as, he stood erect. His e
were lei-Fe, jet-black, and unusuall keen. " is
complex on was dark, but clear. is garb Was
rough, with a pair of wading-stockings covering,
his lower limbs to the waist. A be t encircle
his middle, supporting a brace of pearl-handled
revolvers and a knife. ,

His brows were unpleasantly contracted as he

zed fixedly into the face of the men whom‘be
52d so decidedl snubbed end his lip curled as
that worthy, a r a brief hesitatiOnLBaid, hur-
riedl : , . , ’ v
“ II is a favor, and yet one for which you can
ask almost your, own price. You spoke of hav-
ing a method of reaching Durango to-ni ht. If
itieb horseback, name its price and, ‘1} pay
' IfY by a wheeled vehicle, whic Will ot‘car-

ry more than three, I make the same offer. If _

large enough 1 .four or more can money hire
thfiee seat- in it?“ . ’

WA? you speaking for yourself, or for en’-
0 r  , .
f‘ {orfimy employer, who is, very anxious to

“ Metneyl Where the deuce are youP‘cfledl

 

sharp, angry voice, and at the sound Rebel
George wheeled in the direction from whence it
proceeded, a strange glow filling his eyes.

“Here, Mr. Adair, hurriedly responded the
gentleman in black, springing forward and
pausing before the spea er, a tall, thin person-
age, on whose arm hung the veiled figure of a
woman. “ I have heard of a way of reaching
Durango to——”

“ And it is wholly at your service, my dear
sir,” said Rebel George, advancing, his stern
voice new low and soft.

CHAPTER III.
FOXY BRANSCOMBE GOES A-WOOI‘NG.

NOT the least remarkable among the mining—
towns of the far Southwest, is that known as,
Durango, be it either for wild life or natural ad-
vantu es.

A tiing of mushroom growth—springing up
from the heart of the desert in a night, as it
were—nevertheless, it “ came to stay. ’

On the thirteenth day of September, 1880, the
first stake in its surv y was driven home. In a
week, it was a mining-camp quite as much as
“ the end of the road. ’ In a month, it became
a town. Six months from the time the first line.
was run, Durango was a city, whose inhabi-
tants could be counted up among the thousands.

No longer a mushroom, but with its future
success and prosperity fully assured. if only by
its unusual natural advantages, Durango dif-
fered from the generality of mining-towns in
more than one respect.

There is little of sentiment to be found in the
every-day life and business dealings of either
railway pioneers or mineral prospectors. As a
rule, their stations or camps are pitched upon
with an eye sin le to combined convenience and
profit, and one n quest of the lovely and pic—
turesque in nature, rarely finds it within those
confines.

Durango was and is one of the rare excepu
tions to the eneral rule. The youn: giant of
the mighty ‘outhwest is situated in La Pinia
county, some eighteen miles north of the State
line between Colorado and New Mexico, and
sixty miles east of the Utah border, in the val—
ley of the Amines river. ‘

The location of the town can hardly be sur—
passed for natural beauty. It is in a valley,
two or three miles wide in places, rising in
gentle stvpges or mesas on either side, back to
superb blu ,the loftiest among which tower
to a Light of from fifteen hundred to two thou-
sand feet above the level, broken up into tl e
most fantastic outlines, giving very picture:que
effects.

The center of a mining-region; to the north,
the marvelous San Juan country; Soutln
eastern Utah; Northeastern Arizona; North-
western New Mexico; sufficiently distant
fi-cm Denver_ to protect it from not-
ual competition With the Prairie Me—
tropolis, and to render it the independent
monarch of the Pacific 510 of the maintains,
Viith a tributary country undreds of miles in
extent, containing a wealth of sci], of lumber
and of mines almost ’unrqualed; with an im-
mense coal supply, the nearest to the mines of
any, suitable for smelting purposes; with the
topography of the surrounding country, and the
different character of the ores in the various
outlying minin -cemps— little marvel that
Durango looked appy and prosperous on that
afternoon in early spring.

“Yet there’s room for lots of improvement,
and with the proper kind of boss, whoee name
l'could spell with my eyes shut, this same
rou h mining-camp could 've even Denver a,
blue eye, even if it didn’t noel! her clean out.
of time,” »

The words were eudibly uttered, but only the
ears of the speaker drank them in. Had others
been within range, the sentiment might have ex-
isged, all'the same. but it would never havo
found articulated birth.

It Dirigo Branscombe was anything he was
secretive; His eyes, his nose, is mouth, his
everyggatu? Proclaimed this trait to all who

1'65 .
cg he first glance one considered him a hand-
someman. At the second. a doubt found birth ,
wane still another flatly reversed the primal
v dict. ' ‘ I *

or medium hi ht, evere build, middle age.
With features 511) and c can -cut. Hair trun-
medclosefi; short whiskers on the u jaw-
bouég,‘ chin, throat and lips cle n-shorn.
1n the ‘shaflehghair and whiskers showed a,

macro, gwhen thesunl htsiftcd through
Eben: they on another sha e which, with the
péculim‘vu ciao cast of his features, gave him

Y

 

the title‘of “ F0 ” Bransoombe among the law-
less and irreverent.
~His garb Was com of the finest material
pygmy could purcfiase, and artistic skill was
, bl 'in every cuivb‘and line; yet the result
was almost asdisagreeable as a square look into »
the wearei-h countenance. The colors and.
pattern were “loud.?’. Though snugly-fitting,
the garments were wern With a ran,

whi marks the newly-risen parvenu. In to -
ofbe pretensions founded 0n hard 
Brensoombe could never pass for e‘ V ,

among gentlemen. ' ‘

. .L-sq

 

,l.

 

’ from the discolored teeth with a. wolfish

 

», 

 

Elephant Tom, of éDurango. ‘

 

“ Let my schemes only work as they should—
bah!" and a hissing disagreeable laugh rted
his thin lips, discloe ng pointed rows of to acw
stained teo' h. “They must—the will go
right! Failure is im sible. I ave taken
each step with too muc care for that, and cov-
ered my traces so thoroughly that Satan him-
self could not scent me out. Tonight—tamer»
row—one week more; then—ha] hal”

His white, but hardened palms grated to-
gether, the short, stumpy fingers twining and
twisting in and out, the thin lips drew back
rin
that was almosta snarl, and there was'a b az-
ing, yet chilling, glow in the greenish-gin y
e ‘68.

3Many of those who fancied they knew Dirigo
Bransconibe best, would have looked upon him
in mute astonishment, could they have seen him
.at this moment. But it was only at long inter-
vals, anc’ when he was absolutely alone, that
the great mining speculator suffered his actual
self to show through the cunning mask he wore,
night and day; and even now the weakness was
on y momentary. Then his face returned to
.thS usual culm, grave, almOst austere rigidity.

Descivndiug from his lookout, Dirigo Brons-
cmnbe phased leisurely through the town, nod—
ding shortly to the many respectful greetings
which he received from the citizens, pausing
now and then to interchange a few words with
those who bad business to transact with him,
either settling the matter off-hand, or else up-
pcinting an hour for an interview at his office,
as the circumstances warranted.

A power in Durango was Dirigo Brauscombc,
and though his name came last on the sign—
board which blazed in blue and gold before the
omce of Adair, Aiken & Branscombe, General
.Agents, who did “a land ofllce business ” in
loanin money on unquestionable security, buy-
ing, se ling and speculatinghin mining-claims
and stocks, near] all who ad dealings with
the “ Triad,” quickly learned to look upon him
as the actual, if not nominal head of the com-

pany.

Through the town he passed, then his foot-
steps quickened, and now that there were none
to look into his recu eyes, that old, foxy glit-
ter returned to t em.

Up the first steppe and across the first pla-
teau to the second, folIOWing a narrow ii'ai
which led through shrubbery and thick lying
rocks, his countenance resumed its grave blaad~
‘ness, and the vulpine eyes also resumed their
mildest look. ‘

Nestling amid the rocks ahd trees, was a
small cabin of stone, u the face and over the
roof of which cluster 8. wild grapevine, many
yeays older than the structure it now ornament-
Gd. Instead of the wind-stunted and sumscorched
.tree which had witnessed its birth". ‘

The door was open. From wit 'in came the
’iow, musical notes of afresh, youn voicel hum.
ming a song of love and war, and with a benev-
olent smile wreathing his lips, Dirigo Bruns-
combe paused and bent his head in listening. ,

Only for an instant. The song was abruptly
hushed, and a. half-stifled exclamation.“ an-
noyance came tohis ears instead telling the
speculaior only too plainly that‘ his presence
had been discovered, with anything but agree-
able emotions on the part of the hidden song-

stress.
The thin lips drew back from the sharp teeth
in an ugly snarl, and the green'eyes shone like

.those of an irritated cat; but at the same in-

stout the foxy face was bowed and hidden’in
the white folds of a highly-scented handker-
Chlef. While an a ologetlc cough strangled the
hot curse which sari-eve to find exit. ’,

A “81115. (graceful form' appeared in the door-
‘Wflyi Stan. be as though to but his entrance,
while a quick voice spoke: . ‘

“Father is not at home, Mr. Branscomber”

A pollte 190" and blund’sm'ile checked her
further speech. ‘ ~ ‘

“Indeed. M155 ,Bl‘etto- I am sorry for that,
as I wish to see him on very Important; business.
’Will he soon return?” ‘ i ‘

“ Hard] before dark. He has gone fighing.”

Short t 9 speech, cold 'the manner; but it
failed of its purposo. Dingo ranscbmbe was
not a man readily blufled Off from the course he
'had marked out for himself. Yet the dark lovely
face of the young girl before him grew lighter,

:as he spoke again:

“Too bad—too bad] My business is very

or eat. But it cannot be helped, of course.

Will you kindly inform your father‘that I

"called, and not finding him at home, requested

him to call at the office, at his earliest con.

variance ‘1’"

“ With pleasure.”

“ Thanks,” with a bow. “May I trouble you

:fora sip of water’il I walked as though fora

wager coming here, and am extreme] thirsty.”
With a celerity that ‘might have een pure
politeness, but which as certainly found birth in
a feverish longing to hasten his departure, Miss
Bretto receded from the door to procure, the
craved draught, only to hear the quick, caHike
foot-fall of her unwelcome‘visitor as he crossed
the threshold after her, smiling more blandly
Ethan ever. i
. With a cold repugnance which she made not

 

the slightest effort. to conceal, the girl handed

him a lass of water. He acce- ted it with a
bow, an sipping the contents, sun into a chair,
depositing his hat upon the table, saying
smoothly:

“My rapid walk has fatigued me, and on
look so cosey and coiiifoi'tahle in here t at
really, I cannot resist the temptation. I trustl
am not intruding?" ‘ ‘

Those keen, foxy 9 es might have easily read
the answer in the ace of the girl; but she
seemed taken all aback by his matchless impu-
deuoe, and without a word, retreated to the
further side of the room, sinking into a chair.

“ Thanks," with a bow as thankful as though
she had expressed the utmost pleasure in his
condescension. “You are so kind that I will
impose upon your good nature fora few mo-
ments, if only to recover my breath. You say
your father is not about the premises? Surely
you are not here alone?”

“ He went fishing early this morning.”

“ Leaving you all alone? That’s too bad]
Really, I must remonstrate with George,
on—-—”

“ I beg you will do no such thing,” hastily in-
terposcd the girl, with a flushing countenance.
“ I am not neglected, as you Seem to hint. In-
deed, thcre are times when I am only too glad
to be left alone by myself.”

She paused short as those greenish e es fixed
her gaze; but there was nothing of car, and
little confusion in her spirited countenance as
he supplemented:

“Of which the present occasion is one, you
would say. Am I not ri ht, my dear?”

“ You are most decided y u rong in calling me
your dear, or your anything however the other
point stands," flashed Miss l3retto, rising from
her chair, as though to end the interview.

“ Even though you are very dear to my
heart—’7 ,

“Have you such an articler’witha short,
scornful laugh.

“I had before I met you; I have not now,
unless, indeed, you have been gracious enough
to intrust yours to my keeping. ’

The fellow’s impudence was matchless. Calm
and suave as ever was his voice, while his smile
beamed more benevolently than at first, if that
waspossible.

The girl’s face flushed hotly, then grew white
as‘wax. Her dark e es glittered with poorly
concealed auger, and or white flnger trembled
as it ointed toward the door.

“ on have said enough for once, Mr. Brans.
combo. There’s the door. You found your way
through it without an invitation; pray see if
you can retrace your stgis with the one I now
give you. Is the hint su ciently lain'!"

“ I never listen to a. hint, my ear,”—with a
smirk. , ‘ '

“Then I will give even more than a hint.
Your presence is extremely disa reeable to me.
1 always disliked you; now I espise you. If
you are wise dyou will not change that senti-
ment to hatre , or you ma find yourself treat-
ed with still less ceremony. ’

Sharp and decisively she oke, butjinstead of
slinking away in confusion, irigo Branscombe
gazed at her flushed countenance with his green
eyes filled with admiration.

Rarely beautiful was Naomi Bretto just then.
The excitement of the moment lent her other-
wise too pale face a rich color, and added to the
brilliancy of her large; eloquent eyes.

Slight and slender in hand, she was below the

average hight of her sex; yet there was a fairy»
like grace in her every movement, a lithe sup-
pleness in her, delicately-rended limbs and
person, that possmsed a. charm far beyond'mere
voluptuousness in, the judgment‘of those who
looked for something beyond mere animal
charms. She wad one to respect at first, then‘
admire, and finally love with a'lov’e‘ that in-
cluded the soulas well as person. " ' ,
' But little was known to the‘ general public
concerning her former life or antecedents.
When Durango was first surveyed for a. town,
the little. stone'ca'bin was nest lug there in soli-vj
tude without a neighbor nigh, inhabited only
by those two: Rebel George Bretto and his
daughter Naomi.

, To that day but little more was known con-
cerning the girl, though Rebel George quickly
became one of the Celebrities of the bustling
mining—cam and railWay terminus. An un-.
usually be] and skillful shortnard player, he
never met with his‘match among the independ~
ent knights of the (painted .asteboards. and the
day quickly arrive when, at for an occasional
adven‘ur r from some outside point whither his
fame hat extended, Rebel Gear 9 could find no
man bold enough to engage im across the
board. As a result he turned to the fare-tables
there provingI far less successful, though still
managing to eep “ahead of the game "mainly
through his indomitable pluck and unvarying
coolness. r ’

He was a natural born gambler. He could
not live without the excitement of play. It ran
in his blood, he said, and 'he came honestly b
the passmn. With this, too;'h'e had all the con-
ous superstitions of the genuine gambler; the
belief in good and evil omens, ,of spells to break
the force of one, or confirm the other; in a

’to-day believed your father.

raised and her do
- wh

 

word, he was a curious mixture of good- and
evil, of sense and folly. V _, ‘

Foxy Branscombe followsd the‘di'roction of
the extended finger with his eyes, but made no
motion toward a bodily exit. ’

“ My dear, adorable creature," be
showing his discolored teeth in a smile that was
almost a snarl, though his voice was smooth and
oily as ever; “you can’t imagine how hugely
delighted i am to hear you speak after but
blunt fashion. It gives me the confidence which
I might otherwise have failed to find."

“ on heard my words; you could not fall to
comprehend their import. Will you have the
grace to leave me?” ‘

Cold and cutting the tones, but the words had
no more effect upon the thickskinned speculator
than if they had never found birth.

“ Ordinari] , a gentleman does not like to
confess himsel, a liar, especially where there is
a lady in the case, but since you have spoken
so frank] , I will be equally open and above-
board. deceived you when l saidl came here
to see your father on business. I knew that he
was absent, that there was scant danger of his
returning before I could have my say out, also
my visit would have been postponed until a
more favorable opportunity. Instead I came to
see you—to avow my passion, to receive your
tender, bashful confession,’and settle on the im-
portant day which is to wrap us both in bliss.”

Slowly the flush died out of the malden’s
countenance as she listened to this cool, insult-
ing,speech, and fairly bewildered by the match
lcss audacil of the speculator, sh’e sunk back
into her ch r. ’ '

“ Mad—drunk—one or both, he must bel”
fell mechanically from her lips, as Foxy Bruns-
combe ceased speaking and leant forward in his
chair, hands on knees, his green eyes fixed with
a mocking glitter upon her face. :

“ Guilty, on both counts, my dear,” he
smiled, nodding. “ Mad—with love for your
dainty self. Drunk—with ditto for ditto. Be.
my physician. Cure me ere I perish. The pre-
cious antidote is in your eyes, on your lips—”

“In m hand, on sneerin scoundrell”
flashed nomi, dar in across t e room and
snatching a small cali red revolver ,from a

, ~5,

shelf against the wall, raising the hammer and v ‘

covering her unwelcome visitor with the rapid-
ity of thought. “ Go] not anOIher word, or, by
the Lord who made me] I'll send a bullet
through your crafty, scheming brain] Go,'I
tell you!” ’ ' ' ,

Dirigo Branscombe crouched still lower in his
seat. his wiry limbs apparently in readiness for
a Sudden leap aside or forward, as necessity
should demand. His shaggy brows twitche'd
and quivered. His greenis e es blazed vivid-
ly. Hie thin, rchment-co ored lips drew
aside and his ye low teeth bared themselves in
awolflsh grin. ' ' ‘ ‘

But in it all, there could be detected'no trace
of positive fear, though he must have know/n
that his life hung‘ upon a thread; for if over
mortal being 'was in deadly earnest, Naomi
Bretto was when she uttered thht threat.

“ Shoot, and you kill the man you have until
Slay me and you
are washing your hands in his heart’- blood. ’ i

For a brief space, Naomi Bretto stood irreco-
luie. The silver drop covered the forehead of
Dirigo Branscombe. Her forefinger clasped the-

trig ger. needing but an added ounce of pressure ‘

to release the death-missile. The .speculatbr

‘ stood nearer the door of death than ever before

in his eventful life. nearer thouhe ever would
again, without fair] crossing the  
Yet he did not
trouder. He knew that his swift shaft had
struck its mark; that his wonderful audacity
had gained him a respite. ' . ' ' ’ 'f
Nor was be deceived in this. Naomi owes-dd
her weapon, though still keeping the ammer
r on the trigger.  ’
“Once more, w i you begonel I do not know
“yslj sltlo to warn you a second time—4” '
8.

tell youi” ’laughsd Bransoombe.
“Because

you are burning with'curlo'olty to

‘lznow who is to take the placd of'Rebrll George

as‘ynur father. since he proves a ' étender." ,

“You lie in that,“ in all else! cried Naomi,
passionately. “ I am a silly fool to listen to'you
eVen for a moment.” i ' '

“Yet y( u do listen; and listen you will, until
I have fully unfolded my little budget of won-
ders. You would not be a woman, else,”
sneered the speculator. 

A sudden change came over the young ‘wo— ' 1 ,
ssion vanished -  '

man’s face, and all traces of ,
asAby magic, leaving her co] and composed.
Her veice rung out cutting] as she spoke'againa
I. “You are right, Mr; ranscombe. I will
law“;

b"‘,«

;,.

4

 

nch. His foxy smile-grew j - , '

 

\ » ,
'n

 

You will unfold your little budget at, ’

wonders. You will explain our objeotln com- » 1
ing here and forcing curse] upon‘on‘e who u' " " ’

plainly as words can d, showed that you were
an unwelcome visitor. You will tell me what
you meant, when you hinted that'my father‘h'
not my father. You will do all this—Ind more.
You will occupy that same chair until the coin-
lng of George Bretto, when I will cheerfully

leave him to reward you as yom conduct richly ,

deserves.”

“ You are very kind, my deizr'." vi it]. L sneer.

1

 

  

l;'>

 

l

.- a-.. r 1......

4....» m.

f f" “77's.?

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’ was wholly defenseless

6 

 Elephant Tom. of Durango.

 

 

_ The girl resumed her former seat, quietly add-
in :

EIn addition to that, Iain as sure a shot as
my father. You are iven credit for being no-
body’s fool, and can interpret the significance
ofthat fact without my sayin more.’

“In plaincr words, you wil sink a. mineral
shaft into my brain, if I try to escape?” grinned
Foxv Branscombe.

“ You should have been born a Yankee,"
with a short bow.

“Nevertheless, I can fully appreciate your
kindness, even though I fail to recognize its no-
cessity. I assure you, my dear, I have not the
slightest inclination or idea of running away
from such a charming hostess. And I also flat-
ter myself that when I shall have finished my
little revelation, you will be as ea or to keep
me beside you, as you were to has n my de—
parture, but a few moments since.”

“ Until my father comes, I will entertain you
cheerfully.”

“The assassin of your father and mother,
you mean I”

 

CHAPTER IV.
HOW THE woonvo rnosruasn.

SHARPLY, viciously he shot forth the words,
leaning forward to note their effect, his greenish
eyes glittering like those of a Venomous serpent
his thin lips curling away from his discolore
teeth, his actual self fully revraled, as though
he no longer felt the necessity of wearing a.

mas .

Brave and self-reliant though the girl un-
doubtedly was and thoroughly nerved, though
she believed a e was to bear for the present
with his insolent speech, the cruel shaft took her
entirely by surprise, and struck deeply home.

The pistol droo d from her unnerved hand,
and she shrunk ck in her chair, staring at
him with white face and eyes filled with horror.

Dirigo Branscombe laughed softly, mock-
ingl , as he noted the effects of his words.
Bet r for him, perhaps, and he en 'oyed his
triumph with less ostentation, for as t at sneer-

' ing merriment rung in her ears, Naomi Bretto

rallied her stunned powers, and recovering the
pistol, thrust it forward with finger on the trig-
ger, her eyes ablaze her voice strained and un-
flatural, as the words dropped swiftly from her

952 -

“Unsay those words—take them back, and
admit that you lie in your throat, like the
coward] cur that you are—or by the heavens
above! ’11 wi out the foul insult to an honest
man in your ifebloodl”

“éhoot—and Rebel George will ban as
sure] as those same heavens are above, us

A rief period of breathless silence, during
which the weight of a hair would have turned
the scales forevera inst Dirigo Bransconibe.
Yet he never flinc ed, never ceased smiling,
never turned the ghost of a shade more yellow.
Whatever else he may have been, Foxy Brans
oombe assuredly was no coward.

hose littering eyes seemed to hold her dark
orbs spel -bound, slowly, but surely gaining the
mastery. The long lashes be an to uiver, the
extended hand to tremble. hen it s owly sunk
to her lap once more, and Dirigo Branscombe
straightened his form up, with a long breath
hissing through his teeth:

“My adorable creature, haven’t you tested
to nerve quite sufficiently to be convinced that
I on’t scare worth a cent? Wouldn’t it be just
as well for you to lay that foolish toy aside for
the resent?”

aomi Bretto laughed shortly hardly.

“ You are ver brave, with only a poor, weak

girl to face. at when father comes—when

,you have a man to deal with, your ugly face

will blanch, your limbs tremble with craven
fear as you meekly beg for mercy.”

“ If by father you mean Rebel George, doubt-
less there will be trembling and cringing; but
it will not be my head that is bowed in the
dust, not my voice that is raised in prayers and
pleading for mercy; you can depend on that,
my recious.”

‘ ou lie most foully when you daretocouple
his name with crime, or ought that is not kind,
generous noble!”

“ Thi ‘you so?” lauglhed the speculator,
easily. ‘ ell, so be it, t on. Best in that be-
lief while on may, for the hour of your awak—
suing is claw at hand, and you wil require all

our; strength and courage toconfront the dread
“ Was it for the purpose of urin these foul
lies and hints into my ears thgt) yougcame here
this afternoon?”

“ Not. wholly—indeed, I meant not to touch
the sub ect; nor did 1 until an forced me to do
so in se defense. I came offer you another
arm to lean _upon, before that which on have
so long conSidered your sup rt shoul be taken
from you forever. I hin as much, I believe,
but you took fire and flashed out so viciously,
thatI had no option but to don my safeguard
to avoid being riddled.”_

“Rather to insults girl whom you believed

l ’ flashed Naomi. “ Tell
the truth, if it does shame your friend and
patron saint.”

“A man may serve many a worse master,”

laughed Branscombe, in no wise disconcerted by
the stinging taunt. “He has rewarded my
poor efforts right nobl , and stood my friend in
many a tight inch. would be the lackest of
ingrates were to-deny him at this late day.

‘ But this is not business, and business brought
me here.

“You cut me short when I attempted to
gently and considerately break the ,ice 8. bit
ago. I will not try your further patience by
finessing, but talk business instead.

“Though you do not mix much in society,
such as it is which we have here, I take it for
granted that you are not wholly ignorant of
the position which I hold in life. I an) nomi-
nally the 'unior partner in the firm of Adair,
Aiken 82: ranscomhe, but in rcalityi am the
head and brains of the concern. I put in my
practical ex erience against the cash of my
partners, an as a matter of course, while they
have been learning I have been winning. To-
day I can count my fortune by hundreds of
thousands. In a year I will rank high among
the ranks of millionaires.”

“Pray, why do you imagine that all this has
any interest for me? Does yourill- otten wealth
make tyou any the less a scoun rel and con-
tem ti le villain?"

“ coundrel and villain, if you fanc the
terms, but never contemptible,” retorted rans-
combe, with admirable sangfroid. “ No wealthy
man is ever that, while the world remains so
full of those who bow down in worshi before
the golden calf. But it was not my intention
to boast, and since you ask why I mention my
worldly prospects, you shall how a frank
answer.

“Unfortunately for me, I am considerably
older than you; old enough to be our father,
in fact. In addition, 1 am a plain, lunt-spenk-
ing fellow, with few of those empty graces with
which the hearts of lovely women are taken by
storm. As a natural consequence, I wish to
make the most of what advanta es I do possess.

“I am rich, and will be ric er. I am not
exactly hideous in either face or person. I know
enough to pass in a crowd. I have a heart big
enou h to hold all those whom I love, and who
may ove me in return. To my enemies or ad-
versaries in the race for wealth I can be hard
and cold as granite.

“ To these qualities add one more: that I wor-
ship ou as it is given to very few men to wor-
ship in this every-day world; that you are as
precious to me as a draught of cool water to the
shipwrecked mariner or the lost soul in the
desert; that with you to share it with me this
world will prove all the heaven I long for—
without you a helll

“Naomi, I ask on to become my wife.”

There was no race of sneering now. The
words came out swift and passionate, hot and

lowing with an intensity that was almost pain-
ul to witness. Dirigo was in deadly earnest
and his stron fingers trembled as they twinecl
and twisted in and out, his white but horny
palms audibly grating together as he leaned
orward in his seat, is glittering eyes fixed
upon the paling countenance of the maiden as
she slowly shrunk still further away from him.
a vague, nameless terror deepening in her dark
eyes—a terror such as one mi ht fancy is felt
by the feebly-iluttering bird t at hovers help-
lessly above the death-fascinating serpent.

In truth there was something of that strange,
ma etic nfluence in those greengillphwing e as
as t ey concentrated their rays. I e mai en
felt it—felta cold numbness creepin over her,
driving the warm blood from. her limbs, drop-
ping a misty vail over her brain, riveting her to
the chair, even though she strove to flee as she
felt, rather than saw, that hated, loathed face
drawing closer, still nearer to her own.

Abol man was Dirlgo Branscombe, and he
was flying a bold game, where'hla tactics
must sharp and decisive. At any moment
Rebel George Bretto might return home, and it
won at all, the Victory must be gained before
that occurred.

He concentrated all his great will- ower into
that aze. His green eyes fairly b azed. His
thin ips drew apart and curled over his snag
teeth with the tremendous efforts he was ma -
ing. His face slowly advanced, his person fol-
lowed, not the slightest sound attending his
movements.

Like one helpless beneath the influence of
some baleful drug, Naomi Bretto saw this knew
that he was stealing upon «her, yet powerless to
avoid him. Still, hire one in a fri tful dream,
she felt his hot breath upon her ace; felt his
burnin lips descend upon her own—then the
benum ing spell was broken by that loathsome
contact, and a wild scream burst from her 0 -

ressed lungs asshe started back, her rig t
and tingling as though scorched, she could not
so wh .

It mgment later she knew. Dirigo Bruns-
combe sat rigid and erect in his chair, as though

he had never vacated it; but on his right cheek "

was the impress of a human hand, rapidly
growing red, significantly telling how the foul
insult had been avenged. .

“ How dare you, coward!” pasted Naomi, her
voice choking.

 

“Terribly presumptuous, am I not?" with a

\

'iihpés that

 

faint, constrained smile. “Old, ugly, blunt;
young, lovely raceful. All against me, andin
your favor. et I have an eXcuse for my au~
dacit —1love you I That gives me the courage
to as your hand in marriage, and—‘

“ To shamefully insult me when you found me
weak and unnerved for the moment. But it
shall be avenged most bitterly—I promise you
that!”

“Bah! a kiss, more or less—what’s the mlds.
When you’re my wife you’ll only be too willing
to rant them."

y a violent effort Naomi Bretto recovered

her wonted composure, resuming her seat (in--

osite the speculator, holding the revolver upon
er lap, with finger ready on trigger.

“Run to the length of your tether, and enjoy
your freedom while it lasts, Mr. Bransw mbe,”
she said, her voice cold and measured in its ac-
cents. .“No matter what you say, you can
hardly increase the punishment in store. You
are free to say What on will, but take warning
—al.tempt to quit I: at chair, even far on in-
stant to advance or retreat, and I will shoot
you own as I would a mad-dog. ls that sufli-
ciently clear?”

“Bless our innocent soul, my darlin jewel,”
laughed oxy Branscombe, easily; “I ave not
the remotest idea of departing v. ithout receivin
the first bashful kiss from my» plighteg
spouse—”

“Your only bride will be death, and my
father will conduct the ceremony.”

“You are singularly forgelful, my daiut
darling; your father is dead and long ago mol -
ered to dust. Doubtless 'ou have reference
to his secret assassin, Robe George Bretto, as
he now calls himself.”

“Bah!” with the intensest scorn. “Why re-
eat that infamously ridiculous accusation?
hough an angel shou d descend from heaven to

mouth the same foul charge, I would brand it
as a lie of all liesl”

“I’m little angelic, to be sure, yet I am utter-
ing gos el truth, as you will be forced to admit
when ebel George comes. You shall behold
him cringe and cower before me—sball hear him
admit the truth of the char es 1 bring—shall
listen to his black and shame ul confession. As
I lift my finger he will sink and grove] at my
feet, begging me to have mercy. I will prove
to you that the man you have loved and revered
for so long, is a red-handed outlaw and assassin
not the worstof whose crimes is thehutpbering of
your actual parents when you were little more
hana helpless babe at the breast. I will from his.
blood-stained career from that pjeriod to the»'~

resent da . Iwill wrin from im full con- l
ession. ou shall bear im admit that all I
bring against him is gospel truth; that even
this very do he has been engaged in outraging
the have of th heaven and earth.

“Then when your eyes are fairly o ned,
when you at last behold him as he really , not
as your fond imagination has ever pictured
him, I will give on your choice—to become,
my wife and see im 0 free of justice- 01‘ be‘
hold him dragged to t e gallows to suffer the
penalt of a t ousand crimes!”

Swi fly the Words fell from his parchment-
like lips, each one strikin his hearer With the-
force of an actual blow rom a clinched hand,
yet his tones were cold, hard and measured, his-
countenance as impassive as though he had
been some stern judge passing sentence upon a
convicted criminal. _

Naomi Bretto felt morally certain that he
was falsifying in all that he uttered, yet
despite this conviction, her heart grew Sick, and
she turned faint as she listene .. Surely he
would not dare utter such horrible threats
without first making) sure that he could sup-
port them? His we must be well woven he-
ore he would venture to threaten all this
against a man like George Bretto.

She fought down the growing fainfne and
looked him full in the face as he pause , ap-
parently awaiting her. answer, .

“ I so now, as I said before you are 1 ing.
George rettois m father. e is as nob e as
you are base, as rave as you are craven-
spirited, as pure as you are foul and all that is
loathsome. So sure am} that 3‘01} Will neVer
dare repeat those .words in his hearing—listen:

“You ask me to marry you. ,When you put
your threats into execution: when you utter

hose charges a ainst one of God’s noblemen, in
his presence; w en Gcorge Bretto admits that
the are even founded on truth, or even listens
to t eir utterance without smiting the perjured
ve them she e. with his honest hand

n I u. l'mar‘ry you More: though I would
sooner take a venomous rattlesnake to my
bosom as a pet; rather caress a venom-swollen
tarantula: more Willingly bend the knee in
adoration of the foul fiend himself; I swear to
love, adore and reverence you as only a little
less than an angel of purity, grace and holi—
nessl” ,

“It is a vow, and I am the witness!” cried
Dirigo Branscombe, his greenish eyes glittering
with an unholy triumph. “ 01' your cw n accord
you have bound yourself beyond all evasion. 1
will hold you to your pledge never is 1'. Once

our life is joined to mine the rest w 1 follow.
never yet set my mind on altaining a part.

A a... “Mg.

 

 

 

 

l

i
l.
i
ii
i
l

 

«_

 

 

 Tom, of burango;

Z

 

without accom lishin it, and be sure I will not
fail in this. ou shal learn to love me, evon
against your own will. The time will come
when you will look up to me as something more
than a common man- when—"

“ When you havo fulfilled all the conditions I
named," swiftly interposed the maiden, her face
when pale, but her dark eyes glittering vividly
as she fought down the rising terror that chilled
her heart. “ Do not forget that portion of the
contract."

“ I have an admirable memory, in precious,”
laughed the speculator, with a care ess wave of
one stumpy hand. “ Shall I prove my aesertion?
Come, since we have to await the return of the
worthy gentleman whom you have so long re-
garded as a parent, suppose I tell you the story
of your real father and mother? Surely you
are interested in learning all about them?"

“Since you must talk, as well on that subject
as any other, I suppose," was the re ly out-
wardly cold and even listless, but uii erneath
that demeanor was hidden a world of agitation
and powerfully conflicting emotions.

Naomi kept repeating in her mind that it was
all a lie, false and base as the owner of the lips
that formed them; yet, despite her utmost en-
deavor, the confident manner in which Foxy
Branscombe spoke was not withoutits influence.

She remembered how often in the olden days
she had ventured to question George Bretto con-
cernin the days of her childhood, only to be
abrupt y hushed. She remembered, too, how
dark and gloomy his brow would grow, how
silent and constrained his manner after those
exhibitions of childish curiosity, and that she
had long since avoided the subject she scarcely
knew why.

He ha never mentioned the name of her
mother, never recalled the past, never alluded
tolii wedded life. She was ignorant even of
the name which her mother had borne in life.

If his past was clear as she had until now
never doubted, would he have been so reticent!

Though her loyalty to the man whom she
had called father from the earliest days of her
recollection faltci'ed not, even now, the maiden
caught this uery flitting across her brain.

It terrific her, and with a start, she flun
out a hand, as though casting aside the ghost 0
a suspicion which she felt shamed her, even
more than it wronged her parent.

Fox Branscombe laughed softly, as though
he ha the power to read her inmost thoughts.

“ It will take a more decided effort than that
to clear away the cobwebs, my precious little
elf. I admire your fidelity, because it promises
well for my future, but I can’t say as much to
your acuteness of perception.”

“ Since it brands you as a cunnin and un-
scrupulous liar, why should you?" wi h a. cold
sneer the taunt restoring her composure.

“ fiave your own way. in door,” with a.

‘n, “ We never contradi' your charming
sex—uh til the key is turned in the lock. Then—
‘but sufilcient unto the do is the evil ’thereof.’

“I promised you a lea from the past. For
fear the worthy hero of that httle tragedy
should make his appearance before the climax,
I will make it as brief as I can, without entire-
1y destroying its clearness and interest.

“ Your parents—never mind their names just
at this sta e—were intimate acquaintances of
the man w 0 now passes as Rebel George: in
fact, the lady was his flrt love, who once pied -
ed herself to become his happy bride. only to fa l
in love with and wed another while her original
lover was absent on a tour of business.

“What made the blow all the more bitter,
was the fact that Rebel George loved the man
Who supplanted him, and ve him the
place of a brother in his heart. till worse, in
Starting 0“ that protracted business jaunt, he
plaCed the care and guardianship of the woman
whom he so fondly hoped to make his wife in
the handsof the false friend. He knew that
she was sill ,weak, fond of flirting, and one
onl tooeaSi y influenced b those about her.
Bu he placed 111111110150?“ deuce in his heart-
hrother, and do arted With a light heart and
no misgivings t at he had Placed. his foolish
little shoe in the keepng 0‘ 8- cunning, unscru.
pulous.wo . _

“ Your mother was quite wealthy in her own

right: your father was a poor man, who found
it difficult to keep up appearances in the
class of society he mingled With; still
he might not. have so utterly betrayed his trust
had not a rich relative suddenly died, leaving
all his fortune to her. That made the tempta-
tion too great for him to resist, and there was a
stolen wedding, a hasty flight, an utter vanish-
ment, which no doubt was intended to be but
tem rary, while the storm raged fiercest.
’ “ ut from that day to this the vail which fell
over them on that_summer day has never been
lifted, so far as their most intimate friends and
their relatives are concerned. I,

“Rebel Geor e came home to meet with a
blow that laid him low for months; that utterly
chan ed his nature, and made him what he has
Iincegbecome. _

“ When he recovered his health he also vap-
khed, never to return. The strongest fears were
entertained by those more intimately concerned,
and strenuous efi’orts were made to find the fu-

\

gitivos; but all in vain. They had vanished. It
was as though the earth had opened beneath
their feet and ingulfed them.

“I don’t suppose there are more than two men
now living who can solve the mystery with
which that affair is shrouded—Rebel George is
one' I am the other.

“ ow he struck their trail would be too long
a story to relate here. Enough that he did so
at last. But they heard of his being on the trail
at the same time, and then began a long and
exciting nine of hide and seek.

“Robe George was the victor at last. He
OVertook them in the Far West, and their first
meeting was their last. The great city of
’Fi'isco was startled by a terrible tragedy one
fair morning. A handsome, stylish couple,
plainly man and wife, were found dead in bed,
side by side, tight-clasped in each others’ arms,
their throats cut, a knife thrust deep into each
heart. In the hand of the man was founda
knife, and at first it was supposed to be a case of
suicide, as doubtless the assassin intended should
be the case; but it was uickly remembered that
, the dead couple had ad a child with them,
 the closest search failed to find aught of

is.

“That couple were your father and mother.
That child was yourself. The assassin was the
‘ man whom you have. learned to love and respect
and term father-Rebel, George l”

“ An ingenious story, but all the same—a lie l”

“I expected you to. say as much, if not
exactlgin such polite phraseology,” laughed
; Foxy ranscombe, showirg his wolfish teeth.
“ I do not ask you to believe my assertion with—
out ainple proof; and rest assured that proof
will be forthcoming when Rebel George puts in
an appearance.

“ ow for my particular interest in this case.
" Though a very rich man I have no serious ob-
} jections to becoming still more wealthy. I dis-
; covered this little romance. 1 found out that
i you were the rightful heiress to enormous
, wealth, though Rebel George had raised on
i in blissful ignorance of that fact, and you ive
l

 

‘ a hand—to—mouth life. I hunted you out. I
. fell in love with your charming face and ador-

able person, even more utterly than I had with
L your fortune. I resolved to woo and W111 you,
though the odds seemed terribly against one so
heavily handicapped b age and plainness of
face. Still, I did not espair, and as you see,
there was reason in m madness.

“I have won‘ your p edge—”

“ Do not forget that it is conditional,” sharply;3
“I forget nothing. Those conditions wil
fully complied with, never fear. Yet even
should I fail in that respect. I would still suc-
, ceed in making you my wife. I would force
you to love me, though your hatred and con-
tempt were doubly strong. You might struggle,
but you could not avoid yielding n the ‘end.
Your will is not owerful enough to resist mine,

for any length 0 time.

“ You smile,” he added, swiftly, leaning for-
ward, as her lip curled with scorn. “ Do you
defy me? Do you doubt my power?”

“Everything but your sublime impudenoe
and wickedness!”

“ You are bold,” with his green eyes glowing.
“ Ydounforget that you are wholly at my mercy,
an —

Up_rose the revolver, and swift flashed the
warning:

“ Stir a step and I fire 1”

A lightning-swift motion, and the weapon
was knocked out of her benumbed hand, ex-
ploding as it fell to the floor. Then with a
woldsh snarl of mingled passion and triumph,
Dingo Branscombe caught her slender form in
his arms, clasping it to his breast with mad
ardor, growling and mumbling as he covered
her pale lips w th his own.

In v_ain she struggled to escape him, uttering
one Wlld, asping cry for help ere those sinewy
arms crus e her to hel lessness, those ho ,
loathsome lips shut off all urthcr utterance.

CHAPTER V.
“TALK or ran avu. ONE—"

As Rebel George uttered the words with
which the second chapter of this story closes,
he cast one swift glance into the fees of the man
to whom they were addressed, then the long
lashes shaded his littering eyes, dimming the
reddish glow that ad sprung into them at the
first sound of the stranger’s voice. His white
teeth closed almost fiercely upon hisred lip as he
awaited an answer, and when it came, the pent-
up breath exhaled in a quick pant.

_“ Matney, thank this—ah—this gentleman for
his kind ofier, and pay him whatever he asks for
the use of his vehic e—it is a vehicle of some
sort I presume.”

‘ Something of that sort, yes,” drawled Rebel
George. his jetty eyes glancing up for a mo
meaty“ thoth it would hardly recognize itself
Under that ofty title. An old style hearse,
rather dilapidated, I fear, if the truth must be
told, but With stick-together enough in its
Jomts and springs to convey us to Durango, I
reckon. At any rate, the prospect is stride
more cheerful than counting ties. ’

“ I am exceedingly anxious to reach Duran-
go, With the least possible delay, but atthe

\

 

 

. \ \

l

r

 

same time, a hearse is not exactly the thing for‘
a lady to—ah— Matney!”

“ If I may be permitted, Mr. Adair,” hastily
uttered the gentlemnn in spectacles, as the other
turned stifll , starchily, yet none the less hel
lesst towar him for aid. “ Would it not
better for Miss Adair to remain here with the
rest of the passengers, until a train can come
from Durangol”

“A very roper suggestion, no doubt, but
one to which iss Adair very decidedly objects,”
hastily interposed a clear, musical voice, com-
ing from the close-veiled figure leaning upon
the arm of the tall gentleman. “As for the
conveyance, if I mistake not," turning toward
Rebel George and lifting her vail with a dainti-
ly-gloved hand, “ it is a hearse for the living,
not the dead. Am I right?”

“True as a die, nia’nm,” he bowed, mechani-
call smoothing his long, sirnight hair, for his
hat ad been lost in that mad race for life down
the truck ahead of the train-wreckers. “ We’re
rough cu— creatures out in these wilds, and
have made a language of our own. By hearse,
I meant an ancient, superannuated mail coach,
which I am almost positive is attainable. If you
will permit me, I will be only too happ

“ Name your price, sir, and I will double it,”
brusquely uttered Adair; when the swift press-
ure of his daughter’s hand on his arm cut him
short, as she hastily said:

“Father, you for et. This gentleman is the
one who saved our ives at the risk of his own
by signaling the train. I am right, am 1 not!”
she added softly. extending her hand to Rebel
George, who Visibly hesitated before clasping it .
between his own.

The red light of the signal-lantern fell full
upon her unvailed face, distinctly revealing its
various charms.

A blonde of the purest type, Maura Adair
might easily have borne away the palm from a.
world’s congress of beauties.

Her features were clear-cut and classical in
their outlines, yet redolent of youthful health,
cheerful spirit and frank generosity—rare qual-
ities to be combined with such beauty, wealth
and aristocratic lineage.

Her hair was like the finest of spun old; her
eyes, blue as the sky of summer, were arge and
lustrous; her lips red and arched: her teeth
small and pearl ; her tall form full, superbly
rounded perfect y developed, might have form-
ed a model for an enthusiastic sculptor’s dream
of the Anadyomene of Apelles.

intently, almost sternly, Rebel George gazed
into the face before him, the red glow deepening '
in his dark eyes, his lips closing tightly across l
his white teeth, his countenance growin ashen
pale. Thus for a few moments then he rapped
the gloved hand Vi‘lth a short, hard laugh, as he

said: i

“That I kicked up this bit of a row, yes.
Whether I saved your lives or not is another
question, which isnot so readily answered. If
I have done anything to deserve your thanks,
ygucap best reward me by forgetting the whole
a air. .

“That is not so easily done,” with a sweet
smile, no ways rebufled by his abrupt, almost
3an manner of speech. .

“ hen by not mentioning it again—that, at
least, you can promise," he said, turning abrupt-
ly toward her father.

“If you choose to accept
as it is made, well and goo -
must be with the understan ni that there is to
be no ofler of payment other i an the pleasure
of your company during a long and cheerless
ride. Will you agree to my con itions?"

The gentleman addressed thus bluntly stared
throu his old-mounted eye-glasses, then
turne helpless y toward Matney.

“ With pleasure, sir, and many thanks, since
you, will accept of no more substantial remuner-
ation ” that worthy bowed.

“ on form one of the party, then?” '

“I am Mr. Adair’s secretary,” was the quick
res use.

‘ Of course he accompanies us.
nothing in this hesthenish country without.
Matney,” added his employer.

Again those keen black eyes were
W01‘

_7’

my ofler as free]
but if accepted, t

busily at

, looking more Indian-like than usual,- \ . _ '
lashes ,

thou h the friendly shadowsand the long
hid he lurid light which filled their depths
from the notice of those whom be scanned so '

closely.

Albert. Matney has already been described
with sumcient detail for the present, but his em—
ployer merits a more than passing lance, con-
sidering the part he has to play in th record of
actual ife_.

Tull, thin almost to gauntness; a small head,
broad above the ears, to
chin; 1i ht blue eyes, now con and eager, anon
dull an sleepy; a short. thin nose, curved like
the beak of an eagle; thin, compressed lips and
pomted, protruding chin; long neck, narrow,
sloping s oulders' fi ure stiflly erect: Small,
white hands and slen er feet. '

His hair was cut short, of a snowy Whiteneu,
as also were the tiny tches of whisker which
came down on each c eek to the tip of his ears.

He was plainly but neatly dressed li’ a busi-
ness'suit o dark-gray stuff, and wore LO visible

ring down to the .’

I

I can do". '

 

~

f.

s

 

 

l
i

i‘.
I’

 

 

l

' ‘ then, for.’ do you know, I am

1 at once.”

, were twice as far.

. v

is

, I

Elephant Tom. tof Durango. ‘

 

 

jewelry or ornaments, save a solitaire diamond
pin in his cruvat.

ance. What his character and more prom nent
traits, the sequel will show.

Ate. single glance Rebel George made these
observations, and there was no perceptible hesi-
tation in his response:

“Tln-re Vii“ he room for him, also; but I fear
that the remainder of your party will have to
wait for the train.”

“ There is no remainder.
And the coach?”

“ On that point our arrangement may fall to
geese, though I sincerely hope not,” said Rebel

eorge, with a short augh. “ 1 omitted to

state that we will have to walk some five miles
before you can avail yourselvps of even this for- l
lorn hope. Unless, indeed, you prefer to re-
main here until I can walk there and drive back
with the hearse."

“ I’m not sure that I fully comprehend,” hesi-
tated Adair.

“Thanks to my stupidity,” softly laughed

‘ Rebel George. "I’m a better hand at flipping
the pasteboards, then at speechifying. Bunch‘
the apers, and we’ll try a. new deal.

“ e are now at Florida Station. Five miles ,
due north of this place, lies Florida post-office. l
A friend of mine hangs out there, and no longer
ago than yesterday, saw an old mail coach
standing at his stable, discarded as too old for ‘
further service. There’s plenty of go in it,
however, for our purpose, as the roads are not
bad; and the old man can fit us up a sort of
shake-bag team, that’ll take us into Durangn
long before the sun kicks off its nightcap for a '
fresh day’s work.”

Horatio Adair glanced hel lessly into the
face of Albert Matney, while aura smothered
a smile that was very nearly audible. Truly,

We three are all.

‘ “their new-found acquaintance was somethin

beyond the ordinary; a creature of sharp an
sudden changes and contrasts—one moment the
polished, courtly gentleman, the next, a good
representative of that wild, half-civilized region
with his brusqueness and quaint vernacular.
“It is very important that Mr. Adair should
reach Durango with the slightest possible de-
la ',” uttered the soft, quiet tones of Albert
- fitney. “If you think it would be rfectly
safe, and the course to be followed is in fair
condition for pedestrians, there would be a
saving of time 1 we were to hear you company

“Safe enough, I reckon, unless you, should
stumble across some of Elephant Tom‘s gang,”
laughed Rebel Geor 9. “And even then, with
two ‘good men to bee me, and a fair lad look-
ing on to behold and applaud our deedso valor,
We'three should be able to brush nude 9. pretty
good sized arm y—eh’i” _

“ If you think— Maura, child, you had best
remain here with Matney as an escort, until I
can send a guard from town.” ‘

' “Indeed, not” positiVely replied his daugh-

ter. “ I shall enjoy the walk, and only wish it

As for danger, I am sure our
kind friend . Mr.—

“Rebel George, ma’am, the sports call me;
partly because they had run out of better nick-

' names, and r artly because I. was one of' the
Graybacks' und in the last ditch, when our
little onpleasantness was squelched, a few years
back, not to mention my natural cussedness in
declining to consider myself as one among the

"woman-tiered.” ' _ ..

' Impulsiver Maura caught his hands an

ressed them between her own’, with a little

ugh. as she uttered: I

“We ought to become the Math! friends,

just as fiery an

untamed rebe as yourselfl” -

“ Begging your pardon, Miss Adair; but we
are wasting time that may prove of inoclcu-
labia importance,” interposed Albert Matney.

Rebel George saw that a swift flush suffused
her cheeks, and he fancied he could detect an
echo of authority in the tones of the gentle-
‘i‘neuly secretary, hardly authorized by the
station be occupied; but e was not given much
time for considering the matter, as Horatio

“Adair showed a feverish impatience to com-
mence the journey.

The foregoing‘conversation had been over-
heard by others of the assengers, who seemed
equally in haste to reac their journey’s end, a
number of whom now announced their intention
of bearing them company; but Rebel George
bluntly spoke:

“ Just as you like, gentlemen. The roads are
free to all, and if you are fond of a moonlight
stroll, {net for the pleasure of retracing your
steps. don’t know any one to object. But
you’d show wisdom in'taking our bed and

‘ board with you. for it’s precious ittle of either

ou‘ll find at Florida.”

. " "‘ [f you can procurea convoyance there, why

can’t we?”

“ Simply because you can’t'make a dozen out
of one, and that one hears my pre-emption
claim.”

“I reckon that one would go to the highest
bidder." _

' “My dear sir,” with an indescribable drawl

 

Such was Horatio Adair in outward appear- .

 

in his Yale‘— tha: stung almost as sharplyas

would a slap in the face; “ you appear wofiilly
ignorant concerning our mining-laws. l have
filed my claim to that heart-1e, in due form, as
bylaw provided. The man or men who attempt
to jump it, will strike mineral enough to lost
them to the end of their lives. You sabe ?”

Though rudely figurative, this language was
readily interpreted, and the quartette left the
little station behind them Without being fol-
lowed. '

Rebel George led the way at a brisk pace, and
as the road, or trail, rather, was in tolerable
condition, they made rapid progress,
reaching the first stage in their Journey.

Rebel George out little time to waste in hunt- '
ing up his friend and dragging out the superan- .
nuated stage, to which was quickly attached a ‘

pair of rough but spirited horses. A few hasty

SOOn ‘

words between him and the owner, then the ‘

latter mounted the box, while Rebel George

entered the body with his now-found acquaint- 1

ance, saying lightly:

“I intended tooling the hearse myself, but
my friend says he would have to make the trip
to Durango in the morning anyway, and as he
would have to foot it or else wait for the ark to
come back. he’ll hold the ribbons himself.

“I’m not objecting, either, for Jimmy is a
rare good hand at slinging lead, when it comes
to ‘tbe pinch, and that quality may come in
handy before the end of our little run.”

“You surelv do not anticipate danger?” has-
tily inquired Mr. Adair.

“Not exactly,” was the cool response. “But
I’ve noticed that those who are always in readi-
ness to meet danger when it comes generally
come out ahead of the game. Of course you
gents are heeled?”

“If by that expression you mean aimed, I
never carry concealed weapons,” stiflly re«
sponded Adair. “Mr. Matney is provided with
firearms, I believe.”

“Which, no doubt, he is an adept at hand-
ling,” said Rebel George, with an ill-concealed
sneer in his tones. “Let us hope that we will
have a smooth passage and no snags in the
channel: but since Elephant Tom began his toll-
gathering in these arts a fellow can’t most
alwa s sometimes to ll”

“ on mean the wretch whose atrocious at-
tempt at train-wrecking you so nobly foiled
this evening?” asked Maura, with true womanly
curiosity. “ Do tell me more about him. Is he
iuqh a terrible rumanl Who is he? What is

e

“ A gentleman who has a passion for convey-
ancing, hardly of the legal order,” laughed
Rebel George. “Emptying one pocket to fill
another, you understand; and that other his
own. ‘

“Ever since Durango became Durango he has
been working the roads, and after the first few
attempts, where pilgrims were foolish or hold
enoug toquestion his right to collect tell, his
challenge of ‘Your gold-dust or your lifel’ has
been universally understood to'mean business,
pure and simple. ‘ »

“Let a man object to be bled in one way, he
was pretty sure to bleed in another, still
more disagreeable to those who cling to this
werld.” ’ -

” Why- don’t the honest men organize and
hunt him dawn, as though he Were a mad dog?”
in‘dignantly cried Horatio Adair.

“What is every‘man’s business, is no man’s
business,” laughed RebelGeorge. “And then,
who is to decide who are the honest men? Oat
here, it is ever man for himself, and— Excuse
the slip Miss dair. I should say, no one can
swear that his most. intimate friend is not one
of the gang, or at least a sympathizer. whose
first thought would be to warn his fellows of
the brewing storm. The gang wear disguises
and masks which no e 9 can penetrate, while
the are at work. W en their play is over,
an the doll! these coverings, who is to say
they are not pure as the purest?”

“ But he and his band were so completely re-
pulsed by you, only such a short time ago,
there surely can he no danger of his attacking us
'way off here?” uttered Maura.

“ Not much danger, I admit. Still, it is pos-
sible,” was the quiet res use. “ Who knows
but what Elephant Tom imself was watching
when we left the station? If so, he could hard-
ly mistake our purpose. Then. if he felt so in-
clined, what would be easier than forlhim to
take a short cut across lots, to lie in wait some-
where along the trail for our coming?”

“ Truly, you are a Job’s comforter, Mr.
George!”

“I beg your pardon, Miss Adair,” quickly.
“ I am not pro hesyi'ng: simply stating the pos-
sibilities. .If [preally believed there was any
danger of encountering Elephant Tom, be sure
I would never have consented to your hearing
as company on this trip." '

“ Thanks! But—you see I am a true woman
in my curiosity—why Elephant Tomi Is he
such a giant in size?”

“ It is not so easy to say just what he is or is
not, for there are nearly asmany different de-
scriptions of him going the rounds. as there are
men whose pockets he has emptied. All unite
in saying that he is huge in breadth, but while
some say he is also .a giant in hight, as many

/

\

 

more declare that be is shorter than the ordi-
nary run of mankind.

"One other peculiarity, however, seems
pretty well agreed upon, and that is the tre-
mendous size and odd shape of his nose, which
more nearly resembles the stunted trunk of a
baby elephant than the ordinary handle to the
human countenance.”

“ I should really like to see him—at a. safe dis-
tance and place, of course; say in prison,"
laughed Maura.

“l hardly think your curiosity will ever be
gratified,” gravely uttered Rebel George. " Ele—
phant Tom, whatever else he may be, is hardly
a man to suffer himself to be taken alive. But
if he should charce to be, he would hardly live
to cross the threshold of a prison.”

"Do you mean he would commit suicide?"

“ Doubtless he would prefer that to entering
a jail, but such was not my meaning. If his
enemies did not lynch him he would be killed
by his fri. ds.”

“Been n he was luckless enough to be
takerii'“. v . ..

"To r- when it impOssible for his tongue to
utter (la \ a.“ «litrutha. You still hear people
talk abc it ,oror‘among thieves, illiss Adair,

but if eve 1) it saying had truth for its lounda-
tion, tin. is most thoroughly rotted ",0 ay the
props. :h a rogue and et him ' k that

his only cnance of getting: out» of lin

squealing and he’ll mil his own father. to the

hangmai, And why not! Are there no das—
tardly traitors in the ranks of Fo-called honor-
able mei ? Ayl and the most treacherous, the

mrst cruel and cowardly of all 1”
Hotly,‘iissingly, bitterly came the words,

and his he: tiers felt instinctively that Rebel

George was spz. king now out of the fullness of

his own experience, and an oppressive restraint

fell over them all.

It did not last long, however. Rebel George
cast off the spell, and rattled on,,.volubly, utter-
ing a curious melange of f9!“ . and fancy, now
serious, nn-v whimsical, untir uis hearers were
thoroughly Eauzzled tom of whether he was
laughing atflr with, ,.

Then he clifted “no another vein, as the
superannueted stage-coach rattled and creaked
up and down, here and there, over the long
ti'aijl which was dignified by the name of
roe .

Glib of speech, and with a rare command of
the Western hyperbole and mining vernacular,
Rebel George poured forth a flood of marvelous
reminiscences in which he had played a more
or less prominent art, all so artistically shaped
that for the life 0 themhis audience could not
tell whether it was all gospel or simple gas-
conade.

“Of course Elephant Tom will soon learn
who it was that interfered with his little game
at 'Rio Florida.” be added. in a layer tone,
aftera brief silence. “And equa ly as amat-
ter of course, he’ll go in to get evenn/ith me.
unless I forestall him again. I reckon I’ll have
to take him into camp, and break up his gang,
if only in self-defense—" , ,

l_ “Walt! Hands up! Your gold-th or your
P, , .. .
Harsh and menacing came tbe.volce from

ahead, and with a startled exclamation the

driver jerked uphie horses. ,

“ I’ll kill the first feel that tries to burn ow—
derl” rumbled the same stem voice. “ Wer
the ark, boys, and riddle it with lead at the
first crooked motion l"

“Ele hunt Tom, by all that’s evil!” grated
Rebel eorge. “ May the devil fly away with
the bloodhound! He’s. doubled on us, and got
the drop. tool” ,

“Surely he will not harm us?” faltered Maura,

her face showing ghastly pale in the moonlight '

as it came in through
will spare our lives—”

“ Trust to me. Drop down on the floor, and
lie close l” hurriedly grated Rebel George,
grasping her arm and forcing compliance al—
most before the maiden divined his intention.
“ Leave all to me and I’ll give the devil a sur-
prise-pa rty i”

There was time for no more words. The
coach was completely surrounded by masked
and cowled figures, heavily armed, and through
the window on the side where Rebel George

the open window. “ He

set, that harsh, threatening voice sounded,

.again:

“Your gold-dust or your lives, my downy
ones!"

“ Neither the one nor the other for you, Ele-
phant Tomi” snarled Rebel George, and as he
uttered the defiant words. he thrust a cocked
revolver through the window, until its muzzle
fairly struck against the broad bosom of the
road-agent and pulled the trigger. I

A flash—a report—and the outlaw staggered
back, uttering a hoarso howl like that. of a.
wounded wild beast.

From the opposite side of the coach came
several swift reports. and turning swiftly,
Rebel George sawv Albert Matney firing, and
the outlaws falling before his aim.

Then he was grasped from behind in a vis

like. rip. '
“fiow I ’u got you, Rebel George—got you

foul !”

0 lies in “

 

 

 

 

.. .(uvu..- .5 _ .

‘ brim; a flannel shirt, that had

' forced her to undergo, that was im

CHAPTER VI.

TOMPOLEON TARBOX, FROM PURGATOIRE.

U W}{()o-nnpl Come out 0’ that. ye (inconceiv—
able, superfluous, roaring (invil of a gal-bitter!
You frosty-topped scruhl You incurniverous
sucker o’ honey from sherangels‘ lips! Ef
I didn’t hold condosentions scruples ag’iu’
stompin’apolccnt to ’turnul sqiishnmentutinn
onder my boots, I’d spread ye out ovor this yer
floor so thin that ye’d snrvc fer a l<)(ikiii’-gluss to
shuvc into—er ye wasn’t made out o’ sech tor-
mPllIlill‘tl dirty pulp 1 jest morc‘n would l"

As the first syllable smote upon his cars,
Dirigo Brnnscombc felt his right nrm almost
paralyzed, as a heavy hand struck and claw-ll
Upon it, while another steel—like iii'lmber gripcd
hie neck from behind with a deadly force that
Seemed beyond the scope of merely huuinn
powers.

For one instant he-wns absolutely powerless
to move limb or muscloin sell‘ defense. His
first thought was that ltubtil George Bretto hnl
returned and taken him by su "isa; but then
the sound of that indignant voic' rrew clearer,
and failing to recognize it as. jrtof any one
whom he knew, the specul tor "-irew off the
temporary numbness whim. ‘ fettered his
limbs, and with a gasping, g“ I'i'ng snarl of
fir'v, fought desperately to i "a himself, to
in. h a weapon Pom its h. place in his

as. .

As well n ight a smoke column offer battle to
the funnel of a. cycloiie.

In the hands of his assailant, Iirigo Brons—
coinbe was but little more than a plaything.
The hand that sought his breas‘ was knocked
aside, wrenched and benumbed. 'That terrible
grip on his neck grew tighter and tighter, and
as the form of the half-sensliess girl sli ped
from his grasp, he was lin' clear of the ($0013
and held at arm’s length, their shaken so vio-
lently that his teeth cluttered together, and it
seemed as though his dangling limbs would be
Jerlred from their sockets.

“ Snash 3 ' teeth an’ bat yer eyes, ye twisti-
ficatio’ jump“) w'qcki” jeeringlw cried the voice
of his as.<ailant,e ’ihosizinge: Sh sentence by a
fresh exercise 0. trem'ndous muscles.
“Think up un’ say ()ch all We good words ye
l’arned in the airly days 0’ yer youth, fer I’m
gwine to shake all the crooks au’ quirks nn’
p’izen cus<edness out 0' ye, an’ of that leaves
anythin’ more’n 3 empty shell inside your dry-
goods, then I don’t know a bumble-bee from a
bull’s foot!” ,

Another tremendous shake, a. swift whirl that
turned the feet of the speculator uppermost and
brought him to the floor head first with stun-
ning force, then the stranger strode to where
Naomi Bretfo half reclined upon the floor, bend-
ing over her with a touch and voice that seemed
gentleness itself. .

“‘ Look up, little ladyyan’ tell the ole man he
:lid‘ii’t hurt ye none. Lord love a for a bum-
min’ bird 0’ beauty an’ heart’s elightl Brace
upfl’ttle posy-hright, an’ be a man—leastwise,
a woman meanter say. Thar, honey-eyes: sat
you down an’ ketch your breath, while I ‘tend
to thnt indignitorious iniquiter yonder. Laws-
ec-osey! ef the dainty little sugar-lump ain’t a.-
leakin’ at the two eyes 0’ herl New don’t '69—-
don’t ’99 do it, honey-bird! It’s all over now,
an’ that dad—sum led exfluncrificationer ain’t
wuth one teenty rap 0’ briny from them swaet
peep-holes to heavon—no he ain‘t 1”

Strange contrast between the man and his
words and actions; the first so rough and un-
couth, the others so soft, so tender and soothing,
as he knelt at her feet, wiping away the hyster-
ical tears that chased each other down her
cheeks.

Tall and muscular in build, erect in carriage,
3W1“ and lithe in his movements as a. panther,
largvbopeu and. double-jointed; gaunt, almost
to emflcmtmfl: on Indian-like face, framed in a.
dens? tangle 0’ Iron-gray hair, throu h which
but llttle more thin A pair of intense y bright
gray eyes and bowl: nose were distinguishable;
a battered but of 80“ felt. with extremely wide
_ once been navy-
blue; leather-reinforced overalls of brown can-
vas, the lower extremities lost to view in the

awning tops of horse-hide boots; a broad
angler belt, supporting a knife and brace of

is s.

p Such was the outward upwarfince Of the man
who had so 0 portunely made his entrance upon
the scene at the BMW) cabin.

Naomi realized his kindness, rude and un-
couth though the guise it assumed but her
strength of both mind and body ~ ad been
Severely overtasked, and now the reaction had
come. She tried to master her agitation, to
choke down her sobs, but in vain. With .the
quivoring body of her base assailant lying
before her eyes as a reminder of all thatbllie had
51 e.

The keen-eyed stranger realized this, and as
Dirigo Branscombe uttered a gasping snarl and
strove to arise, he turned fromher and fastened
u on him, lifting him to his feet witha jerk that

most shook him out of his boots.

Turning him face about, so that he could gaze
direct into the eyes no longer green, but deeply
bloodshot, one hand gripping his throat in such
a manner as to throw the chin back and force

 

L ' '  ‘ °  'Elephant‘Tom,‘6f.flurahg_, “of,

him to meet that indignant, gaze, the miner ad-
dressed him snarply, decisively, emphasizing his
words by the waving of a forefinger:

“ It’d serve a no more’n right cf 1 was to jest
nat’ally snatch yo bald-beaded, strip off yer
hide nn’ turn ye t‘other side out’urds to hang up
for a Scarecrow an’ warnin’ to all other flagra-
tious huzzards—but I never did like to tackle a
polecnt job, when I could git out o’ it, an’l’ll
let ye slide this time, with a warnin’ never to
show your ugly to -knot in those diggin’s ag'iii
onder penalty. it I kin feel somethin a—
cruwlin under my skin that culls me a blamed
fool for not squelchin’ of ye-— No ye. don’t I”

Dirigo Branscombe snatched a pistol from his
breast—pocket, but before he could use it, that
from hand wrested it from his grasp and tossed
it across the room upon the bed. Then, swift as
thought, the si..ewy hand struck him on the
check with a sound as of a pistol-crack, so
heavily that he would have been knocked head-
long only for a duplicate blow which left the
prints of every finger on his other cheek.

A howl of painful rage burst from hislips, but
his strength was gone, his eyes were blinded, and
nothin but the swift renewed grip upon his
throat ept him from falling.

“’Nother trick or two like that, an’ thar
won’t be enough 0’ ye left for me to lecter—so
go easy, ye ’tarnal critter.

“ I don’t know your name or nation, rank or
station—which is one-boss po’try—nur I don’t
give a. continental darn for one, two, both or
neither on ’em. Mebbe you’re King Pharaoh,
or the Great Mogul liisself. Mebbe you’re high~
inuck a-muck enough fer to hev a pore, inner-
cent cuss like me hung drawn an’ quartered
into two-bit pieces, for botherin’ol’ ye in yer
high~toned lovemakin’. Mebbe you be—but all
the same, youjus’ lissen to your pap while he
gives it to ye straight.

“ When I unloosen my meat-pinchers, you
want to skin out 0’ this, jest as sudden as the
law ’lows ye. You don’t want to stop fer no
back talk, nur yit to stan’ onto your dig’, or
you’ll be ready to take your ’daovy in the other
world that a he-old mount’in tumbled on top 0‘
ye, right then an’ thar.

“ Er: anybody takes int-rust enough into sech
a p’iz'an ole scab as you, to ax what fer you
went monkeyin’ ’round a thrashin’ merchine,
un’ whose patent she was, jest tell ’em Tom-
poleon Tarbox. from Purgatoire river an’
town. sot down onto ye, heavy.

“Now, down onto yer marrer-bones afore
this dainty little sugar lum o’ perpetual de-
light—so I” forcing the specu ator to his knees
before the chair occupied by Naomi Bretto.

h“ (Ilpen yer pill-box, an’ ’peat after your pap,
t us y:

“Lady. yer at your footstool lays a p’izen
hunk 0’ bad medicine, which it’d teetotally
minute your oldest moccasins fer to wipe yer
feet onto. Clean down from my toe-nails comes
the humble ’fession that-l’ve played the dirty
whelp an’ cowardly cur this day. I don‘t ax
your psi-din, fer I ain’t worthy to ’ceive it, an’
I hain’t got man enough into me to ’preciate it,
'anyway. I jest eat dirt, an' hope you’ll conde-
scend to live in the world I'Ve dis raced, long
enough fer me to git out of it, by filowin’ my
head wide open with a smell at my pictur’ in
the fast lookiii’-g1ass I kin stum’le across—
amen I”

Stunned, bewildered. scarce knowing what he
was saying or doing. Dirigo Branscombe mum-
bled over the first few words, but then, as he
caught sight of a faint smile lighting up the
face of the maiden whom he had so shamefully
insulted. his lips closed with an angry, defiant
snarl, and he said no more.

But the worthy Tarbox seemed satisfied with
his compliance thus far, and as he uttered the
last word with a sonorous emphasis, he dragged
the speculator to the door, ifced him to his
feet, steadied him thus for a moment, then
stepped swiftly back and gave his right foot
full swing.

With the force of a catapult, the horsehide
boot struck Dirigo Branscombe directly be-
neath the coat-tails, lifting him from his feet
and sending him flying across the threshold. _

“ Now, peel out, you gully-whompin’ iniqui-
ter, or you’ll hear me a-comin’, head up an’ tail
ovor the dasher, eyes full 0’ blood an’ teeth a-
snashin’—that’s me, Tompoleon Tarbox, fresh
from the classic precincts 0’ Purgatoirel’

Dirigo Branscombe struck .the ground in much
the same attitude asarunning athlete alights
after taking arunning wide lea , and thus far
his involuntary flight was grace ul enough, but
as his feet touched term firma. they yielded be-
neath him, his body turned over, his head for a
moment becameapivot, and end over end he
turned, like some ambitious schoolboy trying to
emulate a. knock-about clown.

An ordinary man would have been stunned, if
.not killed, by all that he had undergone during
those last few minutes, but the mining specula-
tor was made of tough material. Bruised,
bleeding, breathless, he painfully staggered to
his feet while Tompoleon Tarbox was alivering
1115 Parting advice, brushing the mingled dirt
and blood from his eyes Guided more by the
sound, than the night, he turned toward the
door of the cabin, andlwhen the speaker ceased,

snatched him bald-headed. Which be

 

Ml“.

 

.- I “l'g 
.y: ‘\ .

his clinched list was shaken in that direction,
his husky, gasping voice panted out the words:

“ Kill me, or 1’] kill you! You took me foul,
from behind. You’ve blinded me so that I can—
not see dyour face, but I’ve got your voice photo--
graphc on my brain and my heurt-”

“ Which I reckon it’s the first honest article
as ever bothered ary one afore,” interjectcd
Tompoleon, jeeringly.

“By that I’ll know you when we meet
—and meet ‘we willl The world ain’t wide
enou h to hold us both. As for her—"

“ 011 stop right whar you bel" sternly cried ,.
Turbox, his voice menacing, each word passing ‘ ‘~ -
his lips with the sharpness of a piatoLcrack. '
“ldon’t mind how you chaw onto my name
an’ natnr’, but of you go to slobber over here,

I'll lend ye one right whar ye live. An when I
hit a critter 0’ your size an7 substance, all the
folks what live in the next county’ll take tbar
’davy that thar’s been a shower 0’ blood an‘ltur-
ribly sp’iled chickenfeed immejitly aften— ,
betcher sweet life!" , l

An inarticulate snarl was the only answer,
and then Dirigo Branscombe turned away and
staggered along the trail over which he had
so recently come with vastly different sensa~~
tions—then, the whole world his oyster, which
he flattered himsolf he could open at his own 
sweet will, now— f

Tompoleon Tarbox watched him until he was
hidden by passing below the plateau on which
the little cabin stood, then turned toward the:
maiden, a pleasant smile upon his 1i 9. ‘1‘

The smile vanished, a shar cr ofpconaterna- ,
tion parted his heemly bear ed ips, for Naomi _
Bretto lay back in her chair, her eyes closed, her *
face as pale as that of the corpse she so closely, '
resembled—for the strain had proved too severe,
and she swooned without a gasp or moan of
wariiin . ..

Growing, muttering to himself, Tom oleon ‘_
Turbox sprinkled water over her face, c upped ,
and rubbed her hands, never ceasing in his en- '
deavors until perfect success rewarded his ef—, ,
forts, and the dark eyes slowly unclosod, to, j,
gaze wondei-in ly upon the strange face which
hovered oyer er, into the gray eyes whose
wanted brilliancy was now strangely dimmed
and misty.

“Thank the good Lord] you got back ag’in, V
pasy-brightl" he spluttered, his voice a curious ,_
comminglingofjoy andcommiseration. “When. .
1 turned away from that cantankerous, prelim.
bnlatin’ p’izen-plant, an’ see you that so still an’
quiet, like a lump 0’ ice-cream, my ole heart
jumped clean up inter my throat an‘ went to 
tarnin’ flipflops quicker ’n scatl Fer I couldnft '
think nothin’ else but what you’d got sick an’
’gusted with this airth an’ all the outlandish
cnitters onto it, an’ jest unfolded your wings an’
flawed clean back to the heaven you come from‘
—cf I didn’t, I’ll chaw my ole hat!"

Quaint and uncouth the greeting, but rhape .-
its eflect was all the more certain on first ac-
count. and who shall say that the worthy Tar-
box was not shrewd enough to antici to this? -

Be that as it may, Naomi smiled aintly, her
memor restored without a break, and the
glance hurriedly around the room as though in.
quest of something. '

“ Ef it’s that two-legged kit 0’ bad medicine 
you’re lookin’ fer, honey," quickly interpreted.
Tarhox, “he won't do yo no more trouble.
He’s clean gone—” ' .

“ Not escaped?” swiftly cried Naomi, lea
to her feet. “ You have not let him get away ,

“He’s ulled out, that’s sartin, sugar-lump}
replied arhox, ruhbin his nose dubious] an
he gazed wistfully into t 6 fair face before him.
“I didn't reckon you'd want to see him ag’in,“ 1
after his p’izen doin’s, nn’ so I est not my psi-’1
vate seal onto him an’ told im to varnish, .
afore the butt-eend of a. full-grown c clone
id 1 '
too, a~chawin’ soap an’ a-scratchin at the utmost
Eberic like he had the wustest sort 0’ hyderpho-

ical jiuijamsl" ‘

“I meantto have ke t him here until my
father returned to call im to account forth
vile calumnies he uttered.” ' ' ‘
‘f It ain’t too late to fetch him back,ef‘ ya
think best. honey-bright ” slawlv uttered "his
box. “Jest say the wor , nn’ I’ll do it or break. , .
my neck a-tr in’. But of you’d lis’eu to the»
’Vice of a roug ole coot who wishes on well 
you won’t say that word jest yit. ou'll hi

im crawl back inter his hole, an’ stay thereon
long’s he will. You’ll take a clean to an’ wipe-
away all he writ onto your mind an’gieart, nn‘ ~ .
hev t”bright an’ clean afore your father‘comw‘ '

   
    
  
    
   
     
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
   
  
   
    
 
  
   
    
   
  
  
  
    
   
     
    
     
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
  
    
  
    
  
 
    
    
  
   
  
   
      
   
   
   
  
     
   
   
  
   
    
    
    
        
    
  
   
 
     
     
             
    
   
  
     
  

me.
“ Let his foul lies and insults go without pun!»
ishment?" flashed Naomi, her dark eyes glowing. '.
“ If you knew father, if you knew me, and had i
heard what he said, you would never give me-
such advice as that!” .
“El 3 bod could look down into the mud-,
hole which 9 calls his heart, I. reckon they’d
see he didn’t go clean shot 0’ punishment”.
chuckled Tompoleon. “Onto his thra he,
kerries thegrip o’ my fingers. Onto
cheeks is writ the size 0’ my ban’Su An’ who
he fergits the size an’ weight 0’ my shoemaker
it’ll be a heap colder do. than this. Nam
honey-sweet pritty-by-nig t, lookin’ atit en’me

\

  

  
      
   
   
  
   
   
    
   
   
    

  

w. ‘

~_ 5' ‘10

 

 a   Ele  

,v .

vv'v

11ng v I IV . i '

‘.  ‘, » “3,4, 3 _'.'v'
, ‘ x 7 r ' x ,v.,

 

 
 

reckon a

an’ with ’liberation, I don’t honestl
ister Man

critter’d be jestified in sayin’ that
got clean bet 0’ punishment.”

Calmed despite herself by his deliberation,
Naomi sunk back into her chair, the hot, angry
flush fading from her cheek. But though her '
voice was more even, it was none the less stern
I and decided as she spoke again: ‘

q “ Let him go for now; but the reckoning

‘9 shall come. true as there is a heaven above us

this day! He shall account for his foul calum-

pies, and to the man whom he has so bitterly l

,slandered while absent. That I swear, by all I

‘ men hold holy l” |
"Which I ain’t takin’ it onto myself to say i

he don’t deshrve, starry-eyes," said Tompoleon,
softly. “ I didn’t git to hear much mat he said,
but I’m willin’ to take your wori‘. fer it that it

' ' was all that’s mean an’ ’spiseable; the ugly mug

0’ him is wuth a hunderd oaths to that effec’.

But at the same time, e." i‘ would]l’1~ be pre-
‘~ sumin’ too much onto gou‘ natur’ to ex you to '
'f j; I let me whisper a few words—” I
‘ Impulsive Naomi rose from her seat and 

grasped his big band in hers, raising it swiftly I
to her lips and pressing a kiss upon it before
* ‘ Tarbox could divine her motive.
» 1 “ You have nobly earned the right, my !
. 1 friend, and I would be an ungrateful wretchI
i did I not listen with respect to all that you may 5
choose to utter,” she murmured earnestly.
' Flushing hotly, Tompoleon hastily withdrew
' his hand; then, as if fearful he had given offense
by his brusqueneSS, he laid it softly upon her
head with acaressing touch, saying, in a voice
that was husky and forced:
\ .- /“ Bless your sweet heart, little essence 0’ de-
light, you do the ole man so almighty proud,
he’ll bay to ’vest into a new suit 0’ rijimentals,
fer them words an’ that tetch 0” them velvet l
A rose leaves swell him up so big that he’ll never
1 beable fer ter shrink back ag’in to his ’riginal
‘ size—no he won’t, honey!

“Thar—set down ag’in, dewdrop in the ,
desert; set down, an’ let the ole man talk a bit.
He’s a powerful windy old coot, when he once
gits a-goin’, but ’mong all the chaff thatstneams
out 0’ his fan-mill, thar may be a. grain or tWO
0‘ clean wheat wuth markin’ down an’ savin’.”

 

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)-

 

: the door, so that he could watch both outside 5
I; and in, without exertion, the old fellow spoke i
rapidly, and earnestly: '

“It’s easy to be see’d that you don’t memo-
rize the ole man, posy-bright, but fer all that,
[he was one 0’ your warmest fri’nds an’ ’mirers,
 ears ago, afore either on us ever strayed into

{his onchristianly region, or——-” .

- “You are sure?” cried Naomi, bending for- l

, ward’and gazing intentl into his face, striving I
to read there some fami iar line by the waning

3 light of the declining sun. “ y memory is

very. tenacious, and I rarely forget a face I

. l have once seen, or voice when once heard; but

jtry as I may, I fail to recall either voice or
features, now.”

A pleasant smile wreathed the face of the vote-
ran-as he listened, and a. soft laugh came from
7 his bearded lips.

' “Little shame to you, honey-drop. No, no:
r I ain’t a-blamin’ of ye fer not recomemberiu’
‘ the ole man. The, wonder would be of you did,

' some it’s bin all 0’ seventeen ear ago that you 1
‘ t looked up into this home y phiz, ontel jest 1
‘ w. You wasn't much more’n two year ole, ;
then; but all the same, I knowed my baby,
' sweetheart the dientical minpit I cla ped my 3
two eyes onto ye—yes I did, little pin 0’ per- |
faction: the ole man knowed ye so quick that it

. made his head swim!” v I
. ' I “When I was a baby? And you_ knew my
’ father—my mother?” Naomi asked With breath-
erness, her dark eyes glowing. '

, , “A'l two, both on ’em, cherry-ripe; an’_ I

loved him like he was my own in, so I did.
3 Oh, we was thicker ’n six in a. bed an’ three in
'V the middle, our pap an’ me was, an’—”

*“My mot oer—what of her? Oh, you say
you are my friend—that-you knew and loved
them, my arents: Tell me of her—of my
.7 bother! here is she? What hap ned to her?
What was she like? Only think— never knew
her—never even saw a picture of her dear face!
Tell moot her, please I” pleaded Naomi, clasping
both hands upon his arm as she leaned forward
and gazed imploringly, tearfully, eagerly into

his face.

“ Then Rebel George—I should say, your
father—he never tole ya nothin”! Yit you axed
him, didn’t ye, pritty?” ‘ l

‘ “,Time and time again, only to have his face
' darken as he turned away, ever in silence. But
{an tell me, alnd—: fl i t -ed T
“ bar hone - um, n y n erpos om-
poleon, tapping her richly-flushed check with
thetip of one gaunt finger._ “Take it ca’mvan’
my, pet; ’but at the same time jest look at the
matter with your two eyes Wide open. r
I "I don’t advertise to be a saint, nur yit a
"fumble ’z‘ample to my feller-beings; _not any—-
te contrary—wise. I’m a rough, ign’ant ole
0001’: as you’ll find in asummer day’s hunt by
’telegaph. But somehow it looks as though I’d
“be yin’ it rather low down onto Rebel George
off/was to talk about things which he won’t, to

 

if

  
 

  

  
  
 

   

, -- Drawings. chair partially between her and l '

 

  

     
 

~ ye; now don’t it, honey‘7bnght?”

'Naomi sighed but made no response, though
her eager face'clouded and grew sad again.

Tompoleon averted his gaze and spoke hurri-
edly, like one who fears to give another opening
for a forbidden subject.

“ To come back to that plizen prevaricationer,
Foxy Branscombe. He didn’t git to recognize
me, but I know him better ’n a book. He’s
deadly p’izen clean through. Mighty bad medi-
cine. Yit he‘s a monstrous big duck in the
puddle, down yender, an’ the man what he gits
a hefty grudge ag’inst ain’t a goin to sleep onto
a bed of rose-leaves—no, he ain't, honeyl

“I don’t know what he tole ye 7bout your
pap; nothin’ good or true, I’ll bet a. cookie. But
you won’t be doin’ neither on ’em any good by
’peatin’ of it to George. I know him of old. 1
know he’d march right down to town an’ ax
fer a settlement—an? git it, too, no matter
what the odds was ag’in’ him. It ’d be sartin
death to Foxy, but how much better would
your pap come off, say he rubbed out the in-
sult without gittin’ a scratch to show for Foxy’s
claws?

“ He wouldn’t live to see another sun—that’s
sartin. Mebbe you do, or mebbe ye don’t,
know that your pap hes got more inemies then
fri’nds in Durango; but it’s the scan’alons truth,
for all that. Let him give them sech a han’le
fer liftin’ the lynch-yell ag’inst him, an’ up it’ll
go quicker’n scat!

“Promise that you’ll keep still afore him, an‘
l’ll mak a ’greement with you. I’ll pledge
you the 0rd of a honest ole coot, that you’ll
never see any more trouble from Foxy Bruns-
combe, from this hour on.”

“ You must not run into danger on my ac-
count,” snid Naomi, coldly, clearly not yet
reconciled to his refusal to impart the knowl-
edge she so passionately desired. “ “There I
am unable to defend myself, I can rely on the
arm of my father.”

“ Which is a round-the-barn way 0’ sayin’ you

won’t promise what I ox,” and there was a
trace of regret in the old man’s voice. “ Well,
mebbe I axed too much fer one who must be
like a clean stranger to ye. l fergot that you
wasn’t as old asme, when we knowed each
other; but let it go.
“ One thing more I will ax. When your pap
comes back, tell him that a ole fri’nd says this.
The air in these parts is growin’ monstrous on-
healthy, an’ it’s a turrible good kentry fer to
absquatulate frOm, without stoppin’ too long
fer leavetakin’ an’ partin’ words. Tell him
that thar is a clean round-up in the air, which’ll
sweep things wuss then a new broom. Ef that
ain’t cl’ar enough fer him to comprestan’, jes’
add this: The old oath o’ Morgan’s raid holds
good. Ef the man who j’ined him in that swear,
is obleeged to hit, he’ll do the strikin’ with a
pa’r o’ the softest gloves he kin find.”

“ What do you mean!” demanded Naomi,
bewildered b his strange speech, as he sudden-
ly rose from is chair.

“Jes’ tell your pap what I said, an’ he’ll
know. Now, my dew—drop o’delight—fer old
time‘s sake l”

Catching her face in his hands, Tompoleon
Tarbox stooped and pressed his lips to hers
then wheeled and left the cabin before she could
utter a word or cry.

CHAPTER VII.
AN INDORSEM‘ENT WANTED.

IN anything but an enviable state of either
mind or body‘, Dirigo Bran-scombe staggered
down the steep, winding trail which led to the
second plateau, or the one midwa between the
Bretto cabin and the level on w lch was built
the town of Durango. . i

From top to toe his bruises were beginning to
make themselves felt, with many a tweak and
twinge, in all the stages betwaen a dull, throb-
bing ache and the swift .pang which accom-

anies the sudden thrusting of a needle into the
esh.

But these pains only drew an ugly curse from
his lips now and then as he staggered on toward
town; they were as a flea-bite to the torture he

v was enduring mentally.

Time and again his hasty and unsteady foot~
steps slackened as his fingers clutched at the
secret receptacles where he usual] carried his
weapons, onl to find as frequent y that they
were gone; t e istol torn from his blind gr sp
by the giant who had handledhim so can y,
thanks to the completeness of the surprise; the
knife lost during that mad struggle or else in
the gymnastical flight which followed that tre-
mendous dose of horsehide. As often would he
resume his hasty flight, broken sentences, liber-
ally interspersed with fierce curses, hissing be-
twixt his grating, gnashing teeth. .

“I’ll get even with him—with him and With
her—the hottest blasts of hell‘ scorch and
shrivel them both from now to the end of eter-
nity! I’ll kill him—I’ll tear his heart out and
make him eat it, hit by bit, even as he dies l~ I’ll
truss him u and oison his limbs so that they’ll
slou h oftljittle by little, one after the other,
and ’11 fight back the coming of death, I’ll feed
him on rare and nourishing daintiesto renew
his strength, so that he can suffer fresh tartar
as I devise theml I’ll—” _ '
His frightful rage choked him, and shut ofl

 

his further speech for the moment. He hur-
ried on with redoubled speed, for he forgot his
bodily injuries in his demoniac lust for revenge.
With the passage of each moment, his whirling,
muddy brain was growing more and more
clear, and already a scheme of vengeance against
the man who had so completely shamed and
worsted him was shaping itself in his mind.

Apparently Satan was not yet tired of stand-
ing his friend and ally, for scarcely had he
gained the edge of the plateau nearest Duran 0
on that side, than Dirigo Branscombe cnug t
sight of a man climbing lazily up the rocks. At
the same instant they saw each other, and the
recognition which followed was mutual.

“Good land 0’ liberty, boss!” exclaimed the
man below, his voice full of wondering curiosity
as he paused abruptly and stared up into the
bruised and battered face of the great specu-
lator. “You look as though the ground had
jumped up an’ lent ye a he«old stem-winder all
over the mug! Sure lg, you hain’t bin mauled
by a mountfin lion :‘”

  
   
 
  
 

At the s t of that evil face, the hot, un.
reasoning f toned down, and seemed to turn
to me; yet ‘ce that was so fully impregnated

o be even more deadly. A hard
he bruised lips, and swelled the
e discolored eyes. hindering the
face of the sp ulalor so hideous that the fellow
below abruply ceased speaking, and shrunk
back, one hand mechanically d1 opping upon a
pistol-butt.

A short, harsh laugh hissed through the
yellow teeth, and as Dirigo Branscombe began
the descent of the rocks, he said:

" You’ve nothing to fear at my hands. Michi—
gan Slim. No matter what has befallen me, it
will prove a lucky land-fall for you, if you
haven’t lost your .nerve with the bad whisky of
that hell hole down yonder.”

“ Them as questions my nerves, want to order
a wooden overcoat and speak fer thar funeral
sarmint aforehan’, bossl” uttered the fellow,
though his sickly- )ale countenance and his
shrinking away, atly belied the boastful
speech. at»

However narrow his escape on other scores,
Michigan Slim would never be in danger of
being hung for his beauty of face or form.
Over six feet in hight, had he bet-n forced to
stand fully erect, he stooped so that his face was

but a trifle above the level of that of Dirigo,

Branscombe, as they stood confronting each
other. Not an ounce of superfluous flesh could
have been found upon his entire person, and it
seemed as though his tightly-drawn skin,
blotched and freckled, was all that covered the
bony frame; but thOSe who should know best,
said that the gangling rufiian carried muscle
enough to make him an ugly customer for the
best of athletes to handle.

His forehead was very narrow and, like his
long chin, receded rapidly. His nose was enor~
mously ion and wondrously thin, curving like
the beak ot a vulture. A thinlipped, straight
mouth extended back almost to his hu e, out-
standing ears, the latter left in full relie by tho
jaiLbird cut of his mouse-colored hair. And, as
though nature took a malicious delight in her

caricature of the human race, his hatchet-face ,

Was wholly innocent of hair.

“You’re the man of all others I most wished
to see, Michigan," huskin muttered Bruns-
combe, changing his position so as to fully com-
mand the trail over which he had just passed.
“ You’re never so flush but what you’re willing
to take the chances for a stake; ain’t I right in
that?

“ Ef the chainces ain’t too durned heft , I
reckon you be,” slowly returned Michigan S im,
with a dubious grin and a cautious light coming
into his whitish eyes.

“ I pay in pro ortion to the work to be done,”
im atiently. “ f you're not satisfied with the
sea e, all you’ve got to do is to decline further
as otiations.” . ‘

‘That’s white, an’ the pure quill. Spit ’er
out, boss!” , .

“ You’ll take hold of the Job and put it
through?” ‘

“ Long’s the dust outweighs the resk—betcher
sweet life ole Michigan is right thar, every time.
Spit ’er outl”

Dirigo Branscombe took a blank check-book
from an inner pocket, and with a stylographic'

pen hastily wrote a few words and a pended his v

signature, tearing out the form an holding it
up before the wondering eyes of the rufilan.

It was a sight draft, promising to pay “ John
Doe ” one thousand dollars, on presentation of
the paper at the omce of the signer.

Michi an Slim scratched the rear of his skull,
while afiook of dubiety filled his piggish eyes as

he glanced from the writing into the face of the '

speculator, then back again. ,

“ It talks of a owerful sight 0’ money, boss,
but that John no part 0’ it is what gitsme!
Who is he, an’ what’s it all got to do with this
chickethat’s the peintl"

“Did you never travel under another name
than .the one your parents gaVe you in the cra-
dle, Michigan?” asked Branscombe, with a grat-
ing laugh. “If not, are you too old' to learn?
Couldn’t ou imagine yourself John ’
fora few ours, when through doingjo you

 

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knew you could offer anote like this for cash
pa meat, with a certainty of no questions
as ed?”

“ Reckon I mought, ef it wasn’t nothin’ hard-
er’n that.”

“Of course you have to earn the right to use
the name before you can reap the reward.
Listen, and I’ll explain.

“ There’s a man up yonder at Rebel George‘s

cabin. His mum is John Doe. I owe. him just
Vone thousand dollnrs, and I fill up. this note as
payment. I forgot to give it to him before we

ported, and I don’t care about .turning [no];
just now. I will give it to you instead. You

take it to him with my compliments, and suy ’

that the gold is waiting at my office. Though I
don’t know much about the gentlnmzm, I am

rett confident that you VV'll find him extreme 1y
Bush ul—so much so that he will probably beg
you to collect the amount for him, and hold it
in trust until he calls for it. You are naturally
accommodating. You know where I hang out,
and would Just as soon do him a favor as not.
He expresses his gratitude. You take the note
and irl'lllg it to me. I ask your name. You
say John Doe. My eyesight is very poor after
sunset, and as the note is genuine 1 pay it down
on the nail."

Swil'tly the speculutor spoke, marking each
sentence by a little map of the finger on the
shoulder of the rufl‘inn, who listened to him with
steadily growing wonder and bewilderment.
clearly beginning to doubt the perfect sanity of
the man.

“ You comprehend? It’s all clear?” added
Brnnsz-oinbe.

Slf‘ Ef I do I’m a p’izen liar!” exploded Michigan

m.

The stumpy fingers closed fiercely upon his
shoulder, and the yellow teeth sluowad themselves
in a wolflsh snarl; but as Michigan Slim jerked
away and half drew a pistol, the speculator
laughed shortly, lifting one hand with a depreca-
torv motion toward the alarmed skeleton.

“Bud whisky has sadly discomfuddled your
wits, my good fellow, or else your friends give
you more crcrlit for sharpness than the law al-
lows. But here—if you can’t understand an
allegory, I’ll sling plain English at your head.

“I know enough to tie a hangman’s knot
around your neck. By simply lifting a finger I
could send you out of the world, and that word
would have been spoken, that finger lifted, long
ago, if I had not believed that the time would
come when the services of a bold, unscrupulous
rascal would be worth more to me than a lump
of dead carrion.

“Mind you,”as the lumen shrunk hack, a
dangerous glitter filling his ig eyes, “I don’t
say this just for the sake of t reatening, but to
let you see why I am not afraid to show you
some of the cards I am laying. I’ll put myself
on an e ual footing wit you, thus far. I want
aman 'illed, and I’m willing to pay you a.
thousand dollars for killing him. With that
much of my secret, you need never be awake
thinking over the hold I have on your throat
for you will have the same on mine. Istha
plain enough?”

“ He must be a p’izen nasty cuss to han’le, fer
you to give that much to git him squelchedl”
muttered Michigan Slim.

“He is a. bad man; but so are you. And
there is no need of you tackling him openly,
when it will be easy enough to strike him from
behind. Still, if you know of anybody whom
n33 can implicitly depend upon to help—3

, Don’t I, thoughl’was the swift interrup-
tiop. “ That’s an ole side pardners, Ned Burke
2351?? Collins. Iiin I take them into the little

“ If Y0“ Choose: you must use your own judg-
ment- I Wm Pay over the thousand dollars to
the, Person Who presents it at my office, with
satisfactory PFOO that the work is done and
the reward honestly earned.”

“ What niought that Proof be, boss?”

“John Doe’s indoi‘sgment, 0'! course,” with a
short hard laugh. I m_t00 much of a. business
man to pay out money Wlthout getting a. full re-
cept in return.” . . _

“You want me to Sign 11: on the back, I
reckon?” d ubiously.

“Yes—but not with a. pen. I know how
superstitious you ignorant fellows are abom;
putting thin in black and white. This job
will be a. re on ; let the indorsement corre-
s end. ~
“ N o doubt it’s all right, of you say 50, b058,"

hesitated Michigan Slim, “ but durned of I km
3 see through it, nohow l”

“ I can swear positively to but one feature 0f
the man’s face—his nose] Brin that nese.
with this aper, and the dust she] be put into
your hangs without a question.” .

“An’thebo sr’added MichiganSlim. “How
much be I to ivvy with them? ’

I“Wha1: you choose. I pay you. I know
nothing of them in connection with this case.
nor must they discover, through you, that I
have any interest whatever in the affair. If
they do make that discovery, through a slip of
your tongue, either accidental or malicious, I’ll
Sign sure that you never betray another em-

er. ' '

f‘y Tell them what you choose about your real-
, 7 , , V .

 

sons for killing this John Doe, with that proviso;
but if I was to suggest, it would be to keep the
existence of that note close secret from those
whom you select to help you win it. Let them
get an idea of the amount, and you’ll have to
whack up even—"

“ Which I ain’t no secli n fool,” grinned the
living skeleton. “ Eyther one. o’ the boys' ’d chip
in llong 0’ me jest fer the fun 0’ the. thing an’ a
sniff at hot blood, but I’ll do the clean white
thing by ’em, un‘ let u ynller eagle-bird flip into
thur pockets to ’stonish thni- fingers.”

“Well,t.'ilk enough. Get down to business.
Stow away this bit 0’ stiff, and bring it to me
when your work is done.”

Michigan Slim took the note and hid it in his
breast.

“ Ef you could only say jest what—fer lookin'
critter he was in rig-out un’ build, so a body ’11 be
sartin they wasn’t wustiu’ their powder or steel
on the wrong chicken.”

“The man I mean is tall, well-built quick
and liniber us a steel spring; plenty of gray
hair on his head and over his face: dresses
rough, like a digger; calls himself Tompoleon
Turbox, I believe—7’

f‘ From I’urgutoire river?”

Dirigo Branscomho nodded in the affirmative,
keenly peering into the face of Michigan Slim
with his bloodshot eyes, and uttering a. savage
snarl us he saw the abrupt change which bore
the swift query company.

“What of it? Who is he? What do you
know about him!”

“ Not much, but n-plenty fer all that to be
sure I’ll feel more sartin o’ winniii’ that dust
with Ned nn’ Dan at my'back when I tackle
him!" muttered Michigan Slim, hitching the
butt of a pistol around nearer his hand, as be
cast] a quick, apprehensive glance up the rocky
trill .

“You have Seen him, them? When and
Where?”

“Two or three times, down yender,” with a
nod toward town. “Fust time nigh onto a.
week ago. Billy-be-darned—you’ve hearn tell
0’ him I reckon?”

Dirigo Branscombe nodded impatiently

“Thought so. Mighty tough nut, illy is,
when he gits his skin full 0’ p’izen au’ begins
for to w’ar his hat onto the eend 0’ his nose;
which it was theta-way the night I see him
the fust. Billy smoked him fer a stranger an’
asucker, an’ come a-prancin’ an’ ar’arin’ up,
both wings a-scrapin an’ gaffe a-clickin’ to-
gether, when what does the stranger do but
ketch him round the middle an sling him
through the winder without so much as ay, es
or no—nn’ Billy-be-darned is luyin’ flat 0’ is
back from it yitl”

“ If you’re afraid to tackle him, say so, and
I’ll hunt up a man," impatiently growled the

culator.

“0h, I’ll do the job, slick enou h,” hastily
returned Michigan Slim. “ 1 di think I’d
tackle it single-handed, ruther’n run the reek o’
losin’ a. Show by huntin’ up my pards; but at
it‘s that galoot, good backin’ won 15 do me no
hurt, nn’ ef we miss him here on the trail, we’ll
ketch him in town.” I

“Take him here if on can. I left him with
Rebel George’s dang ter, and he may daily
long enough for you to go and come. Pull out,
lively. Mind you; clean work and sure pay.”

The rufllan nodded understandingly, and
strode swiftly away toward the town, caving
Dirige Branscombe to follow more leisurely,
and endeavor to reach his quarters without
showing his dilapidated self to too many curi-
ous eyes.

Michigan Slim did not have to spend .any
time in Searching for his boon companions,
steering direct for one of the lowest saloons in
town, where he found them seated at a dirty
table, playing poker with a. dirtier deck of
cards, wa ering immense sums—in their minds
-—on each and as dealt.

As they looked up at his entrance, he gave a
swift wink that told them what to do, and tak-
ing a drink himself, paid for a couple more for
them, then left the dive.

Straight out of town he strode, never once
looking back, but knowing well that he was
being closely followed by the twain, who soon
overtook him. »

“What’s up, pard'l‘" asked Dan Collins, or

Triphammer, as he was far better known
amen his fellows, not so much from the trade
he he formerly followed, as on account of his
enormous fists and the terrible execution he had
been known to do with them in more than one
knook-down-and—drag—out nfl'aii'.
“Right smart chaince fer fun, an’ good pay
hung up fer us ’joyin’ of it,” cautiously mut-
tere Michigan Slim, with a swift glance around
through the rapidly gathering shades of night,
era if apprehensive of being overheard by out-
81 are.

.‘l‘ Burn the ,” owled Ned Burke, 3. short,
thick-set ru an, w‘Ftlh the gallows written in
ever feature. “ What’s the pay, 'an’ how

muc do it come to?” '

“Three hundred fer the job, of it ain’t]

botched.” .
“It’s red work, then,”- interposed Tripham—
mar. ‘ ._ .. , _ -

, l

 

 

v “ S’pose it is? You nin’tLa—flunkin’ at that, be
e2”

“ Nnry flunk, an' of it wasn’t fer the job
ahead, I’d lend yo :1 but over the goh fer the
hintl” growled Triphammcr. “Did you ever
hear 0’ me makin’ two bites at one mouthful!

I’d slit :1 dozen thrapples fer the dust, at I was ,
axed. lonly was thinkin’ that it must be a. “"-
p0werful hefty job, or else you’ve struck - 
a lead with a henp more dust in it than

sense.” -

“ Durn the chatter!" impatiently growled ~
Burke. “Who is it We’re goin’ fer, an’ who , ,
pays the damage!” '- "

“ I pay; ain’t that enough? Cnin’t you trust "
your ole pard!”

“ But somebody pays you, don’t they? You
hein’t comlx into a big fortin’, hev ye. which
burns yer fingers too bad to keep 9 tight grip
onto? This inornin’ you swore you was down ,
to bed-rock; hedn’t (inst enou h to pay fer a.
smell at 9. empty kug 0’ beer. it now you’re
slingin’ out hints o’ hundreds.”

“ Which you kin finger jest as, soon as the
work is did. Ain’t that plain enough?l Yes or
no, an’ that in a hurry. I reckon I kin find
other boys as would jump at the bait, without
stoppin’ to smell it all over. I give you the, ‘
fu’st chainco, as is but right I should, bein’s \
we’re ole side-pardners fer a heap 0' while;
But of it don’t suit ye, spit ’er out."

“ It suits us too well, an’ that’s what ails the
cat,” grinned Triphammer, grip )ing the bony
paw in his huge list. “ Durned e I don’t b’lieve
ye mean it, ole purd,ai‘ter all; but when you .
spit out a hull reshnel brink without chokin or’ ‘
splittin’ your jt. 7s wideppen, l thunk ye was
stufliu’ us with wind puddin’. Ef I didn’t,
hummer me!”

“ Then you’re an two both in it?”

“ Up to the eyes, -n’ deeper yit, of ye ax if,

ard.’ I I, ‘

“ Shake—an’ now . 's swore to—good boys!”
chuckled Michigan b 'm, working their arm.
like limp-handles. ‘

“ hen, whnr an’ h0\ fur?” ,

“ Soon’s we kin spot th ' cove, an’ clean over
the range. It’s hi I ziy m l we went to make a,
clean job of it. e don twant to leave ' ' "
sound or smell ahind us. A l together, an’ 
steam enough to send the Si’k 11 home, clean 11
to the elbow. An’ of either on us misses h ,
fust lick burn powderquicker 'l a cat kin but ’
its eye l’ '

“ How many i'ijiments ye talkin’ about, any—"
way?” sneeringly asked Triphammer. “ ’Tain’t
any onemun, sure-lg ”

“ Billy~be-darned reckoned he’d butted ag’inat
a hull division the other night—yit it was only .
one man, after all.” ‘-

A low whistle came from the puckered-uplips
of the huge ruifian as he interchanged a quiok‘ - '
glance with Burke.

“That’s the chicken we’re to tackle is it?”

“Jest the same. You ain’t oin’hack onto .
the ’ran ement, be ye?” growled ichigan Slim. f f
“ It’s on y one man.” i ‘

“Nary back. Ole Trip is a man 0’ his word.
of it bu’sts him wide open. But, do you know,
pards, that heap o’ dust don’t look 11 gh 50' big
as it did a. while ago—durned of it do. , _

“Too much chin music,” grumbled Burke. ,. i
“ Whar‘s the critter, Mich? Ye know, or muck
we hunt him up?” "fl

‘In a few words Michigan Slim explained the
Situation, and led the way to the fool: of the
first plateau,where they quickly concealed theme
selves among the rocks, covering both sides ,ot
the narrow winding trail, so that their game
must pass directly between them if he returned
to town. ' ~ -

It was or. easy task to find secure concealine'nt
there: it would have offered no serious diflnuh
ties had it been broad daylight instead of early ‘
night, before the rising of the moon. On every._ “
band lay scattered rocks, mingled with bushel '
and stunted trees. and on the level at the ba'abof
the descent the three assassins lay in ambush. '

Michigan Slim took his position nearest the ,‘j
rise, with Burke and Triphammer stationed'a ‘
few feet further away, directly oppoute each
other. The former was to give t 6 signal u
soon as their victim had fairly passed him, then
all were to attack simultaneously, trusting to
steel and surprise. ' x

A warning hiss from Michigan Slim, and
they saw the tall form of Tompoleon Tia-box
descending the slope, striding swiftly along ,
fill unconscious of t a danger which threaten ,

im. .
Then—up they leaped, their knives flashing

  
  
  
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
   
  
    
   
    
   
     

l.

wickedly.

 

CHAPTER VIII. ' '

TOMPOLEON PLAYS 1r ALONE. "f. ,.
WHOLLY unsuspicious of the dangerom‘em‘h ‘
prise which awaited him, Tom leon Tel-box
mmny descended the steep an winding trail
leading from the mesa. to the bottom of the val-
ley in which Dumngo nestled. But his keefi
eye was ever on the alert, and as the assault
sprung from their hidin -places, and their
bored blades glimmered in . he clear light of-"thb'
stars, asingle glance showed him the full mi-
ture of his peril, and told him that there was
but-the one way to meet it. ‘

  
  
 

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Elephant Tom,>'of Durango; ‘   . 

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A single moment‘s delay, the hriefest possible

' hesitation or indecision, would almost certainly

have proved fatal. From three sides the ruf-
flans were closing in upon him, intent only on
killing him before he could make any outcry or
defense. Not far distant lay the town, filled
with lights and echoing With the sounds of

drunken revelry, early as was the hour. A

lusty yell might attract attention; a loud ap-
peal for help might bring rescue; but the one
would avail little, and the other come too late
to do more than wonder over the corpse and
idly surmise how and why it came by its un-
timely end.

Like one hurled from a mighty catapult,
Tompoleon Tarbox leaped forward, striking
out viciously with his unarmed right hand,
while his left arm was flung upward and out-
ward, dashing aside the glittering knives which
otherwise would have reached his life.

Triphammer chanced to be the one within

.the freest swing of that mighty right arm, and

feeling much as though a stone wall had fallen

' ‘ upon him, he reeled back and fell in a heap, his

 

untarnished steel flying far over his head, to
clatter harmlessly among the rocks.

With another spring that seemed but a pro-
longation of the first, Turbox wheeled half
around, even while in motion, and before
Michigan Slim or Ned Burke could fairly real-
ize that their cunningly combined assault had
failed them, their intended victim was standing
at bay, a revolver filling each hand, his sharp
voice ringing out sternly:

“Hah’s up an’ squeal out everlastin’ly lively,
’less ye want to git salivated fer keepsl You’re

. snoopin’ down onto the wrong chicken when

.you tackle ole Tarbox, but of you reckon I’m

your meat. jest come an’ see me!”
Crouching like some gaunt cat, Michigan
Slim glared at the bold speaker, his pig eyes

V snapping and glittering with a venomous light,

his whole frame quivoring as though in prepa—

_ ration for a leap which reason told him must

_end in death for one or the other.

But instead,»his right hand was moving far

I back behind him, hidden by the shadows around,

“blade instead of haft.

his bony fingers shifting until they gripped the
One moment—then the
weapon flash »d through the air. onl making a
half-revolution in passing through t e interven-
ing space, the keen point aimed straight for the
throat of the s ranger. ,

“ Take him, Ned l” grated Michigan Slim, the

"instant the weapon left his hand, making a

swift, cat-like leap forward in a diagonal direc-

. .tion which would carry him to the left of the

athletic miner, snatching a revolver from his
belt as he made the motion. “Down him for

ke'i‘ps— A

o a man one whit less active than Tompoleon

Tarbox had that night roven himself, the sav-

39 ruse of Michigan im would almost assur-
ly have been fatal; but swift as thought the

gray head ducked down, and the flashing steel

- I only carried away the soft felt hat.

Simultaneously one revolver followed the er-
ratic course of the living skeleton, and as the

- ‘ rufflan’s feet touched the rocky soil, a 5 out of

flame issued from the dark muzzle an aloud
repent rent the air.
. ith a Isharp exclamation Michi an Slim

checked himself, drawing his lank gu're up

* , stifl and r: ’d as an iron ramrod. His piggish

5,.

as seeme protruding from his head, as they

.6
Jared straight before him for one instant.

Then a horrible scream of agony burst from
his lips, and flinging aloft his arms he fell to
the ground in a quivering heap, his pistol dis-
charging itself as it dropped from his nerveless

fln ers.
. 'fhat frightful screech and the report were

" asthoug

,‘did Io—the last powder beir

blended w th still another explésion, as Ned

'_ 'Burke fired with startled aim at the man who
- had so. unexpectedly turned the tables upon him
_ and his pards. even when their bloody success

loomed assured. ,

‘ The miner athlete felt the sparp sting of the
lead, and With a growl of burning rage be half-
whoeled and leaped forward. firing twice as be
burned when the
muzzle of his revolver fairyr struck the squat
radon in the face, knockin im backward, his

’ skull fear-fully shattered, cad ere his carcass
r‘_ touched the ground.

Thomughlyr aroused, his eyes glowing like
living con 8, ompoloon Tarbox glared around
fusearch of the third assassin, just in time to
fast a hmpsa of that worthy as he precipitate-
fihfled among. the rocks, darting from side to

to fail the hot lead which might

 

 

> be sent after him.

' raved swiftly aroun

,' lecident oomin

" Only a glimpse, indistinctIand fleeting. but
Turbo: sent a ullet hissing after the fugitivo
as it vanished amid the deceptive shadows, and

- with the fires of battle fiercely blazing in his

heart, as'ho sprung forward in swift pursuit.

I- ‘ ‘ Not for many rods. The fleeing rufflan was

nowhere to be seen and as his glowing eyes

d in quest, his foot struck
t a rock, and he fell heavily forward, the
so unexpectedly that he was

16 to save imself.

’  The shock was so severe that he was fairly

hooked breathless, and several minutes elapsed

before he could regain his feet or full conscious-

, one of the men who was bending curious!

 

ness. And when he did so, he became aware of
arapidly growing tumult in the direction of
the town, and mechanically faced in that direc—
tion.

At first he could distinguish nothing save a
mass of whirling, dancing lights that seemed
fireflies on a. drunk, or the distant stars flocking
and separating in a mad, fantastic dance, is hile
the yells and shouts of excited human voices
were confused with the strange sounds which
roared and sung in his ears until it seemed as
though his brain would burst.

Only for a brief space did this mental con fu-
sion and bewilderment list. Then he realized
the truth: that the sounds of firing, of that
wild, horrible yell from the lip; of the stricken
ruflizin, had aroused the town, drawing forth its
wild population to investigate the matter.
More—he realized that his peril was far from
being at an end; that, having escaped the lead
end steel of the assassins, he would have to foil
the deadly noose of lynchrlaw.

For a moment he hesitated, glancing swiftly
around him as though meditating flight, but
then the first light of the rising moon beheld his
face grow hard and stern, his gray eyes con-
tract their wide pupils as his fingers nimbly
ejected the empty cases from his pistols, replac-
ing‘them with fresh shells. .

apidly retracing his footsteps until he stood
between the two fallen assassins, he raised his
voice in a clear shout following it with the
words that rung out loud and distinct:

“ Hvar ye he—tbis way, gents!”

Guided as well .by his tail figure, which the
full moon now revealed with distinctness, the
excited crowd flocked around him, every man
speaking, pouring forth questions at one and the
same time.

“ One at a time, gents, an’ you’ll git yer
money’s wuth all the quicker,” cried Tompoleon,
sharply. “Give a teller-critter room to breathe
loud enough to be hearn, an’ you shell hev the
naked truth straight as a die.”

He was interrupted by an angry cry from
over
the horribly mutilated form of Nod urke.
Despite the disfigurement, the corpse was recog-
nized by a boon companion.

“ It’s Ned the Nailer, boys—deader’n a door-
nail! Who killed him, an’ fer what? That’s
what I ax ye all!”

“An’ yer’s another!” echoed a second voice.
“Michigan Slim, es I’m 8. angel! Bored clean
through, an’ s outin’ blood wuss then a whale
in a flurry! f that ain’t murder, what is it?”

Dark and lowering were the glances which
now turned upon Tompoleon Tarbox; harsh
and threatening the low words which were mut-
tered among the crowd. But erect and defiant
he met the first and heard the latter, flinching
not an atom, though he stood but a single man
against two score, with still others coming up
to the scene of interest.

“Gentlemen!” he cried, with a motion of the
band that commanded attention. “You talk
of murder an’ foul play, an’ look at me as
though I was the one at fault. Mebhe I be;
but on caiu’t tell that for sartin without hear-
in’ t 3 facts 0’ the case—~an’ you ain’t the white
men you appear, of you ain’t ready to lis’en to
a straight stor .” .

“ Fair enou —give the man a show i” cried
a clear voice rom amid the crowd; and the cry
was echoed honestly. ‘

“That’s all I ax, gentlemen; a fa’r shake an’
no favor,” frankly added Tarbox. “That I
keeled them two party boys over for keepS, I
ain’t a-denyin’—not any! I did it, an’ I'm too
proud 0’ the job for to go dodgin’ ’round the
corner or hidin’ down sullar when the crowner
comes to aim his lawful stake b ’cidin’ whe-
ther the corpusses fell down an broke thar
necks, or the ground flew up an’ knocked ’em
out 0’ time.” .

“Blood for blood i” cried that ominous voice
from the obscurity of the crowd. “A Ion rope
and a short pull for all assassins! Talk’s c cap,
but the proof lies there I” ' _

Another mutter, deeper more menacing than
before. The lines arena the stran er drew
closer, and there was handliu of revo vars, fin-
gerin of knives. The bomb d been thrown.

he s ort fuse was spitting; a moment, and it
would explode.

Still Tom leon Tarbox did not shrink or fal-
ter. Straig t and bold he faced the peril, one
against many, a man all over.

“ Gentlemen,” he said coolly, as though ad-
dressing none but his bosom friends, “ I like to
see a man churn out his ’pinions whenever the
git ripe an’ ready, without stoppin’ to thin
what wall they’re goin’ to hit ag’instan’ stick
to; but the ca bagehead' as bu’sted Jest now
suits me too dumed well! Ef ary one of ye’d be
kind enough fer to jest shove that howlin‘ mon-
key for’ard a bit, so I kin see whether he's a.
nat’ral noncomatus, or only a feller critter
whose brain-pan hes cracked with crowdin’ too
much emptiness into it, I’d look onto itasa
mighty favor, not to be for otten while grass
runs an’ water grows—whic is a bit 0’ ontamed
pg’tr fer them as kin ‘rassle with snob high~

n chuck”, '
little rippleof laughter ale the edges of

D
the mob. 'With this, as within? others com's

/.

I
I posed of the same material, there is only one

step dividing;r the sublime from the ridiculous—
l but one word necessary to decide whether
= tragedy or force shall occupy the stage for the
r lOlll‘.

Had Tompoleon anbox showed a trace of

! fear or agitation in that supreme moment: had
5 his voice trembled, his bold front turned even a
shade, that evil voiCe would almost surely have
prevailed, and unreasoning lynch-law have
claimed another victim, perhaps to have re-
gretted the hasty act when too late.

“That’s fair enough for any hog!” cried one
blunt voice. "Michigan Slim nnr Ned the
Nailer weren’t scch howlin’ saints that we need
crucify the man that sent ’em to glory, vi ithout
even axin’ what they done fer to aim them free:

asses. Thar ye got my senterments, mates, an’
es. Hardcastle never yit was a-skeered to
clap his name to what his tongue writ down.”

‘ Thank ee, mate,” said Tarbox, with an apo
proving nod toward the hold speaker. “ Ef all
men was as honest as you, thar wouldn’t be no
need 0’ flghtin’ buzzin’ skeeters fer a livin’, nur
yit bittin’ back at a shadder that cain’t endure
the light 0’ the moon even, but sneaks in the
blackcst dark fer a chaince to punch a man in
the back.”

“ Thor’s enough 0’ white men bere‘fer to see
that you hev all the show you’re ’titled to, ole
man,” added Hardcastle; “but at you cain’f;
read your title clear, I’ve got .a couple 0’ pick—
slingers that’s ready crooked fer rope-pullin'.”

“ Which a hog couldn’t ax no more. an’ at I
cain’t show up a clean record in this little muss,
I’ll fit the noose ’round my own neck,an’ make
the ullin’ up as light as l kin.

“ was comin’ ’long this trail, easy au‘ keer—
less like, when three laddy-hucks jumped out»
onto me, with thar stings drawn fer hot work.
They got it, too a little hotter’n they made
cackilations fer, lreckon. Two on 7em took a
tumble to tharselves, aii’ you kin see ’em right
here. T’other one must ’a' ’cluded he had ’por-
tant business callin’ fer his presence some’re
else in a hurry, jedgin’ from the way he made
tracks when he see his pards lay down to say
thar prayers. But whoever he was, he: kerries
my mark with him; four knuckles. all in a row,
/ painted in fast colors, red, an’ green. an’ blue,
an’ yaller, some’rs about his ugly pbizog.”

A moment’s silencs; then a startled cry from
those of the interested crowd who stood nearest
the body of Michigan Slim. I

A hasty falling back, as the bony frame sud-
denly assumed a sitting posture, one long arm
raised and pointing at Tompoleon Tarbox—then
a husky, death-weakened voice rattled: ,

“ it’s a darn lie—a lie from fust to last! He
jum ed us when we wasn’t lookin’——him an’ his

or .
ghow. Hell’s fires—burn him—forever an’—ev
—ah-h l"

A horrible, gurgling, gaspin groan that was
clearly intended for a male iction; then the
ruflian fell back, his head striking the ground
with a dull thump that sent the chilled blood,
curdling through many veins.

An ominous silence that lasted for a full
minute, during which eyes sought eyes to read
a confirmation of the opinions then formed or
forming; then Wes. Hardcastle strode forward
and placed one hand upon the shoulder of Tom-
poleon Tarbox.

“As a man speakin' to a man, pard, I ax ye
to think twice afore ye try to use hem weepins.
your fingers is grippin’. Take it cool, an’ you
shell hev a fa’r s ow fer your life. But of a

rain 0’ wder is burnt, or a lick struck afore‘
he hull ruth comes out salt won’t save ye i”

His eyes glowing hotl ,the accused glanced
around him. His traine senses could not help
seeing that the crowd was dividing, gradually
but surely, into two parties, nor coul he miso
take the cause. The smaller, but more respect-
able a pear-in portion seemed in sympathy
with ardcast 9, while the more numerous rah.
ble ave vent to black threats and ominous
grow s. _

Other eyes made the some discovery, and the
evil voice called out in clearer accents, no
lon er disguised:

‘ ould a dying man testifytoalie? Gentle-
men, you all know that I am a law-and-order
than myself, but when it comes to assassinating

 

the repe was brought to the front for t
of the honest law-abiding portion of our 1 ttle
community!’

“That’s the talk! Lis’en to the basal”

“ Who’s got a rope? Fetch a rope, some-
body 1” _ ’ _

“ String u the p’izen sarpiut an’ hitch the two
pore lafi 1:20 is heels, so they kin help stretch his
thra p e

Figrcely howled the mob, gaining fresh
stren th with the passnge of each moment, but
bravéy did Hardcastle confront the peril, while
Tarbox cried aloud, in tones of bitter scorn:

“ You’re the signealin’ higP-kickor, then, Foxy
Branscombe’i thought knowed the voice
when on out with the fast cowardleg yelp, but
I can] n’t jest swaller it, for I ’low
lubed afore this, or settin’ on a mighty soft
ler, howlin fer a poultioe to draw out the
o’ boot-leather!” V

 

It’s bloody murder—he didn’t give us a-

a couple of poor devils like these. it’s big: has; r

you’d 

 

E
i
l
l

 

 

m_m.__.lo.......~... . o   .

  

of juror 4 -

 

 

“This way, boys, you who want to see fa’r

lay an’ honest Jestice did to your fellow-crit-
tersl” (‘l'ied Hurdcastle.

Promptly the appeal was answered, and a
dozen brave, stern-faced citizens ranged them-
selves beside him. Four times that number
stood in opposition, many with weapons drawn
in readiness for use, the mad lust for blood
raging in their hearts, liesitating before taking
the first step in what all knew must then end in
the, (hull; of more than one on either side.

Bravo us the bravest, Wesley Hurdcastle
novi‘l‘llll-less was anxious to avoid such acol-
lisi’on. :ind criod aloud:

"Now, gents. we don’t want no muss of we,

kin git along without it; but all tho same, this
man hos got to hev a fn‘rnnl squur’ show for
his life, of we hev to fight for it while thar's a

man left with power to pull trigger or han’le a
blade. That‘s plain talk, an’ I’m givin’ it to yo
straight.”

“So much the blacker shame to honest men
like you, Wes. Hnrdcastlel” cried Brnnscombe,
honrsely. “ Shielding a foul, cowardly assassin
—-—for shame!”

“I’row that he’s what ye say, sir, an’ I’ll
stan’ aside without a word ag’in’ the hangin’,”
was the quiet retort.

“ You heard—we all heard the dying declara—
tions of that poor fellow lying yonder. “79
buve his corpse and that of another luckless
wretch, as proof of his accusation. Against it
—what? The unsupported word of a man
taken red handed! And yet you hesitate, still
you defend the murderer!"

“Some 0’ you boys take a peep at Michigan
Slim,” coolly uttered Hardcnstle, without re-
plying to the hot speech of the speculator.
“He come to life once, when all thunk he was
dead; mobbe he’s got life enough into him fer
to tell a straight story, when he’s axed proper
for it.”

A man from each party hastened to the side
of the fallen ruiilan, but it needed little more
than a passln glance to assure them that his
life had fled orever. Still, they knelt beside
him. and tore open his blood-stained garments,
to put all doubts to flight. Then, with a little
«cry of amazement, the man from the ranks op-
posed to Tompoleon Tarbox rose with a strip of
paper in his hand, bloody, but intact.

"Hyar’s the roof!” he cried, with a. fero—
cious exultation in his face, his every tone.

With a motion swift as light, Hardcastle dis-
armed Tarbox and passed the weapons to one
of his supporters.

“Ef you’re innocent, you won’t need ’em; of
guilty, they’re safer in other hands,” he hastily
muttered. in explanation.

Only the risoner could hear the words
spoken. for a and and eager storm of questions
annulled the man who had announced the im-
- rtant discovery. And soaring high above

he wild tumult, the fellow read cloud the
words written upon the strip of paper, even to
the signature. ‘

A brief period of breathless silence. A note
for one thousand dollars, signed with the name
of Dirigo Branscombel But to one John Doe,
and in the possession of Michigan Sliml What
did it all mean? Was it proof as posmve as the
finder had proclaimed? At first he had so be-
lieved, but now he began to doubt, as he looked
around upon those wondering faces, and listened
to the startled comments,

“It’s a foul forgery i” cried Branscombe, his
voice hardly recognizable in its husky fury.
:nld ngver wrote or signed any such paper,
, “ Go slow, Mr. Branscombe,” warnin ly cried
the man who had assisted at the find ng. “I
am willin to take my oath that the note is in
your ban Writing—and I should know, if any

198“, for five teen enough of both it and the
signature.

“ Let me see it!"
crowding forward. growled the speculator,
“Hold it fast, mate!” dried Tarbox. .uHe
wants to tearlt up afore it kin be swore t0!
Thank the good Lord, the clouds is a-clearin‘
away mighty fag“ That’s the price he paid
fer my life—but it wouldn’t work l”

, A tall. Portly ma“ Sprung \forward and

,gras d Brnnscombe by the “In, before be

con] reach the spot where the note was held.
lfiiw as they were, his words were audible to
a :
“Brace up and be yourself, Branscombe.
You’re only doing yours harm. by giving
way to rage. They can’t ve it on you, if it s
a. forgery, and the trick , ill only recoil the
more heavily upon their own shoulders, When
 matter is investigated and the truth estab<

s e .

“As for you, sir,” turnin toward Tarbox
and speaking with cold emp asis, “take care
how on fling your foul insinuations around so
loose y. He, a gentleman, hire you killed?
Bah! the idea is worse than pre sterousl”

“ I don’t know who you may 9, mister man,”
began Tarbox, only to be sharply interrupted
by the other.

“ My name is Elias Aiken. I am this entic-
znan’s partner in business, and his ii e-iong
'friend. If he wrote or signed that note, I cap
and will swear to it, in a court of justice, if

 

 

needs be. But I know he didn’t—why should
be? What reason can he have for wishing your
death? For conspiring with men of that class?
The very idea is its denial.”

“You're honest in what you say, far your
voice is that of a. white mun,” said ’ 'ompoleon;
with more coolness than he had displayed, as
he saw the note securely stowed away by his
adherent. “But all the same, you’re barkin’
ft-r ninighty mean critter in the shape of a
man. when you hold up Foxy Bransconibe as a
g ntleninn.”

“I inked for proof, not blackgunrdisni,”
sternly.

“An’ the proof is right aforo your face, of
the moonlight was only powerful enough to lot
ye read it. Look on that face, an’ you’ll see
the prints 0‘ my fingers writ thur in red letters.
An’ of them two coatrtuils could whisper Eng-
lish talk, you’d hour the-in howl about how a
hnss—hidnlmol. number ten, sought a momentary
lildiii‘~plnce ’inong the shudders they cast—
an’ found it, too, betcher sweet life it jest
did f”

“You lie, curse you I” howled Branscombe,
snatching at a Weapon, but only to be checked
by the strong band of Aiken.

“ Ef you’ve got any story to tell, man, spit it
out in plain talk, an’ make it as short as you
kin,” said Hardcnstle.

“ All right, gents. Yere you git it: I ketched
that p’izen cuss n’sultin’ of a lady, no longer
ago then a hour by sun. He ketched her in his
arms, an‘ was kissin’ of her, when I happened
that way, an’ hearin’ her cry fer help, I give it
the best I knowed how.

“I made him git down onto his marrer—bones
an” eat dirt at the feet 0’ the lcddy. When he
got up, he tried to sink a mineral shaft cl’ar
through me, an’ I jest slapped his face, flat—
handed. You kin see the marks 0’ my fingers,
now, of on look. Then I tuck him to the door,
an’ tole him to make tracks in a-hurry. Fer
fear he shouldn’t gita good start, I iest drawed
back in old toad-emu sher, here, an ently in-
serted it underneath his two coat-Eails. He
started—weal, he did, honey! I’m givin" it
straight. He started quicker’n scat, an’nheap
more gracefuller’n a bull—frog. He come down
all right onto his hoof, but he didn’t know how
to stop, so well. He bumped his nose an’
turned over an’ over, an’ I raaly reckon he’d
’a’ bin tumin’ summersets clean to now, of he
hadn’t fetched up ag’inst a rock.”

Foxy Branscombe forced a. harsh laugh, as
though to express his utter scorn of this ridicu-
lous tale, but even his partner, with all desire
to believe him in the right. was perceptibly
affected by the rompt, off-hand manner in
which the accuse told his story, and tightened
his rip warningly.

“ hat’s a flat yarn, gents,” observed Hard-
castle, temly. ‘It comes strai ht to the

oint. What you got to say ag n’ it, Mr.

ranscombei” ,

“ Nothing, save that it is a tissue of foul lies
from beginnin to end, without one grain of
fact to support ti”

“ Turn your sweet mug up to the moonlight,
an’ let the gents see ef you don’t kerry my
mark," laug ed Tarbox, now entire! at ease as
to the ultimate ending of the aflc r. “Ef it
was polite, I’d ax ary surgeon in thc’sembly
fer to take a distant squint at the print 0’ my
boot; but mebbe that’d shock yer modesty ’inost
too much.”

“ This is no time for ribaldry,” sternl uttered
Aiken. “ It comes down to a matter 0 veracity
between you two men. Mr. Branscombe is a
gentleman. You—are not you the ruman who
was mixed up in a disgraceful. drunken row
last week, when a fellow called Billy-bodarned
was badly injured i” _

“ I pitched him through the winder fer tryin’
to 'pose on good natur’, sartin; but the man who
says I was drunk or to blame for the row,
comes jest a. leetle nigher a lie then the law
’iows him—to speak politely,” laughed Tar-

x.

“I have heard enough. Gentlemen, I have
only this to add: That ruflian has killed two
men. I demand that he be placed under arrest
for the crime.” .

“ You change your tune almighty sudden,
Mr. Aiken,” said Hardcastle, sarcasticall .
“ Kin it be beca’se of what Foxy Branscom
jest now whispered into your ear?"

“ I will hold you personally accountable for
that insult.”

“Just as you please,"—indiflerently. “For
now, we’ve more portant fish to Irv. Thar’s a
lie mixed up into this scrape which may ex—
pgain the bull matter, an’ I’m gittin’ at that.

on say you ketched him ’sultin’ a lady. Give
her name. " ‘_ ,

Tompoleon scratched his nose thoughtfully
before saying;

“ I don’t like to lug a lady’s name into Sech a

my muss, but I reckon it’ a round—hog case
with me. Her name is Naomi retto, daughter
0’ the man knowed as Rebel George.”

' A QI‘Y 0! indignation went up from the crowd
at this announcement, and with a bowl of fury
Branscombe tore free from Aiken and fired at
his accuser, who fell in a heap before the trench-
erous shot, so suddenlcnd unexpected.

. an’ act

 

CHAPTER IX.
ELEPHANT TOM TALKS BUSINEfiS.

EVEN as that deadly grip was fastened upon
his neck and shoulder, Rebel George recognized
the voice of the man whom he had sent reeling
back before the discharge of his revolver—E19
phant Tom, of Durnngo.

But he was given no time for struggling. A
desperate jerk and a tug brought his shoulders
back against the door, which gave way before
the shock, and he tumbled out of the stage,
striking heavily upon the hack of his head as ho
was torn from the grip of tho outlaw chief.

Elephant Tom raised his clubbed revolver
and brought it down, with a dull, sodden sound.
With 11 Quivering, spasmodic motion, Rebel
George flung out his arms, then lay motionless
on his face, and uttering a short laugh of brutal
triumph, Elephant Tom turned once more to-
ward the coach.

' .

\

Albert Mctney had shown for more grit th 11 ‘ 

properly belonged to that clerical suit a d ,
sedate glasses, promptly seconding the efforts of
Rebel George, though with far more certain re-
su ts.
Seemingly used to have their mere challenge‘
and appearance do their work, without burning
owder or fleshing the steel they so ostentatious-
lJy displayed, the road-agents shrunk away from
that side of the coach as the black muzzle of a. _
loaded revolver was thrust through, the win!
dew and began spitting forth bullets ticker
with death. ' .
Once, twice, a masked and cowled figure stay
gered back, gasping, gurgling), reeling, only to
fall in a heap, dead or dying efore that swift
and accurate aim. With yells and curses Of
mingled rage 2nd fear, the purvivors shrunk .
still further back instead of pressing to: clue .
quarters, and for a few brief moments, it really .
seemed as though the entire band would owe
their signal defeat to the prowess of a single
man. ‘
Thus matters stood when Elephant Tom
turned from Rebel George, and a single glanco' ,
showed him how matters stood with his bu!
men. A grating curse hissed from between ,
teeth, as he sprung forward, straight in through
the shattered door from whence he had dra
Rebel George, and as Matney thrust hil- and v
and shoulders through the opposite window the V:
better to secure a fresh aim, the roadag‘ent
dealt him acrushing blow upon the head then
flun his whole weight a ainst his head and
shou ders, bursting the s aky door from it; .
rusty hinges, both men tumbling out-upon the

nod.

gl‘gcrainbling to his feet again as his men came
flocking around him, Elephant Tom caught I
second pistol from his belt, and leveling it It the
prostrate figure discharged one shot. - ‘

“ That settles you. my rufllin gamecocki” ho
snarled, as the unfortunate to low half ruin-d
himself from the ground, only to sink back lfinp ,
and nerveless. -

“He’s laid out two 0’ the boys too dead to
skin I” exclaimed a tall roman nearest the chief.
“Ain’t it the ones we wanted, boss?” :- ~

“ Ola a stop 1- on that owin’ tackle o‘

I" grow ed the out aw chief. “ if

done your shared the work as well as
mine. the be c wouldn’t—1’ ’

Without nishing his speech, Elephant Tom ‘
flung up his revolver and discharged it on tho ‘
instant. . \ ‘

Within the coach, startled, stupefled, new to,»
such wild and reckless doings, Horatio Adair Md
sat bolt upright in his seat while the brief’but _

 

.

yam Pi;

«now,x

.‘ll

desperate aflray lasted, but when a moaning cry “4..

esca d the lips of his daughter, asthe heavy foot
of lephant Tom rudely tram led her and”,
foot in the short struggle wbic ended in bi: .,
hurling Albert Matney out of the coach, and he .

saw that for the moment the outlaws were ""39‘

otherwise occupied, his wits suddenly returned
and through the little opening back of his head
he called to the driver: '

“Athousand dollars if you whip up and M l
a

safe to Durangoi Now

Quick! your ti
while they’re busy!” m ,
“ 1’]! do it or bu’st a trace!” was the swift re. _ v
spouse, and the whi cord whittled through the
air and out through air and hide. .
Starting, the animals sprun forward, only
to have one of their number p tinge headlong; ,
shot through the kidneys by the lead of‘thc-
outlaw chief. Like an echo came the second
shot, and the luckiess driver toppled forward
from his seat, failing betWeen his icking,‘cn0rt«
ing, lunging‘wheelers. ,r
“(grab the horse. some of you fellow-l"
thundered Elephant Tom. “Therest cover that
hoarse, and if another shot comes from it, turn
your barkers loose and riddle it like a sieve!"-
With a promptness of action that spoke vol»
umes for his complete authority over them

the
road-agents sprung to carry out the instruction n
tond  “i

given, and as several stalwart fellows can
overmastcred the plan ing horses,_ E epbant, i
Tom strode to the door 0 the coach. his revolver
commanding the interior, his voice rumbling
menacingly: , ,
“ Tumble out of there old gent—yon and tho'
lady; in a hurry, too! I’m a sucking dove for.
patience and tenderness of hear-tubal: I’ve got:
one leg over the line, on the other side of which

‘i s

 

5; 

 "    of strange: '  -  -

t

r
I

 

r

’r " forbearance ceases to be a virtue. Come—I don’t
’ want to lay you alongside those two hot-headed
fools. but I’ll have to do it, unless you listen to
reason. Out with you!”
“ It’s a. shameful outrage—” I
“ Half a dozen of ’em for what I care,” im-
atiently interrupted the chief. “In there,
Blinky, and tumble’em out. Handle the petti-
., coats tenderly, but on needn’t stop to ull on
your gloves to char out that old fool. ively,
-, v, nowl’
‘v One of the masked figures started forward,
but yielding to the inevitable, Horatio Adair
lifted the half-unconscious form of Maura in
his arms and stepped out of the coach.
“Just in time, my dear fellow," laughed Ele-
.’\ pliant Torn, apparently hugely enjoying the
H sternly indignant glance which Mr. Adair be-
‘, - - stowed upon him. “That dainty bit o’dry goods
might .have been milled in the rude grasp of
honest Blinky.”
‘ “What do you want?” demanded Adair, now
f1.  thoroughly aroused and showing his true metal
' '. as he had never done before. “ If your object
is robbery, do your work in silence, and suffer
of . us to resume our journey. We are helpless,
j wholly in your p0wer. There is no need of ad-
 \ dii‘ifi insult to injury."
V," ith a theatrica wave of his hand, Elephant
~13, Tom struck ,an attitude before the indignant
.; _ . gentleman, saying:
j.” ~ “ Gaze upon me, thou high-and mighty chan-
'. ticleer. Call thy twin peepers into active play,
and ponder upon this noble brow. Is not the,
handsome phizog familiar to thee? Cans’t not
,rocognire the loved countenance of a. long lost
’ be-rother? Dos’t not thy panting heart swell
and bubble within thy buzzom like a tub~full of
- 'joy at this unexpected-but-never-to-be—sufi‘l-
‘ cinemas-glorified meeting with the prodigal
', cuss? ze thy fill, oh noble be-rother, then come
to me arrums and bathe this clear-starched,
bald-faced shirt with the long pent-up brig!”
His dignified form drawn rigidly erect, ora-
, , tio Adair gazed fixedly upon the speaker, mar-
‘ , '. Veling in his mind whether or no he had fallen
, Into the clutches of a lunatic.
 What he beheld was sufllcieiitly curious to
deserve a detailed description.
 '- Elephant Tom was but little, if any, above
3%., ’ .‘the medium hight of mankind, but what he
3 lacked in altitude, he more than made up in
; breadth of shoulders and thickness of body,
, looking like some giant razeed by an unsparing

 

     
 
  
   
     
  
 
  
   
    
    
   
   
   
 
  
   
   
 
   
    

Upon his head was a wide-brimde hat, from
“the edge of which depended a fine, silken fringe
which, with the shadow of the hat. renders
his countenance dim and indistinct. Yet enough I
‘ I: ' could be seen to prove that it was no ordinary

one. .
 A dull, bluish cast pervaded such of the skin
maths long beard and heavy mustaches left un-
\ covered. His eyes were bright and keen,
though seemingly deep sunken in their sockets.
His nose was a marvel, huge almost beyond be-
lief, warty and bulbous at the extremity that
kept time to the motion of his tongue, wagging
htly from side to ide. and then moving up
down in feeble imitation of the untrained
.f‘ ~trunk of a just-born elephant.
' ' attire was of fine materials, but flashy in
color, lad in out. A solitaire pin flashed in the
' bosom his‘white shirt and just beneath it
L,  ‘could be seen a scorched and owder-burned
‘  hole. where Rebel George had p anted a. bullet.
j Yet Elephant Tom showed no signs of having
chem wounded, nor was the hole marked With
any trace of blood. . .
‘Not a word not a bowl of Joy at the_dis-
‘covaryi” whined the outlaw, with mock inJury
— .in his tones; then swiftly altering his manner
in he added, sharply:
\ “,You wanted to know how the notorious
, Elephant Tom looked, and I’ve given you the
, chance to form your conclusions; now to busi-
ness, pure and simple.
‘ , “Fetch the horses, boys. Some of you tum-
' I lie the carrion over into the ditch. If our
jnates are fairly across the river and past feel-
. 1 or squealing, let them take the same trail.
{$3 can’t fetch them back by piping our eyes,
nor give them a sounder sleep by planting them
- with the worms. Take their tools, and dump
them over, after you’ve turned their pockets
' ,wrong side cut.”
“ One of those gentlemen was my sec-
 ‘remg_”
“ on‘t care if he was your bookcase or
 itrundle-bed,” the road-agent rudely interposed.
7 “ He’s past doing you further service, and may-
be your own case will cal I for all your powers
"‘ of s pathy.” .
“‘ ut of course we are at liberty to go our
‘_ way, after you have robbed us,” uttered Adair,
but with ill-concealed doubts.
“ Oh, of course!” laughed Elephant Tom, lift-

hfine hand. .

' ‘ ' , 'o stout men fastened upon Adair, pinning
T his arms and throwing him to. the ground,
 while Elephant Tom caught the sinking form of
if the senseless maiden in his arms.

,With swift dexterity that spoke volumes for
their experience and training, the road-a ents
«.7 _‘bound and gagged the old man, then lifte him
a," data the sad le of a horse which,with others, was

.,

   

 

gust brought forth from the 5 0t where they
ad been concealed to await t e result of the
ambush. A lasso was used to bind him fast in
the saddle, then Ele hant Tom, who meantime
had been restoring aura. to consciousness by
the liberal application of brandy to her temples
and nostrils, raised her in his arms and placed
her upon the horse behind her parent, holding
her in position while his fellows tied her se-
curely to Adair.

“ I don’t want to treat a lady with unneces-
sary harshness,” he said, speaking rapidly, “but
I’m playing for too heavy stakes to throw away
achance. If you are sensible and keep your
tongue between your teeth. I’ll leave your
pretty Ii 3 at liberty. But at the first word or
cry, l’ll ave you gagged like the old gentleman.
A word to the wise, my lady!”

Maura made no reply. Indeed, her brain was
whirling, her senses scattered, and she could but
dimly comprehend what had taken place. It
seemed all like some horrible dream, from
which she strove to tear herself, but in vain.

Elephant Tom climbed clumsily into his sad-
dle, then led the way through the night, leaving
the cor ses in the ditch, the terrified, tremblin
horses arnessed to the coach and their dea
mate, blocking up the narrow trail, to remain
thus until‘ some passer-by should rescue them, or
else to dash off in frenZied fright, to tear them-
selvgf free, or plunge headlong to death into the

gu c .

Without a word being spoken to the miser-
able cacptives, or passing between themselves,
the ma -agents pressed on through the ni ht at
a brisk pace, winding through hills an gul-
ches, passing isolate valleys and miniature
prairies of grass or deserts of sand to finally
draw rein before a dense fringe of bushes and
stunted trees which appeared to grow directly
against the face of a towering clifl.

Awkwardly alighting from his horse, Ele-
phant Tom waved a stumpy arm toward the
two men who had charge of the prisoners, then
plunged into the shrubbery, immediately van-
ishing from view.

With nimble fingers the road—agents un-
knotted the thongs which held Horatio Adair
and his daughter upon the horse, and easing
their half—benunibed forms to the ground, hur-
ried with them into the bushes.

Instinctively they shrunk back, expecting to
come in contact with the racks, but instead
they found themselves being conducted throu h
a. dark, contracted passa e of a few rods in
length, to issue into a sma l, secluded “pocket”
beyond the rocky barrier, through which a
freak of nature, or the hand of man, had
formed an archway amply sumcient to admit
the passage of man, though too narrow for the
admission of their four-footed bearers

Stunned, her brain almost paralyzed by all
she had that evening been called upon to under-
go, Maura Adair was only dimly conscious of
the fact that she was being separated from her
parent, and though she uttered a faint, pitiful
appeal, her masked and cowled conductor paid
no attention, other than to tighten his rasp
upon her wrist and pass an arm aroun her
waist as be pressed on to the upper end of the
little pocket.

The two men who had immediate charge of
Horatio Adair, closely folldwed the lead of Ele-
phant Tom turnip to the right, where the
man with Maura too the opposite course, and
halting only when the almost perpendicular
rocks forbade their further progress in that
direction. I

“Drop him down and take a hitch or two
around his hoofs before you unlimber his
tongue, lads,”'grunted the outlaw chief, sinking
with a lazy nt upon the reen sward, here
thick and soft as the neat y—kept pleasure-
grounds of a lord.

His directions were obeyed with the un nes-
tioning celerity shown by the road-agents rom
their first appearance on the scene, the high—and-
might chie deigning to nod his approval as
he ad ed fresh instructions:

“ One of. you start up a bit of fire, while the
other gets a couple of torches from the store-
house. I’ve gota little bit of business deal to
make with this gentleman, and he sha’n’t have
it to say that he was led into it blindfold.”

The usually cold, lightblue eyes of Horatio
Adair were fairly blazing with indignation as
they turned upon the insolent road-agent, and
there was not the slightest trace of the slow,
almost .drawling manner of speech customary
with him, each Word issuing from his lips,
quick and distinct:

“You can rob me—murder me, if you will.
I know I am wholly at your mercy. But
beyond the small amount of money on my
person, and my life, you will gain absolutely
nothing by this foul outrage.”

“ That’s our say-s0, old fellow; but I’m open
to lay od 5 that you’ll come down quicker’n
Martin Scott’s coon, when I fairly open my
battery on your breastworks. Mind you, I’m
not saying that you are lacking in lit, for un—
less rnmor lies most confoundedly, t 6 time has
been ,when you have proved yourself a ton h
nut for almost any man to crack; but in de y-
ingz me, you forget that your daughter is quite
as‘much at my mercy as you are yourself.”

I

 

“You dare not harm her, cowardly villain
tbotfih you be!"

“ y dear sir,” drawled Elephant Tom, with
a languid wave of one stumpy arm. “I dare
anything in the strict line of business. Person-
ally speaking, I would much rather whisper
soft nothings into the shell-like car of the
charming Maura, to following any harsher
course, but at the same time, if my financial
interests spurred me on, I would bite off that
:amenprecious member with just as little hesita-

ion.

An involuntary shudder crept over the
prisoner as helistened to this diabolically candid
statement, for it was uttered in a tone that con-
vinced him of the road~agent’s perfect sincerity.
For the first time, he began to fairly realize the
extent of the peril into which the startling
events of that evening had led him and his.

A brilliant blaze shot up from the little pile
of twigs, upon which the outlaw was now piling,
larger sticks, while the second rufiian returned
with a couple of rude tin lamps, swung at the
end of wooden staves, the sharpened points of
which he thrust into the ground, one on either
side of the chief, then ignited the wicks with a
blazing brand. ~

“That looks a. little more like business,” said
Elephant Tom, sitting up and ushing back the
fringe from before his e es. “ hough properly
a bird of the night, I’m 0nd of good light when
it comes down to strict business.”

Turning to the road-agents who stood in si-
lence as t ough awaiting his further orders, be

“That will do. Go and see that my horse
is cared for. I have to reach Durango before
midnight.”

Under the red glare of fire and torches, Horatio:
Adair could see that the hideous countenance of
the notorious outlaw was in reality a cunningly
manufactured mask, though of material so flex-
ible as to obey the slightest movement of the
actual features beneath it.

This much he noted, when Elephant Tom
turned upon him with a mocking laugh and
jeeri‘ng tones:

“You’re the first person outside the family
that has divined as much, old fellow: nor would
you have done so' had 1 cared to revent. But
with this night Elephant Tom wil disappear as.
suddenly and as mysteriously as he made his,
first appearance. Thanks to our ill—gotten,
wealth. from this ugly chr salis will issue a
butter-fl , orgeous and briliantehued enough,
to banis a 1 memory of the hairy worm which 5
gave it birth. Ah! that is the thought which }
consoled me while wearing this hideous dis-’
guiSe; which reconciled me to— Bab!” he ab-
ruptly broke off, with a hard, disagreeable
lau h. “I’m growing sentimental, when 1
should attend to business instead.”

Leaning forward, with his knees supportin '
his elbows, the stumpy finger of one gloves.
hand emphasizing his words, he spoke rapidly:

“Your name is Horatio Adair. You are the
moneyed man and senior artner in the firm of
Adair, Aiken 8: Branscom e, whose head office
is at Durango. You and your partners deal and
speculate in mining-claims, do a vast loaning-
business, and carry more ready capital than
any dozen other firms in the State. Am I not
correct, so far?”

Horatio Adair

glared at him sullenly but.
made no reply. '

 

CHAPTER X. .
ELEPHANT TOM nauovas HIS MASK.

“ SILENCE gives consent, but in this casexhere
is none needed ” coolly resumed Elei hant Toni.
“ I have the whole history of you three precious
scoundrels at my fingers’ ends, and I can’t think.
of a better way of prefacing the demand I am.
about to make than by giving a hasty sketch of
one act of deliberate wrong which is recorded
against the Triad, ts cu rascals were fond of
st ling yourselves in t ose days.”

oratio Adair gave a violent start as he heard
this title, and a shade of pallor crept over his
flushed countenance. His lips arted as if to
speak, but then closed again rigi ly.

Elephant Tom lau hed, hard and mockingly.

“ Too late, old fe law! You started at the
prick too rceptibly to hide it row, and if I
entertaine the ghost of a doubt before, I would
now be dead certain that I am barking along
the right trail.

“Years ago—no need to be more definite, for
even-if a constant succession of successful res»
calities since that day has blunted your memory,
y0ur recollection will grow clear enough as I
proceed—a wild, shiftlcss devil, when worst
down on his luck, made a strike that bade fair
to put him on the catalogue of millionaire
miners; but, unluckily for him, as it proved in
the end, he fell into the' clutches of the Triad,
and before the end came they stripped him to
the buff, winding up by chucking him behind
the bars, on a trumped-u charge of criminal
assault and attempted ro bery.

“ That is the story in brief. What have you
to say about its truth, Horatio Adair?" _

h“Tl12at it is false, from beginnizg to and!”
3 ar y. '

“ you deny the discovery of that mind

Do you deny getting possession of it, and unb-

 

\:

 

   

 

ing a fortune out of the property, while the dis-
coverer and actual owner of it all, pined be—
hindrthe prison bars, thrust there by you three
men

“ I deny that there was any fraud on the part
of either myself or 01‘ my partners. I deny that
the wretch was unjustly condemned. We were
in ne otiation for the mine, and had almost
agree as to terms, when he came to us one
night, crazy with liquor, and forced me to play
him for the mining-claim himself namin the
price to be staked against it. , .

est to get out of it, as ascore of trusted Citizens
voluntarily bore witness afterward, but he
swore that he would kill us, one after the other,
unless we yielded.

“ He named his own game, named all the
conditions, and I unwillingly, in the dread of
his carrying out his mad threats, or else forcing
me to slay him in self-defense, played with him,
and in the end won the stakes.

" The very next night he broke into my room
and tried to steal the title~deeds, but we had
anticipated some such desperate act, and were
together on our guard.

‘ under any law, we would have been fully
justified in shooting him down as a common
thief, but instead of doing so we leaped upon
him and though there was a desperate struggle,
took him prisoner, turned him over to the

roper authorities, b whom he was accorded a
gull and fair trial, w ich resulted in his con-
viction and condemnation to Stato’s prison."

“ Did he not make solemn oath that his liquor
was furnished him by you three men, that it
was drugged, and that while in this condition
hardly conscious of his being alive, you force
him to lay cards for his claim?”

“ A umsy defense, which availed him noth—
in ,” sneered the risoner. “ It was (prover;
fa so on its face an so the court decide . We
courted the closest investigation and it was
given. with the result of clearing us of every
sus icion.”

‘ Only another instance of money proving
all-powerfull But the prisoner; do you remem-
beii itile oath he swore, before he was dragged to

at

“It was crazy babbling.
second thought.” .

“ Yet there was method in his madness. He
never forgot that oath. He never once lost
sight of his sworn Vengeance, though he served
for years in the prison to which you and your
pards consigned him, and spent many more
years after his release before he could strike the
trail of the Triad.”

“A llel He died in prison—cut his throat
with a bit of rusty tin, which he contrived to
get hold of, no one ever knew how, and bled to

oath before his condition was discovered. You
lie when you say he lived to serve out his son-
tence and leave the prisons. free maul” cried
Adair, harshly.

Elephant Tom laughed shortly. .

“ So the tale got abroad, I admit; but the
ending was exaggerated greatly. He not only
lived, but still lives, the memo of his wrongs
even . iore vived than when t ey first over-
whelmed him-—lives to punish you and the other
members of the Triad, as he so solemnly vowed;
lives to take back the wealth of which he was
so shamefully defrauded in the olden days, with
compound interest. Ayl lives, and has grown
wondrously more cunning and keen-witted
than when you first crossed his trail in life.

“ Shall I prove what I say? Listen:

“You were at Denver, when you received a
dispatch from Durango, iu the secret cipher in-
vented by yourself, and used only by the Triad,
Pm'POrting to come from your partners, bidding
you hasten to them without a moment’s
“BMW” delay, to be] them stave off
certain ru n. You believ the dispatch—as
Why 5‘10"“ you doubt its authenticity l—and set
out at once, without the loss of an hour. But,
instead 0‘ that dlsPatch coming from your

rtuers, they 110“ Only believe you still at

cover, but your: mutualinterests were never
in a more flourishing condition than at this
hour.”

In mute amazement Horatio Adair stared at
the speaker, unable to believe the evidence of
his own senses. '

“ Then who did send it?” he gasped. at length.

“The man whom you and your partners in
crime so basel robbed, years 330- Why? To
lure on into is power, out here where nature
canl the judge, when you are brought to
tria . '

“In only one point was he unable to foresee
precisely what as occurred: the coining of
your daughter. But that, too. is In 11,15 favor.
since what he might possibly fail to wring from

I gave it not a

_ you, he can gain by using her, and playing On

your paternal affections.” _

“ Devil—fiend l” hoarser snarled Adair, stg‘ug-
sling furiously to burst his bonds but in vain.

' “A clear case of the pet’s calling the kettle

black,” they road-a ent laughed, mocking] , as

he coolly watche the vain struggles 0 ms
ed victim. ‘

‘ Who are you?” demanded Adair, worn out
by his furious endeavors at length, lying still
and panting heavily as he glared into the gro-
tesquely masked face of his tormentor.

' t

I tried my evel.

 

 

 seem ‘o’f'rengo.  V

“ Just at present, Elephant Tom of Durango,
road-agent, foot-pad, tax-collector, stage-inspec-
tor—what you will. And if that information is
not quite definite enough, let me add: yourjudge
your executioner, should you prove so obstinate
as toflrcquire the services of the latter function-
ar !

‘A fitting tool for the drunken thief and
would-be assassin whose story you have re-
tended to relatel" sneered the captive, seeming-
ly casting of! the weight of yours with the stiff
artificial demeanor, which of late had served as
an icy barrier between himself and the outer
world.

“Another mistake, Horatio Adair,” was the
cold interpositon. “ I am no man’s tool. Iserve
only myself. In my busy brain was concocted
this plot, and my skill alone has engineered it
thus far on the road to completion."

“But you said—” faltercd Adair. growing be-
wildered for the moment, as he vainly strove to
see through the tangle.

“If 1 did not I do now,” with an impatient
wave of the hand. “ I wrote that dispatch. I
sent it to you. And the moment you ste ped
aboard the train a trusty confederate wire me
the fact, then jumped aboard, and seated di-
rectly behind you, looked over your shoulder as
you took out your pass and showed the con-
ductor. Then, having ascertained beyond all
doubt that you were on your way to urango,
he stepped off at the next station to announce
that important fact. ,

“ He bore you company clear through the
trip, wiring me from each station, so that b .no
possibility could I mistake the train on w ich
you would reach Durango—if permitted.”

Elephant Tom paused, as thou h for the pur-
pose of catching breath, and oratio Adair,
who had stared at the outlaw, intensely in-
terested in his statement, broke out with;

“You tried to wreck the train—to kill me
you were willing to slaughter a hundred other
persons?”

Elephant Tom laughed sneeringly, harshly.

“ Bah! Rumor must have lied most scanda-
lously in giving you the name of a sharp, clear-
witted speculator, keen as a brier, ready to take
immediate advantage of the slightest error or
miscalculation and turn it to your own advan-
tage, with powers of perception such as no adver-
sary could foil ordeceive. All this you have re-
ceived wide credit for, and yet you are still
hoodwinked, still blinking from the dust thrown
into our eyes by that amusing little farce back

on erl
y Horatio Adair stared helplessly into the bid-
eous maskbefore him, striving in vain to clear
his brain, to pierce the mental fog which
seemed growing deeper and deeper, more thick
and tan led with the utterance of each word
spoken liy Ele hant Tom. One moment he
seemed to cute a glimmer of the truth, only
to have it blotted out before he could fairly

rasp the claw, and, with a. low, angry mutter,

e ave over the vain task.

“ on think it was a genuine attempt at
wrecking the train, which was prevented only
by the heroic self-devotion of a Single man, who
most nobly risked his own life to preserve those
of his fellow-creatures? A most glorious deed,
was it not? Well worthy being recorded in let-
ters of gold on tablets of purest marble? Ayl if
it had been reality, I grant you. As it was, a
most adroit piece of acting!” _

“ Whatiyou mean that— Bah l” With an angry
grunt, as he averted his glowing eyes. “ I am
a fool for listening—and you a still more'arrant
one for thinking to deceive me Wlth such a
clumsy lie, as that l”

“ You are wondrously wise and marvelously
acute, my dear sir,” mockingly. f‘ It would .be
rank folly for a poor, sluggish-Witted fool like
me to attempt throwing dust in your eyes, and
for that reason I’ll give the truth to you, straight
as a die, without attempting to whitewash It in
the least.

“ To hark back; have on forgotten the name
of the man you cheat— should say financiered
out of his claim?" .

“George Brent. But it was. an assumed
name, as was proven at the trial,” muttered
Adair, after a brief hesitation. _

“ Precisely; George Bretto was the discovery
made then. As such he was condemned, as
such he served his time, and as such he emerged
from the prison gates, to take up the trail of
vengeance for which alone he lived. But an-
other name was given him, anr‘ by that he is far
better known in these wild .regions. D1d you
ever hear of Rebel George?”

“ He saved the train from being wrecked~he
was with us when you attacked the coach—you
murdered him—” .

The stunipy arm was raised, and Elephant
Tom uttered a. low, taunting laugh that cut the
speaker short. .

_ “ Will you never comprehend the truth, Hora-
tio Adair? Will nothing serve to open Your
eye-‘5, short of ocular demonstration? Then rub
the cobwebs out of your peepers, and—behold i”

As he uttered the last words, Elephant Tom
shook the slouched but from his head, the
stum y arms went up behind his back tMid
fumb 1113 there for a few moments, the in-

 

genious mask was split up the back of the skull,

   

 

    
  
    
  
    
   
   
  
   
 
   
  
 
 
    
  
  
   
  
   
    
   
   
 
   
   
 
    
    
   
   
   
  
  
    
   
     
      
   
     
    

falling forward 11 on the breast of its wearer
revealing the dar ly handsome Counteuance of
Rebel George Brettol

A gasping cry parted the ashen lips of the
captive, but not a word escaped him. His
amazement was too profound for articulate ex-
pression.

One moment thus. then, with a short lau b
that was muffled and rendered hollow byt e
mask, Elephant Tom drew the covering to his '
head once more into plaée, donned his hat,
and again supported his, elbows upon his knees
as he leered into the white, stupeiied face of the
speculator.

“ A more obstinate case of blind stupidity, I
never encountered in the whole course of my
practical experience!" he exclaimed, with a
short, exploswe laugh that betrayed more of
irritation than of merriment. “ Even yet you l'
are doubting—doubting the evidence of your »,
own eyesi litl” '

.“You killed him—I saw you—saw you'drag
his corpse to the edge of the gulch, and tumble
it down!” muttered Horatio Adair, his fishy
eyes starting almost out of their sockets as they
stared increduloust into that ugly mask.

“Look here, my good fellow,” added Elephant
Tom, sharply. “ I thought a. word and a peep
under the curtain would set all your doubts a
rest, so that you and I could talk business, with
a clear and perfect understanding between us;
but it ap are that I overrated your brain'
powers. ll make one more effort to brush the
cobwebs from your brain. If that ends in fail- If-
ure, I’ll go ahead with the game, and let you
play your cards blindfolded.

“I sent that dispatch to you, my main ur- '
pose being to lure you into my power, out are
where I could work my sweet- will without
fear of outside interference. Thanks to my
confederate on the train with you, I knew to a
certainty which one you honored with your
presence, and made my magements accord.

inglv. .

“I took the o rater at Florida Station prir
soner, and cut t e wires. As I was destroyin "
his instruments, he attempted to escape, an
was killed in consequence. I knew that there-
was little likelihood of the train’s stoppin at
the station, for passen ers were rare, emf no
train orders necessary, ut to stave ofl any ao- ,
cidental discovery, I caused the poor devil to .
hbe rigged up behind the counter, as you saw "

im

‘-

“I left a guard in hiding with orders, then
took the rest of my men on to the crossing over -.
the Rio Florida. A lot of giant powder was
placed where it would do the most good, and a‘
short fuse attached, so that the bridge could be
blown up at a moment’s notice. But that would ;
never have been done had I failed to stop the ’
train in time. ‘ , ..
“ That makes you start, but it is nothing eave'v‘
the naked truth. I did ive the alarm notds' ;
Elephant Tom, but as bel George button. :
we] known to the train-men. All that firing
and bloody-thunder business was clear moonv .
shine—” -' . - » ,-'. r‘

f‘ But the dead men?" stammered Adair he- ? 
wflderedly. ' . '
“I forgot them,” laughed Ele hunt Tom, 
carelessly. “They were only unlhcky idiots , ’
who stuck their noses into what did not concern " ’
them and lgot laid out cold. The had been. .
fishing, an , evidently with the ntention db 3
boarding the train at Florida station: ran right v
into us, before either side scented trouble. They
saw too much, and went the way of all flesh, of
course. Since they were on our hands we made
the most of them, and after blacking their faces
assigned them a part in the play, to make it all‘ f
the more real and thrilling, you see.” — .  x

Horatio Adair shuddered, avertin his e es

in his veins as he isten, 'to

  
        
   
      
   
   
    
  

 
 

  

 

  
 

  

   
   
  
  
   
  
    
  

   

  
   
 
  
      
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
   
  
  
   
  
 
    
    
  
  
   
   
 
     
   
  
     
    

his blood curdlin
that devilish ‘can or.
“At the proper moment I made to rush,ubd‘
the boys openedon me with blank, artridgraf
I answered their fire, but took precious ‘
care not to break flesh. I succeeded in chec ‘ t
the train, and seeing this in men touched
the giant powder and sent t 0 bridge to Jimmy, ’9
then placed the cold meat in position an tool:
to cover, leaving the rest to me.
“ How I played my part you are well aware
I knew that on won (1 be eager to st onto
Durango. an as my confederate pointed out
your secretary Idropped the bait in his way,‘
to have it swallowed quite as greedily as I air.
ticipated. '
“You know what followed. As soon as it
was Settled that you were to hear me company
my fellow hastened by a short cut to notify film 2
rest of the gang and assume the guise of e'-’
phant Tom. The man who drove the cone
was not in the secret, and if he had acted with,“
common prudence I would not have harmed a'
hair of the poor devil’s head. But he mod'to
make a break for it "when he thought we were
all busy, and I was playing for too long stak
to heSitate or throw away a single chalice; 3063‘
drop d him with a blue whistler. ' v
“ ou saw Rebel George shoot at Elephan
Tom straight enough, and With lead, too: bit.
you did not know that his bullet was flattened
upon a steel breast-plate. You saw hint turn ‘
though to help your secretary, but in reality, tol

  

my   TIA“, ,.

  
  

give the bold roa dugout ubetter chance to over-

poWer him. You saw him dragged out of the

coach, and believed you saw Ehphunt Tom
shatter his skull with his heavy p s ol; instead
of that, he only pounded the ground, and when

oor Rebel George was dropped into the gulch.
it was to land on his feet and skurry off at full
speed to reach this spot ahead of the ('uvnlcade.
ibis be accomplished, thanks toagood horse
which was awaiting him, and while you were
stopped at the entrance, the two men changed
identity, and Rebel George became Elephant

Tom.”

Breathless from his rapid speaking, the outlaw
paused to catch his breuth, whilo a groan of
conviction broke from the thin lips of the specu-
, lator lying bound and helpless before him. He
’ could no longer doubt. The whole was made
, 'so clear; every misty point was so fully ex-
. plained, all seeming discrepancies were so ad-
‘ mirably reconciled, that he wondered. at his
“ having so long remained in the dark.

Elephant Tom laughed as he heard that lugu-
bri0us sound.
“ You begin to see the bottom at last! Well,

.0 u it is time. I have wasted an hour, where a min-

.“  , um should have sufficed to arrive at a perfect

, understanding.

. ‘, “You knOW who I am now. You remember
the past, when you robbed me of more than
wealth—when you branded me as a felon. and
made me an outcast among my fellows. You

‘ know, too, that you are wholly at my mercy.
That if I choose 1 can kill, torture you, make
you suffer at least a tithe of the ngonies I suf—

‘ferod while mentally rotting in that prison

\
i c

 

   
    
  
 
 
   
   
  
   
   
   
    
   
    
   
   
  
 
   
  
 
    
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
 
   
    
    
    
  
   
    
  
    
    
 
    
   
      
    
    
  

Cell.

“All this I may do if you are obstinate; but
first 1 mean to wri.g your heart in its tenderest
point—to wrest from you a portion of the gold
you so entirely worship. That first; the other

_ can wait another opportunity.”
, Horatio Adair set his teeth together with a.
sharp click. A dogged light came into his eyes,
an ugly look into his face.
Elephant fl‘om laughed bitterly as he noted

his.

“ Bahl old fool. Do you think for a moment
todefy me? [know how you idolize your ill-
' gotten gold, but at the same’time do you forget

‘ that I hold your beautiful dau hter at my sweet
mercy? That I can set her roe or hold her
v captive? If I say the word, her fate will be
worse than death. Or—ayl why not? She is
lovely as a child’s dream of heaven. Already
. i1 can fancy myself deeply in love with the an-

gelic creature!’ -
y Y -“ Devil 1” gasped Adair, the big
 -’ out on his crimsoned temples. ‘
' her. even in thought—”

‘.‘ My dear fellow,” smoothly interrupted the
road agent, “ you do me injustice. Actually, I
mean to make her my wife—”

“She would die first.” .

I “ Take care that a worse fate than marryin
'Ele hunt Tom does not overtake her then.
flgigflcnntl added the outlaw. “ I’m only half
in love wit the dainty hit 0‘ dry goods; yeté if
v a?! pay the ransom I demand, an remove he
. A Inptction from my sight without delay, it
waver grow stronger."

A;th amount do you demand?” hesitated

“I’ll strike you lightly for this time, and make
'itup when we chance to come together ain,”
’laughed Elephant Tom. “ Really I am a most

ashamed to mention the sum, it is such a. small

mica of what is really owing me, and a mere
- bite to a man of your enormous wealth-—
.. 850,000 in hard cash.”

3 ‘“ l’ll die first!” snarled Adair, furiously.

“You certainly will die if you refuse to pay
that trifling sum, and still worse will come to
,, ‘ our daughter. I’m in sober earnest now.

thenconsent to pay me that amount in lawful
coin, or I’ll torture you until you prayl for death
as a welcome release from your agonies.”

' Hot and venomous came the words, and from
'» the de tbs of his mask the dark eyes of Ele-
‘phant om glittered like those of a threatening

ent. ~, '
ht that glare and shud-

\

veins starting
Dare to injure

oratio Adair can

tiered, des ite the ma ra a with whic he was
lmost a coated. It tol him how litt e mercy
‘5 had to ex t at those hands, and he was so

' utterly, hplp esst in his power.

v -- “‘ Give me half an hour to make up my mind,”

*ihevmuttered huskil , great drops of cold sweat

_.‘atarting out on his row.

. “Good enoughi In’ half an hour I’ll call for
.an answer,” and rising to his feet, Elephant

g’Tom waddled away.

CHAPTER XI.

A HOLY PICNIC FOR ronromon.
WITH lightning rapidity, Dirigo' Branscombe
g up his revolver and fired one shot at the

who had so mercilessly exposed his bru-
tality of that day, and Without cry or _moan,
Tompoleon Tarbox fell to the ground With the
limp, lifeless appearance of one shot through
brain or heart. _ _ ‘ .
One breath of startled indeciswn‘. than, as
muglif’fgaring further firing, Wes. Hardcastle
a, _ “t . whohad professed themselves against
‘ lynch-law, separated and fell back, making no

 

  

 
 

  

  

    

 
 

  ' * Eye'p

 

.r’y",t.«,,_ ~

hunt Tom, ofDurang‘o: ‘ . "I i ’

r

 

effort to avsnge the fall of the man whom but n l from his hands in the sharp and complete sur~
few seconds before they had sworn to defend 1 prise. ‘

with their own lives.

So, too, with the division which had sup-
ported the speculator; :it the crack of his pistol,
they scattered,
more of preserving their own skins intact than
of perforating others’, even Elias Aiken ab-
ruptly rctrcuting and leaving his infuriated
partner alone.

Little Dirigo Brnnscombc cared for that, just
then. Ho saw his envniy full to the ground at
his shot, and believed that he had forever stillml
a most dungorous tongue. As for any punish-
ment to follow his treacherous deed, that gave
him little trouble. If not chief of Durzingo, his
wealth and responsible position there raised
him far above all such peril.

“Slow and easy, gentlmnenl” rung out his
voice, clear and wurningly, as ho glanced
swiftly around over the shrinking, crouching
forms, a revolver butt clasped in each hand.
“I don’t want to hurt any one of you, but if
you crowd mo too close, you’ll be mighty apt to
hear something drop, for keeps! This quarrel
 between that long-legged liar and my—
sc . ’

A brief silence, then the stern voice of Hard-
castle said:

“It was a cowardly trick you played, an’ I
don‘t keer a cuss who he.an me say so! To
shoot a pore devil down who wasn’t lookin’ or
thinkin’ o’ nothin’ o’ the sort—”

“VVbo set you up as my 1g‘udgo, Wes. Hard-
castle?” sharply interrupted ranscombe.

“Rim 3. white man 'gives me some right to
use my tongue.” ~

“But not to abuse it,” was the swift retort.
“ I don’t care about being drawn into any row
with you. You‘re an honest, wellmeaning fel-
low, though you did sufl'er that rufflan to bam-
boozle you with his nimble ton ue and auda-
cious lies—for lies they were, as will prove to
you one and all.

"I never lay eyes on the rascal before this
evening, and so far from plotting his death. 1
never knew that the world contained a being of
his description. While. as far as his utterly
ridiculous tale of my insulting Miss Bretto is
concarne d, one word will prove to you the rank
falsity of such a monstrous charge.

“Miss Bretto is my betrothed, and will be-
come my wife inside of the month. Now, I
ask you. as non of common-sense, is it at all
likely that I would abuse her, as he declared?”

Dirigo Branscombe paused in his hasty speech
for an answer, and it came right speedily,
thou b not exactly in the shape be anticipated.

" iarl” cried a clear, distinct voice, coming
from some point above the startled crowd.
“ Cowardly villain and traducerl Rather than
mate with on, Naomi Bretto would espouse the
arch fiend imselfl”

A grating curse from the lips of Dlrigo
Branscombe; a. wondering murmur from the
startled crowd, as all eyes were raised toward
the s 0!; from whence floated these sharp,
scorn ul words, to behold—

A trim, graceful form drawn erect upon the
point of a rock which projected out beyond the
lac of the mesa face and figure clearly re-
vealed by the bright moonlight, one hand raised
as thong callin Heaven to testify to the truth
of her words, 1; 6 other pointin down at the
shrinking, cowering shape of irigo Bruns—
combo.

One and all of those present recognized the
speaker, for Naomi Bretto was well nigh idol-
ized by the rough inhabitants of Durango, and
not one of them all doubted the truth of her
words when she so positively accused Foxy
Branscombe.

“ Gentlemen,” continued the maiden, her
voice rin ing with the accents of truth, pure
and simp e. “What that audacious scoundrel
so impudently denied, is all true. He did insult
me, when he found me alone and unprotected.
God alone knows what would have been my
fate had not an honest man come to my assis-
tance and punished that dirt cur as he so
richly deserved, by slapping his face, making
him beg my pardon on his knees, and then kick-
ing him out of the house.

“ His punishment would have been even more
severe had I not interfered to save his worthless
life. Not through any regard for the craven
brute, but that he might be called to account
by a. man whom you all know—whom he base-
ly slandered before my face—my father, George
Bretto. '

“Now. there is still another black account
against him. I saw how craveuly he shot down
that poor fellow—the honest man ‘who rescued
a poor girl from those degrading clutches—and
I swear that George Bretto shall call him to a
bitter account for that in addition—"

While Naomi was s eaking, a slight cloud
sailedacross the face 0 the moon, vailing her
1i ht and casting the level below into gloom.
'I‘ on the li ht returned, and a sharp cry of
wonder cut er speech short.

An agile form leaped upon Dirigo Bruns-
combe, rom behind, a. stron hand closing upon,
his throat, a nimble foot kic ing both feet from

under him, when a sudden wrench and twist

laid him flat upou hisback, both pistols flying

dodging, dunking, thinking‘

 

“Heap 0’ thanks to ye, honey-love, fer yer
kind ’tcntions, but all the same, I sorter reckon
ole Tompoleon kin squar’ all sech debts as these,
without callin’ in his neighbors to lend a linn'. ‘
Lay still, ye squarmin’ hop—toad, ’less ye want ‘
me fer todrive yo clean through the airth to
China-landl” and the horsehido hoot pressed
still more heavily upon the chest of the fallen
man.

“ Now you, pritty-by—night, take a ole mnn‘s
’vice, un’ go buck home as quick us you kin, nu’
stay thnr mltt‘l your pap comes home. Tell him
what ole Tompolcon said. an’ you won’t be run-
nin’ no rwsk 0’ tellin’ a lie, of you’ll jest su‘ar
that it‘s the solid truth from a to ainpcrsund!"

“ Don’t kill the cur—though he richly de-
SPI‘Vl‘S the worst punishment that mortal in-
genuity can invent~ spare him for my father!”
cariwstly cried Naomi.

“ Your word is law an’ gospnl to the ole man,
sugar-lump. Now won‘t so go? Ef you should
kv tch cold ’long 0’ my ’count. hope to die of I
don’t kick my brains out with the fast mule I
kin steal or borry—l just will, honey-bird l”

With a parting wave of her hand, Naomi
Bretto stopped backward from the point of
rock, and vanished from view.

Snarling, foaming at the mouth, Dirigo
Branscombe struggled furiously to free himself,
and Tompoleon abruptly removed his foot, I
Stooping and grasping the speculutor by the ‘
throat before he could arise, lifting him from
the ground and holding him at arm‘s length
despite his writhing and twisting.

“ Kick nn’ squai'm all ye like, ole p’izenl” he
laughed, emphasizing each word with a shake.
“ It’s a man that’s got hold 0’ ye now. an’ not a 5
ghost: though that ain’t your fault, fer ef I hed .
bin jest the shudder of a. secont slower in takin’
a tumble. you’d ’a’ drilled my cabeza, sure,
’stead 0’ jest rakin’ up a little bark onto the top
0’ my knowledge-box. Kick an’ squamble—
look out you I”

From jeering to menace his voice swiftly
passed, and Tompoleon clapped the muzzle of a
revolver to the head of the helpless speculum,
as he glared savagely upon Elias Aiken.

“Jest try it on, of you want a vacancy in the
firm, ole stick-in-the-mudl I've tuck one shot
without answerin’ it, but of another comes, it’ll
find me a-spittin’ back lead for all that’s out—-
an’ the fast pill will physio this sweet scented
speciment o’ humanity so pawerful bad that he
won’t sarve fer a parlor ornament never no
more ag’in—mind that I”

Elias Aiken had drawn and half-leveled a re-»
volver, with the intention of freeing his partner
bya sna shot, but now he shrunk back the
weapon ailing to his side, his face pale and his
voice shaky as he uttered: .

“Let him go, then. You have no right to
treat him so.’

“ Waal, darned of you hain’t got the cheek of
a Gover’ment mulel Talk ’bout surance agents
an‘ book pirates! Go ’way, crittersl you ain’t
got no aige onto him—not much!

“ I hain’t got no right— on hearn him, gents?”
appealing to the amuse crowdyall of whom
had scattered so that they were out of the di-
rect line of fire, should the band begin to pig,
as they momentarily expected would be 0
case. “I hain’t got no right—when you all
beam what that precious little drop 0’ honey-
dew from heaven up thar said a hit back!

“ Waal, mebbe I hain’t. But all the same.
I’m goin’ totake a right jest this fur—I goin’
to give the toes o’ my boots 3 lightnin’ polish,
usin' the seat 0’ Foxy Branscombe’s broadcloth
britcbes as brush au’ blackin’. Or, of that lan-
gliliidge is too hefty for your undercomstandin’,

e ole man is gwine tokick this b’iled-down
essence o’ nat’ral cussedness, clean through the
town—so help me John Hennery 1”

Beyond the shadow of a doubt Tompoleon
Tarbox meant every word that he uttered, and
was deliberately preparing to put his threat
into execution when there arose an ominous
mutter from that portion of the crowd which
had supported the speculator from the first.

“ Give the man a show l” cried one loud voice.
“ That’s no way to treat a dog, let alone a gen-
tleman.” -

“No kicking. ,If you want’satisfactiM fight
him fair.” ‘ . »

“ Turn him loose, or we willl” added still an— » r 
other voice, even more threateningly than the ‘ "
others. .

Tompoleon Tarbcx glared savagely around at
the speakers, exceedingly 10th to give over his,
intention, but he was no fool, and saw that the
tide which had so suddenly turned in his favor
was veering around again quite as rapidly, and
with a short, hard laugh, he gave Foxy Bruns-
combe a parting shake, then flung him .away so
forcibly that the speculator reeled and fell in a
heap at the feet of his partner in business.

“ Hev it your own way, gents, ,ef you think
ye kin git any more sugar out o’ the cornstnlk
thusly.. The ole man’s the most ’commodotin’ ‘
cuss you ever stumbled over on a dark night,
an’ long’s be kin make fun for the famblg, he
don’t keer a continental orgiper whether .i s in
Dutch. heathen Chinee or hoctaw. But_at the
same time you don’twant to make no mistake. ,

\

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

i.‘ _ I . o .7 '

If "«  3  M \p

I , ,.. 7

IM‘

 

Ef you inks down your little spoilin’book you’ll
see that fun is the fust three ’nitials o’ 'll’nP'I'tll.
You can’t hev a. gonooiiie funeral thout u
f‘ corpus, no more’n you kin spell the same with-
out flint flittin’fml. l’m jr-sln ruiinin' over With
. fun, but I’ve 0t too many ’portzint‘ ’gngemenrs
‘ on hand to p uy the stiff. In the everlastin’
words 0’ the ’inortul pnic:
w " ‘ Dill you ever see the devil.
With his wooden leg an’ shovel,
Diggin‘ up his ’iuters
With his taiil curled up?‘

“ Ef you ever did, then you set zi instance 0’
pure bushing; from the word git-up, but which
ain't a pinelio‘powder in a bushel bum—shell
’errxideu’me when I've got business waitin’

.5 fllll‘llll, un’ a snag or suwyer gits in my way.
l Sornuthin’ hes got to split wide open. an’ l‘m
bettin’ my last Shekel it won’t: be your Uncle
Fuller, either, nn’ thur ye got it!”

“ Lend me a barker, some 0’ you!" snarled
Branscombe, staggering to his feet and eagerly
stretching out one hand toward his partner,
~j While his bloodshot eyes glured venomously at
the athlete who had handled him so uncere-
moniously. “ I’ll kill the bragging devil, though
he, comes straight from Tophetl"

“ Don’t be hard—hearted, gents, an’ deny a
ore critter his last dyin’ ux-yefer-somethin,”
aughed Tompoleon. “ Some 0’ you tellers that

, was slingin’ your clappers ’round so mighty
3 ~ loose jest now, chuck a battery or two in his
3 book, an’ then prop him up ahind, so he don’t
! run away afore ho smells the powder burnin’.
Thor's heap-i 0‘ fun layin’ ’i'ound loose, an’ you
mought as well hev a chunk as not.”

“I protest, gentlemen l” cried Elias Aiken,
1 teaching the side of his partner and placing a
' pistol in his hand, but at the same time restrain—
l mg him from firing or rushing upon his cool ad-
versary. “ That bully has shaken and flung my
mate around so that he is really in no fit con-
dition, to fight a duel, much less in the night, oh
how.

“Then what on airth is the crazy critter
howlin’ after be-luddy ge-ore fer?” demanded
Tonipoleon, indignantly.

“I’ll have it, too, curse you l” snarled Brons—
combe, making a sudden effort to free himself
from the firm grasp of his partner. “Let u ,
Aiken—curse it,_man, let up! I tell you I’ll kHl
hllIlt,l”0r he’ll kill me, before we leave this
390

_“ Rub him down with a icicle, somebody, to
cool ofl.’ his legs so they won’t melt from ondor
him when ye set him up afore a man. Run a

ramrod down his back an' stick it in theground,
hitch him fast, chuck a Gatlin or two in his
mud hooks, an’ see how p’izen sick he kin shoot
a hole clean throu h the atmospheric all ’round
the ole man. Do] arc to cents he cain’t draw
the ruby, an’ double the odds that I make him
howl wuss then a bullfoundland pup with a.
elerphunt stompin' onto his taill”

“Gentlemen, once more I appeal to you, as
white citizens who have, or should have, some
respect fer thar town, even ef they hain’t got
none for themselves,” cried Hardcastle, ate ping
between the enemies. “ If Mr. Branscom a in-
sists on fighting. after the very just an’ wise re-
mark 0’ his pardner, wh , as the least disgrace
to our town, le’s hev it one up ‘cordin’ to rule,
not slap-dash an’ lnjun fashion, whlr' them as
ain’t got a durned mite o’ intrust into the muss
is the very ones most apt to git physicked.”

“ Listen to reason, Branscombe—”

“ When I’ve got even with that devil—not
before!" the infuriated speculator snarled foam
‘ ‘ dropping from his yellow teeth, his wolflsb eyes

alarm
growled Aiken, in utter dis st.

 

g redly.

“ Al right!"
“ If you will be an infernal fool, I can’t be p it.
It would servoyou no more’n right, if I were to
let you go blindfold; but for old times’ sake,
I’ll see that you have all the show possible.”

“ All right here too, gents,” cried Tompoleon,
all traces of moc ery vanishing as though by
magic. “1 place myself in your han’s, pard
Hardcastle. All I ax ‘5. 1“” Play. Give the

acts the chemo 0’ wee Imiy the distance they
'ke best, the word {111' a 1 Other points they kin
ax. Ef you’re satisfied, “3° 919 man ain’t a-
i i, goin’ to kick.” '

Now that he saw a chance 0f gating even,
Foxy Branscombe calmed down, and while
Elias Aiken and Wesle Hardcastlc consulted
to ether, he stood alone in sullen QUletude-

hough so cool and indifferent to all outward

ready to foil

upon his treacherous adversary, _ _
upon his life;

and punish any further attempt
but t is precaution proved unnecessary- Tans-
combe had time to cool down a little, andlhe
was smart enou h to realize that another action
like that which ad so nearly ended in murder,
would turn the tide of popular opinion .wholly
against him, just when he mest reqmred “3
support. _

But few words were wasted between Aiken
I , and Hardcastle, and the last named returned to
f . . the side of his rincipal.

w “The? WW1 n’t listen to no puttin’ it off fel‘
daylight, an’ so you’re to meet him to what,”
he hurriedly explained. ,

, The old, reckless tone and air came back to

-‘

 

 

          

, ‘- ‘  ‘ “Elephant: lura/hgo" 

     

 

 

 

 

seeming, Tonipoleon Tarbox kept a Close watch '

 

Tompoleon, and with a careless laugh, he re-
sponded:

“Don’t make adifl? cl bittemnca to this ole
com. Bless ye, honey, I was born in the dark,
nn‘ tuck lessons 0’ shootin’ from an owl. I kin
thread :i net-tile at sixty rod, every time, an’ the
darker the dark, so much the better."

“Iliad to hear ye say so,” dryly, “ for he ain't ‘
no slouch when it comes to ’iniiiisterin’ blue 1
pills through a steel tube like these. You don’t l
wont to throw away no (-lminces, [tell ya, ’less l
ye got mighty pressin’ business OVer the range.” '

" J‘It' ho gits n vhniiicc to break my hide, l’ll 
quit shooiiii‘ aii’ go to poundin’ texts for a livin'.
l’iu open to take evens that l wing him the fust
shot, xiii” of that don’t sit'ken him fer this once, l
at the next I’ll chip my soul onto him So he’ll l
never run the rcsk o’ bein’ tooken up as o. Mav- l
erirsk.” ‘

"Ef you kin sling lead onehafc as pet-rt as l
you sling wind, I wouldn’t give much for his
show," laughed Hardcasilc, butwith plainly in«
creasing doubts. “ You don’t look like u critter
to show the white feather when it comes to a
pinch; but talkin’ ain‘t doin’, by a heap plenty,
an’ of you should feel like tnkin’ a scramble to
git out, jest stiffen your backbone by ’nieniberin‘
that you‘ve got me mixed up in the job, uu’ I
ain’t agoin’to hev dirt throwed onto me by
thither side, of I hev to plug you my own
self!”

“ Jest slnm ’cr clean through the ole man when
you see him turn tail, pai‘d,” chuckled Tompo—
leon. “I’d like fer ya to hev your fun mighty
well, but I reckon you’ll hev to wait for the
second table afore you gits it. I don’t advertise
to bea’tarnal hog, but when I gits hold ofa
holy picnic like this, I hangs onto it like a tap»
pin‘ snorkle to a. nigger’s toe, an’ never lets loose
until it thundersl"

“Dumed of I know howto take yel"mut-
tered the other. “ Never mind. Le’s it down
to business, or t’other side’ll think I’m evin’ to
stiffen your backbone afore gittin’youtotoe
the scratch.”

Briefly Hardcastle made known the conditions
as arranged between him and Elias Aiken. The
weapons used were to be revolvers, a brace to
each man. The duelists were to be stationed
flfty yards apart, with their backs turned to.
ward each other until the signal was given,
when they ,were to wheel and fire atwill, ad-
vancing or retreating, using any tactics they
thought proper, or most likely to advantage
their cause.

“ It’s a p’izeu blood way 0’ flghtin’,” mut-
tered Hardcastle, as he lied the revolvsrs which
he had taken from his principal with fresh car-

ridges; “ but Foxy Branscombe wouldn’t hear

I) nothin’ quieter. He says that one or the
other 0’ you two won’t leave the ground alive
an’ kickin’.”

“ It’ll be the other, then ” laughed Tompoleon.
“ I’m too ram-jammed tn 1 0’ business for to go
at the hooks yit awhile, at his say-sol”

“ Come!" impatiently cried Aiken. “ Are
you going to eeE us here until midnight? If
your man is en suing say so. and we‘ll see if
we can’t bring him to he sticking place with a
liberal dose of boot-leather.”

“All-sot, whenever you be, pussy i” cried
Tompoleon. “Cooked an’ primed an’ triggers
sprung. Stick up your target, an’ of I don’t
5 ow ye some fun, I ll eat my ole hat!"

There was no further delay. The flfty paces
were measured 01!, and the two men took their
positions. The spectators divided into two
parties, separating so as to give the duelists
ample room for Wild shootin ; and then came a
breathless silence as all we ted for the word
which was to turn loose the dogs of war.

It came promptly, and at the word, both men
wheeled and confronted each other; but there
all similitude ceased.

Tompoleon stood like a rock, with revolver
cocked and levaled in his right hand, the left
hanging by his side. while Foxy Branscombe
darted forward at full speed, leaping swiftly
from side to side, evidently bent on coming to
close quarters before wasting lead.

Half the distance was cowredl, when he sud-
denly paused, throwing out his right arm;
but before he could pull trigger, much less seems
an aim, Tarbox fired, and with a snarling cry,
Branscombe dropped his weapon, his arm hang-
ing useless.

“Look out, clumsy!” cried Tompoleon, with
a mocking laugh.‘ “ You dropped your six.
Pick it up-an’ try again, won’t’yel” \

Stung with pain, wild with fury, Brhnscombe
appeared to forget that he had another weapon,
and stooped to pick up the pistol, as he did so
eXDosing his profile in the moonlight. 3

Swift as thought came a second re rt, and
as the form of the speculator sprung ck and
“a”. Tanbox yelled: _

0k out for your nozzle, ole boss! Didn’t I
tell 3’03 Burn sech fool’ keerlessness, anyhow,
1§ayl Somebody len’ him the loan of a. nose-
W'DG. (er he needs it, bad I”

one l“Stunt Dirigo Branscombe stood erect in
the moonlight, and all could see the blood
Streaming from his face.

_The marvelously-aimed bullet had fairly car-
ried away the point of his nose, horribly muti-
latmg him and marking him for life!

 

, possibility for the road-agent to miss his mark;

‘ dered driver and the two slain outlaws. A faint

ecu: short by a far different motive,

    
  
   
   
     
  
 
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
 
    
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
  
   
     
  
   
   
   
  
     
           
         

CHAPTER XII.

A LOVER. ON THE TRAIL.

11' will be remembered that while playing a r ' '
manly part in defending the coach against the
road-agents and depending on Rebel George to
keep the other side of the vehicle clear. Albert
Matiiey, the confidential secretory of Horatio
Aduir, was hurled through the yielding door by
the inipeluuus attack of Elephant Tom, whose
heavy revolver-butt descended upon his hand

with (lemin force. ‘
Stunned by the blow and full combined, the
lll('l{l(“S secretory was not conscious of the fact
that Elephant 'l'om, enraged by the unexpected
resistance and the fall of two of his men, serum-
blrd to his feet mid discharged one shot, poiut~
blank, at the figure lying only a few feet u way.
At such Close quarters it seemed a literal im-

yet such actually happened; so narrowly, how-
ever, flint Elephant Tom could have sworn
stoutly that his lead had bored the skull of the
secretary, as contemplated.

Instead, the bullet barely grazed Matney‘a
temple, striking in a little hollow of the rock
upon which he lay with force enough to batter
the lead to bits and splinter the stone, casting
the minute particles with such severity into the
cheek mid side of Matney’s head that the latter
was lifted a foot or more from the ground,
partly by the force of the novel blast, but more
through the mechanical shrinking of his bod
from pain, even though that pain was not ieu ~
ized by his benunibed brain. ,

In the moonlight Elephant Tom could see the
blood covering the cor devil’s face, and natur- ’ "
nlly enough gave iim not a second thought, ,
little thinking that lie was doomed to be given . s
serious trouble by that same “corpse” before , ‘
the endin of that eventful night.

Albert atney was tum bled into the shallow
gulch together with the carcasses of the mur-

_ 

groan of pain escaped his lips as he fell heavily,
but most fortunately this feeble ti ken of return:
ing consciousness was not noticed by the road- l
agents, who were nimbly carrying out the in- I
structi’ons of their chief, and hence it was that ‘
Albert Matney dizzy-headed, faint, covered ‘
with mingled load and dirt, staggered to his ;
feet in time to overhear the words which Elo-
phant Toni addressed to his captives hetero ~
se‘t‘ting out with them on that swift night-
ri e. _
No more powerful restorative could have been
a plied. All traces of bodily weakness van-
is ed like magic as the young man listened. Ell
strong teeth fluted together, and his eyes, no ., ,
longer concea d by the smoked glasses, glowed
wit a dangerous fire. M

Theawift lance which he cast around him.
showed to they the three corpses, and with
that burning lns for revenge upon the roman
whose cold, mocking tones even then rung-h
his ears, be hastily searched the. bodiu for
weapons, only to be disc pointed. The road»
agents had most thoroug performed that:
work, even takin awafy wit them the mash
and cowls which Ibeir ellowa had worn.

A breath of baflled fury; then Kinney pick-
ed 11 ucouple of stones on a forlorn hope of ,
obta in more efl'ective arms, and glanced
around h m for some method of leaving. the
gulch without being prematurely discovered by '

he enemy. . '

Luckily for him at that moment Elephant
Tom. gave the word for traveling, and the Sm
ringing of iron-shod hoofa on the flinty
gave Albert Matney warning that he had no

me to lose if he hoped toaid the maiden when"
he so passionately loved, and droppingtho now ‘ ‘
useless stones, he reaped the nearest point: of,
rock and dragged imself up to the road, liotem
ing for a moment with bended ear, then strib
iniz boldly along the trail of the outlaws. r

For a more complete understanding of what
follows, a. few remarks by way of explanation ‘
will not come amiss. ‘ 
Though at present acting as confidential cec-
retary to Horatio Adair, Albert Matney—w blob
name will serve as well as another for 'tho‘
present—had filled that position for barely one
year. -
A graduate of a prominent Eastern colle
he had drifted West, and having some capi
to start in life with, finally inVestcd it in a cattle
ranch. His business pros red, and he was in- ‘
fair way of growing to ecome a cattle-king,
but he could not lon confine himself to routine ~-
work, and turning a1 over to a superintendent,»
he made Denver his head quarters, plungin
over head and cars into dissipation. casting'
gold to the Winds, gaining a reputation for

cm]; the Wildest of all wild sports: drinking
gaming, fighting, without pause or cessation,
until a warning message from his man of bunk-
ness told him that supplies were runnin lM-t x 7

As suddenly as he had flashed upon 0 fast (if:
world of the Queen of the Prairies, just so ab- g
ruptly did the dashing sport vanish. to be heard ,
of no more until nearly two years had elapsed
when he returned and took up the the ‘-
thread of dissipation as though only a night '
intervened. " I‘

This time his career was very brief, though. .

Ho 

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  U18

Maura Adair, and fell ovor head and ears in
love with her at first sight. Handsome, grace-
ful, polite, a gentleman despite his wildness,
little wonder that Maura began to look upon
him with some interest, when the alarm was
taken by Horatio Adair, who loved his gold too
well to run even a chance of having it dissi-
: ted by this reformed rake, in the character of
E " , is daughter’s husband.
'” His suspicions were awakened by his secre-
_ tary, who had covert hopes of one day succeed-
)' ing to his master’s business by winning the hand
-, 2 of his heiress, and after some painful scenes be-
}. v , tween the parties most intimately concerned,
t the dangerous acquaintance was broken off, as
, ' . Adair fondly ima ined, forever.
é _. i A night or two ater the secretary wuscarried
'~ A home from a gambling-hall, covered with Weals
\ from top to too, the result of a merciless cow-
. , hiding at the hands of the dashing sport.
 Warned that an unnecessary delay in resignin
his position and levanting to more congenia
l climes would result in another dose of the same
medicine, Horatio Adair was suddenly left
without a secretary.

An old and trusted business friend heard of
his loss, and highly recommended one Albert
Matnay, the son of a ver dear friend back

’ East, who was fully quali ed for the position,
, besides coming from rich and high stock.
5 v His lon locks shorn close, his forked beard
' and drooping mustaches sacrificod by the bar-
’ her, a pair of smoked-glass spectacles hiding his

 

“ ' lustrous eyes, the candidate met Adair without

"’ ‘ awaiting the ghost of a suspicion, and after a
close and searching examination was given the
situation. '

Very circumspectly did the ~young man play
~ his part, maintaining his disguise even while

5, alone in company with Maura, until he felt sure

‘ that she would not betray him or be very griev-
ously shocked by his deception. -Nor was he in
“, error. The maiden hadlearncd to love him for
v 1 himself, ‘or rather for the poor secretary he
i ‘ seemed, and when the trio took the train for
x ‘ , Durango, called there by the forged telegram,
I - the young people were pledged to each other,
‘ though as yet Horatio Adair was ignorant of

i the fact.
, Guided by the clattering of hoofs, Albert
7 _ ‘ .Matney quickly found the trail, and dogged the
_ outlawsas closely as the nature of the ground
a they travemed would permit. His wounds
were forgotten. His trained muscles enabled
him to keep within earshot of the riders

w throughout all that night-ride, and when Ele-
' phant Tom called a halt at the mouth of the

. ' secret tunnel, Matney was only a few rods be-
hind them, closely watching their every move-
- ment.
' \ From their leaving their horses, he felt con-
‘ V vinced that the outlaws had reached their pre-
sent stopping-place, and as he lay in ambush a
little longer, this belief became a certainty.
. , \ The horses were led away and lariated where
fl!“ they could graze or crop the bush-tops, a couple
' of menacting as guard over them, while a
third took up his station close to the mass of
foliage into which the spy had seen Elephant
Tom with the captives, vanish on] a few min-
utes earlier. The remainder of t e force also
passed into the bushes, and Were seen no more.

5' . “It’s the entrance to a cave, no doubt,” mut-

tered Matney below his breath, as he clasely
scanned the rocks which rose abruptly behind
the leafy screen. _“No matter: were it the
. vary portals to Hades, I'm going in there, unless
Elo bent Tom brings out his prisoners within

; " an Our—that’s sworn to l”

‘« Cautiously, taking advantage of every bit of
available cover, like one who fully realizes the
~~ penalty of a false step, Matney stole around to
"’ ,_ , I where he could overlook the two horse guards,

‘5' , , finally espying them lying lazily upon the
 'ground, smoking their pipes, drOWsily talkin
together. And even as he watched, he hear
' one, With a yawning oath, mutter:
n ' ,I “ It’s alldeuced nonsense, keeping us on guard
here! You can do as you please, 0 d coon, but
I’m going to have a. snooze, if it breaks the

. , bank—you hear me ?>outl” /

v "_Bet ye a dollar_ gits thar fustl” grunted

:- his comrade, his vmce sounding even more som-
‘,, ' nolent, and being each of the some mind, the

» horse-guards emptied their pipes and lay d’own

, “ n~fashion, little recking of danger.
,, _ tney watched them closely for a few min-
“ utes, until he could plainly distinguish their
camminglmg shores, giving ample evidence of
'obesouudness of their slumbers. Wistfully be
9 ed the'Woapons they bore, for full possession
which he would freely have bartered all his
. nattle, but, though the temptation was strong

, indeed, be restrained himself.
. , “ ' “ I couldn’t steal them away without wakin

“ them. It would be impossible to stun or kil

one without arousing the other, and though I
think I could et away with the twain, easy
,hnough, they might make enough noise to alarm
the other guard— Ha .' I'll take him I”

‘With renewed hope burning in his breast,
Matnoy turned and stole‘ away from the spot,
eager, yet not neglecting a single precaution.
I It wasobold and desperate scheme which he
' had so suddenly formed, but one which he felt
‘ could be carried out with at least a possibility

 

 

 

 

of success crowning his efforts; and this hope '

grew into‘conviction as he regained a position
rom whence he could peer out upon the sen-
tinel stationed before what the young man be-
lieved was the underground retreat of Ele-
phant Tom and his marauding gang.

The outlaw had altered his position a little
while Matney was spying on the horse-guards,
and now stood out in the level to the left of the
leafy screen, where a scrubby tree, which
started from a ledge of rock several yards
higher than his head, cast its shadow down
upon him. He was leuning his shoulders
against the face of the rock, smoking a pipe as
he stood thus, apparently 0n the keen lookout.

Before him and to either side, stretched a
moonlighted space, across which not even a rat
could have passed without being discovered,
unless the sentinel was sleeping on his post.
That this was not the case, Matney knew too
well, as he could distinguish the regular, faint
glow of the fire in the pipe-bowl as the outlaw
inhaled the grateful vapor. Yet a stern smile
curled his 1i and the dangerous fire deepened
in his dar , unmasked eyes as he slowly
stealthin withdrew from the position he had
occupied while making his observations.

Crawling backward until beyond all danger
of his motions attracting the attention of the
sentinel, Matnoy closely scanned the face of the
rock wall for a few moments, then began
climbin up to where a narrow ledge wound
round t e ragged cliff.

Gaining this, Matney lay flat on his stomach,
and drew himself alongofoot by foot, cresting
his head occasionally take a peep at the
sentinel whose position he could distinguish,
though his form itself was now invisible.

Slowly, choking down his impatience when-
ever it urged him to proceed more swiftly at
the expense of prudence, the young man crawled
on and on, until at length he secured a position
almost immediately above where the sentry
stood smoking, leaning back against the rock,
never suspecting how ow the sands of his life
were runniu . -

For a brie space, Albert Matney lay motion-
less on his stomach, stilling his breath to listen;
then, as not a sound came to his ears from be-
low, he slowly raised to his knees, andfitealthil y
moving his head forward, stole a sw1ft glance
at his enemy below.

That one glimpse was sumcient. He saw that
the road-agent was totally unsuspicious of dan-
ger, and that he had not materially altered his
position since being marked by means of the
tree which overhung him.

From among the fragments of rock with
which the ledge was leutifully strewn Matney
selected one of proba ly half a hundred weight,
and with this poised above his head, he arose
and bent over the escarpment.

Only one instant to steady his aim_—then the
heavy mass was hurled downward w1th deadly
force.

Matney saw it strike true to his aim—saw the
outlaw fall in a heap before the terrible shock;
and then he leaped from the ledge and fastened
his sinewy fingers around the throat of the
luckiess wretch. ,

This precaution proved needless, however. The
rock had faithfully performed the work intend-
ed, and the s ntinel, with crushed and shattered
skull, was 0 duty forever. .

“It looks hard,” muttered the scout, as his
nimble fingers secured the pistol-belt and its
weapons, “but it only saves the wretch from
the hangman’s noose, to which end he must
surely haVe come—so what’s the odds?”

Buckling the belt around his waist, Matuey
next removed the black hood and mask from

the head of the outlaw, wringing out the warm ‘

blood which was rapid] ’ saturating them, as
well as he could, then onning them himself.
To still further complete his dis uise, he took
of! his coat and replaced it wit the coarsa
hunting-shirt worn by the dead man, buttoning
this high to the neck to hide his linen.

Assuring himself that his bloodpurchased
pistbls were in serviceable condition, and fully
supplied with cartridges, Matney glided for-
ward, nnd, parting the bushes at the point
where he had watched Elephant Tom disappear
with his captives, followed that example with-
out a moment’s hesitation.

A short breath of amazement escaped his lips
as he saw that, instead of the cavern which he
looked for, a lovely miniature valley was
open before him, dimly lighted up by the red
glow of fires, as well as, the mellow light of the
moon. .

Though his disguise was so complete, he did
not feel like courting observation, and Without
actually skulking, kept well among the shadows
as he slowly advanced, using his ears as well as
his eyesight.

It was the former that soon led to the discov-
ery he so ardently longed to make, for he caught

,the sonnds of human voices talking not man

rods distant from the position he then occupie
and moving forward, soon came to a clump of
dense undergrowth, through which he peered,
to behold the bowed form of his loved one seat-
ed upon the grass not far from a little fire, with
a. short, broad figure standing before her.

The white teeth of the scout came together

 

/ I, 

\

with an ominous click as he recognimi the form
of Elephant Tom, and instinctwely his right
hand sought the butt of a revolver.

But almost as quickly his commonsense re-
turned to him, and the weapon remained in its
scabbard. To burn powder then and there
would rove fatal to his hppes of rescuing Maura
Adair rom that merciless grip. It would bring
all the gang upon his shoulders, and though the
victory might cost them dearly, force of num-
bers would surely prevail in the end.

So, though his hands clinched until the nails
ate ini’o'the flesh, and his muscles quivered with
an intense longing to grapple with and crush
the dastard w 0 spoke so coolly, so insultingly,
Matney held his passions in check for the
time.

It was shortly after Ele hant Tom, in accord-
ance with the request of I oratio Adair that he
be given half an hour for deliberation before
giving his ultimatum, had parted from the spec-
ulator and paid Maura a Visit. "1

“in one word, my beauty,” the road-agent
was saying, “I have taken too much trouble
not to get rmple reward. I have racked my
brain until it fairly aches, shaping this plan and
carrying out its complicated details. Not a.
cent less than fifty thousand will repay me—
nor would that sum, if I hadn’t other strings in

my bow.

‘ If the old man sells out, like a sensible ens
we’ll shake hands and call it even—until l ge
another chance to take a whack at his mone -
bags. If not—if he still clings to his dust—we ,
I’ll be candid with you little one.

“Since I first beheld you, and noted your
beauty, I’ve been resisting a powerful tempta-
tion to claim more than dust. It would not be
hard for me to fall over head and ears in love
with you—not nearly so hard as to refrain from
so (icing—and in the end I would be the winner
by yiel ing, too, since eVerybody kn0ws that
the old man is worth a million, and that you
are his sole heiress. By wedding ou—”

“ I rather die athousand deaths! ’ indignantly
cried Maura, lifting her head, hot scorn dr ing
the pearly tears in her flashing eyes. “ ow
dare you so insult me?"

Elephant Tom laughed, coldly, sneeringly,
then said:

“ It's easier to say what I dare not than what
I dare, my bird of Paradise, as you may have
the opportunity of learning, ere long. if the old
man does not come down with his dust, without
any more nonsense. As for your dying, I’ll
take care for that, unless you cheese to die of
love for yours truly—far stranger things hare
ha§pene I”

ever before in his life did Elephant Tom
stand so near death’s portals as while uttering
those words. A revolver in the hand of one
who felt that he could tear the insulting rufhan
limb from limb kept him covered, and only the
knowledge that a shot would be as fatal to the
risoners as to the road-agent kept Mame
rcm sending a bullet crashing throu h h
brain. And even with that real: risk efora
his eyes, the passionate lover might have yielded
to ithe temptation had not the outlaw ended his
vis t.. ‘

“ Time’s up and I’m going back to receive the
old man’s decision,” he said, turning away, but
pausing to add: “ If he proves obstinate, I’ll
see you again. Ta-ta, lady—bird l”

Scarcely had he disappeared when Matne
slipped out of the bushes and dropped upon h s
knees beside the startled maiden, until then for-
getting his hideous dis uise.

“ Maura!” he uttere , in low but passionate
tones, as he beheld her shrink away in terror.
“ It is I—be cautious!”

The warning came none too soon, for in her
great wonder and delight at hearing the voice
which she had until then belieVed forever stilled
in death, a wild cry was rising to the maideu’s
lips, which could hardly have escaped notice.

Matney quickly drew her to the rdge of the
bushes, where the shadow would aid in disguis-
in g him, talking in hurried whispers, asking and
answerin many questions, even in the glad
ecstasy 0 meeting again after what had seemed .
a farewell forever, remembering their perilous
position.

No need to record their conversation word b
word. There were many brief passages whi
never read well on paper, but without which
lovers cannot w'ell exist. All tco swiftly the
moments fled, Maine cheering his love, assur-
ing her that he won] rescue her and her father
from the power of Elephant Tom or share their
fate, be that for weal or woe; but through it all
he racked his brain in vain for scme positive
gleam of light. Save her he must and would— 3
that much he was determined on—L ut how was
it to be accomplished?

“ If father refuses to pay the ransom—and

ou know how dearly he loves money how pain- ‘
ully he ' parts with even the smallest sum—-
flamise me one thing, dear Albert,” murmured
aura, her fair arms around his neck, her head
on his breast.

, “An thing—I can refuse you‘nothing, _ . .
a

gleam, ’ he said, pressing his hot lips to herpa
row.

“You heard what that demon threatened!
Promise, if all other means fail us, to shoot mo

 

   

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'l
l
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l
i
l

L—n-umm In flb‘

 

 

 

 

I

 

 

 

 

‘  that“ this;

 

 



 

through the brain before you see me made his
victim!"

In silence Matney kissed her, and in his eyes
she read the answer to her solemn request.
Elephant Tom would be foiled in that, if in
naught else.

Silent] Maura returned his klrS, but then, as
the sound: of approaching footsteps came to their
ears, she breathed:

“ Be cautious —for my sake, darling.” and
rising from his reluctant embrace, she quickly
resumed her former position in the moonlight,
while Mutney drew back into the bushes, just in
time to escape the notice of Elephant Tum.

“ Como,” he said roughly. “ The old man
wants to see you.”

CHAPTER XIII.
T0 BLEED on NOT TO ammo? THAT IS THE
QUESTION.

WHEN Elephant Tom turned away and left
him alone ‘to ponder over his dilemma, the
thoughts of Horatio Adair were anything but
pleasant or rose-colored.

if not what is termed a miser, in the common-
est acceptation of the word, old was the only
god he truly worshiped. If e did not take so
much delight in the actual handling of the yel-
low coin or crisp bank-notes, he knew no greater
joy than was contained in adding them to his
already large store. If he did not den himself
all luxuries, and live the actual life 0 a miser,
he could not pay out a sum of money, lar e or
small, without a wrench such as he might ave
felt had his heart’s strings and those of his
purse been one and the same.

In his early youth and manhood he had ex-
perienced all the privations and misery of utter
penury. He had Seen his mother perish of
starvation in the very heart of a great city,
while his father died at the station-house, from
wounds received in attempting burglary, from
the preceeds of which he hoped to be able to
convey his children far away, where a poor
insult might the easier fight the stern battle of

e.

From that day on his only thought and aim
in life was to accumulate riches, if not with
strict honesty, at least after such a fashion that
his fate could never become like that of his
father. And he succeeded, slowly, very slowly,
at first; but then came to him the chance pre-
sented by the wild, careless prospector, who
had at last made a. rich “strike,” and with his
share of the booty thus cunningly obtained,
Horatio Adair steadily increased his bank ac-
count, gradually widened his field of operations,
until today he stood one of the richest men in
the mighty West, outside the ranks of the select
few Bonanza Kings. I

It was true that, as Elephant Tom said, he

,could (pay out fifty thousand dollars as de-

mande by way of ransom, without being crip-
pled, or even seriously feeling the loss, con-
sidered from a. financml stand-point; but Would
it end there? Would the audacious road-agent
be satisfied with that one mouthful, from a
table so heavily laden? Would it not rather
whet his lust for gold, and be follow ed by fresh
demands, coupled with the same atrocious
threats? ‘ ‘

What security had he that Elephant Tom
would keep his part of the bargain, when the
extortion was complied with? Nothing, save
the bare word of a self-admitted robber, outlaw
and assassin. ‘

His brain was racked with bitterlfy conflict-
ing doubts and fears. If only himsel had been
in peril, he thought he could dare the‘ road-
agent’s worst, strengthened by the reflection
that Ele hant Tom would never fatten on his
gold. at then came thoughts of Maura—his
only child, the one pers0u livin for whom his
hardened heart could never so ten into any-
thing like love—and in the bitterness of that
thought, the speculator groaued aloud, cold
pprspiration starting out anew over his tem-
p es. .

A thousand maddening fancies filled his
whirling brain, and he almost believed that he
was going crazy. He beheld the poor girl
writhing in the rude clutch of the outlaw, Call-
Fig on him to preserve her—and he totally help~
ess—

’ “Time’s up, old fellow!" came the harsh,
muflied tones of Ele hant Tom, whose stealthy
approach, had fails to rouse the captive from
his brooding thoughts. “There’s been enough
trifling for once, and now business is the word,
pure and Simple. What decision have you
arrived at?” ' t .

With the coming of Elephant Tom, With the
sound of his peremptory voice and the sight of
his figure, half the fears which had racked the
brain of the capitalist during his solitude, vau-

ished like the boar frost before the genial rays‘

of the autumn sun. Why_this should he, I
make no attempt to explain, but simply state
the curious fact.

“_Wbat security have I that your pledge of
setting us at liberty will be kept? How do I
know that when the money is paid over, you

'will not recent and demand another pound of

flesh?" he grOWled, rating his teeth savagely as

, be reflected on hisu terl hel less condition.
Elephant Tom lapghedy P

maliciously;

 

“ See what an advantage itisto have dealings
with a finished professor of scoundrelism and,
barefaced rogueryi Ahl had I only been adopt-
ed by you when young and full of eagerness to
learn the lessons of life, as interpreted by a
master-villain, I, too, might have become a
millionaire, instead of plying this precarious
method of gaining a living. As it is, in my
simplicity and singleness of purpose,I never
once thought of a brilliant stroke of genius like
that. A thousand thanks for your hint, Horatio
Adair.”

Elephant Toni plainly enjoyed his sarcasm,
but perhaps it would have been better for his
piaén object had he curbed his nimble tongue a
1'] e.

The fears of Adair were confirmed, and a
dogged light came into his fishy eyes.

“ Yes, the infernal udroitness with which you
have carried out this atrocious scheme, bears
ample evidence as to your simplicity and utter
ignorance of rogucry l” he snarled.

“Tlianks‘for the compliment,” and Elephant
Tom bowed in cool mockery. “ I assure you I
feel highly flattered, for a better judge of those
qualities couldn’t be raked and scraped out of
seventeen States. But compliments aside, your
answer?”

“Give me some proof that you will be as
good as your word, and then I’ll talk business,”
sullenly.

“You have my word, and that is sufiicient,
under the circumstances—which I’m inclined to
think you do not fully realize or appreciate, my
dear fellow. To use the vernacular, it’s a
ground hog case, and you have no choice but to
accept my word for the rest. All you havs to
do is to fork over.”

“ You know well enough that I don’t carry
any such large amount with me, or—”

“Worse luck mine!” interrupted Elephant
Tom, with a short laugh. “Better fortune
yours, since a bird in the hand don’t count when
reckoning these in the bush. Pardon—go on.”

“Even should I yield so far as to write a
cthsck, as you demand, you could not realize on
i

“I’m willing to run my chances on that,"
was the swift reply. “ All you have to do is to
draw on your partners, Fox Branscombe and
Elias Aiken, at Durango, an write a letter to
accompany it, after my dictation. The rest I
will attend to. ” v

“They will never cash such an order—”

“Then they will have to change the firm
name, and elect a new head-piece, besides going
to the useless expense of giving you a burial in
style—for, I swear it, by all that’s evill if they
refuse to honor your draft, I will kill you by
inches, and send your mutilated carcass to them
for disposal!”

Sharp and stern came the words, and the
blood ran colder in the prisoner’s veins as he
listened, for each dread syllable bore the unmis-
takv ble evidence of truth.

More fully than ever, Horatio Adair realized,
how completely he was in the toils, and after a
brief silence, he growled:

“Bring her here—my daughter. Let me see
that she is as yet unharmed, or I’ll bid. you do
your worst With me.” .

“ I’m a fool for humoring you so far,”
growled Elephant Tom, hesitating, his dark
eyes glowing wickedly through the openings
in his ideous mask, “ but I’ll yield that much.”

Turning on his heel, he hastened back to
where he had left Maura, little dreaming whose
eyes were glaring so savagely at him from
cover of the bushes hard by, as he held out his
gloved hand with an air of mock politeness to

he maiden.

Refusing it, Maura rose and followed him,
With one mgte warning to her lover, as she
passed close efore his COVert.

Her own misery, the peril which threatened
them both, was forgotten when Maura beheld
her parent as he lay bound upon the ground,
and with a cry of mingled jo and sorrow, she
dropped upon her knees besi 9 him, lifting his
head in her arms and supporting it upon her

la .

%Vith many failings, Horatio Adair had one
redeeming virtue; his love for this fair maiden.
Harsh, suspicious, overheating and merciless to
all others with whom he came in contact, he
was-kind and gentle to Maura, in all save that
one instance 0 her lovo affair with the reckless
sport whose mad acts and reckless e loits had
fora time been the town talk of al Denvsr.
Dearly as he loved money, for her to express a
wish or a whim, was equivalent to having it

ratified. And in return, Maura loved him as

aw children ever learn to love hard, stern par-
ents.

“ You cowardl” she flashed into the face of
Elephant Tom. “ To bind him so cruelly! An
old man, whose gray hairs should, command re-
spect even amon outlaws of your stripe l”

“ Softly, my ad -bird.”I 'eered the road-
agent. “ You will 0 wellto or in mind that
1 3'11 Supreme master in this den. The old
scoundrel and skinflint may consider himself
lucky that I did not use stri s of his Own thick
hide to bind his hands and eat, while as to you

, —the less loudly you sin , the longer you'll keep

the sweetness of your vo ce.”

. on free?”

 

the face of his captive, and “It. ugh Adair stray. ‘-

  
   
   
   
   
  
   
     
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
   
  
  
   
   
    
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
     
  
    
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
     
  
   
  
   
   
   
     
   
 
    
    
    
  
   
   
    
  
   
  
    
   
  
     
      
   
  
       
  
   
     
     
  
   
 

Not so much the words. as the tone in which
they were uttered, caused her flushed cheek to
pale, and her indignant eyes sink before his
malignant gaze.

iifiibé'uptly changing his tone, Elephant Tom
a( 6 i

“ You asked for your daughter, my dear air,
and I have granted your request. Now for your
answer‘to my demand.” ;

Horatio Adair did not make immediate l'l —
pl , for his cunning brain was working swiftly, i
su tly, weighing every chance for' or against
his escaping without actually sacrificing so
much of his idolized gold. ‘

Elephant Tom eyed him closely, and though
that thin, hard face told no tales, his keen wit
was not deceived, and a hard, grating laugh. I
rumbled from the depths of his mask.

“ Tricky as ever, old ’possuml But it won’t
carry you out of the woods this ’bout, if the
court knows he'rself. Come, out with it, flab
footed; what is your decision? Will you bleed
at your pocket, or bleed at your throat? Take
your choice and waste no more time, for I must
make a business call at a certain office in Du-
rango before the night grows too old." J I

A sudden hope flashed into the fishy eyes, and - ~
Adair s ke eagerly-too eagerly, since it put
the out aw on his guard more completely than
ever.

“ Give me until you return from that visit.
I will answer you pesitively then. It will give
me time to see my wa clear.”

“ Bah!” sneered Ee hant Tom. “ Do you
take me for an idiot? you think that I can’t
{and your thoughts? A I as plainly as though.

hey were printed in or a type upon your
brazen cheek! You think will be risking my
life by making this visit to Durango—tbat there
is a c ance of my getting rubbed out, or take):
prisoner, when you would save your ransom— -
money—and for that reason you urge a longer
probation.

“Come, I have wasted more than time
enough. Iwill dolly no longer with you. If
you yield and write a draft and the letter to
accompany it at my dictation, I will remove
your bonds and give my men strict orders to I . .,
treat you like a gentleman and honored visitor,
so long as you remain quiet and give them no
unnecessary trouble. '

“ Refuse, and you shall sufler—but time V
enough for entering on that when you have re-
fused.” ,

. “ I will submit to your demands on one cone
dition,” slowly uttered Horatio Adair, his face I
very pale, but his voice hard and metallic. l
plainly showing that he had arrived at a final ,
determination at last. ,

“ It is for me to in me conditions, not on,”
rude! rctorted Ele ant Tom; then a ding:
“ Bu I’ll humor you a little further. What-
condition do you make?” ‘ “i

“ My partners are strict men of business, and 
as sucn, would not easily credit the story- on ' a
would have to tell. In a. word, I fear t ey . , -
would refuse to either believe or pay you the ‘
enormous ransom you demand."

“ if it will make you rest any easier,” laughed
Elephant Tom grimly, “I’ll take along the evi-
dence—say an ear I.” - , ‘

“ That on are devil enou h to do even that
I can easi y credit,”growled t e prisoner; " but.
I can make the matter even more simple. Take ‘
my daughter with you and let her tell them the
whole truth. Where they might easily enough ,
doubt your words, or refuse to look 11 on draft ,
or letter as other than rank forger es, they -
could not doubt her report.” , '" '

“And when they cashed your draft I could ' "
hid her a loving farewell and return here to set

 

Horatio Adair did not like the sneering man:,_.
nor in which these words were uttered, bntit- ‘ ‘
was truly a forlorn hope, and fearin to trust -’
his voice just then he no ded vigorous y. _

Elephant Tom burst into a hard laugh. butv
there was little of merriment in the cachinnn’
tion. , ‘,

a “ I begin to believe you more fool than have 7
after all, Horatio Adair,” he uttered, contempt- ‘s .
uously. “ Do you for a moment imagine that ‘
gnu can throw dust into my eyes so easily?  ,

hall I tell you just what hopes gave that ,‘
brilliant idea birth? What you thought to gain, ;
should I be simple enough to fall in with your  ’
p ans. ‘ ‘

“ When your daughter‘told her story, perhaps .
the draft would be cashed. If so, your partners
would shell out because they would feel confir "
dent that it would be quickly returned to th'efl‘
own hats at the expense of my life. a .

“ ith her safely out of the fire, they would , ~
be willing to run longer chance, so far as you
were concerned. They would either follow hie
secretly, leavmg a broad trail behind for an“ 
armed force to follow when "athered—not“;
dimcult task in a town like flamingo—or also ‘
they would try to kill or capture me off-hand;_
most likely the latter.

“ Then, with the information which this lady.
could give them, they would try to rescue you
by force of arms.”

As he spoke, Elephant Tom keenly watched,

 

 

 
    
 

 

      
            
       
   

  
  

     
 

   

with partial success to hide his suffocating emu. .

  

 

‘ V  of nursfigo; :  ‘ ' L  '

‘.y,u, ~ , , 
’ ’. . ‘r,  “

 

 

 
 

ning mud-agent saw sufficient there to confirm
his suspicions and convince him that he read
uright.

Horatio Adair was willing to run risks if he
could only preserve his lchd child. W’ith
her once out of the mercilcss clutches of
j", the outlaw, he would tulle his chances. If
.1, . ' Elephant Tom‘s consent to lake lier- to Du-

1 range as proof of his story could be gained,
_ I . he would write the draft, omitting to place
upon it the secret mark which hail been
agreed upon betwwr the members of the Trim],
as an cil'ccrual safeguard against forgery.
rest he would leave to them.

“ You have tried your last trick. of 1mm, and
it has failed to serve you," ailvlcal Elephant 'l‘om
sternly.
Iam not to be biillllI|I()Zl{"i. You shall write

by heaven and earth to torture you so devilishly
that you’ll be glarl to purchase the remnant of
your pmr life willi'treble the amount! It is
l 1 your last chance; will you write?"
‘ ' “You swear to set us both at liberty if I
write?"

“ The moment I return with the money you
can take your departure,” was the swift re-
5 use.
“ And you pledge your word never to molest

us again i"

, “ Now you ask too much. I may never meet
either of you after this night' for since I have
, thrown off my mask and'rcvealed myself to you
-‘ _ for what I really am, this part. of the country
’ ‘ would not be healthy for me. Still. if 1 should
' ever run through with this little stake, and saw
my way clear to wringing another drop from
your heart, I’d be a blank fool to let the oppor-
tunity slip.
, “Be satisfied with the concessions you have
already gained, and don’t crowd my good nature
tea for.”

A brief silence, during which the hard, thin
face of the prisoner worked convulsivel y. Ava-
rice, bodily fear, and dread for the result to his
daughter were all fighting a desperate battle in
the cart and mind of the old man.

‘ “ Do your worst l” he hoarsely muttered. “ I’ll
see you eternally damned before I submit to
inch vile extortion.”

Elephant Tom smothered a bitter curse with
a mock laugh.

“Bold talk, old fellow; but I’ll go you double

- y or nits that you knuckle under in less than
2 hal an hour, and beg on your knees like 3 our
for the chance you now reject l” '

CHAPTER XIV.
A cunnnm Lm'rmc BARBECUE.
ELEPHANT Ton blew a. short, shrill blast on a.
‘metal whistle, in obedience to which half a
dozen hooded figures made their appearance
and stood before him in silence, awaiting his

1: seemed inclined to
g for the coveted ran-

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
   
 
 
   
  
 
 
   
   
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
  
  
 
   
   

 

era.
Even then the road-a
tempdrim, possibly f
com money.
f‘It’s the last turn, Horatio Adair-{’11s said,
with rly concealed irritation at such un-
. flocks -for obstinacy. “I 've you one more
2‘ chance to save our hide. f you miss the com-
mcy t e devil pity you, for most as-
"flimdly I won’t!”
' 5 “You have my ultimatum," was the sullen
. fosponso. “When I know that my child is be-
y mi your double—dealing I will write as you

y. If you mean to play fair you cannot
u

 

j Igriously object to this demand on my side.”
But I do object, most decidedly!
- I “Do your worst, then, for I’ll see you in the
bottomless pit before I write to your dictation l”
‘ ‘on‘nrled the prisoner, his voice choked and husky
1., with passion'as he glared defiantly up into the
" hideous mask of the road-agent.

f “ Good encugh—if you only think so,” li htly
responded Ele bani. Tom with ashrug o the
:ahoulders._ " emember the penalty is of your
own choosmg. If it prove disagreeable do not
blame me.

‘,‘Get to work, boys,” tnrnin to the ‘black-
‘ (sanded figures who awaited his p easure in utter
. nce. “ Youuuderstand what to do and how

‘ to do it. Lively, nowl” .

The black-hoods sprung into instant life and

motion, Elephant Tom, with stumpy arms folded

« across his swelling chest, watching their move-
entswin grim silence.

Four of their number produced hatchets, and
liding into the adjacent brush plied their tools
riskly, soon returning with a number of stout

"stakes some four feet in length. These were
,» uickly sharpened at one end, then driven a
cot or so into the ground a little to the right of
, . where Horatio Adair lay moodin watching

their movements. '

' The stakes were ranged in two rows parallel
ewith each other about four feet apart, their
.fatops being abou a. yard above the earth, into
' which their other extremities were driven.
 corner stakes were still further strei‘iigth-
cued in their position by being surrounde by

oton

»

es.
While their fellows were thus busily engaged,
¢hotwo outlaws who had scurried away empty-
hnnded, made their reappearance bearing sev-

“You should know by this time that 2

that draft for fifty thousand dollars, or i swear ‘

The 5

‘ altogether out of date.

 

pose. .

tions beneath an imperfurbable mask, the cun- eral lessees of braided rawhide, and as his gaze

fell upon them, Horatio Adair turned more
ghastly pale than ever, despite his fortitude, for
he believed that Elephant Tom intended to try
banging as one variety of torture; but his teeth
clinched together and not a sound was suffered
to escape his lips, as a. mocking laugh came to
his ears. -

“ Do give me' credit for a. little more ingenu-
ity, my dear follow,” cried the road‘ngent.
“ Bnital choking is all well enough after its
fashion, and betwccn ignorant louts who would
deal with a butterfly even as they would with a
snzipping’turtle: but, with gentlemen of our
caliber, the hammer-and-tongs style has passed
Be sure, I’ll disgrace
neither you nor myself while carrying out this
:1ll’:llI‘.

More the tours than the words he uttered
caused the blood to chill in the Veins of poor
l‘laura, and forgetting her own peril, she gently
lowered the licml of her parent to the ground,
then knelt at the feet of the masked outlaw, her
lumtls clasped together and uplifted, her face
pale and tear-stained. her voice trembling with
emotion as she uttered her prayer: .

“ Spare him—spars my poor fatherl I ask it
in the name of the mother who bore you, and
whom you once must have loved and respected.
Spare him—419. is all I have on earth to love—
without him I will be left all alone in the
world—”

“ Never let that bother you, my dainty lady-
bird,” interposed Elephant Tom, with an ugly
laugh. “ I’ll take his place, and be father,
lover, husband—~tria juncta in mm, as it were—
and prove myself such a decided improvement
on the original J ucobs, that you’ll mark this day
with a red letter as being the most fortunate
and blessed in the entire catalogue—in token of
which I’ll place a seal on those rosy lips l"

Ho stooped, as though about to carry his
words to deeds, when Maura struck him sharply
with her little fist, uttering an angry cry as she
shrunk back to her parent’s side.

For an instant Elephant Tom glowered upon
her, his eyes flashing through the holes in his
mask, his unruly passions evidently ur ing him
to leap upon her and avenge the blow; ut then
he drew back, motiouing his men to complete
their work. _

It was well for Elephant Tom that he did not
give way to his first 1m ulse. Had he done so,
and offered to lay a nger on the person of
Maura Adair, he would most assuredly have
paid the enelty then and there.

When a saw Maura led away by the masked
road-agent, Albert Matney could not bring him-
self to remain behind, though he so interpreted
that mute and imploring look which the maiden
cast toward his covert as she passed by, but
stealthil dogged the footsteps of Elephant
Tom, on y pausing when closeto the outer edge
of the ruddy circle of light cast out by t e
crackling fire.

Fortunately his cover was a dense one, and
thus he was not discovered by the black-hoods
who answered the signal whistle of their chief,
and thou hhis blood was up to boiling pitch,
Matney ept concealed until Maura uttered
that appeal to the hardened criminal. ' ,

He heard the insulting words, and his cocked
revolver rose to a level with the brain of Ele-
phant Tom—for be suspected the presence of
concealed armor elsewhere. His fin er was
pressing the trigger. Had Elephant om not
given over his base purpose, and once more fal-
len back, that moment would assuredly have
ended his earthly career.

As it was, Matney rose from his ambush, and
silentl drew closer to the spot,_bolding his
cock pistol ready but hidden :1 his pocket.

The outlaw chief was standin with his back
toward him, and so did not notice his coining;
but Maura recognized her lover, despite his dis-
guise, and her heart grew fainter and more Sick
within her bosom, and she realized what a
deadly peril he was during in his rashness. _Yet
she dared not make a signal, lest it be noticed
by the keen eyes of the road-agent, and his sus-
picions be awakened to the truth. Afraid to
move hands or lips, she strove to convey her
wishes through an imploring glance, but Mat-
uey, if he saw, did not heed, and advanced un-
til he stood almost within arm's length of Ele-
phant Tom. ,

The black-hood with the-lariats went nimbjy
to work, without waiting for any further in—
structions, the whole affair having clearly been
arranged beforehand.

One of the lassoes was knotted to a corner
stake, then passed around the others, a. half-
bitch on each keeping it in place. Then two
others were crosse and re-crossed from Side to
side, until the whole rudely resembled a huge
gridiron or framework somewhat Similar to
that used in 'erking meat. .

Elephant om nodded his approval, when the
black-hoods stepped aside after completing their
work.

“Good enough, my honest fellows! A king
couldn’t ask for a more comfortable bed than
that, without blushing for shame i" .

Stepping forward, he tested the stability of
the work, finding it firm enough for the pur-

‘the six black-hoods

 

“One of on fellows look after the girl-—
stay," he adtlied abruptly, as the disguised lover
started im tuously forward. “I’ll ’tend to
that part ogethe job myself, 011 second thoughts,
while the rest of you rig up the old man.”

Poor Maura. saw that her lover was on the
point of breaking forth in fit-roe defense of her,
and fearing more for him tlmn for herself, she
arose as Elephant Tom stepped toward her,
making it swift gesture which Mntney alone
could rightly inlorprct. it liiggi-(l him to re—
strain himself, for her sake.

Elephant Tom noted the gcslure. but was
wholly at a loss how to understand it, though
be cast a suspicious glance about the spot. if
he did not suspect the tintli, he did notice the
presence of one more black howl than he had
ordered, and with a stern look and sterner
voice, he addressed him:

“ Who the deuce gave you permission to in-
trude here? But, since you have come, fall to
work with the rest—lively!”

As a drowning man catches at a straw, so
Horatio Adair, in vogue hopes of something
arising to extricate him from tho dennly snare
into which he had so hopelessly become in-
volved, lifted his head and glanced eagerly
around him.

Elephant Tom saw his motion, and readily
interpreted the faint hope in which it found
birth. A mockin laugh came from thebearded
slit in his mask, fu lowed by the words:

“An army couldn’t save you. or rob me of
my vengeance. old sinner! If all the friends
you could muster in Colorado were to put in an
appearance at this moment, I would first shoot
you, then blow out the brains of this dainty bit
0’ calico I am holding in my arms. They
might gct your bodies, but that is all they
would be able to set at liberty.”

Though the outlaw had not the slightest idea.
there was any chance of a rescue being at-
tempted, he spoke with a deadly earnestness
that could not be mistaken, and as Maura. half
reclined upon his stumpy left arm, he drew a
revolver in his right hand, cocking it with an
ominous click-Clio . , ~

With a choking groan the head of the specu-
lator fell back.

“It is just as well to have a complete under-
standing you know,” added Elephant Tom,
speaking more with an idea of mentally tortur-
ing his captives, than from any idea that he was
brushin away the shadow of.death that hung
so three eningly over his own head. “If alight
should befall me—if I should fall before I could
carry out the threat I have st ex massed, my
men have their orders to kil you 0th on the
instant.
point.”

The mad resolve which was almost be in
the burning brain of the disguised lover, ell to
pieces at these words.

For himself, for Horatio Adair, he cared noth-
ing—but he could not bring almost certain death
down upon or Maura, while the ghost of a.
chance remained for eflecting her rescue with
out running such deadly risk.

“Get to work there, boys. We’ve 1031: too
much time in empt fooling- Truss the old
rascal up and finish t e job.” \

Sharp and harshly Elephant Tom spoke, and
rung uimbly, to work,
Matney following their example, as the surest
method of preserving his. incognito.

A rude gag was thrust between the old man's
jaws after some resistance on his part, which
was quickly overcome by the unscrupulous
rascals. Then bound hand and foot,.he was
picked up and placed upon the rude gridiron
len thwise, flat on his back. The thongs which
held his hands were then cast ofl, his arms
stretched out at right angles with his body, and
then firmly bound to the stakes on either side.
His feet were treated after the same fashion,
then the black-hoods fell back, leaving their
victim without the power of moving a muscle,
save those that controlled his head.

“ I’d hate mightily to defraud the boys out of
their anticipated sport, after taking all these
pains to make you comfortable, my dear sir,”

said Elephant Tom, drawing a little nearer, so ,

he could gaze directly into the pale face of
his victim; “but at the same time l’m bOund to
give you every reasonable chance to redeem
yourself. Even now you have only to yield coin-
plianca with my wishes, and Write that note,
and you shall be set free. If you consent, wink
your right eye.” ‘

Instead of winking, those fishy eyes, now red .

with blood, glared mute defiance into the ugly
mask of the outlaw, speaking plainer than words
his obstinate refusal to yiel . '

Poor Maura noted that mute defiance, and
she felt the form of the road-agent quivering
with the mad rage and chagrin which he was
unable to entirely smother. Dreading the con-
sequences, she made another appeal to the
wretched prisoner.

“Do as he an ,father—for my sake, if not
for your own. hat is gold in comparison with
your life? Nothing—worse than nothing! Pay

the ransom, this cruel man 'demands. and let us .

hasten awn from this horrible country. It is not
so much— will try to make up the loss to you,
dear father. Give assent, and he will keep his

50 you see I am guarded at every

1
I
l
i
l

 

 

 

 

 
 
  
   
  
   
 
  
 
 
    
  
   

‘V'll

 

 

merciless as he proclaimed himself,

sition of olden days.

 . I ‘lim

  

’-,*‘. “v. _,

  

 

 

 

"t" ' ' ‘7.  l ' .2 ~: ' i " 3,
, Elephant Tom, of Durango. ‘21
a: "  —’ m” , fl.
pledge. Will on not?” and she turned swiftly Albert Mntney clasped the Senseless form to dry-goods box nn’ how] out fer Tompoleon Tar-

toward the on law chief.

“On in honor as u gunk—thief and robber,”
declared Elephant Toni, pluinly giving the sen-
tence a. very dillerent termination from that
which s rung t0 the tip of his tongue.

But oraiio Adziir wns not moved to consent.
Perhaps he would have been less obstinate,
could he have brought himself to believe that
Elephant ’l‘oni would keep perfect faith with
him. Though so nvaricious, the s culator was
very for from living anxious to to 8 his depar-
ture from this world, and, though Parting With
such a large. sum of money under such circum-
stances. would give his heart a terrible wrench,
no would long since have yielded to the pressure.
but for that bitth doubt.

He recalled the past days, when he and his
partners had so deeply wronged George Brent,
stripping him of his properly, his end name,
and casting him into prison throng perjured
testimony. He remembered how fiercely the
condemned man had sworn to live for revenge
and that his uneasy dreams were often haunte
by the memory 0 those words until the story
was spread abroad that Brent had committed
suicide in his cell, after a frustrated attempt to
escape.

He know now that that report had been with-
out sufficient foundation—that the convict lived
to serve his time, and was now free to work his
long-delayed vengeance.

Was it likely that he would be content with
even so large a sum of money? Adair felt not,
for his share in the spoils in that one case had
amounted to nearly double the sum.

He felt in his own mind that Elephant Tom
would hold them until he could draw the cash
on the draft, and then, instead of settin
them at liberty, according to contract, woul
either apply the same screw with renewed force,
or else wreak his hatred on him after a more
bloody fashion.

Believing that there was absolutely no be e
for him to escape those grim clutches with Ii 9,
should he once yield so far as to pay the rim-
som~mone , he resolved to curtail the triumph
of the ma agent as much as possible. If noth-
ing less would content him, let him lap his fill
of blood, but never a. golden coin should his
greedy fingers clurch, though he brought to

ar all the devilish arts of the terrible inqui-
Better torture and death
than torture, death and spolintion.

In desperate defiance he glared unwinkingly
into the face of the road-agent, only the sufl’o-
cgiting gag with which his Jaws were painfully
distended, keeping him from pouring out a tor-
rent of bitter imprecations upon the head of his
merciless ca tor.

Elephant om lifted his hand with a swift
gesture, and the black-hoods, readily interpret-
ing his meaning from their previous instruc-
tions, scattered into the bushes, quickly return-
ing with dry grass, twigs and bits of wood
with which they liberally strewed the ground
immediately beneath the captive.

“All set boys?" asked Elephant Tom as the
black-hoods drew back a. little. “Good enough 1
We’ll try what virtue there is in a. trifle of heat,
skillfully up lied to where it will do the most
good. Touc her 03, my gallant fellowsl"

Chuckling with grim delight, the outlaws
obeyed, snatching the brands from the fire and
scattering them amidst the dr and inflam-
mable fuel with which the 5011 beneath the
aisle gridiron was covered, fanning it into a.

as.

guide by little the flames gained in strength
:33 "801‘. sending out their serpent-like

llmzflesi curling and twining, now creeping
:3 0'13 the ground. now sheeting up as though to
Inspect their destined victim, little waves of
61130“ amending until checked by the spread-
eaglgd bOdY 0!, the luckiess speculator, then
curling 811d 1‘0"“!8 to either side until finding a
“Ger P355589, but 5”“ h‘iniY-lg‘ about, as though
10th to depal'fi Within“? Witnessing the end.

Little by little the heat of the grOwing flames
increased, until the scent of scorching cloth
was mingled with that of the crackling fuel.
until the figure of the prisoner, despite the dog.
ged resolution with which he strove to subdua
and suppress all signs of pain, began to quiver
and tremble. v

A moon of horror broke from the blanched
lips of the maiden, as she could no longer doubt
the truly horrible purpose of the road-agent
and then her over-tasked brain};ave way, an
she hung a limp and lifeless weight across the
stumoy right arm of the outlaw.

“ Here, take the girl,” growled Elephant Tom,
addressing no person in particular, and making
no objections as the disguised’lover sprun for-
ward to relieve him of the fair burden. “ 'lke
her back and keep close watch over her. Needn’t
take the trouble to restore her to consciousness.
It’s on] a common fainting-fit, and she'll
be nothing the worse for it.” .

In truth. thou h he did not put the thought into

his words, E e hunt Tom was rather . glad

an otherwise hat Maura. had lost her con-l
sciousness thus early in the game. Harditcruel,
was

 

‘ no euymatter to torture the parent
_ ‘ onlychild’s eyes. ‘ . " 

\

/.

his panting bosom and hastily bore her from
the spot. the unsuspicious road—agent not delgn-
in to follow them with a single glance. ’

is quick eye saw that the clothing of his
victim was on fire, and calling to his men, .he
himself aided in tearing away the flames which
had already scorched the tender skin to a bllS‘
ter. The tire beneath was beaten down, and
standing where he could gaze into the swmt-
bended countenance of Horatio Adair, Ele-
phant Tom spoke mockingly: . .

“ lVell, my dear sir, how do you like it, as far
as you've got? Red hot fun, ain’t it? And yet,
carried to excess, it might prove really tiresome;
don’t you think so?” _ ‘

His hurd face drawn with pain, the prisoner
glared up into the mask of is tormentor, his
bloodshot eyes hardly human in their deadly
hatred and fury. But not a trace of weakness,
not a sign‘of yielding, even yet.

Elephant Tom smothered a fierce curse, as he
added:

“ You’ve got a taste of the medicinowith
which we dose our refractory patients, and
from it can judge what effect a full dose will
have on a stubborn case. If you are satisfied,
do as I told you—wink your right eye, and I’ll
set you at liberty. Refuse-all right!” with}:
savage snarl, as he read unshaken resolution in
those staring eyes. “ We’ll See how much you
can stand without knuckling. _

“ Stir it up, boys! I’ll do him to a. turn, this
time!”

Hugely enjoying the novel sport, the black-
hoods obeyed. , _______
CHAPTER XV.

FOXY BRANSCOMBE AMAZES HIS PARD.

A HORRIBLE screech of mingled sin and bat-
fled fury burst from the lips of irigo Bruns-
combe, as he stood rigidly erect in the moon-
light for u'moment after Tompoleon Tarbox
discharged his second shot. The agonizing shock
of the touring bullet forced his head back, and
as his but dropped to the ground, the light was
sufficient for the breathless spectators to see
that the miner athlete had spoken no more than
the truth. . _

“Shot his bugle off, or I’m a nigger!” cried
Wes. Hardcastle. “ An’ he mought Jest as easy
blowed center through him as to knock the
han’le ofl‘l Whooray fer we, us an’comp’ny!
Ef them’s the kind 0’ sardines you fellers is
pickin’ up for a. easy lunch, reckon this critter‘ll
stick to plain, red her’n’ an’ never mind the
trimmin’s l"

Foxy Branscombe heard the exultant speech,
and seemed to think the words come from
Tom leon Turbox, for a. mad snarl came from
his b oody lips and his left hand tore the second
revolver from his belt. He raised the weapon,
but his nerves were so terribly shaken that he
found it impossible to hold steady or catch any
thing like a bead. Once, twice. he fired in mud
des oration, but the lead sped wide of the mark,
an Tompoleon made no eflort to avoid or re-
turn the shots.

“Whoa, you clumsy critter!” he cried, tan-
talizingly. “ Fust thing you know you’ll be
blowin’ the hull top 0’ your own cabem of!—
which it’d be a burnin’ shame to cheat. the fool-
ki'ller or the hungman out 0’ than Jest. dues.
Steady, Mary Anni ’Nother lurch like that an’
down you’ll plump ker-chunk, an’ spread that
bugle 0’ cum all over your face!”

With‘tllfficulty Foxy Branscombe kept from
falling as he made a. blind rush toward .his
enemy; and then, forced to realize his utterim-
potence for the moment, he came to a._stop,
a. howlin , snarling, groamn curse hissing
through h s bloody foam-fleck lips.

A sudden and complete change came over
Tom poleon Tarbox. C

His mockery vanished, and was replaced by a
stern seriousness. v ,

“Gents, I ask you one an’all to say of the
thing was conducted on the dead level? Ef thar
was any onfair play say so n'oug, an’ I’ll try my
smartest to prove that you lie in sayin it, man
ag’inst man, or one ag’inst the hull gang.
8' eak out!” ,

pSilence, save for the mad ravmgs of the de-
feated duelist.

“ You ain’t a—kickin’ then?_ Good enoughl I
cooked that p’izen critter’s right duke to keep
him from hurtin’ a. whiter man. I knocked his
smaller out o’ plum to keep him from follerin of
it into any more seech dirty cussedness as he
did this day. Either bit 0’ end I could ’a’ sent
through his brain-pan or the lump 0’ dirty
I onge he callsahis heart, jest as easy. The rules
0 this game 'ves me a perfect right ,to shoot
him now, of want. But I don’t. ,Itd make
my dreams smell bad for a month 0_ Sundaiys
to boy his wipin’ out onto my conscience. d
blush fer ’tamal shame every tune I went to
shave in a lookin’-glass, an’ I’d feel nastier the};
a man what stomped a. skunk to death in his
bar’ feetl ‘ V '

“ El! he’s at a. fri’nd left here, take him home
an’ {itch gin: up of ya think he’s wuth the
trou e. r

“ Es for me, I’m goin’ back to town. Ef I’m
wanted, I kin be found without sondin’ out the
crier for lost childurn an’his bell. Jest climb a

i.
.3 i

 

 

   
   
  
    
   
    
  
  
   
  
   
  
 
 
    
   
  
    
  
 
 
    
  
   
  
   
   
 
  
    
     
  
  
  
   
    
   
  
   
  
   
    
  
   
     
  
   
   
   
       
        
   
   
  
   
      
      
    
    
       
      

bpx, frOm Purgatoire, an’ he’ll come at ye,
right ecnii up‘nrds, chuck full 0’ fun tin’ ready
fer bib—you lictl”

Elills Aiken (lid not wait for the conclusion of
this volnble speech before stepping forward and
taking cliiirge of his badly dcmornlized partner
and before the final words were enunl iuted, he»
was supporting Dll‘lgfi Brunsconibe toward
town, aided by a hiilfdrunken surgeon, whom
an imperative signal had summoned to his aid.

Followed by' ii portion of the crowd, they
reached town and pressed on to theofllce of the
Triad, where Elias Aiken paused long enough
to scribble a few words upon a card, which be
tossed to one of the foremost, saying:

“ Thanks for your escort and sympathy, gen-
tlemen, but just now Mr. Branscombe needs-
rest and quiet fur more. Present that card and ‘
drink to a speedy recovery for the poor man’s , ,
friend.” '

“ Free drinks, boys!” yelled the fellow who
caught the card. “ Ef that ain’t clean white.
I‘m a liar! Three cheers in a whisper for _
Aiken an’ Branscombe-s ut ’er out!”

A rather loud whisper, ut those in honor of
whom it was given did not wait to acknowledge
the compliment, but entered the office, Aiken
loo-lilting the door behind them before striking a

i t.

be doctor. really a. skillful practitioner, de~ -
spite his inordinate appetite for drink and .
general va abondism, set to work to patch up
the demora ized duelist as best he could.

The right arm had been broken just above the
elbow by the first shot fired b Tompoleon
Tarhox, but the bone was not be ly shattered.
and the injury proved really less serious than
that which mutilated his nose. - ,

The lead had passed close to his face. mung-
ling the entire end of his nose in such a manner ‘
thut the surgeon had to use his knife before
ap lyingslotions and bandages. ,

oxy ranscombe would never again be able,
to pass fora handsome man, even with those
who never looked beneath the surface in forms
ing their estimates of beauty. ‘

He had lost considerable blood, while t
deadly rage which had so wholly taken posses-
sion of him, soul and body, had still further ex-
hausted him; yet his indomitable spirit was not
quelled, and no sooner were his hurts dressed,‘
than he dismissed the surgeon, and bade Aiken
draw nearer. ' ’

“ Bring out some brandy,” he huskily:
growled, his voice sounding strange and un- '
natural, thanks to the mufliing bandages and .
the entire stoppage of his nasal conduits. .

inXou mustn’t drink. Remember what Doc,
sal . ‘

“ Curse Doe, and you, too, if on try to cross .
me nowl” snarled the woun ed speculator. “
“‘ Bring drink, I so i This infernal blood-let- ‘7
ting makes we won —-weak, just when I must.
be strong—strong to think, and plot, and actt
Man alive, the devil himself i fairly afoot,
ready to grip our throats with his paws. dud T
we’ve got to fight swift and hard, it we hope to 
save ourselvesl ’ .»

Awed by the fierce, hoarse whisper with .
which these last words were uttered, Ellen .
Aiken offered no further remonstrance, but“
turning wide to a little cupboard in the wall
near where stood the massive iron safe bearing
on its front the firm name, produced glasses
and n couple of bottles. I

_“Sit.down,” growled Branscombe, hitchin
his chair up to be little table which stood lg
the center. of the room. “Open, and give no i

I’m hollow clean down to.the heels.” '
‘ our own risk, then, not mine,” mut—
“M‘Al en. “There is the bottle; help your
self. if you will cut your throat.” '

With 9. hand that trembled from bodily Weak-l 7;
noes until the neck of the bottle clinked sharp!"
against the edge of his glass, Foxy Branscombo

' ured out a heavy draught of the powerful '
iquor, then swallowed it at a‘ gul , repaid
the notion without a word, Elias AiEen mead
staring at him the while. ' . ' 

The effect of the brandy was almost imtmh
ly perceptible, for ordinaril the speculator woo.
anabstemious man. His b oodsbot eyes grow
brighter. his voice sounded less shaky. ‘ ‘

“That’s more like itl Poison yourself, on,
man. , V,
“ Whiit the foul fiend does all this ‘wofl’ “
mean, anyhow?" demanded Aiken, payin no
attention to the grim advice. “ What tum ed
you into that mess out yonder? What have y
been doing to that girl of Rebel George’s?" ‘

   
 
 
  

   
       
      
   
  
   
 
  
  
    

‘ M51038 a fool of myself, I more than an.
poet.” was the grim response. “ Yet at the.
time, I flattered myself I was playing a mud
game—and by Jupiter I believe so yeti” *
f‘What do you mean?" savagely demanded
Aiken. “Curse you, Foxy Branscombemnn -
you speak out plain?” . .
“ Don’t let your an y passions rise, my dear
fellow,” the other said, drawlingly, his on-
calming as that of the other rose higher. “ Uni
less I’m ’way out' of the track, you’ll need all
your coolness and wit, before game is ‘cdfiedm,
unless it is to be scored against us.” , , . J, -
Elias Aiken saw that his partner was in 
unusually contrary mood, and is 'the 
, , _ , .

   
  

   
  

   
   

  
  
  
  

    
      

    

   

.1 L. 1’31

 f niéphaht t

"u r. , , 1,,

"ii " ‘ 'l

om, of Durango. - , ~

’4 .  \ "ope-A} 1-. , ' I. .94.: 1'" -

 

 

   

mode of getting at the truth, be said no more,

sinking back into his chair, sullenly waiting.

“.That’s more like it,” and Foxy Branscombe
 nodded approvingly. “Now to business", have
a, , you forgotten George Brent?”

“ What has he got to do with this affair?
Dead and rotted years ago!” growled Aiken,
 : impatiently.

. ‘ So on think—so I believed until a few do s

ago. nd all the time he has been living—rig t

at our elbow, tool” v

' Aiken stared at his partner as though he be-

 lieved his brain had suddenly given way.

'v ' ' Branscombe laughed, grimly.

“ All the same, it’s the ospel truth. George
Brent is none other than obel George Brctto.
Stop!” he growled, as the lips of his amazed

~ ; partner parted as though to interrupt him.

‘Let me tell it all, now. .

“Never mind what aroused my suspicions in
therfirst place. I fought against them, even
while I was busy looking for roofs, and never
really suffered myself to believe it so, until I
cent to the spot Where we all along thought
George Brent dead and buried, to discover that

' he had served his time out and received his dis-
charge. Still I was not satisfied, but kept at
work until I gained positive proof that Rebel
George is indeed our old opponent.”

. “ Impossible 1” gas ed Aiken. “ He would
have shot ere this. 9 would never have let us
rest so long. He would have demanded a settle-
ment at the muzzle of a revolver l”

“The old George Brent, I grant you,” said
-Bransc0mbe, with deliberation, as be poured out

("and sipped more brandy. “ Rebel George is

 older and wiser. Not that he is less vengeful,

' ’ or I greatly mistake him. But he had proof in

the, past how hard we could hit when it came to

open blows, and he is playing a deeper game to
et square. Tell me, how many times have'we

n hit hard by this infernal Elephant Tom?"

“ You know as well as I: why ask?”

4 \V’

 

   
   
   
   
    
  
     
  
  
  
    
    
   
   
    
    
      
  
  
  
     
   
   
  
   
    
 
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
    
     
  
     
    
     
  
  
   
     
    
  
   
  
   

;

I

.-.
I?

~ ’ [pliant Tom!” . .
I ' More than ,ever amazed, Elias Aiken stared at

heavy countenance the picture of stu id won-
~ der. Slow and sluggish, his brain con (1 not at

, once grasp the situation. r

“ It is gospel truth. old mate,” nodded Foxy
‘Branscombe. “ I haven’t got positive roof as
'yet, but it’s coming. Take a square 100 at the

facts. Each time that Elephant Tom has struck
4', us, it has been just after Rebel George has lost

’ heavily at cards. Each time he has disappeared

long enough to take part in the robery, return-
ing again when the work was done, well heeled
for tacklingmhe tiger again. Put the two things
together. Add that he is George Brent, whom
we so neatly skinned years ,a 0. Count them
all up. What does it look like? ’

“ But you can’t prove it,” ersisted Aiken.

' “ Not just yet, but I wi 1 before another
week,” confidently retorted Branscombd. “ I’ve
, said nothing. but set good men to work, and if I

don’t lay Elephant Tom by the heels—if I don’t
' full Rebel George out of that cunning shell—
, ~ ' ’11.,0wn up to being a fool from top to toe!”
' ‘ ~ grit looks improbable. I can’t believe all you

’7
 y‘No matter. It’s none the less true. , Dishe-
lieve it if you choose, but see that you do your
share of the work, now that I am crippled—the
foul flend fly away with that bloodhound!” he
muled, grating is wollish teeth savagely.
! “To have him turn up just now, when we need
i :all our ener ies to hold our end level with Ele-

' vphant Tom!’ ,
,‘ ~“V Who is he;l What is he!” impatiently de-
manded Aiken, his face flushing with signs of
anger. “You say must do my share of the
-work, yet, you leave me all in the dark. You
’acted the part ofamad or drunken fool out
there to-night, and when I took your side in
ood part you tangle me up in the dark, giving
int enough tolet me suspect something
:crooked, but without speakingoplain enough to
Show me which way to ste avoid rushing
3 you into deep water. If ’m to do anything
“more in this affair, you want to spit out the
» flit-bottomed truth in a hurr l”
_ A short, grim laugh broke rom the bandaged

’. - “ Good enough! I’ve gist you fairly stirred
up at last. It was just w t I’ve been working
for. Now listen: that infernal rascal must
never see the sun rise again.”
. “ It’s 111' hty easy to kill him—in your mind,”
lied Al 911. With a c nical curl of his thick
sap. “ Of course, thefe ow would make no ob-
‘ jections—he was_ Willing enou h when you
> * tackled him so skillfully out you er. He would
* sink out of sight without a si , without a ques-
tion being asked b any 0 his new friends;
"and I tell you, old to 0w, that were a poll of the
town to be taken to-night it would show two of
‘ his friends to one for us,.thanks to your foul
”

. l

 Aiken spoke tartly, s itefully. No less
hardened in evil work than oxy Branscombo,
‘ his peculiar weakness was an overwhelming de-
sire to stand well in the eyes of honest men.
{He loved money, but he loved popular applause

more. ,
It‘Let them ask what questions they choose,”

  
 

/~
g».

   
  
       
 

   

.7';

 

“Simply because our George Brent is Ele- 1

his'partner, his dull eyes widely opened, his?

 

I
growled the‘ injured speculator. “ Let them
suspect—let them even prove that he met his
death at our hands or through our schemings—
and still it will be less danger to us than to have
him live on. We’ve got to put him out of the

way!” .

‘ Who is be? How can he injure us to that
extent?"

“ The keenest~nosed bloodhound in the West.
At first I believed him ‘the rough brute he
looks and wishes all to consider him; but when
he was cornered out yonder I read the truth,
aim/inknew him for what he is—a detective, after
us

“ What for?” demanded Aiken incredulously.
“My record is clean enough to fear 'notbing
from any detective on earth.”

“Bah l" snarled Foxy Branscombe, a sharp
twinge of win from his wounded face turninga
laugh of litter mockery into a hissing curse
on Tompoleon Tarbox and all his posterity.
“So you thought there was nothing to fear
from ebcl George!”

“ And so I still think.”

“ The flames of Tophet wither the hand that
crippled me like a dog!” grated the wounded
man, hurling his em ty glass across the room,
to shiver into count ess fragments against the
massive iron safe. “Only for that, I’d fight
my own battles and let you go your own bull<
headed course, straight to destruction! You
think you know it all! And yet, without me,
you would have died in a ditch or swung from
a stout limb, years ago! Even as l am—«in one
word: will you carry out the work I set you to
do? No ifs or ands: plain yes or no!”

His fierce and threatening air, his bitter
scorn, awed the more sluggish ruflian, and
Elias Aiken silently nodded.

The ugly frown passed away, and Foxy
Branscombe spoke with something like his cus-
tomary smoothness.

“That’s business. I can depend on your

word, when once you pass it, and now, if 1 say
anything too sharp, just rub it off your
niein’ory, and lay it to this confounded smart-
in .
g‘ It went in at one ear and out at the other.
You’ve been like a crazy man ever since I met
you out yonder. If I didn’t know belter, I’d
be almost willing to swear that you hovered on
the'verge of del. trems. I try hard to believe
what you tell me, but I can’t swallow it. Still,
I’ll carry out whatever you bid me look after:
only speak plain, so there can be no possibility
of a mistake to be regretted when too late.

“ You ask what you have to fear from a de—
tectiva: have you forgotten a. man called
Darius Eppersonl” whispered Branscombe,
leaning across the table, and his sound hand
flutterin close to his lips, as though to mums
the soon 5 he uttered.

Elias Aiken cast a. swift, apprehensive glance
around“ him, his florid countenance turning
ghastly pale, as though he feared those whis-
pered words might evoke some frightful specter

rom out the shadows which the one lamp failed
to wholly rout from the corners of the room.
And when he spoke, his voice was husky, quav-
ering unnatural.
“ EIe’s dead—why bring u his name now?”

“Dead? Ay! as dead as eorge Brent!”

_ “yhat do you mean? Not that—that he
is—

“Alive, and on our track, ' more to be
feared than ever before!” grated Branscombe,
his face distorted with intense passion, his
bloodshot eyes fairly aflame. “Man alive are
you blind, that you failed to recognize him,
even after the hint I gave you out yonder
when you were posing for the admiration and
applause of the crowd!”

"You don’t mean—not that man?” faltered
Aiken.

“Ayl but I do! Tompoleon Tarbox, as he
calls himself—Darius Epperson. as I now know
him to be!”

> “He would never have let.
he had you at his mercy, 1
devil!”

“Bah! you heard his words—his sneer that
he would not rob the hangman—and still doubt!l
If he had been the man he pretends wouldn’t
he have killed me? Of course! But he fancied
his disguise was impenetrable. He never sus-
pected that I recognized him for the man we
tried to kill—whom 'we could .have! sworn we
did kill and see buried—and he let me go then,
to bring me’ up all the more surely when he
could gain both revenge and fame by twisting
the he tor for our throats.”

“It does not seem possible!” gasped Aiken,
wiping the great drops from his brow with a
trembling hand.

“ You will see that it is, unless we can get in
the first blow. Even to-morrow may be too
late. Will you take my word for it and follow
my advice?’ " .

‘ If you don’t ask me to tackle him With my
own hand. I can’t believe it’s that demon; but
still, the very thought so completely unnerves
me that I could not tackle him. ’ ‘ »,

“Nor do I ask you,” was the swift response.
“ Our hand must not be seen in this aflair, if- we
cap avoid it. *After the sensation he created
this evening, his turning toes up will cause a,

A

you escape when
he were that

r pressure.

 

    

4,,

mighty breeze, sufficient to swamp even us, 11
we don’t have clean hands to show.”

“What can I do, than?” sullenlv demanded
Aiken. '

“Listen: The stor that man told Was the
truth. He did catch me fooling with Naomi
Bretto. He took me wholly by surprise, from
the rear, and I had not the ghost of a chance in
his hands. He slapped my face, kicked me out
of the house.

“I never suspected him then, for his blows
half blinded me. Still, I swore I’d get even,
and as luck would have it, I ran across Michi-
gan Slim, {list when my blood was at fever
beat, and I fired him to kill the fellow.

“You know how it turned out. He killed
Michigan and Ned Burke. The third man was
Triphainmer. who made his escape. You must
find him, and put him to work.”

“But if he should miss, and blow on us?”

“ l’ll fix that. Give me pen, ink and paper.”

“ If he should get killed, the note might be
found, and there are men enough here who can
swear to your hand-writing. Remember that
riotc on Michigan. Slim,” warned Aiken, uneas-
l y.

Foxy Branscombe smiled grimly, but said
nothing as he took the pen in his left hand and
slowly, heavily printed a‘few lines, then passed
it over to his partner, who read:

“ I know who was the third man helping Michigan
Slim. If 'l‘onipolcon ’l‘nrhox lives to see to-inorrow’s
sun, he will be equally as wise. when your life won’t
be worth the paper these words are written on.
Silence him, and you are safe. Let this little token
strengthen your arm. After the funeral. you shall
receive twice as much more. If you flunk, and Tar-
box fails to wipe you out, the hand that sends this
will send you to rejoin Michigan Slim and Ned‘the
Nailer."

From an inner pocket, while Aiken was read-
ing the note, Foxy Branscombe drew a wallet
and extracted therefrom five hundred dollars
in bank notes. These be folded up inside the
paper, slipping a rubber band around all.

“ You must hunt up Triphammer. He’s a
cool, bold rascal, and long before this has

learned that his agency in the fracas out yon—

der is unsuspected. He’ll be at some of the dives
in town, most likely where the crowd is great-
est, to be sure of aid from his mates, if Tarbox
gets on his track. By watching your chance,
it will not be difficult for you to slip this pack-
age into his hand or ocket, without being seen
or recognized. If t e money is not sufficient,
the threat will turn the scale, and he’ll take our
enemy from behind, trusting lo esca ing unob-
served in the confusion, or else to is known
liking for Michigan carrying him safely
through.”

“ But if he refuses?” '

“ He dare not, after that threat. Do asIsayh
and make haste back. We must talk over this
affair of Rebel George, and get ready to square
accounts with him. Go, and hasten. ’

Elias Aiken, thou h clearly far from relishin
the duty assigned im, took the packet and
hastily left the ofllce. .

Foxy Branscombe sat drinking and plotting.

CHAPTER XVI.
RUNNING THE GANTLET.

TENDERLY Albert Matney clasped the uncon-
scious maiden to his bosom and bore her away
from the scene of her father’s torture. He
could hear the stern threats of Elephant Tom
as he ordered the renewal of the fire, but he felt
how utterly helpless he was to save the unfor-
tunate capitalist, alone and single-handed
against the gang of road-agents.

“1’d risk my own life, willingly enough.
Heaven knows!” he muttered, unconsciou in
his whirling excitement that he was brea ing
the thought aloud. “But not hers—my poor,
suffering darlingl You before all else!” and as
he gained the spot where he had first discovered
Maura. as a captive, he lifted the blood-stained
hood from his face, and pressed his lips pas-
sionately to_ hers.

Not a. Sign of consciousness—no returning
The poor, overtasked brain had tem—

orarily yielded to the frightful strain, and she
lily limp and lifeless across his arm.

Gently he lowered her form to the green
sword, then stood beside her, his brain busin
at work.

Though as et he had not the slightest sus-

icion of all t at Ele hant Tom had revealed to

oratio Adair—of c aiming to be the much-
wronged George Brent, who had planned and
plotted so cunnineg to gain full possession of
theleading member of the Triad—he felt that
Maura was in peril of for worse than death, as
long as she remained in the power of the
notorious road-agent.

He vowed to save her; but how could he
carry out his vow?

There was no time to waste, and his brain
worked swiftly as he stood over the maiden
whom he loved far better than he did his own .
life. A minute—then he settled the bloody .
hood well over his face, and making sure that
the weapons in his belt were ready for use, he
moved toward the tunnel. /

This time he took no precautions, walln'n bold-
ly through the patches of moonlight, as t ough
inviting observation. Such was precisely his,

\ \ , \. ‘

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

‘4

they would give the alarm.

' bewildered maiden to don the garments, lucki

4 7 * ' Elephant con, 0

.17 .  >-  .15.?” ft; , i w

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onion-g6; '

    

 

 

 

l

idea, and when, as he drew close to the tunnel
entrance, a black-hood started out from the
shade to meet him, he did not try to avoid the
encounter.

-‘ “ How goes it, Dandy?" asked the road-agent
inaniumed voice, coming as it did from be-
neath the somber folds, and apparently recog-
nizing the disguise worn by Mutney. “ I
thought you was on duty outside?”

Matiiny. not knowing what peculiarity of tone
might distinguish the fellow called Dandy from
his follows, was taken with a fit of coughing “S
he replied, his voice being barely articulate;
but thc outlaw seemed to suspect nothing, udd-
lng: I

“ How’s the boss gittin’ along? that’s ho
doin’, anyhow?“

h “ Toustin‘ the old man,” coughed Matiicy,
uskil '.

“ Is) he squealin’ any? Gritty 01d cuss, I
reckon l”

“ The boss'll fetch him,” gasped tho disguised
lover, still more seriously all'ectod. “He sent
Hie—cuss the coiigliiii’I—ine to call you. \Vants
you for soniothiii’, right off.”

The roadvagent made no response, but started
forward, Mutncy tl‘(‘lllllllg close to his heels.
Not for far. The moment he entered the screen
of bushes behind which Maura lay, still uncon-
scious, Matiiey drove a knife to the hilt between
his shoulders, clapping his left hand firmly over
the lips of the deatlrstricken outlaw, drawing
him back against his own breast with a. powor
that hold him from moving or uttering a groan.

Fierculy was his grip maintained, until abso-
lutely certain that there was no danger of his
uttering a death vell or groan, then Mutnoy
allowcd the limp figure to slip down at his feet.

A keen glance around him showed that none
had noticed the brief struggle and bending
over his victim, Matncy stripped of]? his hood,
shirt, and trowsers, then bending a. few low
branches over the stark form, the better to foil
the beams of the moon, should any of the road-
agents pass that way before he had gained time
sutlicieut to carry out his bold plans.

With the garments in his hands, he passed
through to where Maura. was lying, still motion-

less, though as he bent over licr he fancied he

could hear the first faint moan of returning; con-
sciousncss.

Working swiftly, yet tenderly, he lifted the
head of the maiden, and drew the blood-stained
shirt over her form. He was about slipping the
hood in place, when Maura. moved slig tly, and
8¢tlng on a sudden impulse, he icked her up in
his arms, and taking with him he remnants of
the intended disguise, bore her through the
dense shadows cast by the rocks, nearer to the
tunnel, further away from the scene of torture.

. Maura opened her eyes, and Matney hastily
lifted his hood, turning his face so that she
could recognize it, as he placed one hand over
her pale lips, whispering: -

“Not a word, dcar girl—on your life be si-
lent!”

“Father -— spare him i” murmured Maura,
brokenly. _ ,

“He is safe, never fear, darling," he uttered,

soothinglv.

“ Where? Take me to him!”

His brain was all alive now, and working
swift-1y. ,r He knew that Maura would neVer
consent ‘to abandon her father, for, whatever
may have been his faults and his crimes toward
others, to her he had ever been kind, his love
never failing.

Alone, he_ could not hope to rescue him from
the iron grip of Ele hant Tom. Once outside,
there might be a c ance. Yet he could not
eave Maura. there while he hastened for aid.

There was only one course to pursue, and
realizmg this. knowing that in her confused,
bewfldered state she was not capable of close
reasomng, he spoke hurried] :

“I will take on to him, ileum, if you will
trust me entirey and do just as I bid y0u,
githopt wasting precious time in asking Clues-

ons.

“An thin —I romise—only takem t
18min}; f8 Ph t I e opoor

e is so e for t e presen : rescued him
but the outlaws are now hunting for him. They
don’t suspect me, and have left me to guard
you. .We must steal away before they a; back
or all is lost. Will you do just as I say ” \

Maura. nodded, her trembling lips refusing to
utter the words she would have shaped, and
Matney hurriedly added:

“I fear there are some of the outlaws on
guard by the entrance, and were I to attempt
to take you outside without being disguised
Please put on
these trowsers. You can draw them on by
tucking your skirts inside. Heston! Thedelay
of a. minute may be fatal to us—to your
father!” . .

There was no time to waste in consulting false
modesty, and Matney aided the tremblinF,
Y

lart e i}: thfilwaist. A coral seeing: them
. eien y or plirpos an suppo ng her
With one arm, the other and claspin a cooked
revolver, he moved toward the tonne , whisper-
in ' in herein: an 'odjuration to be brave for the

\.§

 
 

 
 

 

VB

   
 

: v ‘

 

n

 

Most fortunately these precautions proved
needless, for, though they passed within si ht
of one black-hood, he was moving toward he
scene of torture, and never glanced in their
direction, while the tunnel was found em ty.

Matiiey had iirrved himself for swift, eadly
work, in case they should he interce ted by
curious or suspicious black-hoods, an it was
with a long breath of relief that he reached
the further extremity of the tunnel without
being accosted.

Still supporting the trembling figure of Maura
on his arm, he paused long enough to take a.
keen, comprehensive glance outside before part-
ing the leaf screen.

Hs behcl the still figure of the sentinel whose
garb had stood him in such good stead, occupy-
ing the same position in which he had propped
it, and that assured him no discovery of the
tragedy had as yet taken place.

Since the corpse was propped against the
rock the moon had altered its position sutlicicnt-
ly to change gloom into brightness. The sil-
very beams now fell full upon the pain-distorted
countenance, rviirlered doubly ropulswe by the
red Streaks where the mingled blood and brains
llflll (ll zmi from the shattered skull and crossed
the ushcn face.

No one, looking from the mouth of the tunnel,
could avoid noticing this, and as Albert Mut-
ncy twisted the black hood which covered the
fair head of his charge away, be interposed his
own form betwocii her and t int gruesome sight,
then pushed boldly out of the dense cover iiito
open air and bright moonlight, softly muttering
in her car:

“ Walk boldly, my precious! Only a little
longer. We are passing the last peril now. Be
brave and fear naught!”

Across the moonlivrht and into the first shad-
ow he could reuch atney supported the Weak
maiden, yot striving to give their close coni-
panionship the air of confidential communing
between two boon companions, rather than of
one assisting the footsteps of another.

Still not a. sound of either discovery or sus-
picion, and when a little distance beyond the
shoulder of rocks which shut off all view of the
entrance to the- hidden pocket, Matney paused,

‘his doubts were gone, his misgivings van~

ishing. I .

In the scant time allowed him for deciding on
the course he should pursue, even his quick-
worlring brain had been unable to more than
roughly shape his course after the first stop
should be taken. He must escape from the
pocket with Mauro Adair; beyond that, he
could see nothing distinctly, and could only
leave his actions to be decided by the emergen-
cies as they should arise. ‘

_ Now that he had fairly cleared the ocket, he

began to see his way more clearly, but had

at first appeared an impossibility now looked

:3" more feasible, and his decision was quickly
on. ,

Again assisting Maura, be pressed on down
the valley for several Ihundred yards, kee )ing
in the densest shadows, more by instinct hen
from any actual fear of being discovered by
inimical eyes,dpausing again when a secure cov-
cri; was gains . ‘

“Maura, 2. must leave you here alone for a.
few moments, but there is no cause for near it
you remain quiet and do not leave these shadows
for the bright moonlight.”

“ Father—where is ho? You said you would
take me to him, Albert,” uttered the maiden,

.with more calmness than she had shown since

witnessing the frightful sccnc in the mountain
pocket, where her parent played uch a. promiu
nent part. , ~
“ It is for his good that ii am leaving you alone
for a few moments, darling,” softly breathed

.Matney, touching his lips reassuringly to her

brow. “ I will soon return. and I must find you
exactly where I leave you; ,No matter what
you hear, for your life and :tiine do not stray
from this spot. ” p

“ I will obey, Albert: but hasten back—and
brin father with you. You will, dear?"

" will brin you together safe and sound, or
lose my own ife in the attempt, Maura,”_he
whispered in response, his dark oyes_ glowmg
with earnestness. “Remember, our lives may
depend on my finding you here and ready,
without the delay of a moment. I f 1 come 81-
lently, say not  word until [touch you; if I
am running and call out your name, creo back
into this niche and lie there until dayli t, un-
less-I should return for you earlier. If utter
your name and add the word come, ate out to

his little sapling and yield yoursol't reely to
my Era , without struggling to help in any
Wa . on are sure to comprehend my words
111 V. Maura?”

“ 95. I will do just as you say. Only ,hasten
bulk, and bring poor fat er With you, ’ mur—
mured the maiden, throwing her arms around
his neck and
stout, then releasing and ushing him away.

Though her brain wuss ‘ll ve far from com~
posed and clear as under 0 inery circum-
ltflm, Mauro Adair understood from-the hasty
speech and repeated warnings of her lover that
he was on the point of facing some imminent

“Thanks to this disguise, 1 could approach

pressing her lips to his for an in—\

 

peril, thereimlts of which venture prove.

    
 

 
     
    
   
    
   
   
  
   
   
     
   
   
    
  
   
  
   
  
   
   
  
   
 
  
    
   
   
  
    
  
  
  
  
   
    
 
 
   
  
   
   
    
    
    
      
      
  
     
   
     
      
    
        
    
      
  
  
    
     
  
  

fatal to their hopes of esca e, but which could
not- be avoided. Perhaps t was well that her
brain was still obfuscated, else she i .ight have
lost still more precious time in trying to per-
suade him to abandon his purpose, or in seekin ' ‘, ,
a more perfect knowledge of its nature. ‘

Fearing to delay longer, though still reluc-
taut?l leaving the maiden alone in her bewil-
dere condition, Albert Matiiey obeyed that

entle impulse, and stole away under cover of
die shade, not emerging into the moonlight
until at a considerable distance from the covert
in which he left Maura Adair.

Then he tin-nod toward the point where he
had reconnoitered the horses and their guards
earlier in the evening.

For a. brief space he hesitated whether to ap-
proach boldly, trusting to his disguise and
weapons to carry him safely through without‘
alarming the roadagents within the pocket, or ‘
to use stealth as before. Both possessed their
advantages as well as serious drawbacks—the
first was (lespcrately full of risk, for he could 1,,
hurle hope to overcome two stout men, tullv
armed and used to rough work, viithout their .
giving the alarm to their comrades—yet it was ‘
the quickest method of accomplishing the 0b- '
jcct on which he had sot his heart, and time
was of the utmost importance now, . v
. “If alone, or if that poor child wasa man, ' .'
I’d take the chances on it,” he muttered. ..,

them witliin arm’s length without their sus—
pecting anything, and then the knife would
make swift work of it. But I could hardly kill
both without at least one’s giving a '91] or cry
loudtenough to alarm those within t 9 pocket.
Then it would be a race for life, with the odds *
all against us, in this strange region. No, the
slowest course is the best, though at any mo»
ment now our flight may be discovered."

Seeing that his revolvers played freely in "
their scabbards, and drawing the trusty knife
which had cut short one evil life that nigbgr ,
Matuoy stole along under the best cover pnc- .7
ticable, his dark eyes keenly scrutinizing the’ g
ground before him, in quest of the horseguards,
hoping to still find them sleeping as when be
last passed the spot. ‘ ’

A bright gleam came into his eyes, and u :
breath passed hissineg through his lips, as he
iinally :liscovsred the two road-agents lying -
side by side, still and motionless, to all appear-
ance, soundly sleeping on their post of duty.

Silently, stealihily he crawled nearer and.
nearer, his blood-stained weapon ready for use,
feelin, not the slightest compunction at the
thoug t of taking their lives, since thewelfare ‘1’
of his over) one enianded their removal. Still
closer—only to start back with a low cry 01‘
amazement and horror.

A whirling gust of wind turned aside the tag)
of a bending bough which had until then shiel s
ed the tacos of the two men from the moonlight,
and Matney saw that their black hoods were no
longer in place, leaving their faces bare, up-
turned toward the sky. But it was not this '
alone that so startled him. That brief wl h-
drawal of the shadowy curtain showed him
more than that. .

He saw the open, staring eyeballs—saw one
bloody, gaping throat, and red stains upon the -
besom o the other outlaw.

Some deadly enemy had been before him.
But who? u _

lie dared not pause to untangle the bloody
enigma. At any moment now might come the
angigr ‘yell of discovery from the pocket. He
coul see the horses standing beyond, tethered,
unmoved by the tragedy which had taken place .
so near them. With one of them he might hope '- .
to on his loved one to safety. , Without such." ‘
aid their case was desperate indeed. ,

Expecting with each moment to ,receive a
shot or a blow from the unknown slayer, Mate
ney glided swiftly toward the animals, and; sc- ‘
looting the best-looking one among them, rapid-
ly adjusted saddle and bridle. ‘ ., 

Not a sound or sign of the secret slayer while
he was thus occupied, and fearing to lose any I
more time, Matney leaped into t e saddle and .
urged his steed back to the spot where he had
left Maura awaiting his coming. .

He uttered the agreed-upon st al, and.
promptly the maiden came out from t o bushes,
to be caught around the waistlby the sinewy
arm of her lover and swung lightly upon the
Withers of the good horse; '

“Father—where is hell” faltered Maui-a,
Matney gavo the animal free rein and dash
rapidly down the valley. ‘

He dared not respond just then and th
she repeated. the question more than once, 9‘
maintained silence until a full mile away from,
the ket. Then she cried, 'onatolv: at

“ on have deceived me! gou have deserted.

or fatherl'wndlthe poor child, half-crazed?
ried to fling herself from the rapidly speeding '
steed. ' "

 

    
   
   
    
     
    

     
      
  
 

—.—

CHAPTER XVII. g
MEANT 1'01 LAUGHS—AND CURB“ \ i i it 
‘z Sm up the fire, lads—keep it blazing oom-

fiand see that no portion of this internally
p  pig is neglected. It’s a gay old barbe-

   
      

   

   
  

     

 
  

 

  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
 
  
  
  
    
    

. v

I' forethonl”.

.z'-s. .- ,.

.‘ -. 7  TomLof Durang'o".

w .

 

 

 

cue, such as you don‘t often get a. back at, and
you want. to do yourselves proud l”
His evil eyes glowing like coals, his voice

harsh and rasping, his stumpy fingers rubbing 1 scrutinized it.

together, Elephant Tom uttered these rapid
words, and saw his fiendish Commands carried
into effect. bv his too willing tools.

Savager oratio Adair glared back, great
drops of sweat rolling down his temples as the
heat increased beneath him. His body quivcred
with agony, biz clothes were charred and smok-
ing, tiny sparks of fire creeping here and there
norms the g vrments.
have been excruciating, but still he refused to
give the signal of submission. His teeth were
sunk deep into the suffocating gag. His finger
nails Wcl'e buried into the flesh» of his palms.
His bloodshot eyes seemed starting from their
sockets. His thin faca w s drawn and distorted
but when Elephant. Tom row still closer, lookino'
eagerly for some signs of yielding, he glared
savagnly back, only kept from showering fierce
curses llan the head of his cruel tormentor, by
the contrivance that fettered his tongue.

“ You‘re a gritty old fool, that’s flat!” ex-
claimed Elophant Tom, unable longer to deny
that tribute to the dogged resolution shown by
the old man, though his own chagrin was so in-
tense. “ I’m almost sorry I undertook the job,
but now I have started it, I’ll carry it through,
though it takes me a year and leaves you more
like a bit 0’ overdone bacon than a human be-

in !

g‘Keep the fire low but steady, boys,” he
added, turning to his black-hoods. He’s too
valuable meat to be burnt all up. So!
sufficient to drive the beat further in. That is
more painful than a scorching blaze. If he
holds out five minutes longer, I’ll be readyto
wear that he’s more devil than man!” '

Elephant Torn stood motionless, closely
watching the face of his victim. He was eager

Just 3

for the yielding, not only because so much 1

money was at stake, but because he began to
fear that the old man in his obstinacy would
never yield until death came to end his suffer-
ings. Evan a brute can admire such extraordi-

‘ nary stoicism, and the regret ex ressed by the
a

out w was perfectly genuine. ut he felt his
$3311.“ at stake, and was resolved to conquer or

Torments beyond the power of pen to ex-
press, Horatio Adair endured in stubborn
silence; but human na‘ure has its limits, and at
length, with a smothered groan, he gave the
long-expected signal of yielding, and With his
(min b nds Elephant Tom severed the thongs
that held him on the gridiron, and lifted him
to the cool sword.

A hollow groan, as the (gag was taken from his

. rched lips, "then the 01 man swooned, lying

e a corpse.

Cursing savagely, as he began to fear that he
had defeated his own ends. Elephant Tom poured
whisky down the old man’s throat, and liberally
bathed his temples with the same powerful
liquid. For some minutes he despaired of suc-
cess, but then Adair gave tokens of restoration,
and 'shortly after his bloodshot eyes opened, to

' ’closo again with a convulsive shudder as they

£qu upon that hideous mask bending over
1m.
. ‘fGood enough, old fellow!” chuckled Ele-
hant Tom, drawing a long breath of relief.
‘Blessed if I didn't begin to think you had hop-
d the twi in dead earnest! 1’vo two minds
double t a ransom money, to pay for the
trouble you’ve given us! It would serve you
right for a stubborn, unmannerly hog!”
. ‘You’ve murdered me—isn’t that enough?”
ed Adair, his eyes opening, his scorched
y quivering with intense 11. “Kill me—
deaih ll preferable to such in email torments as
you are making me suffer!”
“You have only yourself to blame,” coolly
[started the roadzagent. “ If you had written as
bade you, all this would have been spared you.
. on swore you wouldn’t; I swore you should,
. nd my power proved greater than your will.
It took a wonderful in ht of or meat. to con-
»vince you; that I’m rec to a mu. You en-
dured enough to deSei've renewing fifty thou-
sand, instead of having‘todisgorge it; but that’s
the ‘wn luck runs in t is wooden country.”
,‘ a talking, Elephant Tom was not wholly
idle. From an inner pocket of his thickly-

I " 53“ costume he oducedanote-book pen
’. 'mbottle of ink, .11” i i

‘- Here’ we are, my dear sir,” he added, bland-

ly making a SI , for two of the black-hoods to
.  the tortur wretch to a sitting posture,
and support him thus. “Oblige me by filling
a: this}. blank form. Make it payable to
rer. '

I! Even then Horatio Adair hesitated, love of

gold for the moment overpowering his bodily
a on .
y hant Tom grated, savagely:

“ah-its, curse you! Refuse now, and by an
the powers of heaven and earth! I’ll strap you
On that gridiron again, and keep a slow fire
burning beneath you from this until day—an-
loss your covetous soul leaves your cams be-

Horatio Adair shuddered with unutterable

jinn-or, and hesitated no longer. He took the

l

léphant Tom dictated, then signed his name.
Taking the note, the road-agent closely
Then a low, mocking laugh es-
, caped his lips, as he uttered:
[ " You are sure this document is strictly cor-
, rect? It will be honored by your partners,
1 when they realize your situation?”
“If not, can you blame me?” huskin mut-
l ter’od Adair. “They may decline to treat with
you. as I warned you at first.”

"Bah!" with a short, hard laugh. “You

 

His bodily torment must ‘ haven’t had quite enough of our medicine.

l Stir up the fire, boys, and put the obstinate old
f fool back again for another dose.”

“ You promised to spare me if I wrote—”
“And I’ll keep mgr word, when you kee
yours,” sharply. “ on have omitted to mark
that draft with your secret token that it is
enuine. Add that, and be sure you make no
further slip, or I’ll clap you on that bed and
keep you there until nothing short of Gabriel’s

trumpet can awaken you!”

With a despairing groan, Horatio Adair took
back the aper and added the secret mark,
Ele hant cm scrutinizing it minutely before
find ly eXpressing himself satisfied.

“ All right, so far; but listen to me one mo-
ment. I’m chuck full of patience, but you’ve
swallowed the last drop have to spare. If
you make any more trouble, I’ll not stop to
waste my breath on such a stubborn brute,
but onto that gridiron you go, never to be lifted
off alive. I swear that this is the last warning
of any sort you’ll receive from me.
are longing for death, you’ll hear this in mind,
and overn yourself accordingly.”

“ ou've got the note; what more do you de.
mand?” sullenly.

“Merely a line or two by way of friendly in—
troduction to my new bankers, your partners.
We’ve had dealings with each other before this,
thou%i never face to face, and as it chanced
that lephant Tom always got just a trifle the
best of the bargain, there may be some preju-
dice against me in their minds which mi ht‘
lead them to doubt my being your embassa or,
unless duly provided with credentials. They
mi ht even call me a bald-faced swindler, and
kic against honoring your draft.”

“That’s your lookout, not mine,” muttered
Adair sullenly.

“ V’bich is just where I beg leave to differ
from you, mv dear sir. My interest is purely
pecuniary. Yours is a. life-or-death interest, I
mean to present this note for liquidation, just
as soon as a good horse can carry me to Duran-
go. I do not mean to leave town until the cash
is paid over, if it takes a m0nth’s argument.
‘But at the same time, if I fail to get back here
by sunrise, to marrow morning, my men have
their instructions to return you to your little
couch, and keep the fire stirred up so briskly
that you won’t need any blankets to keep you
from having a chill—you understand?”

Horatio Adair, now that he had submitted to
the worst, was not feeling strong enough to
make much of a fight on any other point, and
silently picked up the note-book and pen.

“Tell me what to write, and I’ll do it. I
want to live; life is very precious to me‘now.”

Elephant Tom laughed carelessly, as be inter-
preted:

“ So that you can be revenged upon me—ex-
actlyl Don t know a I blame you much, for I
have iveu you a terribly rough old deal.
When finger that little old fifty thousand, I
reckon our accounts will be pretty near
squared. However, business is business, and
you can’t make good mince-pie out of empty
words.

“Write as I dictate.-

“Enmam Tom‘s ME'NAGERIE, l
“Tuesday, 10:30 P. u f
“ Ami-m & Bmxsconnsz—

“ Gunman :-—The bearer of this note of introduc~
tion Elephant Tom, Esq, is well worthy all the
kindness and courtesy you may have to spare. He
has treated me with truly remarkable warmneas; so
much so that all I lack is a suit of pper and salt to
make me read for the dining-tab e.

“As a fe b e token of how thorough I tip reci-
ate his hosp tallt —for if ever tenderfoo was aken
in and done for, am that ha y individual—l have
given him a draft on you for my thousand dollars,
whiclalyou will tly oblige me by honoring M'h‘
out d ay and c rging same to my rlvate account.

“ I know this is short notice, but) than the time
of grace allowed me is still shorter. If Elephant
Tom is not back here with the cash before sunrise in

I the morning you’ll have to invest in crepe, as well
as a new Sign- oar-d.

“ In short and not to put too the a point on it, un-
less you ay the sum named as ransom money, Ele-
phant om will kill me, and swears that my

aughter, who is also lu his power. shall sufler an
even worse fate.
“ I have the honor to remain, gentlemen,
" Yours, on the anxious seat,
“HORATIO ADAIR."

“If that don’t fetch ’em, then I pity you,”
added Elephant Tom, with a. short, mocking

the closing words. “For, sure as the Lord
made little is ples, I’ll make my threat good,
and when you re thoroughly done, I’ll send your
hard-hearted partners a bit of the roast, asa
sample of my skill in the culinary art.”
Horatio Adair mpde no iesponse, though

 

 

Unless you _

laugh. as he watched the prisoner write down

 

gen, and filled out the blank word by word as 1 there was'death in the savage glarce which he
i

cast upon the exultant outlaw. A groan of
agony, both bodil and mental, broke from his
lips, as his head ell back, no longer supported
by the bluclohoods.

“One of you fellows trot out and get my
horse ready for the road,” said Elephant ’l‘om,
speakin hurriedly. “ The rest of you pick him
up and ring him over to where is daughter
can look after him while I’m gone. Handle
him carefully. I don’t reckon his hide would
take kindly to a curry-comb just now.”

The black—hoods were prompt to obey, and
Elephant Tom led the way to the spot where he
expected to find Maura Adair under guard of
the black-hood to whom he had confided her.

An impatient oath broke from his lips as he
found the retreat empt ; but before he could
do or say more, a wil shout echoed faintly
from the other side of the rock barrier, and
back came the outlaw whom he had dispatched
to prepare his horse, running like a frightened
stag, straight; into the bushes, his feet strik-
ing against the corpse of the road-agent slain
by Albert Matney, casting him headlong at the
feet of his chief, from Whose lips burst a bowl-
ing curse of commingled rage and surprise.

“What the deuce is the matter with you?
What are you bowling about, anyway? Get
up, and spit it out—livelyl”

“Dandy Jim’s out yender, dead—an’ yer’s
another!” the road-agent gasped, scrambling to
his feet, and holding back i e bushes so that
the moonlight fell full upon the ghastly, up»
turned countenance.

For an instant Elephant Tom stood as though
petrified; but then he sprung iuto swift life and
motion.

A sharp blast rung out from his dog—call, and
jerkingn revolver from his belt, be rushed at
the head of his men to the tunnel. Through it
l e tore, only pausing when he reached the side-
cf the dead sentinel.

Asingle glance showed him how the black-
hood had met his death. The bloody stone
spoke plainer than words. But it gave no clew
to the slayer, other than explaining how the
maiden had fallen into the ends of the un-
known, doubtless disguised in the hood and
shirt of the dead outlaw.

A fierce oath buist from his lips as he re-
membered the black-hood who had witnessed
the barbecue, uninvited.

“And I gave her into his very hands, too!”
be raged, his ,V( ice hardly recognizable in its
mad fury. “Scatter, you infernal blood—
hounds, and lock for them! Kill him—recap-
ture her, on your lives! If they get free, we're
in a sweet box. Ha! who were acting ashorse~

uardsi If they have so far neglected their
duty— Cranky,_watch the tunnel, and shoot.
any man who tries to come out! The rest fol-
10w me!” .

Elephant Tom rushed toward the spot where
the horses had been taken, a new fear essailing
him. If the animals had_ been run 011— He
drew along breath of relief as he caught the
first glimpse of the animals, still tethered at the-
usual 5 0t, for until then he had feared they-
were ta en in a death-trap: that some cunning,
relentless enemy had completely outwitted
them, and was only waiting for a better chance
to deal the finishing blow.

The next instant he caught sight of the two
black-hoods, lying still and motionless in death,
and now he comprehended why they had not.
given the alarm.

In grim silence be bent over them. A knife
had cut short the thread of their lives, wielded
by so strong and true a. hand that apparently
neither of the wretches had time o realize
their peril before death claimed them for its
own. .

Elephant Tom arose and cast a swift, appre»
hensive glance around him, the words dropping-
mechanical] from his lips:

“Can th t demon have'slippod his bonds
and stolen here? It lookalike it—and yet— '

“ You devils, get to work 1” ho snarled, turn--
lug savagely on his men, who stood around,
silent, awe stricken at the sudden death which
had overtaken so many of their comrades-
“One of you rig‘ up my horse and bring it. to
the tunnel. The rest come and beat the pocket.
It hasn’t been long since I gave the girl to that
disguised demon. and they may not have had
time to escape. Lively, you bloodhounds l”

Back to the tunnel hastened Elephant Term,
entering at the head of his men, placing two on-
‘guard at the inner portal and idding the re»
mainder scatter throng the pocket and
thoroughly Search every covert where it was.
possible for a living creator. to lie concealed;

Most 11 )rqugbly ms orders were obeyed, but,
as the reader is aware. without success reward~

ing their efl'orts. .

For a brief 5 ace: 9r satisfying himself that
the unknown oe h. indeed made his escape
with Maura Adair lephant Tom stood ins.
quandary what com k to pursue first. But his
wnsafentile and swutly-working brain under
pressure, and rapidly his orders were given to

is fellows.

“ Cranky and Sheeny Ike, take your horses

and ride like the Old Boy was at your-heels, .

along the trail to Florida. It you'ovortakoh

 

\

5

 

   
   
 
   
  

 

 .jElephant Tomiof Danae:

 

, man v. 1.11 a. ~.oman, Ii ling the stolen horse,
kill him—kill her. if you can‘t take her alival

“Six-toe and Speckled Paddy, get ready to
ride with me along the Durango trail. , The rest
of you remain here. Keep close watch over the
old man, two of you. The others must hold the
tunnel until I come back, though an army try
1 to force it. '
u “ As for me I must get to Durango before that
demon can, or all our work will go for nothing.
Maybe We’ll catch them on the road. If we do
sight them, the boys shu’u‘t cross the range
Without conipanyl”

He left the pocket, mounted, and dashed away
; at full speed down the valley, racing to win the
' fifty thousand dollars.

CHAPTER XVIII.

ELEPHANT mom’s DOUBLE GAME.

DIRIGO BRANSCOMBE had changed his seat so
that he faced the door of the office, and as he
heard the sound of rapid footsteps, followed by
a soft tapping on the panels, he arose and turn-
ing the key in the lock, opened the door and
admitted the portly figure of his partner, Elias
Aiken.

“ What luck?” he demanded, hastily, his wolfish
eyes all aglow as he closed the door again, in his
excitement omittin to turn the key in the lock.
“You found him? t’s all right?”
~ Elias Aiken nodded silently. taking a seat at
‘ the table, and pouring out a stiff horn of brandy
* before speaking.

’ Foxy Branscombe seemed willing to let him

' take his time, after having received that one
assurance, and silently imitated the liquidating
exam le thus set.

“ l ell,” at length uttered Aiken, setting his
empty glass down with an emphatic thump on
the table before him, staring intently into the
bloodshot eyes of his partner. “Well, [don’t
know as I am any more thin-skinned than the
average run of tough cases, but I do know that
no single figure, with three nanghts as a tail,
would ay me for receiving, the tongue-lashing

,Foxy ranscombe is getting this night in Du-
tango!"

“ From that devil, Tompoleon Tarbox, as he
calls himself?"

"From the whole town, roughs as well as
gentlemen," was the sullen response. “ What
in the foul flend’s name induced you to meddle
with that Bretto girl?”

“That's my private afi’air, not partnership
business.”

“ Then I wish you could pay the penalty out
of your own private stock of pularit ,”
growled Aiken. “It wouldn’t tag: 3. him 16
tongue half an hour to raise a mob out yonder

. to hoist youto the si n-post; and but a trifle
more persuasion to ad me as a. make-weight!”

Foxy Brsnscombe laughed contemptuously.

“ Bahl at one word from me the dogs would
crouch and lick the very ".ust from my boots.
I know them from a to izzard. It’s always the
last s eaker that carries tineir votes.”

“ 6011 show your nose outside, and I’m betting
big odds that those ame dogs don’t_ loosen
itheir grip ’while there’s a host of a. kick in
your carcass! You can’t ear anything but
curses against the rascal who dared insult Miss
Naomi, and the way I was hustled about and
elbowed while looking for your man, showed
plain enough that the sentiment was not as-
sumed."

“ Never mind that now; it’ll come out smooth
enough, if we don’t keep on stirring up the mud.
.You found him?”

“Triphammerl—yes; and the scoundrel was
one of the loudest of all in condemning your
801310“. Blessed if Icould hardly keep my fin-
gers from his throat as I heard him howling out
M‘savagely.”

More ‘0 ward suspicion from himself than
through any 01,9888 of honesty,” laughed Foxy
Branscombe. I’m rather lad the shrewd
raseal tonk that role. for no y’ll be apt to
suspect him of 1‘0th in my interests when the
clap comes.

“ You made the pass» 01 001117883 He did not
catch you?"

“No: it was easy enough to’do the'trick in
the crowd, and when he got 9. chance to divine
what was upyI was out of his make. and doubt
whether he clapped eyes on me at all.”

“You’re sure he comprehended? He found
the note!” ‘

“I knew you’d be particular, so I followed
and v: atched him from a safe distance. At first
glance I saw that he suspected something of
what was up, for he held tight to the poeket
into which I had slipped the package “Ilthom
attempting to draw it forth, making 1115 way
out of the crowd. He stopped in the llght from
apaloon window and opened the paper. I saw
him read it, count the notes, and ther as he

‘ glanced around him, I gave a slight whistle to
l , raw his attention, and as he looked .tOWPTd
- where I was hidden in the shadows, I disguised
a? Vgige and squeaked out: ‘ Follow orders or
n .

. ‘f hat did he do—what did he sayi”. ,
v ' "Nodded his head, then tapped the hill; of his
' ._ knife. I didn’t wait for anything more, but
' - stole away and made my way here, first dodg-
~ 1113 about enough to’ make sure, he was not

x; 5.2m y:th

WQ'Tl-Jv
I

Haws—4

....— I p—__-\,~.m

 

 

 
 

 

 

dogging me to discover who gave him that
wamin .”

“ Good enough, old fellow—”

“ So I say! Good enough, and good-evening
with it i"

Sharp and distinct the words rung out, but
they came from neither of the two partners;
and with cries of angry amazement they turned
to behold the frowning muzzles of a braCe of
revolvers, whose butts were gripped by the
hands of a personage whose identity could by
no possibility be mistaken.

“Elephant Tom, by the Eternal!”mgasped
Branscombe, pushing back his chair a half-
arising, only to sink back as the notorious road-
agent menacingly uttered:

“ Go slow, my blooming daisyl- And you, too,
Fatty Aiken, unless you’re anxious to blow
your own brains out. Keep your seats, gentle-
men, I beg. I’m the most unceremonious cuss
you ever met, and would rather help myself
than to he waited upon.”

As he spoke, Elephant Tom, with a. dexterous
twirl of one foot, brought a chair near enough
for him to drop into it, without shifting the
aim of his pistols.

“ What the devil do you want here?” growled
Branscombe.

“That’s right, Foxy,” with an approving
nod. “ Don’t varnish your words when talking
to yours truly. Only you make a. trifling mis-
take; it‘s not the devil, but two of them I want
—and their first initials are Foxy Brunscombe
and Elias Aiken 1”

As he spoke, Elephant Tom hitched the heels
of his boots over the top round to his chair, and
supported his elbows on his elevated knees, thus
holding his weapons at a level, without fa-
tiguing his muscles. , .

“ If it‘s robbery you’re intending, you'll
miss your ame this time,” growled Brans-
combo. “ here’s not twenty dollars about the
place, unless it‘s in your clothes.”

“So much the worse for ou two sweet-
scented daisies," was the care ess response, as
the roadagent squinted over the leveled tubes.
“ I’ve called for cash, and cash I’m bound to
have. You know my password:—Your gold-
dust or your life I"

“ It won‘t work here," snarled Foxy Brans-
combe. “ You dare not burn powder, for that
would bring the whole town about our ears.
You can’t get away with us both, un ess you do
shoot. So, what’re you oing to do about it?”

“Sink a mineral sha t into the first one of
you that makes a crooked move. Chew on
that w'arninnghile I fish out a little document
for your careful consideration,” cool] retorted
Elephant Tom, lowering his left and and
placing the revolver in his is , keeping the
other weapon at a level, while king a folded
paper from his breast and tossing It so that it
el upon the table between the partners.

on needn’t be so particular,” he laughed,
as the men eyed the paper suspiciousl . “ It’s
not an infernal machine, thou h reckon
there’ll be a bit of an explosion w en you come
to digest the contents. Open it, Foxy Bruns-
combs.”

Mechanically the speculator obeyed, but as
his keen eyes took in its purport, he gave vent
to an angry snort.

” It’s a forgery—n lie on its ver face!”

“I want to know 1” e'aculuted le hant Tom,
in mock surprise. “ ell, now,I idn’t_think
that of old Adair—after I’d treated him so
warmly, tool The tricky old scoundrell”

“You never saw him. He’s in Denver. It’s
a. trick to extort money from _us—but 'you’ll
have your trouble for your pains. Bah! did
you take us for pin-blind idiots?”

A sudden and complete change came over the

H

outlaw. His air ofinockery gave way to one
of stem decision.
“That will do. Drop idle chaff and come

down to solid business. Look at that note care-
fully. The signature is genuine. The. draft
bears; in addition, the secret mark Which is used
in your firm to guard against forgery. Look
closely and you will see as much for yourself.”

Aiken caught up the note and held it close to
the light. An ashen shade crept over his coun-
tenance as his eyes met the gaze of his partner,
for he saw that Elephant Tom spoke true.

The road-agent nodded approvmgly as he
spoke again: .

“I see you recognize it. All right. Nothing
remains but for you to settle the demand,
prefer cash, if you please. A check would have
to be collected, and I don’t care about taking all
that trouble—not to mention the risk.”

“If Horatio Adair wrote this, it was through
me 31 compulsion. He’d rather die than part
wit any such sum!" .

“ Anv ordinary death, I admit,” laughed Ele-
Phant Tom. “ But I tried a. patent persuasive
of my own, with the result you see before you.
Rea his note, and you’ll understand better.”

“ It’s all a. muddle l" growled Branscombe,
tossing the note across to histher- "HOW
did he come out here, and into your clutches?
He never spoke of coming when be last wrote.”

“ Ygt he came in answer to a. telegram from

011— '
“ We never Sent him a dispatch l” , _
“ I did, in your name, and it answered quite

I

' calls for.”

, fund.”

 

as well. I told him things were going to
eternal smash, and the only hope of saving any-
thing from the wreck was for him to lose no
time in getting on t e ound. He came. I
wrecked the train at the lo Florida crossing.
I took him and his daughter prisoners, and con-
yeyed them to a little summer-palace of mine
in the hills. I argued the case with him—using
a little fire by way of a clincher—and as a re-
sult he made me a present of that draft on his
partners. He wrote that note to introduce me
to your favorable consideration. I deliver it,
and all you have to do is to fork over the cash it

  
  
 
 
    
    
   
 
  
    
   
  
   
    
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
 
 
 
   
   
  
     
 
  
  
   
   
  
  
    
  
   
    
   
  
  
    
   
  
   
  
    
  
  
   
     
    
   
  
   
  
     
         

“If we refuse to meet your outrageous de-
mands?” ‘

“ Then I’ll be put to the trouble of making an
extra trip back and forth. I’ll fetch with me .
an ear or two—maybe ascalp. In short, entlev .‘ ~ v
men, you’ll pay me over fifty thousand ollars, ‘ , ‘
or Horatio Adair will die such a death of 4'
torture as no poor devil yet experienced l” i

“If we pay, you’ll set him freel” hesitated
Branscombe. ‘

“ I’ve made all arrangements with him. You
havecoply to say if that draft is genuine. If so,

ay 1 . ‘ -
“ It ‘11 have to be by check, then.” interposed x‘
Aiken. “ We havan’t any such sum in cash—" '

“You liel” snarled Elephant Tom, savagely.
throwing aside all outward smoothness in his
im atience. “You have the cash.in yonder
sa e. I’ll give you just two minutes in which to ,
decide. If. at the end of that time, you still \
hang out, I swear by all the powers of heaven
and earth, I’ll kill you like I would a couple
of mad-dogs! Time!"

“lt’s genuine,” muttered Branscombe, to his

artner. “Adair can’t kick it we pay it for \ ‘

im, and we can keep his note and the draft
as proof that we’re not to blame.”

“ Time’s up, gentlemen)” warned Elephant \ .
Tom. “ What is your decision? Is it cssb‘or
am I to lay you out for the coroner? Come, ‘1!)
in a hurry l”

“ We’ll pay, if you promise to leave us the
draft and note as proof that we could not do
otherwise." ,

“ That as a matter of course,” was the prompt ‘
reply. “You can frame and glaze them, as“
mementoes of this pleasant little interview, for
what I care. The dust is all I want.’.’ ’; 

“Open the safe and get it, Aiken,” muttered :
Brfinscombe. b 6 fl th i , .

is artner o e e cove ng 3 open 11 as
Well aghe could with his massive form, olefin
and locking the door ere he turned around wi 7‘
a package of bills in his hands.

“Take your scat at the table, ordered Eles
phant Tom. “Open the package, and holdeaeh

ill up so that I can see the denominatidn. You
fellows are too tricky‘for an honest mun'iiko
me t’p' throw away a single chance. Smurtly,
now , ..

In grum silence Aiken obe ed, Elephant Tom
summing up the whole, wit a grim laugh of 
satisfaction. '
“Slip the rubber hand back again and tom it . .
here. Sol The documents are yours, and to— V
morrow you shall have theexquisite pleasure of
meeting your partner and listening to him 'go '
into ruptures over the warm hospitality he met "
with at the hands of the man people curse,up
hill and down as a conscienceless scoundrel—-
ElephantToml" '

“ Good-bv, then,” grewled Branscombe, sav-
agely. “ You know h0w you came in; gonna.
find our way out by the same passage. . '

“ n a. hurry, ain’t youi”sneered Elephant.
Tom stowing the packs sof bills away, butuot ,i
offering to arise. ‘Fac is, I haven’t quite con~
eluded my business—" 

“ We’ve met {our infamous demands. What

5

more do you a l" , ,
to my little private

my x.
.a ,

I.

(it
.I

“Your contribution

“ What do you mean?" I ‘\

“ Business, chuck u l Elephant Tom "I!"
had his say; now we‘ll c ange the pr ammo Q'-
trifle. That was ransom money: tb s is pay-
ment for the claim you stole from George
Brent!”

Ashe spoke. the left hand of the roadzagent,
was busy at the back of his head, and with his 1
last word his hat fell off, his hideous mask fell
forward upon his bosom and revealed his darkly,
handsome couptenancs. ' ‘ u V

“ Rebel George. by the Elernachi-ied Bruns-
comhe. while E ins Aiken stared at the rev'cll- t -.s
tion with protruding eyes and open mouth, too-
mnazcd to utter more than a gasping grpan.

“ 0r George Brent. the man whom you t
scgiindrels bled so freely ygars agogtho mm
w om you cast into prison er u n our
souls so hlackly that Satan hijdisglfjwoulg 
to acknowledge on as his pu ils—the man who.»
has watched an waited for t is o portunity'fio. '
strike back a. blow for revenge, w ere you will
feel it the most severely—in our , etsl’l-
sternly uttered the roadvagent, h §dar eyes all
ablaze, his white teeth showing vic10usly below
his mustache. ' ‘ » j
“ George Brent is dead,”_snllenly muttered.
Branscombe, his eyes drwpmg, as though, un~ ‘M.
able to long‘rr encounter that keen, monacs ‘~
ing gale. ‘ But even ,if he lived, and you

     
    
 
  
  
 
 
 
    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
 
   

 

4‘

  
   
     
      
      
      
 
    

 
 

 

  

 
   

26

, ‘  ‘f Elephant Tom. of Durango.

 

i were he, you can have no just claim u on us.
We have the papers to show that our ealings
with him were on the square. The records of
the court in which he was tried and found guilty
of attempted robbery and murder are still in ex-
istence.”

A short, mooking laugh burst from the lips of
the outlaw, as he quick y replaced and secured
his mask. all the time keeping the two men

‘ . covered with his pistols.

‘ “ Lies, false as yourself! But even granting
all that you claim, the only law I now acknow-
ledge is that of my own sweet will. I have you
foul. A simple crook of my finger will send
you to the devil, your master. I say that you
wronged me most foully. I demand repay-
ment, in part, for my less, my wrongful con-
viction, my sufferings in that living hell, the
life you are the prime cause of my leading, ever
Since I came into the world again.

“Pay me $25,000 each, and I will spare your
lives. Refuse, and I’ll kill you first, then empty
your safe—”

“ It is empty!” hastil interposed Aiken.
“You took the last do lar it contained as
ransom for old Adair.”

“ Another lie, ” coldly retorted Elephant Tom.
“That safe contains at least fifty thousand
dollars more. You drew the hundred thousand,
to close the bargain for three mines owned by
Stafford Lansing. He was to met you this

. evening. to turn over the ti tie-deeds and patents,

. I, but failed—just why, a few of my boys can
explain.

!' ' “ Come!
shoot?”

/ There was deadly earnestness in his words,

and the two men dared no longer hesitate.

' Sullenly the safe was opened and the money

produced. This time E eph nt Tom took the
_ amount for granted, seeming y to avoid further
. loss of time.

" W “Down‘flat on the floor, Foxy Branscombel”

\ he ordered, sternly. “Hesiiate, and I’ll lay

' V v you out for the coroner. So!” as the speculator

‘ obeyed, with a groan. “Tie him with these

thongs, and do the job up in style, or I‘ll riddle

 i you, sure 1” ~
He tossed a handful of hemp thongs to Aiken,

forcing him at the muzzle of his pistol, to bind

his rtner. When this was done to his satis-
faction, he made Aiken lie flat on his face, and
, secured him after the same fashion.

,‘  “Some of your friends will drop in to see
what’s become of iyou, in the course of a week
or two,” he laug ed, producing a couple of
stout gags and forcing their jaws open, he
. com leted his work with rare dexterity.

“ hen people ask how came you so, tell ’em
that‘Elephant Tom tackled you with his whole
menagerie. That will spare your reputation

 for bravery. Ta-ta. gents! I’l see you later!”

/ With a mocking laugh, the bold outlaw left
 the ofllee.

Will you fork over, or shall I

 

CHAPTER XIX.
SPEEDING To run nasctm.

 

For: the moment, Maura Adair was almost ,

- , beside herself, and hardly accountable for what
., - ’ ’ she did or said. She had undergone somuch
. . ' that night, had suffered so intensely in mind,
‘ ., more for her father than on her own account,
" ’ _ that her poor brain was well-ni h distracted.
‘. - . , “ Let me go 1” she cried, see ing to tear ber-
aelf free from the strong arms that grasped her
tightly. “ You have deceived me! You swore
that you were taking me to father, whom you
had rescued from those demons! You—whom I
loved, almost deified—lied to me! Basely lied!
(1 now you add insult to injury by keeping
me from going back to share the fate of poor
father! Let me go, I say—let me go!”
,2. So desperately did she struggle to release her-
 : self, that Albert Matney was forced to turn
, ! aside from the regular trail and draw rein, fear-
4», ing lest she do herself some injur if, inde
, she did not cause them both to all from th
5 ,- ‘l " snorting prancing horse, frightened at the wild
‘. ~ cries and struggles on its back.
 w ,v Matney dismounted and flun the bridle-reins
 over a convenient‘point of roc , his strong left
j‘», arm tightly grasdpmg the trembling figure of the
nearly distracts maiden.
Though each word uttered by Maura cut him
_ to the heart, with a far keener pang than knife—
‘v thrust could have inflicted, he gave no outward
‘ token of this, his voice being calm and steady,
’ firm, Vet almost paternal in its resolution:
“Maura, child, you know not what you are
‘ saying. If I. havo deceived you, it is only for
our own good. In your half—distracted state
knew you would not listen to me, unless I
, made use of some such ruse; and when you
have fully recovered your senses, you will thank
me for the little deception.”
x , _ “Take me to father,” moaned the maiden,
“ ' apparently not comprehending, even if she
' ‘~ heard his words. “ You promised me you would
, take me to him!”
“ I said I would reunite him and you, or lose
my his in the attempt, and now Ire tthat
. oath, Maura. But you are seriously essening
. 5, his chances of escaping with life, by your very
. afoolish actions now.
' “Try and collect your thoughts; You fail to
undersde my words, even yet. Maura, I beg

 

 

 

 

 

 

you—by the love we hear each other—to try
and comprehend what I am saying."

Rapidly, earnestly he spoke, but the poor girl
still trembled like a leaf in his warm embrace.
Those terrible threats of the road-agent, coupled
with the horrible torture which she beheld her
only parent suflering, had completely unnerved
her, and Albert Matney really began to fear
that her brain had entirely given way beneath
the shock.

For a moment or two he stood in doubt what
course to pursue. Time was very precious.
Even if their escape and fligha had not ere this
been discovered by Elephant Tom and his mer-
ciless myrmidons, it could not be long delayed,
and then there would be swift and persistent
pursuit.

He wished to reach the station where the pas-
sengers had left the train before they could be
transferred across the river to take a train from
Durango, should such be sent for their accom-
modation, From their number he hoped to
gather a force of volunteers sufficiently strong
to cope successfully with the gang of outlaws,
and to releaso Horatio Adair rom their merci-
less clutches.

But to do this he required all of his natural
acuteness, since he had never passed over the
trail but that once, and it would be only too
easy for him to go astray, especially were
gie compelled to restrain Maura by actual

orce.

He bent his head, no longer hidden in that
bloody hood, and pressed his lips to hers, not
once, but repeatedly. Between the warm ca
resses he whispered rapid words, endearing
terms, passionate vows, such as had marked the
first victory of love, the first moments of ecsta-
tic bliss which had followed her sweet confession
in faraway Denver.

It'was love’s inspiration, but it proved suc-
cessful far beyond his most sanguine hopes.

For a brief space Maura struggled to free her-
self, but then her violent trembling grew less
and less, and Matney could see that the wild
light in her eyes was softening; and then, with
an hysterical burst of tears, her head sunk
upon his bosom, and he knew that the victory
was won.

“Maura my precious, listen to me,” he said,
hurriedly but gently, smoothing her hot, throb-
bing brows with his cool palm. “If I used de-
ception it was for your own good, as well as for
the good of your father. I, alone, could serve
him, but I could do nothing by open force
against so many armed, reckless men. The only
hope of rescuing him lay in seeking aid outside.
I dared not leave you there, at the mercy of
that diabolical rufllan, after the foul threats he
uttered». I knew that your poor brain was too
hot to listen to the voice of . reason, and so I had
to deceive you, for your own good.”

“ Poor father—they will murder him i"

“ Not so, dear. They will force him to sign the
draft for the ransom money, and then he will
be out of danger until the blood-money is col-
lected. Long before that time, I hope to have
him safe out of his clutches. I will get aid at
the station where we left the train, and hasten
back—”

“ Then do not delay! Huston—if you love
me, Albert, do not lose another moment!” cried
Maura, hysterically.

Matney was too much pleased at winning his
point, to remind her that whatever delay had
occurred was owing wholly to her mad opposi-
tion.

“Tear of! this hideous disguise, since it has
served its purpose,” be said, aiding her to re-
move the garments his good knife and strong
right arm had won. “Now, dear one, we’ll try
to makeup for lost time.”

He took the reins, vaulted lightly into the
saddle, and stooping over, passed an arm around
her waist and swung her gently to the croup
behind him.

“ Clasp me around the waist, Maura. That
will leave my hands free to use my weapons,
should any occasion arise. So!”

Once more they dashed along through the
moonlight, through the shadows, past clumps
of bushes and scattered rocks, Matney anxious-
ly scanning the landmarks before and around
him, knowing that success depended upon his
not going astray, thus losing precious time.

Luckily his bump of localit was strong, and
at length he dashed out into t e main road, and
with a for lighter heart urged his good horse on
toward Florida, where they had taken the old
ate 6 early in the evening.

hrough the little camp he dashed, without
drawing rein, well knowing that hecould pro-
cure no aid there, or short of the station where
they had parted with so many of their fellow-
passengers of the almost wrecked train.

Without a pause the good horse carried its
double burden over those five weary mile ,
and a lad cry escaped the lips of Albert Ma
ney as e caught sight of the dark figures that
flocked out of the bloodstained station at the
sound of rapidly beating hoofs. Thank heaven!
they were still there!

fit was well that the race was no longer, for
as Matney dismounted, bearing the nearly
senseless form of Maura Adair in his arms. the
good horse staggered and only kept itself from

' !

 

dropping in its tracks, by spreading: in feet
wide y. Another mile at that reckless pace,
and it would have dropped dead in the harness.

Surrounded by the eager crowd, pelted from
all sides with curious questions, Matney ushed
his way through to the station, carrying aura
in his arms, only pauvin when he could resign
his precious charge to t e tender care of sev-
eral ladies who were among the passengers.

Satisfied that her wants would be well cared.
for, he left her thus, emerging from the build-
ing, and speakin loudly.

n as few wor s as pessible. he gave a sketch
of what had befallen them since their depar-
ture on their way to Durango, his clear Voi« e
rising louder to 0\‘UICUmB the indignant ex-
clamations which burst from his audience.

“As fellow-men I appeal to you!” he cried,
in conclusion. “ I ask you for aid, to rescue a
gentleman from the merciless grip of these
devils in human form. If not for his sake for
that of his nearly distracted daughter, whose
poor brain has very nearly given way beneath
the terrible shock of beholding the cruel torture
of her only parent. In her name, I ask you to
follow my lead, to rescue him,,to punish those
bloody sccundrels!”

There was no need for him to say more.
Maura came out of the station, and in a voice
that trembled so that her words could hardly be
distinguished, begged them to go to the aid of
her father. They were men v be listened, and
however the fiery eloquence of Matney might
have affected them, they could not resist that
pale face, those burning tears and sob-choked
voice. With one accord they volunteered, and
demanded that not a moment be lost.

Right willingly Albert Matney led them,
making all ossible haste over the intricate
rocky trail, caring lest, after all, they would
be too late to rescue the prisoner, for he hardly
dared hope that the roadagents had kept him
in the pocket, after what had occurred.

With eager haste they pressed along, pausing
for nothin , and the Vicinity of the pocket was
reached w ile yet the dawn was lacking, though
the morning star was riding high in the heavens,
and all knew that soon t e gray light would
redden and grow brighter as the sun came up.

Albert Matney left his men behind, pressing
stealthin forward to reconnoiter but in his
eagerness he so far exposed himself as to draw
a shot from the road-agents who guarded the
tunnel entrance to the pocket.

Hastily he fell back, a drop or two of blood
tricklin from his cheek, where the spiteful
lead ha just broken the skin; but he was more
than content, and his main object was gained
at sli ht expense.

“ e rascals are there,” he said, in hasty ex~

lanation, as he reached his companions. “It
is almost certain that they have not remowd
Mr. Adair, as I feared they would. If they had
gone”so, the entire band would have gone with
im. -

“ We outnumber the rascal; let’s close in and
settle the aflair off-hand,” uttered one impetu—
ous fellow.

“ No,” calmly returned Matney. “ The
have a strong position, and could defeat doub 9
our force, if we only attacked them from the
front. Even if we succeeded in carryin the
tunnel, it would be at a serious law, an I’d
rather let them go soot-free than to lose one
honest man. ”

“But we’ve got to fight them! They won’t
give up the old gentleman until we com at
them, and I’ve no hankering to return to t at
little woman without her father.”

“Nor will I,” even more uietly. “I think
we can circumvent the roses 9, if you will only
consent to be guided by me.”

“Just so there isn’t any flunking’l—bluntl .

“There will not be, on my part,” lau ed
Matney, pleased by the lain earnestness 0 his
follower. “I can lead alf a dozen good men
around to take the rascals in the rear, if the
rest of you will only keep them amused from
this side.”

“ Tell us what to do, and we’ll do it, bet your
sweet life!” .

“Good enough: but I want on to hear me
company. There’ll be a fair c ance for hard
knocks, and I like your blunt ways.” ».

In a few hasty words Matney explained the
plans he had formed. Remembering his crawl-
inix alon the lodge, by means of which he had
been she led to slay the sentinel, he felt sure he
could guide a small force of men into the
pocket, by taking that same course, provided
the rest would attract and hold the attention of
tho outlaws, by a series of feints and false at~
tacks from the level in front.

As soon as this plan was fully comprehended :

the volunteers promptly accepted it, and select-
ing his men, giving the remainder their orders,
Matney led them along to the ledge, and began
his portion of the task.

It was extremely perilous, at first, since, only
for the shadows, the would have been in plain
view from the tunne entrance on several occa-
sions, as they crawled along the narrow ledge;
but their comrades below, played their part to
perfection, sending bullet after bullet intmfhe
eafy screen. shouting and cheering, making
short erratic rushes, which drew hast) s-..»

\

 

 

;....  “a”... . an”...

 

 

,.

‘ Elephant Tom, 'of Durango.

/

2‘7

 

from the enemy, and served the (purpose of
keeping their eyes at a level, instea of above

It.

At length the most critical portion of the
aerial route was passed over, and Matney led
the way at greater speed, soon crossing the
rocky bridge above the tunnel, and beginning
the descent on the other side.

It was just at that moment, when success
seemed fully assured, that a wild, horrible
Screech arose from the gloomy pocket, startling
them so that they involuntarily paused, with
bodiug glances at each other. The same
thought struck them, one and all: that Horatio
Adair was being murdered by the outlaws, fear-
ing his rescue! _

For a brief space they remained more like
petrified inmch than living, breathing men.

“ Ilclpl trtrachel'y I"

Shrill and piercing rose the words, coming
from the same point from whence the screech
had sounded, t 8 last Word dying away in a
smothered howl that was more ike the cry of a
wild beast in its death-agony, than aught hu-
man.

Angry yells came from the tunnel beneath
them, and these sounds aroused Maitney. Cast-
ing off his momentary stupor, he cried aloud:

“Now’s our time! Close in, luds‘. Strike
hard and fast!"

Recklessly he leaped down the rocks, closely
followed by his men, yelling loudly, defiantly,
as they saw the startled road-agents flocking
out from the tunnel.

_And then the swift reports of pistols rent the
air.

 

CHAPTER XX.
MAN’S INGRATITUDE r0 MAN.

HORATIO ADAIR lay in sullen silence, still
bound hand and foot, near the upper end of the
pocket. The pain of his extensive burns re-
vented him from even thinking of slum or,
while fierce and bitter reflections kept his brain
on the rack. -

He knew that his daughter had succeeded in
making her escape from the pocket, in some
mysterious manner, and he believed she had
thus far eluded all pursuit. At the first, his
suspicious, cross—grained brain had jealously re-
garded the alarm and consequent excitement
amon the outlaws, as only a. part of the deep-
laid p ans of Elephant Tom, who through these
tactics ho ed to keep a tight grip on his purse-
strings. ut not for long. The dead men who
were brought into the pocket, four in all, with
the excite mutterings of the road-agents after
Elephant Tom had taken his departure in such
haste, banished these sus icions, and his fears
for his child were somew at relieved.

This leftlhim more time for pondering over
his own situation, counting the odds for and
against his escape from the hands of George
Brent with life and limb. .

One of the black hoods was constantly beside
him, with a comrade never far uwa , in ac-
cordance with the instructions left by lephant
Tom, and thus it was when the~flrst .I'lfl-i-‘Shot
rung out on the early morning air, as the
watchful road-agents on duty all the month 0‘
the tunnel, caught a glimpse of Albert Matney
ashe scouted around to ascertain whether or
no they had taken the alarm and flight at the
same time. , I

At almost the same instant, Horatio Adair
had made a curious discovery, that caused him
to start and utter a little exclamation of sur-
prise. His nard misunderstood the cause, and
while his fel ow hastened to find ,out what had
occasioned the shot, he growled:

“It won’t do you no good, old cod er, even
6‘, that Powder-burnin’ was caused y your
fri’nds. I’ve got my orders, an’ I’ll slop your
brains all over; a. quarter-section afore run-
nin’ pflny resk 0 your gittin’ away—mind that,
now ,

Horatio Adair made no reply, but lay motion-
less, his half-closeld eYes dyeth upon a certain
portion of the rocks above, where he could have
taken oath he beheld the figure of a human be—
ing‘ appear and then as suddenly Yam. .

be second guard came back With his report,
and the heart of the prisoner throbhed high with
renewed hope. If enemies to the road-agents,
they must be friendly to him- If attacked in
front, might not that shadowy form be one of a
arty detailed to take the enemy by surprise
min the rear? _ ,

The two roadmgents stood near him, but with
their backs. turned, gazing toward the tunnel,
muttering in low tones as the sounds of firing
grew more frequent, evidently longing to Join
their fellows, yet afraid to neglect the duty im-

d on them by their dreaded chief.

Horatio Adair sunk his teeth deep into his lip
to smother the glad cry which rose in his throat
as he saw that shadow on the rocks once more
—this time so clearly that he could no lenger
entertain a shade of doubt. It was a man, and
one whglwas trying to enter the pocket unseen,
unhear _ _

With emotions which may be better imagined
than described, the captive watched his move.

v ments.

Down the rocks stole the phantom-like figure,

.not a sound betraying its progress, even to the

 

 

painfully acute senses of Horatio Adair. Bit

y bit the difficult trail was conguered. Lower
and lower the shadow descen , until there
was onllyqi a smooth, upright wall of rock a dozen
feet hi , where u. can could not have gained a
footho d.

As he watched, Horatio Adair saw the un-
known fasteii a rope around a projecting point
of rock, then drop the other end down into the
pocket. A moment later he swung himself over
the wall and came sliding slow] down. Only
a few feet; then some portion 0 his garments
appeared to catch on (I projecting spur, and he .
loosened one hand from the rope to ree himself ,
—only to have his hold break loose, and himself
fall heavily awkwardly to the ground.

The sound of this fall startled the road-agents
on guard over the prisoner, and they suddenly
turned in that direction, barely in time to see
the bold stranger recover his footing and leap
upon them, a bare blade flashing in his hand.

Taken so completely by surprise, the nearest
outlaw felt that deadly weapon tearing through
flesh and bone, deep down into his heart, before
a cry could escape his lips or his hand seek a.
weapon in self-defense.

From his lips came that horrible screech
of agon which so startled the party of rescuers
led by lbert Matuey along the narrow ledge,
but he himself was hardly aware of having ut-I
tered it. His heart cloven in twain he reeled
back and fell dead ere his body fairly touched
the round.

“ elp! Treachery l”yelled the second hard,
leaping back and drawing a revolver to efend
himself.

His heel tripped against, a root, and as he fell
backward his weapon exploded harmlessliy,
sending its lead to scar the face of the roc s
above. Before he could recover from the unex-
pected shock sufficiently to arise, or cook his
pistol, the left hand of the . unknown shot out
and a bright glare lit up the gloom for an in-
stant—a. sharp report—and with bullet-pierced
brain the road—agent sunk back in the silent
throes of death.

With wild yells the outlaws came rushing into
the pocket, leaving the tunnel unguarded in
their confused surprise.

The unknown heard them, saw them, and,
stoo ing, he caught up the bound form of Hora-
tio dair, slinging it over his shoulders with an
case that was remarkable in one of his size and
build, then sprung to the rock wall and grasped
the depending rope, drawing himself up the face
for a few feet—only to fall back as the int of
rock gave way beneath the strain 0 their
united weight. I

A groan of pain and despair escaped the lips
of the old man as be heavily struck theground.
Catrlike, his rescuer regained his feet and
glanced toward the yelling outlaws.

They were too near for him to think of flight
or hiding. Already they had sighted him, and
were playing their pistols with dangerous rapid-

it

5-16 stooped and capght Horatio Adair up in
his arms, tossing him into the densest bushes
near by, then need the yelling cursing road-
agents, both hands grippling revolvers.

Like one prolonged cc 0 they spoke. In twin
spouts of flame-tinged smoke, the stin ‘ng lead
was vomited from their hollow muzz es. The
yells of rage were changed to cries and groans
of pain and those of the band who had as yet
esca death or wounds, faltered—cowed by
one man.

Then, with wild cheers, Albert Matney and
his gallant little band of volunteers burst upon
their rear. Through the tunnel came the re-
mainder of the rescuing arty, addin their
shouts and their bullets to e mad tumu 1:.

Taken in face and flank, with full two-thirds
of their number prostrate in death or wounded
too badly todo more than groan and be for

 

the mercy they had so seldom shown to at ers.
the road-agents lost what little presence of mind i
that unexpected attack in the rear had leftl
them, and instead of closin up back to back, 1
they broke and sought as ety in mad flight, 
where flight was impracticable. 1

“Give all quarti-r who drop their weapons I
and beg for mercy!” cried Albert Matney, even
as he ducked swiftly to avoid a pistol-shot from
a cornered ruffian, then leaped in and brought
him to the earth, bleeding, senseless, With one,
crushing blow from his clubbed revolver.

The road-agents heard and understood his
cry. They saw that there was no chance for
either 6 ht or flight, for the volunteers cut
them 0 from the tunnel, and there was no
time for picking out a. trail over the nearly
Pefpendicular rocks. _

‘ e knuckle—give us a show 1” cried the one
9m°ng them who appeared a sort of chief dur-
mg the absence of Elephant Tom. “ Don’t chug
a man when he’s dowul”

Some of the volunteers were not so easy to
Choke Off, now that they had fairly gotten scent
of blood, and none are so ferocmus as novices

whose first fight has been nothing but a straight
rush on to Victory, without the scales han ing

 

an instant in doubt which side to favor. ut
Matuey was ably seconded by others, among ,
whom the unknown stood conspicuous, and five ;
minutes after that wild yell rung‘out upon the

startled silence. the last surviving outlaw was
bound hand and foot.

“Mr. Adair! Horatio Adair!” shouted Mat—
ney, as soon as he felt assured the victory was
won and all danger at an end.

“ If you mean the old ent those imps had in
limbo a bit ago. you’ll nd him in the brush
yonder, where I tossed him to get him out of
the way,” uttered a. voice at the young man‘s
elbow. “But what name did you call him!"

Mutney did not wait to hear the question, but
darted to the point indicated by the unknown,
stooping and pulling Horatio Adair out of the
bushes into the moonlight so he could see how
to sever his tightly-drawn bonds.

He raised the thin form in his arms—for the
s culator seemed unable to stand ulone~but
t )Pn came a sudden and startling change.

With a cursing snarl of insane fury; Horatio
Adair jerked a revolver from the ip of his
Svcretary, and thrusting it almost into the face
of the man who had accompanied Matney,
pulled trigger. '

Matney struck up his arm, and barely in
time, for the lead tore its way through the hair
of the man, who staggered back, blinded by the
flash.

“Good Heavens! would you murder the man
who risked his life to save yours?” cried Mat-
ney, grappling with the old man and wrestlng
the wea on from his frenzied grasp.

“It’s lephunt Tom! May the fires of, hell
forever blast him!” snarled Horatio Adair,
madly striving to free himself. “ Let me free,

you curl I’ll kill him—kill him by inches, even
as he tortured meI It’s that hell-hound, Ele-
phant Tom!”

“There’s gratitude for oul" uttered the
stranger, with a. short, hard augh as he “i ed
his dazzled eyes. “I saved the old fool, w en
the two men guarding him swore they would
blow his brains out the very moment there
came a. ghost of a chance for his being rescued.
I nearly broke my neck tumbling down those
rocks. I wasted a lot of good cartrid es. And v
all for wha'i To s've an infernal lar thief
and general scoundrei, to curse the worl with
his polluting presenCe! I deserve to have my
brains blown out—but not by his hands!”

“ Rebel George!” cried Matne , in surprise.

“ Elephant Tom. I tell you!” rothed Horatio
Adair, all phvsical weakness forgotten as he he-
held the well-remembered face of his butt-(iv
energy.

“ ell, you have got a. cheek onto you!”,
ejaculated the man who had so opportuner

made his appearance on the scene. ‘The old l
boy a minute ago, and now Elephant Toml‘
W at next?" I:

With a soothing voice Mattie tightened his
Erasgéwron the arm of the specu tor, and held

im e .

“ There must be some woeful mistake, Mr. v
Adair, This is the gentleman who risked his I
life torescue you from the power of these merci»
less demons. Only for his tprompt action and I
dauntless bravery, we woul have arrived too A
late to save you. You would have been mur-
dered by our guards-” v 3v ‘

“Place over me by that man!” snarled the
speculator.

“It is the gentleman who saved the train
from being wrecked l” ejaculated one of the vol-
unteers. ‘The some who 'gave his name'as- ‘ .
Rebel George Bretto—who accompanied you ‘
from the station—"

“ What train? What station?” demanded the
man, sharply. “What sort of a menu rie is
this I've got into, anyhow? If it isn’t a unatic
asylum broke loose, then I’ll pass for good!” a

Albert Matney turned sharply upon him, do-
manding: *

“You don’t deny itl Your name is George '
Bretto!”

“I don‘t deny that much, certainly. I am
George Bretto. But when you come to bowlingV ,
about wrecking trains and e hunt Tom’s, an
all that rot, then I can’t f owsul and you: 
103111,sz growl if I use my trumps an nail the ‘
le. '

“ You don’t mean to say that you never saved:
our train from being wrecked by Elephant Tom,
last evening?” ,

“But I do say just that,” was the cool re~
spouse. _ .

“ You never led us—Mr, Adair, his daughter
and myself—from the station to Florida, there 
to take a coach for Dursngo? You were not.
with us when Elephant Tom hold us up?”

“ Not guilty of either of the counts, me noble-
Ind!” and Rebel George bowed with mock
humilit .—only to drew his lithe figure proudly 
erect, is dark eyes flashing with growing
anger, his vmce ringing out sharp and clear:

“If you gents have pla ed this little farce- 
long enough to take the e go off, su pose you. "
tell mew at in blazes you are try ng to get.
through you, anyway i” ..

“You are Elephant Tom!” hoarsely cried.
Adair. “ You drew us into ambush by playing-

a. part with satanic cunning. You tortured mm
With fire until you made me Sign a draft for
fifty thousand ollars, as ransmn money. ‘
char e on with all this—and more! _
dare t e man who was driving the stage! Hat.
neykl order you to arrest that scoundrel!”

 

‘1

 

You mun '

[_

 

 

    

/

28'

' «Elephdat Tom, or 

 

 

 

Rebel George leaped backa pace, and his re-
volvers appeared in his hands with magic
celerity.

“ Go a little slow, gentlemen I” he cried, warn-
ingly. “You’re a crowd, but I’m an army,
when I’m cr0wded too hardl"

Matney raised his empty hand imperiously,
his voice cold and commanding as he spoke:

“Put up your weapons, Mr. Bi'etto. If you

, are innocent of the crimes charged against you,
§ou have nothing to fear. If you are guilty,
ghting can‘t do you any good, for, since mat-
ters have gone so far, this affair has got to be
cleared up, and by showing fight you’ll only
force us to take you 1’"

“ Which might not be so easily done,” with a
short, hard laugh. “ Still you talk like a white
man, and as long as you treat me like another,
I'll argue the case with you."

. Horatio Adair was not satisfied with this as-
pect, particularly as Rebel George declined to
give up his arms, but Matney managed to
silence im on that point, and with the volun-
teers gathered around, he told his strange
story, to which none present listened with closer
interest than the accused. '

It was clear to all that Adair uttered nothing

I more than what he himself implicitly believed,

and many were the black, menacing glances
which his auditors turned upon the darkfeat-
nred sport during his recital.

“ You have heard the'charges brought against

on,” said Matney gravely. “What have you

sag in reply?”

“ ot much, other than to say that yonder
old fellow is either mad or lies. Inever saw
the train you came on. 1 did not save it from
being wrecked. I was not one of you when you
were held up by Elephant Tom and his gang.
I did not bring him and his daughter here as

risoners. Idid not tell him I only assumed
he disguise of Elephant Tom, to obtain re—
venge on him, for I never had the rig on in my
life. I did not torture him by fire, though I
‘could have done so, with a good grace, and no
white man could blame me a ter hearing how he

, and his mates, Foxy Branscombe and Elias

Aiken, treated me in the days gone by. That
partpt the story, he took good care not to tell
you!

“ Yet I can take my oath you were the man
who saved the train!” ejaculated Matney.
“ And so can these gentlemen.” ,

Promptly his last words were confirmed, but
Rebel George never flincbed at the harsh words
in which that assent was couched, and coolly
as ever, he cried: _

“Then‘you one and all swear to a lie! Call
1: any one of those road-agents, and ask them

I am their leader.”

At a motion from Matney, one of the pris-
oners was brought forward and held so he could
look full into the other’s face.

“You have seen Elephant Tom without his
mask?” asked Matney, and as the outlaw nod-

’ (led, he added:

, “ Who is the man? Take time, and make no
mistake."
"It’s the boss—Elephant Tom!” was the in—
stant reply. - ' '
Rebel George was about to_reply, when half a
dozen stout fellows leaped upon him, bearing
him to the ground, disarminig and binding him

hand and foot, dad to his v gorous resistance.
“Now, you bl hound, itsmy turn l” h
Horatio Adair.

CHAPTER XXI.
' mamoscomo omens. ‘
Imnsn excitement reigned throughout Du-
rango. Her rough-and-read citizens gathered
in knots, ea erly talking all n the same breath,
only to brea away and 0 through the same
performance elsewhere; lling the air with the

' wildest rumors, and each man seeming to vie
, with his fellows in circulating the most extra-
» ordinary accounts of what had and what was

yet to occur.

The general drift-was toward the oflce of a.
certain judge named Brennan, from which it
flowed on to a long. 10w building used as a. sa-
loon and dance-hall, but which had for this par-
ticular occasion been appro riated for a more
' able entertainment, he preliminary ex-

' amination of Elephant Tom and his road-

agents. ~

Albert Matney and his volunteers had brought
their prisoners into town with no little caution,
and had them safely stowed away before the
,truth got wind. Who first made the discovery,

.' 1 it would be difficult to say, but it was made, and

like wildfire the report spread over town and
into the neighboring mines, from whence the
honest diggers flocked in eager haste to witness
'the fun, and perhaps lend a hand in the lynch—
-in bee which was almost certain to follow.
'little to their dissatisfaction, perhaps, they

- «.soon found out that matters were to be conduct-

ed with a little regard for legal forms. There
were steady hands pulling the strings, and those
'who tried to talk up a. mob, quickly found it of

veg little avail.

eimprovised court—er was closely peck-
ed, and only a well-armed guard kept space
enough for the trial or examination to be con-
ducted. In addition, a guard kept ward over

 

the apartment at the rear of the saloon, com-
monly used as a sleeping-place by the pro-
prietors.

It is hardly necessary, even did space permit,
to record minutely the opening of the examina-
tion, the evidence given by Horatio Adair,
Albert Matney, and the men who had followed
his lead in the attack on the mountain pocket
and the rescue of the prisoner. All this, with
the story of the narrow escape of the train
from being wrecked, would be an old story to
the reader, and consume space which can be
utilized far better. - '

Enough that Rebel George, erect and defiant,
a smile curling his heavily-mustached lip,
listened to the plain evidence which seemed to
convict him of being the notorious road-agent
and outlaw, Elephant Tom, without flinching
from the ugly looks and ominous murmurings
which grew plainer and more open as the wit-
nesses told their story.

One after another, the captured outlaws were
brought forward, and without hesitation
declared that they recognized in the prisoner,
their chief, Elephant Tom.

Dirigo Branscombe was called, and briefly
detailed his experience with Elephant Tom on
the night last passed. He said he could swear
to the prisoner, who had not only showed him-
self and partner his face, but acknowledged
that he was Rebel George Bretto.

Elias Aiken fully corroborated the evidence
last given.

Matters were beginning to look terribly black
for Rebel George. and it was noticed by the
spectators, that his careless smile faded away,
to give place to a look of uneasiness. ‘

“is Wesley Hardcastle in the room?” asked
the judge.

“ Bet yer ole boots I jest am, jedgel” came a
prompt response, and the tall miner was seen
pushing his way through the crowd toward the
witnessstand. “Hyar you be, jedge, an’ at
ary two—legged critter kin blow a hole clean
through this foggy a’fa’r, the ole man is your
windmill!"

“ What do you know of this affair?”

“Let me kiss the book, jedge. Trot out a.
deck 0’ keerds, of they aint nothin’ handier.
It’s the truth I want to sling at ye, an’ I’m oin’
to do it straight, too, betcher sweet life jest
be, honeys!" '

dab: oath was administered, and the judge
a e :

“Give your evidence, Mr. Hardcastle. Make
it asflbrief as you can, consistently with clear-
ness.

“Leave it to the comp’ny of anybody ever
knowed me to s it out a onnecessary word,” de-
clared Hardcast e, with an injured air. “I kin
lick a man heap quicker’n 1 kin tell him I’m
goin’ to do it—”

“Your evidence, please,” sharply interposed
the 'udge.

“ est you keep your shirt on, jedge, an’ don’t
putt on so durned many frills, or mebbe I’ll
make you a. call when court’s out, which iyou
won’t think is so chuck full o’fun; whlc a.
kick in the ribs is as good as a. wink to a blind
burro, I reckon l”

“If you know anything concerning this case
state it in plain terms or else leave the witness-
stand.”

“ If I know anythin’—if I kmw— Why, on
stifl-starched chunk o’ putty, I know the ull
durned a‘fa’r, from a to imrdl” indignantly
retorted the miner.

Albert Matney tapped him on the shoulder
and whispered a few words into his ear which
firoduced a marvelously calming effect, and

ardcastle at once plunged into his story.

“Las’ ni ht a fri’nd come to me an’ said he
wanted I 3 cold take a little scout ’long 0’ him.
I went. It was over nigh to the shanty whar
Foxy Branscombe hangs out with his pards, an’
we hedn’t much more ’n got thar when we see a
tE‘io-legged critter go up an’ slip inside the
0 cc.
“My pard giv’ me the wink an’ led the way
’round to the side winder, whar the curtain was
pushed aside so we could see through. That
wasn’t'all my pard wanted, so be out with a
sorter ’rangement which he cut a. hole through
the glass, an' fixed things so we could beer as
well as see. An’ secb asseein’ an a-hearin’ as
them was would physio a cat—it jest would!

“Thar was "Fo' an’ Fatty squatted at a.
table. Thar‘was t e two-legged critter settin’
in a cheer, holdin’ the two of ’em kiveredwith
a kipple o’ sixes. An’ that critter was rigged
out most scan’alous. Uglier then a mud fence,
staked an’ double-ridered with tadpoles—darned
of he wasn‘t! Broader ’n he was long, almost,

‘with flippers an’ trotters more like a elephunt’s

than them of a human man. An’ nose-Ago
’way, b'lowny sassagesl Jedge, it was bigger
then a section 0’ hoso fer sluicin’, longer then
the moral law, an’ looked wuss then a ole mind
with twins!

“The dumed thing wasn’t nat’ral, though,
fer in a bit we see the p’izen critter take ofi' a
mask. an’ we bearn him say his name was Rebel
George Bretto. We ketched a glimp’ 0’ his
own mug jest then, an’ it looked powerful
like the one that is starin’ ethic so'mighty
oneasy, jest now!” and the witness pointed

 

his remark by extending a finger toward the
prisoner.

“It is all a liel” cried Rebel George. “All a
foul plot to get me out of the way—and you’re
at the bottom of it!" he added, fiercely, turning
to where Branscombe was tightly wedged in by
the crowd.

Until then, both Branscombe and Aiken had
showed considerable uneasiness as Hardcastle
gave in his evidence, but now their faces ex-
pressed satisfaction.

“ You shall have an ample opportunity to
prove the evidence false, prisoner,” said the
judge, coldly. “ Until that time, however,
you must curb your tongue. I speak for your
own good, as a little reflection will doubtless
show you."

Rebel George closed his lips tightly, and
though his jaws were firmly set, his bronzed
cheeks pale, his dark eyes glowing like living
coals, he maintained silence.

“ it was better'n a show, jest to see how the
critter played it down so fine onto them two
boys,” grinned Hardcastle, clearly enjo ing
the sensation his evidence was creating. " hey
jest knuckled down like twin lambs, an’ shelled
out the lucre when he squinted at ‘em wicked
over his sixes. Then they lay (own on the
floor, an‘ be tied ’em up an’ puckacheed.

“Jest then my mate give me another hint,
an’ we struck out after the critter. Not fur,
though. Mate he jest made one hefold jump,
an’ tetched the feller a crack on the cabeza that
laid him out colder’n a wedge. i piled onto
him, too, an’ we trussed him up mighiy snug,
an’ toted him over to my shebang.”

Wesley Hardcastle had indeed produced a.
sensation, by this totally unexpected turn
which his evidence had taken.

The crowd stared at each other, open-mouthed.

The judge leaned far forward, his eyes wide
Open.

Rebel George uttered a sharp cry, and the
blood flowed back into his face again.

Foxy" Branscombe stood like one petrified,
for a moment, then a bowling curse parted his
lips as he raised his left arm and shook his
clinched fist toward the grinning witness.

“It’s a lie! false as hell itself!” he snarled,
savagely. ,

A heavy hand descended upon his shoulder,
and as he turned his head, it was to meet the
hated visage of Tompoleon Tarbox, the man
from Purgatoire.

A ghastly pallor swept over his bandaged
faca, but his nerve did‘not fail him, even in
that exiremity, and he snarled:

“Hands 03, you scou‘ndrell What do you
mean 3”

“ That you are my prisoner,” was the stern
response. as that iron grip tightened. “ I arrest
you, Dirigo Bransoomhe, for murder, among a
score of other charges.”

A mad endeavor to escape—a brief struggle
i—then the spec'ulator stood powerless, his hands

n irons.

Elias Aiken tried to steal away, but before he
could take a second step, two stout men grasped
him, and almost before he could realize the
fact that he too was entrapped, his arms were
drawn behind him and his wrists encircled by
handcufls.

The crowd which filled the room, surged to
and fro, intensely excited, some cheering the
turn things were taking, others giving vent to
their disapprobation with a rapidly growing
distinctness that savored of danger or hold
Tom oleon and his allies.

a“ escue, boys!” shouted Fox Bransoombe,

seeing his chance, and promptygraspin it.
" It’s all an internal scheme to save EleB’ ant
Tom by disgracing us. Down with them

“Do your duty, men, if they crowd youl”
stern] cried the disguised detective, holding
Foxy ranscombe powerless with one sine
hand, while he drew a, revolver with the
other.

Then it became clear that the officers of law
had ’made their arrangements carefully, with
an eye to something of this sort, when their trap
was sprun . A double row of stern-faced men
surrounde the spot where the two partners
stord in irons and each man drew arevolver,
holding it cocked, with the muzzle turned back—
ward and resting against their shoulder, ready
to be brought down and forward at a word.

Not a cry, not a threat: only grim silence
and still more grim determination. And it was

‘ihis rompt readiness for hot work that turned

the t reatening tide.

“ Gentlemen,” cried the man from Purgatoire,
“when the proper time comes, you shall one
and all of you be fully satisfied that these two
men are justly taken into custody. But until
then, the man or men who dares to interfere
with us, in the discharge of our _sworn duty, as
ofilcerf of justice, does so at his or their own

ril.’
peA- brief period of silence, broken by the gauge,
who had stared in smaZement at the wil con-

fusion which so suddenly broke out in his,court: r

a sentiment which was quickly changed to in-

dignation and a sense of in 'ured honor. v

, “ This is a shame and a isgrace, sir—”
“ Which you will comprehend more fully,

my dear sir,” coolly interposed the detective,,

 

 

 

 

 

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' Elephant ‘Toni,_fiof Durango’.  

 
 

29

 

 

 

 

“when you have listened to a little more evi-
dence bearing upon this curious case. May I
ask you to suffer me to say a few words, as a.
witness?”

“For or against lhe prisoner?” _ . _ .

“ As this is merely aEi-eliminary examination,
I don't suppose it ma es any particular differ-
ence, I wish to get at the bottom facts, and all
I so will be the initli, spoken without fear or
fa ,\ whether it weighs against the accused or
not. Will you accept my evidence, sir?” '

Justice Brennan nodded stiflly, looking very
much like a. dignified ersonage who had re-
ceived a snub, without Enowing exactly how to
resent it.

The witness spoke briefly, but clearly. He
substantiated the evidence given by Hardcas-
tle. He was the man who enlisted the worthy
miner on the past night, revealing to him his
real purpose in Durango. He it was who led
the way in their espial on to the two members
of the rind and beneath his band fell the no-
torious Ele limit Tom. .

“In cone usion, your honor, I need only say
this: from that hour—a, little past two o’clock,
this morniiig~uiiii1 the present moment, Ele-
phant Tom has been kept under close watch
and ward by myself and my men. If you
please, I' can place him on the witness stand di-
rectly.” -

“ He lies!” snarled Foxy Branscombe, fairly
frothing at the mouth. “ It's all a. vile plot to
free that demon yonderl”

_Wit-h a how the detective stepped from the
Witness stun , and then his heavy hand fell
upon the shoulder of the infuriated villain. At
9. Signal, his men, moving in concert, pressed
back the crowd until an open, semi-circular
s ace was left around the rear of the stand.

nother signal, and the guard at the rear door
opened it and two men emerged, holding be-
tween them the ironed form of a third.

A brief, breathless silence, then a. wild up-
roar as the often described, stumpy form and
hideous mask of Elephant Tom was recognized
by the crowd. One roaring roll, then silence
again. all eagerly waiting for the end of this
strangel mixed up affair.

String t to the witness stand, the two men
conducted the masked prisoner, is way being
opened for them by the guard who had held the
inner door. '

“ Your honor,” his voice sounding hollow and
sepulchral from the depths of his mask, “I
Wish it distinctly understood that I am about
to tell the-truth the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth. 1 have been promised nothin
by the gentlemen who brought me here. If
thought there was the slightest chance of escap—
ingthe consequences of my folly, I would not
heSitate to lie outrof it, if possible. As it i
I’ll not let thein'uoeent suffer, for the deeds '
the guilty.” ‘  ‘ ’ ' . ‘ '

He turned his head, and as though that was
a signal, one of his guards quickly removed his
irons, and the fellow slipjwd off his mask, step

out of the thickly padded suit of rubber and
uckskin, then slowly turned himself about so
that all in court could see him.

A mutter of wonder greeted the act. In face,
in figure, in every essential respect, he was the
very counterpart of Rebel George Brettol

A short laugh escaped his li s, as he took 'a
small spon e and a bottle of iquid from his
breast. etting the s onge, he passed it ovar
his hands and face. ’lJ‘he drooping mustache
came off, the dai k complexion disappeared, and
with them vanished the startling resemblance.

A cry of recognition -from the crowd as a
well—known character of the town stood re-
vealed b his own actra drunken, worthless

recall, w o hedoncebeen d‘moted‘acsor on the .‘

Eastern boards. but who, for years past, had
spent hismore sober moments amusing bar-
room audiences With his skill in assuming any
and all characters, living or dead, real or im-
aginary, asking no reward further than an oc-
casidiisl drink of the vile poison’ to which-be
had become a wretched slave. h 1

“Tree Fitzmaurice, your onor, no onger
Rebel Ggor 9, George Brent nor Elephant
Tom,” he said, turning toward the astonished
judge, with a low bow. “I assumed those
r0198, Gilly for the one performflllceélnduced to
thus degrade my talents by the '0_ er of g 1d
galore. It you ask who is the enginebe ,

cheerfully re 1y——” ‘ " 

Until now ox Branscombe had stood like
0 had, his owei- “aw fallen, as be stored
air .
snarlin c escaped his lips and with _a sw1ft
Windham“ the. iong’bladedkmfe tron:
its sheath at the hip of Tom leon Tarbox, and
gripping it tight in his uninJured hand, rais 11%
with it the bandaged ,mremberby‘ thegsllor
linkskef the handcuffsgginflflped toward the
Span or.

Else .ca
I everfiéwci- e
catastrophe—and he fell headlong to the floor.
A Wild screech—and he rolled over on his baCk,
the blade buried to its hill: in his breast.
Instantly the detective was beside him, to be

re nlsed
gasped the wretch, “ I cheat

against. something~no one

‘ Bloodhound l”

7 Nb you and the gallows, after all i”

\

‘ ‘ Heheard enou

’ wiit'metamorp osis; but now a‘wildf

lained-the‘ékact causeorthe‘

CHAPTER XXII.
A GENERAL CLEARING Ur. '

AMID the wildest confusion, on opening was
made through the surging crewdto admit the
surgeon who had attended Dii-igo Branscnmbe
after his encounter with Tompoleon'l‘aibox, and
kneeling beside the wounded man he made an
exmnination of his hurt in breathless Silence.

Foxy Branscombe watched him keenly, and
was the first to read his doom, as written n that
red face. A momentan spasm contorted. his
own features, but as quic ly vanished, and in its
place came a reckless defiance. _

“Bah! what matters? I’ve played for a big
stake, and lost; but no man can say thatI didn t
make my cards bring all they were worth. Get
me out of t -is crowd and I’ll make a clean breast
of the whole afluir.” _

With the last words he swooned, and it
looked like a, dead man the detective and his
assistants were carrying out of the room.

As soon as order could be partially restored,
the judge bade Tracy Fitzmaun’oe resume his
evidence. ' .

It was delivered volubly, and with many
flowers of speech which would look most admir-
able if printed in full, which we would surely
do but for an unfortunate lack of space.

As stated, he had been hired to play a double
role, for that one occasion only, and the man
who hired him was none other than Foxy
Branscombe.

A portion of the band of road agents watched
their chance and took Rebel George captive
while out fishing, and stowed him away under
guard. The rest went to check the train, the
false Rebel George playing his part to perfec-
tion. .

His main duty was to obtain possession of
Horatio Adair, to accomplish which he had to
trust to his own wit and circumstances, when
once the train was stopped. How he succeeded
the reader is already aware. When the agree-
ment was made to walk to Florida and there
take the old coach, the pretended Re 91 George
passed the word to one of his men who hung
near him, and the road-agents, by making use
of a short cut through the bills, were in ample
time to lay their ambush.

What followed the reader already knows, and
there is no necessity for repetition here.

Foxy Branscomhe saw to having the cash
stowed away in the safe. And it was under-
stood between him and his tool that Elephant
Tom, pro. tam, was to levy that heavy tax on
him and Elias Aiken, the whole amount to be
eventually turned over to the crafty schemer
who had taken this bold method of fleecing his
partners.

Rebel George also made an explanation of the
part he had, both willin’Ely and unwillingly,
played in. the strange drama. '

_ , from theconversation pass-'
ing betWeen the two guards, to feel that on]
be d action could save him from the toils whic
were tightening around him, 3nd when at last
the chance come, he jump: ' hi; it eagerly
enough. He overcame his careless watchers,
and acting on the hints gathered from them, he
made his way to the mountain pocket, where he
was discovered by one of the horse guards as he
scouted around, and killed hi to save himSeli'.
The brief struggle aroused theother sleeper, and
he also was silenced.

Stealing among the rocks, Rebel George at
length gained a position from whence he wit-
nessed the torture of a—to him at the moment
e-unknown man, and..watchin his chanco, lie
risked his life ~t0‘Set-him at. 11 rty; believing
that he could readily swear that he, Rebel
George, was not engaged in the vile plot.

Instead, he was accused of being the notorious
outlaw, and as such taken to Durango, bound
hand and foot.

Scarcer had Rebel Geor e concluded his ac-
count, than Tompoleon Tar ox—or,Dar'ius Ep“

erson, ashe now announced himself—returned
’ "blieroom‘, and vs] stated that he held the
death-bed confession of lephant Tom, or Dirigo
Branscombe. .

Only that portion of the confession bearing
immediately on the case of Rebel George was
read by the detét-tiWF‘bflt-‘it was more than
sujillcient.B be be]

irigo ranscom , ieying himself, dying,
swore ,ihut he Was twig the truth, caning
.Heaven tobear him With .‘ '1 -

He was Elephant Tom. He had invented the

etuflquuit with thehideous mask, and until the

‘night last past, hoalone had ‘ever"worn them;

His firsti tent'on had beenone of plunder,
merelys'a 'tflkuccdimtcd foritlie repeatedly
successful blows which the notorious road-agent
hagéimgdst the weeplth of thggiéad. 3 no
« m, u o iscover that some re
despotism tifiut j; mam mend his
partners had so ruthllsxsfls robbe and injured
-m. 9 days g0ne by, and believing that he was
oi! hiding his time to make a sure stroke for
Vengeance, he racked his brain until he con-
cocted the deep and cunning plot which forms
the round-work of this story.

hen he had Secured the ransom-money,.he
meant to gather an armed force, and followmg

 

the pretended Ele hant Tom, come upon the
men who guarde Rebel George, upon whose

 

person the disguise, worn by Elephant Tom was.
to have been placed, and thus the odium be
fastened upon us shoulders. There should be -
no trial. Ills glib tongue could readily set the
lynching fever on fire, w on a rope would for~
ever remove all traces'dl’. is cunning work. .
Now, in dying, he was only sorr that he had ,
failed. For naught else did he fee the slightest-
trnce of regret. As a final token of hatred. he
left his eternal“ cur‘sc on all those whom 
inaiired through his evil life.
n minutes later Rebel
of the courtroom, free as air,
echo by the fickle crowd.

 

Geo ewalked'out
eered to the

 

A pleasant little gathering filled the lone
cabin of Rebel George Bretto that evening, and
many were the mutual explanations made and ,,
called for. . '

Dirigo Branscombe and Elias Aiken were
“wanted” for the murder of a miner who had.
struck it rich, Some five years before, but whose»
deatbhada'emeined a. mystei'y for many day 3.»
At length Darius Epperson solved the enigma,
and was about to arrest the criminals, when, in
the course of his investigations he believed he
had stumbled upon a clew to the identity of
Elephant Tom, on whose head were placed half" ' " w
a dozen rewards. _ ’ .\ .‘

At first he believed that Dirigo Branscombeu
and” Rebel George were in artnership, solar as \
the robbing was concerne , and when heVplpfd
the sport for a day or two, he recognized in him \ . ;
a man with whom he had sworn eternal friend» ,3,
ship during the war, though Bretto was one of'
Mor an‘s rough-rim rs, while he, Epperson,
refit on the other side. I I .9
or this old friendship, he bade Naomi _warn » 
her parent to save himself by flight while he
could.

Rebel George also made full confession. Na- \  
omi was’ not his child, but the'daughter of his ‘I
younger brother, a man whom Epperson loved l

as his own kindred. It was a: melancholly,
story, of betrayed love, false friend, rename
wife; an elopem at, a long and persistent search
by a crazed husband and fat-her; awaiting in
that far-away city by the sea, and a terrible
tragedy. - r , ,

The father sought out his brother, told his
story, placed the child in hisarms, then died.

 

 

But a few words more and our story is ended. , 5.

Horatio Adair never entirely recovered from '
that terrible ordeal, but gradually grew weaker,
and never lived to return to his home in Den-4
ver. Before he died, he called Rebel George to,
his bedside, and humbly confessed the great
wron he had put upon him, aided by his part—
ners in the Triad. He made what reparation
he could, and before death closed‘his eyes, was
made almoét ha y by receiwug the full for-
giveness of the in ured one.

Albert Matney made known to him the rt‘
he had played so successfully, and was for ven
for the sterlin (plialities he had displayed. and
placing Maura s and in his, Horatio .Adeir
passed away, even as he prayed heaven to bless

their union. . . .- ,. . v, ».  ‘

Darius Eppe‘ n, a: handsome inan‘ofniidlne“ 
age, when iis uaint disguise was cast oil, ‘
wooed and wonc rmi Naomi Bretto.

Triphsmmer never at mpted to earn the ,  '
bloodmoney slipped into his pocket by Aiken a,
but stole away from Durango in the night, and ‘ , ‘
has not returned, to this day. ' 4

Elias Aiken suffered death for murder. 1

Tracy Fitzmaurice was taken charge of by a
select little party, who wrote considerable more
than the ten commandments on his back, then
Wiiineldfhim to flee the country. i ‘

e c t.

 

THE END.

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\
l Deadwood Dick, THE PRINCE or run ROAD
B Edward L. Wheeler.
2 ifyellowetono Jack. By Joe. E. Badger. Jr.
3 Kansas King. B ' Buffalo Bill.
4 The “’ild-Horse lantern. By Captain
Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker.
Vagabond Joe. THE YOUNG WANDERING JEW.
Bynll Gnomes. Doublu Number. lOc‘ts.‘ ‘ '
lllll Biddon, Trapper. B L. b. LUIS.
The [Flying Yankee. By Cg ._l’. Ingi‘ahum.
Seth Jones . By Edward b. Ellis.
Adventure» oi Baron lilunchnnsen.
Nat Todd. By E. S. Ellis. v
The Two Detectli'el. By A.W. Aiken.
Gulliver’s Travelu. B Dean Swift.
The Dulnb S y. ByOJ CooInes.
Aladdin; or, ‘nn WoNnnnri'L LAMP.
The Sea-Cat. By Captain Fl'l‘d. Whittaker.
Robin-non Crusoe. it.“ Illustrations.)
Ral ill Roy. By Col. Prentiss Ingmhnm.
Sin bad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages.
The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill.
The Double Daggers. By E. L, Wheeler.
The. Frontier A ugel. By Edward S. Ellis.
The Sea Serpent. BflJuun Lems.
Nick 0’ the Night. yT. C. Harbaugh.
Diannond Dirk. By Colonel P. Ingrnhmn.
The Boy Captain. By Roger Starhuck.
Cloven Hoof. By Edward L. Wheeler. /
A utolope A be, Tm: Bov GUIDE. ()ii Coomes.
Biiil‘nlo Ben. By Edward L. Wheeler.
The Dumb Page. By Capt. F. Winttaker.
Roaring Ralph Rockwood , THE BECK-
LESS RANGER. By lini'I ' St. George.
Keen-Knife. By 0 l Coomes.
“Oh “'ooll'. By Edward L. Wheeler.
The Ocean Bloodhound. S. W. Pierce.
Oregon Sol. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams.
\"ild Ivan. By Edward L. \Vht-eler.
The Bo (ilott'n . By Frank S. an.
The Hi den Lodge. By T. C. Harbaugh.
Ned \Vylde. THE BOY SCOUT. By Texas Jack.
Death-Fare, Tan DETECTIVE. By Wheeler.
Roving Ben. By J. J. Mun-aha”.
Lam-to Jack. ByOll Coomes.
The Phantom Miner. By E. L. Wheeler.
Dick Darling. By Cu )t. Fred. Whittaker.
Rattling Rube . By arry St. George.
Old Avalanche. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Gian-m Eye. By Capt. J. F. 0. Adams.
Nightingale Nat. By T. C. Hurhaugh.
Dial-k John, THE Rom-AGENT. By Badger.
Omaha Oil. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Burt Bunker, THE TRAPPER.‘ C. E. Lasalle.
The Bo Rifles. By Archie C. Irons.
The Wh to Buffalo. By C. E. Lasalle.
Jim BludsOe, Jr. By Edward L.Wheeler.
Ned Hazel. Bfi Capt. . F. C. Adonis.
Deadly-Eve. y Butlnlo Bill.
Nick “'liillles" Pet. Ca t. J. F'. 0. Adams.
Deadwood Dick’s Eng es. By Wheeler.
The Border King . By 011 Coomes.
Old Hickory. By Harry St. Gem 6.
The “finite udiau. Capt. J. F. . Adams.
Buckhoru Bill. ByEdwerd L. Wheeler.
The Shadotv ship . 283 Col. P. lngraham.
The Red Brotherhoo . W. J. Hamilton.
Dandiy Jack. By T. C. Harbeugh.
Hurr cane Bill. BV Jos. E. Badger. Jr
Single Hand. By W. J. Hamilton.
Patent-leather Joe. By l’hili S. Warns.
Border Robin Hood. By iii‘falo Bill.
Gold llille. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Old Zip’s Cabin. By Capt. J. B. 0. Adams.
Delaware Dick. ByOllCoomes.
Mad Tom \Veuteru. By W. J. Hamilton.
Deadwood Diek on Deck. By Wheeler.
Hawk-eye Harry. By 011 Coomes.
The Boy Duelist. By Col. P. lngriihqm.
A be Colt, THE CROW-KILLER. B A. W. Ail-ten.
Corduroy Charlie. By E. .Whecler.
Blue Dick. By 09. min Mayne Reid. -
Sol Ginger, GIANT RAPPER. By A.W.Aiken.
Rosebud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Llithtning Jo. By Captain J. F. 0. Adams.
Kit Haretoot. By T. C. Hai‘baligh.
“0110, the Boy Ranger. liy 011 Uoomes.
ldl’lkthe Girl Miner. By .L. Wheeler.
3|": Bilekram. B Ca t. J. F. 0. Adams.
Band Rock.’ By . aido Browne. .
The and Pirates. By Ca. .Mayne Reid.
88 Photograph Phil. B E. .Wheeler.
89 Islam J In. By Braceth eHemyng.
90 The Dread Rider. 3 a $me Browne.
91 'Rl‘he (Klinfihl 0‘ 31;?  llhgfloir, Tm: YOUNG
IVAI. THLETES- “106 , 2e Hem g.
92 Canada (,‘het. By Edward LWheeier. ya
93 The Boy Miners. B Edward 8. Ellis.
94 Midnight Jack. By .C. Harba¥ih
95 The mm Rovers- Lieut. 001. mltine.
96 Watch-Eye. THE SHADOW. By E. L. Wheeler.
97 The Outiau' Brothers. By J. J. Marshall.
98 Robin Hood. By Prof. Glidersleeve_
99 The Tiger 01‘ Tool. By G. Waldo Browne,
100 Deadwood Dick in Lendviile; or, A
STRANGE n ma LiBER-TY. Berheeler.
101 Jack Harknway in New ork. By
Bmebridge Hem ng.
102 Dick Dead- ye. By 001. in am.
103 The Lion of the Sea. By 00 . Della Sam.
10-! Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Wheeler-

honkoohwwwwwwwww WNN‘NNNNNNNNHHHHHHHflflI-I
' gaunt—wwaocwani-WN— cams!acupww—owmaam-i-wtm-ccwqa fit

swimowuowA-la.
flaw-wtm-Gwn

mmmmmmwwqadqqqaaqaoeoooaaooeho‘mw
«amnion—cams:amt-wwt-owmummd-wNI-owmq

105 Old Rube, mHuNm. Ca t. H. Holmes.
106 Old Frosty. memi. By TPC. Harbauzh-
:3; One-Eyeg Sim. BBy JamessLGBeoweg.
Darin av . Harry . org .
109 Deadvgood ‘licky u etectivo. By
Edward L. Wheeler. .
110 The Black Steed of the Prairiel. A
“1 Th 0!  By Bowen.
0 3. av . . Ingram-m.
112 The Mad Hunter. ByBurtonSaxe.

 

(‘aptuin Paul. By C. Dunningr Clark.
Night-Hawk Kit. By Joe, E. Badger. Jr.
The lleilylens Hand. Capt. Mayne Reid.
Blonde lill. lly Edward L. Wheeler.
J udgo Lynch, .lr. B ' T. C. Hai‘baugh.
Blue Blazen. Bv Fran ' Duinont.
Solid Sum. By Edward L Wheeler.
Handsome Harry. By Charles Morris.
Scar-Fare Saul. B ' Oll Coomes.
Daliin La nce, Tm: or Spoor. By Badger.
i'aptn n Ferret.
Silver Star. THE BOY KNIGHT. By Coomes.
\i’ill \Viiil ii re. By Cherie-4 Morris.
sharp Sam. By J. Aloxnnderi’atten.
A Game of Gold. By Ed. L. \Vheeler.
Lance, and Lasso. By Capt. F.Whitraker.
Panther Paul. B ' Joe. 11.. Badger. Jr.
Black Item-i, WILL VIIJWIRE‘S RACER; or,
WINNING AGAINST ODDS. By Charles Morris.
Eagle Kit, THE BOY DEMON. By 01] Coomes.
The Surord Haulers. B 1. Whittaker.
Gold Trigger TEE SPORT. .0. Hurbaugh.
Dead \vood Iiick of Dead \wood; or,
THE PICKED PARTY. B Edward L. Wheeler.
Mike Merry. By C axles Morris.
Fani- Frank oi‘Coloi'ado. Buffalo Bill.
The. Ion Captain. By Whittaker.
'l‘he Blaek Giant. By J. E. Baclger,JI-.
New York Nell. By E. L. Wheeler.
“1" \Viidiire in the \t‘oods. Morris.
Little Texan. By 011 Coomes.
Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By G.W. Browne.
Billy Baggage. By Chares Morris.
Hickory Harr '. By Harry St. George.
A sa Scott, THE TEAMBOAT Boy. By Willett.
Deadly Dash. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
Tornado Tom. By T. C. Hnrbeugh.
A Trunlp Card. By Charles Morris.
EbonoI Dali. By Frank Dumont.
Th nnderboit Tom. By Harry St. George.
Dandy Rock’s Rival. By G.W. Browne.
Dob Beckett, THE Boy Donorn. By Morris.
rupiaiu Arizona. By Phili i S.Wame.
The Boy Runaway. By ieut. Perry.
Nobby Nick of Nevada. E. L. Wheeler.
Old Solitary. By 011 Uoomes.
Bob llockett, THE BANK RUNNER. Morris.
The Sea Trailer. B Lient. H. D. Perry.
Wild Frank. By E ward L. Wheeler.
Little Hurrieane. By Oil Gnomes.
The Hidden Hand. By Chas. Morris.
The Boy Trailers. By Badger. Jr.
Evil Eye. By Frank Dumont.
(‘ool DCNHIOIN‘. By Col. Delle Sara.
Fred Halyard. By Charles-Morin.
Ned Tein )ie, Tm: Bononnllor. Harhaugh,
nob Roe ott, THE CR ArxsiIAN. By Morris.
Dandy Darke. By Wm. R. Eys r.
Bil li'ulo Billy. By Capt. Taylor. U. S. A.
(‘aptain Kit. By Lieut. ll. D. Perry.U.S.N.
(‘aptaln lilank. By Philip S. Warns.
Bull'alo Bill’s Bet. By Captain Taylor.
Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By Wheeler.
shadowed. By Charles Morris.
Little Grit, Tim WILD Rmnn. By Ingraham.
A rkannaw. By T. C. Harbangh.
Featherch ht. By Edward Willett.
The Boy Be ouins. By Whittaker.
The Black Hills Jezebel. By Wheeler.
Pron eet Pete. By 011 Coomes.
The oy Pardl. By Joe. E. Badger, Jr.
Gold Plume. THE Boy BANDIT. In am.
Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By heeler
Dark Paul, Tan TIGER KING. By 0. Morris
Nnvn'o Nick. B T. C. Harbaugh.
The 0y Herein on. By OliCoomes.
Fritz, TEE BOUND-BOY DETECTIVE. Wheeler.
Faro Frank of High Pine. Byliyster.
Crooked Cale. Bngos. E. Badger. r-
Dashing Dave. y Charles Morris.
Fritz to the Front. By E. L. Wheeler.
‘VOIfgang Tm; Rosana or THE Randi.
Bv Captain fiederick Whittaker.
e‘aptain Bullet. B '1‘. C. Harbin: h-
Bleon Bill. By Col. entiss i .
Captain Crack-shot. By E. L. Wheeler.
Tiger Tom. TEE TEXAN Tnnnon. Coomes.
. Deopard, the gusto? B egg. Wame.
. tu- as .
Tom Tanner Y By E‘ L Wheeler.
B ingraham.
CONTAIN. By

Uimvid-Lé-S-é-é-J-J-fi-fi-WWWH

Miami“

meHi—ui—Ii—n—u-IHHH—Hi—Ii—Ii-IHHi-Ii-Ii-Iidi-Ii-Ii-II-Iu-n-n-n—Hi-Ii—iHHHHHHHi-U-Ii-I hd—HI‘ Hindi—Hyu—i-n—i-Iuni—idi-Ihud—nuHHH—Hununwuunuuhi—i———~
-ccwqamoww—owwqeuni-ww-eaau-iavu-wwr-oawqaawmcucum-i amt-w w—waxlfihdnwfihccmdfimfi-afii-cibmtlailiaL-Wié—O

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mutton-mm
O¢O°¢OO
rename-we:

tan-09cman own—oz:

Sn ar Coated:Sam.
Gift, the Bravo Sport.
3 Ozark Alf KING or Tin

Edward Wille . '
224 Duhin Dick. Bv Oil Coomeo.
225 Sam 0 arcoal. By Charles Morris.
226 Snoozer, Tm: BOY SHARP. By E. LWheeier.
2247 Dusky Darrell. Tmrriiu. By E. Emerson.
228 Little Wildfire. By Oil Goomes.

pneumonia»): $10“)?th
noun—Hum.- i-n-o-o-r-‘c

nunuwmnww

13 Jack Ho le. By Edward L. Wheeler.

1-1 The Blue Srhooner. Roger Sinrbuck. 1
15 The Mad Miner. By G. Within Browne.
16 The Huunar Ca tnin. 001. P. Inm-aham. ‘
l7 Gilt-Edged Die . By E. L. Wheeler. i
is “’lll Soniern. Tim BOY DETECTIVE. Morris. 1
ii) liluutang Stun. By Jon. E. Badger, Jr. ‘
2 The. Branded "and. Byank Duniont.
2 (‘innamon i‘hip. By Edward L. Wheeler.
2 Phil Hardy, TIIIc Boss Bov. By (3. Morris. .
2 Kiowa Charley. By T. C. llnrhaugh.

2 T] p py, Tun TEXAN. By George Gleason.

2 Bonanza Illll, MINER. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
2 Plea nne Pete. By Charles Morris.

2 “’il -l"lre, Buss orTIIn ROM). B ' Dumrmt.
2 The Young Privateer. By H. Cavendish.
2 Deiuhvood Dii'k’n Double. By Wheeler.
3 Detective Dick. By Charles Morris. ,
3 The Golden Hand. By Geo. W. Browne. ‘
3 The lluutod Hunter. By Ed. 8. Ellis.

3 Boss Bob. By Ed. L. Wheeler.

3 Sure Shot Seth. By Oll Gnomes.

 

By Edward L. Wheeler. I

 

'29 (‘rlniuou Kate. By Col. P. In hem.
£30 The Yankee Rajah. By C. .Clarlr.
.il Plurk Phil. By T. C. Harbuugh.
 Gold- not Dick. By E. L. Wheeler.
:33 Joe lluek. of A ngelu. By. A W. Aiken.
:l-l Old Hoeky’u ‘Boyeen.’ BuokakluSam.
:lo‘ Shadow Sam. ByCharles Morris.
do Apollo nil]. By Edward L. Wheeler.
37 ’Lone Star, the Cowboy i‘uptaiu; or.
'll'iii‘. Mysrnmoue RANcnnno. By P. In whom.
 'l he Purnon Detective. By Oil comes.
2.39 [The Gold-seeker Guide: or Tim Loar
MOUNTAIN. B Captain Mayne Roi ,
2-10 ( yclone K t. By Edward L. Wheeler.
2-11 I! Bravo and His Bear Pardl.
By T. C. Hui-ban h.
242 The Two ‘ D oods’, By Charles Morris.
24.) The Dieguiued Guide. By Oil Coomes.
24»! sierra Sam. B Edward L. Wheeler.
2-1.) Merle, the Mi dy. By Col. P.1ngrahnm.
2216 Giant George. By Buckskin Sam.
2” old Grizzly and His Petu. By Captain
“ Bruin " Adams. ‘
248 Sierra Saiu’s Seeret. By E. L. Wheeler.
24!) lililo “other. By ('opt. Fix-d. Whittaker.
250 Midshipman Mutiueer. By Ingraham.
25] Light-house, nge. By J. l“. C. Adams.
252 Dick Dashaway. By Chris. Morris.
253 Sierra Sam’u Pal-d. By E. L. Wheeler.
254 The Half Blood. By Edward S. Ellis.
255 (‘uptalu Apollo. By ’1‘. C. Harlmuzh-
256 Young Kentuck. By Capt. Mark Wilton.
257 The Lost liiiliter~. By (int. Adams.
2.38 Sierra Sam’s Seven, By 19%.. Wheeler.
2.)!) The Golden Harpoon. 1:yR.Sturbuck.
260 Dare-Devil Dun. By Olll‘ooines.
261 Fi‘l'g‘lifl Fearnaught. By Geo. L. Aiken.
262 The Young Slelitlm. By Charles Morris.
263 Deadwood Dli-k’u Divide. By Wheeler.
264 The Floating Feather. By lngraham.
265 The Tiger Tamer. By Capt. Whittaker.
266 Killb’a r, the Guide. By Ensign Warren.
267 The. Dueknkin Detective. By T. C.

Hurhaugh.
Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail.
Edward L. Wheeler.
The Gold Ship. By Col. P. Ingraham.
Blizzard Ben. By Ca mun Mark Wilton.
The Huge Hunter. y Edward S. Ellis.
I'llnknkln Mike. By Oll (homes.
Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris.
Arizona J aek. By Buckskin Sam.
Mei-lo Monte’u Cruise. By Ingrahem.
Deliver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler.
The Three Trappers. By Major Carson.
Old “'inch, THE RIFLE LING. By T. C.
Harbaugh.
Merle liloute’n Fate. By Col. Ingraham.
Denver Doll’s Victory; B - Wheeler.

.Y

N
a
C!)

By

{twquIé-WN-‘C'O

The Typo Detective. E ward Willett.
Indian J0e. By Major L. 1V. Carson.
The Sea IVl‘arauder. 13' C01. Ingruham.
Denver Dollie Decoy. By E. L. Wheeler.
Josh the Boy Tenderl‘oot; ort Tm:
WILD MEN or BUZZARD BAR. By Mark Wilton.
Billy Blue-Eyes. By Col. P. in raham.
The Scalp King. B£Ca t. J. F. .Adiunl.
Jollly Jim’s Job. y C aries Morris.
Litt e Foxfire. By Oil Coomes.

. Turk, the Ferret. By E. L. Wheeler.
292 Sancho Pedro. By Major E. L. St. Vrain.
293 Red Claw, TEE ONE-Erin) ’I‘Iurrm. By
Captain Comstock.

294 Dynamite Dan. By '1‘. C. Harbuugh.
295 Fearle-s Phil. By Edward Wlliett.

296 Denver Doll’s Drift. By E. L. Wheeler.
297  Tarantula 01‘ Too». By Buckskin

03.30510“ NNMMMNN NWNNNNNNNNM
at:me mmxmxwm qadqaqqaqua

uccmq am+wu~c

298 The Water-Hound. By Charles Morris.

299 A No. i the Dauhlug Toll-Taker.
By Edward L. Wheeler.

300 The Sky Demon. By Oil Coomes.
301 Leadviile Nick.

302 The Mountain . .
Hurbaugh. By T C

303 ’Liza J ' .
Wheeler. one, m Gnu. MINER By  L.

Detective.

304 The Dead Shot Dandy. By Ingram.
305 Dauhaway. of Dakota. ByChas. Morris.

306 Neck-Tie Ned. By Major B. B. Stoddard.

307 The Strange Pard. By Buckskin Sam.

808 Keno Kit, THE Boy Buom‘a Pm. By
Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

309 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal. Ed-
ward Wheeler. 

310 The Bax-rune: Wolf. ByJ. E. Badger;

311 The Roving Sport. By Edward Willett.

312 Bedt Rube mVIomm . ‘
M 0" Fain. Pm“ By

ajor E. L. St. v

31 3 Cimurron Jack. By Frederick 
314 The M lien-ions M . .
Prentiss I’I’igraham. stand“. By 0‘

315 Ned. the Cabin Boy. ByJack Farragut.

316 Old Eeli Io Tam
naming]; Can or Allison. By

Ammmwuk.

The Hair-mum Library is toi- sale imam

Newsdoale five cents r or sentb In on
recei c orm‘six cent/a 93:1. Bunnie Jams.
Pub era. 98 William Street. New York. I

1 .1

By Major E. L. St. Vrain. .

" r

 

 

    
 

/
’ .4

l

:
j 7
l,
i

2

, 27 The Spotter Detective.

-. 48 Idaho Tom.
' 419 The “’0” Demon.

macaw» nonmagnme

ancewq

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

n l swig]mini unnnTnm my  ___

 

 

 

“PUEIAID L
IgIPhili s. Warne,

1 A Hard Crowd.
2 The Dare-Devil. Col. .ln raham.
3 Kit Canon, Jr. Bv Buckskin m.
4 The Kidna uper. By Philip S. Warne.
5 The Fire-F ends. y A. Morris.
6 Ivildcut Do 1). By Edward L. Wheeler.
7 Death-Notch. B 0110000165.
8 The Headless orseman. A strange
story of Texas. 15y Captain Mu 'ne Reid.
9 Handy Andy. By Samuel ver.
10 Vidocq, the rum; Police Spy. Written by
Himself.
11 Midshipman Easy.
12 The Death-Shot.
13 Patliaway. By Dr.
14 Thayeudanegea.
1-5 The. Tiger-Slat er.
16 The “finite W znrd. By Ned Buntline.
l7 Nightshade. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.
18 The Sea Bandit. By Ned Buntline.
19 Red Cedar. By Gustave Almard.
20 The “audit at Buy. By Gustave Aimard.
21 TI?“ 'I‘rapper’s Daughter. By G. Aimard.
2‘2 11' nltcluw. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.
23 The Red \Vurrior. By Ned hurtline.
24 lhe Prairio- Flower. ByG. Aimai‘d.
25 The Gold Guide. By Francis Johnson.
26 The D-nlh-Track. By Francis Johnson.
By A. W. Aiken.
By J. E. Badger.
y P. S. Warne.
. Badger, Jr.

By Captain lilarryat.
By Captain Mayne Reid.
J. H. obinson.
By; Ned Buntiine.

y Gustave Aimnrd.

28 'l‘hree-Fing'crcd Jack.
29 Tiger Diek, the Faro Kin".
30 Gospel George. By Jos.
31 The New York Shar . By A. W. Aiken.
32 B’hoyu of Yale. By . D.Vose.

33 Overland Kit. By Albert W. Aiken.

34 Rocky Mountain Rob. B A.W. Aiken.
35 Kentuck, the Sport. ByA .rtW. Aiken.
36 lnjun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken.
37 Hirl, the Hunchback. By Dr. J. H. Rob-

111807].
38 Velvet Hand. By Albert W. Aiken.
39 The Russian Spy. By Fred. Whittaker.
40 The Loun‘ llaircd ‘Pardn.’ By Joseph
E. Badger. .
41 Gold Dun. By Albert W. Aiken.
42 The California Detective. By Aiken.
43 D: kota Dan. By 011 Coomes.
4-! Old Dan Rackback. By OllCoomes.
45 Old Bull’n Eye. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
46 I. wie—Knii‘e Hen. B 011 Coomes.
47 Paciiic Pete. Bv Josep E. Badger, Jr.
y 011 Coomes.
B Albert. W. Aiken.
50 Jack Rabbit. By Jos. . Badger, Jr.
51 Red Rob. B 011 Gnomes.
52 The Death ' railer. By Buffalo Bill.
53 Silver Sam. By Col. Delle Sam.
.7 l A lways On Hand. B ’ Philip S. Warne.
5.3 The scalp Hunters. y Capt. Ma neReid.
56 The Indian Mazeppa. By A.‘ . Aiken.
57 The ~ilent Hunter. By Perc B. St. John.
5? Silver Knife. By Dr. J. H. R0 inson.
5:: The Man From Texas. By A. W. Aiken.
60 \Vlde AH/ake. B Frank Dnmont.
61 Captain Seawai . By Ned Buntline.
62 Loyal Heart. B Gustave Aimnrd.
63 The “ringed W ale. By A. W. Aiken.
64 Double-Sight. By Jos. E. Bad er. Jr.
65 The Red Ra ah. By Cagt. F. Maker.
66 The ~ eeter arque. yMayne Reid.
67 Tao oy Jockey. By Jos. E. Badger. Jr.
68 T e Fighting Trapper. By Captain J.
F. C. Adams.
69 The Irish Cagtain. lIinCe t. F.Whittaker.
70 Hydrabad. Dr. J . Bo inson.
'71 Captain Cool- lade. By Jos. E. Badger.
72 The Phantonl Hand. By A. W. Aiken.
73 .The Knight of the Red Cross. By Dr.
J. H. Robinson.
71 Captain of the Rifles. By Mayne Reid.

.5 Gentleman George. By A. W. Aiken.

6 The ueen’u Musketeers. By G. Albony.
77 The ‘resh 01' Frisco. By A. W. Aiken.
78 The Mysterious Spy. By A M. Grainger.
9 Joe Phenix. Police Sny. By A. W. Aiken.

Man of Nerve. By Phili S. Warne.
The Human Tiger. 13 lbert W. Aiken.
Iron \Vrint. By Col. T. . Monste .

The (.old Bullet Sport. By B llO Bill.
A Hunted DOWn. By Albert W. Aiken.

The Cretan Rover. 001. P. In mham.
The Biz Hunter. Byt eauthoro “Silent
Elfin/e3“ 1 '

T e car at Captain. By Col. Della Sara.

Big George. By Jos. E. Bid or Jr.

The Pirate Pri

Wild Will. By Buckskin Ba

The “’inning Oar. 'By A. W. Aiken.

Buffalo Bill. ByMaJorDangei-fleld Burr.

93 Captrin Dick Talbot. By A. W. Aiken.

94 Freelance, the Buccaneer. By P. Ingraham.
oft, the Axman. By A. P M Pris

va-‘G

am

\

. o .
Double-Death. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. '

97 Bronze Jack. By Albert W. Aiken.
98 The Hook Rider. By Capt. F. Whittaker.
99 The Giant Rifleman. By 011 Coomes.
100 The French Spy‘. By A. P. Morris.

01 The-Man From New York. By Albert

. 1 en.

02 The Masked Band. B Geo. . ik .

03 Merle, the Mutineer.  001. mfiL $13..

04 Montezuma, the Men- ieus. y 301.
. Prentiss Incraham.

105 Dan Brown of-Denver. By Joseph E:

Badger. Jr. . -
106 Shamns 0’ Brien. B 001. Dene Sara.
107' Richard Talbot 0 Cinnabar. By
r“ “Albert W. Aiken. v
108 The Duke of Diamonds. By Captain
Frederick Whittaker.

nee. By Co . I5. Ingraham-
m.

Captain Kyd. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahnm.
The Silent Rifleman. By H. W.Herbert.
The Smuggler Ca itain. By N. Buntline.

‘ Joe Pin-nix, the ’rivate Detective. By.
Albert W. Aiken.
The Sea S-ipper.
The Gentleman
S. Wurne.

By J. H. In mlmm.
From Pi e. By P.

Thi- Severed Head. B Capt. Whittaker.
Black Plunle. By Col. rentiss Ingraham.
Dashing Dandy. By Dangerfield Burr.

The Burglar captain. By Prof. J. H.

In 'rulnun.

A a haunt .l 00. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
The Trial” Spy. By N. M. Curtis.
The Sea t'udvt. Bys Col. P. Ingraham.
Sa ul Sahberday. y Ned Buntline.
Alapaha, the Squaw.
Assowamn, the Avenger; or, The
Doom of the Destroyer. By Francis Johnson.
The Blacknnlieh Outlaw ; or, Merry
England. By Harrison Ainsworth.

The Demon Duelist. By Col. Monstery.
Sol Scott. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.

The Chevalier Corsair. By the author
of “Merle, the Mutineer.”

129 Minslsnippi Mose. By Edward Willett.
1 30 Captain Volcano. By A. W. Aiken.
131 Buckskin Sam. By Col. P. Ingraham.

132 Nemo, King of the Tramps. By Capt.
Frederick Whittaker.

133 Rody, the Rover. By W. Carleton.
134 Darkie Dan. By Col. P. Ingraliam.

135 The Bush Ranger. By F. Johnson.
136 The Outlaw-Hunter. By F. Johnson.
137 Long Beard. By OllCoomcs.

138 The Border Bandits. By F. Johnson.
139 Fire-Eye. By Col. Prentiss Ingmham.
140 The Three Spaniards. By Geo. Walker.
141 Equinox Tom. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
142 (‘aptain Crimson. By Dangerfield Burr.
143 The Czar’s Spy. By 001. T. H. Monstery.

144 The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
By. Victor Hugo.

145 Pistol Paras.
146 The Doctor Detective. By G. Lemuel.
147 Gold Spur. By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam.
148 One-Armed Alf. By 011 Coomes. .
149 The Border Rifles. By Gustave Aimerd.
150 El Rubin Bravo. By Col. Monstery.

1 5 l The Freebooters. By Gustave Aimard.
1 52 Captain Ironnerve. By Marmaduke Dey.
153 The \Vhite Scalpcr. By Gustave Aimard.
1 54 J oaqu in, the Saddle. King. By J. E. Badger.
155 The Corsair Queen. By Col. Ingraham.
1 56 Velvet Face. By Major Dangerfield Burr.

157 Mourad, the Mameluke. By Colonel
Thomas Hoyer Monstery.

158 The Doomed Dozen. By Dr. F. Powell.
159 Red Rudiger. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.
160 So“ Hand, Sharp. By Wm. R. Eyster.
161 The \Volve- of New York. By Aiken.
162 The Mad Mariner. By Col. Ingmham.
163 Ben Brion. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.

164 The King’s Fool. By C. Dunning Clark.
1 65 Joaquin, the Terrible. By J. E. Badger. Jr.
166 Owlet, the Robber Prince. By S. R. Urban.
167 The Man of Steel. By A. P. Morris.
168 Wild Bill. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
169 Corporal Cannon. By Col. Monstery.

l 70 Sweet William. By J on. E. Badger, Jr.

1 71 Tiger Dick, the Man of the Iron Hem. By
Philip S. Warne.

112' The Black Pirate. By Col. P. Ingmhani.
173 California John. By Albert W. Aiken.
174 Phantom Knights. By Captwmtturer.

175 Wild 3111’: Trump Card. ByMaior
Dangerfield Burr.

1 76 Lady Jaguar. By Captain Mark Wilton.
177 Don Diablo. By Col. Prentiss Ingmham.
l 7 8 Dark Dashwood. By Major Sam 8. Hall.

1 79 Conrad. the Convict. By Prof. Stewart
Gildersleeve, LL. D.

180 Old ’49. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.

1 81 The Scarlet Schooner. By P. Ingraham.

182 Hands Up! By Wm. B, Eyster.

183 Gilbert, the Guide. By C. D. Clark.

1 84 The Ocean Vampire. By 001. Ingraham.

185 The Man Spider. By A. . Morris.

186 The Black Bravo. By uckskin Sam.’

187 The Death’s Head Culrasslers. By
Captain Frederick Whittaker.

188 The Phantom' Mazeppa.
Dangerfield Burr.

By E. Johnson.

By Wm. R. Eyster.

By Major

1 90 The Three Guardsmen. ByAlex. 

 

189‘Wlld Bum. Gold Trail. By Ingraham.‘

 

191 gage remiii‘e' Tonkawa‘y.‘ laymen.th

192 The Lightning Sport. By W. R. Eyster.
193 The Man in Red. By Capt. Whittaker.
194 Don Sombrero. By Capt. Mark Wilton.

195 The Lone Star Gambler. By Buckskin
Sam.

196 La Marmoset, the Detective Queen. By'
Albert W. Aiken.

197 Revolver Rob.

198 The Skeleton Schooner.
Prentiss Ingraham.

199 Diamond Dick. By Buckskin Sam.
200 £115: Ride Rangers. By Captain Mayne
El .

By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
By Colonel.

201 The Pirate orthe Pincers. By Joseph
E. Badger, Jr.

202 Cactus Jack. By Capt. Mark Wilton.
203 The Double Detective. By A. W. Aiken.
204 Big Foot “'allace. By Buckskin Sam.
205 The Gambler Pirate. By Col. higraham.
206 One Eye, the Cwnoneer. By F.Wh1ttaker_
207 Old Hard Head. By Philip S. Warne.
208 The White Chief. By Capt. Mayne Reid.
209 Buck Farley. By Edward Willett.
210 Buccaneer Bess. By Col. P. ingrahnm.
211 The Unknotvn Sport. By F.Whittaker.
212 The Brazos Tigers. By Buckskin Sam.
213 Tile \Var Trail. By Capt. Mayne Reid.
214 The Two Cool Sports. By W. R. Eyster.
215 Parson Jim. By Captain F. Whittaker.
216 The Corsair Planter. By P.1ngmham..
217 'srhe Serpent oi'El Page. By Buckskin
am.

218 an: “'ild Huntress. By Capt. Mayne
‘l .

219 The Scorpion Brothers.
Mark Wilton.

220 The Specter Yacht. By Col. Ingraham.
221 Desperate Duke. By Buckskin Sam.
222 Bill, the Blizzard. By Edward Willett.
223 Canyon Dave. By Captain Mark Wilton.
224 Black Beard. By Col. Prentiss lngrabam.
225 Rocky Mountain Al. By Buckskin Sam
226 The Mad H unsure. By Capt. Whittaker.
227 Buckshot Ben. By Capt. Mark Wilton.
228 The Maroon. By Capt. Mayne Reid.
229 Captain Cutsleeve. By Wm. R. Eyster.
230 The Flying Dutchman of 1880. By
Capt. Frederick Whittaker.
231 The Kid Glove Miner; or, The Magic.-
Doctor of Golden Gulch. By Col. 1’. Ingrabam.

232 Orson 0x 3:, the Mun of Iron. By Isaac
Hawks, Ex-Detective.

233 The Old Boy of Tombstone; 01‘.
Wagering a Life on a. Card. By J. E. Badger.

234 £111: Hunter-9 Feant. By Captain Mayne-
e .

By Captain

235 Red Lightning. the Man of Chance. By
Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

236 Champion Sam. By Col. T. H. Monstery.

237 Long-Haired Max ; or. The Black League
of the Coast. By Captain Mark Wilton.
238 Hank Hound, the New Orleans Detective.
. By A. P. Morris.
239 The Terrible Trio. By Buckskin Sam.
240 A Cool Head; or. Orson OxxinPeril. By
Isaac Hawks. Fix-Detective.
241 Spitfire Saul King of the Bustiers. By
Jos. E. ger. r.
42 The F0 Devll' or. The Ski .
2 Flash. Bngapt. Fre‘d. Whittaker. pp" °f a”

43 The Pilgrim shar ,. or, T I I.
2 Sweetheart. By BuflalolB’iu, he 3mm“?

244 Merciless Mart the M mm of my
souri. By Buckskin’Sain. an .
245 Barranca Bill the Re olver Chm-1111M!»
By Captain Mark V than V

2'46 0.113811 Helen, the Amazon of the Over~
land- By 001. Prentiss Inga-awn.

247 Alligator Ike or. The Secret of the-

. Everglades. By Ca‘ptain Fred. Whittaker.

248 Montana Nat. By Edward Willett.

249 Ele 1...... Tom of Dura 0; or. Your
Goldsiust or Your £1113- By 31.1%. Badger, Jr.

250 The Rough R 9'"; 01'. Sh the
Seminole Scourge- Bi Buckskin 33:5qu

251 Ti er Dick 75. ron Be. an] or,
Eve‘ry mu. Bu; His Match. By 233. win...

252 The Wall Street Blood Tick Tick,
the Telegraph Detective. By 0:; W. Aiken.

253 A Yankee Cossaek' The een oi
the Nihilists. By Capt. flog-rick wglitaker.

4 Giant Jake the P M min...
25 By Newton M. 6mm aim! of the our;

A new ism every week. f .

mate’s .mme Library is for sale by All

Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or Sent by mail on

receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS.
l’ublishers. 98 William Street, New York.