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ENTERED AT THE POST Omcx n NLw YORK. N. Y‘. A'l' SECOND Cues MAIL HATES.

published Every effearile (f- y/‘Zda 777.8. («7le bHR?) (27's, Ten Cent, 3 Copy.  2 7 1
Week- 98 WILLIAM STREET, N. Y., January 2, 1884. 35-00 9- Y0“ °

STWEFISTmF BIG NUGGET‘ BEND; 

Or, OLD KETCHUM’S TUG OF WAR.

BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON,

AUTHOR or “ CACTUS JACK," “DON somnumo,” “LADY JAGUAR," “ THE sconpxon BROTHERS," “ CANYON DAVE,” 1910.. no.

“ BACK, YOU DEGRADED WRETCHES," EXCLAIMED STONEFIRT. "NOT ONE DROP OF THIS VILE STUFF GOES DOWN YOUR THROATS.”

 

 

2 ,

tone st, 0

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Stonefist, .
or BIG NUGGET BEND;

on.
Old Ketchum’s Tug of War.

The Story of‘ a Queer crusade.

 

BY CAPT. MARK WILTON,
m hog; “mos-ammo, tans.” “assumes.
pun, oaorus JACK, moss-prim)

‘ aux." “norm Luna,” “ nan!
. saunas." “m soonrxox
' mass.” “aun-
urr man," ‘
are.

 

_ CHAPTER I. ,
cam m amencwm. -
Two passin alas the principal
, lkeet of Big ugget end, ound their way
blinked as a tall, peculiar-lookin man rolled a
dry- case out of Kippd: urner’s store
and‘ pad it near the door. - He left a narrow
manage and the miners might have gone on,
t t eir attention had become fixed on the
man and they looked curiously tosee what he
would do next.
He was a peculiar-looking man, we have said.
Indeed, the miners had never seen another like

him in their rough-and-ready border town, in i
the Colorado mountains, and as he did not look i

like one accustomed to handling dry-goods
cases, they wondered what he intended to do
with it. ’

They were soon shown.

The unknown mounted to the top of the case
and stood revealed in all his peculiarities. He
looked to be a young man; one would not have
Elaned him at over twenty-five, though it was

ard to say positively: and he had a good,
though not remarkable form.
’ His garments were remarkable for Big Nug—
get Bend, where the majority of the men had
not seen a. White garment in their hands for
months, But he was dressed in broadcloth, the
Ian dress-coat reachin almost to his knees,
an his spotless white shirt Was surmounted by
a collar of like hue. Yet, he was not a dandy;
beyond the fact cthat his rments were rich
- ,eod costly, all was plain. t was even noticed
that his black neck—tie was almost carelessly

His hat resembled those in vogue in the West

V hut in its sober black color and stiffness called

up recollection of the old Quakers, as the min-
el's generall imagined them.

Pmm an his wide hat black hair descend-

d over his shoulders in waveiess threads; no

ness there, either. His face was clean-

shavm, square, solid,_ severe and peculiar.- and

his large, dark eyes had a mrkle and brilliaacy

rarely seen.

_ More than the two miners first mentioned

were looking at this man by the time he was

, fairly on the box, and When one would have

mused he thrust out a long, white hand and

h m.

‘ oldl Where are you going?” be demand-
ed,in a keen, incisive voice. “What errand
have you now?"

The man addreaod, a stout miner, looked at

.the aker "with a mixture of resentment,
mil It-‘y and amusement on his face.

‘W , 1 don’t generally account for my

11‘ and comin‘. nowadays, but I don’t mind

I flyin' I’m arter a drink 0‘ whisky,” he bluntly

led.

‘ "EAL that is it!” cried the man in broad-
cloth, suddenly straightening up. “You are
all on the dawn read, every one of you. Who
lethal-e here who has not one vice hanging on
him like a' leech? How many of you can
truth'fnully say you scorn the intoxicating

"Thor man who don’t drink has gone to ther
doctor’s tor be treated fur ther jinn-jams,”
one of the crowd kindly condescended to say. '

It was a larger crowd by that time, for
every ass that chanced to be passing was
Walled to stop by their curiosity to see the
man on the hex. dosed men were already
more, and others were approaching. Mes
me together in crowds as naturally as hus-

‘ “M on while you may, for your day is
short,” the unknOwn steadily resumed, his
voles as incisive as ever. “ Wickedness springs

wherever man is found—”

" An’ flights on a dry-goods case," interrupt-
odahig miner. ‘

“Better there than on a scaflold, which is
who you are hastening misguided wretch.
fl :ig-get Bend is wicked to the core; thieves

assassins tread her streets/and her name
'will go down in history branded with dishonor.
Beware, men of this town; reform while you

mad!”
e made an im essive picture with his

paceliardress, lop air severe face and nick,
urn-mind is he talked his ack

O

 

eyes rolled restlessly and gave each man in the
crowd a glance.

His last outburst had not fallen agreeably.
The miners were proud of their town and
objficted to having it criticised unfavorably.
If ixNugget Bend was good enouglh for them
tolive in it was good enough for this orig-haired
stranger to visit—if not, he could leave as soon
as he saw fit.

80 thought the miners, but they held their
peace yet a little further.
malter pleasantly, and from such there were
remarks intended to be humorous.

"Ryan’s B urgeon Beecher come ter town;
burn up y keerds, boys, an' set fur a new
deal.” . ‘

“ Tiler comin‘ man has come 1” g

“ Hurrah for Deacon Broadcloth l”

, and other remarks, arose from the

crowd, which every minute increased in size ‘

until it was a very good-sized audience for Big
N et Bend. '

he stranger went on in his keen voice, his
restless ‘eyes never still, and as the wind tossed
hlselong, straight hair about it seemed, some-
how to mix with his abrnpfigestures.

f‘I hear you ask who I am,"‘he said. “My
name is Bartholomew Blake and I have come to
Big Nugget Bond to reform the town. I am
not a preacher; I follow no creed; I do not
preach religion, for religion is a step further
than I expect to go. I shall be content when I
have reformed every man, woman and child
from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Reformis my
creed; reform is my life-work. Repent, per)-
BIG of Big Nugget Bar. Bartholomew Blake is

ere to give you warning. You are on the
downward read; you gamble, drink, fight and
murder. What a fearful list of crimcsl Your
town is a hot-bed of sin and you are dragging
it further down; it is you. in your wickedness,
who must shoulder the blame. ’

“Now you‘re shontin’, Deacon Broadcloth.”
interru ted a big miner. “We must an' we
will. e don‘t allow any outSIder or help us,
nur to dictate for us' nor we won’t hey Big
Nag at Bar insulted. ’What you‘ve said is said,
tutfliy thereternal peaks, you’ve got ter take
it back l"

And the s aker shook his fist at the stranger.

A scornfu smile cruesed the latter’s face.

" Who are you i» ho threatens so bravely l”

“ Black Jake, they call me. an’ I’m a blizzard
by express. Do you see that fist?”

He held up his brawny hand, doubled it and
presented an ominous weapon. on the whole.

“I see,” Bartholomew Blake calmly an:
cw

ther remit.”

“ You claim to strike heavily, then."

“ 1‘ kin tell an ox in ther shambles.”

" Even at your favorite trick I can give you
lemons. We will see!”

The stranger leaped down, the crowd rolled
back a little and he picked up a heavy piece of
board. There were some who fell further back,
for the opinion was gaining ground that he was
mentally deranged, but except for his usual
{nervous way he showed no symptoms of vio-

ence. ,

“I went to see you split this board with your
fist,” Bartholomew ca mlv said. “Stalwart
men are an ornament to the race, and i would
see you strike as you have said. What two
men will hold the board?”

They were easily found, and Blake stepped
back and waved his hand to Black Jake.

“Split that?” nestloned the latter. “ What.
do you take me or? S’poee my list is made 0’
figs-:3” lfiothin’ shorter that would bu‘st ther

“ I thought you claimed to be a powerful
striker.”

“So I do an’ I kin hit her for double what
you kin.” ,

“I venture to assert Ishall split that board
like a shingle when you -nave tried and failed,"
the stranger said, his manner wholly free from
boasting and just the same as when he was on

‘ the box.

“ Got a ten-spot ter bet on ltf” ,

“ l neither win nor lose by sinful means.“ Do
you try or acknowledge ourself besteui". ‘ -

A growl came from t e miner’s line and he

turned to the board. He felt rfcctly sure he
could not split it, but nis frien s were leu hing
at him and he was stirred by anger. He ad a
herd fist: if he could split the board it would
be a great feat, far it was thick and hard.
- He calculated the blow nicely and then struck
out solidly.- The blow was a heavy one and
those who held the board reeled back, but is no
other way did it show effect.

" Again!” cried Black Jake. '

It was held up, and. re ardless of possible
injlury, he struck with all h a force. One of the
ho den reeled, tripped and tell, but the board
remained intact. . ‘ -

Not so Black Jake’s knuckles; there was a
red spot on each one and he knew blood would
soon show. r ,

“ Sec hyar, I’m no monopolist.” he growled.
“ I don’t batter my beauty out on that plank.
I say nobody kin split it unless he’s got a list 0’
stone. Mebbe, Deacon. you’ll try it.” .

 

cred. .
“ if ’twas fer hit you onc’t, you’d never know

i

l

Some took the ’

 

The man ih broadcloth remained as calm as
ever. Neither the challenge our the direct ap-
glication of his sobn‘quet seemed to stir his

lood the quicker.

“ i will try one blow—just one," he said.
“Yet, m flat is not made of stone."

He too position ,and looked keenly at the
board. The spectators smiled, ex eating to see
him fare worse than Black Jake, gut Big Nug-
get Bend believed in justice and the “ reformer”
should be no exception if he had come to preach
without a call.

" Readyi" he said, calmly. . ‘

And then his fist shot out like a flesh—a short,
sharp blow with the weight of the Deacon be-
hind it; and with a crack the board parted
from end to end. '

He had split it as cleanly as though with an

ax. . V

“Three cheers for the man with theflst of
stone!" cried one of the miners, stirred up in
spite of himself.

But the applause was not glVen; Bartholo-
mew Blake had mounted to the case again and
his lon arms were stretched out over the
crowd, is e resslon indicating that he had
for otten the eat just accomplished.

“ hen Isee men on the downward road I
like to are their Wandering steps. My ‘way-
ward frien s. I am here to save you; reform,
to-day and all will be well. Throw away your
cards, reek your bottles and live an honorable
life. I am in Big Nugget Bend to show you
your wickedness and I’ll do it.” ’

Some one ventured to hint—mildly, because
they remembered his heavy blows — that he
might wait until he was asked, but the, com-
ment was unheeded.

“ Your town is a Wicked one. The Evil One
has h'n grip on it. If cities were destroycd for
wickedness as in the old Bible times, this would
be the first to go.”

This was puttin it rather s‘rongly, and many
a. miner whisper-e to his elbow neiighbor that if
Deacon Broadcloth was tarrcd an feathered it
would be no more than he deserved; lut there
were enough moderate men there to fin-event
this dangerous sentiment from taking 11 e.

It was yeneraily acknowledged that the man
was deranged, and to maltreat such a person
was not the way of Big Nugget Bend.

“He’s a crank, but he’s harmless,” was the
general verdict.

“I know of no worse place here than the
liquor saloon of Jonathan Ames,” continued the
Deacon. “ Liquor steals awe the brains of men.
Ames sells it, and you drin it until you are
worse thanvthe swine no Jew will eat."

“See hysr,.ai_n’t you putting it a leetla too
strong?” asked one miner, conscious that a half-
fllled flask waxin his pocket.

“I am here to tell the whole truth, and I will
not shirk my duty. I say the saloon is the
worst plague-spot in the town. A , and the
time has come to remove it. Men, am about
to go to that Iplace and turn the vile drink upon
the ground; will show you I am no reformer
by words only.” v

80 saying, e stepped down from the box
and, parting the crowd, started for Jonathan‘s
saloon. He did not look behind him. but he had
eve ry man for a follower. They knew Jonathan
to be a. fighting men and expected acme fun. not
the less so because all were agreed that the “re-
former,” himself, had a fist of stone.

And as he strode down the street. his hair and
coat fl ing in the wind, and the miners closely
follow 11 , a picture was presented such as the
Bend he never seen before.

CHAPTER II.
, m Deacon Erupts ms causal.

Tn]: “reformer” did not once look armed
during his 'ourney and his severe face did sot
change. you so might some fanatic of old
have ed his followers on a mission wtflrcta
result in the name of reform, except that in
this case the leader could not rely on his conr

anions. The Were going merely from curios-
ty, and Bart olomew Blake could not expect
their support. 1

As he reached the door of Jonathan’s saloon
and was about to pass the threshold, a youn
woman came out so suddenly that they aim
gelli'ded and were left looking each other full in

e we.

There was enough to arrest attention on each
side nordid the girl faiitopsy due attention
to the reformei‘s ngular appearance.

On her own part, she was apparentl eirh—
teen years of age, and a mom charming coking
girl was not to he-found in Colorado! Slightly
below the average height, she had a form as
plump as that of‘ a w -fed prairie-chicken and
twasset of! to marked advantage by a dress
of the plaid variety which retirin from a well-

he“

 

remembered rage at the in this case,
made its appearance in the cat.

Ve prett and dealing she looked but it
was [3 sin its ack of length. its color and its or-
nament of ribbons did not impress Deacon
Broadcloth favorably

Her face was won erfully attractive. Plump,
finely formed. with Plenty of color, a charming

mouth, a shapely nose and large, dark eyes, she ,

 

 

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Stonefist, Of Big Nugget Bend. ' 3

 

 

was an object calculated to make male hearts
quiver and scorn a bachelorlife.

But, to add to the Deacon’s dissatisfaction—
hs evident] deemed beauly a sin—she carried
In her ban a flask which was plainly filled with
some strong liquor.

The reformer’s severe face grew stern and he
put out one hand warningly.

“Pause, young woman!” he commanded.
“ You are on the downward road and oin
fast. Pause, while therein time! In your an
you hold one of the arch~flend’s strongest wea-

ns. And you are a woman! Big Nugget

nd, my soul cries out in horror for you!’

The girl had plainly been somewhat staggered
at the first of this address, and she seemed in-
clined to retreat into the saloon for protection
until a series of winks from the miners enabled
her to grt pretty near the truth.

“ Hallo! she ‘ exclaimed, a saucy smile
breaking out on her pretty face, “have you
got them, too! Well. you‘ve come to just the
light place. Old Daddy Clover is in there and
they‘re crawling all around him. ‘He has got a
variety shut up n his boots which he means to
ship to Denver for curiosities end-4"

‘ Hold!" interrupted Blake, sternly. “Mis-

ided young woman, this levity is shocking.

am endeavor-lug to save you irr m the clutch
of the destroyer. I am come to reform Big
Nu et Bend. And on, young woman—your
wic edness has foun you out. Even..at the
door of this wretched saloon I find you with a.
flask of vile li uor in your hand."

“Just call I: ‘ vile’ in Jonathan‘s hearing,
if you dare," laughed the girl. “ Ask him if he
sellsnanything but the pure article—ask him, I

so .

xAll in good time, for the range of my work
is large; but it is to you I talk now. Wretched
girl what is your name?”

“ ell, since you ask so lpolitely, I don’t mind
saying it is Zora Lockyar . But, str, I have a
protector, and he Will not allow you to call me
pet names. ‘Misguided young woman’ and

wretched girl' are ’most too familiar on short
acquaintance. You had better take the next
stage for Denver, and gfit yourself locked up
where you will be safe. at the best of friends
must art. and—Pm gone!”

Wit the last words the girl glided past him,
laughing merrily and ran own the street.

Bartholomew l31ake stretched out his hand
toward her, and looked at his followurs, his
severe face full of loft condemnation.

Y “ Behold the fruit 0 your city‘s wickedness !”
he said. in his incisive voice. “ Here is a oucg
woman whom nature has kindly gifted: who
flaunts her audy dress and sinful ribbons in
the face of e world, and worst of all, she car-
ries a flask of liquor openly and unblushingly
throu h the streets. T is verily the plague—
spot 0 Colorado!" ,

“Look-a-hyar, mister,” said a rough miner,
“look a ieetle out how you kerry on. Don’t
dare ter say ought ag-‘iu’ Zora Lockyard.
We all know her here. A girl with a. merr
nature an’ quick 0’ retort, I a low, but one wit
a heart 0’ gold. Her record is clean en (her
water 0’ Silver Spring, an’ she‘s tber darver 0’
Father Lockyard, ther money-lender. When
any 0’ ther boyees fall sick, it‘s Zora that
nurses them through it. Ez fur ther liquor, l’ll
stake my last dollar it is for Father Lockyard‘s
sicknesees.”

'Ihere was an approving echo from the crowd,
and man a threat was leveled at Deacon
Broadclot , but his face retained its old
severity.

“ tter die than use the vile stuff," he
declared. “There can beno 9x011“ for using
it, but you, all of you, are its slavos. Make no
excuses; they cannot restore your honor. "

Once-more there was an impression that the
reformer was “drawin it a leetle too strong,”
and some one an; bodily revenge at once,
but the majority ad fully decided that Blake
was out of his head, and would not disgrace
themselves by touching him.

At his last words. too. he turned and entered
thesaloon. There he saw a battered-up and
used-up old man rapping his boots, upside
00“. lustthe bar,ast oughtoempt them
of some hing yrhile a lank. Yankee-{mung
man stood behind the bar, laughing 

“I can’t I; ’em all out, J cnathan,” as! the
old man. “ here's arattlesnake and two racers
which I can’t account for. They should be
liyai;g for I see’d 'em not more nor an hour

0.

‘8“ Guess the ’tarual critters has gone I: yeour
breaches," said Jonathan, good-natured y: then
turning ahru tly, he faced Bartholomew Blake,
who had a vanced to the bar, and added,
“What'll yeou drink!”

He meant it for an innocent and polite ques-
tion, but he never made a greater mistake.
The reformer’s face was like the front of an ice-
be in its cold harshness. ‘

“ ile wretch, haVe you no sense of shame!”
heseverely demanded. “ Can you not see I am
not of th‘o-gommon herd who SgTO here todrink
Your son estroyin fluid? —

“ If I how are on yeour corns, I’m sor-
I’V—darued if ain’t!" said Jonathan. “ 0f
“30011 want a private rooman’a leetle

 

set-up o’ champagne; but, seein’ all the boys
with yeon, I thought yeou was goin’ ter set ’em
up fur the house."

The reformer raised his hand with the old
gesture.

“ Stop!” he commanded. “ You are mad, or
you would not address me thus. I won d not
expend one cent in your vile place for all the
wealth of Co:orado. I have not come to help
you thrive, but to destroy the sinful traflic you
carry on—to show Big Nug et Bend her wicked—
ness, and lead her in more onorable paths: to
tear up the tares which mix with the pure
grain—to teach you the difference between
right and wrong. You, sir, are the greatest
sinner here. You are engaged in a traffic all
honest men condemn: you are leadin your
fellow-beings to min, and I cannot fin words
with which to describe how vile and depraved
you are!"

Jonathan had been thunderstruck at firs
but as he looked closer ‘at Blake‘s face an
dress. he believed he had arrivod at tl'e truth.

“See here, nsow," be interrupted: “ I‘ve got
a word tow put in. Beln’ master here, it’s nat’o
ral. Let me tell yeou there can‘t no spindle-
shanked person come here an’ tell me baow tow
run my shop: I won‘t stand it. Down in
Bkowhegan, where I come from, we ca‘culate
tew protect our rights. Naow. I give you jest
thirty seconds tew git eout of that door, an’ of
yeou ain't gone then 1‘]! fling you out!"

Jonathan was plainly in a towering rage,
having failed to catch the drift of the case as
the miners saw it. They had winked at him in
vain; he saw onl a straighfrlaced person who
wanted to ruin h 3 business.

“Look out, Jonathan, he knows how to use
his fists. Two to one he can split your counter
with one blow; he‘s Deacon Stoneust by name.”

“ Go light: hatch onter his eyes.”

“ Keep cool: he’s a crank." ‘

Such were the remarks addressed to the
saloon-keeper, and as he caught the last words
his face softened. Whether his business was
honorable or not, the man from Maine did not
possess a bad heart.

But Blake, disregarding all, had cast a sharp
glance about the room. It became stationary
as he saw a barrel on thecounter, upon the head
of which wnl marked the word “ whisky ” with
the faucet in place.

Three quick strides echoed on the floor, and
then, reaching the barrel, Deacon Stoncflst ve
one twist to t e faucet and set the whisky ow-
inz in a stream.

Tots done, he turned sternlv on the crawd.

“ Thus perishes a foe to Big Nugget Bend.
By such means I save you from yourselves; I
put temptation away from you and you cannot
wander from the path of rectitude.” '

J ensthan had stood amazed at this bold act.
but a sudden about from the other been caused
Decon Siouefist to turn again to the barrel.
There he saw the cause of the miners’ mirth.
The old man who had snakes in his boots, but
who seldom had money in his pockets, bad im-

roved this chance to sample the ll her so

reely flowing, and was lym flat on b 9 back
and allowing it to run from t faucet into his
mouth.

It was a sight calculated to stir any reformer
from his e uanimity, and it acted on Blake like
a spur. e strode forward, grasped the
wretched old man, and, lifting him as though
its had been a child, eat him one side like a
cg.

“ Look!” he said, “here is what you are all
(BORED; to if you keep on your downward
pat .

The harshness of his manner and the violence
to Daddy Clover, who was a favorite, made the
miners orget their resolution to deal gently
with the reformer. Crank or not, he could not
come to Big Nun ct Bend and deal thus hanth
with their most erished institutions.

“This is too much; pitch ther critter inter
ther street.” '

“ Throw him in ther drink 1”

“ Run him out of town I"

With these ominous words the crowd surged
forward on the reformer. Some remembered
the power of his heavy fist, and would rather
have been at the rear, especially as be
them fearlessly. -

“Back, you degraded wretches,” exclaimed
“ Not one drop of this vile stuff goes
your throats.”

How it would have ended is uncertain, for a
new actor suddenly appeared on the scene in
the shape of a. young man, who faced them
resolute y.

“ Hold on, boys!” he exclaimed. “ What are
yongoln to do?“

“ tan back, Al Sterling: we‘ro going
give this fellow a lesson. Out of the way i”

“ I won't “out of the way!” was the sturd
I" ly. “I have come to see the crank, but
d n’t think to find him in a struggle with on.
Slop. men. and don’t do what you w be
ashamed of a little later.”

The speaker had no small influence at the
Bend, and his words recalled to the miners the
fact that. they had but a moment before re-

solved nottoharmamansoshatteredmon—
tally. . ‘

 

Deacon Stoneflst was released, but he stood
fiuietly, neither smiling nor lookin relieved.

is game was on the face of A! Stern ng, which
was a. good one, with the mai'ly stamp of
twent ofour years upon it: and the latter was
move to take him genlly by the arm.

“ Come with me, air, and we will havo aquiot
talk, he said, persuasiVely.

Blake meditated for a moment.

“ Very well' i will do so,” he replied. "I
need rest, and ldhre say I shall and work even
where I 0. Evan you, I venture to assert, on
going ong the downward road, a victim to
ym‘hivlius." t fl ” . w any

‘ earenouco us ect, good-nu r
replied Sterling “all:e I don’t claim to ho.
But we will speak of that later. Let us o!"

And they starth down the street. erling
had no more definite purpose in view than he
would have bad if he had rescued a cat from
vandal boys. but be deemed any person men-
tally aflicted as worthy of forbearance and all
possible kindneu.

CHAPTER III.
was: HONEY-LENDIBS nonmom. 5

WHEN Sterling and hlake started 0! other
the crowd remained behind. They h had
their s rt with “Deacon Broach \th ” :m
were w lling to be rid of him, while if A! B
ling cared to shoulder the crank, they had no
ob actions. '

ut one thing occurred to them and occasion-
ed remark; Sterling was the clerk of Father
Lockyard, the wane -lender, who was also the
father of Zora, an it might prove he was
taking a flrebrand into the house. ‘

Over Lockyard’s (flies-door was a sign hear-
ing his name, but Blake did not seem to tab
any notice of it. They entered. ‘

Father Lockyard sat at his desk. 3: mild-
faced old man with gray hair and a patriarchal
beard. He was a money-lender but he was no
usurer. Indeed, at the rate he loaned, it was a
wonder that he made a living, and some people

suspected it was merely an excuse to gin him‘

employment to occup his time.

Yet, it remained a set that both himself and '

his clerk were idle half of the titre.

“Good-afternoon, gentlemen,” said Father

Lockyard, arising, and bowing politely to the
stranger. “l was nearly on the point of falling
asleep and am glad to see any one on husinel.

“l have bus uses with you ” Bartholomew
Blake abruptly answered. “I have come to
save you from your sins; to turn your wayward
feet from the patns of wickedness. You drink,
gamble, lie and steal and your only hope is to
turn quickly. Reform. while you can?

Th moneyolender stood dumfounded. An
amia le, kind-hearted man, with a rare repu‘
tation‘ for honor he was amend to hear such
terrible crimes aid at his door. The! look on
his face was laughable, but as be turned his
eyes as a last resort toward Sterlin , the latter
made a significant sign by tapping is forehead
and Father Lochysro's face 0 cared. i

He spoke to ~the reformer in tones which
plainly had an effect, for the latter sudden)
changed his tune and, taking Lockyerd‘e he ,

V's-id he was glad there was one honorable man

in Big Nugget Bend. "

it was arr-angle: to give the strangera good
supper before left. Lockyaid had spoken.
though in a feeble way, of sheltering him over
night but Blake declared he could not think of
it. fie had a mission to pcrform and must
work without ceasing, else b s life would not be
long enough to reform the whole Welt. -
t Agd there was no doubt but he spoke the
rut .

Supper was already ‘on the table, and the
three went in and partook together. And it
was noticeable that tho reformer had a good

appetite.
hey were just fluishi
quick step at the door an a fourth person, an-

tered.

“I’m late, ain’t I, father!" cried a girlish
voice.
see. his fever was worse than ever, an --”

The voice became silent suddenly. In the
partial] darkened room the
tosee t e stranger, but at t
voice, Bartholomew Blah had slowly turned
until he faced her.

" Oh!” she said. in unbounded surprise.

The speaker was Zora Lockyard.

A short reuse followed, but the reformer‘a
stern face did not change. Genuine, indeed,
must be his creed, since he could look with 1*
dinerence on so charming a girl. r -

“Young woman," be severely said, “I am

to see on again.”

“ ell, al you’vo got to do is to dust your
eyes.” the glr rotor-ted. “ if you do that, you
can’t see, and if you shut your mouth close you

can‘t speak.
“Zoral’uam Mr. Imkyard, with grave re-

proof.

“ Let the mi ided young woman talk. It is
well we should now what is in her heart: that
we should know for a .fact that she Seen the
downward road. I expect no more than this
after what I’ve seen."

“Besaw thaliqu Million-MW,"

l
I

',‘ I’m sorry, but I couldn‘t be! it. You ‘

,when there was a ‘

ker hadnfled '-
sound of the r

i

i .
l

I

l .

,

l

 

4 Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend.

 

E

Did Zora, laughing lightly. “I dare say he
thinks I have. drank it all before now.”

“ Then he is quite wrong,” said Mr. Dockyard
with mild wrath. M daughter, air, is not that
kind of a person, an I should not touch the
stuff were it not for my infirmities.”

“Her dress is very gaudy and vain,” said
Blake with evident dissatisfaction.

" Is it possible?” said Zora in her former vein.
" Well, air, it is paid for, and no loss to your
pocket: so set your heart at rest.”

" I detest worldly vanity in woman," the dea-
con releatlessl said.

“Ihavon’t eard any one ask for your ad-
miration," she retorted, with a brightness com-
mon to her, and which robbed what she said of
half its sharpness.-

“Uome, come!" interrupted Lockyard, “this
i a waste of breath. Bay no more, Zora. My
daughlm is very well, Mr. Blake. and the outer
form had better be clad with vanity than the
heart with deceit and ungenerous thoughts. Let
us say no more. Will you go to my office, sir!”

Blake condescended to say he would, and he
followed without another word to Zora, but as
he want out he looked at her bright-hand dress
Ind shook his head dismally.

“ What a bear!” she exclaimed. “ One would
think I had a. load of silk and diamonds, instead
of a cheap plaid dress. Do I look particularly
oflensivo. Al?”

“ I will be as frank in my way as Bartholomew
Blake was in his,” said Sterling, smiling, “ and

, my flan look like an angel."

rriblel If ypu Were not so devoted to the
handsome schoolma’am I should say you were
making love to me. But it wouldn’t be any use;
after seeing what a—a—foolish fellow you make
of yourself over Miss Althea Lawrence 1 don‘t
want you for a cavalier.”

Sterling laughed lightly. He and his em-
ployer’s dau hter knew each other of old, and
she exercise her right to say about what she
saw fit. And her breezy ways pleased him, for

r though he cared for her only as a friend she was

always loval in that respect.

V “Miss awrence may be of your mind.” he
said, mare gravely, after a pause. “She don’t
team to a preciate your interest in her. She
keeps her ' tunes like a queen."

“I’m afraid she is roud, but if ten million
people had not said t before, and worn the

notation threadbare, I would remind you that

aint heart never won air lady ’ ”

“ Bold hearts avail little with her; she might
walk on a pavement made of them and never
know they were there.”

“Don’t you believe she is as blind as she
seems. It is my private opinion women are
sharpen-l hted than men. Further than this, I
believe me Althea, coming from the East, is
just a trifle proud and inclined to look down on
13s.,1t is our. place to undeceive her. Per-
haps I’ll he p you in your wooing, somehow, but
I won’t promise.”

. In the mean while, Lockyard and Blake had
gone to the outer room. The former threw open
the door and sat down at his de k, after which
he ed a conversation with the reformer.

H mild way had a visible eflect and Blake,
though he did not change the burden of his re-
marks. was less sewre than before. Lock ard
asked for his history and received it, if, in eed,
the man‘s mental condition was such that he
folds straight story.

He said he was a native of Indiana, but, hav-
ing traveled extensive] ,he had seen so much
sin that he had resolv to go about and try to
arrest his fellow man on their downward ath.
He did not assume to be a clergyman, an fol-
ltiwed no creed. but simply aimed'to make his
fellow-beings abandon such sins as drinking,
gambling, stealin and the like.

All th s be tol quite coherently, though a1-

wavs with a strained, fervid, puritanical style

which betrayed a mind diseased.

They were still talking when a powerfully
built man entered the room and. after a glance
at each of the others. nodded to Lockvard. His
manner bespoke business, but the money-lender
did not show professional zeal—for Big Nugget
Bend was not a bonanza town—but he did not
like the newcomer’s a pearsnce.

He was a typical go d-region rough. Dressed
like a. miner, he was rude, unshaven and law-
less of aspect, and Lockyard mentally com-
pared him to a road-agent.

“How 11’ do,” he said, with a nod. “I see’d
your sign out an’ dropped in. My name is

ac! Bunker.” .

“ A new-comer in town, I take it?” Lockyard
observed.

“ Wal, sorter. I’ve Fan in Durango fur ther
last twno year. A right pert place is Durango,
jufl“vii-es."

“ But now I‘m hyar an’ I‘ve had had luck on
the: way. Got cleaned out o’ ev’ry dollar by
road-agents, an’ land dead bu’st whar I expect-
ed tor go inter business.” \

“ That’s bad.”

“ Domed bad ” Bunker admitted, his eyes

v. wandering around the room as though takingan

inventory of all. “Nom 0’ conrse,I go tor
work in ther mines insteado’strlkin’ out for
myself. Bad,thatl”

 

“ Certainly."

“ What I dropped in fur, thou b,” and Bun—
ker looked over the. counter as t ough be ex-
pectnd to see a safe full of money, “ was tar get
an advance. 'Bout twenty-five dollars would
help me along amazin’ until I get ter work. So
I’ve come in her pay what or cent. you ask un-
til I kin hand back ther on lateral.”

“ I am sorry, Mr. Bunker, but 1 cannot ac-
coiigmodate you," . the money-lender quietly
as . .

“You can't? Why not?"

And Bunkerseemed very much surprised.

Lockyard inted to a. sign behind the coun-
ter which plainly read:

" We make it a rule to give no reasons when
declining to make a loan."

“But I will say to you, Mr. Bunker, that in
any of the mines here you may obtain work at
once. The pay will be small, for Bi Nugget
Bend is not avery prosperous place, at work
you can get and at once. ’ I

"That ain’t ther p’int,” Bunker surlily said.
“ I didn‘t come hyar fur advice, but fur money.
An’ you won't lend me nothiu’.’

“lleiém obliged to decline,” Lockyard quietly
re I .

set then Bartholomew Blake arose and came
forward.

“ Money," he said, in his peculiarly severe
way, “is the root of all evil. Here is a poor
man in need of help. Why do you turn a deaf
ear to him! It is more to your credit to relieve
his wants.”

Both his hearers seemed surprised, but Bunk-
er was the first to recover his self-possession.

“Now you’re a-shoutin’, gov’nor," he said,
cordiall . “ I see you hev a heart in your body.
Shakel‘

He put out a dirty hand which Blake unhesi-
tatirligfy took.

“ end,” he said,” I trust you have cast of!
the grappling-irons of the Ev1| One and anchor-
ed in the harbor of perfection.”

Bunker looked bewildered, but he managed
to say he “ reckoned he had."

“ Can you conscientiously say you have aban-
gong‘d vice and are treading the path of the per-

ect

A sudden grin came to Bunker’s face. He had
heard of the crank who had come to the Bend,
and for the first time he recognized him.

“You kin gamble I am on ther right plat-
form,” he aai , “an’ as one o’ ther cosset lambs
I hope you’ll back me up in this ranch fur a
raflle o’ a cool twenty-five.”

“ He will do nothing of the kind," Lockyard
declared. “I am proprietor of this place, and
when I say no money goes out, it remains."

He spoke the more sharply because he feared
Blake was about to fall into evil bands, but the
reformer suddenly turned away.

“ I detect liquor on your breath,” he severely
said. “ By this I see you are on the downward
road. and I wash my hands of the whole afl'sir.”

“Jest as you say, Deacon Broadcloth, an’ jest
as on say, Father Lock yard. I’m no beggar
an I won’t urge ye. but l’ll sorter remember it,
you see; sorter—remember.”

He spoke with a pause between the words,
and w th an ugly sc0wl, but be accepted the
verdict as final. e took in the minute: of the
room again, with a sweeping glance, and then
slouched out of the door.

The money-lender looked after him thought-
fully. The visit had produced an unpleasant
impression, much as though he knew Bunker to
be a professional thief, and he thought that he
would see to the fastening of the door himself.
after that, at least while Mr. Bunker remained
int0wn.  I 

Blake did not prolong his visit greatly after
that, but, saying he was goinwa hotel, left
the place. And as Lockyarit ,- not keep an
asylum, he had to let him go.- a 

   
   
 

DOLLARS.

lunch time by the
way, but went straight to We Eureka Ho-
tel. Parrott was said to a; veteran soldier,
who had served his country better than his
country had served him. He had lost a leg and
an arm in battle, but for some reason he had
never received a pension.

He ascribed this to the “ penurious perfidy”
of the Government. but, when one remembered
how many men were paid for injuries never re-
ceived, it. was hard to comprehend why Parrott
was shut out. I

But it is not of the veteran we now have to

Bunker went straight to Room 33 and knocked
in a peculiar way. Other applications might
have failed, but this one did not; the door was
promptly opened.

Bunker entered.

Two men were in the room : one. a dissipated-
looking young fellow, who presean no other
characteristic: the other, a man in sober black,
who might haVe. been a reformed blackleg. His
dress was highly respectable, and so was the.
black hair combed around to the front of his
ears, but he could not hide ‘a rakish air which
set on him as a birthright orsomething else.

Bunker nodded and then walked to a seat.

I

.in’ ter humor these 0

 

7.. v“:

“ Well?’ questioned the dissipated young man
ea erly. ’

' I see no reason fur callin’ it wal,” Bunker
surlily answered. “ Tell you what, Kellogg
your uncle is a cut-throat o’ thcr money bags."

“I’ve seen that myself,” the young man re‘
plied. “ Curse himI he wouldn’t give me a
thousand if he knew I would make it ten. Well,
you saw him?"

“ Sart’in’ I saw him, an’ he declined tor make
a loan. He didn’t like‘ter trust Jack Bunker.
Ha! ha!”

“ We foresaw this.”

“ Sart’in’.”

“ Well, proceed.”

“I took an inventory 0’ ther ranch an' see’d
that it was no use ter crack ther crib. Be clear—
ly keeps little or nothin’ in ther ofllce. Ther
rest he must store in his private rooms.”

“Just as I expected,” said Kellogg.

“I hev looked with a profession eye, an‘ I
say thar is nothin’ in it.” '

“ Then the other way must be tried. Colonel
Warfield. you are in the game.”

He to the man in black, who bowed in
a high y respectable manner.

“I am notlsorry to do my share. Mr. Nathan
Lockyard is a rich man. He sees fit to cover this
fact, and to live in a little border town and carry
on a humble busmess as though he depended on
it for aliving. Few people suspect he hasa hun—
dred thousand dollars to his name. The fact

that he kee it 'dark roves him a sort of
wear. G l—msers l e to increase their
store. Mark the result! I, Gideon Wax-field,

am the agent of the Quickstep Gold Mine, sim-
ated at Cutaway City. Where is Cutaway
city? The Lord only knows, entlemen—l
don‘t. Yet, I out its agent. wish to sell
stock. Those who hifiewfll become million.
sires! I think Father k ard a good man for
a stockholder. If I can as] to him, he becomes
amillionaire ofl-hand, and we—secure his du—
cats. Kellogg, Iwill trouble you for ads-ink
of whisky l"

The man in black delivered this address in an
eminently respectable manner. No cant, no
hypocrisy about him; only sterling honesty and
a praiseworthy regard for the decorum of ev-
ery—day life.

Oddly enough, however, both his hearers
laughed aloud.

“You shall have the corn-juice,” Kellogg
said. "Such talent as yours can‘t he run on
water.”

And he produced the essentials for a due do:
When to the drink thatcheers and inebriates.
All, however, imbibed moderately.

“ I am sure you will win the case, Warfield,”
said Relief . as he put the bottle away. “ You
have an rresistihle way about you, and my
uncle is penuriuus to a remarkable degree.
When you tell him the Quickie; line has
mono n it, he will bite like a fish. '

“ e hope so,” re lied Warfield.

“ I deem it hard t at I am left adrift,” m-
bled Kellogg. “ My mother was Nathan
yard's sister, but to-day he rolls in wealth and

am a beggar. It is not right."

a He must give some reason,” suggested War-

e .

“He says I am dissigated and keep evil com-
pany,” said Kellogg, ashin a little. “I am
sure I am no worse than t 9 average, and I
claim to have a heart, gentlemen.”

“I’ve see'd proof 0’ that,” laughed Jack
Bunker.

“ Worthy Jack, I am pleased—”

“You are pleased with Althea Lawrence’s
pretty face,” laughed Jack. “Durnation odd
what a muss those female women will kick u‘
in a man’s mind, ain’t it? Now, ther schoo-
ma‘am hez hit you hard Kell.”

“I admit it, you being such agood friend
Jack,” said the younger man, wuh his'usuul
weakness of spirit. “But the long f it is. I
haven’t pleased her for a cent. She w l scarce-
ly look at me.”

2: {Why don’t ye ’tend her school?”

“‘Ssrt’in’.”
" Why, I’ve ot a very fair education, now.”
“ What 0’ t at? S‘pose she’ll car’? Ain’t
shahyar her make money? Sh! is, but she finds
so few youngsters ter teach that severial ole
coves, men ea old ea me, are her pupils.
course their reason is that they are struck on
her charms. What does she keerl E: I said,
she’s arter ther alml htiy dollar, an’ she is will-
e diets ter get it. Kegcn
on? So, what's ter header you from boil: 6

ll”
NPR Geo l I’ll do it this very da l” Kel-
log dyecla . “You’re a trump at anning,
t is our plan

Jac . You see, I don’t forget
that is to make my uncle hand overh s cash.”
“I hev a sort 0' talent that way,” modestly
admitted Bunker, “an' ex I have taken an in.
gait” in you I’ll whoop her up for your benefit.

 thought he did see and shook hands.

all around. The natures of the men were easily
seen. Kallcgg was gowsak, vaip. corccited
fellow, easily led by» nose;Jack Bunker was

a deep, though uneducated, man of the world

ready to do the leading', and Wardeld was a .1 v f

 

  
  
 
 

K  ‘r

- Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend. ' 5

 

 

shrewd, silent, crafty fellow, zealous in his de.
votion to his own interests, but shrewd enough
to work and give nosign.

Kellogg was, indeed, Father Lockyard‘s
nephew, the son of the old man’s only sister;
and as such he would have received earnest help
from his uncle had he been worthy of it. Look-
yard was no miser. He was generous enough
where generosity was deserved; he kept a well-
supplied house and refused Zora nothing; and
be employed Allen Sterling as a clerk when
there was really no need of him.

But, after trying Kellogg again and again,
and finding him wedded to ways that were evil,
he had declined to help him further.

Thus it was that the young fellow was plan-
ning toffet mone by a trick, led on by Bunker,
who be gauged is weak mind and was using
him as he saw fl'.

The three remained in conversation for some
time longer. and then Bunker took his de ar-
ture. He had given a secret sign to We eld,
and thus it was that the two met, half an hour
later, where they would not be seen by Kel-

lo .

g‘gWell'l” questioned Warfleld, as, smoking a
In at cigar, he joined his rough companion.

" want a word in yer ear,” Jack said. “ Do
you reall b’lieve this hyar game will work?”

“I've ad a good deal of experience," said
Warflel'l, neatly deca itating his cigar with his
little fln er, “and an as this L ckyard is un-
common y cautious l have no fear that he will
coca? us. He will buy stack in the Quickstep
and ellogg will get the money he desires.”

He looked steadily, though, with no trace of
keenness, at Bunker as he spoke.

The latter studied Mr. Waifleld’s watch-
chain for a moment.

“ Pard," he then said, “ I don’t s’pose you ob-
ject ter doublin‘ ther nggers promised you?”

“Certainl not.”

“Then, 1’] say ’twixt ou‘n me that 1 am

layin’ a double game. ’hatis Kello ter met
gahl he is not more nor a empty-hes ed f: 0},
All I hear fur him is ter make him useful.
Thar’fore, my object is ter use him an’ then
econ in ther dollars myself. I want ole Lock-
ya ’3 gold."

“A praiseworthy ambitiOn," said Warfleld.

“Kellogg is m cat’s-paW' you’re my lever
ter move that me away. hat d’ye say, shall
we j’iue hands an’ try ter clean out ther ole man
for our mutual gain!"

Straight in his 'com nion’ii face Jack Bunker
looked, but Wsrflel was studying his cigar
tip, as he held it in his hand, as though it was
an oracle.

“Tuis is a new turn of sflairs,” he said,
slowlv. I

“ But it doubles your figures, an’ you must
bear in mind ’twas me that brought you ter
Big Nugget Bend. K llogg didn’t know ye, an?
you owe yer position ter me. E: a result,
you’n me should pull tergether."

"There is reason in that,” Warfleld admitted
“ ani as I below in standing by my friends, I
am with you.”

The compact was cemented by a clasplng of
their hands, and then, as it was not wise for
them so be seen too much together, they sepa-
rated and went their difl rent ways.

Jack Bunker smiled grimly. -

“ So-liol" he muttered, “ opiue I have thcr
gem- well under way. K“l|ogg will help me
ter fleece Dockyard, arfleld will help me ter
fleece Kyliocg. so PM help mvself ter fleece
Wsrfled. Fur have ther lion’s share I will, on
is my riflbt. I bev not come three thousand
miles ter empty Nathan L'iclryard’s ket tar
lose my grip now. minimize these ellers use-
ful ter me. an’ then, be! fur a clean swee of
.all. You've played a good game afore, ack
Bunker, an‘ you’ll be a fool or you lose this
one.

And Bunker went to a low Islam to drink to
his own success and pass a few hours which
giggt otherwise have hung heavily on his
- an s.

The late interviews had shown that Father
Lock aru’s presentiments of evil wereI not un—
fou d, but he had no suspic on of the egg“.
give aim to rob him of his honest posessious.

CHAPTER V.
um uwanncr. ins vxsrrone. »
Bro Nuoorr Baa» was neither a large nor a
prosperous place, but it bad a schoolhouse—s
rude, strictly practical affair, but a school house
tfor all of that. It was built under circum-

 

’ stances we may briefly describe.

No we had thought such a thing necessary
until. one day. I young lady arrived in town
and losing no time, went around among the
men. prominent and insignificant, and broached
:the su ct. 8hr laid the Bend ought to have
each .and that if the Bend would furnish
“the building she would furnish the teaching.

NOW. there were four children in town. and

WY certain! needed teaching. but it was not
'3'“! "0' could sup a teacher who
d in a nylon Althea Lawrence

. washer name. -
0W0"! she not,“ this and other kinds,
but tot-re was considerable monument. too.

 

would never have worked; but where was a
communifiy of men ever found who could look
with indi erence on female beauty!

Miss Lawrence was beautiful, and Big Nug-

et Bend decided that she must be kept to give
1. e place character and respectability, if for no
other reason.

So the school-house went u in mushroom style,
and almost every citizen c aimed the honor of
driving a nail, while more than one gray-haired
m'ncr decided that he ought to “brush up" his
bunk-learning.

The school became a thing of fact and Miss
Lam rence had pupils aged from six to sixty. It
was not a systematic affair and many of the
mature pupils made short hours in whom and
talked o the weather in preference to school
books.

For the truth ma be told in a word: the
Bend was proud of iss Lawrence; it admired
her intensely; and she became as much a part
of their lives as the food they ate. All were
her admirers, if not her lovers, but though she
was kind and gracious to all, she ke t them at a
certain distance with her sweet ignity and
made the chain all the stronger. .

Toward some of the rough characters she had
to be severely reserved: and toward one worthy
man she was decidedly cold.

We refer to AllenSterling, of whom we have
spoken before, but whose case we will touch
here but to leave until a later_liour.

The morning after the scenes we have at de-
scribed, Miss Lawrence was early at the s booi-
house, but she found one person ahead of her.
A weak-faced, dissipated young man was seated
on the step: a man a stranger to her, but better
known to us as Horace Kellogg.

He’ removed his hat and bowed politely,
rather too much so for the occasion, and then
followed her into the school-room:

“I hope you’ll excuse inc, Miss Lawrence.”
he said, " but I want to jom your school, and.
being a stranger here, have no one to introduce
me ‘

She looked at him quietly, While he felt his
admiration for her beau: y increase.

“ I have about all lhe pupils I can attend to
pour.” she slowly replied.

“ But I hope there is one vacancy. I will en-
deavor to be of as little trouble as possible. and
my education needs brushing up sadly. In this
Wild country a man loans ground rap dly.”

“ Yet, I shall be obliged to decline your
patronage.”

“You will!” he said, in surprise.

H Ye!_”

“ And why so?"

“ Because I believe you to be as well educated
as myself. My pOrlth!) here is not an empty
one, nor am I so greedy for money as totake
for pupils all who come along. It is clear that
your education is all right, and 1 shall not be
able to help you.” ‘ ,

She spoke with perfect politeness, but Kellogg
was wise enough to see she did not care for his
friendship, and a slight flush appeared on his
cheeks.

“ It strikes me you carry a high band here,”
he could not help growling.

“People usua ly make their business a mat-
ter of personal convenience and benefit." she
replied. “I have to consider every point as
much as the merchants of our town.’

“Their creed is to take all they can get;
your- seems to be to decline good cflers. I am
well able to pay.”

The last remark wa» injected with a spiteful
inflection, but it did not move her from her
calmness. She remarked that she had not
thought of doubting that. and then the inter-
view was cut short as her most youthful upils
came in with a rush, and proceeded to ,eluge
their teacher with kisses.

Kellogg lacked the wit to take his failure with
outward composure, and as he could not talk in
the. pres-once of the children, he wheeled abrupt-
ly and walked out of the school-house. Not
once did he look behind him, but with his jaws
set and desperate thoughts in his mind, sent to
seek for Bunker. That worthy had started him
on his unsuccessful venture. and might now be
able to give him further advice. I

Miss Lawrence, however, watched him as be
moved away, and. so deeply did she fall into
thought, her pupils pulled‘in vain at her dress
for some time. Her thoughtful‘face betrayed
that she was engaged with‘ some intricate
problem. though she did not betray the fact.

“Where have I seen him before'l—or have I
never seen him! There is something familiar
about his face. es lly his eyes, but I cannot
place him. Yet feel sure he has some time
crossed my path, and that, too. as an enemy.
Why can’t I remember?" -

She put her hand lichen-forehead and frowned
in a vexed wav. .

“ if he isnot my enemy I feel sure he will be.
5." Presence brought a chill to me which is
m". but which must urtainly be marathon an

idle fancy. I shivereven m!"

And shedidshiverincu buttbepulli
of the children at her dress 
and the smallestof the pony thing
motion that a stran man was can“. -
that-bewashccudf: 4 l ,

 

Miss Lawrence turned. At the door stooda
man strange indeed to the little school-house,
but no stranger to the reader.

It was Bartholomew Blake.

Standin there with his severe face and
ministeri cut of garments, he looked not
unlike the statue of an avenging bein of some
sort, and it was no wonder Betty Po lack was
frightened.

‘ Are you the young woman who has charge
of this place?” demanded Bartholomew, in his
incisive way.

“ I am, sir," replied Miss Lawrence. slowly.

Perhaps she wondered if Big Nugget Bend
was about to have a preacher as severe as the
old Puritans.

“ Let me ask if you comprehend the respond;
bility resting upon you as a director of youth‘
ful mindsi Are you guiding them arightl Do
you practice what you teach? Is our own
record clear or are you on the owuward
road?"

His words were flung forth in his most relent-
less manner. Had he sea a judge pronouncin
the sentence of death on a criminal, he coul
not have been harshen

Miss Lawrence looked bewildered. If she
had then ht her visitor a preacher of the
Gospel be ore, she wavered in "the belief. Se-
Vere as some of the class are, no one in his right
mind would begin so uncalled-for an attack or
speak so wildly.

“ Really, sir,” she replied, recovering her
self-possession in a moment, "I must ask your
authority. for such questions. i do not recog-
nize you as a resident .of Big Nugget Bend, so
‘you cannot be personally interested in the chil-
ren—

“Iam interested in all of this errin race.
My name is Bartholomew Blake and am a
retormer of my fellow-creatures. I trust I may
be able to reform you, for it is evident you need
i‘ t ts’ald’ly. Pause, young woman, before it is too
a

The reformer had removod his Quaker-like
hat, and standing there with one hand out-
stretched at full length, with the wind becrin
his waveless hair further back from his bros ,
high forehead, be recalled the history of many
an old. stern, harsh and intolerant man who
put the kindly and natural impulses of the heart
aside for a fancied sense of duty.

Miss Lawrence seemed chills afresh, but not
so Betty Pollack. With the wisdom and spirit
of her seven years strong within her, she went
three ste toward Bertholmew Blake and shook
her tiny t belligerently. ‘

“Don‘t you scold my teacherl", she cried.
“ She’s as good as an angel and you’re a wicked
man. I ’i- t you‘re a road agent, I do E"

And Be t stamped her foot—once, only, for
Althea can: t her in her arms.

“Hush! hush? Be quiet, Betty! The gentle-
man means well.”

“ ‘Means well? ” echoed Blake. “ You speak
as though I am practically wrong. So. doubt-
less, I am, in your estimation. To the worldly,
all are wrong who seek to act as reformers.”

Althea‘s spirit arose. It was not altogether
pleasant to be thus taken to task by a stranger,
while the sight of her little friends—all ixcept
Betty were very much frightened—in such dch
tress was more than she would hear. . ‘

“ All this is Very well in its place,” she said.
“but it is not in place here. lam here with
W pupils and it is the hour for note begin.

it due respect for youlmust ask you to
leave usto our duties.”

“ An invitation which I cordial)
said a voice at. the door, and Allen
tered. “Having seen me before nu know I
mean on well, Mr. Blake. but it I- really not
ri b: or you to frighten this lady or her pu-
pi s. .
Deacon Stoneflst _turned his eyes upon him
and looked for a brief moment in silence.

" You are all alike. all chained down by your
vices.” he then said, in the old‘ we . “ Ono
vi ould think I was here as a bandit Instead of
as a reformer. Still. as] have eaten your bread
I shall mrke no words with you. It shall be as
you say; 1 will go. But as for this young wo-
man I shall-take early opportunity to show her
the injustice she is doinf herself by indulginfin
her feminine vices—pr dc, vanity, worldl ass
and want of good breeding!"

At the last word the reformer turnedsnd
without a word of adieu. strode from thoroom.
And Allen, lookin out. saw him move do'w'n

second,”
tel-ling one

the mt with loo hair dentin bah
him in the wind. ' g M
CHAPTER VI.

on women's war.

Emma did not synod much timin witch-
ing the self-styled re ormer. but turned: to N-

thee. , .

“I you will rdon In 1 MM
dudngmschool-hours. files km. or "he so
with the grave poiitcns-withwhishalous in"
dead  “but I aw Blah“ -
no 1) found on t alarmed.
I will: now—v” / y m

“team’s-rm sot-nut you 

l
l

 

' which the name was started, finding Althea an

.Stonefist, of Big Nu

gget Bend. '

 

 

 

plained something about this singular man,”
said the teacher, speaking politely, but never
getting beyond her old habit of coldness.

Then she turned to her pupils, placed their
books right end up, and got them down to busi-
ness as soon as possible. This done, she came back
to Sterling, who had waited obedieutly.

That was nothing, however; he would have
wz'ited all day if she had but said so. For he
was in love with this queenly young woman,
and was not ashamed that she should know it.
That she knew it already be strongly suspected,
though, as long as she maintained her past hear-
ing toward him, he would as soon have con-
fessed the fact to a statue of Medea. Not that
Miss Lawrence seemed meditating murder, but,
toward him, she was as cold as marble.

He now awaited her pleasure with the bum-
bleness of an unencouraged lover.

‘5 I have seen a good many strange characters
since I came to Colorado,” Miss Lawrence flnall y
observed, “ but nHVer one just like the man you
iround here. Allow me to ask who and what he
s?”

“ I hardly feel capable of tellin you, since he
is not a product of the West. e comes from
the East—that is, if his account of himself is
(bl-mt. There is room to doubt it, for he is de~
ranged mentally; to use the current term of the
day, he isa ‘ crank.’ He is named Bartholomew
Blake, and calls himself a ‘ reformer.’ His talk
here was a. fair sample of all, so I need ex lain
no further. Since 0 came here people ave
give: him the expressive name of Deacon Stone-

h.

Allen added an explanation of the way in

interested listener.

'“ Ra' her a den erous man to havs at large, I
should so ,” she t en observed.

“Possi ly he is, but he comes of that class of
human beings we know not how to manage.
They are equally perplexed in the East. Now,
Deacon S-‘nueflst does not seem crazy enough to
shut up, and that, at the best, would be an ex-
pense, so We let him go.”

“ Probably to end by doing some deed of vio-
lence.”

“ There is a danger of that," Sterling so
know lodged.

“ i think he should be confined somewhere.”

“I don‘t know where Big Nugget Bend would

put Hm. We lack an asylum."
' “Probahl y you are right," she answered,
after a muss. “ But, if he is always in such a
mend I pe his task of ‘reforming’ the place
willsoon be accomplished, so he can move on.
I don‘t care to have such a visitor."

‘2 Rest assured he will not be allowed to en-
noy you,” s vid Sterling, quickly. “ Even now,
if you wish, I will report the case to the 1
sheiifl.” -

"I do not wish it,” was the quick reply. “ If
such a thing becomes necessary I will report the
matter myself; I do not care to have a. gentle-
man assume that mission for me."

Her in inner as well as her words, conveyed a.
taproot, though why it should be so was not
c or.

Stirling, however, felt it with all a lover’s
somiti ocean, and leaped to the conclusion he
had c mitted some grave error.

“ Ba e me,” he said, “ I intended no harm.
I intended to attend to the matter In a—a pure-
ly matter-of-fact way."

- He now became ohscn in turn, and was
conscious of not couvoying t e idea he intended.

‘9 In what other way should you act?” asked
Kiss Lawrence raising her 0 ehrowa. “I do
not believe in t e gallantry o oung men, and
you are aware that our acqua ntance is but a
posing one.”

“Iamsorrytomylroallas it,'hesald,with
the moment dos ration.

Mi Lawrence rowned. '

“ on persist in err-lug. The 0 her man of
the Bend are not like you. You aho ld.remem-
bar I am a friendless woman in a strange and
“stratum: m... l...

o u once and t Al
Sterling was more than ready to render a'wo-
me but though he and ten times more than
be for Althea, he would not listen cowering-
lyrw such an undeserved uproot.

other men of the ME” you call them. are

not dich- aor stones: ey are noisy and turbu-

lent. as is natural to their big hearts. When

you appear on the street, they cheer you; when

you most. they com limontyou. You hear them

‘without uproot. ow, I, whom fate has seen
fit to roar among associations something like
your own former ones, must not so much as
odor youaidin danger lam resumme
insolontl Very well, so be it. accept the ver-
dict,- and-”

Ad a-srtiontrembledonhislips;

separate
mutation to treat her from thatth a.
perfect stranger: but even in the moment of its
emu

breath“ was lucki
«mo

 

 

underit, he had been the drunkest and the hap- such a. thing WOUld probably reach the ears of

piest man in Big Nugget Bend.

Standing by the door and holding to it, he ‘

reeled in a ndulum-like way and blinked
solemnly at A then.

“ How—howc” he questioned. genially. “ How
does ther lamp 0’ genius quiver in the balls 0’
learnin’ this a. m.i"

“ All is well ” Miss L .wrence answered, with .

a gentleness in marked contrast with her
manner toward Sterling.
“Carry ther news to Hannah.” said Daddy,
Slipping backward, but catching himself on the
cor

' “ Quite right,” said Althea.

The old man looked from her to Sterling, who
still lingered, and then back again.

“ I’ve come ter be a pupil,” he then
announced.

“ A pupil?”

“ Yess’a’m. Ther lamp 0’ genius is fliekerin’
feehly with me. Although a gradderate 0’ col-
lege, I find my l'arnin’ is all pin‘ away in ther
lrusy haunts 0’ life. I‘m osin’ my grip, as
'twere. Now, E plur‘ibus dixit ipse. The
exact meanin’ 0’ that is gettin’ away rrom me.
Ther crush 0' active business drives my ’com-
plishments away. See!"

' "That is verv clear.”

“Yess’a’m. Well, ther lamp 0' genius must
be fed, yer know. so I’ve come hyar ter get full
—I mean, ter take lessons.”

Daddy held tightly to the door with one
hand and waved the fingers of the other as
thou b they were bird’s claws. ‘

“ don’t think you need teaching,” said
Althea, calmly. “ our education is certainly
sufilcient for your business. You get .along
very well, Mr. Clover: of the two, I‘ think you
are more fit to be a teacher than a pu il.”

“Egadl—uever thought 0’ that,” said Daddy,
with his mind in deep thought; then, brighten-

l Allen Sterling.

Once more she addressed Glover and used all
her eloquence. in vain. There he sat, as foolish-
ly and smilingiy stubborn as the eternal hills.

“ Betty,” she finally said, in despair, “ I think

1 you will have to go for your father.”

Daddy laughed unmuswailv.

“ Do itl” he said. “ 1 left. Den Pollack, am
‘ hour ago, ez drunk (-2 21 lord is was.”

“ I’m ’fraid that’s so,” snirl

“ Well, there must be some one sober in Big
Nugget Bend,” said Althea, almost ready to
weep from vexatinn.

Even as she spoke there was a sound of foot-
ste ‘ at the door. She turned. Allen Sterling
ha re-entered. He did not look at her, but
with his e es fixed on Daddy Clover, strode
across the cor.

Althea stood in silence. She dimly compre-
hended that Sterling, suspecting there would be
trouble, had lingered outside the door; but she
hardly know whether to be thankful for such
aid or not. It was a virtual defeat for her, for
Sterling must have heard all.

But, if so, he gave no sign.

Without a word to Daddy Glover, and heed»
less alike of his threatening and coaxin . he
raised him and started for the door. With
his hand on Daddy’s collar, never looking at
Althea and never s aking; he marched the
drunkard out, and iss Lawrence was free to
go on with her school.

CHAPTER VII.
A CHANCE To on 11103.
THE household of Nathan Dockyard, the

 

 

ing up, he added.“ “ By 8:. Jago, your idee is ,

good. Naiur’ did fit me fur a teacher, I b'lieve,
an’ther gift mustn’t be neglected. See hyar,
Miss Liw'rence, you an’ the will go inter bank‘
ruptcy—I mean partnership—together. You
shall be ther lady superior an’ l’ll he ther
superior lady—man, I mean. Ther young ides
shall be taught, ther ~lamp ‘o’ genius trimmed.
Hvar, Hop o’-m_v-thumb, give me yer bookl"
He had lurched across the floor and caught
Betty Pollock's book from her hand, but when
he tried to hold it up with a dignified air, it was
noticeable the each letter stood on its head.
“Hyar we ev—what do we hevi"he’ mut-
tered. “These hyar printed critters seem tor
be on a t‘ar. But they’re nimble dancers, ain’t
See them do that doublesomersault

“ You ’way, Daddy Clover!” ordered
Betty. " Ffoyour head was steady as them letters
it would be all right. Teacher, why don’t you
send him ’ws 1” _

Allen Star] ug was grimly enjoying the scene.
Altl‘ea had spoken raciously to old Clover. but
he could see the be! hidden disgust on her face
and he knew she wished the drunkard a thou-
sand miles away. It was, however, not in her
line of business to eject him; she was too mud
to call on Sterling; so she had to bear t sin-
fliction and make the best of it.

Bat Betty’s lea aroused her.

“It is time or me to attend to school, now,"
she said, “ and I must ask the visitors to go.
Mr. Clover, you can call a in.”

“ Most convenient way know of is ter stay,
now I'm hyar,” Daddy replied. “Will be jani-

tor. an’ sta hyar'over nights. Have things
swept up s ok as a sill: own av mornin’."
Sterling had lifted h bat an walked out,

and Min Lawrence no longer tried to keep her
patience.

“ Mr. Clover,” she said, in a business-like way,
“I cannot allow you to remain lon er. You
are delaying the school unwarranta y. Some
other time we will talk, but now you must go.”

“ Have I come to this!” he asked, putting out
one wrinkled band. “Must I. in whom ther
lamp 0’ genius burns so bright he bounced like
a common 'mani Is my name Dennis!" .

“ Can‘t you understand that we must be alone
when attending to our duties?" Althea sailed.
hovering mid-way between indignatim and
several other emotions called up by the fact
that she was unable to rid of the man it he

in staying; an be was lunch a ragged,
dirt-covered, liquor-soaked old fallow that she
felt unable to endure him 1 r.

“You don’t hatch on.”sa d be, waving his
hand. “Ishall ha a hel , nota hindrance. tar
Ether,l lamp 0' gnnius. I'llpeot dorm hyar en'—

a oi -.

Mr. Clover started and nearly fellas Althea
deliberately removed the chair he would have
taken. Than be _ to the door.

“ Gol” she said, ateruly.

“ But Dennis won’t go,” said health a good-
natured stubbornness. “I‘m ’ tor stay,
an‘ of’you won’t givama a chair. ’ll set on ther

mr . .
Audho laughed with drunken mirth and did
as be M ~ » --

thodoor,aud she dimmed tossed soc help,”

1

money—lender, was small but happy. Except
for the clerk, it was limited to the old gentle-
man and Zora. True, Lockvard had a nephew
in the erson of Horace. ellogg, hm, he was
not at a I proud of the fact, and never invited
him to his house. -

Zora was the sunshine of her father’s life, and
be valued her above all his other worldly poe-
ses-ions. If Nathan became gloomy, as men
will at times, she chased the clouds away. Her
buoyancy of spirit was unceasing and conta-
gious. Where she was, people laughed but sel-
dom wept.

People there were who did not like the girl,
and called her rude and saucy. They would have
been better fitted to criticise had they as eldom
maliciwsly wounded those they met as did
Zora. Her spirit of fun was srmetimes rather
too free. but never intentionally harsh. And

er heart was kind and loving.

Toward evening of the same day last referred
to, Zora was alone in the ofllce when an unex-
pected caller walked in. He was no stranger.
A month before he had come to the Bend, and,
hiring a place nearly opposite the money-lend-
er’s house. had put out a sign which bore the
name of Abram Wiser-raft, and was followed
by the single word, “ Lawyer.”

He had not made a good impression at the
Bend. He was a man 0 about sixty years and
looked as thou h, by some atent process, he
had been shriveled up so that is weight fell oflZ
irom a hundred and sixty to forty pounds less.
Dried up he certainly was, with a wrinkled face
of an odd, leathery color, but. the face was a
shrewd. sharp one, and very bright eyes gleam-
ed under his shaggy brows.

Big Nugget Ben was not pleased to see him.
They had been in the habit of settling all dis-
putes amicabl over a bottle of whisky, or more
noisily over 1: eir six-shooters, but here was a
man who wanted charge of their disputes, and
would settle them by taking all the portable
property at stake.

Such was their opinidn of lawyers, in which
they did not stand alone: and they gave Mr.
Wisecrafti a wide berth and an extra name.
“Old Ketchum.” they called him but they
were firm in their assertions that he couldn t
catch them.

This was the man who walked into the office
and nodded to Zora.

“ Not busy, I see," he then added. -.

" No,” she admitted.

“ 1 hard] see how Mr. Lockyard gets a living
at this nest.” '

“There are those that less well.”

Old Ketchum smiled. He he indulged in
this way his lower jaw dropped and a series of
wrinkles ran up each side of hisface, coming
together at the time, that were like the stripe.
on the American flag.

“I take! the hint, Miss Lorkyard.” he said.

-humoredly, “and the point is well made.

to the Bend. Don’t your father intend to me

an i” r

31%,: that I know of. but if‘ he does I’ll let
you know soymn defend Mother party.”

“Score another point. Him LockyIId. But
903?. ywfign'o’w I would prefer to be on your

a er s e i l

“ I suppose any man had rather strike a rich
mine than a poor one.” Zora ,
who: Dominguez? was «giving it,

‘n erw a, on ppoge WW
' fethnyheca

 

howiqu label-riches!!!
should-sandame cadmium

1M Wawmwmdowaiothd

Betty, gravely. l

at a client has been in my one. since I come,

 
 

 

 

 

 

plint, and trust the world to learn that all 1 City, Idaho. You find me some distance from

lawyers are rascals. Tiiat is nll right, so far as
it goes and I am used to it. But, ju~t now, I
have business with your father. Can i see
him?”

“ Certninly H - is just inside. Give a double
knock at the door and you’ll hear him bid you
enter."

Old Ketchum tried. it and found it tobe as
s'ie said. Then he entered the private room and
Zora was alone.

Naturally, she had a good deal of curiosity to
know what had brought him there. Sue might
have learned by listening at the door, hut as she
did non believe in such work she did nothing of
the kind.

Some one came in who had been there before
and whose case she understood horoughly. He
did not like the terms Lockyarl insisted upon
and a half hour’s talk followed. Her mind had
been drawn from Old Keichum, but his stay
was still prolonged. ,

Finall he came out and, with a simple nod to

Zora, is t the office and crossed the street to '

his own. Then she went to her father.

The money-lender sat With his face shaded
'by his hand, and his attitude was such that she
thought he was ill. She asked the question
quickly, and then he looked around and
laughed.

“ llll Nonsense, child; I was never in better
health.” .

But if Zora had feared for him before her fear
was now redoubled. Her eyes were remarkably
keen, and she saw a look (I! hfshface which
had drivan the old, placid eXpresaion entirely
awav.

_ “ What is the trouble, father?” she asked, go-
in" to him quickly. ,

e tried to look very much surprised but
made a failure of it. . _

“What do you mean? There is nothing
wrong that I know of; why do you ask?”

“ I can see itin your face. Don’t you know I
have stu lied it so lon that 1 should be a dull
scholar not to read aria t nowl”

She had taken position on his knee and her
arm was around his neck. If she was gay and
almost reckless in her manner before the world,
she had another side to her nature which
showed when she was alone‘ with her gray-
haired father.

“1 grant that you are observing,” he said
“ but in this case you err. I am quite well and
-—all ’3 well.”

He hesitated a. little before uttering lhe last
words, and she knew they 0 let him an «flort.

“Now, father,” Z Ira gravely said, “ why
will you tray to deceive me? Am I unworthy
yvcur confl once! You have just had a visitor.

cat has he said to make the peaceful look on
your face give place to one of dread and trouble?
lIs ygpr buainess in danger from this shark of the
aw

“ Ohl no; my business was never more satis-
factory.” ~ ‘

“ Then what did he say to trouble you?”

She laid her head against his shoulder and
her manner was fraught with temptation.
Surely such an appeal would have brought
forth anv ordinary secret. But Nathan Lock-
yard caressed her hair and seemed uncertain
what to any. .

“ For once vou are wrong. Zora,” he finally
answered. “Of course there are shadovva in
even our lacid lives, but there is nothing seri-
ous. An Mr. Wheel-aft had nothing to do
with" my sober expression, if such a one you
.saw.

Zara did not answer or move at once. Accus-
tomed as she was to her father’a ways, and to
sin-lying every phase of his character, she
knew he had not spoken truthfully. And as
she had never before known him to vary from
the nth of veracity. it was ldrpriiing. But
she id not blame him: she knew he must have
some urgent reason for his course: and if h.)
withheld the truth it was from kindness.

“ It shall he as you say.”she finally answered.
“but if you need help. don‘t fall into the mls.
take of thinking me a useless girl. I can
climb a cliff or shoot a revolver equal to most
men at the Bend, and such an ally is worth
having.“

Sue managed to laugh and left his in just as
a rap sounded at the nor. She opens it and a
very bland-looking man wan/revealed. He was
a stranger to them, but, ‘having already meg
him, im- so to us.

It was the partner of Jack Bunker and young

Kali .
Examd politely a addressed Lockyard.
“If you are not bu y, I would like half an
hour of your time,” said. in a very respect—
able voice, which was in keeping with his very

Nipeotablo manner. .
ho money-lender was not busy, and he aaid
so with an the more seal and_uaumpticu of
because he hoped to blind Zara‘s eyes.
Be it not have indulged in the vain hope at
118' Ice; but without further words Zora rc-

traatad to 

“Now that we’re alone I'll come right to
business.” the Vinita said. “Hy name. air, is
GM Wei-field. andlI amastockholdcr in
Mining Company, of Cutaway

\

1 home, but this may be easily explained. 1, sir,
i am n practical minor. 1 purchased stock in the
Quickstep only when I had seen for mySelf
there was money in it, and after purchasing I
Went further. I have looked the Quickstep
over most rigidly, sir and as a result I am
convinced there is a f’ortune—an immense for-
tune, sir—in it. Having found this out, I
bccune desirous of getting control of all the
stock I could.”

Lockyurd nodded slowly. He believed he
saw what was to be said next. ,

“To do this I must move secretly, or the
stock would be pushed up. Ire-solved to have
a good partner. Thinking I knew just the

to Ruby to see a friend of mine. When I
arrived, lol the man was dead. It was a
bitter‘ disappointment, but I put my wits to
work. Tue result was that I resolved to take
no partner, but, in brief, to borrow a few
hundred thousand dollars and buy up all the
stock, on the sly. That’s why I have come to
you. ‘

“ To me? Do you take me for a millionaire?"
Father Lockyard questioned.

“,By no means; if you were that, you would
be toe owner of a mine, instead of following
your present trade.”

Mr. Warflelil threw out the hint in as res t-
able a way as though a hook did not lurk in thin
the bait.

“ But if on wish to ather ‘ a few hundred
thousand dodars,’ what could loan you would
be a mere nothing.”

“ Who would loan me the whole in clump
and not feel an ambition to get the lion’s share?
If i had a partner with a hundred thousand, I
would like it; but since I am to borrow, it must
be in smaller sums. If I take all the risk I
want very nearly all the gain."

This frankness favoranly impressed Lock-
ynrd and he asked more about Cutaway City
and the Quickstep mine. The account he re—
ceived was to the effect that Mr. Warfleld
hoped a new Leadville had come to light in the
Idaho mountains. And he gave figures calcu-
lated to pr0ve that the Quickstep was capable
of making a few millionaires.

“It was a severe blow to me to find Jackson
dead, for I wanted a partner badly,” added Wur-
fleld; “a man who could be depended on because
he was setting rich at the same time I was.”

Mr. Warfleld gave a sigh for the lamented
Jackson and leukecl sadly at his polished boots.

“Suppose,” said ankyard, slowly, “ that
you had another partner l’

“ Why, if he was a one-horse man I wouldn’t
look at him; but an honest, substantial man,
one I could safely tie to, as the saying goes,
such a man would he a godsend to me.”

“ Suppose I find such a man?"

“ You?” cried Warfleld dropping the late
Mr. Jackson and springingi
you’re a stranger to me, but men say you
are eighteen carat fine, and I feel sure the man
vou would recommend would he the same.
film: the man, air, and I’ll talk seriously with

in.

“ I must see him first,” said the money-lender,
slowly. “ Perhaps he would not engage in the
matter. You are positive the Quickstep is rich
and aural” .

“As sure as I am of in Own breath' so sure
that my last dollar oes nto it,” said Winfield,
as bravely as thong the Quincste was not a

hantom of his mind and his ‘last ollar' near~
y as v e an affair. ,

“Wei , I will see my man.” Lockyard said,
rand if you care to call again the matter may
soon be settled. He does not caresc much to
increase his wealth as to place it where it will
he in a form thieves can’t run awa with.”

“ A sensible idea, and I take it I shall like the
man. Of course—this is between yen and me—
I reserve the right to reject the alliance if.I
don’t like him. ”

“Quite light and sensible."

Little more was said. for the visitor had
Worked the case to the very point where he do-
sircd to leave it, and then he took his departure.
He wont straight to P rrott‘s Hotel, and was
soon in the presence of ack Bunker.

“ Wall" questioned the leading plotter,
eagerly. ,

“The book is in his mouth: it only remains
to land him,” Warfleld replied: and than he
gave an account of the whole affair cl. near as

a could remember what had been said.

' “It is clear he bites.” he added, “and his re-
part that his man wants some safe place to put

is money confirms it. His ‘man’ is himself.
Now, unless the plot miscarrieo, he will take
the share in the Quicken and we will be so
much the richer- mean. Eellogg will.”

Be winked at Bunker and the atth nodded
manly: gm which they emptied a half-pint

r.

 

ancestries vm.

nco sanan

'ZOMJM pleased lose. that horfnthcr

matter thevlsitof thalaatcallor,aad

’50 Immaculth nialulf that-ho
:- mtgzmmaothatabe

 

man I came to the Gunnis- n valley and went,

1 .

stonefist. of Big Noggetv 

ntonew life. “Well, '

‘ melancholy did not hide the fact

 

7

 

could not see what serious trouble he could
have. His fortune was ample, hia loans were
trivial in character, and no loss of the kind
would cause him inconvenience; soshe decided
that Old Ketchum must have been more dia-
ngreeable than dangerous.

The money-lender’s daughter was a lover of
out-door life. Half her time was spent among
the hills that surrounded the Bend, and no one
knew so well as she ihe secrets of the eternal
peaks and gulches. She had some accomplish.

ments, too, not common to her sex. She was a ,

fine equestriennc, a good revolver-shot, and no
novice at handling an oar—though there wan
no chance for boating around Big Nugget Bond.

The day following the last-described scenes
she went for one of her rambles among the hills.
As usual, she was alone.

She went to an elevated lace, where Nature
had formed a sort of chair mm the solid rocks,
and sat down to humor her fancy that she was
a seen on a throne.

he Bend lay below her. It was a quiet,
peaceful scene, with little that was new for her
to look at, for the business which gave the town
its existence was of! at one side where the few
mines existed.

Perhaps an hour passed and the girl m M
falling asleep when a footatep caused her to
turn quickly. ‘

There was an intruder on her royal premises-
near the foot of the throne was a man who had
come uninvited and stopped in the same way.

He was no stranger; in his burly form and
unshaven face she reoornizsd a man she had be-

fore seen in the village and the reader may ro- .

co nize Jack Bunker.

ne moment they looked at each other in Iiv
lence and then the man removed his hat with
awkward politeness. ‘

“ Mornin’, miss,” he said with a contortion
of his face meant for a smile. “ Hope I don!
intrude. I was jest,paasin' this way an‘ run on
ter er by accident.

“ cn’t apologize; everybody is free to walk
here,” she calmly re lied, not pleased with the
man but just as far ram being afraid.

“ But ’tain’t everybody has a bower o'bean‘tg
like on. Shoot me of ’tain‘t a reg’ :- chair
0’ so id rock.”

ii Yes.» ’

The monosyllable did not hold out encourage—
ment to him to remain longer, but he was not
a man to be discouraged.

“ Fine view, from yer.”

(i Yes.”

He looked at her from under his slag [rows
in a searching way. He was not a. foo , th.§un—
shavcn man of the mines. and he knew his com-
' ny was not desired. This, however, made no

iflerence to him. .

“ You’re the darter o’ Lockyard, the money-
lender, I”b’lieve,” he went on evenly.

“ Look like him; same eyes an’ gineral make-
up 0’ face. Business pretty brisk. now l”
” Reall , I don’t know, sir. Pei-ha
could” tel you; you‘ll find him in t e oflce,

now.

Zora was resolved to get rid of the man. She
had no means of knowing he was at the front 0;
a plot to rob her father of a fortune, but she (if
not like him and would not prolo the inter-
view. Neither was she willing to orsakc her
thméle to get rid of him; he was the one. who
mus . ‘ .
Bofihwever, easily romprelendirg her hint,
showed adisposltion to carry the war into her

camp. , .

“ Don’t know ihat I care fer see iher old man
ter-da ,though Imay Call on Lim inter. Tiler
more look at you. miss, ihlr mm yin )ook
like some one else I kuowcd onc’t. What might
’a’ been your mother’s name?”

“I beg our pardon, air, but all such quel—
lions are tier adder to my father than
to me. Besides, I am here tc-day for quiet
and don’t care to talk.”

w

father ,

“ P’r’apa you hcv a mortgage on those bills”-

he III! I be ’t. d h mortga

“ 0. van an no one can con
me. When I want company I know how 15
amand when I want to be alone, aloujl w

Zora havln hold Incl-peace as Ian unto
could, bad a last carried the war to the
enem ’I camp with vi r.

“0 i no offense, in as; I didn’t mean fl bad
as I said. But it cut. me ri ht sharp
snubbed Io. Tell a what ’1
time in a man’s li ewhen be'

5
5’

9
fl
.5.

«in to hurt or

he be as tor realise he’s ottin'old au’
theater :1“: won’t koer fur him.5 . ‘. l

of an
am, an

lug Bunker on
his attain to look
how-s a
guaran- maul but [Zora laugh-d in _ J)!
“I never would have taken a
but,” ablehiaid, “:utbzow it»??? u no“:
closely, veno on you ave W
a heart in‘ your time.” .1 ‘
“More ban you think my,.lady,"bs
tand.a don in light chl-  “boa
taketoomuc, twain-towns ma. If
its blocde in thei- world it’sa‘gii at-

I

The nhmrdityl
verge of this 0

1/

I

\

\

as 
a 

 

..-.__,~. .9. , .-, .. ..

:3: . r 

 

' for himself the task of reforming

,well.

' of the rack,” Zora could not help interrupting;
t

The
. “whit he did not yet advance.

" have found Blake's head to his sorrow, butwe

8 Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend.

ou know ther hull busi-

All on you think
‘89. thirty, ye’ll find you

noes, but of ye live tor
didn’t know nothin’."

“ In that case i shall be almost as ignorant as
you," Zora retorted.

Bunker looked at her for a moment in silence,
his lips parted and an evil light in his eyes.

“Don t tem t we too fur.“ he finally said.
"When I tel ye that, I don’t mean I would
harm yer leetle finger, even, but ef you scofi? too
much at what ther Lord hez made me, hung me
of I don‘t hev a kiss from that rosebud mouth 0’
yourn l"

"Try it, if you dare l” exclaimed the girl,
never stirring. but with a red flush on her cheeks
and an angry light in her eyes.

The defiance was followed by two thin .
Bunker leaped forward at the challenge, i
arms outstretched, and Zorn dropped her hand
to the pocket where she expected to find her
revolver, and finding it, to keep him at bay.

The result was startling; the revolver was not
them!

And in a moment more she was in the arms
of the rough.

She uttered a little cry, and struggled as best
she courfi but her strength was so in<ignificant
comps V withhis. that she barely evaded his
hairy use for a moment; another brief space of
time an she must have succumbed ; but just then
there was a heavy thud, and Bunker released
his hold and rolled from the rock.

Zara was rescued—howl

She looked up quickly. Another man stood
beside her: a tall man in a suit of sober black
with a Quaker-like hat, long, straight hair and
a smooth-shaven face.

it was Bartholomew Blake!

Easy enough it was then to understand the
thud and thefause of Bunker’s fall; the “re
former" had again made good his rightto be
called “ Deacon Smnedst," as Bunker had found
to his coat.

But the crank of the Bend did not show the

least excitement overtho occurrence. Looking
steadily at the fallen ruflian, his face was as
calm and severe as ever.
' Bunker arose slowly. He was not in ured
but he was a. good deal astonished. He ooked
at the Deacon as though there were a good
many points of interest about him and they
must be gathered slawly and one at a time.

Of course he recognized him; every person at
the Bend had heard of the crank who had set
them; and

' Bend is shunned by timid people.

 

those who had not seen him knew his description

maker looked at the noted man. He had
heard of haisowerful blow when the board was
ipligbut . rded it as an exaggeration.

ow, looking at im closely he forgot that a
long, frock (oat, tightly buttoned, is a decep- .
the garment and lieved he saw in Deacon ‘
Stonefiet no athe'e but a slender young man of ,
truly ministerial cut. ‘

Ami Jack Bunker, smarting from his dis- ‘

- commute, resolvad to have revenge and, at the

same time, show Big Nugget Band that he was
a “bigger " m n than Blake.

“ You inf rnal sneak!" he exclaimed, shaking
his fist a the Deacon, “ what d’ye mean by
that! D' a know what you’ve done? You’ve
awoke a all-grown cyclone an’ it is hungry for
ha’r. I’m Jack Bunker, ther raw-horse eater,
an' I never give nur take mercy. You’ve hit
me from behind an' only a coward would do it,
butl'll knock you blind ter pay fur it!” "

And he shoe is huge and none too-clean fist.

“ Perhaps you will try,” said Blake, calmi ,
“but the end will not be as you or I wish; t e
aflaiu of men are but little in their own keep-
ing.‘ I will say, bewever, that you have done a
most vile a'nd ignoble thing. and that I thank
fol time I was at. hand to chastise you. Not that
I uphold this maiden, for she is of a vain, li ht
and gidd nature. but no one should lift is
hand aga nst his fellow-creatures without cause.
That you have assaulted a woman proves that
you are on the downward road.”

“ He was on the downward road when he fell

_ Bunker leaped back to the same level n
themselves. -

“I‘m on ther upgrade now," he declared,
with an oath, “ an’ ‘ve got fiill steam on an’ em
a-runnin‘ fort miles an hour. Look out fur
me,l'm a-com 11’, an’ I’ll knock you clean over
ther sun!” ,

rufisn made seVeral flourishes with his

.” said Blake, severely, “such conduct
ill~lr comes one made in the image. You first
intuit a woman and‘then seek revenge for your
gust downfall. Peecel—rewnge is not for us

rail creatures of earth—1'
“You'll find it‘s for me!” cried Bunker, and
ut the last word he leached out his fist say-

” it gone on its way unchecked it would

 remark. incidentally, that it somehow devi-
frmniu direct line and brushed harmleuly

our the reformers shoulder.
moment and Banker’s hands were

‘ tera man like,_me, so 'be it. Much joy wish

seemed to have a wrist of iron as well as a fist
of stone.

“Peace!”he again said. “Your conduct is
disgraceful, and it is no wonder Big Nugget
Her inhabi-
tants are vile and brutal, and you are one of the
worst. You are on the downward road and
speeding headlong toward destruction."

CHAPTER IX.
JACK BUNKER l-lEEKB REVENGE.

NEVER. before had Bunker been in the hands
ofa man who seemed so much like a compact
bunch of muscle. Jack was the heavier man
of the two and should have been the stronger,
but, struggle to the extent of his power as he
would he could not break that iron hold.

Zora enjoyed the scene, for though she had
taken a dislike to Blake she felt even less kindly
toward Bunker, and, undismayed by the fact
that two men were fighting, she laughed mer-

 

ril .

KNOW I see just where your best hold is,
Deacon,” said she; “it lies in your muscle.
You may talk reform to Big Nugget Bend till
the cows come home and you .on’t make a
convert, but get them in such a grip as that and
you’ll be sure to make them holler.”

“I don’t holler fur this white-livered curl”
panted Jack Bunker, madly; “and I’ll hev his
life ef he don‘t let go on me. Curse you, drop
mv wrists!”

“Peace, profane railer; I but cenquer our
brute nature, appealing in the meanwhi e to
your gentler one. Reform—"

He paused suddenly as Bunker made a vicious
attempt to kick him in the stomach. It was a
failure, owing to a nick movmient on the
Deacon’s part, but a slight flush then arose to
the latter’s face, his lips b~ came compressed
and, uickly raising the rufiian, be cast him
from t e rock.

He had fallen victim to a righteous wrath.

For the second time he fell to the round but
the distance was not sufilcient to njure him,
and he was soon on his feet. ‘

He did not, however, attack again. It was
in his heart to shoot down the man who had
worsted him. but with Zora for a witness, he
dared not do it. Neither did he dare it his
strength against that of Deacon Stone st; he
had seen his prowass, and wanted no further
illustration.

In that moment, however, he vowed to have
revenge. lie looked at Blake, and a smile act-
ually crept over his face.

“You’re not at all slow for a. person.” he
said; “but, though you’ve used me ha’sh, I’ll
let it dro . It sha’n t be said I did harm ter a
crank. %z fur you, gal, you bev ’plaudcd
what he’s did, an ef vou prefers loone cuss

on with him. So long.”
ll He slouched away, not once looking behind
him, and Bartholomew Blake watched until he
disappeared. The Deacon was in turn watched
by Zora, but his ic face told no tales. ‘
l Anon he turue his steeHike eyes toward
:er.

“I ewe you thanks, Mr. Blake," said the
girl, "Zand tuey are earnestly and sincerely

ven.

“I am glad you realize that I have be]
you,” he said, with a wonderful lack of me as-
y. “ You seem at least to realise the trouble
from which I have saved you, even though you
brought it upon youryeif. ’

Zora flushed. .

“I admit the justice of your last assertion,”
she said, less steadily than usual. “ I did anger
the man needlessly, but when I did so I thoufisht
I had a revolver in my pocket and was foo h
enough to expect to enjoy his chagrin, when I
gnexpectedly presented the weapon to his
ace

Blhke’s face became sterner even than its

custom.

" Food-‘11!” be severely re ateli. “ Would to
Heaven it were no more t an folly. Do you
really mean that you would have drawn a re-
volver on a human being!"

“ Certainly I would l"

“ And it has come mthisl The women of the
country, who should be gentle and reserved,
and keep in the background. as Holy Writ com-
mands, now steak flip antly of'using revol-
Vera, and consider it an onor!”

Earslily sounded the Deacon’s voice. and Zora
became even more rebellious. She had. never
heard the doctrine of woman’s inferiority ad-
vanced, and she was not inclined to acknowl-
edge it when preached by the crank of the

rid.

“ It is very clear that you don’t know much
about life in the West,” she retorted. “ Let me
tell you that it is well for all who come to this
town, man and woman, to be able to defend
themselVes. There are men here who soruple at
nothing, and I advise you to adopt the fashion
and a revolver at one and the same time.”

“ Fortune forbid! What! I, Bartholomew
Blake. go about armed like a d do? No
woman, aol Beret have 111th , the gift of
Nature, and I ask’uo more. I seek-to turn

I

not by gresenting a revolver like a highway
man. oung woman, you shock me!"

Zora was indignant, but remembering the
aid he had given her, she could not say what she
Wished. She could not, however, prevent a
dash of resentment.

“ I wish you had staid awayl” she exclaimed.

“ Why?” he coldly asked.

“ Because I hate to_o ~e you gratitude.”

“ Relieve your mind, misguided girl," the
Deacon severely answered. “ I do not want
such gratitude as yours. I would as soon share
in the fruits of a robbery. Give no thought to
me, but, rather, go and seek to change your
wayward heart.”

“ What is that to you?” she flashed.

“No more than the future of the unhapp
man! found with you. Iwould see you bot
reform. for there seems to belittle difference be-
tween you.”

Zora had borne all she could. She was one
who never forgot a kindness, and Blake had
saved her from Bunker, but there are wounds of
the flesh and wounds of the mind.

Tears of anger g]i.tered in her eyes, and when
she oke her voice was husky.

” ince you how so poor an opinion of me, I
had better :0 away. I hope you will find some
one as perfect as yourself, some day, but I’m
afraid you’ll have to look beyond this world.
For defending me I thank you, once more, and
now I’ll o away before I contaminate you."

She di go, starting before the last word was
spoken, and not once looking back. Never be-
fore had she been so indigwart, and the fact
that Blake was acknowledgoed b all to be men-
tally deranged could not a ne ¥or what he had

'd

an .

He looked after her without a change at his
harsh face.

"Wretched girl! where will her mad career
end? She soorns the advice of thoae older, wiser
and better than herself ; she boasts of carrying
dangerous was one and rleys with a man but
little above the eve] of a rute. Such depravity
is shocking in one so young, and 1 cannot hape
to save her. Nay, I am hasty: let me not view
the. case in this light but strive yet a sin. I
would save her from her sins if possiblel ’

He had watched her until she entered a can-
yon and passed from his sight. and as he stood
on the rock with' his long hair blowing in the
wind and his statue-like face dark and fixed, he
seemed like some uncompromiiin , puritanical
minister of olden days preaching om athrone
of nature’s manufacture.

At the same time .‘Jack Bunker was closeted
with Warfield to whom he had just given his
experience. 'Ilhe latter did not hesitate to laugh
heartily at his ally’s dimomfiture, but Jack
did not view matters in the same li ht. ,

“I’ll hev revenge,” he said wit a profane
addition. “ El’ any man thinhs Iam aten- in
to be knocked ’round at his will. they’ll nd
there’s a bi blunder on ther schedule. When I
melded this crank I found a man with more
muscle than I’ve got, an’ I had tel'take water,
i-ut nothin’ shorter a cyclone kin lay me out
ter stay.”

“ You won’t be fool enough to use a revolver,
will out” ‘

" ot at ther Bend. fur—"

“You made a confounded blunder, anyway,
You have set me on to fleece old Lockyard, and
now on molest his daughter. Suppose we "9
seen aigether and the news gets to the money-
)ender—do you suppose he would continue to be
blind to the book under my bait?" ‘

“Go it,” replied Bunker, humhl . “I de-
serve all you say. I did step in ther hole up
ter my knees. But I do sw’ar ther gal lees
pretty as a pink 1”

“ Bah! and you are past forty l”

The contempt in Warfield’a voice out his ally
to the quick, but he dared not retort. Be as-

ired to play a am for big stakes and make

arfield his ma n card, and to do this he must
keep in his good graces.

"Let all that pass," he sullenly said; “only
gut one item in yer pipe an’ smoke it. Deacon

tonefist pays fur ther blow he struck me with
his lifel"

“You have some plan. State it i”

“I hev a plan. This by ar crank ain’t a
fav‘rile at ther Bend. Men 0’ his cloth don’t
take wal nowhsr, an’ ’speciall in a place whar-
we are free-an’uasy lllleue hyar. He has
pitched inter ther ang, red-hot, an’ on know
ez-wal as l tbct a
crank, he. would hev got, ther dump .ufore
now.

“That’s very true; his mental aberration is
all that savos him." I

“Don’t know what you moon Wthatthar
319m.i but I’ve got: rill Aryan"; our cr’ank.

er-n ght, ea ou noel. 9 O In stress
on what he gills ‘Tber Battle-field 0’ Life.’
Wal. I reckon all ther boyeel o my stripe will
be ther, fur ther fun en'sfibat tim- highgma
huclrs will eta away. ow o coup... ,0",
fist will abuse er Bend an’ tell how wicked all.

 

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'couses,butlshalldo it byshowingthsirslns,

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folks didn’t th nk him a '

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Minimum: , a _ .

 
 

 

  

Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend. ‘ \ ‘

 

 

“Also, bein’ ther kind 0’ man you be, you
know ther rank an' file 0’ men are «2 easy
moved ez a leaf is whifiled by tber wind. When
Deacon Stoneflst—I like thcr name 0’ Deacon
Broadcloth best, ’causo I don’t like ter remem-
ber how he hit me-—when he gets up ter speak,
I say, thar will be ten good men thar what I’ve
talked with an’ made ter think it are n. shame
for even cranks ter abuse ther Bend. See?’

“ I detect violence,” said Warficld, slowly.

“Voylnnce it will be, fur thar will be a yell
ter run him out o’ town, an’ in ther row lber
blood 0’ ther Bend will 0 up nn‘Jedge Lynch
will ketch hold 0’ tber p ow. Sec!”

“ Yes. And I see you are an adept at getting
your enemies of! the track, but I doubt the wis-
dom of our course. My advice is to let Blake
alone. on will but bring yourself into noto—
riety and it may spoil our plan for Lockyard’s

old.” '
g “ Don’t you think it, old man. I will run this
game through an” at the same time keep myself
out 0’ right. Trust me for that. This Deacon
Broadcloth dies an’ nobody is the wiser. Wait
an’ see."

CHAPTER X. .
JUDGE LYNCH vs. BEACON srounns'r.

THE self styled reformer did not remain long
on the mountain, but returned to the village.
He had just reached its outskirts when a man
arose from a rock and confronted him. The
first glance showed Blake that he was intoxicat-
ed. and there was little chance to hope it was
his first deviation from the path of sobriety. I

HIS spotted face, watery eyes and trembling
hands alike betrayed the confirmed drunkflrd,
while his rags and dirt betrayed the poverty-
stricken and careless drunkard.

It was Daddy Clover. ,

“ Peace to yer worshipl” said Daddy, putting
up both hands. " Peace, prosperity, ood Will to
men. May yer shadder never grow essl”

“ What means all this wild talk?” demanded
Blake, his sternest frown called up by the fel-
low’s appearance. _ ,

“Fur be it from me ter cavil," said Daddy,
humbl . “ I am your slave till tker cows come
home.’ -

“ Wretched man! you are stupefied with
liquor l” ' ,

“I know it—hai hal” said Clover, gleefully,
“an’ good whisky it was; went right ter ther
right lace.”

“Then it would have gone to perdition, not
into your foolish mouth. Miserab e wretch, do

on comprehend what you how done? Do you
know your feet are treading the banks of the
eternal and destroying riVerl The vile fluid
which is depriving you of health and mind in
this world will ruin you for the next.”

“ Hurrahl Whoop her up! hit ’im ag’inl”
and Clover tried to execute a dance. “ Ohl it
would be royal fun ter hear ye buzz when

ou’re full wound up, an’ that’s why I’m here.
I move that we j'ine hands an’ I second ther
motion. Ohl we’ll make the howlin’ist team in
Colorado!"

“ What do on mean?” Blake almost angrily
demanded. ‘ Do you suppose I would disgrace
myself by being known as your assimilate?”

“ Hol’ on: hear me through afore you holler.
You don’t ketch ther idea. I don’t want none
0’ ther profits; nothin’ more than ter be kept in
food an ——an’ whisky.”

“ Do you suppose—~”

“ Hol’ on. do hol’ on, now. Wait. What I
want is fur you tar take me r‘ ht along whar
you 0 oz a terrible example 0 what liquor ’11
do. on kin make a big stake on me, for ther’
ain’t another , man so broke up ez I am ter be
found in Colorado. Jest keep me full tar ther
chin with whisk , worshipful sir, an’ Ishould
turn thousands rom ther downward path an'
at ther same time be as happv en a clam myself.
857, now, will on take me?"

Daddy was w oily in earnest. and at the end
he put out his hands to, Blake in a pleading
way. He belieVed he saw his wa clear to ml
in clover the rest of 1118 days,i he coma but,
convince the reformer, nd he was trying to
put his best foot foremoa and make a good im-
pression. -

The result, however, was unexpected. Evi-
dently. Blake felt’that he had found acustomer
more than his match, for, Without another
word. and leavig the drunkard in Ignorance of
his sins, he turn on his heel and strode toward
the village. I ‘

Daddy Clover called after him in vain; he
kept on as fact a one of his dignity could con-
sistently walk and the older man was left in un-
minty as to whether he would he accepted
as a, “ terrible example ” or not.

 

That evonin Blake went at an early hour to
the place—it 5” a long shanty the interior of
which had not ’yet been finished—where he was
to lecture on “ The battle—field of Life.”(

‘ He had intentional] chosen a romantic title,
believing that won] touch the miners more
than a plain one, but his purpose was to tell
them plainlydjuat what sinners they were and
what a wickc place was Big Nugget Bend.

' Blake was the first, but not by any means the

I

last man on the spot. "The miners dropped in,

:ingl y or in'pairs, until he was certain of a good'
ouse.

But, as Jack Bunker had hoped no one else
came; no women and no merchant or mine-
owner. It was to be a rough-and ready crowd
in the fullest sense of the word.

When they began to gather Blake went
among them and talked seriously, as a preface
to his lecture. He was careful to say he did not
meddle with religion, not being a minister; but
he did want them to abandon drink, cards, and
kindred failings.

All of these first-comers were men selected by
Bunker for his tragic contribution to the affair,
and they so managed to worry the ” reformer”
that he took his place on the dry-goods case—-
it was the some he had used in front of Kipp Sc
Turner’s store—he showed his mental aberration
more plainly than usual, and was prepared to
deal relentlessly with his audience.

And he did deal relentlessly with lhem.

As he spoke in his usqu vein. we need not
give his address here: enough that he handled

lg Nugget Bend without gloves; that from his
accusations a stranger would have thought it
the very worst town between the Pacific and
the Mississippi river.

Many of his hearers merely smiled at this.
Had he been in his right mind and thus abused.
thev argued, it would be proper in exact an eye
for an eye, but it would be foolish to become
angry at a “crank,” and it was best to look up-‘
on him merely as a comedian.

Unluckin for Deacon Broadcloth, Jack Bunk-
er had sown the seeds of trouble skillfully, and
the dangerous element began to show after a
while.

Bunker’s followers—he was not present bim-
self—looked at each other and muttered darkl ,
as though their passions were being gradually
aroused, and matters went from bad to worse,
just as Jack had wished.

The storm finally burst.

A stout fellow, who was a typical Western
desperado, suddenly arose head and shoulders
above his fellows, as he found a block to elevate

1m.

“Feller-citizens!” he cried, interrupting the
speaker, “ what sort 0‘ a place is Big Nugget
Bend thatwe stand liyar an’ hear her abused?
Is she a rendezvous 0’ cut throats an’ blacklegs,
an’ be we that kind 0’ critters?”

An angry roar arose from his backers.

“No! nol” they shouted in chorus.

“ Do we wanter be knocked down an’ trod on,
either?”

“ Nol nol”. replied the chorus, as before.

“ Feller-citizens, I accuse this critter o’ comln‘
lligyai-nter hurt the Bend in int’rest o’ Stinger’s

or. ‘

He pointed to Blake and another roar arose
from the chorus. The former, abandoning an
attem t to speak for a lime, folded his amsand
look at. them without a change of counte-
nance. If he was capable, in his mental condi—
tion of realizing his danger, he certainly had
good nerves. ‘

I The last charge had been a fire-brand ,’ Sling-
er’s Bar was a rival town, and bitter was the
enmity between the two. Even some of the
honest miners began to change their opinion of
the Deacon.

“Boyees,” continued the. spokesman, “I move
that We don‘t b’ar it no longer. We hev stood
too much a’ready. I move we run this critter
out o’ town i"

The ideagleased those who had already decided
upon it an they said as much.

“Down with him!"

"Run him autl”

“ No reformer need apply l”

“Thor crank must go! ’

With these cries they rushed forward, making
for their intended victim on éach side, ' but
Deacon Stonefist stood firmly erect, heedlcu of
the moh’s angry cries.

Seemingly he was not going to resist, for his
arms were still folded, but when the first man
laid hands on him he leaped from the "case and
went at them like a battering-ram.

if any one had doubted the appro rintenesa
of his sobfiqwt of “Deacon Stone at,” they
were speedily undeceived. He struck out wit
both arms, first the right and than the left, and
each blow took effect. Back from that attack
reeled Jack Banker’s tools, and many a man
carried home hurts which would make in wish
he had never followed Jack’s banner.

But the fight could haVe but one end, for men
are but men at the bent, and as the rioterl led
on Blake in a body he was finally seen and
his hands bound. .

Then he stood among them as erect and stem
z: ever; no signs of fear on his sharply-cut

on.

But there were men about him who had
Sahel: noses and loose teeth to unwind.5 to and a

rous sent ment arose a na aoon‘

Smggnic. ’8

ran a are never safe com anions.

.“ Run him out of. town 1” p

Some one reminded the mob of what they had
started to do and the rush began.

Blake, was surrounded by those lodged to
kill him and marched from the s anty and
through the town. Some not in the plot

 

 

followed to see how he would take his banish,
meat, but they did not suspect the tragedy in
store for them. _

The prisoner needed no urging. When once he
was overpowered he gave up a useless struggle,
but all their jeers failed to make him speak,
even an low-muttered threas failed to make
him show fear.

Just beyond the northern side of the Non.
on the way to Stingei’s Bar, was a grow.- of
pines, and toward these the mob went.

They had nearly reached it when there was a
sudden stir at the front, and wavering of the
line, angry cries and a confused sin: gle. J urt
wbahbwas wrong those not in, the p at did not
know, but they supposed the “crank” had
made an attempt to escape and were not sur-
prised when the tumult subsided agam to has
some one call out: . i

" It’s all right; we've got him again l”

“No- it ain’t all right,” said another man.
“Tom ‘Berri has got a knife slash in his side;
thernerank as stabbed him. Bring thar doc-
torl yr
The confusion increased, but those at the roar
mana ed to catch from those in front that
Blake ad burst his bonds, seized a knife from
Berry's belt and stabbed him. 1

CHAPTER XI. ~
. A DEBT WELL PAID. ’
ANY one acquainted With the temper of a
Western mob‘ can understand how this now-r9-
velation fell upon these in charge of Blake. Ac-
cording to all accounts he had stabbed a man
without rovocation, simply because he was be-
ing expelled fromahe town; and many 41 than
has died in Cblorado for a lesser crime whens
mob was out. '4
Jack Banker's gang were ready for the an?!
act. - '
“ Tom Berry is bleedin' ter death 1”
“Serve his murderer ther same way i" ' “i
“ Hang him i" < a
“ Strin up ther crank l” ' -
So muc fury did they instill into these cries,
they had backers even‘among the honest citi-
zens, but they were not needed : .Bunker‘s brain
had outand—dried the whole thing. - ~- ’
A rope was produced and Blake was hustled
under the tree. The case began to look seriomi;
any one could See it was no joke the intended
and, unless something unexpected ntervencd.
Deacon Stonefist must go‘ on his way to another
land than Colorado. I.
But not for a moment did he waver. Some
there were who believed the saw a loss of color,
on his cheeks, but he face them bravely, his
face as stern and grim] righteous as evar, and
his eyes looked into their faces unflinchirglyu'
One end of the rope having been cast over a
limb, the other was noosed aronnd his neck,rahd
they were ready to pull him up. “ i
“ Now then, said the sen-appointed Judge

 

r

Lynch, ‘ cf you‘ve got anythinfiter say yer km,

raise yer fog-horn an’ toot. 9 give ye jest
one minute l” ' ‘ ‘ i

“ It would please me," said Bartholomew
Blake, calmly, “if I had time, to finish the lcc~

tore you interrupted. It was acarefnlly con- ~

sldered discourse, and contained truths on
must have felt impressed by. With the lim ted
time allowed me cannot nisb it, however so
I will merely say that it brhooves you to employ
the brief time at your own disposal to reform.
Abandon cards, ll uor—" ‘ ‘

wHold onl” Ia d Judge Lynch, aha .
“Never mind us. At this time you thou] '
thinkin' of yourself.” a

“ What of myself?” Blake asked, evidently
surprised. ‘

“ Why ‘you’re about ter skip over ther divide-
an’ it looks tor me en thou h 'you would do vie]
ter‘rsflorm youise f, first 0 a .” "
have lived a perfect
mis uided men—”

“ on seconds left!” announced Judge
Lynch. ‘ 3 - '
“You, misguided men, have great need to
reform. Your sins are dark and many. You
are slaves to strong drink and cards; you lie,
ateal—” ' ‘

“Time’s upl”  '

“ And enjoy younelm in vain and indecorou
wa s,” finished the Deacon. calmlfi.

‘ Pull him up!” ordered Judge ynch.

"Reform!" "

The single word which seemed like! 16 be
Blake’s last, peeled from his lip! clear , our.
neatly, unfalterlngly. Surcl no man in his

ife, you see. But ypu,

right mind, or portion theme , could thus rn ‘

his thoughts from himself at such a m I;
he ram: a crept; in the fullest sense of the
W0 .

There was afceling It the retro! the mob
that the matter ought to end there; that it was
nothing less than murder-to lynch Blakcglmt
those in front did not waver and they pulled
aha ly at the rope. - - *

W to what result! ‘ '

Bartholomew Blake remained an the ground
thourh the rope went up, and beside him 
gadght figure with a knife clupedln on.

nd. 3 . .
It was Zora Lockyard. ‘ f 

m

Ian: :1 riahti”said the Demon. “I.

 

.4

¢

V'hurt here; he
room fight.

10

Stonefist. of Big Nugget Bend.

 

 

She had cut the rope near the Deacon’s neck.
and saved him just as the lynchers pulled

awa .

Agd before they had recovered from their
astonishment his hands were also freed, and he
stood without bonds beside the girl.

Very difl’erent, then, was their appearance,
for while he was as cool and unmoved as ever,
she was flushed, excited, and indignant.

Gradually the l ncbers recovered their self-

ossession. but t e silence was not at Once

roken. Zora was a favorite at the Bend, and
no one liked her better than the miners. Her
lightness of spirit and bright ways had won
their hearts long before; even the men led
astray by Bunker's agents were her slaves; and
when they saw she was against them in the mat-
ter they were staggered.

It was she who first spoke:

"For shame, menl" she cried, in a ringin
voice. “I did not think that any one I ha
called in friend would beguilty of such a deed,
butIfln you are all all e Shame on your
manhood that you should indulge in such
work!"

Only one man found speech with which to
reply. He was a bold, unscrupulous fellow
gamed Hexam, and the only one there who

new Jack Bunker’s hand had been in the out-

In

field on, Miss Zora," he said, assuming a
boldress he did not feel. “You don‘t under-
fland this case: you don‘t know what this crit-
ter has done."

“ What has he done?"

“ He's a spy from Stinger‘s Bar, set ter ruin
gurm'camp. an‘ he’s g’in Tom Berry his last

I:

“It is false, Tim Hexam. Berry was not

got his wound last night in a bar-

Its been kept quiet, but I knew it.

And on know it, too, and you‘ve tried to wcrk

{Itiinm go against Blake. There is a plot against
m .

“ Ef thar is. I didn’t know it. Bovees, is it so?
Who knows? Let ther man speak out!"

No one spoke out. The case was as Zora had
said. but it was impossible at that moment to
unmask the men who had been in the scheme.

Each one held his peace and wished he was,

miles away.

“Soon one will shoulder the blame?" re-
sumed Zora, sarcastically. “ Of course, you
won’t; you dare not. Now, as to the Blinger‘s
Bar bughear. Who says Blake is working for
the Bar against Big Nugget Bend? Who backs
the claim?"

Evidently, no one craved the honor; no voice
was raised to take the responsibilit .

“ Silence, again! Men, you shoul beashamed.
'I'o-day. at noon, not one of you would have
harmed Blake. You were all uick tossy he
was not responsible for what e did. Then,

. iron called him a crank; now, you say he is a spy

irons Stinger’s Bar. Some one has been tamper-
in with on. Who is it!"

or al ttle while there was no answer, but it
wasnotioeable that the crowd was steadily gro w-
ing smaller. Before the logic of one little wo-
man‘s mind the lynchers were losing their
courage and fading awav.

No one felt more miserable and frightened
than Tim Bexam, but he had to stay and stand
the storm.

“Tamperin’. Miss Zora? I don’t reckon thsr
has been anvthin 0’ that sort. We has very
likely gone wilds it an’ gone too fast on a sus—
pioion,,but we’ve done it on ther squar'. But
of we’re wrong, I, for one, am ready ter cave.
What say, boys?”

“ I say we hev been fools an’ we’d better git,”
re ied a voice from the crowd, and deserters
a: ht have been seen going in every direc-

on.

Even 'I‘im Hexam, muttering something not
understood, was glad to join the procession.
and only a few of the most moderate men
is. ed with Zora and Deacon Stoneflst.

he latter had stood likeastatue from the

moment he was released, but the girl now

turned to him.

“You are free, sir," she said, growing re-
asrvsd and cold. I ' ’

“For which fact I am indebted to you,” he
“only replied.

“Yes,” she replied, “ I ,have paid my debt.
and that, too, much sooner than I expected.
We are n0w on ual footing i”

“Y ” be r l ed, quietly. “I am compelled
to. than you or what you have done, and I
say that on have unusual courage. I regret,
however. h it has been shown by facin amon
and beating them in their own peculiar ine.”

“ Don’t at that worry you.” she retorted.
“ If on are tired of life. the rope is still here.”

" am not tired of life. nor will I take into
my mortd hands that which should only be
guided by the Creator of life. I was spea ing
of yourself. You are a youn woman, and as
such you should not mix an talkwith riotous
men as you have done to-night."

Evidently nothin .not even the shadow of
death, could make t e Deacon forget his ruling
pauiou. Reform must go on though the cart

and the air was touched to the point of
nhowling cyclone. '

. 098893

 

Zora. however, was so angry that she stamped
her little foot on the earth, which seemed as
gifted with feelings as thia man.

“Never mindl" she cried; “you and Ineed
not say any more. As I before remarked, l
have paid my debt, and as I now owe you noth-
ing I will not submit to your freaks. Iliave
listened to all the lectures i care to hear. From
this time I desire you to refrain from speaking
to me. We are stran ersl"

“Misguided girl, this exhibition of temper is
very unseemly. Because I have tried to turn
your mind from vain and frivolous ways you
regard me as your enem . Is truth. upright-
nesls ,and honor to be espised? Wretched
gir —-

Blake was each moment becoming more and
more severe, his incisive voice ringing out
gharlply, and she interrupted him unceremon-
ous v.

“You must not expect other people to be
like on. Your tem rament is that of the
Arct c region; mine, i at of Colorado. I have
my eyes fixed upon earth; yours are seeking for
the North Pole, which no man ever discovered,
or ever will. I have no desire to he a preacher
myself, but it seems to me that if any one had
saved my life at the moment when it was about
to be lost, I would not turn'upon them with
harsh and insolent words!”

“Young woman—"

“ My name, sir, is Miss Lockyard, and by that
I will he called or by nothing. But you need
not take the trouble to address nte at all, nor to
think of me. From this time we are strangers;
I am going my way; go you yours!”

And at the last word the girl did indeed go
her way, hastening from the spot. Once, Blake
called after her, but she did not turn, and soon
disa peered from his view.

“ t is the way of the world,” said the reform-
er harshly. “ Evil has so entered into the peo-
ple of the day that warnings are despised and
reviled. Alas! for the generation 1"

 

CHAPTER XII.
JACK Bums more aunw.

TH]: attempted lynching of Blake caused a
good deal of talk at the Bend. It was generally
admitted that the so—cailed reformer was not
responsible for what he did. He was not, per-
haps. strictly insane, but he w'as certainly de-
ranged; he was popularly called a crane, while
those who wished to avoid the term, spoke of
him as a monumaniac.

There was some mystery about the crusade of
Judge Lynch, and no cue seemed to know who
wasnt the heard of it. Had not Deacon Stone~
fist an ered Zora anew, her theory of foul play
might ave got abroad and led to a revelation,
but as she kept silent it was supposed to have
been an unpremeditated uprising of the miners.

No ofioial not ice was taken of the matter,
gs rtly because no regular official existed at the

end; and there was a general feeling that
Judge Lynch, having seen he was hasty, re-
pented, and that the crank in broadcloth was
free and safe to walk the streets thereafter.

Jack Bunker and Warfield Were discussing
the matter at their usual haunt, and neither was
in an amiable mood.

“ I told you how it would work,” said War-
field, irritably. “ At least, I said there was
failure and danger in it. According to what

Hexam re rted to you, the Lockyard girl
openly dec ared there was a plot. I expect to
see van arrested before night, fiend.”

“But I don‘t,” Bunker repli . “Thar ain’t
no use 0’ shuttin’ a feller’sy eyes ter facts, an’ I
admit ther game was a mist '.e, but I hev leetle
fear fur ther result. It seems Zora an’ iher

‘crank had a row fer wind up with sn’ that lets

me out. Besides, nobody but fiexsm could
give me away. an’ by | oin‘ it he would so
criminate himself that he’d go up ther flume.
I feel safe.”

“ Well, I hope you are, for the sake of our
other work.”

“ So do I.” Bunker acknowled ed.

“Then act [is though you di . Hang it! I
like to plav everv card for all it’s worth when I
go intoa job. I’ve scored some first-class suc-
but always on that tPrinciple. Now.
Zora ew you had quarrele~ with Blake, and
she will be a feel if she don’t suspect who put on
Judge Lynch’s spurs.” ' .

. “ Bein’ able ter prove an alibi, let her
I"i‘l‘Varileld hurled a few remarks at Banker’s

head of a tvp-i more emphatic than polite, ad-

(fliu‘g’,a fervent wish that he would not “ be a
00 .

“Your way au’ mine are difl’rent,” Bunker
replied. “You are high-toned, an’ such men
are creepin’ cats; I'm a roush-an’-ready galoot,
an’ of an order that use with a rattle an’ hang.
But of you think I on’t banker fur old Lock-
yard’s gold. you make a mistake. Who’stsrted
tber ideal Who. sent fur you an’ laid ther
Quickstep plot?”

“ My dear sir, I,kn0w you’re in earnest-
somet toes. I even suspect you are more in ear-
nest than I kn0w.” ‘ .

“ What d‘ye mean!”

_ he.

 

The twu looked each other in the face—War-
fleld keen, critical, and suspicious; Bunker, ag-
gressive and curious.

“ I suspect there is something back. Are you
sure you don’t know old Lockyard person-
ally?”

“ Of course I don’t!”

“ You have the air of one after revenge."

“Bah! you let yer imagination run away
with common-sense. All I’m arter is his mon-
8 .

“You have always declined to tell me how
you, of all the world, knew that this simple old
man had so much money."

“ Wal, that’s none 0’ your business," Bunker
bluntly said. “See hyar, of you want for
back out 0’ this game, say so, and let me
know it."

“I mean to stay in,”Warfleld coollv said;
“ in fact, it is necessary for us to hang to-

"Because neither of us can fleece Lockyard
alone.” '

"Can‘t we? S'pose I put some other man in
your lace?” ,

“ ow you come right down to bed-rock,”
Warfleld said, witha cold smile. “ Let us un-
derstand each other, Partner, if you kick me
out I shall go to Lockyard and say: ‘ Beware of
Jack Bunker: he means you harm l' "

In speakin soplainl , Warfield expected an
outburst in eeping w th Banker’s nature, But
none came. Fora moment the rough fellow
was silent, and then broke into a lau h.

“ Old man, you’re a fool l” he said, hi; not in
anger. “An’ it may be I‘m another—you
prob‘ly know that best. See hynr. we're in
ther game tergether an‘ we must sick. Nate
Lookyard must buya share in therQuicl step
an' hand over his money ter us thar’by. From
this out we’ll pull more evenly, an’ I'll let Dea-
con Broadcloth alone, 92 you say. Now, then ?"

His manner was fair enough. aid though
Warfleld had some lurking suspicions. they
drank each other’s health in Parrott's best
whisky.

Then Bunker said good-day and left the hotel.
He went at once to the shanty where Horace
Kellogg made his home.

Lockyard’s nephew was “hard up;” he was
always hard up. Evrn in the old «eye when
his uncle was foolish enough to give him money,

.quandered it about as quick as a c\ clone
1 scatter a dust heap, and it was his chronic
state to be hard up}.

For some titre a had lived in the shanty,
barely getting his living .by gambling and like
pursuits. '

It was there that Jack Bunker deScended on
him one day and proposed an elaborate scheme
for getting possession of Lockynrd’s money.
Horace had jumped at the chance. He had
often had such dreams in the put. himself, but
he lacked the brains to inn and execute. being
a wealk-headed, though t oroughly unscrupulous,
rasca .

At the time our storv begins, however, he
was very sanguine and looked upon Bunker as
his cod demon—we had almost said, good

ange .

Entering the shanty, Jack found it vacant
and he sat down to await Borace's coming.

“I am goin' ter put a rod in pickle for Master
Kellogg that‘ll give him a pass o’er ther TIVLP,"
thought Jack. “I was a fool ter take him inter
ther game so soon, anyhow. If this Quickstep
business works, Kellogg is no more needed than
a fifth wheel ter a wagon. Wsl. he’s so easy
got rid on, anyhow, an’ he won’t eucher me
outer nothin‘.”

iThei fellow paused to chuckle and then con-
t nue :

“ He little knews who I am, or how I’ve
come hundreds 0’ miles fer clean out Lockyard.
Knowin’ what I do 0’ ther world, hows‘ever, it’s
my advice when thar is a big wind ter look fur
a drama in ther net. Many a leetle tragedy
may be explains on that footin’, an’ of I was
ter 0 ter Nate Lockvard an’ say who I real]

freckon he wmld recognize me. We],
reckon!”

He ceased to mutter as the door '0 nod and
Kellogg appeared. He came in wit a scowl
on his ace, but brightened as he saw his visi-

to .

5‘ Hello, hoyee,” said Jack, blumy, " what‘s
gone wrong?” '

“ Botter ask what’s gone right,” said Horace,
as he dro ted intoa chair. “ I've been playing
poker and, ave lost m last red.”

“Moral. let poker one.”

“ And starve!”

“You can’t eat poker, an’ of you lose at it
’tis only a question 0' time ’hout starvin’, any-
how. But, take this an’ cheer up.”

J ack tosseda coin to his companion and then
resumed. -

“ I hear you failed tor enter ther school on a
pupil.” ,
" Yes,” said Horace, sullenly.

“ Why?”

“ Miss Inwrenoe wouldn‘t take me.”

“ Pomiblef I c’n'd guess all that, pard. What -
I wanted was her reasons _

“Shesaid Iwasaewellsduoatedas herself.” _

 

l

. he could at least see her go past.

Stonefist. of Big Nugget Bend.

11

4

 

 

“Thor blazesl Did you go thar an‘ fling on
style an' big words!" ’

“ [ tried to make a good impressmn."

“ Good thunder! -El you had talked ez I
can’t help talkin’, nn’ showed yourself unedu-
cated, you’d got inter ther School all ri ht. No
fear 0’ that. But, don’t ye see she tum led ter
ther fact you was thar with a motive not in
ther schoolin’ line.”

“What did she care if she got my money?"

“ That ain’t ther question, seein’ we know she
did cure. Ther question is, what’ll you do now
-—-huck out?"

Horace brought his fist dOWn on the table and
plainly uttered a negative.

"1’" b’lieve I see whar ther trouble lays,”
continued Bunker. watching his dupe like a
cat.

“ Where?”

“ Allen Sterling is ahead 0’ ye.”

“ He is?”

“ Nfudge so, for he goes often ter see her.”

“ alt-diction! I remember he went there
_ ust after I left. Oh! yes, 1 see! Mr. Allen

terling is my rival and the favored one in all
the isle ’s dominion. Bunker, I’m glad you put
me on t e track, and curse me if I don‘t make
him sweet. I carry 9 revolver and I know how
to use it. and what is more I will use it. Out
goss Sterling."

Bunker had brought matters around to the
proper point, and he held the wheel steady. He
played on Kellogg’s mood as on a piano and ex-
tracted music every time he touched a'key. He
talked philosophy, too, and, assuming to know
all about the female sex and their ways, de-
clared that Kellogg had only to put Sterling
out of the way and Miss Lawrence would fal
into his arms. ~

“No heart is so mighty tame es ther heart
caught on ther rebound,” added Bunker.

He left his du in a far more hopeful humor
than he found Elem, while his own spirits were
at their brst.

“ I am a sort 0‘ an Iago in this case. Kellogg
is in m way as Lockyard’s nephew, an’ Ster-
ling is n ther way as Lockyai-d’s clerk. Ef
ther old man tells him 0' ther Quickstep l’m
afeerd I shall step out quick. Well, like Iago,
I will play my two enemies eg’m’ each other,
nutter change Shakespeare a bit. I kin say:
‘ Whether Kellogg kill Sterling, or Sterling kill
lielloggwof each do kill the other, I aha.” patio
t or pot. .

Some people mi'ht cavil at this quotat'ldlilv of
the master of English drama, but there could
be no doubt but Bunker had the Proper idea,
and there was surely a good deal 0 Iago nature
about him.

But what was his exact game against Nathan
Lockyard. or what was the cause of it, or what
be aimed to do, it seemed that no man except
himself in Big Nugget Bend knew. ‘

 

CHAPTER XIII.
LOOKING roa s ramx'r.

Hanson KELLOGG had become thoroughly
imbued with the idea Bunker wished to put
into his mind. Acce ting Bunker as his-oracle.
he believed he saw terling between him and
his triumph with Althea Lawrence. Recognlz~
ing the teacher as an honorable woman, he be-
lieved the reason she would not smile on him
to be that she had already given her affections
to Stirling; while he was equally ready to be-
lieve that if the clerk was out of the way he
would succeed to her favor.

That he was wholly wrong the reader already
knows; Althea was, if anything, less agreeable
in her department toward Sterling than toward
him; but the poor fool tailed to see the light,
and went straight on in the path Bunker would
have him tread.

He cleaned up 'his revolvers with a special
reference to making Sterling his target, and
then meditated.

“How is it to be donei Of course I can’t
shoot him down without a pretext, for not only
would Althea object to that but Big Nugget
Bend would rise on its hind legs and bowl.
Hangitl whyisit such a moral towni. Well,
then, I must have an excuse for shooting him.
Wlll‘atifth‘atll it bet"

e on an estei agood many we a, bu
.3 he rejected g whole of them as unyfesiblg',
they need not be outlined here. He pondered
on the subject more or less all day, but only
succeeded in muddling his weak mind hope-

lessl . ~
Thy, desired pretext did not put in an appear-

once.

As the hour approached for Miss Lawrence
to dismiss her school. however, he was ined by
an earnest desire to look upon her, if on y from
adistance. She would come» out at the usual

1 of course, and if he could not speak tom
Actin on this idea he made his way to ride

north the village, and at a point just back of .

the school-house.

it was a wild and romantic lace, with plenty
of rocks piled up in a hop eurd way, but
Honcemok a practical view of thecaso. He

tonadaseatban alltreeand sat down
I”; h. eathasp‘l \

 

 

In due time there was evidence that the school
was breaking up. Several children came out,
ror-eeded homeward, and as the juvenile copu-
llltion of the Bond was small the watcher knew
could not last a great while.
all came she for whom he watched
Asmall girl was with her and
Setty

the Suppl

Last 0
but not alone. '
Horace recognized the teacher’s favorite,
Pollack. .

He expected to see them go to their homes,
but his heart gave a thump as they turned to
ward the rid 8. He saw Althea. look upward
and was foolis enough to imagine, for a time.
that she had discovered and was coming to
h 111.

Coming she certainly was, for, with little
Betty by her side, she reached the foot of the
rocks and began to climb.

Horace watched with rapt attention. and to
any one it would have been an interesting pic-
ture; Althea was so beautiful and graciously
di ifled, but always kind to the child and
ai ed her short steps, and Betty so eager and
quaint, her sharp little voice ringing cut ever
and anon.

But the watcher’s interest increased as they
came directly toward him. Had he really been
seen? Was the visit meant for bimi He did
not know, so be bid behind a point of rock.

Nearer came the couple until they paused not
twenty feet from Horace.

“ Here we are at our throne,” said Althea,
seating herself on the rock where it was hol-
lowed out by Nature like a great arm—chair.

“ I’s glad,” said Betty. Reckon we is bofl
pretty tried; I is, ’tena'rate. S'pect I never
could ketch a mountain goat.” .

“That isn’t the kind of game young ladies
hunt,” said Miss Lawrence, with her grave
smile.

Betty looked at her with expanded eyes.

“Does they hunt men?" she demandedH

Althea laughed.

“ Not if they are wise, Betty."

“ But I heard somebody say it took Sam
J enkins’s wife forty years ter ketch a husband,
so I s‘posed they hunted men.” ,

“ Mrs. Jenkins may have done so, but We will
not. You and I, Betty, will be Wiser. I almost
wish I could live always in some such, place as
this. and never see a man."

Horace had been stirred up mentally by lind-
ing“t_.he woman be admired so near him, and at
pointhecould not avoid stepping from his

1 n ~~ e.

“ en‘will come where beaut is, even the h
it be on a mountain,” he sai ,with what e
intended for a captivating bow. _

Miss Lawrence was plainly sur rised, but she

did not start. Horace saw her ips curl with
scorn, and she sarcasticall answered:

“The come uninvited owevor.”

"Dont be so sure: l was here first,” he
replied. “You came to me, and I am pleased
to see yon.”

There was subdued anger in her 6 es, but she
did not deign to answer him. nstead, she
turned to Betty.

“Come” she said quietly: “we will find
another place; one w ere we can be alone.”

She was going away with such an utter dis-
regard of his presence that Horace lost all sense
of prudence, and stepped directly in front of

her.

“ Wait 1” he said, in a husky voice. “ I,want
to know’yvhat you mean by so persistently insult—
ing me. . -

.“In what way have I insulted you, sir?”

“ Am ladog that you will not so much as
speak to me civilly ll’

“Am I not a 'fan and deserving ofzgentle-
manly treatment. rem out” '

’I‘ihe dretort mm enough, but she. re-
ma ne unexpec y on m.

“ In what way have I failed?”

“you have tried to force your company upon
me.

“ And you scorn it?”

“ l scorn no one; but if I do not care for one’s
acquaintance I have the right to decline. Pardon
me but you force me to s k plainl ."

‘1 I see' you reserve a your ten er care for
Sterling l" bitterly exclaimed Kellogg.

“For whom. sirl”

,7 “ $01- Sterling, I say. I believe you know
him - '

The last remark was intended to bomb-
ingl somatic.

“ have seen and spoken to Mr. Sterling. but
if you really think he is anything tome you
are mistaken. We are not it ends. A 111 will
any. moreover, that 1 did not come to olemdo
to have favorites or to indulge in favorites.
You have seen that I am a poor and friendless
girl. As such I am here so try to gain a com-
fortnblo living; thatis all. I do not wish to
receive attentions from say ntleman.

“ “All very well in theory, at it don’t satisfy
me.

a “I do not know. air, that I are obliged to
please you. Now, having made my ration
plain’.’ I beg that you will step aside on let me

“No. l? my life; not till you have med, e
amends or our scornfnl wu sl” he cri ~
losing his head, and forgetting Eur the time

 

’ thi

the good advice keener-witted Jack Bunker had
given him.

“ What do you mean, sir?"

“Give me your pledge to receive me as your
friend.”

“ I will not, sir!” Althea exclaimed, losing her
temper at last.

“ net as you say, my lady."

“ Let me pass, please.” ‘

“ To repeat our own words, I will not 1"

He was look ng at her in an evil and insolent
way and the battle seemed all in his own
han s, but no one can tell what a breath of
time may bring forth.

Horace Kellogg was suddenly lifted and set
aside, and then Althea saw Allen Sterling, his
hat in one hand and a rifle in the other.

“ You can 0 now, Miss Lawrence," he laid,
with grave p0 iteness.

But Althea did not go. She knew the prob-
able result of leavin these men alone. and, as
her heart was all g if she was a trifle proud
and reserved, she would not leave one who had
twice acted as her defender to meet Kellogg's
anger alone. '

She remained, and she saw the young villain.
recovering from his first shook of surprise,
turn upon Allen with a furious look on his

face.

“What do you mean, you scoun'drel’,” inter-
fering here?" he hotly demanded. ‘ ’

“ We will speak of this matter later, fling
replil-d, in a ow vorce, "~ A

‘ We will speak of it ' now i” Kellogg de-
clared. '

“ You forget a lady is present.”

“I don‘t care if there are ten thousand ladies
present. You have laid your hands on me,
you. an ofllce drudge, and your touch is con-
tamination. I will ave satisfaction!”

Even in the midst of his anger, Kellogg
remembered that the desired pretext for a.
quarrel with Sterling had come to him and was
greatl pleased that it was so.

“I ave no intention, of leaving thep'Bend.
and you can find me any time on wish. For
the present let us say nothing. iss Lawrence,
do on wish to go?”

o glanced from his face to that of Kellogg
as though to see if the threatened trouble had
died away, but she was soon shown. Kello
had been waiting for his chance, and .at th s
'unclliuie he leaped forward, and closed with

iel‘ ng. '

His purpose was at once up at. At the
point where they stood. the rec . after running
out a few feet in a shelf-like form, abruptly de-
scended for twenty feet, while at we base were
sharp and jagged rocks.

He had aimed to hurl Sterling over by his
first rush—over to fall on rocks lkely to dash
life from his body.

Allfp’s iradignatigfi arpse at thi: murdfi;
asssu , an gra n 11 turn. e not"
evaded the fate ntenge
Horace rapidly back.

A struggle of fifteen seconds was enough to
settle one point; Allen was the better man of
the two and could easily have sent his enemy
over the ledge.

.Not caring to commit such a deed, he threw
him heavily and, falling upon him, left the fol-
low unconscious. N,

Then, once again, the victor turned toward
Alth as calm and respectful as though noth-
ing ha occurred. .« ‘

‘I would suggest, Miss Lawrence.” he said, -
“that on leave here beforathls men recovers.‘ -» -
Them hief may not be gone from him. and ' ‘
while he is getting his senses back you caure-
turn to the village.”

CHAPTER XIV. .
A DUEL BEFORE sum as; -

Smonnv enou ii there was more color than
usual in Althea’s are then, though many 'e
woman would have been pale after such an en-
counter. and her answer to Sterling‘s last
speech was in a more womanly tone than she
had ever spoken to him before. ,

“I will go, but only on condition that you
will aooornpany me.” V '

Allen’s heart leaped, for not for a moment
had he ceasedto care for the school-teacher.
and this was a fice tible in inv‘hls suit' but
he tried to hide ripple aflxulmiou and m
swer calm] . .

“ Cer . Miss Lawrence; I was just going
that we . have been out on hunt." a L

He 3 anced once more at ell , but he
knew the fellow would soon recover and they
left him there. He could care for himself When
he recovered and it mi ht soothe the smart of
his diacomfltune a little know he had found a
“ etext ” for quarreling with Sterling.

he latter lifted Betty from a lower part of
the rock, Althea followed—he did not venture
to ofler aid to her, as none was really needed—
and they went on toward the village.

“ This is the second time youfhave helped me.
Mr. Sterling," said‘Althea,..‘showins member
remnant not usual to. her.‘- .“ It may not help
me {n on; estimaltil'loln, butltfggl called I) to

, or my eases a past. wou~
 were willing to help me now: I don't

u should have been, similarly placed.

3'»? '7 -
d fur him but to a a 

 

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‘ every word with a care which surprised

> you w ll overlook my imperfections.”

' mane ~lender’s oifice where his clerk was alone.

' mane

But if your experience with me has been dis-
agreeab e, it is no more than the lot of all who
know me; I am not an agreeable person. Let
me on one word in defense of myself, however.
I am in Colorado under peculiar circumstances
and am for the time a victim of fate. I have
been obliged to deal coldly with many who
would have been my friends in the past and
must continue to do so in the future.”

She made this long speech slowly, seletéting

ter-

liug. He felt some natural bewilderment asshe
went on but all else vanished at the end, when
by a de icately conveyed hint she dashed his
hopes to the ground.

‘ It seems to me you are young to forswear
the world," he gravely said.

“I hava not done that entirely; I hope to
leave this life some time.”

“And what then of those who would be your
mfindsslg'odfll;  :1 ll t l bl

ea 9 t eques ionas 6 ca eyaspoasi e

but he knew she understood. ’

“ I don’t know,” she slowly answered.

“ Friends are not always to be found.”

“Ygu have a meaning, but I do not under;

“Therefore, is it not best to retain them when
found?"

He asked the question in a manner at which
she could not complain, and he was pleased to
see her consider it seriously.

“ Perhaps you are right," she said, “but Iam
sodpeculiarly situated that I cannot say much;
I are not.

“ You dare not?"

“ I dare not." '

He looked at her in surprise. '

“ You think me a very peculiar Eerson,do you
not? Well. I am. More people t an you have
tried in vain to understand me; if you try you
will only fail.”

“ But if I am content with “your friendship,
without seeking to understand ‘

“ Ahl now you go too far. I have not said my
friendship is yours —— but ' l have ‘not said
it is not yours. But here we are at the vil-
lage; let us part for now. When we meet next
I shall use you in a more becoming manner than
when an called at. the school-house, and—I hope

. “ I have never discovered any,” he could not
hel saying, “ But here we will part, as you
sai . One'word, first. The man we saw on the
mountain ma annoy you further. If he doas,
I hope on w ll let me know. Since on have
no rela ivo here I will care for Mr. Ks logg and
ask no payment." ' I
“I fear on have more cause to look out for
him than have." '
V “On the contrary, he seems more inclined to
persacute women than men. But, of that,
ginoné!” Remember what I have said and—good-
e lifted his hat and turned away. And as
:Althea walked homeward, Betty Pollack,
marching gravely and silently at her side, wou-
dered to find her teacher in so sober a mood.

 

A few hours later a man walked into the

“' r. Allen Sterling?” questioned the new-
comer, stiflly. .

“That’s my name, sir,” the clerk re lied.

“Mine is Benway. am a riend of
Horace Kellogg."

“Yes? usstloned Allen.

“Yes. . Kellogg considers that he has
heavy-033W insulted yyoul’

“‘ heu'l’ asked Allen, as though making an
effort to remember.

“ To-day, sir, and on the mountain. I may
add that he has a black eye.”

" Raw beef will bring it around all right,”
carelessly replied Sterling.
' “ Raw blood is what he wants!" said Benway,

flmely.
“ ligaiblelv What's the matter with its being

cook 1"

“Sir, I did not come here to be insulted.”

“ Then. what in thunder did you come for?”
demanded Sterling, enjovin the situation.

‘ ran the bearer of'a chal edge from Mr. Kel-
logg to you. ‘ demands satisfaction for your"
treatment of him; he demands that you meet,
him at Insso Gulch. at ‘sunrise to marrow,-:'
there to fight a duel to the death with revok-

V95." {was
, “ Considering that'he claims the right to_ not» {7*
tie all the other points himself, I wmider W rm

didn‘t insist n my staying at home so that he}!
‘cmld fight alone.” _“
“ He wants you for a target, sir.” ,
“Oh! wh be dickens didn‘t on mention,
the fact at stl Then, it is only” sport!” g». 
Sterling looked innocent and, way g :g
and glared at him most ferociously. He was 3

enough to commit an assault on the j:

o n clerk, but he noticed the develop _ ,
of his and arms and thought better of it. i;
' owed twice and then replied: '

M

Hes /- V
‘ “I‘tell ’you it isadnel- to the death. ‘Wili‘y

v. — V In ma be cl ' up- Kev
‘fiIOM? ' . r missztar t a ore now 'cauae
'3 . n his web n ther barrel.

an hour before sunrise and we’ll blaze away at
each other.” *

“ Remember it is to the death!”

“ You did say so, didn’t you? It had es-
caped my mind. Say, will you just mention it
again in the morning, so I won’t forget to put a
cartridge in my revolver?”

“ Wt” you be serious?" demanded Benway,
with a groan.

Sterling was ohliging enough to say he would.
Ha dropped his hantermg air and became seri-
ous enough to suit Benway. He accepted the
challenge, a reed to the place and time of
meeting, an to the weapons; and when the
messenger went away, there was a prospect of
bloodshed not far off.

Daybreak found Kellogg and his second on
the ground. The gulch was gloomy and damp,
and Benway feare for his principal’s courage,
but Horace was not a coWard.

At last Stirling turned around a point of
rock and advanced toward them. He was ac-
companied by Daddy Clover, who seemed just
a trifle less drunk than usual.

“What’s that old fool here for?" muttered
Kellogg.

“Just what we will ask Sterling.”

The latter came up smoking a cigar, and nod-
ded pleasantly. The smoke of battle did not l
show around him at all.

“ Nice morning for the shooting, gentlemen,”
he observed.

“ It’s well enough,” said Benway, surlily; -
“but why have on brought that old idiot?”

He oiuted to nddy C over.

“ by, I thought we were to have seconds.”

“ So on are. but—”

“We 1, Mr. Clover is m

“Fact. gen’tlum," said add , with dignity.
“ Had important business on , y bands which
should have been ’lended to, but come jest tor
obleege you. Like ter see boyees o‘ spirit, I do:
an’ I may add, I like ter see any kind 0’ spirit.
Got a flask with you?"

Ben way turned to Sterling.

h “II am tempted to strike you,” he said,
at y. ‘

“Donit,” was the cool reply, “and you will
not strike another blow for a Week.” >

Benwuy did not strike. ‘

” Do you seriously present this man as your
secpnd?’ _

second.”

H

“ A miserable drunkard—”

“Not at all,” said ClOVer, genially. “ I’ve
had half a pint this mornin’ an’ I’m happy, not
miserable.’

“What do we care?” said Kellogg, a sudden
gleam in bisaeyes as they thought that the old
man might sibl be over-reached. “ All we
want is to ave t e duel go on. Arrange the
preliminaries, men. ’

“ That’s ther idea,” said Daddy genially. “ I’ll
pace off ther requisite distance ter onc’t. ’

He started to carry «.ut his idea, but his un-
steady legs wobbled around so that it looked as
though he was trying to describe the shape of a
rail~fence. *

Kello and his man were surprised at the

way ads 3 were going, but a few words to-
gether made them sincsrely pleased that Clover
was to omciate. BenWay happened to have a
blank cartridge, and it was decided to slip it in-
to the weapon to be used by Sterling, trusting
that the drunkard’s dim eyes would not detect
the cheat. .
Sfrllng sat down on abowlder and proceeded
to p acidly finish his ' while the seconds ar-
ranged the preli ‘ es. Daddy Clover made
a great show of _ '_ {so great, in fact, that
he betralyed lain, - : ls ignorance.

They_ f, ~ olvers together, and Ben-
way quietly ~ , “ ~the blank cartridge into the
one he in v :V‘ V ‘._ ,‘r. Sterling-Clover alldwin
him moo ' . 1- under the ‘excuse that h

fingers,“ a ,i stiff from ther cold.”
war , or as the matters had ar-
ranged’it .buht y came of a stocfihthat cared.
not fdrithat; they were more an wflllnln
tb ’ H ,"3h0uld be shot down without a}:
chamfir’, , life. ‘ '31?
I ghowould, unless the unexpected I!!!"
m .1 "r: _, ,,_ .e '
. ' _ _ .(char'rsa xv.  3‘;

3n)?” ramifimoxs moves mm mm
we;th m‘e are all;eady,"lrsaid Benway.

u 'taastcrt e. "

i‘figl' ' .a‘hit,” mild glgdver: “J11” 1‘ 00°

I are r I  ary"

 
    
   
   

 

    
   

 

 
  
  
 
 
 

 

iii

.13"

I ;bull'ot, even thoush 1" be the?
' , a'h’air’s diameter, often’fp’ufiflm
i. '9 look in ther barrel.
:6 _ dimer: gravity made Benny milemnd
3’53 ha,‘ over the revolve". taking care 31'“
Envy-yer}; hotmixe’d, mover looked into the
-- - _ tubes “with owl-like Wisdomifind then
' "kiln ' bit ” he said and
0 them a . l '
'Bo’nvn {gm protest in 6 pointed

j l

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 .“Rsther than to have
tum. Yes, lir.Benway,l"ll

 
  

“.mai r

 

hide his at and pulled the  ?

Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend.

‘.

An explosion followed, and then Clover held
his hat higher, his look of wisdom increasing.

“ Sing’lar fact!" be observed.

“ What is iti”.Benway uneasily asked.

“ Ther bullet in that thar cartridge must hev
been a durned curious piece 0’ lead. Thar ain’t
no hole through my hatl”

‘ Benway began to feel uncomfortable. The
revolver used had been the one intended for
Sterling: the one without any lead in it, and
that showed why there was no hole in the old
man’s hat.

“ I’ll try t’other,” resumed Clover, and he did
as he said.

Thi time a lump of lead went tearing throng: l1
his hat. ‘

“'Nuther sing’lar fact; don‘t understand it,"
said he.

“ Let me explain,” said a voice at his elbow
and he turned to see Sterling. The latter, still
carelessly pumng his cigar, added: “ You see,
Daddy, our friends took us for fools, and put a
blank cartridge in one revolver; the one
intended for me. It was their game to have me
shot down without a chance for my life!”

“ What do you mean, sir?" blustered Benway,
but he lost color in spite of his show of indigna-

‘1 tion.

“ Simply that when you pick up Daddy
Clover ora fool you et taken in. We sus—
pected ‘the character 0 the honorable gentle—
men with whom we had to deal, and let them
set their trap. We 'sprung it, but we are not
caught. Enough said; load up again, and let
the showEroceed.”

He wal ed away as carelessly as ever, and as
Daddy inVited Deuway to reload the latter had
no words in which to decline. In fact, he felt.
chilled and dumiouuded, and it was a conun-
drum to him h0w to _explain away what had
occurred and leave him his reputation as a.
“square man.” Of course he could throw the
blame on the makers of the cartridges, but after
what Sterling had said he felt it would be useless,

Once more the revolvers were loaded; this
time in proper swipe, for Benway had grown
afraid 0 Daddy lover, and the principals
were invited to take their places.

They did so. and weapons in hand, faced each
other. A marked contrast was perceptible in
their manner. Sterling remained cool, but ll e
discovery of his murderous plot had upnt
Kellogg’s nerves, and his hand shook as he tool:
the revolver.

The tide was turned, and the seekers for
blood would have gladly thrown up the sponge.

Benway took Daddy Clover aside. .

“Is there no hope of a compromise?” he
asked.- .

“Not a shudder!” Daddy replied. “ My man
is jest ready ter run out his tongue an’ pant fur
gore. Thar’s a bucketful on’t in his eye. 01:!

«3’5 a desperate galoot when he gets tar goin',
now you jest hetl . - . r

“If either one of them survives he will be
ynched.”

“ Sartainlv. an” you’ll find me thar ter pull on
ther rope. You’n me git all ther fun, Ben, an"
none 0 ther danger. Come, let’s wrestle this
thing cfl’m ther books, an’ then go down ter
P‘r per’s an’ get b’ilin’.”

enway could say no more. and as he saw
Kellogg so unfit for work be mentally decided
he would have to wear a weed for his principal
during the next month. r

It was his duty to count for the duelists, and
he began:

“ One l" ,

The revolvers were raised,

- “Two!” v I

The men too}! im. Sterling was as cool as
ever, but Horace Kellogg’s hand shook worse
than ever.

A third word came, but it was not from Ben-
z)”. “011i in a masculine voice.d Such awaits

no,. a were an sod an the he sis
paused and turned rigidit- {aco- toward the side
otrlthe gulch frohmdwhich the vifihhadlzounded.‘

wo noun a appeared; ea wrence
and Bell; Pollack. -

They came forward rapidlé the small girl
clinging to her teacher and clatter loo g
stern and an , Deadailenoe reigned amon
the men as s a t her coming he
proved more tent than would have a more
of men from td): Bend- .=

“80 these are the tum men who aspire to
commit murder!” she said, looking at the duel-
ists with scorn imprinted on her face. “ Truly,
it is a rare honor! . ~

“Thar-‘3 nuthin’ half so sweet in 1m.»on
served Daddy Clover, but no one headed huh,

The dualism stood mute, and on Sterliugs
face was a look of shame and sorrow. He had

one to the field from a mistaken sense of honor,

at it was clear Isa Lawrence would not ve
him credit for it. And Kellogg was abas d,
thou h be had nothing to gain or lose. .

“lsbad thought”, resumed the lad . “t a;
the barb-1‘00! practice of duelln had 11 n;
behind in this enli bran“ . e, ut I aeothere
are me men who 0 not thin like me.” ,

“My dear madame,” began Benway, “it is
the salvo a: Vivimniigikh to ”

“Enos 9 '3 ’ address myremerhs
m the 12-51de in this aileir. Como nearer-l”.

- a.

a

/

1

 

0—.

 

 

  
  

Stonefist, ofmlBig Nugget

 

Bend.

13

 

 

Her tone was imperious, but they silently
obeyed. .

“ II os this meeting resulted from yourformer
q'mrrel 9” she continued.

“ Yes," said Sterling, looking at the ground.

“ Who sent the challenge!”

There was a moment’s silence, and then Kel-
logg acknowledged the doubtful honor.

“ And you aspire to be a murderer?”

She spoke with rul‘ting sarcasm, which
brought a spark of courage to the surface.

“I am not a child,” said Horace, defiantly.
“' I was grossly insulted by this man, and I
sought relief by the only means open to me. I
claim honor for it, since the usual way is to
shoot at one’s enemy at sight, and without
warning."

“ Plainly. Bartholomew Blake has found an
ample field for his labors,” she said, quickly.
" Big Nugget Bend does, indeed, need purifying
if such is its creed."

“ It will come around all right if a. few more
cranks get hold of the bell-rope," Kellogg re~
tortedr '

Althea turned from him to the other duelist.

“And you sir?" shequestioned.

“ P rhaps t is as well for me to say nothing.
I was challenged, and, as I would not be brand-
ed a coward.
plane there is no excuse for it and I will not at-
tempt to reply." ‘

He did not speak defiantly or stubbornly and
she knew it; she could see the shame and Sorrow
on his face very plainly. Something like u
kindlier look appeared on her owu iace,hut it was
no time to reveal the fact.

“ And what will you do nOWf" she aSde.

Daddy Clover pushed to the front.

“ I m Ive that we take a drink all around—at
thcr duelists‘ expense—an' let this cruel war be
ow r " he blandly suggested.

“Yes; let the matter drop,” said Benway,
anxiuus to he on the winning side.

N . one objected. and after a few more words
all prepared to depart. There was no pretense
at li'ovllC'lirllion—nn empty form at best—nor
did Miss Lawrence suzggst any. Both princi-

ls prep-red to RO Wit their seconds. Both
hid the tact to refr in from asking rmission
to see the lady savely home; but D dy Clover
was not so modest. Be nflered his escort and
received a refusal whi h’lelt him staring with
wide open eyes as Althea went away alone.

He speedily recovered, however, and on the
homeward road bad a good deal to say. Ster-
ling heard little of it. He was cursing his folly
for accepting the challenge. He was a brave
man and be valued his reputation: but he felt at
that moment that he.would rather be branded
a onward throughout Big Nugget Bend than to
hav» lost Althea’s lately-w on favor.

Reaching the money-lender’s office, he found
Zorn at the desk. Locky ard was not visible.

“ 1 want to ask you something, Allen,” said
the girl, abruptly. “Do ' you now anything
about the lawyer they call Old etcbum ’,

“ No, nothing in articular," replied the clerk,
recalling his wan ering thoughts. "I have
merely seen him on the street.”

“ He was here to see father last night and it
was his Second visit. The first threw father into
deo-p dejection and the second has increased it.

The lawyer is worrying him, somehow, but I
can’t learn how Now what is the trouble?" ‘

‘She looked at Allen in a way which brou ht
all his mind to business. He almost regar ed
her as a sister, and her troubles were his. He
thought for a moment, but as he did not know
of any business with Old Ketcbum he could
not, see how he could trouble the money-lender.
So far as he knew, all Lockyard’s ventures
were small and simple—he knew nothing of the
Quickstep affair.

so he acknowledged his ignorance on the sub-
ect.

j “ I wish you would find out,” said Zora.

“Well, I’ll try." _ .

'- Something is worrym father: something
serious. He denies it, but am not to he deceiv-
ed. If ar Old Ketchum—I hate the sight of that

man, Allen-he has in same way tangled him-.

self with father’s business in the past and is try-
ing to blackmail him. as they call it. ' Of course,
father never did anything wrong; but there
may have been some error in legal papers or
something, you know, Don't you laugh, but 1
think the law isa~wretched humhuz.”

Allen did not laugh. and he agreed to try
and learn the secret of Old Ketcbum’s power to
worry the money-lender. A

 

CHAPTER XVI. '

moan ABOUT THE qnxcus'mr’ 1mm. ’
TEE rough experience of Bartholbmew Blake
weigh the 1 nchars had not made an iota of
change in bye way of doing business, ' He took
no steps to have his assailantsiidentifled and
punished, an as he did hot refer to the‘ matter
they took it or granted he had forgotten it in a

Measure. . . . I '

“But as a ‘reformer he went nnswervingly on
his way and spared no, one. Few indwdeera
people whom he had ot toldlnfhls’mllar
that thaywere in a’g most lhiretable‘an'd

wicked lives. Rich and poor were Served alike,

l
l I

came here. Judged from a higher .

 

and all were lashed unsparingly. If they did
go to ruin it would not be because Blake had
not warned them.

Near the center of the village was a large
building known as the “ Right Bower." Besides
theSe words there was painted on the sign an
image which those not Veraed in card lore
would have mistaken for an . old Eng—
lish cavalier, and around him were four spots
like the mystic signs of “spades,” “hearts,”
“ clubs” and “diamonds” so dear to the sporting-
man.

In brief, it was a gambling-house.

The evening before the duel the place was
well crowded and playing was brisk. Sharpen

and miners mingled and tried their luck, and .

asthey played liquor stood at their elbow and
revolvers nestled on their persons.

In the midst ofit all the door opened and a.
singular figure appeared at the threshold ; aman
whose presence there marked a new epoch in
gambling. It was Bartholomew Blake, but no
one chanced to notice him; the infatuation of
gambling was on them andthey could only use
the game.

The reformer stood in silence for a while, as
motionless as the walls, gain on the scene.
His appearance was as usual. is Quaker-like
hat, long, straight hair, clean-shaan face and
suit of black, with the ion , double-breasted
coat buttoned to his chin—a was as usual.

And as he looked on the man before him,
Severe and righteous wrath were visible on his
harsh face and in his cold, steel-like eyes.

For a full moment he looked, and then he
strode to the nearest table. Four men were
there, all intent on their game. Their faces
were set and anxious; their eyes had a wolf-like
gleam as they sought to read each other’s faces;
even their breathing seemed to keep time to the_
devouring suspense of the minute.

One of them reached forward to drop his card
on the table when a white, slender hand
over his shoulder and clasped his wrist.

“Pause!” said a warning voice.
wretched man i”

The gambler dro pod his cards and sprung to
his feet with a sud causes which overturned his
chair. For the moment he did not doubt but he
was in the grasp of tha‘ruler of the lost, and his
bronz 1d face was pale as he turned around.

The “reformer’ stood in an impressive atti-
tude, erect. and stem, one hand stretched out
over the table and his steel-like eyes unwaver-

‘ ‘ Pause,

nil.

But the alarm of the gamblers vanished at the
sight. '

“ Deacon Broadcloth !” one of them muttered,
in disgust.

The ripple had run through the room. card-
playing was generally suspended and all eyes
were on the crank of the Ben .

“ That is right men,” he said, in his peculiar,
incisive voice. l‘ Drop your cards and swear
never to touch them again. They are the
weapons devised by the enemy of mankind to
drag hi ‘1 down to ruin; they are the ticket, of
lost souls. Unite, men, to—night, and with one
accord leave temptation behind you. The saf-
est way,”—-here be gathered up a pack at one
motion—“ is to burn them I" >

And at the last word he" cast the pasteboards
into the fire. ,

A roar of anger followed the act as the owner
saw his loss. less than a Week before he had
paid a dollar for the toys then 'bending and
smoking in the blaze—and Big Nugget Bend
was not a rich town. ‘

One leap ho'made forward and his ready re-
volver was at the Deacon’s breast; one moment
the Iatter’s life hung poised as by a thread; but
his band closed over the murderous wrist and
the weapon was turned aside just as: it we dis-
charged.

And the bullet sped barmlessly upward to find

a lodging-place in the roof.

The bamed gambler made an effort to free his
wrist. but it was a loss of strength. Without

seeming to be at all inconvenienced, Deacon

Etonfiflst held him in a grasp he could not
rea .

It was. not the firstitime they had seen the
man’s power, but it would take a nod while for
themflto understand it, so little flid his muscle
show in his sober suit of black. '

But, the first surprise over,'more than_oue
man 3 mm; to keep the gambler frown disgracing
himse f by doing harm to one not in his right
mind and the two were separated, " ' I '

But the keeper of the-place nony‘had his say.

“ Ho w dare you come in here? "he demanded,
of Blake: _ ' a ' “

“ I dare go wherever‘ crime flourishes, wher-
ever a warning voice is needed; and. surely, no
place more needs correction than th'in-h'aunt of
vice. Here are men _s uandering their hard-
earned money, risking t eir souls and sinking
step by'step uinfamy.” » ' " "'

‘ Hold right on Winterrnpted the proprietor;
“I won’t have’another word l" '

“flow can yousto' me? I-speak in a just
muse and have nof .” ’- . j ’

‘ “I‘ll make you feari one minute ire-9’ '

. u not
3" , ,rabe wratch,  i " run
and our the) line from which nmgn‘gu'n;
Youare worse than thosevmen who come here

 

to play, for you keep the place where they are
ruined, bod and soul!" ,

Blake ha gone as far as he could. Big Nug-

get Bend had had its amusement ’with its
‘ crank " before and the day was past; they did
not want to be interrupted at their playing and

the feared to getinto trouble as the lynchem

ha done; so, at a sign from the proprietor,

there was a general rush and the Deacon was

Eomihly carried out and the door‘locked upon
1m.

“Somebody ought ter give that galoot his last
sickness.”

The speaker was Jack Bunker. He sat at the
further side of the room, engaged inn quiet
game of poker with a. stranger. Luck had
served them very im artially, but Jack had
found his opponent suc good company that he
was content to make nothing. '

“ Why 'l"caralessly asked the other man, as be
dealt the cards for a new game.

“ Because he’s a humbug."

“ A bumbugf”

“Yes. Durn a crank, anyhow, an I! Folkl
has no business tor be gaiivantin’ about ther ken-
try with one-half 0’ their brain hyar an’ t’other
half than That critter’ll do somebody harm,
bimeby.” '

The stranger observed that hé would groin-
bly wander off shortly and conVorlation, titted
awIay from!)l thi; crank. d y

ones, is e s ranger, was goo com , we
have said. He was a onerous mung?» ,
ordered up the liqgor ike a lord and Blinker
drank it like anot er lord. In fact, Mr. Bun-
ker, who usually governed 'his taste for liquor
admirably, went too far in this case and drank
too much with the usual result. _

At this period Jones mentioned that he had

an ambition. Ha wished to own a card~room’
and saloon, himself, and have it fitted up‘ in
splendid style. Denver was his promised land.
1 he had the mane , he would go thera'and
start a “place ”whic would eclipse everything
else in the country and make him a grand man
among other grand men.

But be acknowledged he hadn't the money.

Bunker meditated'. At least, he seemed to'do
so, but as this art of the evening found no
part in his recol action the next day, itlsfairto
presume he did not meditate so much as he
seemed to do. ‘

“ S’pose you take a pardnerl” he suggested;

“ A cod idea.” '

“ Warfield’s goin’ fer take one.” '

“ I don’t know Warfleld'. Whois he?”

“ Friend of mine' owner of Quickstep mine.” ,

“ I don’t think 1 ever heard ‘0’ the mine,
either.” ‘

“ Nobody eyer did but Warfleld an" me.
That’s one o’ my leetle games you see; wants:-
raise flft thousand on it."

“ Ahl see. You’re short 0’ funds an’-—”

“ No, I ain’t,” Bunker declared, with drunken
gravity. “ Got plenty 0’ money, but hev ter fly
low. Got piles 0’ money 1”

“I hope you’ve put it in a sdfebank.”

“’Taln’t in no hank; don’t ketch me that.
Banks bu’st;bnly fools trust them. I put my
money what it’ll be safe."

“ I wish you’d explain ther way. I 1!:
want ter try it some day,” said Jones, insinuu ~

in l .
figorry, but can’t. All men hev search; I
hev mine. Bev put ther money whar thieves.
won't corrupt nur moth get at it. Don‘t aska
whar; ’portant secret.” ' 'v ‘
Banker’s eyes looked over the table in a.
glassy way; His brain and hands had lost the.
power of an
on the table. Jones was wide-awake, at if):
manner Was to be relied upon he was a hail-fol-
low-well-met with Bunker. He motioned for
more Hapor which was brought. , ‘ ,
J’s"? arfleld wants a partner in the Quick-
s e
“PYea, but don’t you go in: nothin’ in it3'no
money, no mine, no nothin‘. It’s all cut. ’ »
dried; don’t you invest.”
- “I see you believe_in taking care of ono's
money?" ,
Janes’s conversation oscillated fromllearned to
ignorant like a pendulum, but, Blinker waxtoo
far one to head it. I '
“ aka car’ 0' mine,” said Jack." “Had bard '
work to get it; hold fast/now. Get it hid, safe!”
“Where did you but itf” ' ‘

“Didn’t bury it; at n’t any wharftwaszf‘se- v

cret, that.” , . ‘ _ _

" A thousand dollars, I think on said}. " ,

“ Thousand! Fifty thousand d,“fl£t%,tbo\u-
sand all in one lump. Gotnlt by a neat‘ cdge; .
,goin’itoii; hang enter it. VGoint—terbhang-ronr
ter—t , ' .. ,‘ 3

Mr. Banker‘s hands closedarnund his

retained. He ha k t u an off, 'jhofiould ‘.

and no to ieceg‘enelimlylzzwligu   , ,,
Th s fact . Jones firme ostublfibe‘d , are

he 'left him, for he named very anxious to ow

\

his  " .
s thou h‘ it Was his answer hlf ’ .7! figu'dh‘ 
alland ismind lost what“ hm. ‘wei; thud 1

I

.L

dling the card- and the' lay idlyi ‘ .

P

n

'k

 

 

Jack’s way of premvihgmis moneand'when ,r' 

he saw hal must
(i tisfaction; but
went quietly away, caving Bunker to’
on

a it up he finally i331:
P

I

give? it up bef showed  ,

 

 

<-..... m.-. - 4%.... _ _.
.2uxwanxm,‘-

 ... L «mus a...

 

 

,.—. .-..

. . A... M.-.

14

x"

Stdnefis

t, of Big Nugget Bend.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER XVII.
wamrlm GETS HIS ANSWER.

SHORTLY after breakfast, the following morn-
ing, Mr. Warfield walked into the money-
lender’s oflce where Zora was behind the desk.
He had be un to smile, having quite a fancy for
prett gir s, but she cut him short by saying
that or father was in the inner room and ex-
pecting him.

Then she lowered her gaze to an unromantic
day-book and the visitor saw he must be content
and go on.

He did go on and was soon in Mr. Lockysrd’s
presence. The money-lender greeted him with
a smile and cordial grasp of the hand, and War-
fleld believed the battle won.

“You see I am on time,” he said.

“Yes. air, and I fully appreciate punctuality
and would have been disappointed had you not
come," said Father Lockyard, in his genial

wa .

“y’l‘he fish is caught!” thought Warfield, ex-
ultantly: but, aloud, he said: _“I never neglect
business."

“I judge not, from what -I have seen " said
the money-lender, passing over a cigar. u’Well,
shall we come to business?’

" If you please.”

“Very well; I have seen my friend.”

“ And what does he say i”

“He is favorably impressed. He has fifty
thousand dollars he would be leased to put
into a well-paying mine, and she he thinks the
Quickstep must be." ,

"S ) it is, or rather, so it will be when prop-
erly developed by the aid of ca ital.”

‘ Exactly; he understands a i this.”

“ Well, am I to see him now, or do you act as
his a mi"

“ or the resent I am his agent, but when
certain conditions have been complied with he
will come to the Bend and see you personal-

1 .
y“ What are the conditions?"

“ Well,” said Father Lockyard, in his most
genial wai, “the Quickstep mine must be dis-
covered, e town of Cutaway City must be
built, and some information is necessary as to
your half of the capital."

Warfield stared blankly. ‘

“ I am not sure I understand." \

"I say the Quickste mine must bediscov-
ered and the town of utaway City built."

“You plunge me deeper than ever in r-

, plexity,” muttered Warfield, his mind ful of

alarm.

" In plain words there is no Cutaway City
and no Quickstep mine!”

“ What do you mean,
me of misrepresentation?
villain.

" I accuse you of notbin , sir.”

“But I say there isa utaway City and .a
Quickstep mine.”

"Somewhere. possibly. but the two are not
cgnnected in Idaho. There is no Cutaway City
t ere.‘

“ Sir, I say there is.”

“In that case you are at libertytcdevelop
its resources. My friend is reluctant to invest
in an Aladdin’s lamp. but if you have Cutaway
City down so fine there is no reason why you
should not become a millionaire from it!”

Lockyard spoke as calmly as eVer, but War»
field's soul was filled with bitterness. His care-
fully laid and nurtured lan had failed, and not
only that but he' had een played with up to
the last moment. He longed to spring on the
old man and strangle him, but such things
were at safe at Big Nugget Bend.

Various plans for his immediate conduct oc-
curred/ to him, but he decided to act the justly
indignant role and get away as soon as poesible.
He cured in counterv‘stroke.

“ Sir.” said he, “ I have to—day been most vile-
ly insulted; I have been stabbed in man’s dearest
vein—my honor. Words cannot tell you the
emotion in my mind; suffice it to say your gray
hair: save you from chastisement—’

“Unnecessary clemencyon your part, sir,”
interrupted another voice and Allen Sterlin
walked in. “ am here as the fighting-man o
the outfit, and if you really thirst for exercise,
here i stand!”

Allen made the announcement pleasantly,
and that may have been why Warfield did not
sharpen his scalping—knife and go on the war-
path: or it may nave been that Allen’s muscular

orm had something to do with his reply.

“ I am not a bruiser, and I feel myself above
noticing you. I wash my hands of you all. and
may Big Nugget Bend fare as ill as you have
served me!”

With this parting shot he strode from the
room, and, passing Zora without a glance,
made for the outer air. Be looked over his
shoulder once, to make sure the muscular clerk

sirl Do you accuse
blustered the bamed

. was not on his track, and then hastened toward

Parrott’s hotel.

Ten minutns later he burst into the room
where Jack Bunker and Horace Kali were
sound. The latter was fresh from his duel.
and Jack was just out of his night’s debauch—
hut far from being fresh—but the&ohad laid
mud plans on the result of 1r ally’s

 

When he entered the room his faco told the 1 than Allen Sterling. All things, he thought,

story, but not until he sunk into a chair and
began cursing furioust did they give up all

ho e.

It was Bunker who spoke first.

“ Save your brimstone an’ come tor business.
What has happened?” he asked.

The uestion brought Warfleld back to his
feet an be told the story fully, not forgetting
to mention all that had been done to annoy
him.

He finished with a fresh stream of profanity,
in which Kellogg joined, but Jac Bunker
leaned his head on his hand and reflected. His
mind was not clear, and he was frank enough
to confess he had been very drunk the prevxous
night; though, as before said, he had no recol-
lection of the indiscreet talk he had made to Mr.
Jones; but he still had more brains than either
of his companions.

{{‘What do you make 0’ this?” he finally
as ed.

“Make? Why, we don‘t make anything; we
lose the whole infernal business, Warfield
answered.

“ I reckon we do, but haw come ther old man
so posted on Cutaway City?”

“ Now you have me.” .

“Ter me it seems simple. Somebody who’s
wiser than he is hez been knockiu’ our plan in
ther head. W ho?"

“Sterling, of course!” cried Kellogdg.

“Sartain, ’ said Ja k, with a no . “ He’s

ther cr tter. . Be hez been around ther West a- -p

good hit, an’ when ther old man told him 0’
ther scheme he set right down on’t an’ tole him
thar was no Cutaway City an’ no Quickstep
mine. Yes, pards, we owe it all ter that same
varmintl”

Kellog clinched his hand and swore in a
a subdue key. but Warfield did not answer at
once.

“Will you give up the game?” he finally

asked. .

“That’s fur K logg ter say.”

“And i say, he er!”

“Then,” said Warfield, “Mr. Allen Sterling
must be removed."

“A lump of lead will settle it,” muttered

Kellogg.

“ A um of lead won’t settle it.” said Jack,
coolly. “ ou galoots or too hot-headed. I
hev a better way.”

“ What is it?’

“Er we plant him, on. kin make up yer
mind ther gun will kic . Ef he disa peered
suddint, ther fast man ter be suspects would
be one Horace Kellogg, ’cause folks know 0’
ther quarrel. No. sir—no shootin’ while I’m in
ther game. Sterling must beget away from
the Band on some pretext.”

“ But he will come back.”

“Not when I hev put my foot on his head. I

reckon ther right we is ter hev him arrested
on some charge, an took ter Denver. Give
me ,,a leetle time tar think, an’ l’ll study it
out.
- And it did indeed seem as though Bunker
could strike the ri ht key if any one could—na-
ture had created h m a. schemer, and he had al-
wavs ke t in practice.

He di not remain a great while longer with
his allies, but took his way to the cabin where
he made his home. '

A very humble and un retentious man was
Mr. Bunker; and those w 0 saw him smoking
his short pipe before his door, knew little of
the dimportant schemes running through his
mm .

On this occasion he did not smoke outside the
door, but went in where he conid think undis-
turbed. He first dipped his head in cold water.
for the ache of his over-drinkin was not yetpll

one, and then sat down beside is table to give

is mind full play.

As he sat there. he would have been very
much surprised had be known that a air of
sharp eves were watching him from the oft of
the cabin: for his predecessors had been_a large
family. and a loose flooring had been laid from
plate to plate to make an extra room. ‘

There. 1! mm was lying fiat on his face, and
watching Jack through a crevice.

What was his object? Not robbery, for Jack
was clad in rags; not bodily violence, for he
could have shot the fellow down at once. What
then?

It new be set down as a fact that half the
men in our world do not live to show guy hm"
Without having a past well wort telling.
Sometimes, they are anxious to hide that past,
and succeed; in other cases, the old drama rises,
phmnix like, from its ashes and makes trouble
for him who would have kept it forever in Its
grave.

“Fianna Mr. Jack Bunker was no exception

t in 0.

But if the watcher expected to see him do
anythin strange or compromisin , be was not
reward for his trouble. Jack pt his seat,
smoked and meditated as stolidly as though no
spv was within fifty miles.

He was sure that Loekynrd had nearly swal-
lowed tha ckstep bait. and he did gpdt sari.
one! no the possibility that the man
migthveheonwarned hyanotborpsuon

I

 

pointed to Allen as the man, and as such a sharp
young fellow would be very much In the we
of his plot to swindle the moneydender, it to -
lowed that he must be removed.

But as Jack sought for the way he saw noth-
ing of the spy above though the spy saw noth-
ing else save him. The keen, bright eyes were
tireless in their watch, and if there had been a
betraying word or sign from Jack it would have
been not: d.

Jack, however, kept his thoughts to himself,
and when his far-e indicated that he had settled
his problem, abruptly arose and went out.

Then the spy’s eyes disappeared, only to he
succeeded by his body, a moment later, as he
came down the rudl ladder. And the sp was
n0ne other than the brieflesslawyer of the end,
Wisecraft, alias Old Ketchum.

CHAPTER XVIII.
OLD n’rcrwn mus a CALL.

Tm: law er went no further than the door,
for as he ooked out, he saw a crowd of men
and, in their center, was one particular man
who was just mounting a bowlder.

His object could not be held in doubt when
one saw that it was Bartholomew Blake; he was
about to make another attem tto show the peo-
ple of the Bend how wicked t ey were.

It was clear they anticipated some fun, but
Old Ketchum was far from sharing their an»
ticipation. It was all right for Jack Bunker to
ass out among them, but it would hardly do
for- Ketchum; it might lead to unpleasant re-
su ts.

So the lawyer secretly shook his fist at Blake
and wished him miles away.

As there was not much he that he would
go, the prisoner turned to 100 at the window.
The space 'was not large but be resolved to try
it. Resolute squeezing took him through, but.
when he looked for Bunker he was not to be
found.

He had gone straight about his business and
{fetchum had lost the desired chance of dogging

1m.

Convinced that this was so he paused fora
moment to hear Deacon Stoneflst. He was
talking in the old vein and giving the men of
the Bend a very unfavorabe pen- icture of
themsalves, but the lawyer soon tire of it and
went away. .

Returning to his ofilce he found a letter which
had just arrived for him. He looked at thepost-
mark and then quickly broke the seal. Evi-
dently it was short, or else he read rapidly, for
he soon lowered it and a look of satisfaction
crossed his face.

“Good 1” he muttered; “ the last links in the
chain are closing in ,and I shall soon have my
lord, the money-lender. on the hip. His pre-
tense of being a quiet, humble old man of mod-
erate means, as v ell as this otherefiair, may be
exposed at any time. Proof enough is before
me, but ust now it does not suit me to make the
facts pu lie. I have thrown the old man intoa
panic already, and I'll not do any more forfear
he may flee from here and so'defeat all my
plans. As for the girl—l wonder who gave her
the heathenish name of Zora—I shall not do
her any harm so long as she behaves well. Per-

ha — ’

flirt; a fi walked into M_r. Wisecraft’s ink-
bottle, and by the time the invader was driven
oi! the lawyer was too much flushed from
his exertions to continue a. steady train of
thought. _

Be eased the remainder of the day in his
office. at, shortly after dark, took his way ma
small house at the outskirts of the town. It
was here the Pollacks lived, and here that
Althea Lawrence boarded.

Old Ketchum’s knock was answered by Betty
who gravely liaiened while the visiior stated
that he wished to see the teacher. The small
girl looked him over deliberately. She had dis-
covered that there were some men who were not
pleasant associates for her beloved teacher, and
she wanted to be sure Wisecrnft was all right
before she admitted him.

The examination being fairly satisfactory. he
was ushered into the main room of the house
while Betty went for Althea.
The latter soon entered adonbiful look on he.-
face but she started with surprise at sight of
the lawyer.

“ You here!” she exclaimed.

“Yes, my dear,” he said, taking her hand.
" Aredyou surprised?” _ .

“ I id not suppose you would come to see me
openly.”

“It can do no harm. Everybody here sup-
poses vou to be a mere pennilem school-teacher,
while I am looked upon as a sort of raven, after
the style of Poe—‘a thing of evil.’ They have
facetlously dubbed me ‘Old Ketchum, little
mapecting how appropriate the name is. But,
by the way. are we free from listeners?”

Althea knew the character of the Pollack:
3:11 enough to feel safe in saying there was no

user.

f‘Then, to business. Have you anything to

repartl”
'Nothi whichbearsononru

 

Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend.

I
nature. First, let us speak of business. What
have you learned!” ,

“Enough to kn0w Jack Bunker is our man;
enough to know he is here to get Nathan Lock-

ard’s money by any means which will avail
him. Already one plot is thwarted; a wild-cat
mine scheme. Jack is in dead earnest and
bound to duplicate his work at the East. His
disguise, however, is perfect, and, beyond a.
doubt, he might talk face to face with the
mone -lender and not be suspected."

Alt ea shivered.

“I cannot tell how I fear him!" she said.

“ Nor can I, for I don’t fear him at all,” Ket-
chum replied, grimly. “If we knew where
the mone is I would snap a pair of bracelets
on his wrists in a moment and cut his career
short.”

“And you have gained no clew to the
money?"

“Not the slightest. Last night an agent of
ours who called his name Jones, managed to
get Jack drunk. This, you must understand.
was a remarkable thing, for prudence is Jack’s
ruling session and the man who gets drunk is a.
fool. ut Jack did it, .for once. Then Jones
tried to pump him, to use a vulgar expression.
Jack st»: ed that he had money, but he could
not be induced to so what he dil with it to
have it safe. He 5 d it was not buried, and
that he would not trust a dollar in a bunk.
gg’w, the question is, what has he done with

f‘I don’t see how we are to learn,” Althea
said. with a sigh.

“ e must learn. Good gracious, I won’t
faill" the old lawyer declared. “ In my college
dflyfi 1 used to participate in a game called the
tvu’g of war, at which my side was never worsted.

_ell, here we have another tug Of Wfll‘. bl” in
this case it is brain against brain. Are we to
admit Jack Bunkeris our superior? Nol We
shall win the me.”

His confidence made Althea smile for a mo
meat, but there was so much that was dark,
gloomy and tragic about the aflair that had
sent her to Big Nugget Bend that she could not
feel as he did.

Having heard his story she told about the
duel between Sterling and Kellogg, with the
causes which led to it. ,

Ketchum nodded several times in rapid suc-
cession.

“i like that clerk: he is of good material.
And as he is right in L'Ickyard's office, we may
yet have to take him into our confidence.”

A culiar expression crossed Althea's face.

" r-rhaps,” added the lawyer, “it would be
well for you to fascinate him so as to bind him
to our interests."

The girl flushed a little.

" You forget my pledge."

“ But this is only a pretense. You are not to
love him. but to make him your dupe, if I may
so bluntly express it.” I

“Not Ii" nbe exclaimed, “It would be too
dishonorable!”

Something in her tone made him look at her

aha .

“'73: ul lhavs a suspicion,” he said, quietl .
“I don‘t nelieve it wil be hard to fascinate r.
Allen Sterling."

Deeper yet became the color on the girl’s
cheeks, but she rallied with but partially con-
cealed vexation. '

“Do not leap to conclusions, sir, and let us
speak no more on this subject”.

“Just as you say; in fact, I have but little
more to say before I go. Hereafter, when you
want news, look at our established poaoomca; I
must not visit you too often. But, what shall
we say of the girl, Zora.”

“ l ave not made her acquaintance, as yet.”

“I have and, what is more to the point, I
have verified my suspiciOns. Now, the question
is shall we make war on heri”

“ Haven’t we enough to attend to slread 7"

" We have, for the present, for the tu of, war
promises to be warm. But we will look Io Zora,
anon. and if you say so I can bring down the
enemy’s banner at any time. But, enough for
now. I will go and look around a little. Re-
member tbe rivate t-omce and don’t tail to
let me know if there is anything new.”

Old Ketchum took his departure and went at
once to his ofloe. On his arrival he found an
visitor there and with some surprise he recog-
nized Father Lockyard. ,

u 1 have been waiting for you,” laid the
money-lender. .

“so I see. What II the reason? Do you
want to go to law and pay twenty dollars tore-
cover ten?”

u No, 1 came in regard to the letter you
HtaIy delivered to me. It contained informa-
tion of im rtuuce.” ”

“ Did itl’o Well, that’s lucky.

“I would like to hear what you know about
the ickuep mine.”

 Q what?"i ”

nicks In no.
“Never burdegf it,” said Old Ketchum, tak-

fi‘iflpinch ofmufl.

it pondblo you don’t know the content; of

“letter!”
“finitmmmthroughmmnh. In-

 

15

 

side was a second envelope with
upon it. The envelope was scale
suppose I opened it?"

he lawyer spoke with considerable warmth.

“ I beg your pardon, sir, but from the way in
which the letter came I am compelled to be-
lieve you wrote it.”

Lockyard spoke with firmness, yet as politely
as he could. Ketchum looked surprised, then
a little angry, but finally laughed grimly.

“ Do you suppose I am fool enough to write a
letter, and then carry it myself to its reci ient?
No; I am able to say all I have to ta 1. I
neither wrote the letter nor do 1 know its con-
tents; I swear it. What was it about?"

“ I had nearly fallen into the hands of‘sharp-
ers, and put money into the so-called Quickstep
mine, of Cutaway City, but the letter warned
me , there was no such mine and no such city.
I owe some one a debt of gratitude.”

“I’m not the man; don’t know A from B
about milws. There might be a hundred Quick-
steps, and as many Slowsteps, within a mile of
here and I know nothing about it. Don‘t know
a smeltin —machine from a pile-driver. But,
see here; advise you to shun all speculators.
Men like you are liable to be sought by sharp
era. Look out for them; keep your house
locked; guard your goods and moneys; pray
for honest neighbors, and—if you want to go to
law, call on mel"

And this was all the information Lockyard
gained about the mysterious letter. There was
another subject which lay heavily on his mind;
one where Old Ketchum did not figure so pleas-
antly; but the money-lender let it pass for then
and went home.

CHAPTER XIX.
ran: unN anon DENVER.

Tan following day two strangers arrived at
Big Nugget Bend on the afternoon stage. There
was nothing singular about that, for men came
and went there with the way peculiar to the
land of gold, but these men ultimately showed
thay had come on business.

but night they put up at Parrott’s Hotel,
and kept their room all night. Parrott felt a
little hurt that the did not appear in his bar-
room and show the r good clothes, which were
of somewhat fashionable cut; but how could he
find fault when they ordered a quart of whisky
up to their room? ‘

He couldn’t and he d idn’t.

After breakfast the men left the hotel, walked
down the street, and entered Lockyard’s law-
oflice. As usual, the clerk was on duty at that
hour. and, seeing two well-dressed men, he im-
mediately gave his attention to them.

“ Goiid-morning, gentlemen.”

“ Good-morning. Your name, I believe, is
Alla-‘1} dtgrlingi” one of them briefly asked.

“ es.

“ Late of Denver?"

" Yes, again."

“ We are from Denver; we are ofiicers. of law,
and have come to arrest you."

‘_‘ To arrest me?" echoed Allen, greatly sur-

H  17

“ On what charge?”

“ Emhezzh-ment from the oifioe of Low dc
Wynmore, where you were employed, if you
remember well.”

“ The idea is absurd,” Allen declared. “ Whv,
I have their own recommendation in my pock-
ct, even now."

" Crookedness does not always come to light
in a day. Of course. I am not the man’to‘say
whether you are guilty, neither am I here to
argue wit you. I have only to take you to
Denver and let you fight it out. As you have
plenty of friends there dare say you will make
music in court. Here is my badge of omce, and
here, my warrant.”

The stranger, who spoke with the terseneis

eculinr to a well-trained detective, exhibited
th articles and Allen ,did not for a moment
suspect he was falling into a snare. He believad
he saw a genuine officer of the law and knew
he must submit.

His cadptor, as he might now be considered,
reminde him that he had but half an hour to
prepare for the stage and advised him to im-
prove his time, so A len called Father Lockyard
and explained the situation.

The money-lender was astonished, but not
fora moment did he show a. doubt of his em-
ployee's innocence.

‘ There is some mistake which will easily be
cleared u at the examination,” he said. “I
will myse f go with you to Denver and see you
safe] htl‘izriough.” ”s

a s not necessary, tcrli answered
uickly. “ I have all the friends igfifinver that
need-4 father brother and others. Depend

upon it, I shall ear myself without trouble.”

“ But, how about moneyl”

” We have womb of that.”

“ltdoesnotseem ri ht forme fade-art vou
now,” said Father Loo yard, with m the kind-
ness of his nature. -

Sterling, however, again assured him there
was no ground for worry, and u the detective

I:

reminded thémthct time was he
paredtogo. ,Be bcdlittleto 

our name
Do you

 

)rV'

not to take an baggage. The road to Denver
was not a my one and thalighter they went
the better.

So he had merely to say good-:3 to Look d
and Zora-both of whom show their fr end-
ship then—and was ready for the start.

The detectives, who showed considerable kind-
ness agreed not to put any bonds upon him if he
would give his word not to attempt an escape,
and no one who saw the three enter the stage
had any suspicion that Sterling went as a pris-
oner.

clerk. ‘e was more and more amazed at such
a charge from Law & Wynmore, for his associa-
tion with them had been of the most pleasant
nature, and his own work had been done with
scrupulous fidelity and honesty.

Emhezzlementl -

The word had an ugly sound, having been
coupled as it had with hundreds of trusted
employees through the countr . To Allen, it
sounded worse than burglary, ut he felt con-
fldent he could clear himself.

Warren and Yates. the detectiv knew
nothing of the case, they said, more the
warrant explained.

80 they jwurneyed on. Twelve miles the
had to go by stage, or they might have made t
twenty-six. and so struck the railroad' but the
detoctivm had left their horses at car
Bar, and they intended to strike across the
country in another direction.

A late dinner was eaten at the Bar, and than
they went on by saddle. Three boron
had been awaitin them, and they made time
which was a re ief after the slow-moving

stage.

Despite his own trouble, Allen found time to
think of those he had left behind. Dockyard
had nevor explained more about the Quick-tap
mine affair than be had heard from the niche
where the money-lender concealed him before
the interview with Warfleld, but he had told
Allen to be on his guard. as he lam-ed he had
been systematically marked by sharper! who
wished to get his money. He was sorry to
leave the old man at such a time.

Another affair was on his mind. What of
Althea Lawrence? Allen did not attem t.to
blind his cwn mind to the fact that he lova the
teacher. How far f m smoothly ran his suit
the reader has alrea seen, and, of course, this
aflair would make matters worse.

Wigs there any hope that she would doubt his
gui t

He could find no amrmative answer. She
had always been more ready to think evil than
good of him, and he knew how ready was the
world in general to turn its back on a person
accused.

.Lostl lost!

or his last hope seemed gone, and the
youthful and fair-judging reader-can imagine
what that meant to him.

The trio rode some distance in almost utter
silence. Allen was busy with his thoughts, and
the detectives seemed to have nothing to say.
The former had been over the road once before:
indeed, it was dpreferableto the through-eta
line, if one ha good horses; but it was lit
used, as people had a passion for ntriking the
railroad as soon as possible.

Having thought until he was thoroughly
miserable, it occurred to Allen that his wisest
course was to ut trouble and forebodi
behind him, an be as cheerful as be 00135:

Accordingly, he aroused and began to talk to '

the detectives.

Yates seemed inclined to reciprocate, and
after a liltlc encourantment i die of his

est experience in his business. ahad once

u located in New York city, he said, and in
a modest way told of many an cdvenlure in the
metropolis. There was enough totell for the
city washed by the twin river: is thalliome of
crime and mystery, and Mr. Yates beguiled the
dull hours on the trail by interesting stories.

The trio had been crossing a plain, but just
before dark they neared the mountains. Luck
Pas- lay before them, and it was a very ta 1'
road for a mountainous district. '

Near its mouth they paused for supper. It
was only a cold repeat, but they spent an hour-
over it and in smoking. The duectiv too,

reduced 3 bottle and drank freely, an the
iquor loosened their tongues pcroept bly. Some
people would have thought this unprofessional,
conduct, but Allen was not lurp . _

They resumed their way after the halt and
rode straight through “to pan. Hod there
been no moon it would ave been dark work
but Luna was up and at her bri ms, and,
where the pan curved roperly won as
light as day. Nature was at hon-fairest; the
mountain peaks were tipped with silver: and,
along the road there was such a peculiar and
frequent change from light to darkness, teem-
ing an the moon‘s beam: did, or did not. fall in

eir tn, that it was almolt like a fairy scene.
1 pa half a mile had been goncovor whoa,
as they were talking in their guy“ mood,
Sterling suddenly checked his horn.

"Wat!" he said. “Are you not gain
wrong

“ Goingwrougl” repeated Yates.

l
The jo rney began drearily enough for the

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Stonefist, I of ‘Big Nugget Bend.

 

 

'16

“Yes. Here is,a fork of the pass. I believe
we ought to keep to the right."

“ So we bad if you want to go back to Big
Nugget Bend, but to Denver—n01 Our road is
to the left."

"You may be right, for I have been over the
road but once before, but I have a faculty for
remembering an object once seen and I could

- almost swear our way was to the right.”

“ Don’t swear unless you want to commit per~
jiry,” laughed Yates. “ I know every foot of
our way here, as well nsIdo the streets of
Denver. Rat easy, young man, we know our
business.”

There was a curtness about his last words

.which made a great change from his previously
pleasant manner, and Allen said no more but
« went on. It was the business of the detectives,
not of himself, to find the way to Denver.
' As they progressed, however, his suspicion
became a certainty. They were oil? the track
and going he knew not where. Every minute
the way became rougher until the pass was but
.a thread, but this did not seem to disturb his
loom alone. They drank freqluently, told
ato es and joked, sun snatches of awless songs
and acted, on the who 8, more like bandits than
honest men from Denver.
, rSuddenl a suspicion flashed upon the pris-
:'oner. Be ore he had not had a doubt; new be
was sure his companions were not what they
pretended. They were not detectives, but
,villains who had caught him in a net. Every-
thing seemed to go to prove it. He had
wondered at his arrest, at the route taken by
the men, and by their change of manner. All
"was now clear; they were not detectives, and
he was not arrested; he was simply in a

p, .
. As this conviction came to him he tried to
look the matter fairlyi ,the face. Who were
.tbe .men and, what wasfiieir object? Not rob-
;bery, surely, for he did not have any money or
ivaluables about him. What then?

It was not hard to find an answer when he
remembered a certain recent occurrence at Big
Nugget Bend. There had been a plot to ma
L ickyard, and he. Allen, had appeared promi-
nengll‘y when Warfield was shawn that he was
foil . Lockyard had intimated that he feared
another attack. What, then, was more likely
than that another attack was intended, and
,that the plotters, behaving Allen to he in their
yzay, had rdopted this course to get him out of
' l .

. , CHAPTER XX.
“mm m nml”

Am had thus far reasoned wifh commend-
able clearness, but beyond this point all was
vague and indefinite. Granted that he was not
arrested, but kidnapped, what did his captors
intend to do with him? d he been taken to
this remote and lonely place to be murdered?

At first thought this seemed the only reason-
able Iupposition. but maturer meditation led
him to doubt. If they simply intended to kill
him it might have been done immediately after
leaving the stage.

What then?

Allen looked at the rough way they were
traveling. and wondered more than ever.
Certainly they would never reach Denver by
that route.

If he had possessed a weapon he would have
contrived to get his back to a rock and refuse to
go further, but, of course, he had been disarmed
at Big Nu get.Bend. "

V Noreen d be make a dash for libert' . As a
ecaution he had not before condemne , he had
so made to ride between the men’s sides in

the wider passand between them in a direct

lire when it narrowed.

To makea dash was to give the one in the rear
ah? admirable chance to put a bullet through

in.

Many a man of boasted bravery would have
found himself badly frightened at this situation,
but Allen tried to remain cilm and weigh
every circumstance for what it was worth;

The leading villain went on in a Way which
indicated perfect familiarity with the route
until, turning into a gulch, they finally reached
a cabin which nestled under the nose of the
the rock almost like an eagle’s nest. .

“Here we stop and take a little sleep,” said
Yates, sliding from his horso.

_ “I am glad enough of it,” added Sterling,

more, deliberately following. “I have had
enough of traveling for tc-day. But, what is
~this shanty? Not a hotel, I take it?" '

“,This is shelf-way house put up bv the Life-
Saving Service,” said Yates, lying with a reck-
legiflees which skewed he no longer thought
truth necessary. 9‘ Travelers are alwavs wel-
come. Youand I Will go in, while Warren
looks out for the horses" '

, .Foramoment Allen’s heart leaped, for he be-

lifliav his cbanoebliad agine; a chance to attack

I emaepara y; at t a second villain

dashed his hopes to the ground by saying the

 wouldgtake care of themselves.
the trio entered the cabin together, and

Yates prompt! found a half-co-~anmed torch

find started a ight, Warren in the meanwhile

!

 

/ :4

 

 

 

standing at the door so as to give Sterling no
chance.

With the light once going, the latter examin-
ed the interior of the place. .It was guiitless of
finishing, but not of certain comforts. There
was a bed in one corner, madeu largely of
bear-skins, and Nature had been rawn upon
liberally in other ways to make the dwelling
comfortable.

Allen, looking at all with a critical eye, saw
plenty of evidence that it was regularly occu-
pied by some one, and knOWing that rascals of
all kinds were to be found in a radius of fifty
miles, he did not doubt but it was an outlaw
refuge.

He was directed to a seat, and then his com-
anions went without hesitation to where they
ound pipes, lighted them, and sat down to

smoke.

Allen did not decline the chance they gave
him for similar indulgence.

“Kind in the Signal Service to establish
such a half-.way house, wasn't it?" questioned
Yates.

f‘I never heard of it before,” Allen bluntly

l .

“ Oh, it is not generally known. Only 0&-
cars of the army, of the law, and the like know
of it. It would soon become a home for idle
vagabonds if it was made public.”

“ You have been here before, I judge?”

Both men smiled.

“ Two or three times, haven’t we, Warren?"

“As much as that,” was the reply, and the
speaker seemed to see a joke somewhere.

Sterling asked other questions, taking care
not to let them see he susgeected anything, but
as the minutes were on he came conscious of
a strange dullness and sleepiness stealing over
him. e did not need an explanation: such a
thing was new to him and he quickly suspected
that it was caused by the tobacco he was smok-
ing. Some other article had been mixed with
it to put him asleep, and the drug was working.

His first im also was to fiin himself u on the
men and me e a fight for his liberty, ut sec-
ond thought suggested another way. If he was
not already ho least aflected, he might fight
oi! the power 0 the drug.

For some time be ha been yawnin , and he
now increased his showof sleepian an scarce-
ly touched the pi e. Yates urged him to smoke
more, but he ma 5 some va e reply and looked
as stupid as he could, thong he managed to de‘
tect a quick glance between the kidnappers.

“ By J upiter!” he suddenly said, arousing a
little, “get me to bed, I’m villainoust sleepy.
Where’s my room i”

He had arisen and. standing unsteadily, looked
at Yates with dull eyes.

The latter smiled.

“Our reserved rooms are all taken up,” he
said, jovially, “ but you can camp down any-
where. Don’t you see the bed?” '

Allen did see it very plainly, but staggered a
little in going to it and then dropped heavily on
the bear-skin. The mental effort he was making
had cleared his head not a little, and he was
acting with a zeal few professionals ever used.

For it was not a reputation, but a life, at

stake. -
“ Best bed I’ve seen for a year i” he muttered,

sleep‘ily.
“ eal goose-feathers in it, la ," said Yates,
lauglhing. ~

“ ’m no goose ” replied Allen, trying to be as

foolish as he could and succeeding well. -

“ He’ll get plucked just the same,” observed
Warren.
“ Hush i” ordered Yates.

But Allen had heard the words, and with his
suspicions thus strengthened he muttered in-
distinctly for a few seconds and then, to all ap-
pearances, fell asleep. ‘

Silence rei ed in the cabin for a while.
Allen had so led down in a position where he
could watch his companions secretly, and he
let no chance pass to weigh them in the bal-
ance. . ‘ »

They sat for a while without motion, except
as the r pipes required. and a frequent turning
of their eyes toward Sterling.

“ He‘s asleep,” said Warren, at last, in a sub-
dued voiée.

“ Let us speak in fiaanish.” _

“ Very well, but abriel’s trumpet only can
wake him. I know the power of that drug."

“ True.” said Yates, in Spanish, “ but there is
nothing like caution. Now, then, we have our
man caged and at our mercy. We hold the
game in our own hands. and he-well, he is
better 03 than he would have been had we
gut unbullet through his brain, according to or-

ers ‘

. “The poor fool did/not know what a narrow
squeeze he had when he ob‘écted to our taking
the left branch of the ss.’ ' '

“Why should he? arfleld fixed as out so
clever-that I almost felt like a genuine detective
and was tom ted to arrest myself." '

“ What ewdeaco could you have found to con-
vi'ct yonrtelfi” '

There: was a break in conversation as the men
laughed as. though some rare joke had been
made: then Yates added: 2 - ~' 7- ' .

“ But if Sterling had kicked against the devi-
 ‘ W.

 

ution from the pass, I’d have sent a bullet
through him so quick he wouldn’t have known
whether the revolver missed fire or not.”

‘ Luckily, he didn’t. and here we have him as
safe, as can be——in the Signal Service cabin. Hal
hal‘

“ The next thing is to see what we can make
of him. Gill Warfleld isn’t a man to proceed to
extremities without a cause, and this man must
either be dangerous to him or in the way of
some of Gill’s schemes.”

" Of course.”

“ Gid is a fool to trust us,” said Yates, taking
a drink of whisky. “ You are the only man in
the world I trust. Now, then, we shut up Our
man and ‘you guard him while I. go back to the
Bend in disguise and get onto Grid‘s game. You
still agree to iti”

“ Yes, of course. But, see here; sup
find'we can‘t make adollar cfl of
What of this fellow?”

He pointed to Sterling.

“ In that case we will obey orders and- shoot
him. Lacking a way to better our condition,
I believe in honor among thieves.” ' '

The reader may be able to imagine the emo-
tions with which Allen listened to this conver-
sation. All his suspicions were confirmed, and
he saw that he was among men who would shed
his blood without scruple.

It was plain, too that he had beed decoyed
away to give Lockyard’s enemies a better
chance. The kidnappers had mentioned War.
field, and he was the man who had been the
agent of the fictitious Quickstep mine. EVident-
ly a gigantic plot was on foot or the schemers
would not hava gone so far as toarrange for the
death of Lock ard’s clerk.

All the reso ution of Allen’s nature arose to
hieet his enemies. He looked the impassiveness
of long life amid such scenes, but he had the
next best thing: ready Wit and bravery had
been his birthright. . _

Haw was he to ontht, or defeat, his cap-
tors?

This question be rapidly considered from every
point, while still keeping up his pretense of
slumber and sharply, but secretly, watchln
them. They had said he was to be shut up on
left in care of Warren while Yates went back
to Big Nugget Bend. In‘ that case, of course
:38 would be bound, or in some way made help-

ess.

Plainly, he must strike for freedom while he
could, even though he fought two men. He
logged covetously at the revolvers lying on the

a e.

As though in keeping with his thoughts, War-
ren su gested that theiy at once bind their pri-
soner fore be coul awake. There was ais-
dom in the idea, of course, and they arose.
Yates reduced a stout cord. '

Ster ing saw the crisis at hand. He repared
for work. He resolved to make a Idea for the
revolvers and use them freel . His head was
clear and he reasoned we . The man ap-
proached and he made an effort to arise.

An effort, only. His limbs were like lead and
he could not gain his feet: the power of the drug
was on them if not on his brain.

“Curse him!” cried Yatee “ he has plaved
’possum and overheard all. Shoot himi’ And
even as he spoke ‘he sprung forward and clap-

d his revolve‘r to Allen’s head, a murderous

' ht in his e es.
g“ Prepare {0 die 1" he furiously added.

CHAPTER XXI.
a WELL‘RECOMMENDED YOUNG MAN.

ON the morning of Allen’s de nrture from
Big Nugget Bend, Mr. Wisecra t. alias Old
Ketchum, made a late breakfast. He_was just
swallowing the last of it when a white paper
shot throu h the open window, sailed past the
old lawyer 3 Dose and fell on the floor at the fur-
ther side of the room. .

He looked at it sharp] enough tosee it was
in the form of a letter an then, instead of pick-
ing it' up, ran to the Window and looked out.
Only one person was visible near at hand; Bar-
tholomew Blake was walking‘down the street
with his infallible head high in the air and his
infallibleheels covering ground vnth asteady
stride. ‘

Evidently Old Ketchum did not think it
necessary to run around the house to look for
the mysterious postman, so he returned, picked
up the letter And read it. . -

What he saw there made him exclaim, aloud:
' “Great Pompey! what next? The in: of
of war grows warm. Greek has met Greek and
it strikes me the upper dog has the best of the
grapple. By. George! this must be attended to
right awayl"

He clapped on his hat and was about hurry.
ing outwhen he suddenly eased. '

“This won’t do! i am at and excited. and
if I rushed over in this way I might reveal all.
So, steady, 01d Ketchum; put on a sexton like
look i" ’ 1

And be obeyed his own injunctions so; well
that when he’crossed the street his parchment.
like face expressed about as much as a tidy 
leather. . '  -

you
arfield.

 

and found Zora bind the desk.

He went sti-ai t toFatber mask-mi:

.. ‘i

.:,_  .7! .

 

  

  

‘ all bid him be cautious.

Stonefist, of BigfiNu‘gget Bond.

a

17W

 

 

him belligerently, for she had not forgotten
that his first visit had in some way worried the
money-lender.

“ Good-morning, my door,” said Old
Ketchuni, his mind all on business. “I would
like to see Mr. Lockyaril."

“ i am not so sure he wants to see you,” she
11 turret].

" Be so kind as to ask. anyway.”

Zara paused to deliberately arrange her
pripugs, and the lawyer still absent-minded,
all, in : . l

" Will you make haste, my dear!”

“ My name is Miss Lockyard and I will trou-
bl-i you to remember the fact. As for the ex-
pl‘anlOH, ‘ my dear,’ you need not use it again
to me. You are too familiar!"

The look of utter astonishment on Old
Ketchum‘s face rather embarrassed Zora. She
had taken a strong dislike to him and was will-
ing he should know it, but she was conscious of
having overstepped the bounds of polileness
and her really ind heart, at once reproached

er.

But the lawyer, after one look of surprise, be-
came like a machine in his strong politeness.

“Miss Lockyard, can I see Mr. Lockyardl"
he asked. '

“You will find him in the inner-room; walk
in,” she replied, hardly knowing whether to
laugh or otherwise.

Old Ketchum obeyed. The money-lender
had been reading. but his paper had been laid
aside and he looked grave and anxious. The
visitor greeted him and then came down to
business without much loss of timb-

“I understand your clerk was arrested this
morning.”

“ Yes," Lockyard admitted.

“What do you think of itl”. ‘ _

“ Thinkl I‘ll stake anything he is innocent,"
was the warm re ly.

“ Uml Well, 1p have just had a letter thrown
into my ofilce which I wish you to read ;” and
with these words Ketchum passed the mysteri-
ous missive over.

This is what Lockyard read:

“Lawvnit Wrsrmn:—Young Sterling has just
been arrested by men claiming to be Denver detec-
tives on a charge claimed to be embezzlement in
Denver. In my 0 inion the whole matteris a false-
hood and a lot. do not believe the men were de-
rtectives, bu? I do think the affair of! the same piece
with the Quickstep mine swindle. Some one wants
Sterling out of the way. I advise you to see Lock-
yard and convey this suspicion to him, but above
Another plot is surely
planned against him. Tell him to doubt the loyalty
of his left hand to his right, but to p/‘Ptefld to be
without suspicion, and if he sees evidence of a trap,
to pretend to walk into it and then let on know so
the plotters may be foiled. In this, fa“ not lB

All!

Finishing this singular letter, Lockyard
raised his eyes and looked at the lawyer.

“What does this mean?” he asked.

“ You know as well as I do.”

“ I do not know as well as you.
wrote this letter, yourself 1"

“Pardon me: I did not.” I _

“ Then it was written by ’your dictation.”

f‘ Pardon me; it wasnot.

“At least you know the author of these
ideas.” .

The money-lender tapped the letter With his

nger.

“I will not deny that I suspect. but if I am
right it wds one w o is your friend. It is known
to me that you have enemies who, at the very
least, seek to deprive you of your foriune. I
say ‘fortune,’ because I am aware that you
inherited a large sum of money from your un-
cle, Mr. Knott. who recentl died at an ad-
vanced age. Well, sir, we a fortune is a
tempting bait for shar rs and .they are after
you. Witness, the uickstep mine all! air.
'They had it cut and dried to scoop in ,flfty
thousand dollars, there, but timely warning
navad you. NOW, your correspondent suspects
another' plot; he thinks the arrest of Sterling
but a scheme to get him out of the way; and
ooncv- more you are warned in_ time.”

Old Ketchum said all this rapidly and his
parchment-like face showed a fresher color than
usual. But the monev-lender looked at him
thoughtfully and the sus icion came to him that
the man before him in slit he the chief of his
enemies—a wolf in sheep’s dress.

“There is too much niyster about this to
lease me, sir," he replied. “ be are you who
nows so much about me and my affairs?”

H l’m one in the tug of war,” Ketchum grim-
ly replied.

*‘ Answer
*ritably. I

‘* My dear sir. I cannot agree to give my his-
torv‘ let it sufilcelthat I knew your uncle, W.
N. Know, and your late brother, William; also

Sir, you

to the point,” Lockyard said, ir-

. thrit you was left the legacy I mentioned. Now.

I do not profess any great love for dyou, but I.

will swear I am not vour enemy; an I wish to

see vnur enemies bullied.” '
"Withentexpectiug a fee?” ,

. “Mr. Lockyerd,“ you want to go to law,

call on me if you will: but in this matter, not....

cent at your money will ,1 10!qu- Understand
me, too; I , am not going to mix with your at-

‘ .

 

fairs. I pass along the warning; save yourself
or not, just as you please.” _

The money—lender leaned back in his chair, a
Sort of hopeless look on his face. ‘

“I am deep in the shadow of mystery; you
give me no light as a guide; I have already seen
one plot, and know I am menuced; but now you
refuse to confide in me, and I am like a rudder-
less boat."

v “ To tell you all,” replied the lawyer, “ would
be to betray secrets I have no right to unfold;
I should become criminally to blame if Idid.
My advice to you is to guard your fortune;
further than that I have nothing to do. But
the writer of this note asks that if you see evi-
dence of a plot you will lead the plotters on,
and catch them in theirrown net.”

“One question: is the writer of this note the
same as the one who warned rte in regard to
the guickstep mine?"

“ robably they'are one.”

“ Don‘t you know?” ‘

“lProbably they are one," was the impassive
re y.

efore more could be said Zora rapped at the
door, and then enterin . announced a gentle—
man, a stranger, to see ier father. The latter

bade her admit him, and Ketchum held a
pa or before his face and pretended to read.

ockyard bada presentiment that Something:
of importance was about to occur and mentally

c impared his companion to a vulture brooding
over him. ‘

Without much delay a young man entered; a
Very neat, respectable youn man; one whom
a casual observer would foe sure he could pin
his faith upon; but, evidently, just a little too
slender and young for Western life.

But he spoke bravely, addressing Lackyard,
and told how he had come from Denver to Big
Nugget Bend to get the benefit of country air;
addjn that he had been sent by Lockyard’s
frien , Mr. Halpine, who had given him a
recommendation, and said that, perhaps. Lock-
vard could give him a situation. Would Mr.

nckyard read his recommendations?

The latter readily agreed. A man recom-
mended by Halpine must surely be all right,
and it occurred to the money-lender he might
use the young man in the place left vacant,
{emporme or permanently, by Allen Stir-
mg.

He read the recommendations.

‘ Mr. .Halpine spoke in warm terms of the
bearer, Joshua Bennett, and two other business
men of Denver appended their names—at least,
they were there.

As Lockyard raised his eyes from the recom-
mendation he chanced to encounter the gaze of
Old Ketchum. The latter held his paper so
that Bennett could not see his face, but he had
clearly been tr ing to get the money-lender’s
attention. 'An when he did so the elder man
was astonished by the fire which blazed in
Ketchum’s eyes.

.“ Take him I”

The lawyer’s lips framed the two words, and
then a wicion flashed upon Lockyard. The
recomm att'on was a forgery, and Emmett
was a tool ofht's enemies!

With this idea in his mind the money-lender
had hard work to avoid betraying himself, but
he rallied and did surprisingly well. He told
the young man he believed he could give him a
position in his own ofllce, and it he would call
again in the evening he would givehim a definite
answer.

Bennett was very grateful; at least, he said
he was; and he went away with the highly
respectable air so well-recommended a young
man should carry.

Then Lockyard turned to the lawyer.

“Well?” he questioned.

“Your correspondent has argued well;
Sterling was removed for a fixed purpose,
and this smooth—spoken young hound is a
traitor!”

 

CHAPTER XXII.
BEACON STONEFIST ADDS ms VOICE.

PREPARED us’he was for the announcement,
Lock and could not avoid a start.

“ xplain yourself,” be said.

“This young man. I repeat, is a traitor, on
rather, he will be one if you give him a chance.
He is the-agent of your enemies. Sterling was
decoyed away to make a vacancy so they could
introduce one of their tools, and, 10! he is
here. Those recommendations are but .f0r~
geries. The object is to get Bennett in and then
to rob you.” 4

" But you adviSed me to engage him; at least,
your lips framed the words, ‘Teke him P”

“So they did. Do you remember the advice
of your'unknmim correspondent to seem to fall
into a trap whenever one became visible, and
then unmask the plotters?"

_“ dyou advise me to do this?”
H I do.” _‘ ‘

Father Lockyard sat confused and uncertain.
He; wesno- longer a young-men, and matters
were going in a way so at variance with the

> i :ltfe‘ he had led torrmen earsthat'he
we to: cheerful asthth is had been
ordered to leap upon an Wrannicg
at full speed. _ _‘ .

 

 

Not so the lawyer. The matter was in exact
kee ing with his nature, and he was never in
bet er humor. Had he been in Lockyaru's
peeition he would have enjoyed carrying out
the counter-trap to the end. .

At that moment the niouey-lenderwculd have

iven all his year’s gainings to have had Allen
gteriing to consult with upon the subject. A
clear and honest .head was needed to help him

out.

While he hesitated an angry voice in the
outer room led him to open the door.

Bartholomew Blake stood in front of the
desk, his stern eyes fixed upon Zora, and his
merciless tongue running in the old channel.

“ If you Will take adVIce from one older and
wiser than you, you will cast Inside ‘the vain
ribbons from your neck and hair, and a pear
like a true woman. Vunity and love of nary
are woman’s bosctting sins.” -

“Vanity!” cried Zora. "And who has just
bragged about their wisdom? ‘Older and
wiser’ than I am! Perhaps you are, but you
don‘t show the fact, and it it ain‘t vanity to
brag of it I don’t know the meaning of the
word!" .

“ Thoughtless girl i What will your wayward
tongue— _

“ Ohi never mind my tongue. I was reeti
it when you came in, and if We both do that t
will be wisdom, I think. I‘ve got tired of your
lectures, Deacon Stoncfist. and I advise you ta“
change your business. We need a first-class
barber at the Bend, very much, and though I
shouldn’t want your hands on my throat, you
will probably do well.”

Black as a thundercloud to use the old ex-
pression, became the face oi the reformer, but
at that moment Father Lock ard's benevolent
face appeared like a gleam o sunshine amid a
s

m. r'.
“ Child! child l” he said, with ’gentle reprocf,
“do not uso such lan age.” .
“ It’s the English was taught. and it there
was any r grammar I overlooked it. Now; ,
then,” an here she waved her hands wildl ‘A .
over a pile of papers, “I am busy, and PI
thank everybody to stand back and let me
breathe. I can’t talk and work, and l w'on't
try. Arrange the picnic as you wish, but leave
me alone—do!” -
Deacon Stoneflst’s face lost its usual expres—
sion of severity to give place to one of horror.
Evident] ,in ailhisexperiencewith the wicked- , ‘ .
ness of t e world he had never seen anything
quite equal to this. ‘
He looked at Zoraa moment in silence his
face speaking volumes, and then turned to
Father Lockyard. .
“ I Wish to see you for a moment alone, sir,” ‘-’
he said, his manner gloomy and ominous.
The money~lender seemed to think this the.
best way to end the dimculty, and led the way ,
to the inner room. ‘1 '
Deacon Stonefist bowed coldly‘to the law er, 1 
but refrained from any remark. It seeme as . , i
though his power of handling people without
gloves was for the time taken away by his late
experience—there is a difference between bom-
barding and being bombarded. « - l
“ gléwgshed to see you privately,” aaid'he;
ll — .
“Consider me a post, or something of the
so??? 013 Ketchum. interrupted; “ I will hear
no ng. , .
“ You ma speak freely,” added Lockyard ,, 
convinced tiirat the crank of the Bend could . I
have nothing of importance to say. » , ‘ 3
“Very well, sir. I wished to refer to. the 
voung man I saw leave your omce just now._ , v;-
The circumstances of the case lead me to think‘
you have intimate relations with him. I am 
surprised at the fact, sir.” \ .~-‘ ’
“Why so"! ‘ I . I .i
“ Because he is wedded to evil ways, and it is ' " 
an old saying that birds of a feather flock to- i'

l

    

 

gather.”  .2:
The- reformer was recovering his usual I [2,.
wei ht. ~ ‘ ‘

"- LOOkYEI‘d laughed slightly and then grew 3.

rave. . . -  . i

g “ ou speak of this young man as though you

knew him well." , ' - : ‘
“ And don’t I know him well?" Blake cavem-

ly demanded. _ r -
“You should know that best: but if you do,

I wish you would tell me what you. know." v
" I know this:

 

  
 
     

he was at one time adecoy‘, , “.3
so c‘lled, of infamous men in New York city.
who used him to help rob unwary people With "
less brains than money.” , . .. ,a . -
The Deacon spoke more bluntly thah usual,
and Father Lockyard only kept Ketchum from ;,
coming in explouvely by a quick gesture. , _ g
“.Yetflsaid. he, “that young man has ustl  r I
applied to me for a situation, and pro-en re- v
commendation: of good character. ,. g , - ' ‘ 
“.me whom. . -. . I  ,3;
“ Honorable business men of Damien”. . g 1
Blake leaked the money-lender straight in the
face withvhis steel-linens fond moment before 5‘.
replying. . . 1 , »
“iAreryeu sure they are genuine mm
datons .. , 
Old Ketchum wheeled around, and cpoke
quickly: .

 

 

 

H... m- ......... fl .Ww.‘.mmw.__wru

""' 9:."

35:. 4mm-,rumaxw. “was. A v "r"...

.v-in

no”

,— ,

 

 

 

. we", .

r “n.0,.

 

.......,.... V v

18

Stonefiét, of Big Nugget Bend.

 

“That’s what we want to know.”

‘5 Wei”

“Yes: for I am interested. You so you
know this young man well. Now, ma e no
mistake, but let us know all."

Blake replied without much of his usual wild-
ness. He said the man’s name was unknown to
him, for in New York he had been called
“ Bowery Fred." He was a sort of dandy
blackleg in those days—not so very long before
—and the ring with which he was connected de-
rived great benefit from his highly respectable
looks and manner.

At any other time Lockyard might have re-
ceived such a. statement from Blake with a de-
gree of doubt, for his mental condition rendered
all uncertain, but as he had but added to pre-
vious susfiuion it made a great diflerence.

Ketchum, in particular, was much interested
and nodded several times in succession.

“ Would you be willing to confront this man
and make your charges?” Lockyard asked.

“Would If I shall make the chargetohis
face, and in the open street, in less than an
hour” the Deacon sternly said. “Such men
should not be allowed—"

“Pardon me,” interrupted Lockyard, “but
I have another Ian. I believe Bennett, as we
will call him, to engaged in another scheme,
and that, too, one leveled against me. Will you
aid me to entrap him in the act?”

“Nol I will warn him in time so that he
ma not add another crime to his long list,”
Bla declared.

Old Ketchum took him by the sleeve.

v - “Now, hold on, Deacon, hold on! Catch
hold ,of this case before you go too fast. We
are having a grand tug of war and we must not
—nay, we will not lose. Our cause is a just
one and it is your duty to uphold it, while as
for Bennett, I reckon he’s a gene coon—excuse
my force—anyhow, and one more crime won’t
count.”

The old lawyer spoke el uently. but it took
more than this to win the ay. Blake was at
first stubborn, and old Ketchum worked himself
almost into a fever, but he knew how to move
the public and he conVerted Deacon Stoneflst.

In the end. the latter not only joined the ma-
jority but oflered his aid. He had been told
that the other men suspected a robbery was
contemplated, and he was anxious to “crush
the iniquitous plot" as he expressed it.

And so it was decided that young Mr. Bell-
nett should be admitted to the money-lender’s
house—and watched.

Blake and Ketchum left the house separately,
so as to give no hint to a possible watcher.
The former, going first, did not speak to Zora
but directed a most freezi lg glance toward her.
I: wins lost, however, for she did not raise her

an .

Ketchum waited a little, and the money-
lender was anxious he should. He had some
doubts whether Blake was sufficiently sane to
be trusted, but the lawyer decided that he was.

“Deranged he certainly is, but there is a
method in his madness and I am not sure but
we have secured a really valuable ally.”

After Ketchum was gone it became necessary
to take Zora into his confidence, and this her
father did, fully, except that he did not men-
tion that one subject which she believed was
Worrying-him. ’

The 9, lwas surprised, but she rallied with
the quickness of her nature. Her first thought
was of Allen Sterling, and she presented the

robsbiiity that he was in great danger, if he

, ad been taken away by men not omcers of
law, so stron ly that Lockyard lost what com-
posure he he left.

Then, coming to the plot proper, she, do-
nounced her father’s lan soundly. She had
confidence in neither lake nor Ketchum and
was of the o nion they were the leaders of the
plot and tha the so-called plan to trap Bennett
was but an artifice to get him into the house to
work for them.

Her vigorous onslaught completely demoral-
inad the money-lender and he turned the key of
the outer door and went to bed. There was
something laughable about all this, but Lock-
yard did not feel like laughing. After his
placid life it was a severe turn of the tide which
threw him into plots. counterplots and mysv
toriea at his time of life.

' The, tug of war might be all right for youn-
ger, bolder heads, but he did not li e it.

CHAPTER XXIII.
mmoo cons to omr.

Wm Lock ard recovered his wits a little
he saw savers new points to be considered in
the counterplot, and, disregarding Zara’s ad-
vice that they pack their goods and get away
from Big Nugget Bend as soon as possible, he
went over to see the lawyer.

The ofllco door was locked, and a singular
trampin about followed his knock, but after
some de y the kc was turned and a voice

, bade him enter. a want in and found Kale
chain industrioust washing his face, his back

tnaaedtotbedoor. uh. an 8" the
lads. “l’llboableto coherei'itlyin a mo

ment. Anything new!”

 

The visitor explained why he had called,
while Ketchum scrubbed away at his face as
though it was the office floor instead.

The lull gave Lockyard a chance to look
about, and thus it was that he chanced to see
an old and battered hat lying in a chair; a but
very different from the one the lawyer usually
wore and more suitable for a very dilapidated
tramp. Mr. Lockyard was not a very observ-
ing man, but he was struck by the idea that
hats and heads usually go together; and that,
as there was a strange hat in the office, there
must be a strange man there also.

He looked under the table and behind the
chairs, but no man was visible. But, at one
side, was a small door. as of a closet, and he
was convinced that Ketchum had hurried a
man in there to get him out of sight; hence, the
tramping he had heard.

All this was suspicious and he decided that he
was not being fairly dealt with; that Zora
was right when she formed the opinion that the
lawyer was in the plot to rob them.

He looked at Wisecraft. He still stood by the
basin scrubbing his face, and kyard w‘on-
dered he did not go through the skin. He used
some liquid from a bottle, too, which was as lit-
tle understood.

Lockyard formed a resolution and when his
companion turned, his face red and glowing,
his cheerful remark that he was ready for busi-
ness was blighted by an early frost.

“ lam not sure I have an business to trans-
act,’l’gt‘li?g money-lender col ly said.

“Mr. Wisecraft, you are not dealing fairly
with me." ‘

“ The dickens I’m not! What do you mean?”

“ Simply that I refuse to talk here while you
havo a man shut up in your closetl”

“ A man in my closeti” echoed Ketchum.
“ There is no man there.”

“ Then how do you account for that hat?”

Father Dockyard spoke very stern] for him
and pointed to the disreputable loo ing head-
covnring with an accusing finger.

Ketchum looked a little at a loss for'a mo-
ment and then laughed aloud.

“ Oh! that was left here by a drunken miner
who called to secure my services to compel
Parrott to furnish him liquor on credit. When
I told him it couldn’t be done he became angry,
dashed down his hat and left. I’m keeping the
sombrero for him. I’ll convince you thél-e is no
man in the closet. Come!”

He led the way and, somewhat ashamed, Fa-
ther Lock ard followed, looked and saw noth—
ing but cothing, a logized for his erroneous
sus icion and put is I doubt behind.

be two sat down to talk. It was agreed that
Bennett should begin work at once. and that
watch should be kept over the office. ever
night. lfa burglary was to be committed t
would he done very soon—before word could
come from Denver that the so-called arrest of
Sterling was a sham.

So it was arranged that, the next night, the
two men should remain awake and watch for
burglarious symptoms.

Some time was devoted to talking about
Sterling, for they agreed that his life was pro-
bably in peril—or already lost—but Wisecraft
said he had already put a. capable man on the
trail of the kidnappers and they could do no
more.

And then the money-lender returned to his
office, as his new clerk-elect would soon call for
his answer.

No sooner was he gone than Ketchum pitched
the battered hat into the closet.

“ Narrow escape, that," he muttered, “ and
the old man was sharp enough to draw con-
clusions: but I reckon he does not suspect any-
thing now.”

 

That afternoon Althea Lawrence cloaed her
school, and all the pupils went out except Betty
Pollack. Then in walked another person, and
Horace Kellog stood before her, his hat off,
and an assumpt on of politeness over all. but
with traces of a less pleasant spirit lurking
around his mouth and eves.

“ Good-evening, Miss Lawrence,” he said.

Althea was too much astonished to answer in
any way except mechanically.

‘Goodcvening, sir.”
“ 1 called around to ask if you’ve heard the

n
“I don’t know that I have,” she coldly re-

e

“ Young terling is arrested.”

Althea started, giving am is proof that the
information was not receiv with indiflerence,
and then she turned on the fellow with a dan-
gerous light in her eyes.

" Upon your charge, sir?"

“ Unfortunately, no. I say unfortunately, be-
cause what i know of him Would not keep him
shut up a great while. But the real cause—ahl
that’s more serious!”

He waited for her to question him, but she
would not satisfy him enough for that and he
had to resume.

“ O‘i‘l’l‘ceisnfrom Darwi- arrested ' hi: this
morn . seems wss em loysd some
sortofabanktheraand the firm9 has justdis-

 

’3:

covered that he a reprinted their funds while
with them. In al probability it is a ten years’
aflair: ten years be ind the bars i”

Kellogg spoke with a show of forbearance,
but he could not hide his joy and low satisfac-
tion. His hated rival was out of the way, he
was breaking the news to the woman they both
aSpired to win, and it was a triumph just suited
to his nature.

But Althea gave no sign that it was evil news
to her. Perhaps she did not care. At any rate,
she did not doubt but Sterling had been arrest-
ed, but her calm face expressed no sorrow and
she made no repl .

Kellogg waitedy in vain for her to say some-
thing, and her com ed manner, as she put on
her hat, robbed him of half his triumph.

“ You take it coolly,” he said, seeing the was
goin to say nothing.

“ ow would you have me not! Of course, I
am sorry for the youn man. If he is guilty, I
pity his weakness; if e is innocent, I pity his
misfortune.”

“This is a burlesque to blind my eyes." Kel-
logg hotly exclaimed. “ Deny it as you may, I
know Sterlin is your lover!”

“ Sir.” ml the teacher, her steady face flush-
ing, “ there is a. limit to my forbearance. I
have borne a good deal from you; more than I
shall bear in addition. Had I a brother. you
would not dare insult me; were I a man, you
would insult me but once 1”

She faced him then, standing proudly erect
and her lofty scorn touched even his hardened
nature—not with remorse, for he was past that:
butwith a shame which was forced upon him.

He mumbled something indistinct and his
eyes fell before hers, but Betty Pollack could
hold her peace no longer.

“ Say the word. teacher an’ I’ll
old man; he’ll wallop him fur you,
as nothin‘i"

It was an unlucky speech. Kellogg .raised
lhis head with even a more dangerous light in

is e es.

“ f any one wants to try it. let them come
on i” he cried. “As for on my lady, your airs
are high and might , utI don’t care a pica.-
Ivlvune for them an I swear to hriii your

naughty head low before I am throug with
oul

The threat had scarcely passed his lips when
another footstep than theirs sounded on the
floor and they turned to see Bartholomew Blake.
His gaze was fixed upon Kellogg and, if possi-
his: his expression was more severe than usual.

‘ In this degenerate a e,” he said, at once,

8

giving each word a clear and deliberate pro-
nunciation, “ crime follows lWherever man goes
and man” is but little better than the brute.
You, sir, seem to have surpassed your fellow sin
the art of rumanism. You have insulted a wo-
man, and though I know little to her credit
your conduct is base-and unmanly; more than
that, it is such that only an apology can make
it right. Down on your knees, sir, and ask for
pardon i” .

Steady as the ticking of a clock and like
lumps of ice fell the words from Deacon Stone-
flst’s lips, while his steel-like eves looked into
Kellogg’s and, though passionless, seemed to
pierce him like a keen auger boring through and
throu h.

Kelfogg felt like one with the nightmare. but
he would not yield while Althea stood before
him.

“ I’ll see you in perdition, flrsti” he relorted.

“ Miserable wretcb. you but add to your
fan t. Apolog nei”

Cold and calm as ever fell the words, but
Kellogg lost all prudence. Clinching his flat he
struck out for Blake’s face—struck. and nothing
more.

Blake scarcely moved his body at first. but:
somehow Kellogg‘s wrist fell into his white
slender hand, and w‘as stopped as though caught
in a vise; then. with a second motion, he bore
the fellow to his knees, and held him with a
strength against which struggling was useless.

“Once more," said Deacon Stoneflst, Without
a ripple of excitement,“ apologize I”

Kellogg was white as snow; never was man
more torn and buffeted by passion—a fury of
anger for which there seemed to be no fitting
term—and yet his voice was but a husky whis-
per as he replied:

“Neveri”

Then Blake raised him to a level with his
shoulders, seeming to find the weight but a
trifle, and dashed him prostrate to the floor.-

Betiy Pollack uttered a whoop of satisfaction,
but Althea was var pale and trembled violently.
Twice she unclose her lips to speak, but not a.
word did she utter.

But the spell was broken and she ave a c
of alarm as Kellogg bounded to his feet, 1: 3
eyes blazing. and, snatching a revolver from an
inner pocket, he presented it to Blah" head
with a hissing cry: '

‘-‘ Die, you only hound. die!”

CHAPTER XXIV.
m nnoors morons—ms mu amino.
Tana: was reason for Althea to cry mini!
she had a human regard for her champion, for
murder was in Horace Kellogg's heart And

0 fur my
est as easy

i‘ 

Q
l

 

eye

 

'walkedonrcity crank, Deacon

for a moment Blake's life seemed hoveringl
between the two worlds, but the fatal shot was
not made.

The Deacon’s hand shot upward with a speed
and force which proved his right to the sobri-

t, “Stonefist;” and then the revolver went
ying across the room. Almost in the same
breath Blake took his enemy by the arms, just
below his shoulders, and held him in the old
vise like hold.

Kellogg gave up the struggle after a little
and stood conquered, if not subdued. Blake
looked him squarely in the face, his gray eyes
as calm as ever, his strong face as immovable.
But under the grasp of his long, sinewy hands
it seemed to the prisoner his Very bones were
giving away. v _

“ Misguided man!” said Blake, “it were
better for you that blindness had come to your
eyes than that this deed be recorded against

oul"

y Not a word for himself, not a trace of anger;
only the same rigid teaching Big Nugget Bend
knew by heart. .

It seemed as though even a crank might be
unswervedly true to his purpose. .

And Kellogg, whose fierce wrath nothing
could cool, no longer had a thought of violence.
Mixed with wonder and awe at such immense
strength. he felt that the man was insane, and
not accountable for what he did. Such being
the case, he was glad to let the matter drop.

“1 am conquered,” he said, trying to speak
with good grace. "You have the strength of
ten men in your arms: let me go, and I swear
not to lift Inf hand against you. As for the
young lady, apologize for what I have said
and done.”

It was a bitter necessity, but he felt sure
Stouvflst would not deviate one particular from
his stand, and it was better to have it over.

“Go!” said Bartholomew Blake, “and when
you are in a better mond, think calmly of this.”

Horace brushed a little of the ‘dust from his
garments, thrust the revolver in his pocket,
and want out.

Blake was alone with Althea except for

ett ’s resence.

B“h‘ier£iful heaven! he will kill you for this!”
exclaimed Althea. brokenly.

Deacon Stoneflst turned to her with a shadow
of sur rise in his cold gray eyes.

“ e are all creatures of the dust,” he said,
steadily. “ Men and women, in their pride,
forget that; I trust I am in this respect above
the average psrsou. If this man kills me. such is
my fate; if it is not so decreed,I am safe from
him. I am surprised at your selfish fears,
woman. Give your pity to the evil man who
needs it; lam not of such base clay as hel”

It seemed a pity that his splendid achievement
should so soon be hedged in by clouds of harsh-
ness and egotism: but ofsuch clay—base or
otherwise—was the crank of Big Nugget Bend.

“This Seems to me a moment for human
feeling,” said Althea, ravely. -

“Unless human feel ng be above the average,
there should be no momept for it. Forget this
scene, for are you not 0 the same nature as
Kel ogg? And, besides, women are deep in the
muddy waters of pride and vanity.” _

There was no kindly lightin the eyes which
met her Own, and Althea sighed deeply.

She would gladly have had it diflerent; she
felt grateful to the man who had become her
champion; but he was like the bitter cold which
turns water to ice. Pity him she must. as we
do all whose minds are darkened, but the feel-
ing could only be indulged in secret.

Little more was as d betWeen them, for
Allhea was already expected at Ben Pollock’s.
Blake went out first, and seeing lbtlt Kello as
had reall one, went toward the heart of t 6
Village, h s ong hair flOating in the wind.

“ I‘m ’fraider 0‘ him than I am 0’ Kellogg,”
said Betty, clinging to her teacher’s hand.

Althea started. ‘

“His ways are very odd, I admit, though I
do not believe he would do any one harm.”

“Father says you can’t gamble on a crank,”
the small girl lucidly observed.

Althea smiled but did not reply, and, hand in
hand, teacher and pupil walked ome.

Horace Kellogg went strai ht to Jack Bun-
ker's cabin and flung himsel down in a chair
with a sound half-sigh and half—groan. .

“Hello!” said Jack, “who’s been a-hittin’
Bill Paterson, now”

H unker, I’m about ready to throw up the

 

sponge." _

“Never do that while on kin see outer one
eye an' hev on back teat left. What’s u i”

“ I was’foo enough to call at the so 001-
house and tell Miss Lawrence that Sterling was
ar‘reetod.”

‘ a
" Well, she irritated me, as usual, and 1—”
“ Wall" repeamd Bunker, with some eagerness.

And another pair of cars listened as anxious-
] , while two keen eyes looked down from the

not above; the eyes of Old Ketchum, ' the law-

er. . -

y “I nude a fool of myself and was talking

W hard to her,”od ed Barnes, “ when in
Stoncmt.”

 

Stonefist, of_Big Nugget Bond.

19

 

“{};7Any’old friend 0’ mine,” said Jack, grimly. ldiscovered he was being spied upon, certain

all

“ Spare me the particulars; to use the current
term, be wiped up the floor with niel"

Bunker laid back in his chair and laughed for
at least three minutes in a way which made the
table shake. He had Seen something of Blake’s
muscle, himself, but had forcld himself to swal-
low the unpleasant dose because the man was
deranged. He thoroughly enjoyed Kellogg’s
discomfiture, however, and was willing he should
know it.

They talked for some time on the subject,
while Ketchum impatiently waited for them to
speak on more im ortant subjects. He was
running a good den of risk by his spying, but
he had a resolute nature and was thoroughly in
earnest about his “ tu of war.”

“I suppose,” said orace, “ you think me a
fool to run after Miss Lawrence.“

“ Wal, I dunno,” replied Bunker, giving the
matter careful thought. “You might be, an’
then. ag'in, you mightn’t. I don’t wanter say
posityvely.”

“Perhaps it is madness, but I shall have some
hope when I know Sterling is dead.”

“ Begin ter hope right away, then, fur yer
kin feel so safe on thou h you’d see’d his grave-
stone. Warfleld has fined that so it won’t
breatk" an' before now Sterling is bumrds’
mea .

Ketchum shivered at the cold heartbeat:- of
the assertion. v

“ But if the men should fail to do their
work!”

“ They won’t fail.
don’t weaken on each jobs; Warfleld knows'em.
Sterling has taken ther last degree au’ dropped
inter ther past tense."

“ I’ll bet he returns just in time to knock
over the new scheme with my worthy uncle.”

“ I’ll bet he don’t. We’re in WT win this
time.”

“ At this rate all my money will be used up
in getting it,” owled Kellog . “ When I have
paid you and arfleld and a l- the small fry,
what shall I have left?"

“At least fifty thousand dollars."

“Sometimes, Jack, I doubt you.” said Kel-
logg suddenly. _

“ Thor biases you do!”

66 Yes.”

it Why 1” ,

11Blinker was looking almost belligerent at his
a y.

“Are you sure you are sailing under your
true colors!”

" Bless yer boots, my detective pard, how
you do git right down ter bed-rock! What d’ye
suspect?”

“ That you are neither uneducated nor rough,
if the truth is known; that you are my eqtrial
in the art of speech if you but show yoursel as
you are.”

Bunker laughed grimly.

“ You‘re on ther wrong road, boyee. I only
wish fyou war right. I hey a head fur plannin’
an' e [was educated I’d be a millionaire tar
short order. " r

“ Again, how does it ha pen you know as
much about my uncle asl o in self?"

“ All chance, same ez ’twas when the owl got
around ther chicken-roost. Tell ye what it is.
Kell, ther spoils draw ther men 0‘ brains. Au’
you see l’ve studied up Nate Lockyard's case.”

Horace did not auswer, but, resting his head

on his hand, looked gloomin out of the window.
Now and then since uniting his fortunes with
those of Jack fiunkei-Jie had remembered that he
was only a. figure-head for the plans of his more
audacious and iuick-witted ally. Bunker was
doing the wor , and, now and then, he had
fears that he might manage to get away with
the Lockyard money.
» If helhad known how near he came to the truth
that night; if he could have known just who
and what Jack Bunker was, he would never
have co—operated further in the scheme to rob
the money-lender.

Bunker watched him closely, but with little
fear, of open revolt. He had spanned the mind
of his dupe and knew just where he held him,
and as he watched there was nothing new to
alarm him.

i The arch-villain‘s pipe died out, and when he
ltoioked in his pocket for tobacco there was none
ere.

“.Never mind,” he said, “thar is enough up-
stairs an’ I’ll fill ther larder. Jest hold ther
li ht at ther foot 0’ ther slain.”

his seemed a trifling ma tter, but to Old Ket-
chum it was anything else. Bunker was about
to ascend to his hiding-place, and there was
ground to fear discovsry. He did not know.
where the tobacco was kept. and he might hide
-f0fdhide‘he must—exact] y where the rough
wou

Still, there was no help for it, and with as
much caution as poasible the y crept back to
a: shadow of a box and laid dawn of the fur-

l‘
Whatto doin case of discover he didnot
know, but it was best to be h Banker’s
actions. Ketchum was no cowa . but ten
thousand dollars would not, have hired him to
willingly taco discovery then. If Bunker once

They are of a kind that i

‘ out the light.

 

plans then moving against him would very
ikel go to ruin and the tug of war he irre-
voca ly lost.

And Bunker came steadily up the ladder.

CHAPTER XXV.
THE MIDNIGHT WATCH.

OLD Knrcnuu hugged the side of the box
clusely and peered out for the first sign of‘ ,
Bunker. His bushy head arose to a level with
the floor and his bushy body followed.

“ Now, then,” he said, bending down toward
Kellogg, “ give me ther light!"

The spy experienced a thrill of alarm. With
the lamp on the upp‘r floor he was in great
danger of discovery. True, he might escape a
casual search, but anything systematic would
surely reveal him. He ardentl y hoped Bunker
would attend strictly to business.

The fellow took the lamp and moved along
the floor. He looked burly and ominous, but.

isonul fear was unknown to the old lawyer.

a, Bunker could worst him in an encounter,
but that was a small matter.

Ketchum feared most to have the plotters
know they had been watched. A good deal of
trouble had been taken to get Jack in the net,
to win the tug of war, but one greatlthing was.
lackin and discovery would frighten (.R the
arch-Villain.

Jack came straight award the she)
box and a, series of wild schema ran thron
Ketchnm’s head. Which should he adoptt a
decided to adopt neither until absoluwa forced.
to do it.

The big ruflian rolled unsusgclously along-
and then set the lamp down on etchuni's box..
It was on the extreme edge and no light fell
upon the lawyer, but he began to feel as warm
as though the lamp was a gigantic furnace.

It was like a reprieve, however, when Jack.
ave his attention toanother box beside the

 

arger one. He looked for a moment and then
mut'ered:
“ Nailed up!”

Then he turned and went to the ladder.

" Hi! throw up the hammer, Kelli" he called
to bisaccomplics. ‘
The spy decided that he had better get away
from the point of danger. He thought quit My‘
and acted in the same way. Arising silently as-
possible, be bent forward and deli! erately l-lew
Then with all possible care he‘

turned to gain a safer part of the chamber.

Two steps he had taken when the boards gave
way beneath him—to made a vain attempt to
save himself, throwing out his hands frantically
—buta heavy object. which, evenythen, he t‘lll‘e
mised was the box. came thumping down against
his back and he stop d not neither slayrd be.

As he went throng the door, he saw in the _
dim light the form ol‘ Kellogg just below him,.
his face upturned in lieu ilreruent, and then
man met man and both met the floor.

In plainer words, Kelclnum dropped squarely
upon Horace’s head, knockii g him down and. l
falling upon him, while, just a second later.,
there was a tremendous crash as the box struck.-
the floor. .

The lawyer had received no injury in the ac“
cident, and he was on his feet in a moment..
Quick-witled as ever, he saw that. Kellogg did,
not stir, and with a noiseless step he made for“
this outer door, opened it, and was practically
sa e. ‘

He paused for a moment, however, to see thew
result. .

The voice of Bunker speedily arose.

"Hallo, ther! What in perdigion hes broke-
loosei i say, Kali, hul ther ruff tumbled rint’".

There was no reply, and then Kelchum heard
Jar-k coinin down the ladder.

” I as , feiloggi”

Still t ere v- as no answer, and, with an oath
Jack went back to the upper floor. He wants 1
the lam but failed to find it, and he came so»
near to hug into the opening in the floor that M‘
was set in motion again, and his profanity was
remarkable. '

' He wanted a light, and none was to be found.

There is no knowing what would have been
the result, but Kellogg s voice aron feebly and
Jack descended again. ,

The lesser villain had been knocked senseless
for a brief space of time, but he was n0w in Ino- \‘
1tiou, and in moving he accidentally found the .

am . ‘

Aplight was soon going, and the pair lotk‘d.
the scene over. Ketchum waited anxiously to
learn if he had been seen, but there was no cvi-

dance to that effect. They laid all the bin me to 

the loose floor, and so posed it was the tax
which had knocked Kel 31: down.

All this angered them, but was very satistaoo
tory to the lawyer, and convinced that danger
was averted, he returned to his own home. I

The following day a new tin-k was at Loch.
ard’s desk. The well-recommended young man-
Denver had been duly W, and it was.

remarkable what an air of requetabiiiiy ho‘

gave the place. . .

The money-lender remained with him for a
few hours. and then Hr. Bennett found hit: “it ',
alone. But this made nocbaago in his cou-

;

z . l

"520

i

 

 

,tduct. he did not show any disposition to meddle
'with things not his to cure for, and Lockyard,
"looking down from the small opening made to
‘wuich the new clerk, could certainly find no
fault so fa r.

Bennett‘s first experience alone with a cus-
tomer came out in this wise:

Nearly everyone at the Bend knew a succes-

;; sor to Allen S:erling was on duty, and when

lg Daddy Clover learned the glad tidings. he was

'. filled with a. zealous longing to meet the young
,man.

He entered the ofiice with a. free—and-easy
manner, his battered hat perched buoyantly on
tone side of his head, and immediately put out
his hand to the clerk.

“Godd—mornin‘, dear friend—good-mornin’.

. .I hev come fur ther triflin’ loan you promised,
,fn’~—’ Hello! ltain’t my ole friend, Al Ster-
in l” i

If r. Clover started back with a tragic air of
-.surprise.

" i beg ten thousand pardons, sir, fur my mis-
take. I thought ’twas Al—a man who knew
just how good my word was, an’ never refused
a loan. Au’ he never lost one on me-I say it
,proudly, sir—be never lost one. Honor, sir, is
:my cardinal rinci 1e. Kin you tell me where
.A is keepin’ lssel now i” V ,

“ He has left the oflce, and I am his succes-
sor.”li replied Bennett, not at all over‘
moms by over s eloquence. ,

“You are—- on i’” cried Daddy. “Wal, I
:swear, you do ll ther chair 0’ state, don’t ya?
_An’ allow me fur ter say. I am right glad on’t.
.Ilike yer, face an‘ don't hesitate ter say so.

You‘n me, will be high ole cronies. I’m in hyar
«every mornin’; take out ten dollars an’ Pity it
‘Zyack at dark—a peculiarit o’ mine. See a]
, ’m jest a leetle pushed ur time, tor-day, au’
Ill take ther ten an’ 0g along.”

“ All right," said ennett, coolly.

“. Eh i”

“ I said. all right.”

. “Sol thought," replied Clover‘Y “an’ I said
.I’d take ten dollars an’ jog along.’

“ Well. wb the blazes don’t you jog?”

“ Because hain’t got that ten,” said the old
unan with a ghostly grin.

“ Well, you won’t get it here.”

It  I"

“See here, you old whisky-barrel, I’ve seen
much men as you before. We raise them where
1 ca me from just as cattle and sheep are raised
in Colorado, and they are all branded on the
nose with the ten-spot of hearts, same as you
are. Now, you never borrowed a dollar here
and you never will. Put your best foot for-
ward and et out of this!"

Daddy lover stood with cold horror pictured
on his face, his eyes expanded and one arm out-
stretched like alpump-handle.

“This ter moi” heexclaimed. “An’ darest
thou then tor beard ther lion in his den, ther
Clover in his hall! My hot blood awakas at
this hyar insult l"

“ Go outside and cool it then.”

Daddy Glover’s arm fell. He sighed deeply
:and his chin dropped to his breast.

“ An’ has it come ter this? I am a poor ole
man, a King bear in a cold world. Young
man, be not hard with one around whose rock-
bounrl castle ther rough winds 0’ winter are
blowin’, but at yer can’t give me ten dollars,
make it ten cents.”

“That’s quite a come-down, but it won't
work in this court. Go outside and dust off
your hat!”

Bennett spoke with Bowery briskness and
Daddy Clover knew he had found his Waterloo.
Without another word, with only a deep sigh,
he turned and went away. ,

His little experiment had failed.

The new clerk had. opened wall, and there
could be no doubt but be was shrewd enou h
.tor the position. The only danger was that e
\was toa shrewd. ,;f ,

The day passed without event 3f importance,
‘but the prolonged absence of lien Sterling.
coupled with Jack Bunker‘s assertion that
measures had been taken to haveshlm put out
of the way, loft littleroomto hope for his ulti-
mate return. His faithfulneas to Lookyard bad
undoubtedly cost him his life and the lonely

v trail would keep the secret—keep it, because
"theman sent out by his fnends had failed to
. .gain any claw.

As nght approached Father Lockyard be-

came so nervous that there was danger Bennett
' I would obsarve it and suspect the cause, but plot

.zand connterplot were so new to,the money-

‘dender that, he could not control himself.

Zora, however. cameto the front and carried
matters along so victorioust that her father’s
and d was not seen. and, if the truth be told,
‘ young Bennett was so dazzled by her loveliness
and brilliant ways that he would have turned
traitor to the men who put him there had be
deemed it feasible. -

At the usual hour the oflcs was closed, and
after it seemed as though all bad

r  short] as
. f. - , to bedyand that the field was open for burgfizrla

ous work. - . r r. l

', Bennett, at least, hadnompidonufio bo-
, lisved the money-lender and his dang r. had

retired as usual, little suspecting that m the

I

 

n

 

‘ little.

839981139.“ hissingth Bend.

upper room Lockyard and Ketchum watched
the office and waited for the plotters to begin
their work.

What would the night bring forth?

 

CHAPTER XXVI.
DANGEROES comramons.

ALLEN STERLING found himself at the mercy
of his enemies when he hoped to carry the war
into their own camp and save himself by a bold
effort. As his head grew clearer he had sup-
posed the power of the drug was passxng away,
and it had never occurred to him that it had
settled elsewhere.

But, as we have seen, when he attempted to
leap from the couch he found his limbs like
lead. and he sunk back, to be speedily menaced
by Yates’s revolver.

There was murder in the fellow’s heart then,
and murder’s light was reflected on his face,
and bad Allen’s arms been in the same condi-
tion as his limbs he would never have seen an-
other day.

But the numbness was only upon his legs, and
just as the ruifian was about to press the trig-
ger he threw up his hands and seized the re-
volver, turning it from the dangerous bead on
his head. ,

A moment later and Warren too grasped the
would-be murderer.

“Hold on l” he exclaimed. “Don’t spoil all
our lans by such infernal folly 1”

. "But he has heard alll” replied Yates, hesi-

tatinvglgn

“ at of that? Since we intend to shut
Elm #p, anyway,‘what diflerence does .it make
0 us ~

Yates wrenched his revolver from Allen’s
gras by a quick eflort and put it in his pocket.

“ ave your own way,” he replied. “ but if
you live to be sorry for this, don’t blame me.

he fellow has pretended to be laid out when
he was as clear-headed as we are and such a
man is dangerous. Look out for h m, I say!”

Warren turned to Allen, who had taken the
time tile could not better employ and used it in
the t.

“ at up!" he ordered.

“ fortunately, I can’t do it,” Allen replied.
“If l'fmuld, you would not now have me so
completely in your power. You saw me at-
tem to rise and fail? Very well; the reason
is tha‘, Lmy limbs were like lead— the work of your
accursed drug. I suppose."

Yates laughed.

“Yes, and if you had smoked enough you
would be like lead from top to toe. We] , since
you’re awake, we will bind you and give you
time for thought.”

“ Men," said Allen, earnest) , “ let me say a
few words before you go fur her. Let me ask
gm to reconsider your [lane and release me.

on have been led astray by those that hate
me. but it seems you have no great love for
them. Such being the case, release the and I
will pay what you hope to get from Warfleld.
By doing this I swear €90“ shall never lose any-
thing, and you will arrayed on the side of

justice.”
Both men Iau bed at once. i
“ That would somethin new, startling and

strange for us,” Warren 0 rved. “Accord-
ing to the papers of the State, we and justice
don't hitch horses.”

“Shut up!" said Yates, angrily. “ Don’t let
your tongue run too fast. As for you, young
man, we must decline your offer. Your first
step, if set at liberty, would be to put the
officers on our track."

“I swear I will not," Sterling earnestly re<
plied. “ You shall not be punished, but re-
warded by a gift of money. Look you, I claim
to be a man of my word, and I say this shall be
done; but the way of paying you the money
may be so arranged we cannot trap you, if we
would, and—”

“ That’s enough; hold right up. We won’t
gnu any man who claims to be such an angel.

ince we are in the game we will run it to suit
ourselves. Get the strings, partner!”

Warren approached With cords in his hands.
Sterling’s eyes flashed, but what could he dolr
Unable to move his lower limbs, and without a
weapon, either man might have overpowed
him. Such being the case, be resolved to sub-
mit without further words and held out his
hands in a way which made the men regard
him suspiciously.

They found that no trick lurked behind it,
however, and be was duly bound. _

Then the man went to the further side of the
room to consult.
> Sterling knew that his future depended large-
ly on that conVersation, and watched with keen
interest. Perhaps the men m' ht repent having
spared his life and return to o the work War-
field had hired them to do. A r -

The young man would (probably meet death
as calmly as any one woul under such oircum~
stances; but he had no desire to cut loose from
life, least of all in such a way.- ’~ ,

But the conference did-notation be feared;
what: the men had finished they returned to the
table, sat down and smoked quietly, asylung

. C I ‘

’ 'i‘.

 

 

Then, after looking once more to his bonds,
they lay down to rest.

An hour passed. The men were asleep. The
natural condition was returning to Allen’s legs,
and he began to try his bonds. If he could but
get his hands free he had the will and the way
to effectually turn the tables on his captors.

Long and earnestly he labored, twisting and
straining until the cuticle was raised from his
wrists, but he might have spared his pains.
The bonds had been put on to stay, and they
stayed.

He ceased after awhile, and lay looking at
his companions. Who and what were they?
Desperate men, certainly, though they were
sufficiently educated to use good language, but
none the less undesirable companions. The
mountain cabin was, beyond a doubt, their
home. It certainly was not a Government
station. And as train-robbers and stage—rob-
bers were to be found in Colorado, he believed
they must be of that class.

From this subject he fell to thinking of Lock-

ard and the peril that menaced him. Plain-
y, Warfield was resolved to have the old man‘s
money, and be feared he would be able to get
.it in some wa .

Still thinking, the prisoner dropped asleep.
It was daylight when he awoke. Yates and”
Warren were moving about the cabin, and he
soon discovered that the former was greparin
to depart. Sterling lay motionless an watch
through half-closed eyes.

Yates put on his outer garments, and then
looked at the prisoner. ‘

“ Don't allow him to escape,” he said. “ I be-
lieve we can make a goodly raise out of this

ame. I wish Mortimer was with us.”

“Wh T Warren questioned. “A half will
suit me etter than a third.”

“That’s true enough, but there is no getting
groans the fact that our worthy ally has along

ea .

“ Well, I reckon we are long-headed enough
for this work. I’ll trust you for that. Besides,
where is Mortimer? ‘ He came like a simoom;
he vanished like the wind,‘ or something of the
sort. Our worthy ally is a will—o’-the-wis .”

“But a man wonderful in his way an true
as steel. There isn’t another like him in the
United States. Well, hang on to this fellow
for my life would not be worth a (picayune l
he got back to BiglNugget Bend an found me
there.” '

“ I‘ll hold him like a burr; never fear.”

After a few more words the two men went
out. Allen soon heard the sound of a horse’s
footsteps and then Warren returned alone.

He sat down by the table and began to
smoke, but, so deeply did he fall into thou ht,
his pipe soon went out and left him still th k-
ing. Allen kept quiet. resolved to let him have
it out, but the man finally arose, came to his
side and shook him by the shoulder.

“ Open your eyesl” he ordered. "I suppose

ou want a breakfast and you must take it while
it's on the board."

The prisoner aroused,» awned a few times
and then ate heartily the breakfast given
him. He was fed like a child, but he knew the
folly of asking a greater favor.

arren we in good humor, and when the
breakfast had been cleared away fell to talking
from choice. He seemed anxious to tell of his
exploits, and, taking no ains to conceal the
fact that he was a law- reaker, told several
wild adventures, giving no names. which con-
firmed Sterlin ’s previous impression. ,

Beyond muc doubt. the fellow and his part-
ner had robbed many a train and stage.

In these adventures a third party often fig-
ured, and Allen was not troubled to connect him
with the mysterious “ Mortimer " before men-
tioned.

By and by Warren grew uneasy and finally
proposedagame of cards. Allen did not see

ow he was to play with his hands bound, but
the outlaw soon bridged the chasm.

He arranged a board which‘tipped toward

'Allen and away from him, and on this the pris-

oner’s cards were placed. He directed his com—
panion what cards to pla for him, by number,
and several g‘xmes Were t as played.

It was rather comical, at first light, but War-
ren was in earnest and Allen ho to so win
his good will that he would ul mately free
him.

The day passed in this way. and Warren, at
least, was in the best of spirits.”

Toward night Sterl‘ng ventured to make an-
other appeal for free om. ‘ I
“ Now, see here, this isn’t right,” said War-
ren, in an injured way. “Haven’t I. used you

well?” ‘ r

“ As a prisoner, you have, but—”

“ Can’t consider you in any :ther light. My
artner believes in me: he has ried me before;
e knows me to be an honest ' and upright m a.

What would he say to come home and find Ibo
fire gone out and his partner gene‘to on:
known? I never turned traitor in my 'fel“ I 1

Bo earnestly did the fellow spank,'Alleu
almost like a criminal for temptln ‘ him,
wltballifoat stake becould not ' tof 
any falsenotions got lutoh'is head. '-  “'3

He presented the case from his pointof

      

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.,___MW~ ;‘ _ :A

 

Stonefist, cf Big Nugget Bend. ‘ ' ‘ ' ' 2

 

 

“ Can’t do it,” said Warren, firmly. “I'd
like to oblige you, and all that sort of thing, but
I must maintain my reputation as a gentleman;
1 really must.”

“ Money, Mr. Warren—"

“Don’t B§eak of it! Money has no charms
for me. othing will swerve me from the
path of duty. A gentleman i was born and
u gentleman] will remain. Don’t try to tempt
me again—don't! You hurt my feelings and
do yourself no good i”

And this vor_ moral outlaw went back to his
seat by the tab e.

CHAPTER XXVIi.
WARREN PROVEB His HOanrY.

STERLING let the matter drop. He was con-
viiiced that argument was in vain, not because
Warren was above temptation, but because he
believed Yates was going to make mono out
of the game at a smaller risk than it won d be
to let loose the man they had. abducted.

And when Yates returned, if he said kill the
prisoner, the moral outlaw would cheerfully
cut his throat.

The prisoner, however, was not so hopeless as
before. By some oversight Warren had" neg-
lected to take away the knife with which he
fed him, and Allen had worked it around be-
hind him on the bear-robe and in close proxim-
it to his bonds.

gy means of this he hoped to regain his lib—
erty.

It was an ordinary table-knife, but long
usage had worn it thin and sharp, and patience
and time might enable him to wear away his
bonds. A good deal of time was. however,
necessary, (or he must handle it in an awkward

we .
hie began at once and soon brought it down
to work on the cords.

Then began a long and anxious attempt,
during which he had always to watch Warren
that no unlucky movement should be observed.

But the moral outlaw did not show any great
degree of watchfulness. He had settled down
at the table and fallen into thought deeper than
ever, and one would have imagined to seeJiim
that the fate of nations was at stake. '_ _

Sterling wondered what was on his mind.
Clearly he was not trying to decide whether to
release his prisoner, for his mood ,had been on
him all day. and he had firmly refused to liber-
ate him. but then was it? .

Anon a look of determination came to the
fellows face, and Allen knew he had decided on
something. _ .

He turned his head so quickly that Allen had
barely time to close his eyes. Warren looked
at him closely, and then pronounced his name.

He did not stir. _

Again his name was spoken, but he remained
silent.

“ He’s asleep,” muttered W'arren.

He then arose hesitated, sat down again 'and
fell into thought. It lasted but a short time,
and then he a sin arose.

“ 1‘11 do it,” e muttered. _

Do what? Allen asked the question of him-
self anxiously, as Warren took up a spade, Did
he intend to brain himi _

‘Eviiieutl not, for the fellow laid a pickbe.
side it, an then produced abull’s-eye lantern
from a box. This he lighted, and then_took up
the entire outfit, glanced again at Sterling and
left the cabin.

What did he intend to do?

The question interested the
what he should himself do.
fore trying to do something.
any time return; his life might be at stake. So
he used the knife with rapidit and energy. one
unlucky slash cut deep into h s hand, lhut he did
not heed it. He sawod away at the cords with
all possible vigor.

Thus attacked they could not very. long hold
together, and Allen felt like cheenn when
they gave way. Hurrabl his han s were
1

reWih hi t i ed it was a short task
t t s: n a n

to liberate [fifteeg He’was entirely free at
last.‘ '

HG gained his feet, listened, and then went to
the door. There was no sign of Warren. He
next looked for was s, but none of the ordi-
nary kind» uld he nd. That there were some
about the on he felt sure. but he dared not
dela in the cabin.

Ac’cordln 13* he took a stout stick, which
seemed to ave been used as astair. and went
outside. Night, dark and silent, was around
him. The towering peaks of the range were but
little darkerthan t e somber sky.

The way was now clear for him to get away
from the cabin, but he disliked to go without a
horse, Mariya weary mile lay between him
and any town, and it was a ourney he did not
care to undertake on foot. 9 remembered the

on which he and his companions had
come tothe mountain. and did not doubt but
two of them were still somewhere in the Vicin-
“Y- But where?
Intbe darkness he was unable to get any
“"httfiad the next best way an [$33
WWII: care not to run upon an-

risoner less than
c lost no time be-
Warren might at

 

The search was not a ion one, for in a minia-
ture gulch he found a bull ing set up against
the side of the rock, which formed a half of it,
and the stamp of a horse’s foot was plainly
audible inside. '

He felt triumphant, but as he looked for and
found the door, a. gleam of light inside arrested
his attention.

Warren was there.

The fact did not change his purpose, and
though his first thou ht was to wait until he
came out, his curios ty was so great that be
resolved to know what the fellow was doing.

He pushed the door cautiously open.

No one was, visible; but the lantern sat on a
pile of earth in the middle of the stable, and, a
moment bier, a small quantity of the soil shot
upward from somewhere and dropped on the
rest.

Sterling needed no explanation- the outlaw
was dig 'ng a hole in the ground for some pur-

ose. What was that purpose? Sterling’s first
Ehought was that it was intended for a grave
for him, and he felt a little chill, despite the
fact that he was free.

His coolness quickly returned, and with it
came a resolutionlto see tliedinoral outlaw at
closer quarters. n case 0 seovesy t
action with his stat! might enable  was
the battle.

Cautiously he passed through, and the regu-
lar upheaval of earth showed that Warren was
digging unsuspicious of his proximity. '

He worked round to one side, on gained a

osition where he could watch‘ more safely.

be outlaw was workingso rapidly that the per-
spiration stood on his face. but Allen could not
understand it. Of course he was not laboring
wilthout an object, but the object was not

ain.
p The coveted horses stood in their stalls, but
paid no attention to outside matters. And War-
ren du on steadily.

Ster ing was tempted to attack him, but
thinking better of the matter, settled down to
await the end.

At last Warren seemed to strike some ob~

stacie or somet ing of the sort. He worked
more careful] and seemed to be digging around
something. nd then he finally cast his spade
aside, stooped and lifted some small object, and
holding fast to in, climbed out of the hole. ' He
sat it down on the level ground, and AW n saw
that it was a small box of tin, or something of
the kind. ‘
‘ “ Ahal” muttered Warren, “ you thought
you were very sharp, my sl partner, but I
have you on the hip. What ave you buried
here’! Clearly, no small treasure, or you; would
not have done the work so well. But I’ll soon
know; I’ll teach you to play tricks. Honor
amon thieves is my motto, and I’ll have my
due ii 9 the honest man‘I am!"

He finished by chuckling, and it was not hard
for Sterling to understand the case. Beyond
much doubt, Yates had not been so true to the
bond of villainy as he should be. and, securing
a goodly sum. had buried it thus, only to be
overseen b Warren. ‘

l-‘lis meditations of the day were thus ex-
plained; he had been frying to decide whether
to let the treasure alone or steal it.

“It’s locked,” resumed Warren, after bend-
ing over the box. “To get it i must break it
open. and that stroke cuts me of! forever
from him. Shall 1 force it open or not?”

He looked at the wall with a. face that was
like a panorama. Greed. uncertainty, and, it
may be, not a little fear, were there expressed,
but the thirst for gold is one of man’s ruling

assions. '

“ I’ll do it i” he muttered.

Once resolved, he acted promptly. Two
strokes with his pick served to break" the lock,

. and the cover of the box flew back. A bundle

was visible inside which showed only oil-cloth,
and so small a bundle at that as to make Allen,
who was looking a eagerly as Warren, wonder
what there was of value within.

The outlaw hurriedly removed the package
had unrolled the outer covering. 0th"! 101-
lowed, and the Xackage grew smaller, but he
did not pause. t last nothing remained in his
hands but a little pack 9 of papers.

These. however, can him to utter a sub-
dued shout, and Allen, leaning forward. “W
the papers were bank-notes, and on the outer
he saw the figures “ 500.” '

Five hundred dollars! If all were of that
sort, an independent fortune lay in Warren’s

Bn 5.

The follow uttered a unified cry
that of a wild beast than a human lasing. He
burst the package and his fingers flashed n and
out amcn the precious papers, More than one
like the rat was there; the sum total was
simply immense.

He counted it, his face Iflamo with 

“A fortune! a fortune!” he excisim . “ Hal
I am a rich man: it is mine, all mice! A mur-
rain on the knave who wank! have it t ll: to
himself! He has sown,and [havereo . A].
and no man shall share my rs; it!“ 10
and go East. But, Wait, he will search form
liken bloodhound. He may and and kill me.
No,he shall not-,1 will wait her-till he re-

more like

I

 

turns, and shoot him deadl Ay, for such a.
fortune as this I'll do an thing. Were be ten.
times in partner i'd kill im. Kill! killl killl'
—nnyth ng for this!"

He handled the money, and his wild joy-
acted like a spur on Sterling. It would be-
fnlly, too, to assert that the utter was calm-
He saw before him a fortune; the proceeds of a
robbery; the possession of a robber. The-
chance to gain it himself, without stooping lo:
dishonor, ran riot in his mind,and he lost his
head for amoment.

It Seemed like a dream afterward, and he hsdl
but a dim recollection of how he stole upon the
wretch, stood over him for a moment with
gushing eyes and upralsed club—and then struck

ome. .

The next thing he nmembered. Warren lay
senseless beside him, and he was handling the
mono as the other man had done, running the
crilp bank-notes through hisilngers and count-
in the immense sum before him. To the victor
be ong the spoils, and he had won a fortune by
strikin the outlaw down.

His b ood soon cooled, and be turned to look ‘

at Warren. He would have folt genuine repcn~
tance had he killed the man for his ill-gotten
wealth; but Warm was better than I dozen
dead can. He w I heavy blow, but
a thick skull had him in pod use, and he
would he himself again in less than an hour.
Perceivin this, be resolved to get away from
the cabin w ile he could. .
Leaving the box. but making a roll of! the

notes and gutting them in his pocket, he then '

led out bot horses and prepared to depart. He
would have taken but one, at he knew Warren,
with his knowledge of the country. would per-
haps be able to overtake him if he left horse—
flesh for him to use.

His weapons, too, Alien took away, and than
he went outside. mounted one horse, and lead‘
in the other, rode away.

e'night was dark and gloom . but with his
weapons safe at hand he felt no car, nor did he
anticipate trouble in finding the road. And so
he set his face town‘d Big Nugget Bend, and
rode on steadii .
Let us pr e him.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
'rnn BORDERS AT WORK.

THE house of the money-lender was dark and
silent. Not a sound was to be heard and no
light was visible. Seemin ly, the entire house-
hold was wrapped in slum r. ,

Appearances, however, are deceptive, as we
belieVs some one he: remarked before. And in
the chamber selected for that» purpose, Lock-
yard and Law or Wiseoraft kept watch for the
expected burg are. By means of a window at
one side they expected to see the house-breakers
advance; bv means of s cunnilieg contrived

 

hole in the floor they expected roses what they ‘

would do when once in the office. _ '

Old Ketchum should have been a detective by
profession. He had taken delight in arranging
this trap for the burglars, and though, the
watch was long and dismal for Lockyard, the
lawyer did not lose his abundant animal spirits
at any time.

By twelve o’clock the streets became deserted.
To all a purchase the last honest man had
gone to h 1 home.

It was an hour later when Ketchum uttered
a subdued exclamation and touched his coin-
mm: on the arm. The night was dark, as it

been on the mountain where Allen Ster-

ling regained his liberty, but Lucky

sbged to distinguish pgyeralforms outside the
case. 1.“) "

“ The crisis is at handl” Ketchum coolly said.

The money-lender was coined. with a trem-
bling he could not-overcome, but he watched
the men outside unoccsingly.

The rattle of a, stand against glass was soon
heard and then -Bennett’s window went up;
Ketchum nudged his companion; his assertions
in the one were being p ved. ' ' ‘

Next, th’ojintcrlopors came around to the
front of t house and it needed no mow»
tell what (1 occur after that. vars]

minutes of' once followed, but only thencnsy- ‘

“film-i... miles iii.‘ ‘ t the his
sin p our 0

which led to the-IE)ch and he soon boobed log
foo They approached the door, the
heavy was removed and the way clear for
the other men. Bennett was true to them.

Then the door ,opmed and all came in.

The lawyer was in high glu. The burglars
had com strain» on, unmpicious of the trap
laid for them. and they would soon be shown
how they been over-ma

. Emilia only regretted then that be had not ,

m for honest men to be than

made “ransom
and salsa them, but the great uncut-taint u to . '

milk” would come had rendeud ' in in-
; ’.
Thedoorwassocurcd inh theinterlopcn
and a match struck. gthis’a, lantern was
1  snwthe intrudershi do-

in . ' I - -
. Bennettwss M,£l|d some three ct

men but thelnst appeared to be stran en. ' n-
less .35th were  ho had neveigscenmuo

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of them. But he knew they were disguised, and
believed he could pick out each one despite their
pains at makingoup.

“ Is ther coast 0 ’ari” asked a mumed voice.

“ All serene, my lord," Bennett flippantly
answered.

“ An‘ they are all asleep?"

“ Reckon they are; I haven‘t heard a peep
for three hours.” .

“Well, hev you gained any information?"

“ l’ve kept my eyes 0 u," said Bennett, “ but
I reckon the bulk of t 9 gold is in the inner
ones. There isn‘t over ten dollars in the men-
ey-drawer: but in the inner oflice, as I said be-
fore, I smell a. mice. There is a stout chest
there—a. sort of backwoods safe; and as it
is en’sin cracked, I reckon it’s worth the try-

in .

Eliot’s be after it, then,” said an impatient
voice, which Lockyard lainly recognized as
e don‘t want to be
fooling around here all night."

“Go slow,” said the unified voice. “.I’ve
been in a right smart lot 0’ each veniur’s, an’ I
tell e, slow an’ sure does ther business.”

" at’s Bowery style,” said Bennett, with the
airK ofll a veteran Edoueebreaker. d h

e ngg utter acurse, an , per ape, regis-
tered a vow to be something more than a fifth
wheel when the money was in his hands—poor
{coll—but said no more and followed at the
heels of his companions. '

When they entered the inner ofice, Ketchum
and Father Lockyard deserted their post and
silently descended, reaching the outer air by
another way. There they had been told by
Bartholomew Blake they might expect him, but
he was not to be seen. ‘

“Now,” said Ketchum, quickly, “ do you

run for help. I'll stay here to watch, and we
will have the whole gang in -our hands in just
about five minutes."
. Lookyard heard and started to obey, but he
had gone but a few rods. and not uite to the
house he was first to visit, when e heard a
great clatter behind him. What it was he had
no trouble in surmising, and he comprehended
that it would alarm the robbers; so he turned
and ran back.

And what of the robbers?

They reached the inner oflics without trou-
bio, and found the chestrBennett suspected con~

, tained fifty thousand dollars or more. They

had the tools to open it. and three of the four
knew how to use them, and two attacked the
look, while one of the others held the lantern.

It was but a short time when asha click
announced that the bolt had shot bac ;but

net as they were congratulating themselves on

{he fact, the supposed mane -safe turned into
a music- box, and a tune ( rung out which
slightly resembled the sound of 'a cracked
drum.

The stout robber uttered an oath and wheeled
about. He knew the plot had failed, and his
only desire was to get out of the place without
being seized and recognized.

He had three willing followers and the quar-
tette rushed headlong through the office. The
bar was thrcwn awe and out ihvy went. The
stout robber saw a uman form near at hand
and prom tl discharged his revolver. The
unknown el and the robbers fled down the
street.

They did not pause until a safe distance had
been laced betwaen them and danger and
when hey did it was seen that they numbered

r but three.

' comin’.

" What’s Bennett?” demanded the stout man.
“ Somebody seized him!” shivered Horace

.Kell g, “and I think it was Deacon Btoueflst.
Ohl?aok

, we’re in a pickle now i”

“ Stoneflstl” mid Jack, with a seowl; “ what’s
that aloot ot ter do with this matter? Durn
his hfdel hefil find a lump 0’ lead athwart his
deck one 0’ these fine days."

“ This is no time for empty words," said War-
fieldi pervously. “ l’m going to get back to the

hate .

“ Go, of on're skeered,” said Bunker vicious-
ly, “but don't keer a cuss fur all Big Nu -
get Bend. What I do want to know, hows-
ever, is how ther fiends all our plans get knock-
ed out so. I neversee'd ther like on’t. ‘Big an’
little, the fail when they should succeed.
Now, I tellye Iockyard’s fo ks knowed we war
Thor man I popped over was a-laviu'

acvh for himself. Now,

then, who isther g’aloot It‘s playin’ hh keerds

ainst us!"

nker was in de..d earnest, but neither of his
allies would stop then to consider the matter.
They were thoroughly alarmed and anxious to
reach their burrows. so away they want. But
the leading plotter did not forget the suspicion

which was in his mind.
plavin’ keerds dead

, “Thar is somebod
against me. Who? her Lord only knows.
KinitbeBlakel Kin itbeheheahrains enough

tor do this an‘ do it so well? Bahl this is non-

fur ns—l‘ made him

v 'eenseibe was only on that scene by chance.

 

Butl must ksepan e e out: ther inemy is wal
make, though»!~ sta e my life Jack Bunker

And the fellow went to his cabin. . .
In the meanwhile, Inckyard, returning to the

a

 

oflice a: before described, saw Old Ketchum
slowly regaining his feet, but at one side two
other men were standing and he recognizad one
as Bartholomew Blake.

The second person seemed to be his prisoner,
and as Lockyard looked closer he recognized his
welltrecom mended clerk. young Bennett. ’

"No!" Blake was saying, severel . “This is
a case where the law must take ts course. I
cannot let on go free. I have talked to the
men of the nd about their sins and talked in
vain and it is time to make an example."

“ ’11 give on a hundred dollars to release
me,” amed unett, who had tried the Deacon’s
:nusc e to his satisfaction—or want of satisfac-

ion.

‘5 We’re not speculating now,” said Old
Ketchum, crossly. “ One of your partners saw
fit to give me a bullet, and only a thick skull
saved me. Perhaps our neck is strong enough
toseve you. Take iminsidel”

They went and found Zora already striking a
light. When this was done Ketcbum’s wound
was cared for. He had, indeed, had a narrow
esca , and blood flowed freely from his wound,
but t was not one he need worry about.

, During this lull in events Blake ke t his hold
on the-prisoner, but the latter had re speed into
sullen silence and would not answer a word.
He was put through the usual list of ways
adopted to make men “ talk," but threats and
persuasions were alike received.

"Just as you as ,” said the lawyer, with a
snifll, “but ycu wil live to be sorry. If ou
would make a clean breast of it you would nd
your future a good deal smoother-shod.”

Bennett, however, was not to be moved from
his adopted stand. He had been educated to
the belief that it was unmauly to give informa-
tion in regard to accomplices, and as soon as he
hadl time to think he became as stubborn as a
mu e.

Strange] enough, Ketchum was pleased at
this. If ennett confessed, his accomplices
would naturally be arrested or driven out of
town, and the old lawyer had his reasons for
wanting Jack Bunker to have his liberty a little
while longer.

A not was drawin around the chief plotter,
and those who stood y it did not care to have
him entra ped before the proper time.

Little id Lock ard suspect Ketchum had
carefully arrang matters so that the chief
thievss could escape.

The disturbance had not been sufficient to
arouse any of the neighbors, and it was agreed
that Bennett should he kept in the house until
morning. Blake went his way, after telling
the prisoner where hii wickedness would prob-
ably lead bim to, and the house of the money-
Iender assumed its old aspect.

But the well recommended clerk from Den-
ver was in the toils.

 

CHAPTER XXIX.
m an mm: mm noses.

Tn previous day, ust before dark, a man ar-
rived nt Bl Nu get end and put up at Par-
rott’s Hots e looked like a typical rough,
but he paid in advance, and. Parrott would, not
have cared if he had been a dozen roughs in

one.

He re stored, in a sprawling hand, as “Dick

Do Is, rom Red Horse.”

be following mornin Mr. Doyle arose at an
early hour and put on is clothes—and some-
thing more. By saying this we refer to a wig
and false bevd. without which Mr. Doyle stood
revealed as ates, of the mountain pair.

“ Now, then,” be muttered, “ having squared
up the account with nature by means of. a good
sleep, I’ll go and look after neighbor Warfleld.
Warren will hold young Sterling prisoner, and
I will discover what our man is drivi g at. and
trly to rot in for a share of the plun 1‘. Think
I’ wa k over to old kysrd’s, first cf all,
and see what they're doing without their
worthy clerk. Let me see—where’s my Dick
Doyle dialect! ‘Gents, I’m all ther way from

Hom‘ an‘ I’m a cyclone come down ter
play ther amb—ef you don’t tread on me. Ef
you do, I'm a man that must hev a cadaver
an; breakfast 3v’ry day. That’s me—Dick

y 1

Mr. Yates laughed lightly, and having ar-
ranged himself so that he looked the character
he essayed to fill, went down to the bar-room.
As luck wonld have it, Gideon Warileld entered
at the opposite door at the same time.

Parrott saw his well «1er guest, but over-
looked the man from Red Horse.

" ‘Good-Izuoruinfi,l Mr. Warfleld. how do ’you,

sir, and what w you take? My treat, you
kn‘ovrvx. "Heard the news?" '
c.

Warfleld leaned one elbowon the bar and held
up the glam‘of liquor so he couldl look through
it. Dick Dbylesatdown by the stove, lit his
pipe and watched him secretly.

‘ We had an attempted robbery last ni ht.
Several villains broke into Lcc yard’s can
once and tried tofu through it."

Dick Doyle coul not avoid a start, but War-
field did not betray emotion by so much as the
moving a finger.

 

“ I trust they were foiled." he said, calmly.

“They were. A burglar~alarm aroused the
house and one of the villains was caught.”

“Then the others will soon be found.”

“ I don’t know about that. The man they
have won‘t open his mouth to say a word, ay,
yes or no; and if he holds to his grip the others
[11%; go scot free.”

arfleld breathed freer; but Dick Doyle
smiled grimly from behind a cloud of smoke.
He was willin to swear he could name another
of the crimina s if circumstances ever made it
to his interest.

Parrott told the story of the robbery, as near
as he knew it, and Dick Doyle, at least, heard
with interest.

“Stran e that robbers should molest the old
man,” said Warfleld. “ He is not worth pluck-
ing, reall . is be?”

“No. e lacks a good deal of being a rich
man, and his loans to the boys never exceed
twenty—five dollars. it is a shame he should be
molested l"

“That’s so,” said Warfield; and be lit a cigar
and went out.

Yates. alias Dick Doyle, smiled grimly and
followed as soon as was prudent.

There was quite an excitement in the village,
and everybody wanted a view of the prisoner.
He had been wnflned in acnbin and placed in
charge of trusty men, and there it was under-
stood he was to remain for trial. The name of
Judge Lynch had been mentioned asaflt rson
to preside, but Father Lockyard voted this idea
down very promptly.

) He would not listen to suggestions of vio-
ence.

Doyle managed to arriVe at the prison-cabin
at the same time Warfleld did. The latter did
not suspect the roughdookin (show from Red
Horse was his late ally, an he went to the
place to face Big Nugget Bend, as it were.

But Doyle felt sure there would to important;
looks, if not signals, between him a, d the
prisoner, and he resolved to are them. He did
not know other men were there for the same

urpose.
p Warfield walked coolly in. smoking his cigar,
and faced his less fortunate confederate in
crime. Bennett had been giVen a pipe and was
smoking it with a coolness learned in the
Bewery. and no one had seen him waver, but
hfiinever ceased to search the crowd for his
a es.

Jut in front of him Werfield paused and
‘looked at him as curiously as though he had
been a. museum wonder. Bennett did not cease
smoking, nor look at his visitor directly, but he
knew very well he was there.

And so did Dick Doyle. He was watchin
the two like a cat. His patience was rev arde ,
for by-and-hy he began to detect motions.
They were mostly made by Warfleld, and
though rather vague, were interpreted by
Doyle to be an injunction to the prisoner to
keep up his Spirits and reveal nothing, and
before a great while he would be released.

Warfield went outside and Doyle lollwed.
They were just in time for another sensation.

The man Sent by Sterling’s friends to pain
news of him had come in and brought a horse
with him. He was explaining to Lockyard
what he had learned.

“This hyar boss was found loose iii in De”.
hoof Bar. It is one o’ ther'three stab ed there
by ther self-styled Denver detectives while
they come on hyar by sin e. By ome means
or other ther boss came bec ter Deerhrol’, an’
all I want is one man ter help me foller up ther
trail an’ I'll know more about it. 1’” now call
your attention to one fart. This hose is black,
you see. Wal, on this shoulder you see a lrown
stain. That ain’t nat’ral color, paras; It’s a
stain 0’ blood I”

A murmur ran througlh the crowd and Look-
yard changed color. he words were very
sl niflcsnt and he needed no further suggestion
o S'erling’s probable fate.

Dick Doyle, too, stared blankly at the ani-
mal. It was. indeed, the animal the last speak.
or had said, but Do is was more puzzled than
any one. When he eft thepountain-cabin the
horse stood in the stable, securely tied, and no
blood-stain wash u him. ‘ ,

How, then, ha it come therel—more than
that, how bad the horse come there! r

Doyle was at fault. It had been agreed that

, Warren should not leave the mountain refu .

but watch closely over Allen Sterling. he
presence of the horse showed that something
was wrong, but what it was Yates had no
means of knowing.

The men of the Bend reasoned more clearly,
if less accurately. The had before decided
that Sterling had been illed on the trail, and
now it was natural that they should decide it
was his life-blood which broke the jet-blackness
of the horse’s shoulder. ’ .

Yates was inclined to a es With them, and
be anxious; asked himsel whether it was the
blood of arren or of Sterling. So anxious
did he feel, he decided to leave the Bend at once
and hasten to the mountain. and as soon as he
dared he ordered his horas from the hotel and

rred-awa . ‘* / 1
W260!” he:y said, driving his heels into the

 

 

.;........-,. ..-.- ,.

,

,r.

 

w—w ‘a

 

st,

 

stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend.

horse’s side. “Faster, you brute, fasterl I
must know the meaning of this!"

There was meaning enough for it, if be but
knew the truth; but the trio of plotters at the
Bend borrowed no trouble. They were sorry
the horse had found its we there, but the
blood-stain proved, as they t ought, that their
tools had done their work well.

The horse was stabled, the trailer and an-
other man set OK to find the clew. to the mys—
tery, if possible, and the Bend awaited the next
sensation.

Jack Bunker held himself in readiness to
fight or flee. Each hour dee ned his suspicion
that a systematic plan h been put against
him, and he was trying to satisfactorily lace
the blame. If he was suspected it wou d be
well for him to get out of town for a while, but
he had so put h s tools forward for the open
work that he hoped to escape molestation.
How much did his allies sufler was a matter of
indifibrence to him.

Kellogg came to him in the saloon, whereehe
was smoking his pipe in his usual phlegmatic

wa .

“y Jack, they're after me!" muttered the cow-
ard, as he sunkinto a. chair; and his evil enius
.saw that he had been drinking deeply to rown
his fears and gain courage.

(I Who?”

“ They! I tell you I am watched. Sevte
men are after me; every one looks at me suspi-
ciousl .”

“ Rubbish! this is all our fancy. What you
'need is nerve, au’ all ther liquor at ther Bend
won’t 've you ther genuine article. Brace up,
man; orce yerself tor take it cool i"

“ How can I? The shadow of the law is over
.me!”

Kellogg buried his face in his hands. Bunker
looked about to make sure there were no listen-
ers. He saw only Daddy ClOVer, who was tak-
ing a drunken sleep not or away—if his heavy
breathing spoke truthfully as to his condi-
‘tion

Then he kicked his ally viciously, not liking
his dismal looks. Such things invite atten-
will. result of the kick, however, was unex-

cfed.

FKe-Ilogg started up with a bowl, which star-
fled all except Daddy Clover; then seeing there
was no danger, sunk back in his chair with a
sickl y laugh.

It was an unpleasant Occurrence, but Jack
was equal to the emergency. .

“Hit yer shin, did ya?” a said, as though in
.answer to a remark from Horace. “ Wal, you
:should remember wood is harder than flesh an’
bone.” Then leaning forward, he added in a
lower tone: “ Curse ye, no more 0‘ that or I‘ll
11x e past yewlin’l”

ellogg was wise enough to see in his glitter-
ing eyesadanger even greater than the first,
and he made an efl at a d threw 0E his ght-
mare partially. Orderin whisky, he gav the
bar-keeper’shealth and d nk it down.

“That’s all right,” sai Bunker. “ but you
don’t wanter do it any room. You’ll get on rull
on a fish an' begin ter talk. ef you don t hold on.
Brace up on nerve; that’s ther way tor do it.
Bennett is jug ed, but he won't give anything
away, an’ all t or rest will come out straight.
Your rival. Sterlin , hez gone up ther creek an’
counts one out; wh e as fur ther old man’s gold,
call me a fool of I don't get it!" .

“You are a man of steel 1”

“ All rubbish. I am a man 0' flesh an’ blood,
but I endure what I can’t cure an’ strike for mv
cause when I kin. Do you that same, an’ hev
no fear.” .

His rugged courage conveyed a shadow of it-
self to the dyounger Villain, and he be an tohold
up his hea . Bad as matters looked, all might
not he lost.

 

CHAPTER XXX.
STIRLING’S roams ADVENTURES.

WI: left Allen Sterlin riding toward the
Bond with what seems good pros cts of
reaching there without further tron is; at hav-
ing seen one of the horses With. which he started
from the robbers’ cabin arrive at the town
riderless and'blood-stained, it becomes evident
that all had not gone well on the trail.

What had happened?

Allen started with one horse between his
knees and the other led behind, but he had not
gone many rods before it became clear he had
undertaken adifllcult task. The night was in-
tenser dark, bafling his eyesight, and he had
not gone on for over five minutes when the
horse he rode stepped in a hole and nearly flung
him over his hea ‘

Taught Caution in this way, he moved still
slower, but his next ex ence was to run into
acul tie-sac. From th
and started afresh. but be was grewing un-
deniably nervous. He had moved but a short

_ as from the cabin. and there began to be
real danger that Warren might recover his

mass.
If he did, and found both horses and risener
fine, he weald‘speedily be on the tree The
mouse sum of money taken from him would
beamralmoetequalto thelossoflife.

I

he retraced his steps '

 

And he would naturally look for his late pris-
oner in just the direction he had gone.

Allen saw his danger and did not like the sit
nation at all. He was tem ted to abandon the
horses, but if he did that arren would re in
them and stand all the chance in the worl of
overtaking him the next day, or whenever he
ventured mm the mountain to the plain.

Such being the case, he resolved to hang to
them’.

One more experience like his first, however,
showed him it was dangerous to ride, and that,
in all probability, be ad deviated from the
route followed by the outlaws.

“ There‘s only one way for it; I must get oi!
and walk; but as I can go as fast that way as
any other it may be the best in the end. Cer-
tainly, I shall be less of a target than in the
sadd c.”

He dismounted and, leading both animals,
passed along quite briskly. He was able to
choose a decent route, and as he soon entered a
gulch, it seemed he had struck the proper
course.

The wa , too, improved under foot and he
remouute . The horses went more confldentlv,
and he had soon covered a quarter of a mile. He
went in total darkness, however, for the sides of
the gulch had assumed the size of cliffs and
shut him in as in a,tomb.

Once, he fancied he heard hoof-strokes behind
him and turned in the saddle; but as it was a
baseless fear, he saw nothing. He could not
grovent a feeling of gloom however, and had

e been back at Big Nugget fiend he would have
been a happy'man.

Another disappointment awaited him; the
gulch suddenly ended at the foot of a third
cliff; he was in another cul-de-sac.

This time be resolved to desert the horses and
taketo the mountain on foot. It was easier
planned then done. When he attempted to
scale the clifl he found it impossible.

There was no help for it; he must retrace his

ste '

dine rode back. keepin sharp watch by the
way. It was not a c eerfu ride, as will
essil be seen, for the chances were Warren
had fore then recovered his senses and gone
in Xursuit.

llen derived a little satisfaction from the
fact that he had taken all visible weapons when
he left the cabin. Had this fact been otherwise,
what occurred might have been prevented by
additional precautions on his part.

Ashe neared the eastern end of the gulch he
{ofde slowly, looking for a chance to turn to the
e t.
He was still looking, when suddenly, the
blackness before him became lighted b a. bril-
liant flash, and in the middle of the ight he
saw, for one brief instant, the form of a man
who was kneelin on the ground with a rifle
stretched out be ore him.

He had no chance to recognize him; but as
his horse made a bound. reared and fell over

a inst-the other. and thence to the ground,,

t we was little room to doubt.

It was Warren.

Allen was enough of a horseman to leap from
his saddle under such circumstances, but in the
present case 'he was fled by a fact ust men-

ioned. His own h so fell against I e other,
and when Allen made a leap he found his foot
caught and held between the two.

Another moment and the wounded horse was
down, and therelay Allen, his leg pinned be-
neath him.

The next sound to break the silence was the
clatter of hoofs as the second animal hounded
away; but the first one la quite still, and Ster-
lin wrenched in vain to res his leg.

0 add to the danger of the situation, he
saw the late marksman running toward him.

Clearly, prompt aclion was necessary. or
Alllen would never come out of the affair
a we.

He was equal to the emer enc . Hastil
drawing his revolver, he raisegd iaywithout ii
word and pulled the tri or, once, twicei

The fire checked, but id notlseem to injure,
the would-be assassin. Seeing a difference be-
tween being marksman and target, he stopped
his advance and disappeared. »

For a moment Allen was at a less to account
for this, but as he saw a bowlder in the middle
of the gulch, he realised that his enemy had
taken refuge there. -

He made a desperate efiort to free his leg, but
failed. The horse, dead before he touched the
g1 ound, had not stirred after he fell, and ‘there

he young man was held. To save his life he
could not pull his limb out, and, of course, he
could not roll an eleven~hundred unds horse
01! of himself with his legs sticfliag out the
wrong way.

It was a situation almost maddening, but
after awhile Alley grew calmer and resolved to
make the best of it. Be end a doubt the other
man was Warren, an as he must know the
coveted mopey was in Allen’s pocket he would
spare no pains to recover it.

i‘bl must wiatch to; him like a cat l”

wasawsereso utonand,nolo :- in
attention to the horse, he lay motligslegyaus
watched and listened with all possible care.
\

\

\

 

‘23

The wisdom of this course was soon shown.
He heard the double click which tells of the
cocking of a firm-arm and settled wall down he-
hind the dead horse.

Another moment and the fusilade opened.
Six times in rapid succession the revolver was
discharged and a leaden hail whistled around
Sterling. About half the shots went ovar,
while others struck with a dull chugin the body
of the horse; but Allen remained unharmed.

So jubilant was be over this fact, he could not
av‘oirtli‘ a derisiive about;md w d

r aan.myg man;trya n,an
then I’ll tulle my turn 1”

An answer was promptly returned in War-
ren’s voice. .

" Come out, you coward, and fight me
hold] l"

“” xcuse me, but I like very well where I

“ You are a coward l"
u an right!“
“ See herel If you'll surrender that money,
I'll let you go.”
“ You’re very kind, but I have other plans."
“ You shall never take it may alivel ’
“ Who will prevent it?"
“ I will.”
“ Mr. Warren, don’t think me too severe, but I
Want this man y to buy up Denver. And I‘m
oing to do it, if I can hold on to the money.
If on want it, you must come and get ill"

curse was the only answer and then an- V

other silence followed. Allen resumed his care-
ful watching and listening. Forced as he Was
to keep his position, he must not allow Warren
to steal on im unawares.

Several minutes rolled on without further
hostile demonstrations and he employed a rt
of his time in trying to get his foot out 0 his
boot. If he could do this he believed he cauld
draw his leg from under the horse.

While thus engaged he heard a barely-audible
sound at his left. The place was several yards
from Warren’s bowlder and he did not at first
think it was his enemy, but as it continued it
was so like a. man cautiously crawling along the
ground that he could no longer doubt.

Warren had left the bowlder unheard b him,
by making a wide drtour, and was creep ng up
from a new quarter—one from which he would no
longer be protected by his equine breaatwork.

Clear] , this advance must be stopped.

80 Alien leveled his revolver as well as he
could. under the circumstances, and pulled the

trigger.

\ quick movement on the part of the creeper
folluved the shot—and then utter silence. Al-
len smiled grimly. He knew he lied not séri-
ousl wounded the man. if, indeed, he had
touc ed him at all, but his experience would
teach him caution.

Another long pause followed. Allen worked
fitfully to release his lei—fitfully, because it
would not do to relax is vi ilance fora mo-
ment. Warren was going to ave the money
nestling in his late prisoner’s pocket if such:
thing was possible.

Probably he would have waited for da light
and then picked him cfl at his leisure, ut it
remained a fact that Allen might in the mean
while slip away, and if he went he would not
leave the money. '

An hour passed. Allen was suflering a good
deal of sin from the continued weight on his
leg and t e (flirt to release it, but he would not
cease his work. Already he had alerted his
boot from his foot, and complete success seemed
onlv a matter of time. '

Anon, he heard the old creeping sound, this
time at his ri ht. Warren be
silent, but Ster n knew he was again moving
forward to accomp ish his work.

The young man set histeeth and lay close to ,

the dead horse. His revolver was already

cocked and he did not need to touch it. '
Nearer and nearer came the soft,\cree ing

sound, until at 1an Allen believed he con] see

his enemy. He daned not wait any lon er and. .

aiming as well as he could, he pulled t a 'trip

ger. ,

The flash and report werenot much ahead of
a dull heav fall and the dark figure fdlsap‘
peered. W ether it was on the ground or not
Allen could not say positively, but there was no
rapid retreat and the rustling sound was heard
no more.

.Saiisfied that all dan r was sat, be renewed
his efiorts to release is impr ned limb, and
as he was no lon er hampered b the caution
he had to use he ore, it was not ong before he
was free from his boot.

The next thing was to

not without severe pain. I; «. ,

He had'thought all would bede then, but
the result ved
long had is leghbeen held down, it was
thin of lead w en he tried to use it,aad he
obnl notsiand. ,
“One. thing only was needed, however: fric-

on would brin back its olden power; and he v

sat down‘ to cha o it. .
While so doin he wondered how he was to

get back to Big

one was dead and he other had run away.

long been ’1

t free from the ’
horse, and this be accomplis edfinally, though,

the error of his reasoning,k So ' ‘y
e a

ng tBend. Of the boron,

 

 

.O' vi.....‘ “..._....“..._..,..“ n;

.7... 9‘

“a... ‘ ‘

 

 

 

is

7'3.

:.""...&;‘

*v

 

. ww.” -_. ... .

 

,intbe

‘ thought you believed

24

 

Stdnefist, of Big Nugget Bend:

 

 

, He hoped the latter might be recovered, but, as

,wo have seen, the animal had left the mountain
in hot haste, and made its wayto the Bend‘i
stained by the blood of his dead mate, to sprea
fresh alarm there.

And when day broke Allen Sterling saw the
body of Warren lying flat on its face twenty
feet away. Forever done with the world was
the man, and Allen was free to go where he
would. And in his pocket was the robber’s
money. ’

CHAPTER XXXI.
moon STONEl-‘IST snows A BETTER srmrr.

Banmomxaw BLAKE walked into the
money-lender’s office. His face was as stern
as ever; but as he assed through the door he
gassed abruptly. era was at the desk, but

or head was bowed and her attitude one of
sorrow and dejection.

Despite this she made a pretty picture, and
the reformer may have realized it as he looked.
Certainly, his ace changed expression and
grew less stern, and he Seemed to hesitate to

reak the silence.

When he did it was not in his usual fashion,

but with a. cough which was almost embar-

ra . .

The girl looked up quickly. Her face was
unusually flushed, and her eyes red, sure signs
that she had been Weeping. Ashadow flitted
over her face at sight of him, and he was
shrewd enough to know he was not welcome.
Still, he had given aid to. her father. and she
did not turn away from him. Instead, she
greeted him leasa'ntly.

" You are n trouble,” he said, slowly.

His voice lacked the old, sevore inflection,
and she noticed it at once.

“ Yes,” she said, simpl .

“ May I ask the cause?x

" There is more than one ,thing to trouble me,
but I am chiefly worried about Allen Sterling.
You have heard how the horse came in stained
With bloodwanel people think it is that of Mr.
Sterling.”

“ You feel kindly toward the young man.”

“I do. He has been an inma of our house

- for some time, and both my fat er and myself

regard him highly."

“ The young man is fortunate.”

Blake spoke mechanical] , as it seemed, and
looked at vacancy, but lore. put a parked
meaning to his words. ~ .

“ He was like a brother to me,” she said, ex-
phnatorily.

“One would think he was something more.”

“ I don’t know why one should. You refer to
my tears, I suppose, but people—at least such
worldly people as I—shed tears for abrother.
cared for him no more than that. Besides, I
believe he cared for another girl I could
name.”

‘- Who is she?”

“That is a secret not mine to tell.”

“I can surmise; you refer to the school-
te cher. I hope you are wrong. She is of a
cold, proud nature and until she changes her
heart, unworthy of such a regard.”

“l donft know why she is. I have never
seen the signs‘of grids you refer to; all people
are not a ike. erhaps, however, neither of
us is a good judge.” ,

A slight smile came to Blake’s face, but it
Quickly disappeared. He did not fail to detect
the rebuke. '

“You s k of other trouble,” he gravely
said. “ hatisitt” .

I “ "All this warfare against my father troubles
me.

“One of the evil men who have plotted
against him is in confinement. and the rest may
soon be secured. Mr. Wisecraft, the lawyer,
is hellping your father."
v t‘ 110 not trust that man,” she said, quickly.

“ Why not?”

Zora beslrated. It seemed strange that she

' should trust Blake, especially as she had so often
. Enameled with him, and yet she was inclined to

0 so.

.“ The first time he came here there was
somethingsaid which worried my father great-
ly. What it wall do not know, for he would
‘not confide in rue—he even declared my sus-

, mom unfounded: but I was not so easily de-

ed. Mr. Wisecraft has had a. good deal

 to do with our aflairs lately, and father has

evidently e to look upm him as a friend
and ally: but I'am not so easily led to forget
the past. There was something then which led
father to regard him .as anything except a
friend, and I believe ‘Old Ketchum’ is trying
toglet him wholly in his pewer. I am afraid

he as escaped a sword-fish to meet a shark i”
There wasa curious mixture of sorrow and
defiance, of confidential ways and indiflerence
girl's manner but Blake received it‘
gravel and thoughtfully.
gang: ink ya?! ar? Ivivi'ong about the lawyer.”
a rep . ‘ e san eccentric man but

I believe he is honorable " '

for you to :al‘k. I

“This is a new we
peoplovillains,

The Deacon did not change 6 ression.

“ There is still ample reason or me to bring
men to see their failings while cards and liquor
rule in Big Nugget end. but, having taken
sides in th plot against Mr. Lock ard, I must
necessarily forget my professions duties and
distinguish between what is partially bad and
what is all bad.”

“Classing me as all bad, I suppose,” said
Zora, with a laugh.

“No,” he answered. “I have pointed out
sundry failings of yours, but I see you have
discarded your worldly dress for one of be«
coming black—” ‘-

“It was because I felt sorrowful enough for
it; I shall put on the plaid you so abhor just as
soon as Allen Sterling returns safely !"

She made the assertion with a mixture of
real and feigned defiance, but even that failed
to bring the old, harsh look to his face.

“I hope not, child,” he gravely said. “I
hope you have enough regard for my friendly
interest to leave gay colors and ribbons to your
weaker sisters.”

“Still, I don’t believe I have.”

“ Would you deliberately go contrary to my
expressed wishes?” ,

“ Why shouldn’t I?” ~

“ I have an interest in you.”

Zora could not avoid laughing.

“At what per cent.l" she asked, mischiev-

ouslv.

“ That all depends on yourself and how much
you deserve.”

“Well Idon’t believe I deserve much, and
you had better not but anything on me.”

“ Bet! Do you suppose I would be guilty of
such a. thingi’ .

There was a touch of his old manner in his
question.

“ Why not, if you see a chance to win l"

“ Child, this levity is shocking!”

Before she could answer there was a shout
outside the office and both went to the door.
They had scarcely done so before Zora uttered
a cry of joy. Allen Sterling was approaching
the house accompanied by sevoral of his sym-
pathetic fellow-townsmen, who had ’met and
were escorting him in triumph to his old post.

One look was enough to show him in good
Eondition and then Deacon Stoneflst turned to

us.

" Now is the chance to don the gaudy dress,”
he slowly said.

Zora started and looked into his face. It was
composed and without the shadow of a smile;
and though he did not show any severity it
wss evident he wished to try her.

F .r a moment she hesitated, but it was not in
her nature to openly displease him after their
laie interview.

I " I think my pressnt dress will do for now,”

 

I ' she replied.

They had time to say no more, for Allen was
at hand, and he deserved attention. _

Zora greeted him warmly, and then his other
friends went away. All knew he would resume
his place at Lockyard’s office, but no one knew
of the money in his pocket.

This fact he intended to keep secret for a
time, at least. It was as much his as any one’s,
though he was not sure he should kee it. It was
the fruit of robbery; and though arren was
dead and Yates would not dare to claim it, it
would be a fortune he could not enjoy without
many mis ivings. But if he kept it and said
nothing, ates would be sure to suspect where
it was, he argued, and it might lead to his be-
in caught.

n investigation had been begun to learn if
he was still at the Bend in disguise; but it
was not likely he would delay long after Allen’s
return. .

As the reader already knows, he had gone
away assoon as the blood-stained horse came

n. .

At this juncture a note was brought to Blake,
signed by Lock ard. and requesting his pres-
ence in Wisecra t’a ofllce; and he went over at

once.

He found Old Ketchum in bed and likely to
remain there for some time. The wound re-
ceived from Bunker’s revolver, and which he
had at first treated lightly, was giving him a
good deal more trouble than he had anticipat-
ed. The best surgical skill at the Bend had
been em eyed, but the chances were the law-
yer wo d keep his bed for some time to come.

All this was e Iained to Blake by Ketchum
and Lockyard. w 0 spoke alternately, and then
the lawyer added: .

“ This blow comes at an unlucky time. I am
here with important work on my hands: I am
engaged in a tug of war which concerns more
than myself; and it is of vital importance that
the work 0 on. I need a strong, resolute man
to undertn e the task I must for the time aban-
don, and I have turned to you, Mr. Blake. Will
york: aid met” _ ‘

ockyard’s face expressed dissatisfaction, and
did not approve of putting a

it was clear he
Blake‘s face

crank forward in such a way; but
did not change. .
“ I cannot answer until I know the nature of
theater ," be evenly replied.
‘fIt is a battle for right, justice, and a father-

 

-. “it . .s :_.‘. 1.. 7

less girl,” replied Ketchum, gravely. “You
cannot but give your sympathy.”

And then in the gathering twilight he began
his story, revealing another proof of man’s av~
arice and crime.

CHAPTER XXXII.
KELLOGG‘S CLAIM.

IT was an hour later when Nathan Lockyards
returned to his can house. He went with a.
shadow on his face’which seemed to have er-
manently replaced the old, peaceful expression.
And the shadow was not caused by direct medi-
tation on his own affairs, which had materially
brightened with Sterling’s return.

9 was thinking of Old Ketchum and trying
to measure the man. What was he to think of
himl—was he better or worse than he seemed?
It was a question hard to answer.

Not many days before, when the lawyer first
called upon him, he had referred to a secret the
money-lender hoped, and believed, was forever
buried in the rave of the est. It was this.
which had trou led him. as ora had seen, and
the reason that he would not confide ‘iu her was
that the secret. intimately concerned her.

This interview led LOCk ard to regard
Ketchum as his enemy, but c ose after it came
other interviews. Twice, the money-leader had
been warned of plots against him throu h
Ketchum’s instrumentality. As a result, t 9
plots had failed. Conseguentl ,Ketchum was
to be regarded as a frien if a was honest and.
above-board.

But was it so?

At times, from the very beginning, he had
felt a vague doubt, _a self-inquiry whether the,-
lawyer was not the instigator of all these plots.
But meditation had brought no answer;01d.
Ketchum was an em ma.

And the story to] to Bartholomew Blake,.
according to Lockyard’s opinion, only served,
to increase the m story. The law or had en-
vsloped his so—ca] f‘d “tug of war' in a vol] of
uneartainty. He had not calle any names,
reserving that for another time, he said, but.
merely giving an outline :0 Blake could decide
what to do.

In auswar, Blake had prompth agreed to
manage affairs and do what was necessary while
Ketchum was recovering.

Lockyard hardly knew which seemed the;
greatest crank. Ketchum’s vague, mysterious
ways. and his confidence in Blake, an avowed
crank, all looked unexplainable if he was in his.
right mind.

So the money-lender went home perplexed.
and troubled.

,But, once there, be partially forgot all this,
Sterling was back, alive and well, with a story
of adventure to tell, and Zora was in such good;
spirits that even her father soon remembered.
‘how to laugh.

Half the evenin' passed a reeably but after
Sterling went on another Ombsheil made it
appearance. The door between the liner an
outer office had been” left open, and a footste
became audible where they sat. Lockyar
arose, but he might have saved himself the trou~
his. The man who had entered came straight,
to the inner room and, meeting the money-
lender at the door, pausedland stood like a
statue. ‘

Lockyard started back with a sudden change
of expression. He knew the visitor and was.
not pleased to see him.

It was Horace Kellogg.

Weeks had passed since the ycun er man had
crossed his uncle’s threshold, but a had only
himself to thank for‘the fact. He had been
he] ed flnanczallv until further aid was folly,
anszovse, for all had been‘spent in dissipation,
and a complete breach had followed Lockyard‘s
refusal to elp him further.

Even when they had met in the s‘reet they
did not speak, for Horace had refused to notice
the man he could not dupe.

But, this evening, he ad come again, and as
he stood there, an insolent smile on _hi_s face, it
was 1plain he had been drinking heavfly. .

“ ep of the evening to your worshipl” he
impudently said. “ Glad to see you looking so
blooming, and the same to you, in fair cousin.
Zoning“ how she grows anzelic, on‘t she old
man

“Never mind this,” said the move dead-r
firmly. “Why have you come here, once

“ To clasp your honored hand and. I think—-
ées; I” am sure of it—to kiss my charming

oral

He started toward the lee he spoke, but:
Lockvard stepped-between hem.

‘3 ’

 

“ Kee ba sir "said the old man an indie-
nant diver in his voice. “Donot ’add insult
to insu t!” ,

“ Insult?"

“ Yes, sir; for the touch of your ' affected
as yhon care by liquor, would be con mutation
for er. ‘ ,

Keno lau had unmusicallv- ' _

“804%! thge cat jumps that wayidoes she?!

Dongcra is too good for me to ook'nt, is
S g .. ,
ti'la'Y’es, sir; she let” Dockyard (1 red.

“A rare comedian you Nate, but )

 

a
like melodrama better; times always a start-

‘

\

 

 

4...... __...__ .

 

 

Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bond.

25

 

 

ling revelation in that line of business. I’ll play
melodrama to your comedy. But, sit down,
old man, sit down. I’ll relinquish the cousinly
aalute until I have proved that I’m worthy of
it. Sit- down!"

Kellog , himself, took a seat, but his uncle
rennine standing, a nervous trembling per-
ceptible about his hands and a lookof isguat
and something more on his face. He had the
courage to try to throw his visitor from the
huuse, but he remembered that he was his
sister’s child and forced himself to practice for—
benrance.

Tne younger man had an insolent triumph
about him that aroused all of Zorn’s indigna-
tion, while the fumes of liquor floated across
the room to her corner. She could no longer
remain silent.

“ For shame, Horace Kellogg!” she said,
quickly. “ Is this the way you should talk to
a man of father's years?"

“Never mind, my pretty Puritan; I'll get
iii-mind!» you anon, but soon enough for your
iki'n .

“ 5d like it better if you kept out of my sight
altogether."

"No doubt, but you see I won’t."

“You did not talk so bravely as this when
you tried to force your company on Miss Law
.rence and found a man there to talk to you.”

“Another county board from! 80 Al Ster-
ling has gone about boasting of that affair. Let
him bpast; I’ll get at him again, one of these
diys.

“ You had better not, without taking a sur-
geou with you.”

" Indeed, my beauty! Well, I know your
’long tongue, and won’t waste words With you;
only let me say one thing; I‘m coming to you
directly, and when I do. you Will think an
earthquake has struck. Uncle Nate, give your
eth‘uli'm. for I have a word to say.”

L n 'kyard sat down.

“ b‘ y it quickly than," he replied.

“On slaw and ass is well enough for me,
and I‘ll put enongh v m in what I say to make
amt-[118 ior slowness. Something like this: Miss
.Z -ra. you think on are the heiress of a fortune.
You are not. either are you Nate L ickyard’s
daughterl"

I-lle  ords these seemed to Zora. but. much
to her surprise, her father gave a very percep-
‘(lhlu silll'b.

“ Ana! the shot oes home!” chuckled the
you .g villain. “ ncle Na‘e feels it, for he
‘kwws it‘s true. Zira, lbo Lord only knows
u h i you are—perhaps your history idietter left
‘lllltv-M and uvuhinted at—but you are not Lock-
iyard“. dau liter!"

The girl ooked at the money-lender with ter—
~rnrvxpwsse<l on her feel, and there she saw
en. u-” to bring her from her chair and to his
'Iu-

" Ftiher! father l” she cried “say that thisis
'not ~ol Say I am your child! For Heaven’s
'Suli A, don’t say no!"

There was a depth of feeling. a tragic earnest-
'ness in her voice which few people would have
: 'Ven her credit for, but K-Ilogg’s unfeeling
. sugh came in as a disagreeable and almost do-
anom‘uc interpolation.

But no one heeded him: perhaps no one heard
him. Lockyard was thinking only of Zora.

" You are my child—the child of my heart I"
he cried. _

“Law and hearts are two diflerent things
one!» Nate. You know that not one drop 0
your blood runs in the veins of this girl, this
2 »ra— Z )undsl what is her name? A child of
the gutter. fatherlen. mother-leek"

“ Stop!" almost thundered the money-lender.
*‘ Not another word, sir. ' I cast the lie back in
your teeth. If God, in his infinite wisdom. has
not seen p er to make her my child in fact,
he has. at east, given her an ancestry as
honorable as that of any one. No child of myo-
mery is she but herifarher and mother were m
dearest friends in iformer days. even as she s
snv one great treasure now. For. come what
will, 1 love my child and I will stand between
lier and all storms l"

yard spoke in an earnest and ringing
voice. and “his mild face was ful of a lofty and
noble fervor. zm lay iuhls rms. quivering
pitifully. but her face was hidden and she said
no more.

“All vary well. and we’ll let that part pass.”
said Horace. flippantlv. " I don’t care whether
she comes of hovel or lace: but one‘thing is
car ain. she is not your elress. She is not your
den :h'er, and I are next of kin l"

Kel egg ariise and stretched out one hand to-
wari the 'l‘ . '

“Put ogt the impoatori” he added. “Put
“her out and give me my rights! I am your
heir, and I demand treatment due me 2: such!"

Bad the speaker been sober he would rcely
have made such a demand in a land where men
are free to leave their property as they see fit.

"You will receive the treatmeht cu deserve
and none other!" Dockyard rotor .

“ l demand my rights!”

"Fennel" said the money-lender more gently.
"You have hendrinking, Borneo. and do not
know what on say.”

“Don't I thefebow rotated. “I‘llsoou

show you. Look ye. ‘my worthy uncle, I've
been made a cat‘s-paw by those who knew me
better than I know myself, but I am set right
at last and I’ll have my rights. Open your
money-drawers and give me your gold l"

He put out his hands and advanced a step. A
dangerous light was in his eyes and he seemed
scarcely conscious what he did. Lockyard
shivered and wished for Sterling’s return, while
Zora. turned at the sound of his voice and
turned paler yet.

“Money! money!" the youn villain re-
peated. “I’ll have it or strange you where
you sit!”

“ Stand back or I’ll call for help!” Lockyard
exclaimed.

“You won’t call but once: you won‘t call at
all!” was the fierce reply. “I’ll settle you at
once!" '

With this cry he sprung forward. The older
man tried to rise, but was forced back by
stronger hands, and then, as Zora uttered a
srream, the assassin hands closed over Nathan
Lockyard’s throat.

 

CHAPTER XXXIII.
A STORY or BURIED summons.

THAT eyening J ack Bunker and Warfleld met
in one of the lowest saloons of the town by ap-
pointment. Lines had become so sharply drawn
since Bennett was captured that they dared not
meet in Warfleld‘s room, as usual. linker had
induced Kellogfi to go to bed and hoped that he
would remain t ere until his overdose of liquor
wotrked off-though the reader has area he did
no .

Warfleld was the last to arrive at the saloon.
He found Bunker at the further side, where the
miners were scattered, and he sauntered over to
him as though it was a chance meetin .

“ So you’ve got along,” growled Jae .

i “lfiushl Not so loud,” said Warfleld, warn-
niz y.

“ What're you afraid of?”

“ Listeners are what I’m afraid of," was the
sharp reply. ‘

“ Do you s’pose men kin hear supernatur-

all f”

{Varfleld looked about, but only one man was
near them. Daddy Clover was sprawled out
overa chair and table, a favorite position of
his, and breathing srertorously. ’ A more inno-
genit looking object than be it would be hard to

n .
“ Let us lose no more words, Bunker; I have
come to talk business.”

“ Blaze away!"

“ I am going to leave the Bend.”

“ Is that sol”

“ Yes.”

l‘Whyi"

“Because I mean to keep my precious skin
out of trouble if I can and it s
with Lockyard is past. ’Matters have gone
wrong, and it is only aquestion of time when

on and 1 get roped in like Bennett if we stay

ere. I don’t mean to stay. I‘m going to get
out of the Bead on the run.”

“ In that case, you git no pay.”

“ I don’t want any. and if I did I don‘t believe
I should get it from you. You don't look like a
millionaire."

Warfleld spoke lightly, but Bunker took
oflense at once.

“ Don’t ye make no mistake. pard. A ragmd
coat don‘t always kiver an empty pocket. Es
fur me. I kin buy you up. ten times over.”

“Got the money about you now?"

“ I'll tell ye whar ’tis, mister,” said Jack, bel-
ligerentl y. “ Under my cabin thar is fifty thou-
sand dollars buried, all mine an’ all good money.
Kin you beat that? Mebhe too, you think you
kin get it on ther sl . Wei. lo the say her
critter don't live the kin take it away while
Jack Bunker lives l"

“ N onsense! Do you suppose I am fool enough
to try? I know your way. entle Jack. and
don’t hungrr for a supper 0 end. But do you
intend to remain here '

Bgnker‘did not answer at once.

“ sw’ar I dbn’t know what tor do,” be final;
lv said. “ 1 hey played fur a big stake an’ hate
ter lose. but Ihev a due respect fur ther law.
,l’ve about made u my late terlevautzlonear
it. in fact, that I ave let Hod Kellogg into a
leetle secret o’ lnterestter him. Zora Loo rd
is no more than an adopted darter, an’ I’ve said
on much ter Kali an' put him on ther track.”

“ Look h-re. Banker, what sort of a wizard
are you? How do you happen to know aomuch
about Lockyardf" '

Jack chuckled grimly. ' '

“ Nev»:- you mind.” he replied. “ Mebbe I’ll
tell eaome do ,~but of I do you will be ’aton-
ish . Wait ti lthe‘nl” ~ -

Murder was in Borneo Kellogg’s'burt and
murder would soon have been upon his hands.

cries had not heen'in vain. as a quick (33m

proved, and as the young villain com

‘Loc ard’s neck still tighter, he was suddenly
and nuns backward so forcibly that he

fell flat on the floor.

 

Andinamomentmeaheavyfootwas

clear our day -
a l

but there came a timer interruption. Zorn’s.

 

filanted on his breast and the tall form of'
artholomew Blake stood over him like the
stern avenger he was.

“ Vile .wretchl" exclaimed the Deacon, “ you
have at last reached the point I have predicted
for you, and tried to dye your hands in human
blood. Woo be to Big Nugget Bend that such
men live within her limitsl‘

“ Let me u i" hissed Horace. writhing like a
wounded sun 0. “ Let me up, curse you! or I
will have your blood!”

“ You eyer-rate your power.” was the steady
reply. “ Try to your utmost. if you wish. and
see the result." .

“There’s another time ahead":

“Not for you, sir, for on havo gone to the
length of your rope. retched man, do you
suppose your share in the late plot against this
worthy gentleman could be he taecretl All is
known, and Bunker, Warfle d and mired!
shallkeep young Bennett company in is cell.
Your trial and sentence to prison will follow in
due time.”

Deacon Stoneflst spoke in a voice which chill.
ed Kellogg’s blood. The liquor cleared away
from his brain a little and lert him the coward
he really was. Dropping all pretense to firm-
ness, he pleaded for mercy, nothing more. He
swore thatif they would release him he would
leave Big Nugget Bend and never again be seen
by any of them.

The sting of his fingers was still on Look-
yard’s neck, but the old man remembered that
he was his dead sister’s child and would have
told Blake to free him at once had not the latter
prevented it by‘n sign. Instead, cords were
brought and the fellow secured despite all his
pleading. ‘

“ Later,” said Stonefltt, “you can use mercy
if you will; that is hotter me to say. Now,
however, let justice proceed. I havo under-
taken to do the work confided to me by Lawyer
Wisecraft and I shall abate no jot or tittleof
righteous vigor. The men who have- plotted
against you must all be sein tonight and the
majesty of law vindicated. I hava tried to re-
forni Big Nugget Bend by ntle means,hut I
see the heavy hand of law is needed. One ex—
am Is may make the other misguided men see
the r sins. ,

They did not argue with him. and when Allen
Sterling returned e went awn .

Zora went to the money-Jen 91' with a pitiful
look on her face, her lips trembling perceptibly.

" What is it. child?” he kindly asked.

“ Is it true that I am not your daughter!” i

“It is true,” he saidL caressin her hair.
“ We are of no kin b the tie 0 blood, but
stronger than that is t a tie of the heart. You
are my adopted ch d and I love you as tender-
ly asa father coul .”

“ And my own parents!” .

“The Wore friends of mine, the truest I
ever ha . Your .father was so school-friend;
your mother, a fair, loving a noble woman.

rath came to them when you were amen
babe, and in that hour I promised to care for
you always. It wasnot a part of the agree:-
ment that you should be known as my own
child but I soon learned to love you so that
Ico dnotbearmbelovedieuln return than
as a father." ‘

“And as such you shall alwa heloved,"‘
she said, putting aside all regret or the grati-
tude she owed him. ‘ ,

“One thing I do not understand." added the
mono dander, frowning thoughttnlly. “How
did orace know you were not In den later!
I did not suppose any one west 0 the fits-is-
siygii, except myself the secret.” -

are suggested that they ask the prisoner,
but when t was done they were not much the
wiser. Jack Bunker had told him he said.
But who was Jack flinkerl A village deer
rado. who was not pup and to know any-
hing beyond the acts 0 drinking, gambling

and acting the desperado.
Kell did not see data reveal all, and they
were ace of the fact that

ll- left in Iigno
Bunker had laid, a l the plot to rob tbeln.
ut Kello g knew litt o more about his evil
genius than id they. and the secret of Banker‘s
power was yet to be revealed.

In the meanwhile. Blake had gone out and
mustered enough honret‘men to seine Dunbar
and Warfleld. He had taken upOld Kofohnm‘s
lug of war in earnest, but the miners would not
follow him until some of them had interviewed
the old lawyer and received his assurance of
support in case of trouble.

one honest man was made sheriff, and
Bunker and Waiflold were arrested. We need

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taRace on the way, however, Blake began to

“ We are not going to Wisecraft, Miss Law.
rence: that is, not unless you insist upon it. He
has confided a good deal of your affairs to me,
and l snail work for you to the nest of my
ability. The man Bunker has at one time
wrongfully appropriated money belonging to
you,l understand. Today he at fall certain
remarks Which led us to believe he has buried
this money beneath the floor of his cabin. and
Wisecraft has suggested that I dig there for it
wiih you to watch me.”

“To watch your”

“sz," replied Blake, without a ripple of
resentment. “Of course the monoyis yours,
not mine, and I might run away with it."

“I am sure mr. Wisecraft did not mean
that ” said Althea, laughing in spite of herself.

" am sure he did, and his precaution ,is a
wise one. Big Nugget Bend is bad, all bad, and
it is well thata man should doubt eVery one
that he can’t watch. Crime runs rampant here,
and no one can be trusted.”

, “Yet 1 shall trust you. Mr. Blake.”

"' Don't! I warn you not to do it. I begin to
feel the sinful feverso contagious in this for-
~saken and undone fawn rushing through my
veins. There is no knowing what I may do.
80, when I dig for this buried treasure, you
ma well watch me."

he reformer sicko with as much severit as
he had used to ob or people, and for n. cran he
was inly commendably consistent. He
felt the gras of woywardness upon him, and
was resclv to chastise wherever he found
cause for it.

But Althea, after laughing a little, grew very
grave and doubtful. The next few hours bode
air to do much toward settling her future. and
everything ‘rembled in the balance. Which
way the scale would tip was uncertain; luckin
for her, perhaps, she knew not what the future
had in store for her.

CHAPTER XXXIV.
DIGGING FOB ran TREASURE.

IT was not difficult to enter Banker‘s cabin.
Having little exposed to view that was worth
stealing he never fastened the door. and all
thy had to do was to push it open and enter.

lake had- provided himself with a lantern,
and this h:- at once set upon the table. Althea.
looked about with curiosity, but her companion
acted as though he had often been there.

“Now,” he said, “ It‘is very likely we have a.
leng task anead of us and as we do not want to
be interrupted, it willbe well to secure the door
and keep out intruders.”

He did as he said, while Althea finished her
survey of the place. She was again proving
that she had good nerves, for every one would
not care to be tans shut up with the cnnk of the
Bend, despite the fact that an emergency had
served to put his monomanls for a time in the
background and make him a man of sense.

“It does not seem possible that our enem
has been dwelling here so long,” said the gir ,
abseutl'v.

" Re er to the unhappy man a‘' your enemy,
If you Will but not as mine. Though he has
deviated widely from the path of rectitudc. he
to still a follow-creature and I cannot pass
him by; I hope to see him reform, though at
the eleventh hourl"

Btoneflst had picked up the spade and he
stood with it held in one band while with the

other he an: asised hi.- rsmarks by appropriate
gestures. a was consistent, even then.
“ Have it u on will ” the girl answered,

somewhat in) t ently, “but let us not stop for
argument. hers is work to be done."
Wei: am the brawn” d
r» armor turn awa an hega. u teal-In

up the floor of the cabin. K‘hia was not hang
for_it was but loosely laid. Once , be ex-
amined the whole area carefully, look ng for a
place when there were signs of previous dig-

“: In; lffalzctglew,” he said, at the and of
lure , ‘ a need not dim us.
It was not to be ex tad.”
3132s;th hol ,"diAlthaa remarks}.
so on y scour-aged. thin

are ibls to the resolute." 8’

ithout further when words Blake began
his work. He plunged the into the ground
and turned the first luau o earth. From there
he want on steadily. If he worked liken. novice
it was not without seal and every stroke
showed no duct. He worked systemitll‘enlg‘,

' snatch-ladle no earth-second time
:axoavaticmaw steadily larger.

‘ Althea the Ikbt and looked on with pain-
“ not. 5°: from“: m“ “'°
roan a u g is art. t t
Band had thought her -no morutbnaggeo
an, t resolute, woman, who had deserted

scones amid which she was reared moon-

' 3:3: bar fortune in the West. Little did they

wof the drama in her past “10' little did

they adaughscr‘svcwhad cubes-to
“mare aoak,uosforrovoogc,bntlor

to
.Mths of, hour-Blah col-polled-
Mpfwmmgmguhwwmwfiw:

StonefiSt, of Big Nugget B

laurelrit.
mill?

new to him, and great beads of perspiration
stood on his forehead. .

Both his face and Althea’s began to have an
anxious expression. He knew very well that
the earth he had thus far turned had never be-
fore heen molesmd by man; at least not since
Big Nugget Bend had a. being; and unless fate
was coquetlishly reserving their triumph for the
last moment, it might be withheld altogether.

The night were on and still the solitary digger
worked. The scene was a 5 range one, but, the
minds of the couple were bent on only one point.
Andas the space grew smaller, and the spmle
failed to reveal the buried treasure, their faces
grew correspondingly grave.

The conviction was forced upon both that
Jack Bunk-2r hadvlied; that no treasure was
buried under the cabin; and that they were no
nearer triumph than they were a Week before.

At last, when he had explored the last corner,
Blake partially arose, and. leaning against the
well, looked up and met his companion‘a gaze.
Disa pointment and dismay were written on
her ace, but his was as resolute as ever, though
it might have been the courage of desperation.

“ The last hope is gonel" she exclaimed.

“ There is surely no hope of finding anything
in this lace," he admitted.

“ Ans the fortune for which so much has been
done, and suffered, is forever lost.”

“ That does not follow. It is along road that
has no turning, and Bunker has already met a
check to his successful career. I deem this cause
a worthy one and shall strain every nerve to
succeed. He must be forced to disgorge his ill-
gotten treasure.”

“ But how can it be done?"

. “ I am unable to sa new, butI am enlisted in
the cause of right an I will go on steadily to
the end. Bunker shall either give up the money
or be ushed to the wall.”

“ I ave little hope,” sighed Althea.

“ Be not weak of heart. Am I not with you?
I will spare no pains, and I will not spare the
rod. In this case, extreme rigor is excusable.”

He resumed work, and replaced the earth and
the flooring as nearly as he could in their old
places. When it was done there was nothing to
shows. casual observer that anything unusual
had occurred.

After that he saw Althea safely home. Few
people were out of bed at that hour and there
was no one to wonder at seeing them together.

Althea secured a little sneep before morning,
but she need not have been in a hurry about
rising. Soon after breakfast a. caller was an-
nounced and she went to the sitting-room to
find Allen Sterling there.

She flushed a little at seeing him, while on his
own part he showed unmistakable embarrass-
ment.

“I hope you will pardon my intrusion, Miss

Lawrence," he said, " but I am the bearer of a.

notcfrom Bartholomew Blake.”

He extended it as he spoke, but, though she

received it, she looked at the bearer rather than

“3513? d 1 ‘ f ‘ h w
y 0 on apo aging or coming ere.

she asked, di dently. .

“ Because I thought it necessary,” he bluntly

answered.

“ I hope you do not think so badly of me as

that. I am not happy in my way of treatln
others, I am ready to'bclieve; but you aid
me when such aid was needed and you must
not think me so mean-spirited as to forget it.”
“ If I was to ask remembrance, it would not
be for what favors I may have bestowed. I
wish to be judged more] for myself. But we
will not speak of that. I. you can tolerate my
presence am glad of it.”

“Mr. Sterling, you humble me to the dust.
I am 0in d to confess that I have not treated

on as I 3 cold, nor as our gentlemnnly con-

uct deserved. But, be eve me, there was a
motive for it. ParhapsI will explain what I
mean. before many days, and let you see I sin
not all ride and ingratitudo.”

“ Bel ave me I have never thought of so con-
sidering you " he replied. a good deal perplexed,
but not at all dlsfleased, at her chap of man-
ner. ” I have never had a harsh ought for

on, for I recognize the right of every woman
a) be her own mistress.”

Havin placed themselves on this amicable
footing, ey abandoned the subject and Miss
Lawrence read her note. It was to the effect
that, owing to the excitement in the village
over the recent arrests, it was the wish of the
people that the school he dhoontinued until the
matter was settled. To this, Bartholomew
Blake’s name was signed.

Althea read it gravely but she could not
avoid the suspicion that it would never have
been written but for Allen Sterling. Boformal
a way of doing busine- was not common to the
Bend. But, even though it was all an excuse
contrlvad by Allen to anchor. shodldnotfeel
angry in the least do Shahad used him
somewhat harshly some atonement was

r was unfounded, however, and
as Allen walked awav after a brief, but

 

at. interview, he was slated at bar unusual
as had gone but a few yards, however, when

l

U. . ‘
_-_  :1..:;_'.,.., f'::’t.""..:_.;::=
he saw Zora. among tlzc hill~ n’.‘ lll will!) of the
town and at once resolVEd to Join her. It was

not a long walk, and though she disappeared
long before he reached the place he went on
without a thought of trouble.

His views changed, however, when a man
suddenly stepped from behind a. rock and con-
fronted him, for.in him he recognized a well-
known so uaintance.

It was ates, the robber partner of Warren.

His hand fell to his pocket in search of his
revolver, but the weapon was not there, and a
grim smile crossed the outlaw’s face as he real~
ized the fact.

“Hello! my young hound,.gou’re just the
1ma]? I wanted to See,” he so: , with an evil
oo .

“Well, I am here,” Allen cautiously ob—
served.

“ So I see, and we will have a squaring of the
old account while we can. You know what I
mean.”

“I know there is no love between us, but I
need scarcely remind you who began the
trouble." '

“We used you well, I and m
Yates, “ but you got the up
and carried a high band.

I am robbed."

“I am aware of that.”

“You take it coolly. curse you i"

“ Not so fast. if on knew the circumstances
of the case you won d not blame me so much.”

“ wouldn’t I? I suppose you count the mur-
der or Warren as nothing, but he was my part—
ner for many a day, and a faithful one at that.
Now I am gomg to avenge his death l"

“NJt so fast. Let me tell you how it

occurred. You lay all the blame to me, but;
you should blame vour partner. It was he who
robbed you, for he had turned traitor and
resolved to run away With the money. That
he failed to do so was because I managed to
free myself and get the upperhhand of him.
We fought, with the odds In his favor, and I
won the battle by a. close chance. Mark what I
say. Your partner was a trailer!”
“It‘s a liel” Yates hotly exclaimed. "I‘ve
tried him in fair weather and foul and I knew
him well. He rob me? He Would as soon have.
cut of? his hand i”

“I swear it was so. He—”

“You need not swear, for your lies will not:
go down. You are a coward to try it. But, in
any case, Warren is dead, and you acknowledge
he died by your hand. I am here as his
meagermnd I am going to have a life fora

e

partner,” mid
r and, somehow,
arren is dead and

 

CHAPTER XXXV.
a NEW nrsronruxn.

YATES was in dead ' amest; there could beno
doubt about that. Whatever his other faults,
he believed his late partner. had been as true as
he himself was, and as he had been killed b
Sterling, Yates was resolved to avenge h
dent .

Sterling saw all this, and was trying to think
of a way to save himself. It did no good to re-
solve never to go abroad unarmed again: he
must find some was out of his present trouble.
But how was he do It!

He did not possess a weapon. while Yates was
fully armed, and there could be no doubt but
the revolver in his hand was loaded and ready
for use. If he tried to close with him, or to
run, a bullet would'specdily go crashing through

im.

“ It was a mistaken mercy that I spared you
at the mountain cabin,” the outlaw resumed.
“I knew at the time you were a dangerous
man, and one shot won] have saved Warren‘s
lifr’e and my money. What have you done with

t

“ You won’t find It on maponon. nor will
you find it an where also. I vs put it away,
without sayl a. we d to any one at the Bend,
and if you shoot ms" i; will decay or beeaten by
vermin of some sort.”

“ I’ll have it I swear itl”

~ ” You can’t ud t without my help."

Sterling was beginning to see a. ray of hope-
He might passibly save his life by promising to
return the money. '

“ Do you take me for a fool!" Yates rotorfcd.
“ You want to hand me to your purpose but
you can’t do it. 1 have everything fixed for a
campal n which shall give me the lion‘s share.
Come with rue—no, go you first!"

The outlaw Indicated the way he wbbod his
com nice to o, and droh him along a sort of
min tare l at the muzzle of his Molver.
Allen was all of wrath, but he knew enough to
yield to the fellow’s whims for a while.

Tunings inf of rock. however, be um
so suddenly at Yates almost ran upon im.

There was ample come for his emotion. Be

fore him was re std, bound and OOII"
ed to a dwarfed tree.
Ear sudden disc 00 VII e who
balefallen into ting, 33:32:“ pawn . ~ *
' toad . now a 0 . ‘ Don
y doctrine

heathen s into youths“ and I
make a fool of yourself. You-solidi”.

 

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, to break her bonds.

- w” rough but Ten-

Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend.

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to are you. Make one hostile movement, and I
will blow out your hrainsl"

Yates moved around so as to face them both,
and stood smiling mockingly. A brief silence
follovwd. Zora had looked quickly from one
man to the other, and already understood the
situation. Mum’s face was stern and rebellious,
but he was unarmed and at the mercy of his
companion. And what the latter was, Zora had
already discovered to her sorrow.

“ Well, what are you going to do?" Yates
finally asked.

:51 have a proposal to make,” Allen slowly
sni .

“ What is it?"

“ I will meet you in fight, as man to man,
and let the victory be to the fittest.”

“ Do you lake me for a fool? No; I have the
upper hand and I mean to keep it.”

“ Are you afraid l"

“ Never mind; I shall not throw away my
advantege. I am about to send you out of the
world. young man. I havo the way and the
will, and the fact that you are alive now is be-
cause I wanted you to see that your lady~love
was in lrouble.’

He pointed to Zorn. but for once the girl had
nothing to say. Her heart felt like lead in her
besoul. She knew Allen’s danger, and she knew
her own.

Allen, however, had no intention of d37an
without a struggle. The chances were against
him, but it would be cowardly to yield without
an eflm-t in his own behalf.

“ One word," he aid. " What are you going
to do u iih this young lady?”

“ Marry herl” replied Yates romptly,
though. in point of fact, he had node mfe plan.
having seized her because she happened to fall
into his pom-r,

“ You’ll find it a lively honeymoon if you
do!" ern retorted. .

It was just the mm of affairs for which
Allen had hoped. Yates turned his gaze upon
her, and the chance was not lost by Al en
With a quick leap he flung himself upon the
ounlaw, grasping his rsvolVer, and as they
reeled b ck Yatea’s foot. struck against a
stone and he fell, while the weapon went flying
nwa .

Thye men went down together, but in such a
way that neither gained an advantage. A
move more and they were mixed up in a des-
potato grapple and whirling about like two
tops.

Zora sprung to her feet and tried desperately
Her feet were not secured
and, had she not been tied to the tree, she
might have made good her escape. As it
was, she pullud in vain at the cords Yates had
well secured.

Useless as this course proved to be, she tried
the iivxt best thing and screamed for hel .

Both men heard her, but it made no dl erence
just then. They were struggling like panther:
in a death-grapple, and so well were they
matched every effort was needed to avoid de-
feat.

With Yates it had become a desperate fight
They were :0 .near the village that the girl's
cries would surely be heard. and if help came.
or Allen won the grapple. it would go hard
with him. The blood of BiiNuggct Bond was
up and Judge Lynch was lie is to take a hand
in the gene.

The outlaw put forth every effort and the
coth became still hotter. They whirled
about so rapidly that it was dxmcult to follow
their movsmenis; with teeth closely shut and
labored breathing they strove for victory.

Suddenly the grasp on Yates relaxed. Allen’s
ha'u'l- fell dawn and he lay motionless. Yates
sprun- to his feet. He needed no explanation
of the situation; his enemy's hand had struck

inst a stone and he lay seamless.

ates looked for his revolver, resolved to flu-
ilhthe nhlr once and forever: but, close at
bend. a voice answered Zpra’s continued scream-
l and the fellow um hll danzir.

is resolution was ulckly to en. '

Be rpm toward l“, lore away her bonds
and lowed to accompany him. Through
the gulch they Wonk the Hi being almost com-
pletely carried and an. e to resist. since her

and: were still confined. A few yards away
chores stood in a niche, where he had been
left by Yates. The caimalwu well trained,
and though he was tossln his head with excito-
mt he would not leave he place.

The outlaw lifted the girl to the saddle, lprung
up after bongavc the word to the horse and
hastened away at all ible speed. The way
lo. Valley, was not far
away. and he bud no fear if he could once got
out of rifle-shot. r

The rl of his home’s hoof: Ind barelycoued
to be on No, when the man who had answered
Zara‘s cries appeared in the. gulch, his face
flushed withthe effort be had made.

It was Deacon Stoneflstl
He looked. eagerly about. and then. seeing

Alkn- lie-hoods: his side. It was his am we. «

that the we mu had been killed, but a brief
 to ' fy himontbntpolnt.

 ha .d‘id’bnot mm, at one.
middbohduxioulynbout. Rolled

\

 

find a. womln’s cries, but no woman was visi- I
0.

Once, he started several steps away, as though
to make a search, but dead silence reigned
around and he returned to the unconscious
man.

There was no water near, with which to re-
vive him: but, luckily, none was needed. Allen
gave si us of returning consciousness; and,
held in lake’s arms, soon revived. He came
back to life with a gasp and Shilel‘, but his
mind was clear and he flashed a quick glance
around. .

“ Zora!" he exclaimed.

“ What of hen” Blake anxiously asked.

Allen staggered to his feet.

"She has been abducted l" he declared, after
another look toward the dwarfed tree. “ Quick,
Blake. or it will be too Intel”

“Be film. but speak quit-kly.” said the Den-
con, in a peculiar, hushed velce. “What has
happened l—where is Zora?“

“Abductedl” answered the younger man.
“ Yates had mind her, and I gave him battle.
My head struck a aiust a stone, and I was
dashed senseless. e has taken her away !”

Not another word did Stoulflst utter. He
ran along the gulch in the direction opposite to
the one from which he had come, and Allen
followed close at his heels. ’

The gulch was act long. and they Soon reach—
ed a. smoother place. From there, looking dowu
they saw a horse galloping through a seoon
gulch. It was dou ly loaded and it needed no
:nagician to tell that it was 'Zora and her cap-
or.

Blake‘s face Was strangely convulsed, but

not gar a moment did he lose his presence of
mm ._
“The villain will take to the valleyl” he
said. "Quick, Sterling; go to the village, et
the two best horses you can find, and ride w th
all speed to the tall tree yonder. Twill keep
them in sight. and meet you there.”

Terse as his commands were, they covered
the whole ground, and Allen started to obey
without a. word.

As he shot away toward the village, Blake
want more leisurely down the hill. taking care
not to lose sight of the kidnapper for a mo-
ment.

Yates bad a choice of two ways—to remain
among the hills and be satisfied with slow pro-
gross and a chance to play hidHnd-seek, or to
take the Ten-Mile Va ley and' meet sure pur-
suit. He chose the latter, as Blake had ex-
pected.

The latter went (0 the tree where he was to
meet Allen. and looked back anxiously. To
look at his face then one would not have thought
him a. disciple of pence—his expression was
more befitting an ordinary avenger.

It seemed a lab wait for his allv. yet Allen
came quickly. 3 led. two excellent horses.
Blake sprun into the empty saddle with the
skill and sgllty of a cowboy, and the two
“ilmkiiimy' mung? f the m

c nappcr w or wee
bills. If he once gs ed 1 cover. his nee
for success was good; thelr’s seemed to e in
running him dawn on the plain.

iAnd softlhc rgggdbegnstn, will? all girlie horses
go ng at u I . rang open as partners.
had at first, for the leading horse was doubly
laden. but it showed a remarkable speed. and
hald.its- wn silently.

“But.” d Allen. between his teeth, “we
shall run it down before the ten miles re trcv~
arsed; we must, qr Z_ 131’. fate is real i"

CHAPTER XXXVI.
on ma mama‘s man.
Nmu before had Ten-Mile galley seen such
a rakoe.b Hgmediitn on thgoo Ii tabby tOWfiED
a, re . as were, tong tooth t
533 a beautiful ,reglon dowry; which the min’erl
had once he Bi Nugget Bend might extend
and be the val of beadville, but the town had
nothrcapered and the Valley was still a thing
of store. I
But the footing was good, and on this day the
rival horses sped along urged by frequent
words, if not w th blows.
The horse of the kldna
animal and he I ed no e ortto obey
tcr’s will. Wit nose outstretched and never
turnin his head be swept down the valley, his
flying set scares seeming to touch the round.
In the not the pursue" followed wit all the
speed they oould‘gct from their animals, but not
a foot did they seem to gain. All depended on
the endurance of the three. I
Few words passed between Blake and Allen,
but, once, when the latter turned his hand, he
was struck b the team. anxious look on Stone-
flct’s face. alearly, he had entered into the
pursuit with "on more ml than when he fried
to reform the Bend by pointln out their sins.
Five miles were soon cov but without a
rceptlblo change in the mist vo positions of.

9 two rtlu.
Allen  to his companion. ‘ '
“ Shall We 1" be

I .
“ We must not fa .” um gift-mei- answered,

 

r was a lendid
ii. a...

. watched

 

bntiuavolccwhollyunflhehlsueuclmmfln-

“Unlurkily, our horses are but flesh and.
blood, while Yates’s beast goes like a phantom
steed.‘ Only a complete break-down can lose
the race to him."

"Can you follow a trail!"

“To a certain degree. yes. I have been
among the Indians somewhat in old times. Arr
long as Yates hangs to his horse he cannot
throw me off the track, but to follow his own
trail is beyond my skill. And youl",

" 1 know nothing about the art.”

The race went on; the mountains grew
nearer and the leading horse held his own al-
lantly. A scornful smile came to Yatns‘s heel
and he turned and waved his hand derisively
toward his pursuers. They made no answer,.
but urged their horses to fresh efforts.

The effort was made in vain: the abductor
struck the foothills with a good lead and disap.
peared behind a fringe of trees. Be 0nd them
were the ragged gulches and rav use where‘
there were hundreds of chances for him to hide.

Again Allan glanced at Blake. but the strong-
face was drawn in'o a series of frowns and the
steel-like eyes set for a int directly ahead,
where the kidnapper had last been seen. They
reached the place themselve with foaming and:
exhausted horses, They das ed in among the-

trees.

The leading horse stood nting by a leng
but his master and Zora had ldisappeared.

The ursuem drew rein at the same place.

“ at new!” Blake sharply asked.

“ Heaven knows- I dou’tl Allen confessed.

Btoneflst leaped from his horse and surve ed
the ground ahead of them with an eagle- lieu
glance. He was lookin for the way Yates
would have been mostl ike v to take and, forming
his opinion. he ran up the ledge.

He was following a fissure along which ram
avein of_ earthl So for his judgment had been:
correct, for in more than one place they found:
the mark of heavy heels.

But at the top the claw ended, and they were '
at a loss. By Blake’s advice they uparated,
and, keeping a hundred feet apart, ran. up the
ascent beyond. '

It was a mere chance but Blake’s eyes were
always busy and he caught sight of the fugitives
away to the left. .Both were there, Yates and
Zora, and he saw them plainly. One moment.
they were visible and then some intervening ob-
ject hid them from view.

A Call to Allen brought him after his com~
panions and they increased their spud and
dashed recklessly along the rough may. Blake
led, and his companion had to use every effort
to keep near him.

Several minutes passed in this wild nee, but
the _ did not aFain sight the pursued until their
not was cal ed in a manner which came near
making an end of Allen. The crack of a rifle
rung out above them and a bullet brushed the

oung man‘s hair. Another inch to the left and
t, would have p10wed its way through his tem—
p 0.
They looked up quick] .

Above them arose in c i! which at first sight:
seemed in: able. but a closer curve would.
show a the f of rock running alon he side.
And on the shelf stood Yates his still lm
his hands. It was safe enough or him to show
himself. for they had no rifle and he was beyond
revolver-shot.

“ Here I am 1" he cried. with'n mocking laugh.-
“ You ran you race hotly, butnow you ban
the quarry at bay, let me see you take him. ‘ IJ
am ready l" ‘ '

Blake and Allen used their eyes to advantage
and quickly summed up the situation. The abelfl
ended just be ond where the outlaw shod, with
an openingmike e enema-once behind him.
There was t one way of reaching the place,
and that the shelf along which be had one.

“W your prisoner, dog Blake
shouted. ‘

Yates laughed and disc
from view. He reappea
arms. Helpless she cert nly was. but
gen]? see, even then. that a brave look was on

or m.

“ c are all here.” said Yates, my
"lfyou want us, come our way.”

“ ou shall see us, never fear." cum
Allen hotly.

“Nothing will oblige me more. and I particu-
larl want you. my man. Look at this shelf of'
me i ltis the only road to my oyrie. and It
could hold it against an army. Try your luck1
in getting at me."

" Listen i” said Blake.
you shall w free."

“ Your ndnom ls remarkable, but I am here-
to make terms. not to accept them. I defy yam
both. More than this. Iain aboutme the-
"5 “313°” WW“; ud' bile they

0 rom cw w -‘
‘ mu return Ion-ail vole. mm~
run on :-

~ l ‘ managuamf
“rt-'iflli‘lfi'...“ {a a, was .
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neglectif..heyr'n ' "r ' ,yetwhm
they could watch bathe . Yates nonsp-
mint um‘nn forum . In:

cred macaw
hollng Zorn in h '

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Stonefistioi‘  Bend.

 

 

:28,

The would-be rescuers consulted. What were
"they to do? There did not seem to be any way
for getting at the desperado, and night was fast
approaching. They shivered at the thought of
leaving Zora in such company.

“There is just one chance,” said Blake,
.eteadilv.

“ What is that?"

“The cliff must be climbed.”

“ l'. is impossible."

“The chances may be against success,"re—
t lied the reformer, looking at the almost smoo' h

ace of the rock steadil'r, “but, as I have said,
it is the only chance. Zora must be rescued!
There was a time when I was nored as a
climber. and I am still strong and long-winded.
.I shall make the attem t."

“But you will sure y 1’ ll and be dashed to
pieces at the foot of the cliff."

“In that came,” said Blake, in a tense voice,
a" I shall die in a good cause."

“But, even if you escape that peril, Yates
.will see and shoot you."

“I must take the risk. The chances are he
,will not dream of our tryin so desperate a
'Venture. He thinks we can or. y get at him by
the ledge. Well, I have apl~n by which you

‘shall make a faint in that quarter and keep his
attention, while I endeavor to go up the cliff.
Say no more, my friend, tor my resolution is
fixed.”

Allen was bewildered. In this crisis Deacon
Stoneflst had come out as a new indivi'luul, and
was provin himself a. remarkable man; but it
seemed ran suicide for him to try his plan.
True, the «lit! was seamed, here and there, and
in some places almost equal to stairs, but as a
whole it made a dad of action Allen believed
no man could enter upon and live.

Arguments were us‘dess. however, and they
' prepared for the desperate venture.

First of all they made a breastwork to shel-
'ter Allen during his operations on the ledge.

This was done h cutting a quantity of the
boughs, and mak n them into a aha e 1i ea
mutton—bale. with thin, slab-like stones nside to
make it bullet-proof. The whole was secured
by tough withes, and. though cumbersome, was
capable of being rolled by one man as fast as
was desired.

Thi.. was put in place, and then Blake went
around to the foot of the cliff to begin his peril-
nous ascent.

Allen waited until he judged he had begun,
and then rolled the breastwork into view.
Yutes’s attention at once became fixed upon it,
and as it made a revolution toward him he
believed he understood the purpose of his ene-
mics.

For a moment he looked anxious, for if they
should roll it to his niche, and then both spring
out at once. he might not be able to shoot more
than on- before the othsr would shoot in turn.
and do him fatal damage: but an idea soon
flashed upon his fertile mind. and he ran along
‘the ledge for forty feet, and then pulled a rock.
twice the size of his head, out to the middle of
the narrow path.

This dOne, he went. back, smiling grimly. He
’knew the breastwork could not be rolled past
there Without giving him at least a rhance at.
one of the men, and the other he could pick of!
.at his leisure.

After that he watched the regress of the un-
wieldy thin without a. suspicion that only one
.man was be ind it.

In the meanwhile Bartholomew Blake was
'tniling up the cliff. He had laid aside his close-
fitting coat. and his form was more plainl
visible. An observer would have admired it
then even as they would have admired the way
in w ich the man climbed.

Gallanth he fought his way up the sheer
rock. At times he had but a narrow crevice
for the rasp of his hands; anon, he hung with
his who e weight, suspended by his arms; but
this resolution never relaxed.

Onward and upward he toiled, every ener
bent to the work before him. Already h a
:clothes were rent and his hands bloody but he
'heeded no obstacle and pressed on, hanging
where a micchance would dash him to death on
1th.. rocks below.

CHAPTER XXXVII.
m STRUGGLE ON THE LEDGE.

Yam had lac >d Z me well back in the
niche—a place e had often been in before, and
where food and drink were al rays kept stored
by the outlaw trio to which he belonged—but
he stood well out on the shelf and watched the
breastwork approach.

He had yet no occasion to fear a revolver
:from that point, and he watched it advance
with supreme scorn.

Had he looked over the cliff he would have
been astonished to see a single man clinging to
its face, slowly and painfully toiling up, but as
resolute as the rock it-elf.

Blake did not falter. He knew what was at
stake and kept on. His hands were cut and
bleedina. but he did not heed them. His mind
was on Zora and he was resolved to save her.

Not once did he look behind him. Such a
mum would have been most dangerous, for it
might have made him din], but he knew what

 

was there, well enough; he knew that if helost
his hold and fell sure death awaited him below.

Few men would have had the courage to at-
tempt the feat; fewer, stiLl, the strength to ac-
complish it. Even Blake was relying more on
desperation than anything else, and when the
top grew nearer he was met by the probability
that Yates would see him first and hurl him
over the ciifl.

But he w uld not pause, and with firmly-set
teeth he toiled onward and upward.

Sterling had pushed forward the barricade
with the best posssible judgment. He could
not take so much as one look, for he had al-
ready seen a sprcimen of the outlaw’s work-
manship, but. unknown to him he was nearing
the point where Yates had placed the obstruction.

The latter Smiled grimly and, with his rifle
ready, awaited the result.

It was at this moment that a human head
arose above the edge of the shelf. A human
face followed and Blake looked with gleaming
eyes at the outlaw. Thus far fortune had fav-
ored him, for he was behind Yates. Could he
gain the ledge unheard]

Zwra was looki. gout of the recess with de-
spail' at her heart, for she forgot all else at first
sight of the climber.

She looked in bewilderment and then grew
amazed as she saw Deacon Stoneflst grasp a
point of rock and draw himself to a level.

He was not an inviting looking object. Some
of the blood from his cat hands had become
smeared over his face and his eyes were wild
and fixed. Little strength seemed left him then,
but it would not do to pause. With a rent
effort he rose to his feet lurched forwar and
flung all his weight upon zYates, hearing him to
the rock.

Another moment and a shout—the pre-
arranged signal—aroused Sterling, who quickly
arose from his cover.

He saw the two men lying on the ground,
Yates making a desperate effort to free himself
from Blake‘s grasp. Under ordinar circum-
stances he would have been like a. ch id in the
hands of a giant, but Blake’s splendid strength
had been nearly exhausted b that long climb,
and he was terribly weak. nly the grand re-
solution of his nature enabled him to hold fast
to the outla w,

Zora. had come forward from the niche, and,
still bound at her wrists, was in an agony of
fear for her champion, but. she uttered a glad
cryvas she saw Allen bounding to the rescue.

ates saw him. too, and he struck Blake in
the face but even that did not loosen his tena-
cious hold.

Another moment and the new-comer had
flung himself upon the outlaw and he was again
beaten down.

How it would have ended had Blake then
given way is uncertain, for Yates was strong
and deeperate, but he kept his hold and the
doubly-hampered desperado was forced flat on
his face and secured.

A word to Zora brought her to Allen’s side,
and the cords were uit-kly transferred from her
wrists to Yates‘s. hen he was rolled back in
the niche and left grating his teeth in impotent
[820.

When Allen turned from this work he saw
Z we on her knees and holding Blake’s head.
The latter looked r ore like a dead man than
anything else. With the victory won his
strength had all gone, and he lay with closed
eyes. his face marble-white, except where the
blood from his wounded hands had smeared it.

Zora burst into tears. Her heart was tender
and grateful, and, realizing what this man had
done for her. and believing him about to die,
she could not look with calmness upon him.

But the tears which fell upon his face served
to arouse him at once. His eyes opened and he
smiled slightly.

“ No. no!” he said.
for l shall be well in a moment.
haustion."

Yet. his eyes closed again at once. and there
was little to encourage the girl. She told Allen
of the stock of water in the nicheand he brought
it to wash away the blood-stains. They found
no wound except on the reformer‘s hands, but
they were cut in a way which told how terrible
had been his climb.

Once. Zora looked over the edge of the clifl
and shivered at the high, sheer ascent, and then
she went back to her self-imposed task of hold-
ing Blake’s head.

Allen had found brandy. too, in the niche,
and he brought it with some hesitation. After
all “ Deacon Stonetlst” had said a ainst li nor
he did not believe he would touch t, but w on
he mentioned the matter the reformer observed
that “ all medicine is medicine,” and took along
draught."

Consistent, or not. the liquor had a happy ef-
fect on him an l he soon began to recover
strength. He did not seem in a burr to arise
but as night began to fall unmistakab y around
them he raised his head from Zara’s hold.

She would have benda ed his hands, but he
made lizht of the matterfiaughing in a strange-
ly-genial way. and when he found his feet well
under him, was the first to speak of returning
to the village.

“Shed no tears for me,
It is but ex-

 

‘They went, with Allen in charge of Yates
and Blake’s arm for Zora’s support: for, having
no foe but exhaustion to overcome, the re-
former had almost regained his old power.

As they toiled down the mountain, Allen
vaguely noticed that his friends talked agood
deal and without signs of their old difference of
opinion, but he wisely gave most of his own at-
tention to the prisoner and to keeping out of the
chasms which yawned by the way.

Ten Mile Va ley was real bad without further
accident and the horses found where they had
been left. As some horse must bear double bur-
den, the same as during the race, it. came to pass
that. Zora rode with Blake.

So far as could be seen they quarreled none
on the way; if they did it was in tones so low
that Allen heard nothing.

Yates, still guarded by his old enemy, went
in sullen silence. There was no knowiing what
a night would bring forth for him, in a land
where lynching is not unusual, but he would
not ask for mercy.

Biz Nugget Bond was reached in due time,
but none too soon to save Lorkyard's reason, if
appearances were reliable. Beset on all sides as
he had been, of late, Zora’s disappearance was
the last feather to his load. Allen had gone on
the pursuit too hastily to see any one about the
matter, so it was not known in town what had
become of her umil she returned.

She found Althea at the house, drawn there
by a desire to comfort the sorr0wing money-
lender, and Zora was ver kind to her for
Allen Sterling’s sake and insisted on her re-
maining all night.

Althea flushed a. little at the idea, for she
knew Sterling would Soon be there. but Zora.
would not listen to a refusal and the teacher re-
mained.

Allen had seen Yates safely crnflned with
their other prisoners before returning to the
office. He had tried in vain to hrin Blake,
but he was not sorry when he Saw All ea. In
his opinion, her company made amends for any
other loss.

They met with a slight embarrassment on
both sides, for they could not help feeling that
it was the beginning of a new relationship
between them, but Althea made a march to
cover her confusion, at once.

“ You should have been a knight of the days
of chivalry. Mr. Sterling.” she said. “You
seem especially created for a brave and
devoted defender.”

“ I suppose you refer now to my services in
your behalf; but it would be a contemptible
knight that was not stirred to heroic ifl’nrt for
such a ‘lady fair ’-—if you will allow the old
term."

“ I dare not reprove you. since I am so much
in your debt, but if I have read history and
romance aright, knights have before now been
derived by the ‘ladies fair’ for whom they
fought.”

"The remark will not apply to you,” Allen
declared. “In this case the knight. only wishes
he was worthy of carrying the scarf of the lady
fair, as in the old days."

Althea laughed.

“Very pretty and romantic. but, as a usual
thing, romance is nonsense. Don’t you think
so?

“I think I prefer reality for shadows, like
the majorit of people at the present day. But,
as regardst is last rescue,'give credit where it
is due. M share was insignificant, for Bartholo-
mew Blu e won the prize bya deed unsur-
passed in history. ancient or modern."

“Zora, has told me something of this; but I
thought her gratitude must have made her ex-
aygerate.”

“ She could not do that,” said Allen, warmly;
:Indfibén he told the story of Blake‘s climb up

e r] .
It hiust have been thrilliugly told, for Althea
followed each phrase with rapt attention, and
when he told of the struEgle on the ledge the
color retreated from her (3 eeks.

“ What the climb itself was we can imagine,
for no human eye looked on as that gallant man
8wung between heaven and earth where one
mi~stcp would have dashed him a mangled mass
of flesh on the rocks below.”

Allen spoke with a fervor which made the
girl shiver.

“ He is very braVe," she said.

“ And they call him a crank!” added Allen.
“ He ma be odd in his ways—- Miss Lawrence,
I do not now what to think of him."

“ Why so?”

“ This last affair has made a great change in
his manner. and as he lay on the rock, with
Zora weeping over him, he looked at her with
an expression not only human, but. 1 could
almost swear, tender. What are we to think;
has Deacon Stoneflst's heart been touched ?"

A peculiar expression flashed ovor Althea’s
face, but as Zora joined them the sulujact w”
dropped and not renewed again that night.

CHAPTER XXXVI“.
m we or wan oaows wnx.
As Big Nugget Bend had no jail Yates was
at into the same room where Jack Bunker and
oraeo Kellogg were confined, WM .34

 

 

 

-5.

mystery to his

 

‘Stonefist. of Big Nugget Bend.

 

 

 

 

Bennett being in a separate cabin. Prisoners
were increasing, and at that rate they would
soon outnumber their jailers, but the honest
men of the town were only awaiting the word
of Lawyer Wisecraft tosend the whole lot to

cover.

Old Ke‘chum had gained sudden rominence
in the town, and the idea of making im mayor
had been openly considered. Just then, how-
ever, his head was troubling him a good deal,
and he asked them to wait until he could re-
sume operations against the late plotters, letting
Blake speak for him in the mean lime.

The miners hardly knew What to think of the
latter’s change of sition. but they went with
the tide, and felt nclined to use the “crank”
well if he would not insult the Bend further.

Yates had no warning of what, or who, he
would meet when he was thrust into his cell,
but he at once realized that Bunkerand Kellogg
were prisoners like himself.

Therefore, he nodded to them genially when
the door was closed.

“ I take it we are all in the same box, gentle-
man,” he said, “and although it isn’t pleasant
for any of us. I like good company. And I think
I can say why you are here.’

Kellogg waited for Bunker to answer, but he
did not seem so ready to talk as usual.

“ I suppose every one knows,” growled Hor-

ace.

“ But I am not a citizen of the Bend. My
name is Yates; you may have heard of me in
connection with Warfleld.

“ Are you in limbo, tool" groaned Horace.

“ I am, as you see, and my case is more seri-
ous than yours. My latest exploit was to try to
carry 03 pretty Mis< Zora, but her friends took
me in and here I am.”

The two men fell intoa conversation in which
Bunker took no part. He kept his corner and
let the others say what they would, but this did
not free him from Yates’s attention. The latter
looked at him often and with _a searching gaze,
but Jack remained silent and impassive.

Anon, conversation lagged and Kellogg lay
down to sleep. The other men remained awake
and often looked at each other, but they did not
speak until Kellogg‘s breathing announcxi that
he was asleep.

Then Yates went to Banker’s side.

“ M friend, I know you,” he uletly said.

“ al, what on'tl” Jack as ed. " That’s
others that do. Who be I, of you hev me down
so fine?"

“ Your dialect won’t save you; my eyes are
keen and I have seen through your disguise.
geod as It is. You are my partner, Mortimer l”

Bunker laughed.

“Well, what of it?” he asked, dropping his
illiterate speech.

“ Nothing, except that if you had confided in
me before you need not have been so badly ofl
now. When you needed help, and wanted
Warren and me, why didn’t you come to us

ourqu instead of sending Wax-field! You
know [our old compact—faithfulness to eac
other and all we can make elsewhere.” -

“ I wished to be unknown to all while operat-
ing as Jack Bunker. I have stuck grimly to mv
assumed character. though I be In to fear other
eyes than ours have penetrate it. There is a
mystery a ut this matter I can’t understand'
I have been repeatedly foiled when I should
have succeeded. But, enough of that. Where
is Warren?”

“Dead!”

“ Dead l”

‘6 Yes." /

“ This is bad news. How—"

“ N at for us,” said Yates, with a profane ad-
dition “ The scoundrel turned traitor and
robbed me of all I had. He was shot by Ster-
ling, and that’s the end of Warren. At least,
such is Sterling’s story, and I am inclined to be-
lieve it, though I at first thought Sterling the'
robber." ,

“ Did you lose much?’ Bunker asked.

“ Every cent I had,” Yates gloomily answer-

:‘ There’s a mystery about this matter I don’t
understand. Tell me all i”

Yates obeyed telling all he knew about Ster-
ling's abduction and the subsequent events a lathe
mountain cabin, except that he gave no particu-
lars as to his money loss. Perhaps the sum was
such that he would have been at once branded
as faith less to the league of three.

For Mortimer. Yates andWarren, had ion
been sharper-s and robbers in general throng
the West. Mortimer was the leading spirit, and
nearly all their great successes were due to his
plmning; but he had always been a sort of

artners Weeks often passed
Without a word torn him, or the slightest claw

' to his whereabouts, but he always came around

sooner or later and, usuallthith some elabo-
rate scheme under consideration.
men had hung member for years, and
they had been faithful to each other unlil War-
ren yield=d to temptation. Yates had not at
thought him guilty, when he discovered
that he was robbed, and had laid all blame to
Sterling; but the latter’s repeat d assertions of
the trn nearly convinced him. ‘
r Bunker. as we will con.

.  ‘ ‘ ‘

 

l,

tinue to call him—having lees faith in mankind.
was inclined to take the same view of the case.

But their vengeance could never fall on their
faithless partner, as we have alread seen.

They soon turned their uttent on to the
future. They were in risen but they had no
intention of remaining t ere. Old jail-breakers
were they, and they meant to leave Big Nugget
3 nd in the lurch by another night, bunker
having carefully arranged a plan.

 

The next day Bunker was taken from the
prison and to a room in Father Lockyard’s
house. He knew as soon as he crossed the
threshold that something uncommon was about
to occur. It was easy enough to imagine that
they wanted a confession of the full plot against
the money-lender, but Bunker had another view
of the case.

He slouched into the house with an indifler-
ent air and showed no surprise When tak-n to a.
room where he saw Incliyard,Zora and Bar-
tholomew Blake. There was another figure
Kartially vi~ible by a curtained window which

0 was not able to recognize.

The men who had brought him slapped out-
side the room and Blake then spoke, his cold
eyes and impassive face turned squarely upon
the letter.

“ ou may-sit down, sir,” he said sIteadfly.

“An' I reckon I kin stand up of wanter,”
independently replied Jack. “ I ain‘t no
bodv’s—”

“Suit yourself, as to that; it is of no conse-
quence teeny one except yourself.”

" Thank ye fur nothin’. It’s right kind in ye,
Deacon Stoneflst, an’ I see ther crank fam’ly
ain’t so bad arter all.”,

So Bunker sat down, throwing one le ovar
the other and takingba good deal of tron le to
show these people t at he did not care a pica-
yune for their likes or dislikes.

Blake, however, remained perfectly calm and
showed no resentment at his sneers.

“ We have sent for Iyou on business,” the
Deacon resumed, "and will lose no time about
it. To begin with, you may as well drop your
illiterate we. of talking, for all here know you
to 321,, not ack Bunker, but Warren Lock-
ya

If any one had expected the man to make a
guilt start, they were disappointed. Jack
hea the announcement unmoved, and then a
slight smile crossed his face.

‘ Well, what of it?” be asked, ina tone dif-
ferent from his old Western dialect style.

“Simply this: You are now known to us as
the dbgother of this gentleman, Nathan Look-
yar !

“ Why don't be rush to my arms!" sneered
Jack as we will still call him.

“ lie is not fond of embracing reptiles.” Blake
coolly replied. “Now, let me see what we can
tell about you. Arnold Inckyard had three
sons, William, Nathan and Warren, the latter
being his child by a second marriage and sev-
eral years younger than William and Nathan.
He was also of a very different nature, growing
up vicious and dissipated. while they were
steady, industrious and deserving.”

“A ood beginning, upon to word!”

“ When the elder Lockyard led, Warren was
eighteen years of age. There was little prop‘
erty for t e brothers, but as the two elder were
doing well in business, they offered go make
Warren an important factor in their usiness,
and ultimately a partner, if he would abandon
his evil ways. ’ ‘

“ Which he did, of course.”

“ He promised fairly, and Wes tried,” contin-
ued Bla e calmly. “ but he failed to keep his

romislsi. they bcire with hlgli for a yet? dug;
ing, w c ime e was a sgrsce to mse
and them, and then. when repeated warnings
had failed, they set him adrift. He at once dis-
appeared.”

“ Driven to suicide by their ill-treatment,
probably."

“ It was many ye'ars before they heard of him
again. They dissolved their co—partnership,and
each want his way. Years passed. William
the elder brother, was at ' his home, old an
feeble, but surrounded by all money could pro-
cure. His uncle had died, anddeft nearly two
hundred thousand dollars to his two elder
nephews, William and Nathan. The former was
in the midst of his comforts, with age stealin
upon him gradually, when he had a shock o
paralysis which enfeebled both his mind and

ody. He was in this condition when Warren
uni xpectedly reappeared.” I

“ Refer to me more directly, if you lease. ,1
am getting bewildered. so complicat is your
narrative,” answered the prisoner.

“Have it as you will. You came to your
brother‘s house. and by fair talk made him be-
lieve you an honorable man. William. at that
time, was flow, I have said, so far as relatives
were concerned. 80 he was, for his son and
daughter had gone to Europe a, year before to
pursue their studies in Germany. William told
mu these young people were dead. having been

t at sea,end you believed him. Of them,
more anon. Enough for now that._by your ad-
vice William turned uaeziv all his wealth into
ready money. What excuse you'msde I do not

 

know, but you worked on his disease-enteebled
mind until you accomplished your 'purpoee.”

“ The interest increases. on !

“ One evoning, William died suddenly. You.
made loud protestations of sorrow, but when.
morning came you were gene. and so was all-
the money you had revalied on him to in! in
portable form. In painer words,.you had ac.
complished your end. and deliberately stolen
near y ‘0 hundred thousand dollars!” ‘

F‘TAPEER XXXIX.
run: us'r cannon. '

Urto this time Blake had remained as calm
asnstatue, but now his face flushed a little;
and his words were bitter and his mum
ominous.

But the prisoner yawned, I3 lhough the story
wearied him, and carelessly asked him to go

 

on.

“ In plain words,“ Blake resumed, “you had. *
heard of the fortune left your two brothers, and.
filled with rage and jealousy that you were
slightvd, you resolved to secure by foul mean».
what you had not, by any course of justice
deserved. Your first ate was to steal the
hundred thousand dollars rom William, as I
haVeeald."

“ Which was well according to your ac-
count,” added Bunker, nouchalantllqy.

" After that, you cam; to Big ugget Bend
to rob Nathan of his share. You disguised
yourself and became rough, illiterate Jack
Bunker. Then you started the Quirkste mine
fraud. At first Nathan thought well 0 it, but
you were foiled in the end.”

"Now on begin to intei‘est me. Gi.e mu
light on t is dark subject. Who.oiled met"

“I will tell you.”

Blake struck his foot on the floor and the
window curtain was pushed aside. The half--
concealed figure appeared, and Bunker saw
Althea Lawrence! --

“Let me introduce to you, Brenda, dough-r
ter of William Lockvard l" added Blake.

“Ho! 1 see!” said tinker, with some excite-
ment, yet with flees surprise than mi ht have
been expected. “ The oid‘man’s dang tor was.
not lost at sea!”

“‘,She was not; for here she is, as you may

Jack scanned the face of the teacher, who
met his gaze calmly, for sewn! mud; in
silence, but at last he turned to Blake a sin.

“I believe you,” he said. quietly. ‘ The re—
semblance is not at all strong. but it is there in
a slight degree. Yet, I have seen her everyday k
for weeks and never suspected it. W since

this is so, rperhaps the son of William yard

still lives _'
He looked keenly at Blake. ' ‘
“Yes.” replied the latter, calmly. " I an

Ward Lockyard!”

Every one excerpto Jack and Althea started,
for if. was. to Nathan and Zora. A
part of the tru had been told them, but not
until then did the money-lender suspect Blake
was the son of his brother.

“From which," continued Jack, “I  l‘
u a

your career as Deacon Stoneflst has been
lind and that you are not a crank in the sense
you have the reputation of being.”

“ 1t hes been a shield behind which I‘ have

worked against you," Blake answered. “ When. ,'

my father told on his children were lost at
see, it was but t e fancy of .an enfeehled mind.
I was then studying medicine in Germany, and
my sister, Brenda, was receiving vocal instruc~
tion. We were summoned home immediately
after my father was taken ill. but when we Orv
rived he was past earthly help and earthly trou- ,
ble, amt—you had stolen the money and disap-
peare '

"I begin to see," said Jack, cool] . “And so
you and your charming sister reso ved to find
xiiiehaigi ask for the return of the money. Am I
r t

i  .. . .

6 ,my earn ew. cantohli on.
Perhaps brother Nate will lend you gating]:
money to take you home; it is in his way of
trade."

“I am not here to borrow; I demand in
ownl" , -

“ Sorry, but you'll never get it.”

“Unless you refund every dollar you will‘be-
taken East and tried for your crime.

“ You can prove nothing."

“You will see that I can prove enough to
send you to prison for the remainder of our
life, and I wil do it unless on give be the
mone . Listen to me, sir. swore a solemn
oath ythe grave of my father that I «would
find you, thumb I was ten years on the trail,
and, having found you, would foreevyou to
make restitution. I will do this or send you to -
risen for the balance of your days. I swear

tl”

“You talk briskly for a boy. but you Laure an

old head to fight against when‘JQW-meet me.

If I MVEJ}!9I Wyanntmm-  agile of
expression vs vs ere a our
macity will fail to and it. y ‘
about me like a and I defy you to find
dollar stall the undred thousand!”

i. ; ..- I..-_-.._ a. 4)..

Idonotcarryit W

 

 

.m

u '3 and slow!” said Jack, mocklugly. ,1" I

 

 

u
i
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l
a:
g
l
_r

l

 

.5.

3O

“ Think twice before you answer,” said Blake
’harshly. “I know you and your way, and
that mercy is thrown away on you. One word
from me to the men of Big Nugget Bend and
Judge Lynch takes the reins o powsr. You
were at the bottom of the plot to kill All n
Sterling, though it was Warfleld who hired
Yates and Warren for the work: you were at
the bottom of the scheme to lynch me, though
_ on let Hexam work for on. Such thingsas

hese get due notice in a esteru town when
fourd out; let me but make the suggestion and
Judge Lynch rules the Bend to-night!"

Jack’s manner was less confluent than be

fore.

" How in perdition did you learn all thisi” be
mutter,

“ You have been over-reached, that's all.
Often when you talked, a man was near whom

an «Shed as a mere drunkard. You knew

im as addy Clover. There is no such person.
I haves part of the time assumed that role,
while or. other occasions it was in oorl friend,
Bardeek, alias Wisecraft, alias l Ketchnni.
He accompanied us here, when I came with my
sister—or, rather, each one of us came at a
diflerent time. And when you have talked
freely with Dsdd Clover around, either Old
Ketchnm or my f overheard you.” ‘

“ Well. you haven’t got the money yetl"
sneer-ed Jack.

" No; bur we bevel been able to foil all your
plots against Nathan Lockyard. Each scheme
asylum was early knowu to us and duly haf—

“You‘ve played it well, I confess. Why, you
even pretend to be a stranger to this young

‘ womar you now claim for your sister."

Those

4

' gall it, and I welcome

sheep o the Lockvar

He motioned to Althea.

“ it was a part of our plan, and even when
we were alone I kept up the pretense of being
Bertha lomew Blake so that no chance listeners
would learn ti e truth.”

“ But where’s your money i". cried Jack.

“ You shall refund it.” ,

f “I will notl"

“ Beware!”

“ I say I will not!”

‘ The two men looked each other in the face.
It was, indeed. a “tug of war,” with Greek
against Greek, and no one could tell who would

,win. Stern resolution was expressed on each

face. a .
“ Have you an ambition to pass the remainder
of your life in prison?" demanded the younger

’ man.

“I was never yet beaten in a game of wits,
and I will not begin by losing now. Do with
me as yon.will; not a syllable shall my tongue
ever reveal l"

Blake looked him in the face for a full min-
ute in sileno'.

“ Have your own way,” be then said, “but if
you decide to confess, let me know. To—mor-
row, at noon, yru will be tarted for Denver.
Let me hope for your own sake you will change
your mind before then.”

“ It isn’t my way to change. and I wish you
10y of the money when you get it. Brother Nate,

fear I shall have to leave you rolling in your
riches, for theQuiokstep mine has struck bed-
rm'k and I advise you not to put any money in
it. Cutaway City is so much out. My charm-
ing niece, Althea, or whatever you call your-
self if on want more pupils, come to our old
uncle or recommendations. ' He is he man
who wields the rod of power at the Bend.
Pratt Zora, adopted daughter of a philan-
throp c old fossil, accept my blessing! And
now, b your leave good people, the black
family steps down and
out and the bluff Jack Bunker comes to the sur-
face like a umping- ack. Drive on er cart.
darn ye, an make e boeroom for t er wild
o’ ther prairie. That's me, an’ what I he!
goes as it la sl”

He pou forth this address with the vein-
bility of an auctioneer, his manner one of vul-

triumph, and at the and resumed his old,
lliterete language as a circus-performer would
change his dress.

The guards from the prison had entered at a
signal from Blake, and he motioned in silence
for them to take the man away. He went with
his old swagger, turning his head at the door
to grimaoe over Lia shoulder, and then the
{array people he left behind each drew a deep

m

Nathan went to the ex.“ reformer.”

“I am surprised,” he said. “to learn that
you are one of my own race. but I am not
sorry; Iaeenow that what we have thought

cur monomania was but a mask, as I may
on as William's son.”

Blake laughed ii ht y.

“I trust I am stil somewhat human in my
ways.” he said. “ I have stuck grimly to my
character, often when I ought to have been
ashamed of doin so.”

Es looked at who blushed prettily and
seemed to take kindly to the idea of having a
sane friend. in place of the crank of the Bend.
.And when matters had settled down too calmer
best, he went to her as she sat apart from the

- others. ,
“ Can you forgive me for all my rudeness to.

you?" he asked; “for annoying you so often by
declaring you were vain and worldly?”

She touched his hands where they were
ismi’sed by the cliff he had climbed so gal-
ant .

“ at these wounds answer me,” she said,
softly. “Even before that I could not hate
you when I tried, and since you risked your life
for me I have lost all desire to be your enemy.
For my own part, I have been disagreeable; I
know I have, and I shall try to treat you better
since you are father’s nephew. But srba 9
you on’t know I am not Mr. Lee yar 'a
dau bter.”

“ have known its. long time, and it was be-
cause I let the secret drop to Old Ketchum that
be stupidly spoke of it to our father—let us
call him so—and made tron is for both of on.
For this I hope you will forgive me, an let
peace be between us.”

“ I am uito willin ."

“ Thereqis one can ition. I especially request
that you ut of! this black dress and put on
your plal one."

" But you said that was vain and world] —-"

“ Deacon Stoneflst said so, but be is a t lung
of the past, and in my proper character I
to see the worldly dress again.”

CHAPTER XL.
ran LAST not In m DRAMA.

Amman night had fallen over Big Nugget
Bend—a night of unusual darkness, with a.
threatening of rain. The hour was midnight,
and the greater part of the people were abed.

In the prison-room set apart for Jack Bunker,
Kellogg and Yates, there was no sleep. In—
stead, each man was in a state of eager expecb
anfiy such as he had seldom felt before.

0 light was furnished them, and they could
not see each other, but they knew what needed
to be done, and were of one mind.

All their attention was directed to escape.

The building in which they were confined
was larger than thepverage, and they were an-
deavoring to escape by the roof. Bunker, who
was, as usual, the master-spirit of all, was tak-
ing‘ the lead with energy.

be way to the roof was one not easy to trav-
el at an time, while in the darkness it was not
only .d' all; but dangerous; but they had
worked the way by day, and were traveling it
at nigkbt.

Jae went first and, after swinging to and
fro like a pendulum for awhile, reache a posi-
tion at the top and began opening the way to
the outer world: and while he labored, the
other men followed by the aerial way.

At last an opening was made and they crawled
out on the roof. Big Nugget Bend la'y dark and
silent around them. except. for the tramp of a,
sin is man as he marched around the prison.

at a word passed between the desperate
men. for every point had been considered and
settled in advance b Bunker. He crept to the
ed a of the roof and ooked down. _

he sentinel paused for a. moment to light his

ipe. It may be he was envying his compan-
rons in the outer room of the jail and longing
for the hour when he would be relieved, but the
pi e was good company and he trumped on
tier creating a red coal within the bowl.

As be rounded the corner Bunker dropped
lightly to the groundnud ran for the shelter of
the nearest cabin.

By the time the guard reappeared, all was as
before. ,

Once. twice more the man made his round.
and then, though he knew it not, he mi ht have
gone home and to bed for all the g be was

oing. The last of the prisoners was gone,
though he dreamed not of it.

V They paused a hundred feet away and Bun-
ker took each man by the hand.

“Now, then, pards,” he said, “ do ,you slick
by me through thick an‘ thin? Kellogg. so I've
tole ye before, all yer uncle’s money is in his
house, for he brag ed on it ter me; an’ ther,
Yates, is Sterling with what he stole from you.
1 want revenge! What say, do we crack ther
crib an’ make ther Lockyard bones shake?”

His companions promptly answered affirma-
tively, as usual. but, as usual, they were his
dupes. The one dander had not told him he
had moneyi the case, and he knew nothing
about Yates‘s money, but he was resolved to
brin ruin and destruction to the Lockyard
fem y that night.

He led the way to the house, chuckling with
suppressed 0y at the way his plans were work-
ing. Big ug et Bend had laid its hand on
him, but it s d find to its sorrow that he was
better left alone.

Lockyard‘s house was reached. It was dark
andI silent, and the whole family seemed buried
in s .

No me was lost by the desperadoes, as their
escape might be discovered.

At one side of the house was a can-to, the
roof of which was easil iced. Within easy
reach was a window, w ch Horace was poo -
tive led into a room not occupied as a sleeping-

room.
In taking this for ranted, they ‘forgot that

 

when Lockyard took is newly-f ed n ew
andnieceiutothehousesomecha gesmig the

Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend. ; . "

2

made in the arrangement. Such a change had
been made, and Allen Sterling was sleeping in
the room.

Bunker cautiously raised the window and
then paused to listen. No sound reached his
ears. Yates grasped the window to hold it and
the chief villain crept cautiously through. He
had his revolver ready for use. and a smile
moved his face as he thought that be was snugly
in the stronghold of his enemies.

Kellogg followed and then turned to hold the
window while Yates entered.

At this moment, however, there was a stir at
one side and a sharply-pitched voice demanded:

“ Who is there?"

A double click followed as Bunker pulled
back the hammer of his revolver and sprung
forward to silence the s alter, whom be easily
recognized as Allen Ster in .

The tell-tale sound settl all doubts remain-
in in the oung man’s mind. and as he saw the
re an rus ing upon him be promptly fired the
revolvsr be held in his own hand.

Crack!

The bullet sped wide of its mark and Bunker
kept on, his revolver shoved forward for use,
but just as he pulled the trigger the window
went down with a crash, disturbing his nerves
and his aim. ‘

Two other reports sounded in rapid succession,
followed by a heavy fall, and then Allen
leaped from his bed. Jack Bunkei was down
and groans sounded from beside the window,
and, not a little disturbed, Allen retrrated to
the corner and stood at bay, not anxious for
further fighting, but prepared to shoot rather
than be shot.

But, by that time, the whole household was
astir and heavy iootfalls sounded in the hall.
The door was flung open and Blake appeared. a
light in one hand and a revolver in the other.

There was no occasion for further fighting,
boweVer, Jack Bunker lay by the hmi and
Seemed to be dead, while at the windOw Kellogg
was crouching down, and groaning as only a
coward can.

Nathan Lockyerd quickly entered. but it was
Blake who took charge of eflairs. He saw that

‘ Kellogg was not dangerously biirtbalnd, giving
I 1

him in charge of Allen, he went to her.

The latter opened his eyes at the touch, but
when he would have raised his hand it fell back
like a lump of lead.

"Useless!" he muttered. “ I‘ve reached the
enfli‘li‘b lam” red 1 b i b h de

eysawa poo gstern y issi
but when they would have looked at his ween
he Put them away.

‘ Useless!" be repeated. “The bullet has
one home and I am a dead man. You won’t
ave any more trouble from me, for this night

is my last.”

Zora andsAlibea left a scene that shocked
and sickened them, but, while Lockynrd bound
up the wounded shoulder of the grovellng Hor-
fce, Blake and Allen stayed by the dying out-
aw.

“ I’m oil’ on a long rrad,” said the latter,
looking at Blake, “ but I have one salisfeclion:
yrumll never see the money for which you

ave worked so hard."

“Will injustice do you any good nowl",

Blake gravely asked.

“ I say you shall never have the money. I told
you once it was not buried. but it is, and that,
too, where you will never find it. Ninety thou-
sand dollars. in aper money which will soon
decs , and so en a the family feud l"

A) en Sterling started. ,

“ Ninety thousand dollarsl” be repeated.

“And deeply buried.” chuckled Bunker.

“By my life,  see it all!” Allen exclaimed.
“You are Mortimer. the confederate of Yates
and Warren. as you were ovl rheard to say
when in prison: and the money Warren dug up
in the old stable,where it was buried in a tin box,
was the ninety thousand dollars to which you
refer. I have come inlo possusiou of it: I took
it from Warren: it is herel And you, Blake——
if you had told me all, might sooner have had
your own. It is here!"

He produced the huge roll of green-backed
notes and handed them to his con panion.

Bunker saw them and his eyes dilated for a‘
moment, but his life was going feet. He merely
moaned likes dumb animal in in, and then
hid his face in his arm. He did in move again
for several minutes, and when they spoke to
him he was found to be dead. -

But the Lock ard money was indeed in
rightful hands at eat. as was proved tothe satis-
faction of all when the old stable on the moon-
tain was visited. There they found the tin box,
which Allen had not particulafly etamlned

before. and not not only aid Blake rememter it -

as having come from his father's house but the
name of. William Lockyard we! mansion the
cover in ornamental, but nearly obliterated
letters. .

The mane stolen by Warren from Yates was
but a stun] sum, although the latter made a
good deal of talk about it. and as it was never
seen again, as far as was known it was proba-
‘ bly lost by Warren while pursuing Allen that

 

t. ,
d thus the mountain adventure which

 

1}
‘l
l
l

 

«misoth ..

 

r ._.'.' u so «really, was the means of
 ling the Lockde money to the son and
daughter of William.

7

 

With a farewell glance at our characters we
will bring our record to an end. _

With the death of Warren Lochyard altar
Jack Bunker, the troubles of our irieiids
ceased, though their minds were kept active
during the trial of Kellogg, Wurfleld and Ben-
nett. All these men received a suitable State’s-
prison sentence.

Justice did not reach Yates, who. flying fast
.and for after the shooting at Lockyard’s, dis-
appeared from the view oi those who had
kn0wn him before.

“ Old Ketchum " recovered and returned East
to finish his days peacefullygand as Nathan
Lock ard was his heifhbor re they became
test riends. The 0] lawyer sometimes gives
imitations of “Daddy Clover" to amuse cer-
tain children who are growing up around the
younger oi our characters.

For Zora became the wife oi Ward Lock-
yard, alias Blake, and Brenda, alias Althea,
married Allen Sterling. so the family fortune
is not likely to be scattered during the present
generation.

It was duly explained that when Ward and
Brenda set. out on the trail of their treacherous
uncle. and vowed to follow him tothe end, the
also vowed not to think of love until their wor
was done.

Thus Althea’s coldness toward SterlingI was
explained, and be no longer thought her eart-
less when all was told.

As for Ward, he roved to be a Very difler<
0“ Wm" from “Beacon S oneflst." He cut
01! his long hair. let his mustache grow and dis-
carded his peculiar suit, and lo! a very diaer-
ent- looking young man appeared.

Nor was the change confined to his 3PM!“
ones.

He proved to be of a. Renial, kind nature, a
man whom all liked and he no longer calls his
wife vein and worldly. 0n the contrary, Zora
is encoura'zed to wear ribbons and other vani-
ties. and their lives flow on like a placid river.

But at Big Nugget Bend the story of Deacon
SLO!)th is still told. and old recideuts point
out the grave uiJ .ck Bunker. The chief curi-
osity. however.is the clifl at the end of Ten-
Miie Valley where Blake climbed for his future
wife, winning her fairly by going up a rock no
other mail has been able to scale.

m END.

3331153le

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Stonefist. cf Bio; Nurmot Bend. 5

3.3 ~’

W averley Library.
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Hum To Ruin. By Arabella Southworth.

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)6 Tuner Bra Norr. By Margaret Le center.
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mqaohceeo—

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911 Tim Baths or AN Aaron. B t e autho I
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P

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78 My YOUNG HosaANn. By .

79 A can AMONGST WonN. By the author of
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'n.

lie'a Husband.
onus.

LAUREL Bven. By Miss M
Len As'rnu. By Octave Feuiilet.

JANit'r's EIPMANCM. By George Eliot.

amen or A Peon YOUNG MAN. By 0. Feuiliet.
A TERRIBLE Damn. By Emma G. Jones.
Alwyn) Sm. D B

a men’s ADGmR. Mary Hewitt.
Tax Jwr. By Charles Reade. ’

92 Burn ALANNA. By Dennis O'Bullivaa.

ssaaeeaen
8’

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96 mics-ran Hum. Rachel Bernhardt.
97 Even Meron. By thai-ine Kin .
g grime LEAEMONT.  MuiocE.
HORII nn1's van. Bv MarvPatrl
100 THROUGH Fm: AND WAm By Fred. Talbcokt.
101 Emu. By Miss Mulock. '
102 Poe Won-moron. By Charles Reade.
108 A Dnsrniu'rn Darn. By Erskine Boyd.
1M Sunows on m Snow. By B. L. Balloon.
ms The Gnu-r HOOGABTY Duxoxn. y . M.
106 F"l'hacarl’rerny. W
non nuns 70 Anne. B to
107 Poon Zorn. By F. W. Robinsgng‘ Lynnmn u.
108 Tim sin Fon'i'v‘lru or m Rev. Aims Baton.
trimmer“ x. .....
nib-ANn- FEES! AND sets. 13 B. F n
110 WANnimnro Finn. Bv Clinician
n 11'. Cerise.

111 '1‘“ Bm’s Barr.
:1: g‘fim. By Miss lliultl‘olc0
In. Aim Zine

u de Shun. m the French of 38'
1“ Etimfimm" 3‘" 3’ Wm“ 3“"
115 '1‘an os- Xnuaiu. ByWiliiamBlaek.
118 Km. By Henry .
11‘! Tu: WAvsma Chose. &pt. E. A. Mihnan.
Oliver-Goldan

118 Tn: VioAn or anm.
119 Mm» Mom. By Annie Tan’maa.

120 TnAnnms or Wanna . lief.

1931 Tan Knee or lie-Luz). By ’i'ihifim Po

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125 Linn; or The SlFGh‘. or 0mm By Edward
Bulwer, (Lord Ly tton.)

126 WHEN 'rnn SHIP Conns 11min. By Walter

W Besant and nges Rice}.3 J
ONE on THE AMILY. ames Payn.

188 This Bmmron'r. By Mix-Gore.

129 Mornnnhms; or. The Famur‘s Sweetheart. By
Colonel Prentiss ingraham.

180 Remus; or. The Two Orphan Girls in New
York. By Albert W. Aiken.

181 Elma AGAiNs'r st'rna:

Hearts. Egon“. Mina Reed Croweil.

182 Sou) roa Ln. By re. M. V. Victor.

183 Loan Bean's Sm: or Betrothed at the 011410.
By Mrs. Georgiana Dickens.

184 Din Be Love HIM Barlley'i'. Camp

185 Shaun AOAiNs'r; or, Almost in His Power.

Lilliui Love oy.

186 WAs Sin 1-11: in? By Mag Reed Crowell. '

187 TH: VILLAoa oN 1n Curr. Mlsa‘rhackarw.

188 Pool. VAusuA. By Margaret lount.

139 Mann MM. By G. P. R. James.

140 Wrrnon'r Mam. B Bartley T. Campbell.

141 HONOR Bom. By Loveloy.

142 name ml Lou. Mrs. Harriet Irving.

143 ABDUOTID. By Rett W B Ln.” 0,
an Love .
y browse

144 A Smxoa MnuuAdl.
145 Two Gnus' Lrvu. By Mrs. Mary Reed

146 A sznAn Vim-nine. By Arabella Southwoifli
141' TB: WAN or mum's. By Corinne Cushman.
148 Wmcn WAs m: WouAN.‘ By Sara Claan.
149 AN AMBI'HOUI Gnu. By Frances 11. Davenport;
150 Low Loan or ALL. Alice May Fleming.
151 A WILD Gnu. By (‘0 one Cushinan.

152 A MAN‘s SAcamcn. By Harriet Irving.

158 [Sin Sn: SIN! By Mrs. Marv Reed Crowell.

154 B: Doves MI: Ko'r. llilyuii’ian Lovejoy.

155 WmNiNo WAvs. By srgeret Blount.

156 WnA'r Sn (‘os'r 11111. By Arabella Southwmth.
157 A Gum‘s HEART. By Rett \\ lnwood.

158 A Brrrsza Miss-Axe. By Agnes Mary Shelton.
159 LADY HELEN'E Vow. B the late M1119. ram
160 Burma A HEART. iiilan Lovejoy.

101 PEARL or Puma. y A. 1". Morris, r.

162 A FA'r' n‘L GA it. By Sara Claxton.

168 Tim. CiliOLE COL'IIMS. By Philip 8. Warns.

164 A S A mm 0 nut. Bv Geo nna Dickens.
165 A s RANGE Gian. By x ihert . Aiken.

166 A MAN’s SIN. By Rett Winwood.

167 Tim HAND or FA-rl. B Arabella Sonthworth.
168 Two FAm WourN. By in. Mason Turner.

109 TEan Tnnonoa Love. Lg! Lillian Lovajov.
170 BLIND BAnnAnA's SECRET. y MervG B pine.
171 A WouAN's Wmnimv. B bars Claxlon.

17‘2 BLACK Ens AND Bum. y Corinne Cuahman.
178 Tan «'03? or A Four. 1’. Georgiana Dickens.

174 Tm: anv Pram-An. By Parson‘s Daughter.

1715 is Love A Mocnmri B Arabella Southwarth

176 AnaiA. m Amman. Jennie Davis Burton.

177 nglz) 1'21: “om HI van. By AgnesMasy
9 m. >

118 Tris Learn Hun-r. By Corinne Cushman

179 Puzer er Tutu-ant. B Harriet Irving.

180 WAs Sn A Win? By Ret Winwood.

181 Una: A chn. By Sara Clexton.

189 AN Autumn Qua. Bv Grace Mortima.

188 A Pom-r or Boson. Fy Lillian Lorrie .

184 Persona 1-0 m ALrAN. By Corinne m
185 PM re A szr. By Georgiana Dickens.

1815 Tan Tanaism Tar-m. By Jennie Davis Burton.
187' O wmn av BIRBILI‘. By A Southworth.

189 hem-11. By Col. Prentiss I ham.

189 Elm Gmaoux‘s BAcnmcz.

By Lillian Lovejoy.
192 Tan Bin-n hon. By Jennie Devis i—urton.
198 l ammo 1n F‘s-runs. By Georgiana Dickson
194 Tax Mrs'rnsiocs GoAnmAN. By Corinne (Mair

man.
195 IN '11:: BALAircl. By’Ai-abellc Southworth.

196 Jon, ran Jewrss. y Dr. Noel Dunbar.

19? Ants-rams China. By A M Ma Shelton.

we '\ [LIA Vilma. I y Jenn 9 Davis rten.

199 Tex Bun-mm. DrimN. By Francis E. Darcnpoa
mo 1.. mm Barents. By Corinne Guinea.

201 A Yonso GmL‘s Oman. By Sara Ciaxton.

902 Han Evn. G Nine. By Harriet Irving.

an PAssrox‘s RIPRiSAL. thuuian Lovejoy.

204 ELEGANT Eon“. By llin 1-1. Warne.

M A MDWEBING ANGEL. i y Geo
cos OmnA‘s Lava. By Henriette E.
W A than MAnaiAoa. ily Mrs. M. L. Fordham.
sue Bom, m linear or Cranmer. By P. S. Wane
909 CBIRBY. Arabella Soutbworth.

910 CAnLimN‘s me. .By James Payn.

1311 AN loci. or CLAY. By Harri
2'12 Till LAnnnn or Lin. B
218 A Witm'i. Wm. By
914 Tin 'l‘wo DrmNiaA. Br Willie 00
215 A Thoma PAm. By Sara Clarion.
216 Vanna. By Captain Marryat.

A new law can mat.
l'or sale by all Newsdealers. price live cents each.
orunhpoetagepald. on reoelptoiaixeenta. . ‘
amour. AND Annie. mus-hen.
N William M I. Y.

 

Sunnyside Library.

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8 PAaAnisa Ion. ByJehn Milton ............ loo
thinners-arm BySlrWaltei-Scctt.. 100

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A Hard Crowd.
The Dare-Devil.
Kit Carson, Jr.
The Kidun per.
The Fire-l“ ends.
Wildcat Bob. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Death-Notch. B OllOOOmes.

The Headless orgasm-In. A strange
story of Texas. By Captain Moyno Reid.
Handy A nay. 12y HamueiLovor.
Vidoeq, the ron 1 Police Spy. Written by

‘l‘i’fli p a i

il a pman .asy. y Ca nMa at.
The Death-Shot. B Cagflmynolrgid.
Puthnvvny. By Dr. J. H, binsoo.
Tboyendan ea. BySlel Buntiine.

The T er-.\ a 'er. y Gustave Almard.
The. W lite W zard. By Nod B'untline.
Nightshade. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.

The Sea Bandit. By Ned Buntline.

Ned Cedar. By Gustave Aimnrd.

The Bandit at Buy. By Glutave Aimard.
'I‘b'u Trnpper’u Daughter. BvG. Almard.
Whiteltuv. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.

The lied \Varrior. By Ned hurtline.

I he Prairi-- Flower. By G. Aimard.
The. Gold Guide. By Francis Johnson.
The D- nth-Track. By Iii-uncle Johnson.
The Spotter Detective. By A. W. Aiken.
’l‘hroe-I'ingerod Jack. B ' J. E. Badger.
Tiger Dick, the Faro Kin . y P. S. Warne.
Gnupol George. By Jon. .Badgor Jr.
Tue Ne“! York hhnr . By A. Aiken.
B’ho s of Yale. By .D.Vose.

Over and Kit. By Ally-rt W. Aiken.
Rocky Mountain Rob. 13 ' A. W. Aiken.
Kentuek, the Sport. ByA bcrt W. Aiken.
anun Dick. By Albert w. Al on.

Ilirl, the llunebbuck. By Dr. J. H. Rob—

inson. ,
8 Velvet Hand. By Albert W. Aiken.
9 The lillnulnn pr. By Fred. Whittaker.
0 The Long Haired ‘ Pardu.’ By Joseph
E. Badger, Jr.
1 Gold Dan. By Albert W. Aiken.
2 The California Detective. By Aiken.
3 BLkota Dan. By Oil Cannes.
Old Dan llaek back. By 011 Coomes.
Old Bull’s Eye. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
D vvle-Knil'o Hen. B OllOoomes.
Pacino Pete. By Jot-lep E. Badger, Jr.
Idaho Tom. y Oil Coomeu.
The “r'olf Demon. B Albert W. Aiken.
Jack Rabbit. By Joe. .Badger, Jr.
Red Rob. B OllCoomes.
The Death ’ rnih-r. By Buffalo BilL
silver Sam. By 001. Della Sara.
Always On Hand. B ' Phili S. Wurne.
The Nonlr It unteru. y (‘ap .Mn. no Reid.
The Ind an Mazeppa. By A. . Aiken.
The ~ilent Hunter. ByPerc B. St. John.
Silver Knife. By Dr. J. I. Bo nson.
The Man From Texan. By A.W. Aiken.
60 Wide Awake. B Frank Dumont.
By Ned Bunilino.
Gustave Aimard.
By A. W. Aiken.
By Joy E. Badger. Jr.
it uh. By Capt. F. Whittaker.
66 The ~ eeter nrque. By Ma ne Reid.
61 The oy Jockey. By Jos. E. edger. Jr.
88 The Fighting Trapper. By Captain J.
F. C. Adams.
69 The. lrinh Cu )tain. B{Ca t. F.Whittaker.
70 II ydrobud. y Dr. J I . lie down.
71 Captain Cool-Blade. By Jos; E. Badger.
72 The Phantonn Hand. By A. W. Aiken.
73 The Knight oi‘the lied Cross. By Dr.
By Mayne Reid.

J. H. Robinson.
74 Captain of the Rifles.
76 Gentlelnan George. By A. W. Aiken.
76 The Qlleen’u Minsky-term. By G. Albany.
77 The li‘reuh of Frisco. By A. W. Aiken.
78 The. lilyuterious Spy. By A. M. (lminger.
79 Joe Phenix, Police 8' y. By A. W. Aiken.
80 A Man of Nerve. By Philip S Warne.
8! The Hulnan Tiger. By Albert W. Aiken.
82 Iron ernt. By Col. T. H. Monster .
33 The (. old Bullet Sport. By Bu illO Bill.
81 Hunted Down. By Albert W. Ailnm.
85 The Cretan llovor. By Col P. Ingmhnm.
86 The Big Hunter. By the author of " Silent

Hunter."
87 The Scarlet Captain. By Col. Dolle Sara.
By Jos. E, Bmllit‘l", Jr.

88 lti,-_.r George.
89 The Pirate Prince. By Co . P. higrabam.
By Buckskin Sam.

$0 “'ild Will.
i l The \Vinningz Oar. By A. W. Aiken.
By Major Dangerfield Burr.

92 Bullan lull.

93 l'nptaln Diek Talbot. By A. W, Aiken.

9-1 Freelance, the Buccaneer. By P. Ingraham.
By A. P. Morris.

95 Azhort. theAxman.
96 Double-Death. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.
By Albert W. Adam.

97 Bronze Jack.

The Rock Rider. By C‘pt. F. Whittaker.
The Giant Riileman. By 011 Conmes.
o The Fren- h Spy. By A. P. Morris.

 

 

 

 

113? Phlli S. Warns.

y COL . In aham.

By Buckskin m.

By Phili ) s. Warne.
y A Morris.

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i The Man From New York. By Albert
WCAmm.
2 The Masked Band. By Geo. L. Aiken.
ii l'lo-rle, the Mutinecr. By 001. Graham.
-l Montezuma. the Men-ileum y 001.
Prentks lnnraham.
105 Dan Brown of Denver. By Joseph E.
Badger, Jr.
106 Shaman O’ Brien. By Col. Delle Sara.
107 "ll'llal’d Talbot oi Cinnabar. By
Albert W. Aiken.
108 The Duke of Diamonds. By Captain
Frederick Whittaker.
109 Captain Kyd. ByCol. Prentiss Ingraham.

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199
200

201

202
203
205-
206
207
208

209

’8. ll}? lull 

n L l I
The Silent Rifleman. ByH. W. Herbert.
The Smuggler l a )tai n. By N. Buntline.
Joe Phrnix, the ’rivate Detective. By
Albert W. Aiken.
The Sea S ippcr. By J. H. Ingrahnm.
The Gentleman Fro-n Pike. By P.
S. Wame.
Thv Severed “rad. By Capt. Whittaker.
Black Plume. By (‘01. Prentiss Ingraham.
Danhing Dandy. By Dangerfield Burr.
'I‘he Burglar Laptain. By Prot. J. H.
In rnham.
A abama Joe. By Jon. E. Badger, Jr.
The Texan Spy. By N. M. Curtis
The Sea Cadet. By 001. P. Ingraham.
Sn Ill Sabbcrony. By Ned Buntline.
Aiupaha, the Squaw. By F. Johnson.
Auuowaum, tin- Avenzer; or. The
Doom of the Destroyer. By Francis Johnson.
The Blarksmi h Outlaw; or, Merry
England, By Harrison Ainsworth.
The Demon Duelist. By Col. Monetary.
Sol Scott. B Jos. E. Bridger Jr.
The (‘heval t-r Cor-air. By the author
of “Merle, the Mutineer."
Minniuflip I Plane. By Edward Wiliett.
Captain olcano. By A. W. Aiken.
Buckukin Sam. By Col. P, Ingraham.
Nemo, King of the Tramps. By Capt,
Frederick Whittaker.
llody the Row-r. By W. Carleton.
Dork e Dan. By Col. P. Ingraham.
The llnnh Ranger. By F. Johnson.
Tho-u Outlaw-Hunter. By F. Johnson.
Long Beard. By 011 Coomes.
The Border Balmitu. B ' F. Johnson.
Fire-Eye. By Col. l’rcntiss ngmhnm.
The Three Npanin: ds. By Geo. Walker.
Equinox Tom. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr
6 nptaln Crimson. By Dangerfield Burr.
The (‘zur’n N by. By Col. ’1‘. H. Monstory.
The Hunt-h ack oi' Metre-Dame.
llsiy Victor Hugo.

Into] Pardu. By Wm. R. Eyster.
The Dortor Detective. B G. Lemuel.
Gold Spu r. By (101. Prentiss graham.
One- \ rmed A If. By 01] (loomes.
The Border Rifles. B GustaveAimard.
El Rubin Bravo. By 1. Monstery.
'l‘he Freebootern. By Gustave Aimard.
Captain lronnerve. By Marmaduke Dey.
'l he \Vhite heal er. By Gustave Aimard.
Joaquin, the Sad in King. B J. E. Badger.
The (‘ornuir Queen. Bv i. In rabnm.
Velvet Face. By Major Dangerfle d Burr.
Mourud, the Mameluke. By Colonel
Thomas Hoyer Monstery.
The Doomrd Dozen. By Dr. F. Powell.
Red Rudiger. By Cost. Fred, Whittaker.
Son "and, Shar . y Wm. B. Eyster.
'I‘Ilo ‘Volves of ew York. By Aiken.
The Mad Mariner. B 001. Inzraham.
Ben Brion. By lir. J, .Robinson.
The King’s Fool. By C. Dunninf Clark.
Joaq Hill, the Terrible. By J. E. Ba< yer, Jr.
Owlet the Robber Prince. 81y S. R. .Urban.
The Niall ot‘Steel. By A. .Morns.
Wild Bill. By 001. Prentiss Ingraham.
(‘orporal Cannon. By (701. Monstrry.
Sweet William. By Jos. E. Bad er, Jr.
Tiger Dick, the Man of the Iron 1 cart. By

Philip S. Warne.
The Illack Pirate. By Col. P. Ingrahztm.
By Albert \V. Aiken.

California John. '
Phantom Knights. Biv Ca t.Whittnker.
'a By Major

\Vlld Bill’s Trump
Dan erflcld Burr.
ha y Jaguar. By (Tagtfin Mark Wilton.
Don Dlablo. By Col entiss Ingrahnm.
By Major Sam S. Hall.
By Prof. Stewart

Dark Duuhwood.
Conrad. the Convict.
Gilderkloeve, LL, D.

Old ’19. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.

The Scarlet Schooner. By P. Ingraham.
Hand» I? p ! Bv Wm. B. Evster.

Gilbert, the Guide. By C. D. Clark.
The (let-an Vampire. By Col. Ingraham.
The Man Spider. By A. P Morris

The Rim-k Bravo. By Buckskin Sam.
The Death»; Hrnd (‘uirassierm By
(‘npt ain Frederick Whittaker,

The Phnntmn lllazeppa. By Major
Dangerfield Burr.

“'ild Bill’s Gold Trail. By Inamlmm.
The Tin roe G unrdnnlen. By Alex. Dumas
The Terri hlo Ton kaway. By Buckskin

Sam.

The Lightning: Sport. By W. B. Eyster.
The Man in Red. By Capt. Whittaker.
Don Sombrero. By Capt. Mark Wilton“
The Lone Star Gambler. By Buckskin
Sam. ‘

Ln Mnrmonet, the Detectivfl Queen. By
Alblrt ‘V. Aiken.

Rn'vol'ver Rob. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
The Skeleton Schooner. By Colonel

~ ' h m.
P' muss Inna a By Buckskin Sam.

Diamond Dick.
The Rifle Rangers. By Captain Mayne

Reid.

The Pirate ot‘the Pincers.
E. Badger, Jr.

(‘actns Jack. By C'Ipt. Mark Wilton.
The Double Detective. By A W. Aiken.
Big: Foot \Vallnt‘e. By Buckskin Sam.
The Gambler Pirate. ByIOOI. Inmham.
One Eye, the Cannoncer. y F. Whittaker.
Old Hard Head. Bv Philips Warne.
The White Chief. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

Buck Farley. By Edward Wiliett.

By Joseph

 

WI. .‘i . . . .. .. .‘ . v.1.———-—n
B R ‘ A R Y ‘
0 Buccaneer Bess. By Col. P. Inmham.
1 The Unknown Sport. F.Whittaker..
‘ The Brazos Ti era. By .
The War Trai . By Capt. Ma ne Reid.
The Two Cool Sports. B . R. Eyster.
Parson Jim. By Captain . Whittaker.

The t'orsair Planter. By P. In mham..
The Serpent of El Pano. By uckskin

Sam.

:23; Wild Huntreus. By Capt. Mayne.
I

By Captain.

By Col. Ingrnham.

 

 

N NNNNENNE
H human—~—
m Namfi-WN

219 The Scorpion Brothers.
Mark Wilton.

220 The Specter Yacht.

221 Desperate Du‘ke. By Buckskin Sam.

222 Bill. the Blizzard. B Edward Willett.

223 Canyon Dave. By Cup in Mark Wilton.

224 Black Beard. By Col. Prentiss Ingtaham-

225 Rocky Mountain Al. 13 Buckskin Stun.

226 The Mad Hunt-tars. By ‘ t. Whittaker"

227 Bllcknhot Ben. By Capt. ll rk Wilton.

228 The Maroon. By Capt. Ma 'ne Reid.

229 Captain Cutuleevc. By m. R. xster.

230 The Flying Dutchman of 188 . By
Capt. Frederick Whittaker.

231 The Kid Glove Miner‘ or, The Mngio
Doctor of Golden Gulch. By 1. P. Ingraham.

232 Ornon Oxx the Man of Iron. By Isaac
Hawks. Ex-Dct’ective.

233 The Old Boy of Tomb-tone; or,
W ngerintz a Life on a Card. By J. E. Badger.

23-1  Hunters’ Feast. By Captain Mayne

u .

235 Red Lightning. the Man of Chance. By
Colonel Prentiss Ingrabam.

236 Chum )lon Sam. By Col. T. H. Monstery.

237 Long-- aired Max 2 or, The Black League
of the Coast. B Capta in Mark Wilton,

238 Hank lloull , the New Orleans Detective-

239

240

241

242

243

244

2.15

By A. P. Morris.

The Terrible Trio. By Buckskin Sam.
246
247

A Cool Head; or. Orson Onin Peril. By
Isaac Hawks, Pix-Detective.
Sp ttire Saul King of the Bustiers. By'
Jos. E. Badger. r.
The Fog Devil: or, The Skipper of the-
Flaah. By Capt. Fred. \\ hittaker,
The PI grim Sllar? or, The Soldier‘s:
Sweetheart. llv Buflalo ill.
Merciless Mart, the Man-Tiger of Mia--
souri. By Buckskin Sam.
Barrant-a Bill, the Revolver Champion-
By Captain Mark \\ iiton.
Queen Helen, the Amazon of the Over--
land. By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam.
A digrator Ike; or. The Secret of the
Everglades. By Ca tain Fred. Whittaker.
248 Montana Nat y Edward Willott.
249 Elephant Tom, 01' Duranfin; or. Your-
Gold-Dust or Your Life. By J. . Bugger, Jr-
260 The Bouin Rideru; or. Sharp ya, the-
Seminole Scourge. By Buckskin Sam. .
251 Tiger Dick vn. Iron Despard; or,
Every Man Has His Match. By P. S. Warne.
252 The Wall Street Blood or Tick Tick,.
the Telegraph Detective. By A bert W. Aiken.
53 A Yankee Cossack or The Queen of
the Nihilists. By Capt. rederick Whittaker.
254 Giant Jake the Patrol 0! the Mountain.
By Newton M. rtis.
255 The Pirate Priest. By 001. P. Ingraham-
256 Double Dan, the Bastard. By Buckskin.
257 Death-Trap Digging-t or, A Hard Man-
irom ’Way Back. By Jos. E. B er, Jr.
268 Bullet Head the Colorado Bravo.
Captain Mark Wilton.
259 Cutlass and Cross; or, The Ghouls oi?
the Sea By 001. Prentiss Ingraham.
260 The Masked Mystery; or, The Black
Crescent. By A. P. Morris.
Black Sam, the. Prairie Thunderbolt. BY
(‘01. J0 Yards, ("Virginia Jo.")
Fighting Tom; or The Terror of the
Toughs. By Col. T. B. Monster-y.
Iron-Armed Abe, the Huncnoack De-
stroyer. By Capt. Mark Wilton.
The Crooked Three. By Buckskin Sam.
Old Dun bio-Sword; or, Pilots and Pirates.
By Captain Fred. Whittaker.
Leopard Luke the King Of Horse—Thieves,
By Capt. Mark Wifton.
The White Squaw.
Reid.
Magic Mike. the Man or Frills.
Wm. B. Eyster.
The Bayou Bravo. By Buckskin Sam.
27o Adrou the Free Rover; or The Pirate‘s.
Daughter. By Ned Buntline. '
271 Stoned-t. of__Big Nugget Bend. By
Captain Mark \A ilton.
272 Seth slot-um Railroad Surve or; or,
The Secret of Sitting Bull. By Capt ittaker.
273 Mountain Mon-e; or. The Outlaws or the
Gulch. By Buckskin Sam.

A new ism every weal:

Beadle’l Dime Library is for sale by all
Newsdealers, ten cent; per COPY. 01' sent by mail on
receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS,
Palm-hers 98 William Street. New Yon;

BY

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